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Monday / September 16. 2024

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AgroPolicy, India, Interaction, Seeds

Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, was addressing conference organised by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

 Seed and agriculture experts called for enhancing collaborations for outcome-driven research, achieving self-reliance in oilseeds, cotton, and maize, implement IPR effectively to boost R&D investments. They also called for developing progressive trade policies to ensure a dynamic and future-ready agriculture sector, at a conference organised by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), an apex body of India’s seeds industry.

This conference was held as part of its 8th Annual General Meeting. Minister of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Surya Pratap Shahi, emphasised on the importance of creating an enabling environment for augmenting the agriculture sector through progressive trade policies and introduction of modern agricultural technologies. “Technology intervention is the key to bringing convenience and prosperity to our farmers. With Uttar Pradesh contributing a third of the nation’s wheat production, we recognise our state’s immense potential in the seed industry. Yogi Adityanath’s Government in UP seeks to establish a seed park and a common resource centre for advanced research with support of the private seed industry”, said the Minister Shahi.

Extending an invitation to the seed industry for investments in Uttar Pradesh, Shahi announced, “We are poised to establish a State-of-the-art seed park in Lucknow, spanning 200 acres. This initiative aims to provide our farmers with high-quality, high-yielding, and climate-resilient seed varieties, paving the way for enhanced productivity and prosperity of the farmers. We welcome insights and collaboration from all stakeholders and invite the seed industry for public-private partnership. Together, we will make India self-reliant in production of superior seeds, contributing to a resilient and prosperous agricultural future.”

Ajay Vir Jhakar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj, strongly advocated for deploying modern science and technology to address the challenges facing Indian agriculture. “It is important to ensure investments in agricultural R&D and ensure alignment between state and central governments to effectively leverage innovative technologies for the benefit of the farmers. Furthermore, strengthening extension system for promoting good agronomic practices that conserve natural resources and developing climate-resilient crops are essential for sustainable progress” he said.

With a renewed focus by the Government, India’s agricultural sector is currently undergoing a significant realignment to meet the evolving priorities outlined for Amrit Kaal, a period described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a time for transformative growth. The sector’s focus is shifting towards achieving self-reliance, streamlining agricultural research, increasing investments in sustainable technologies, and strengthening intellectual property frameworks. Experts highlighted emerging opportunities in seed technology and agri-business, which have the potential to revolutionize agricultural production.

Prof Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), Govt of India, emphasized, “Agriculture must shift from a subsistence model to a commercial, industry-oriented approach. As a country, we need to focus more on pulses and edible oilseeds, invest in research, and develop climate-resilient crop varieties. Our four-pillar strategy includes Technology deployment, Institutional mechanisms, Infrastructure development, and ensuring remunerative prices for the farmers. Mechanization and enhanced market infrastructure are crucial”.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of FSII and MD & CEO of Savannah Seeds, commented, “Creating an enabling environment for this transition requires the development of appropriate policies and institutions, an encouraging regulatory environment, and significant public and private investments in agriculture and agri-business. Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights is crucial to achieving these objectives, which will in turn support India’s goal of Viksit Bharat through inclusive development, green growth, and employment generation during Amrit Kaal.”

Strengthening agricultural research and embracing public-private partnerships (PPP) is essential for addressing climate change challenges and enhancing India’s agricultural resilience. Investing in advanced research will develop crop varieties with better drought tolerance, flood resistance, and improved nutrient efficiency, ensuring productivity and food security. Simultaneously, effective PPPs pool resources and expertise, driving innovation and creating a supportive environment for agricultural advancement. This collaboration bridges research gaps, streamlines technology transfer, and builds capacity, helping to achieve India’s ambitious agricultural goals and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Government

Agbiologicals, Agro Universities, Biofertilizers, People, R&D

He is recognized for spearheading the development of novel, low-cost technologies for recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich, disease- and pest-resistant, insect-composted organic fertilizers.

Dr Dennis Beesigamukama, Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), has been named the 2024 Recipient of the Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation. He is recognized for spearheading the development of novel, low-cost technologies for recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich, disease- and pest-resistant, insect-composted organic fertilizers within a fraction of the time it takes to produce other organic fertilizers, addressing agricultural soil degradation challenges for over 100,000 farmers in East Africa and beyond.

Beesigamukama comes from a farming family in Southwestern Uganda. His early exposure to the challenges of rural agriculture and soil degradation fueled his passion for soil science, which led him to Makerere University, where he earned his B.Sc. in agricultural land use and management and his M.Sc. in soil science. His thesis research on composting water hyacinth weed into organic fertilizer for managing the highly weathered soils in Central Uganda showed him the great need for affordable, locally produced fertilizers. The need for local solutions to soil fertility has only grown in recent years, with escalating costs and unavailability of synthetic fertilizers due to disruptions in supply chains caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In 2017, Beesigamukama began his Ph.D. at Kenyatta University, working with icipe to research the development of insect-based compost for sustainable soil health management and crop productivity. He used black soldier fly larvae, a common edible insect raised for animal feed, to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer made from the insects’ frass, or shed skins and feces. By doing this, he expedited the natural composting process to yield nutrient-rich fertilizer in just five weeks, in contrast to the usual methods, which require six months.

His research also demonstrated insect-composted organic fertilizer had a higher nutrient content than commercial organic fertilizers, animal manure and plant-based compost. In comparison to commercial fertilizers, he showed insect-based fertilizers could significantly increase yields of major grain and vegetable crops, including maize, amaranth, tomatoes and beans.

He is recognized for spearheading the development

Agribusiness, Carbon Farming, Company News, Nature, Sustainability, World

Results show reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of up to 30 percent in key crops using tailored solutions.

In a recently published report, BASF has shared the first results from its multi-year Global Carbon Field Trials. The results demonstrate that a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture of up to 30 percent is possible compared to standard farming approaches – a target to which the company committed in 2020 to help farmers reduce their GHG emissions per ton of crop produced. The emissions reduction requires tailored climate smart approaches and varies by specific crop and region.

The trials were conducted across various geographies and key crops (wheat, corn, canola/oilseed rape, rice and soy), with the results from 2021 to 2023 revealing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mitigate agriculture’s contribution to climate change. Instead, reducing GHG emissions requires a tailored combination of interventions, products, and technologies. The report highlights the success of approaches to lower GHG emissions, such as optimized fertilizer use with digital decision support systems and nitrogen stabilizers, and the use of high-performing seeds, while also considering crop yields.

“Climate change is already happening. Farming methods need to be adapted to meaningfully reduce emissions without compromising yield. This is a challenge, but we have the right solutions to support farmers and I am convinced that if you love agriculture, you must be committed to sustainability as we are,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The insights we gain from our field trials support our Global Carbon Farming Program, where our recommendations empower farmers to become pioneers for positive change in climate and nature.”

The trials also underscore the challenges farmers face to reduce emissions, particularly adverse weather conditions or emissions-reduction practices that negatively affect yield. This is why BASF will continue to field-test farming strategies through its Global Carbon Farming Trials together with partners to find practical climate-smart solutions supported by science and data for farmers around the globe.

Results show reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Company News

Mustard-derived TerraSanteTM focuses on soil and soil microbiome health, nutrient/water use efficiencies, and plant yields.

Canada based. announced receipt of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services registration approval for its mustard plant-based TerraSanteTM, an organic biofertility product. The Florida organic certification is included under MustGrow’s existing Organic OMRI Listed® certifications in Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State.

MustGrow’s Florida registration and organic certification is a key pillar in the commercialisation strategy with BioAg Product Strategies. In addition to Florida, and recently awarded Arizona, Idaho, California, Oregon, and Washington State, MustGrow expects to continue its efforts towards further state-level registrations in other pertinent U.S. states.

Florida has approximately 47,300 farms, citrus groves, and ranches totalling 9.7 million acres, producing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and floriculture. In 2022, Florida ranked first in the U.S. in the production value of bell peppers (US$262 million), floriculture (US$1.16 billion), foliage plants for indoor use (US$481 million), Valencia oranges (US$289 million), grapefruit (US$706 million), sugarcane (US$752 million), fresh market tomatoes (US$323 million) and watermelons (US$216 million). Florida ranked second in the U.S. in production value for all oranges (US$491 million), strawberries (US$511 million), and sweet corn (US$124 million).

TerraSanteTM for Soil and Ecological Health

MustGrow’s soil amendment and biofertility development programs focus on soil and soil microbiome health, nutrient and water use efficiencies, and plant yields. Soil is a farmer’s most valuable asset, and MustGrow’s mustard plant-based technologies are being developed with the intention to improve not only the health of the soil, but also the surrounding ecological environment.

As an organic biofertilizer in soluble mixable form, TerraSanteTM contains nutritious plant proteins and carbohydrates that feed the soil and soil microbes, potentially improving beneficial microbial activity and ensuring long-term sustainable soil health. These targeted micro-communities have been shown to work to improve nutrient availability, which can potentially increase plant Vigor and yields, while reducing plant stress. TerraSanteTM has the potential to improve crop nutrient uptake and, hence, overall crop performance. There are no artificial additives or preservatives used during its manufacturing.

Mustard-derived TerraSanteTM focuses on soil and soil

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Animal Health, Animal Husbandry, Collaborations, Company News, Dairy, India, Live Stock, R&D

The latest IVF media would make the IVF technology more affordable to farmers, reducing costs and enhancing the farmer-centric model of animal husbandry and dairy development.

 Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading vaccine manufacturer, has announced the launch of “Shashthi” an indigenous In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) media developed in collaboration with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This launch of IVF media would make the IVF technology more affordable to farmers, reducing costs and enhancing the farmer-centric model of animal husbandry and dairy development. This will promote self-reliance and reduce dependency on imported media and aligns with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a significant advancement in reproductive technology. IVF involves fertilizing an egg in a controlled laboratory environment and selecting the healthiest embryos for transfer. During the last couple of years, Ovum Pick Up and In vitro Embryo Production (OPU-IVEP) have emerged as a replacement for the in vivo embryo production technique. It is envisaged that using this technology to multiply the superior bovine germplasm can change the face of dairying in India.

Presently, around 8,000 to 10,000 embryos are transferred annually in India, leading to the birth of approximately 2,000 to 2,500 calves, benefiting same number of farmers. However, with increasing coverage of IVF and generous government subsidies, this penetration is expected to rise significantly.

Globally, OPU-IVEP-ET is on a rising trend, with around 15.95 lakh IVF embryos produced during 2022, as per information from the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS). In India, the adoption of OPU-IVEP technology is gradually increasing, thanks to recent emphasis from the Government of India. However, several challenges hinder its widespread application in the field. One of the most significant obstacles is the high cost of the media required for various procedures. Approximately 50 per cent of the total cost of embryo production is attributed to the media. The complete reliance on imported commercial media significantly increases the overall cost of embryo production, posing a barrier to the widespread adoption of this technology in India.

The latest IVF media would make the

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India

The app is designed to meet the growing needs of the ornamental fisheries sector, providing crucial knowledge resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar. Developed by ICAR-CIFA with support from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the app is designed to meet the growing needs of the ornamental fisheries sector, providing crucial knowledge resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.

The “Rangeen Machhli” app provides multilingual information on popular ornamental fish species in eight Indian languages, making it accessible to a wide audience. Whether hobbyists are seeking guidance on fish care or farmers looking to diversify their breeds, the app offers comprehensive details on care, breeding, and maintenance practices. One of its key features is the “Find Aquarium Shops” tool, which allows users to locate nearby aquarium shops through a dynamic directory updated by shop owners, promoting local businesses and connecting users with reliable sources for ornamental fish and aquarium-related products. In addition, the app includes educational modules for both newcomers and professionals in the ornamental fish industry. The “Basics of Aquarium Care” module covers essential topics such as types of aquariums, fishes, water filtration, lighting, feeding, day to day maintenance, while the “Ornamental Aquaculture” module focuses on breeding, rearing of different ornamental fish. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play store from this link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ornamentalfish

During his address, Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the increasing importance of the ornamental fisheries sector, stating that the Ministry is placing a strong emphasis on its development, recognizing the sector’s potential for generating employment and contributing to the economy. He also stated that aquarium hobby has to be promoted in a bigger way in the country.

The app is designed to meet the

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Packaging & Labelling, Start ups, Supply Chain

Launched in 2017 in Ayodhya, CHUK aims to work towards a cleaner planet by producing toxin-free products made from sugarcane pulp.

CHUK, the flagship brand of Pakka, has unveiled new products in its 100 per cent compostable tableware collection, with an aim to reduce the use of single-use plastic and work towards its vision to contribute towards a cleaner planet. The latest products include a beverage cup, 4-inch dona, and 3cp snack tray, all made from bagasse, the agri-residue of sugarcane.

CHUK’s innovative and eco-friendly products have been designed to meet the sustainability needs of the food service industry. The bagasse beverage cup, a first of its kind, offers a sturdy, heat-resistant, and compostable solution for hot and cold drinks, ideal for cafes and restaurants.

These innovative products are designed to benefit a wide range of businesses, from QSRs to catering services and established food chains. They offer sustainable alternatives that meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible food packaging solutions.

Satish Chamyvelumani, Business Head, Compostables Division, said, “The newly launched compostable tableware is a result of our continuous research, trials, and customer feedback. CHUK stands at the forefront of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions, and the new offerings are yet another step towards transforming the food service industry by offering high-quality, compostable alternatives to single-use plastics. We look forward to helping brands as well as individuals from the food industry to contribute towards cleaner earth and transform the way people consume food.”

In 2023, CHUK launched compostable delivery containers that have already gained popularity among leading brands such as Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, Chaipoint and Taco Bell. Additionally, specialty food services like Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, Ram Mandir Trust, FabCafe, Salad Point, Greenit, and Basil Box have adopted CHUK’s delivery containers.

Over the years, the company has earned prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot Award from Germany, the Good Design Award from Japan, the India Design Award, and the NCII Award. These achievements are a testament to CHUK’s dedication to providing ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing designs for food service and delivery.

Launched in 2017 in Ayodhya, CHUK aims to work towards a cleaner planet by producing toxin-free products made from sugarcane pulp. Through its unbleached, eco-friendly, carcinogen-free, and hygienic range of products, the brand aims to positively transform the catering and food ecosystem by setting it down the greenway.

Launched in 2017 in Ayodhya, CHUK aims

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India, Live Stock

Union Minister released the SoP on Production and Processing Clusters under the Fisheries Cluster Development Program and also launched the National Fisheries Development Program Portal.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh launched and unveiled a series of initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the fisheries sector and strengthening India’s blue economy at the 4th Anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna in New Delhi.

Union Minister launched the NFDP (National Fisheries Development Program) Portal, and which will serve as a central hub for registry of fisheries’ stakeholders, information, services, and support related to fisheries, and the released the PM-MKSSY Operational Guidelines. NFDP has been created under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub scheme under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and will provide digital identities to various stakeholders by creating a registry of fish workers and enterprises engaged in the fisheries value chain across the country. Various benefits such as institutional credit, performance grants, aquaculture insurance etc. can be availed through NFDP.

Union Minister also released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Production and Processing Clusters under the Fisheries Cluster Development Program and announced the establishment of three specialized fisheries production and processing clusters dedicated to Pearl cultivation, Ornamental fisheries and Seaweed cultivation. These clusters aim to promote collectivisation, collaboration and innovation within these niche sectors, enhancing both production and market reach.

Union Minister also unveiled the guidelines for developing 100 coastal villages across coastal States and Union Territories into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs) was released. With an allocation of Rs. 200 crores, this initiative will focus on sustainable fishing, infrastructure improvement, and climate-smart livelihoods to ensure food security and socio-economic stability for fishing communities amid changing environmental conditions.

In a step towards integrating technology in fisheries, a Pilot project on the Use of Drone Technology for fish transportation to be done by Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) was unveiled. This study aims to explore the potential of drones in monitoring and managing inland fisheries, improving efficiency and sustainability.

Union Minister unveiled the notifications for establishing a Mandapam Regional Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for promoting seaweed farming and research. Centre of Excellence will serve as a national hub for innovation and development in seaweed cultivation, focusing on refining farming techniques, establishing a seed bank, and ensuring sustainable practices. In addition, setting up Nucleus Breeding Centres for both marine and inland species was also unveiled for enhancing seed quality through genetic enhancement of economically important species. Department of Fisheries, GoI, has designated the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as the Nodal Institute for establishing NBCs for freshwater species and Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) in Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, as the Nodal Institute for NBCs focused on marine fish species. Establishment of 3 Incubation Centres for promoting at least 100 fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs was also notified. The centres will be hosted at premier institutions like the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in Hyderabad, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) in Mumbai, and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) in Kochi.

Union Minister released the SoP on Production

Agro Universities, Climate, Collaborations, India, R&D, Soil Health

 The technology is rapid, non-invasive and involves no chemical use, for estimating multiple soil parameters.

In a recent study by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute of Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, has developed and validated the efficiency of Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) models for high throughput soil analysis for impact at scale in smallholder systems.

Years of research at the Agricultural and Food Engineering (AgFE) Department of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur shows that Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) may be used safely for rapid soil assessment. Conventional soil testing laboratories use wet chemistry-based soil testing methods that are time consuming and can become expensive when a large number of samples to be analysed. On the other hand, spectral reflectance of a soil sample can be rapidly measured in a non-contact mode and the results can be transformed to multiple soil parameters using calibrated spectral algorithms. Once the Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) algorithms are developed for a region, the algorithms may be used for analysing soil samples collected from different fields and at different time of sampling. The technology is rapid, non-invasive and involves no chemical use, for estimating multiple soil parameters.

The DRS approach was shown to be effective for estimating 8 out of 17 soil parameters with as high as 80 per cent accuracy. Specifically, the soil test crop response (STCR) ratings estimated through the DRS approach matched the wet chemistry-based STCR ratings to the tune of 43 to 100%. “This is a great opportunity because most nutrient management strategies are based on STCR ratings and these ratings may be safely estimated using the DRS approach in a very rapid manner,” says Professor B. S. Das from IIT Kharagpur. More than 60 per cent of the new samples estimated with more than 70% accuracy indicates a huge opportunity to apply the DRS technique at different spatial and temporal scales. The partnership with ICRISAT has been very productive in developing these innovative methods for rapid soil health assessment, Prof Das further added.

“ICRISAT has been at the forefront of global efforts to advance sensor-based technologies,” says Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT. “Our recent work with NIRS-based spectroscopy for soil nutrient analysis, along with this pioneering research towards DRS models for soil analysis, ensures our commitment to deliver rapid and cost-effective alternatives to resource-poor agriculture systems.”

This is a step forward in making soil testing a feasibility through remote sensing. As the IEEE Standards Association embarks on standardizing soil spectroscopy as a standard method of soil testing (P4005 – Standards and protocols for soil spectroscopy), the efforts at IIT Kharagpur are a step forward in making soil testing through reflectance spectroscopy a reality. Developing methods for rapid soil testing for the benefit of millions of smallholder farmers of our country resonates well with IIT Kharagpur’s long commitment for low-cost soil analysis for improved agricultural practices.

 The technology is rapid, non-invasive and involves

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, India, Start ups

By integrating physical franchise stores with a digital marketplace, Farmer’s City offers a comprehensive solution, enhancing farmers’ access to resources and technological innovations.

AVPL International’s Farmer’s City platform is poised to revolutionise India’s agricultural landscape by expanding its reach to 140 million farmers, aligning with the government’s Digital Agriculture Mission. This mission, recently approved by the government, aims to leverage digital technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in India’s agricultural sector. By integrating physical franchise stores with a digital marketplace, Farmer’s City offers a comprehensive solution, enhancing farmers’ access to resources and technological innovations.

Farmer’s City combines its physical franchise stores with a robust digital marketplace, offering farmers access to a wide range of products and services, including fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced machinery. This integration provides a comprehensive solution, allowing farmers to obtain essential resources while benefiting from cutting-edge technology. With a commitment to quality, farmers can trust the platform to deliver genuine products, free from duplication or fakes. Additionally, they will have access to expert advice, enabling them to buy services at reasonable prices and sell their produce at fair rates. From the comfort of their homes, farmers can avail themselves of these services anytime, anywhere.

Preet Sandhuu, Founder & Director of AVPL International, stated, “At Farmer’s City, we envision a future where technology seamlessly integrates with traditional farming to create a new paradigm of agricultural excellence. Our approach is not merely about providing resources but about revolutionising how farmers interact with technology. Through our endeavours, we are empowering farmers with tools that enhance precision and productivity, ensuring that every field, from Haryana to Gujarat, benefits from the best in modern agricultural advancements.”

A key feature of Farmer’s City is its “Drone as a Service” (DaaS) program, which provides affordable access to advanced drone technology for crop monitoring, precision spraying, and data collection. This service, already implemented in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Haryana, is helping farmers with crops such as cotton and sugarcane. The use of drones is transforming traditional farming practices, enhancing efficiency, and improving crop yields.

Farmer’s City is also preparing to launch new retail stores in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. These stores will act as local centres for farmer training, supply transactions, and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies. This expansion aims to broaden the reach of Farmer’s City’s services, ensuring more farmers benefit from its advanced solutions.

Launched in August 2024, Farmer’s City aligns with India’s broader goal of extending the digital revolution to agriculture. By integrating digital platforms and advanced technologies, AVPL International is contributing to the transformation of the agricultural sector and helping to solidify India’s position as a global leader in technology-driven solutions for critical economic sectors.

By integrating physical franchise stores with a

Agribusiness, Company News, Sustainability

Spread over 18 hectares, the Bayer ForwardFarm in India is unique as it introduces a convergence of innovative technologies and sustainable interventions specifically designed for smallholder farmers.

Bayer has launched its global initiative, ‘Bayer ForwardFarming’, in India. This is the newest of 29 ForwardFarms worldwide. Each ForwardFarm serves as a beacon of sustainable agricultural practices, providing a platform for farmers, researchers, and stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge. The Bayer ForwardFarm in India will demonstrate innovative farming techniques tailored to the needs of 150 million smallholder farmers in the country, with a particular focus on sustainable rice cultivation, thus promoting the transition towards regenerative agriculture.

Natasha Santos, Head of Sustainability & Strategic Engagements at Bayer, stated, “Creating value for farmers is at the heart of what we do. We are excited to bring Bayer ForwardFarming to India, a country that is pivotal to global food security. By supporting and empowering local farmers, we aim to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, increasing food security for all.”

Tailored Solutions for Indian Agriculture

Ved Prakash Saini, the first Bayer ForwardFarm partner in India, expressed his optimism about the partnership: “I am hopeful that the regenerative agricultural practices introduced through Bayer ForwardFarming will lead to significant improvements in my yield and livelihood while making farming more sustainable. Techniques like Direct Seeded Rice and advanced technologies have the potential to enhance crop health, reduce water usage, and increase efficiency. I look forward to witnessing these benefits firsthand as we work together to build a resilient and prosperous future for farming.”

Spread over 18 hectares, the Bayer ForwardFarm in India is unique as it introduces a convergence of innovative technologies and sustainable interventions specifically designed for smallholder farmers. The farm integrates the following practices:

Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) Cropping System: A sustainable alternative to traditional rice cultivation that minimizes soil disturbance, reduces water consumption, and enhances soil health.

Innovative Weed Management: Advanced weed control strategies that reduce reliance on chemical herbicides while maintaining crop health.

Customized Agronomy Systems: Tailored solutions for diverse climatic conditions and soil types, enhancing crop yields and soil health.

Carbon Farming: Practices aimed at capturing and storing carbon in the soil, contributing to climate change mitigation and soil fertility improvement.

Nutrition and Water Management: Advanced techniques to optimize nutrient use and water efficiency, boosting farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Vermicompost and IoT: Use of vermicompost to enhance soil health, coupled with IoT technologies for precise monitoring and management of agricultural processes.

Irrigation and Drone Technology: Innovative irrigation techniques and drone technology for optimized water use and precise crop management.

Simon Wiebusch, President, Bayer South Asia mentioned, “At Bayer, we envision a regenerative farming future that restores and enhances the environment. The launch of Bayer ForwardFarming in India is a part of it. By providing farmers with tailored solutions, modern tools and practices, proactive stewardship measures, and strategic partnerships, we aim to boost productivity, improve quality and yields, all while preserving the environment. We are dedicated to empowering farmers to adopt sustainable practices that build a resilient and thriving agricultural sector in India.”

Spread over 18 hectares, the Bayer ForwardFarm

Agri Genomics, AgroPolicy, India, Interaction

At a meeting held in Delhi, the progressive farmers made a strong case for the swift introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops and other advanced agricultural technologies.

 For an Atmanirbhar Bharat, it’s crucial that our agriculture remains progressive, giving farmers the freedom to choose the practices and technologies that best suit their needs. On Tuesday, farmers from ten states gathered in the National Capital under United Farmers Empowerment Initiative, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help “make Indian farmers globally competitive, farming more remunerative, and agriculture a high-yielding profession.” They also requested Prime Minister to ensure the Government of India “cleared the regulatory hurdles at the earliest” to ensure speedy rollout of the GM crops.

At a meeting held in the city, the progressive farmers made a strong case for the swift introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops and other advanced agricultural technologies. This unified appeal from farmers across India follows the split decision by the Supreme Court on GM Mustard, a case that has been stalled for over two decades. Farmers gave a clarion call for a science-based approach to agricultural policy. The farmers stressed that India’s agricultural future hinges on the timely and responsible adoption of modern technologies like GM crops, which have the potential to boost productivity, reduce import dependence, and secure the livelihoods of millions.

The farmers highlighted that GM crops, including GM Mustard, have the potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture by boosting crop yields, reducing reliance on imports, and addressing challenges like climate change and pest resistance. They noted that these technologies have been safely used in many countries for decades, with no adverse effects on health or the environment.

“We are concerned that a game-changing technology like GM crops, which could transform the lives of Indian farmers, is being hindered and not introduced,” V Ravichandran, a farmer belonging to Tamil Nadu said. “We expressed our support to the government for their 2022 genome editing guidelines, which brought efficiency to the breeding process, and are appreciative of the Supreme Court’s directive to formulate a National GM Policy with input from all stakeholders. However, we fear that delays in introducing these technologies are negatively impacting farmers and hindering their progress,” Ravichandran added.

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of GM crops, there remains significant opposition in India, often fuelled by misinformation. The farmers challenged this opposition by sharing their personal experiences with GM crops like Bt Cotton, which has already demonstrated its ability to improve yields and boost farmer incomes.

According to the farmers, these technologies have been adopted globally for decades without any adverse effects on health or the environment. They urged the government to formulate a national policy rooted in scientific evidence to support the adoption of these innovations.

The farmers gathered under the banner of the United Farmers Empowerment Initiatives are staunch advocates for the use of progressive agricultural technologies, high-quality seeds, and judicious farming practices to enhance productivity. They have been pioneers in the successful use of Bt Cotton, which has significantly improved yields and farmer incomes across the country.

At a meeting held in Delhi, the

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Middle East countries, Water

GrowSphere™ is the first digital farming solution on the market that integrates hydraulic, operational and agronomic capabilities into one intuitive operating system.

Israel based Orbia Advance Corporation’s Precision Agriculture business group Netafim announced GrowSphere, a unique operating system automating precision irrigation and fertigation. GrowSphere has delivered significant benefits to thousands of farmers across diverse topographies and climates. The system has proven to boost value per hectare by improving operational efficiency and providing reliable implementation for growers at all stages of their irrigation and fertigation automation journey.

Farmers today face a variety of environmental pressures, from climate change to soil erosion and biodiversity loss. To meet these challenges, farmers are investing in new technologies, like GrowSphere, to increase productivity and drive efficiency across their agricultural practices.

GrowSphere was designed by precision irrigation pioneer Orbia Netafim, in collaboration with industry-leading PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) providers and cloud platform providers. It has been validated by top universities and irrigation institutes. The operating system combines over 50 years of agronomic expertise and crop data with cutting-edge digital farming technologies including IoT, cloud computing and data analytics. GrowSphere is the only solution on the market that effortlessly integrates three crucial capabilities – hydraulic, operational and agronomic – into one operating system, significantly reducing the need for manual in-field operations.

“As they face an increasingly unpredictable environment, growers seek greater control and stability over their crop production. GrowSphere’s intuitive operating system further positions Orbia Netafim as the ideal partner for farmer success with our unrivaled agronomic insight on crop cultivation,” said Gaby Miodownik, Executive Vice President, and President of Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business (Netafim). “With GrowSphere, Netafim enables farmers to ‘close the loop’ on their operations. We firmly believe this system will be adopted by many more growers and ultimately lead to greater profitability for their businesses.”

GrowSphere maximizes crop yields and minimizes water and fertilizer usage, while allowing farmers to stay on top of what is happening in their fields. Willian Ferreira, Manager of Santa Maria and Jatobá farms in Pedregulho, Brazil, comments, “I’ve been really impressed with GrowSphere’s ease of use, reliability and cost optimization, and I’ve encountered notable savings in fertilizer, water and energy usage, and most importantly, in time. This solution provides farmers with the confidence to grow more with less, with precision, from wherever they are.”

Key features of GrowSphere’s Operating System:

Monitors soil, weather, crop, and irrigation status with real-time updates from fields.

Controls irrigation and fertigation systems from anywhere via cloud-based access.

Provides timely alerts about irrigation or system maintenance issues.

Generates reports to support traceability and track crop performance from season to season.

GrowSphere™ Crop Advisor leverages a powerful algorithm to enhance irrigation plans with recommendations tailored to specific stages in a crop’s lifecycle.

Orbia Netafim is developing partnerships for GrowSphere to broaden the company’s range of solutions and further enhance its capabilities.

GrowSphere™ is the first digital farming solution

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Interaction

Global Cooperative Conference in India will also mark the official launch of UN International Year of Cooperatives – 2025.

First Time in the 130 years long history of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the premier body for the Global Cooperative movement, with the initiative of IFFCO, the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference will be hosted by India.  During ICA Board meeting in Brussels on June 28, 2023, IFFCO proposed hosting the ICA General Assembly and Global Conference in India which was agreed to by the Board members. Further, in meeting held at the headquarters of United Nations Organization (UNO) it was decided that the Global Cooperative Conference in India will also mark the official launch of UN International Year of Cooperatives – 2025. (UN IYC2025)

Amit Shah, Minister of Cooperation, Government of India will grace the event by his august presence on 25th November 2024 at 3 PM. He will chair the inaugural session of the Global Cooperative Conference as the Chief Guest. A commemorative stamp on International Year of Cooperatives – 2025 will also be launched in the event. Hon’ble Prime Minister is also being requested to inaugurate the event.

Jeroen Douglas, DG-ICA informed the press that the event is scheduled to be held from 25th November to 30th November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. He said the theme of the event will be ‘Cooperatives Build Prosperity of All’ and the subthemes will be –

Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Nurturing purposeful leadership to create prosperity for all

Reaffirming the Cooperative Identity

Shaping the Future: Towards Realizing Prosperity for all in 21st Century

Jeroen Douglas pressed on the fact that “IFFCO- the host for this event is the prominent partner of ICA and was ranked No. 1 in the World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) rankings for three consecutive years in world (based on Turnover/GDP Per capita).”

He informed that the Hon’ble Prime Minster of Bhutan, President of United Nations Economic Council (UN ECOSOC), President of International Cooperative Alliance, UN Representatives, ICA Members, Luminaries from the Indian Cooperative Movement will be among the 1500 distinguish guests representing over 100 countries are expected to participate in this event.

Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary Ministry of Cooperation informed the press that Theme of the event ‘Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All’ is in line with the Government of India’s slogan of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ which exactly translates to ‘Prosperity through Cooperation’. With the formation of separate Ministry of Cooperation and Shir Amit Shah at the helm of affairs as the first ever Union Cooperation Minister, Indian Cooperative Sector has achieved new milestones achieving greater contribution in the National GDP by launching 54 initiatives for the growth and development of cooperative movement. Whether it be computerization of PACS or formation of three new cooperatives in the sectors where cooperatives didn’t have a national level presence, all these steps have put India at the forefront of the Global Cooperative movement with India becoming one of the fasting growing cooperative sectors.

Dr U S Awasthi, MD, IFFCO Ltd. said, “The theme of this conference is ‘Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All’ our long-term aim is to build a cooperative movement that is prosperous and secure. We are honoured to host international delegates in our home for an engaging exchange of ideas.”

Leading voice of Women in the Cooperative sector and first organization to reserve seat for woman Director on the Board, IFFCO has committed to encourage maximum participation of women cooperators. Large Networking sessions will be organized to bolster cooperation among Indian Cooperatives and Global Cooperatives which will ensure growth of Coop-to-Coop overseas business.

Global Cooperative Conference in India will also