Home2024September (Page 5)

Event was organised at the backdrop of a theme “The Future of Farming: Sowing the Seeds of Change”.

The fifth iteration of the Agritech Summit and Swaraj Awards 24 took place on 9 September 2024 in New Delhi, and Swaraj Tractors, which is a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group. The event organised in conjunction with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), was held in order to honour the amazing achievements that farmers and agricultural institutions have made over the course of the previous year.

 Event was organised at the backdrop of a theme “The Future of Farming: Sowing the Seeds of Change”. The summit was honoured by the presence of Dr Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. He lauded Swaraj Tractors for its unwavering commitment to providing assistance to small and marginal farmers. Furthermore, he argued that agriculture is the foundation of the economy, which must be self-sufficient in order to be successful. He extended his remarks on the digital agricultural mission while simultaneously extending his congratulations to the winners of the Swaraj Awards 2024. Dr Chaturvedi was present at the occasion on behalf of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture, who was unable to take part in the event in person.

 Focusing on importance of agriculture and mechanisation

Over the course of his keynote talk, Harish Chavan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Swaraj Division, emphasised the significance of agriculture and mechanisation in the process of bringing the goal of “Viksit Bharat” to fruition. His statement was as follows: “As India strives to become a developed nation, agriculture must be at the forefront of the movement.” In light of the fact that our agricultural GDP is among the highest in the world, we cannot simply strive to achieve food sufficiency; rather, we must establish ourselves as the food basket of the world. Agricultural production in India has the potential to become a globally competitive sector if the country adopts innovative practices, environmentally responsible methods, and contemporary infrastructure. It is possible to overcome the challenges of climate change and to attract young people to farming through the use of mechanisation and technology, which will pave the path for a prosperous and dynamic future agricultural sector.

During the event, there were panel discussions that revolved around the future of agriculture, and significant dignitaries and government officials participated in those debates. The conversations included a wide range of subjects, including agricultural governance, technological change, precision farming in ornamental horticulture and allied sectors, agricultural innovation, and financial inclusion for farmers.

Event was organised at the backdrop of

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

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

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

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, the United States of America, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Germany, and the Center of Plant Systems Biology in Bulgaria.

 A team of researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has identified genes and markers responsible for low glycemic index (GI) and high protein content in rice, using genetics and artificial intelligence classification methods.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, the United States of America, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Germany, and the Center of Plant Systems Biology in Bulgaria.

Their study, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), revealed a superior set of lines that exhibited ultra-low GI (below 45 per cent) with an unprecedented protein level (15.99), which is twice the content usually found in conventional milled rice. Rice varieties with higher protein content may contribute to slower digestion and absorption rates, potentially helping control blood glucose levels, further enhancing its ultra-low GI characteristics.

“Collectively, these findings underscore the stacked potential and benefits of low GI and high protein rice to offer a substantial source of protein and essential amino acids such as lysine for consumers, particularly in regions where rice is a dietary staple,” said Dr Nese Sreenivasulu, corresponding author of the paper and Principal Scientist at the IRRI Grain Quality and Nutrition Center. He adds that the lines included in the study also generated yields comparable to existing high-yielding rice varieties.

The healthier rice lines were developed by intercrossing an inbred variety from Samba Mahsuri and the amylose extender of IR36. The results could help address the growing incidence of diabetes and the need for adequate protein intake for hundreds of millions of people at risk.

Globally, about 537 million adults suffer from diabetes, and the number is expected to grow to 783 million by 2045. Low- and middle-income countries account for more than three-quarters of diabetes incidences, with Asia accounting for 60 percent of the global diabetic population. High-protein rice may help boost the diets and health of half a billion protein-deficient consumers, many of whom live in South Asia and Central Africa.

“Considering that rice is a staple food for a substantial portion of the global population, it is crucial to deploy high-yielding rice cultivars with milled rice samples possessing high-quality protein and ultra-low glycemic index to address the triple burden of nutritional challenges among low- and middle-income communities,” said Dr. Gurdev S. Khush of the University of California, Davis, and co-corresponding author of the paper.

Dr. Sreenivasulu’s team and partners now seek to incorporate these genes into future breeding programs and popular varieties grown across Asia and Africa.

“With its remarkably low GI and protein content surpassing traditional rice varieties, these high-yielding nutritious rice varieties will pave the way to addressing critical food and nutritional security targets,” said IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto.

The study was conducted in collaboration with

 Deployed on over 1 lakh acres of land across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana.

Pioneering the implementation of sugar-content based harvesting for the country’s sugar industry, Mahindra & Mahindra became the country’s first company, to offer an AI-enabled sugarcane harvesting program to Sahakar Maharshi Shankarao Kolhe SSK Ltd. (formerly Sanjeevani Sugars) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

Deployed during the 2024 crushing season for the entire registered sugarcane area under Sahakar Maharshi Shankarao Kolhe, the AI-based technology enables accurate assessment of sugar content, for timely harvesting of the sugarcane crop.

Talking about the development Hemant Sikka – President, Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. “Artificial Intelligence applications can be extremely beneficial for agriculture offering several advantages. One such application is our sugarcane analytics tool for the sugar industry, one of the most institutionalized sectors in agriculture. Deployment of AI on farmlands under sugarcane cultivation enables generation of valuable insights for vast tracts of land to boost outcomes, such as assessing the right time to harvest sugarcane, for maximum yield and sugar recovery. Through technology we at Mahindra aim to transform the way farming is done and are delighted to partner with SSK.”

Vivek Kolhe, Chairman – Kolhe Sugar Factory, highlighted the impact of the technology saying, “Our mill is the first in India to implement an AI-based harvesting solution. Having implemented a pilot project on over 3,000 acres, over three years ago, it resulted in incremental benefits and improvement in sugar recovery. Based on those results, we have decided to re-sign with Mahindra this year and implement the solution over our entire catchment area. The revolutionary technology has the potential to benefit India’s sugar mills and Indian farmers in the long term.”

With a goal of revolutionising sugarcane harvesting, Mahindra has worked with various sugarcane mills for more than 4 years and is the first company to use AI-based harvesting in India. Mahindra uses sophisticated precision farming methods in conjunction with spectrometry and satellite imaging to precisely determine the amount of sugar present in the sugarcane crop. The AI algorithms analyse photosynthetic components of crop leaves to identify and determine maturity stages and calculate when harvesting is best for maximum sugar yield and ultimately farmer revenues.

 Deployed on over 1 lakh acres of

The primary objective of this consultation was to gather crucial insights and early assessments from stakeholders regarding the current pulses production outlook for the Kharif 2024 season.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) under the Chairmanship of Shubha Thakur, Additional Secretary, convened a stakeholder consultation at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. This is the first time such a discussion has been organised ahead of the release of first advance estimates for the Kharif 2024 season, which are scheduled for October 2024. Key stakeholders, including the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), the Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), the Department of Consumer Affairs (DOCA), Samunnati, AgriBazar and Agriwatch were present and actively engaged in the discussions.

The primary objective of this consultation was to gather crucial insights and early assessments from stakeholders regarding the current pulses production outlook for the Kharif 2024 season. These contributions will be integral to formulating the first advance estimates. During the meeting, participants shared valuable expertise on a range of issues, including crop condition assessments and the estimation methodologies. According to initial ground-level reports presented by the stakeholders, the outlook for Tur & Moong production is promising for the upcoming season.

The consultation concluded with all stakeholders reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration and regular information exchange between the Ministry and industry experts. This cooperative approach is essential for enhancing the accuracy of crop estimates and ensuring timely interventions in the agricultural sector. This initiative represents a significant step toward improved precision in crop production estimates.

The primary objective of this consultation was

Driven by impressive export growth of 19.22 per cent in comparison with Aug-2023, JNPA handled 639,336 TEUs in August 2024 which is an all-time high monthly container traffic at Port.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) – India’s Best Performing Port, has witnessed an exceptional operational performance in August 2024. It has again set new benchmarks in the port performance. Driven by impressive export growth of 19.22 per cent in comparison with Aug-2023, JNPA handled 639,336 TEUs in August 2024 which is an all-time high monthly container traffic at Port, surpassing the previous highest of 603,217 TEUs handled in July 2024.

Key Highlights of August 2024:

BMCT & APMT achieving new peaks, handled 202,071 TEUs & 192,137 TEUS respectively, which are their all-time highest monthly container volume handling since inception.

JNPA handled 639,336 TEUs of containers & 7.89 million Tonnes of total cargo in Aug-2024 which is higher by 15.14 per cent & 7.62 per cent respectively as compared to traffic in Aug-2023.

During August 2024, JNPA handled 593 container rakes and 94,466 TEUs, compared to 550 rakes and 89,694 TEUs during the corresponding period in the previous financial year.

Highlights YTD 2024-2025:

JNPA handled 2,930,700 TEUs of containers & 37.42 million Tonnes of total cargo from Apr-2024 to Aug-2024 which is higher by 12.73 per cent & 6.20 per cent respectively as compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year.

From April 2024 to August 2024, JNPA handled 2,657 container rakes and 422,465 TEUs as compared to 2,591 rakes and 415,287 TEUs during the corresponding period in the previous financial year.

JNPA’s steady growth rate is an indicator that all of its terminals are running effectively and in line with international standards. By offering end-to-end logistics solutions in a sustainable manner, our ongoing efforts and initiatives seek to give the sector a smooth EXIM experience.

August Recap and Insights

  • Foundation Stone laid for Vadhvan Port by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
  • Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways visited JNPA
  • Inaugurated three rejuvenated lakes at JNPA.
  • Performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth lake in Jaskhar village.
  • Groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart SEZ.
  • Planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
  • Issued Letters of Intent (LoIs) to concessionaires of JNPA SEZ for the eAuction conducted in Phase 2.
  • Issued the award of the date of concession to JSW Infrastructure Limited for constructing the Additional Liquid Cargo Berth.
  • MoU signed between JNPA and REC for loan disbursement to support infrastructure projects.
  • MoU signed between Gateway Terminals India (GTI) and JNPA for implementing shore power supply for vessels.
  • Launched the Vadhvan Skilling Program’s WhatsApp ChatBot.

Driven by impressive export growth of 19.22

Rohit Nagdewani, Founder, Fresh From Farm in an exclusive conversation with AgroSpectrum reveals F3’s future business strategies and expansion plan in six cities surrounding Delhi NCR region.

What is the current market size of fruit in India?

India ranks as the second-largest producer of fruits globally, just behind China, and is a leading producer of bananas, papayas, and mangoes. In 2023, India’s fruit production was estimated at 99.07 million tonnes, contributing significantly to the global annual production of 883 million tonnes.

The fruit market in India is substantial, with an estimated value of approximately $60 billion as of 2023. This market is experiencing robust growth, fuelled by increasing health awareness among consumers and rising disposable incomes. These trends are well-documented in reports from market research firms and industry publications, highlighting India’s critical role in the global fruit production landscape and its burgeoning domestic market.

How the technological innovations are driving the growth of this market?

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Handling Practices (GHP) play a pivotal role in driving growth in the agricultural market, as highlighted in numerous industry guidelines and reports. These standards are essential for ensuring food safety, maintaining product quality, and promoting sustainability, particularly in the fruit market.

In addition to these practices, investments in storage and logistics infrastructure are critical for preserving product freshness, minimising waste, and enhancing market efficiency. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) further accelerates market growth by enabling precise resource management, accurate crop yield prediction, and early detection of disease outbreaks. These technologies optimise agricultural practices and support the industry’s sustainability goal. Also, improve production efficiency, reduce waste, enhance traceability, and extend the shelf life of fruits, contributing to the market’s continued expansion.

Why it is important to have a smooth supply chain in this business and how your company is able to maintain a healthy supply chain?

A seamless and efficient supply chain is crucial in the fruit industry, particularly because of the perishable nature of the products. Even a minor delay in the logistics process can lead to spoilage and significant financial losses. To mitigate this risk, we at Fresh From Farm have implemented a comprehensive strategy to maintain a robust and responsive supply chain through Integrating the advanced logistics software and direct fruit sourcing from farmers. Let’s discuss how it works: –

Integration of Advanced Logistics Software

We utilise cutting-edge logistics software that optimizes delivery routes and schedules, ensuring that transit times are minimized. This software takes into account real-time traffic conditions, weather patterns, and road networks, allowing for dynamic adjustments to transportation plans. By doing so, we reduce the overall time that fruits spend in transit, preserving their freshness and quality upon arrival.

Direct Sourcing from Farmers

One of our key strategies is direct sourcing from farmers, bypassing intermediaries and reducing the complexity of the supply chain. Traditionally, fruits used to pass through several middlemen, warehouses, and transportation hubs before reaching retailers in distant markets. Each transfer introduces a higher risk of damage and spoilage, and the longer the fruit remains in the supply chain, the greater the loss of freshness.

By working directly with farmers, we significantly reduce the number of exchanges that fruits go through. This shortened supply chain minimizes handling problems, prevents unnecessary delays, and ensures that fruits reach the market more quickly and in better condition. For example, mangoes sourced directly from southern Indian farms can travel thousands of kilometres with fewer handling stages, ensuring they arrive at retail destinations fresher and less susceptible to bruising or spoilage. This direct-to-market approach not only enhances the quality of produce reaching consumers but also allows farmers to receive better prices for their crops by cutting out intermediaries.

What are the major challenges in this business and what is the way forward?

The fruits sector in India faces several significant challenges that hold back the overall growth of agricultural development. One of the most critical issues is the high level of post-harvest losses and wastage, primarily due to inadequate handling, poor storage facilities, and inefficient supply chains. Perishable goods such as fruits are particularly vulnerable to spoilage if not handled or transported properly. These losses result in a substantial reduction in the income of farmers and contribute to food insecurity across the country.

India’s transportation infrastructure for agricultural goods remains a major challenge. Inadequate cold chain facilities, poor road networks in rural areas, and delays in transit can lead to significant quality degradation of fresh produce.

Fruits often have specific climate requirements for optimal growth, including precise temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and seasonal timing. Changes in these factors—such as unseasonal rains, prolonged droughts, or extreme heat waves—can throw off the natural growth cycle of fruit crops.

 Reducing fruit wastage during transportation requires strong government intervention through both technical and financial support. This can include investing in cold chain infrastructure, modernised transportation facilities, and advanced logistics systems. Additionally, financial assistance for farmers and transporters can help adopt these technologies, ensuring fresher produce reaches markets with minimal spoilage.

What are your expansion plans and how you are planning to execute them?

In the coming months, we aim to significantly expand our presence in the Delhi NCR region. Currently, we are making 450 to 500 deliveries per day, and our goal is to increase this to 1,500 to 2,000 deliveries daily within Delhi NCR alone. Following this expansion, we plan to extend our operations to nearby cities such as Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Jalandhar.

What are your expectations from the current government?

To enhance India’s fruit market potential, the government needs to focus on improving quality and safety practices in production and packaging. Key initiatives include:

Research and Development: Encouraging the use of tissue culture to produce high-quality, pathogen-free plants and developing fruit varieties with extended shelf life tailored for international markets.

Addressing the relatively low fruit productivity in India by implementing High-Density Plantation (HDP) techniques and conducting scientific assessments of nutrient and irrigation needs.

Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Expanding cold storage facilities, introducing advanced sorting, grading, and treatment processes, and encouraging investment in specialized transport and food inspection infrastructure.

Application of Digital Tools: Supporting the adoption of digital tools and IoT for precision agriculture to maximize yields and improve resource management.

International Trade: Advocating for the removal of trade barriers in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations to integrate India into the global fruit trade value chain.

By Nitin Konde

Rohit Nagdewani, Founder, Fresh From Farm in

The study covering an area of 477 million hectares spanning across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, identified and mapped 27 major cropping systems.

Scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) recently released a study highlighting the role of geospatial maps and satellite data in shaping the future of food security. Focusing on South Asia, the research underscores how these advanced tools can significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.  The study covering an area of 477 million hectares spanning across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, identified and mapped 27 major cropping systems.

With only 6 annual harvests remaining before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) deadline, the need to sustainably intensify agricultural production has never been more urgent. Drylands, in particular, present a significant opportunity to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to global food security.

“Dryland cropping systems are complex, shaped by biophysical, social, and economic factors. The use of geospatial products and satellite data for mapping these systems can be invaluable. These tools provide critical insights for decision-making, unlocking opportunities for increased production, and enhancing farmers’ incomes in these challenging environments,” said Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research at ICRISAT.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this research, Dr ML Jat, Global Research Program Director, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, stated “Predominantly, studies use spatial data to map single or major crops such as rice, wheat and sugarcane or to monitor crop intensity, natural vegetation and more.  This study is a trailblazer in understanding the entire cropping system, i.e., crops grown in a sequence over the entire year.”

“This data serves as a foundational layer and can be used in various ways to understand and improve agricultural performance. When combined with climate and soil data, it can aid in planning for resource optimization and enhancing agricultural productivity,” noted the study’s lead author, Dr Muralikrishna Gumma.

On a global scale, these geospatial maps provide essential data that can guide climate change mitigation efforts. At the national level, these data sets offer a detailed understanding of regional cropping patterns, enabling governments to optimize resource allocation. 

Geospatial mapping can inform policies that ensure the efficient distribution of resources like water, fertilizer, and seeds, based on the specific needs of different cropping systems. Additionally, these maps can be integrated into disaster management strategies, helping to identify areas vulnerable to agricultural stress, such as droughts or floods, and allowing for more targeted and effective responses.

The study Spatial Distribution of Cropping Systems in South Asia Using Time-Series Satellite Data Enriched with Ground Data (mdpi.com) was funded by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific financed by the Government of Japan through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Mahalanobis National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, WRI Land & Carbon Lab grant convened by World Resources Institute, and the Bezos Earth Fund.  

The study covering an area of 477

The collaboration expands options for growers in India, Indonesia and Thailand to farm more sustainably.

 Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize new pheromone-based biological solutions to effectively and more safely control detrimental pests in corn and rice – crops that serve as a primary food source for 3.5 billion people globally.

The collaboration brings together Provivi’s expertise in pheromone-based crop protection solutions with Syngenta’s global reach and development capabilities. The two new pheromone solutions will help farmers manage the devastating pests, Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) in India and Indonesia and Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Thailand.

The YSB Eco-Dispenser for India and Indonesia, and the FAW Eco-Granules for Thailand will be available to farmers starting in 2026. These innovative product formulations, made from biodegradable materials, represent significant advancements such as enhanced efficacy, longer duration, and improved environmental sustainability for the benefit of farmers.

Pheromones are natural signaling compounds that effectively control pests by interfering with their mating behaviors, preventing pest reproduction. Because they are non-toxic and species-specific, pheromones do not harm organisms that pose zero threat, therefore helping preserve the diversity and abundance of beneficial insects and pollinators. The benefits of using pheromones in an integrated pest management program include their highly specific target activity and a mode of action, preventing, instead of eliminating, thereby supporting the preservation of biodiversity and the flourishing of non-target species.

The YSB and FAW pests stand out as among the most destructive insect pests in agriculture, threatening a wide variety of crops in many countries and impacting farmers’ livelihoods as well as food security. As the dominant pest of rice in Asia, YSB pests can attack rice crops throughout different phases of the plant’s life, resulting in crops with “dead hearts” and “white ears” – symptoms of dried-up central shoots and chaffy, or unfilled grain, leading to significantly lower yields.

The FAW – which is in fact a caterpillar and not a worm – is notable for its destructive capacity and rapid spread. Since the discovery of the FAW pest in Thailand in late 2018, farmers in the country have seen yields fall as much as 40 per cent for corn, and in some cases been forced to plough under entire fields. This has severe implications for corn production in Thailand, where the crop is vital for the country’s economy, supporting both domestic and export markets.

Jonathan Brown, Global Head of Biologicals and Seedcare at Syngenta: “Farmers need solutions that effectively address pest pressure while ensuring sustainability on their farms, particularly as pest threats evolve with climate change. We’re proud to work together with Provivi to deliver the next-generation in pheromone-based biocontrols that target farmer key pest challenges.”

Pedro Coelho, Chief Business Officer at Provivi®: “Pheromone-based solutions are non-toxic and species-specific, and safeguard biodiversity by preserving beneficial insects and pollinators. We are excited to work again with Syngenta to broaden the offer of pheromone-based solutions available to farmers in Asia.”

The collaboration expands options for growers in

With a focus on technology-driven, high-risk, high-impact ventures, AgriSURE is designed to fuel growth and foster innovation in the agricultural and rural start-up ecosystem.

In a significant development for the agricultural sector, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the AgriSURE Scheme in New Delhi. AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises is an innovative fund which is a pioneering step toward revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in India. With a focus on technology-driven, high-risk, high-impact ventures, AgriSURE is designed to fuel growth and foster innovation in the agricultural and rural start-up ecosystem. A Blended capital fund of Rs 750 crore with SEBI Registered Category II, Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), contributions from the Government of India is Rs 250 crore, NABARD is Rs 250 crore, and Rs 250 crore is being mobilized from banks, insurance companies, and private investors.

In his keynote address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the transformative potential of the newly launched initiatives. The Minister mentioned that the launch of the AgriSURE Fund is a continuation of previous efforts of the government to ensure that every farmer in India has the technological support needed to thrive.”  He further advocated that farmers’ prosperity will lead to a prosperous economy as farmers start spending their fortune on consumption and that farming is the backbone of the country with farmer being the life blood.

Chouhan further elaborated on the government’s commitment to supporting the farming community, stating, “Our vision is to empower every farmer, and the launch of the AgriSURE Fund is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the agricultural sector. The government will relentlessly strive towards ensuring increased production, reduced cost of production for farmers, remunerative prices for farmers, crop diversification, preventing post-harvest loss and safeguard during crop loss through crop insurance “

The event preceded the conferring of the AgriSURE Greenathon Awards, to the most innovative start-ups developing tech-centric solutions to address challenges faced by farmers across various stages of the agri-value chain, from selection of input to marketing and value addition. Greenothon was launched on 12 July 2024 at Mumbai and its Grand Finale with 10 finalists was held before the launch. Out of 2000 budding Agri Start-ups, over 500 prototypes were screened, with 10 finalists pitching their ideas. The top three start-ups—Greensapio, Krushikanti, and Ambronics—were selected as the Winner, Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up, respectively, from a total of 10 finalists. With a prize pool of Rs 6 lakhs, the Greenathon not only rewarded excellence but also provided a platform for start-ups to present their ideas to a broad network of stakeholders for future collaboration.

With a focus on technology-driven, high-risk, high-impact

His work spans various sectors, including agriculture, financial services, retail, manufacturing, and energy.

Salam Kisan, a pioneering agri-tech platform, has onboarded Ranveer Chandra, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Microsoft (Agri-Food), as a strategic advisor to the company. Ranveer brings over 15 years of experience in technology, AI, networking, and systems, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Salam Kisan.

Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder & CEO of Salam Kisan, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, “When I first met Ranveer and heard his passionate call to action, I knew I had found an incredible advisor, mentor, and friend. His expertise and vision have been invaluable to Salam Kisan over the past few months. His unparalleled expertise in agricultural technology and his vision for the future of farming align perfectly with our mission. We look forward to benefiting from his invaluable insights as we continue to innovate and expand our services to benefit farmers across the globe.”

At Salam Kisan, Ranveer will focus on several key areas, including providing technology and innovation advisory, overseeing research and development, and facilitating strategic partnerships and alliances. He will also spearhead market expansion and global outreach, offering advisory on digital transformation and contributing to thought leadership and advocacy.

 Ranveer Chandra, strategic advisor at Salam Kisan and CTO of Agri-Food at Microsoft, said, “I am excited to work with Salam Kisan in its efforts to transform agriculture through technology. The company’s commitment to empowering farmers resonates with my own passion for leveraging innovation to address global food security challenges. I look forward to continuing our work in making agriculture not just cool but also efficient, sustainable, and impactful.”

At Microsoft, Chandra leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers, driving cutting-edge innovations in cloud, networking, connectivity, and AI. His work spans various sectors, including agriculture, financial services, retail, manufacturing, and energy. This broad expertise will be crucial in guiding Salam Kisan in enhancing its tech-driven approach to enabling farmers.

This strategic appointment underscores Salam Kisan’s commitment to staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation and reinforces its position as a leader in the agri-tech space.

His work spans various sectors, including agriculture,

Exports in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages segment expected to cross $1 billion export revenues.

The global demand for Indian spirits is increasing, presenting an opportunity for growth. The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) plans to promote both the Indian alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages globally with a target of $1 billion in export revenue over the next few years. APEDA as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative has been targeting to increase exports of Indian Spirits to major foreign destinations. India currently ranks 40th in the world for alcoholic beverage exports.

In a landmark move for Indian spirits, Godawan Single malt whisky is all set to launch in the United Kingdom as an artisanal single malt whisky made in Rajasthan, India.

The first batch of Godawan was flagged off to United Kingdom jointly by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and Debra Crew, Chief Executive of Diageo Plc. Abhisek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, and Hina Nagarajan, MD & CEO, Diageo India along with other senior representatives.

Godawan Single malt whisky had participated in the International Food and Drinks Event (IFE), London in March 2024 under the ambit of APEDA and undertook promotions of Godawan.  This worked as a precursor to launching Godawan in UK and commencing exports to UK.

This initiative will support farmers of Alwar region. The six-row barley used in the production of Godawan, has been locally procured that helps in enhancing the agricultural income of the local farmers through its backward linkages.

Exports in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages segment