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Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Award, Company News, People

 ICA President Ariel Guarco presented the award to Dr Awasthi during a special ceremony at the ICA Global Conference in New Delhi, India, on 25 November.

The 2024 Rochdale Pioneers Award of ICA presented to Dr Awasthi, Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). Dr Awasthi is the second Indian citizen to receive the Award, after Dr Verghese Kurien, the recipient of the 2001 Award. Established in 2000, the Rochdale Pioneers Award is the highest honour the ICA bestows. It aims to recognise, in the spirit of the Rochdale Pioneers, a person or, under special circumstances, a cooperative organisation, having contributed to innovative and financially sustainable cooperative activities that have significantly benefited their membership.

A chemical engineer, he joined IFFCO in 1976. Under his leadership, the cooperative increased its production capacity by 292 per cent and net worth by 688 per cent, under his leadership IFFCO has forayed into various business sphere, diversified its business and successfully innovated and indigenously developed Nano Fertilisers for the farmers of India.

ICA President Ariel Guarco presented the award to Dr Awasthi during a special ceremony at the ICA Global Conference in New Delhi, India, on 25 November. IFFCO Ltd. is hosting the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in partnership with the International Cooperative Alliance and the Union Ministry of Cooperation. The event is being held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi and will conclude on 30th November 2024.

Dr Awasthi said that, “I am humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award of ICA. This award embodies the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” and highlights IFFCO’s exceptional efforts under the guidance & dynamic leadership of the Hon’ble Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah. We remain dedicated to advancing their vision of elevating India’s cooperative movement on the global stage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the International Cooperative Alliance and global cooperative fraternity for this recognition, that inspires us to uphold and advance the cooperative spirit globally.”

Dr Awasthi further said that; IFFCO championed sustainable agriculture through Nano fertilizers like Nano DAP and Nano Urea Liquid, transforming farming practices and meeting the demand for eco-friendly solutions. Locally produced Nano fertilizers tackled logistical issues, reduced import reliance, and replaced bulky packaging with compact bottles. These innovations improved soil health, boosted farmer profitability, and promoted environmentally responsible farming”. IFFCO’s new indigenously developed products Nano Urea and Nano DAP is being used by farmers happily across the nation now and the acceptance of these products are widely being accepted by farmers in each and every corner of India and some other foreign countries specially neighbouring countries and IFFCO is being approached by other foreign countries also for the supply of Nano Fertilisers and we are planning to export the Nano fertiliser to 25 more foreign countries in upcoming future.

 ICA President Ariel Guarco presented the award

Agribusiness, Agrotech, India, Live Stock, Poultry, R&D

This represents a breakthrough in vaccine engineering and is recommended for in-ovo vaccination of chickens to protect against the virulent Marek’s disease.

Boehringer Ingelheim announced the launch of the latest advancement in Marek’s disease vaccines in India. This next generation vaccine offers enhanced protection through an innovative controlled attenuation process, delivering the right balance between safety and efficacy.

Marek’s disease remains a significant challenge in Indian poultry, with outbreaks continuing despite widespread vaccination efforts. The vaccine addresses this gap with a groundbreaking serotype-1 construct vaccine, offering an ideal balance of safety and efficacy against the most virulent strains.

Dr Vinod Gopal, Country Head-Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim India said, “Marek’s Disease presents a considerable risk, resulting in significant financial impact for poultry farmers, particularly affecting young chickens with immature immune systems. As India’s poultry industry expands, our vaccine is designed to aid farmers by reducing disease outbreaks, promoting flock health, and enhancing productivity. This innovative vaccine not only provides effective, early, and long-lasting immunity—supported by extensive trials across multiple regions—but also plays a crucial role in supporting food security and safety. It offers a cost-effective solution for poultry owners, helping to protect their livelihood while meeting the increasing demand for high-quality poultry products in India.”

Dr N.K Mahajan, Retired Professor and Head of Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, LUVAS, Hisar, said “Marek’s disease continues to be a significant challenge for poultry farmers due to the increasing virulence of the virus strains. Even in the absence of clinical signs, Marek’s Disease virus can significantly damage chickens’ immune system as the virus attacks T lymphocytes. The resulting immunosuppression causes poor growth and performance, significantly affecting production and economics in the poultry industry. Birds are more prone to secondary infections and less responsive to other vaccines, leading to increased medication costs. The ability to provide early immunity and protection against the more aggressive forms of the virus is essential in reducing the impact of this disease on poultry farming operations in India.”

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of 4.1 billion euros in 2020 and presence in more than 150 countries.

This represents a breakthrough in vaccine engineering

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

With this acquisition, Dhanuka plans to expand its footprint in more than 20 countries, including the regions of LATAM, EMEA and Asia including India.

Dhanuka Agritech Limited, one of India’s leading agri input companies, has signed an agreement to acquire international rights to the active ingredients Iprovalicarb and Triadimenol. With this acquisition, Dhanuka plans to expand its footprint in more than 20 countries, including the regions of LATAM, EMEA and Asia including India. These products were invented by Bayer AG, a global leader in agriculture input solutions and farming innovations. This acquisition will enable Dhanuka to embark on a journey of global market expansion.

Under this acquisition, Dhanuka Agritech Limited will get all the rights for manufacturing and sale of Iprovalicarb and Triadimenol in more than 20 countries.  In this transaction, Dhanuka will acquire the global rights to the associated brand Melody (for Iprovalicarb) with sub-brands like Melody Duo, Melody Compact, Melodika and others. As part of the Agreement, the companies have agreed on a transition plan that allows Dhanuka to provide seamless service, ensuring no disruption for growers and customers globally. Further, Dhanuka will be shifting the manufacturing of at least one of the products to India, leveraging the capabilities of its manufacturing unit at Dahej, Gujarat. The agreement will strengthen Dhanuka’s market position by providing a jump to both the topline and bottom-line by selling its products in India and global markets.

Iprovalicarb is a fungicide from the Carboxylic Acid Amines (CAA) class, used for disease management caused by Oomycetes species in Horticulture crops.Triadimenol is a well-established product used in seed treatment for cereals and cotton as a solo formulation and as a part of multiple treatment seasonal program in coffee as a pre-mix. Triadimenol is a SBI class 1, DMI triazole fungicide to control various diseases.

“Dhanuka is excited to embark on this journey with Bayer AG, as we expand our footprint in these key markets. This agreement not only strengthens our market presence but also reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional products and services to customers worldwide” said Harsh Dhanuka, Executive Director – Dhanuka Agritech Ltd.

This agreement highlights Dhanuka’s continued focus on strategic growth and commitment to maintaining strong relationships with customers and stakeholders. Dhanuka is confident that this will provide value to growers across the globe.

With this acquisition, Dhanuka plans to expand

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, India, Start ups

The company plans to train 500 drone pilots and create 1000 job opportunities across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh.

 Salam Kisan, a leading agri-tech platform, has successfully backed the tender from the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Agro-Industries Development Corporation (MAIDC) for drone spraying services. This milestone marks a pivotal step in the company’s mission to revolutionise Indian agriculture by introducing drone-as-a-service as a scalable solution for precision farming across the state. The collaboration with IFFCO and FMC further strengthens Salam Kisan’s role in transforming agricultural practices, making advanced farming solutions more accessible and sustainable.

Salam Kisan has won the technical bid for the MAIDC tender, which will see drones deployed in every taluka of Maharashtra. This initiative is part of the Government of Maharashtra’s larger effort to explore the deployment of agricultural drones across the state, helping to increase efficiency in farming practices. As part of this initiative, the government plans to train SC/ST, marginalized women, and rural youth, empowering them to become rural entrepreneurs, known as Drone Didis or Lakhpati Didis. The government will also provide a subsidy of up to Rs 5 lakh for the purchase of drones, making this technology more affordable for farmers.

As part of Salam Kisan’s collaboration with IFFCO, the world’s largest fertiliser cooperative, the company will deploy drones in Maharashtra’s water-scarce regions of Sanagali and Kolhapur to conserve resources and boost productivity. Salam Kisan’s association with FMC, a global leader in agricultural sciences, will focus on precision farming in the Wardha, Amravati, and Yavatmal regions. These larger farming areas will benefit from drones that cover extensive fields quickly and efficiently, improving day-to-day farming operations.

In addition to the technical deployment, Salam Kisan aims to train 500 drone pilots and create 1,000 job opportunities across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The company is setting up a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) to provide comprehensive training programs for aspiring drone operators. This effort will not only build the capacity of rural entrepreneurs but will also promote sustainable farming practices across the nation.

Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder and CEO of Salam Kisan, said, “Our collaboration with MAIDC, IFFCO, and FMC represents a transformative shift in Indian agriculture. By integrating drones as a service, we are enhancing crop yields, reducing costs, conserving water, and empowering rural youth and women. Our goal is to create 1,000 job opportunities, train over 500 drone pilots, and help farmers cover over 1 million acres of farmland in our first year. With the support of the government and our industry partners, we are enabling farmers to embrace modern farming solutions and become more resilient in the face of climate change. With this comprehensive initiative, Salam Kisan is well on its way to revolutionizing Indian agriculture through sustainable, technology-driven farming practices. The deployment of drones across Maharashtra, combined with the strategic partnerships with IFFCO and FMC, is poised to create significant impacts in rural communities and strengthen the agricultural ecosystem”.

The company plans to train 500 drone

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, Finance, India, Schemes - Banks, Supply Chain, Warehousing

This partnership will allow farmers and Agri-fraternity working with SLCM to get credit against their crops from the vast network of Bank of Baroda, present across the country.

 Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM), India’s one of India’s largest post-harvest logistics and Agri-solutions Companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Bank of Baroda to provide comprehensive Collateral Management Solutions. This partnership will allow farmers and Agri-fraternity working with SLCM to get credit against their crops from the vast network of Bank of Baroda, present across the country.

Through this partnership, SLCM will offer enhanced access to post-harvest credit at competitive rates, while also providing secure storage and risk management solutions. Leveraging its patented and industry-proven technology platform, Agri Reach, SLCM aims to simplify the collateral management process and create greater financial inclusivity for farmers, agribusinesses, and allied stakeholders across the country.

Commenting on the significant achievement Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO of SLCM, expressed “FY24 has been a remarkable year for our collateral management business, bolstered by four pivotal partnerships with major banks, including our latest tie-up with Bank of Baroda. Sustaining our market leadership with 15+ years, our vision has always been to ensure that every farmer, regardless of location or crops, has the opportunity to thrive in a conventional and digitized agricultural eco-system.

By leveraging our Phygital infrastructure and cutting-edge Agri Reach technology, we are enabling our banking partners to provide farmers with efficient and secure loans, minimizing the default risk and ensuring better financial access for the entire agricultural ecosystem. This not only speaks to the industry’s confidence in SLCM’s capabilities but also showcases the substantial growth every year in our Assets Under Management (AUM)”.

Currently, the company has expansive partnerships with 20+ leading financial institutions in India and Myanmar, further expanding SLCM’s banking portfolio and market reach.

As SLCM’s AUM increased by an outstanding 73% to INR 11,952 crs in the first half of the current fiscal year from INR 6,911 crs in the same period during the previous financial year (FY 2023-24), these collaborations have also emerged as one of the primary drivers of growth for the company.

Salman Ullah Khan, CBO of SLCM expressed, “Our latest tie-up with Bank of Baroda is a testament to their invested faith in our innovative and scientific approach to post-harvest management platform. Our collaboration with financial institutions are part of SLCM’s larger strategy to provide Warehouse Receipt Financing and collateral management services across territories, enabling farmers and agribusinesses to access loans using their stored goods as collateral”.

This collaboration extends SLCM’s services across PAN India, ensuring that farmers, particularly in rural areas, have access to the financial support they need. SLCM’s network spans 19 states, operating over 17000+ warehouses and 36 cold storages, serving 1,080+ commodities as of 31st October 2024. The company’s services are especially beneficial to sectors dealing with cotton, pulses, maize, spices, mentha oil, and other key agricultural products.

This partnership will allow farmers and Agri-fraternity

AgroPolicy, Allied Industry, Oilseeds

Edible oil industry SEA on Monday called on the government to lift a ban on futures trading in key agricultural commodities, including crude palm oil and soyabean, citing significant financial impact on its members

Edible oil industry SEA on Monday called on the government to lift a ban on futures trading in key agricultural commodities, including crude palm oil and soyabean, citing significant financial impact on its members. The ban, first implemented in December 2021 on seven agricultural commodities, has been extended multiple times with the current extension running through December 20, 2024.

The Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) has appealed to five ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, arguing that the absence of futures trading has hindered price risk management and market development. “The industry was hopeful that the suspension would be lifted to enable smoother operations, but the continuation of this restriction has further weakened an essential risk mitigation tool,” SEA President Sanjeev Asthana said in a representation made to the ministers.

Edible oil industry SEA on Monday called

Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy, Climate, Environment, India, Interaction, Nature, Opinions, Soil Health, Sustainability

The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 2481 Cr till the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26)

The Govt of India has launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to promote natural farming in mission mode across the country as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

Rooted in the traditional knowledge inherited from their forefathers, farmers will practise Natural Farming (NF) as a chemical free farming which involves local livestock integrated natural farming methods, diversified crop systems, etc. NF follows local agro-ecological principles rooted in local knowledge, location specific technologies and is evolved as per the local agro-ecology.

NMNF aims at promoting NF practices for providing safe & nutritious food for all. The Mission is designed to support farmers to reduce input cost of cultivation and dependency to externally purchased inputs. Natural farming will build & maintain healthy soil ecosystems, promote biodiversity and encourage diverse cropping systems to enhance resilience as suitable to the local agroecology are the benefits of natural farming. NMNF is launched as a shift to scientifically revive and strengthen agriculture practices towards sustainability, climate resilience and healthy food for farmer families and consumers.

In the next two years, NMNF will be implemented in 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats, which are willing, & reach 1 crore farmers and initiate Natural Farming (NF) in 7.5 lakh Ha area. Preference will be given to areas having prevalence of practising NF farmers, SRLM / PACS / FPOs, etc. Further, need-based 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be set-up to provide easy availability and accessibility to ready-to-use NF inputs for farmers.

Under NMNF, around 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms shall be established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs) and farmers’ fields, and shall be supported by experienced and trained Farmer Master Trainers. The willing farmers will be trained in Model Demonstration Farms on the NF package of practices, preparation of NF inputs, etc. near their villages in KVKs, AUs and practising NF farmers’ fields. 18.75 lakh trained willing farmers will prepare inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, etc. by using their livestock or procure from BRCs. 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/ CRPs will be deployed for awareness generation, mobilisation and handholding of willing farmers in the clusters. Natural Farming practices will help farmers to reduce input cost of cultivation and dependency on externally purchased inputs while rejuvenating soil health, fertility & quality and building resilience to climate risks like waterlogging, flood, drought, etc. These practices also reduce health risks from exposure to fertilisers, pesticides, etc. and provide healthy & nutritious food for the farmers’ family. Further, through Natural Farming, a healthy Mother Earth is bequeathed to the future generations. Through improvement of soil carbon content & water use efficiency, there is an increase in soil microorganisms and biodiversity in NF.

Farmers will be provided with an easy simple certification system and dedicated common branding to provide access to market their natural farming produce. Real time geo-tagged & referenced monitoring of NMNF implementation shall be done through an online portal.

Convergence with existing schemes and support structures of Government of India/ State Governments/ National & International Organisations shall be explored for enhancing local livestock population, development of NF Model Demonstration Farms at Central Cattle Breeding Farms/ Regional Fodder Stations, provide market linkages at district/ block/ GP levels through convergence for local farmers’ markets, APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Mandis, Haats, Depots, etc. Additionally, students will be engaged in NMNF through the RAWE program and dedicated Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Diploma courses on NF.

The scheme has a total outlay of

Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Interaction, Live Stock

Yadav was speaking at the inauguration of Central India’s largest agricultural exhibition 15th Agrovision event held at PDKV Ground, Dabha, Nagpur on November 22 2024.

“As a prelude to the establishment of Atmanirbhar Gaushalas and churning profitable business models from cow rearing, production and support farmers and cattle rearers in the milk cooperatives of Vidarbha. Cow rearing has great potential of boosting urban and rural economies”, said Dr Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh at the inauguration of Central India’s largest agricultural exhibition 15th Agrovision event held at PDKV Ground, Dabha, Nagpur on November 22 2024.

Yadav also added that the state of Madhya Pradesh has significant cattle population, securing third rank, according to 2019 Census. Apart from making “cow ambulances” operational in the state, the Government has also undertaken the construction of urban cow shelters across in Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore, with a capacity of accommodating 10,000 cows.

“We have started the production of prawns fishes in Nagpur in order to utilise the potential of inland fisheries in Vidarbha. We are planning to export Vidarbha’s prawn fish to UAE, Dubai and Singapore” said Nitin Gadkari Chief patron of Agrovision and Union Minister Road Highways and Transport at the inaugural session of 15th Agrovision.

 The event was graced by dignitaries Dr Sharad Gadakh Vice Chancellor, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University, Dr P G Patil, Chancellor of MPKV Rahuri, Dr Nitin Patil, Nagpur ,Vikram Wagh CEO Mahindra Tractors ,Sheikh Abdullah Atique, president, Silal, agritech food company UAE , Deepak Shah, President Crop Care Federation Corporate Relations Aid Alliance ,Dr  T R Kesvan Group President TAFE Tractors , Foundation Dr C. D. Mayee,  President of Agrovision Ravi Bortkar Secretary Agrovision, Ramesh Mankar, member of Agrovision committee  along with MLA Sameer Meghe, Sudhakar Kohle, Charan Singh Thakur, Ashish Deshmukh, Dr Girish Gandhi member of Agrovision committee , Tekchand Savarkar, Nago Ganar were prominently present.

Gadkari further said that Mother Dairy has started a large milk processing plant in Nagpur with an investment of Rs 538 crore. Today Mother Dairy is buying five lakh litres of milk from farmers. The day Mother Dairy collects 50 lakh litres of milk from farmers in Vidarbha and other companies collect a total of one crore litres of milk, surely no farmer in Vidarbha will commit suicide. He advised the dairy farmers of Vidarbha present to use embryo transfer technique along with fodder cultivation to produce more milk yielding cows. We want to make agricultural specialists here and instead of making the farmers specialists, they appealed to make the entire village a specialist.

In his welcome address, Ravindra Boratkar briefed about the journey of Agrovision so far and its role in empowering the farmers. “15th edition of Agrovision will have 40 workshops for farmers on various topics related to allied industry and also 6 special workshops which will mainly focus on dairy, sugarcane, orange production food processing and importance of IT in agriculture. The exhibition will feature, electric tractors CNG and biogas powered tractors. 30 startups related to agriculture have been showcased in Agrovision, which should be taken advantage of by farmers, youth and traders,” he said.

A directory containing the information of all the participants of Agrovision was released on this occasion. Dr C D Mayee proposed the vote of thanks.

Yadav was speaking at the inauguration of

Agbiologicals, Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, India, Interaction

As the esteemed national expo, Agrovision seamlessly blends the latest technology, expertise, experience, and business to keep agriculturists across the country updated and empowered.

15th edition of India’s premier agriculture 4-day annual event, Agrovision will be held from 22-25 November 2024 at PDKV Ground, Dabha, Nagpur. Agrovision stands out as an exceptional platform for farmers from across India to exchange knowledge and expertise. Pioneered 14 years ago under the distinguished leadership of Chief Patron Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highway, Agrovision has continuously elevated its significance and influence with every subsequent edition.

Agrovision, the illustrious 4-day annual event is held in Nagpur, stands out as an exceptional platform for farmers from across India to exchange knowledge and expertise. Pioneered 13 years ago under the distinguished leadership of Chief Patron Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highway, Agrovision has continuously elevated its significance and influence with every subsequent edition. This momentous movement aspires to educate, encourage, and empower farmers by introducing them to cutting-edge farming technologies and allied agribusinesses that amplify their income and ensure a sustainable livelihood. Its unparalleled success and significance make it the most highly anticipated agri-festival in central India, attended by the cream of the agricultural community.

The Mega Exhibition at Agrovision is a major highlight that attracts a diverse range of participants, including Corporates, Central and State Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, NGOs, R&D Organisations, Educational Institutes, Financial Institutes, MSMEs, and Self-Help Groups. This national expo, which blends the latest technology, expertise, experience, and business, draws lakhs of farmers every year, and its popularity continues to skyrocket with each edition. As the esteemed national expo, Agrovision seamlessly blends the latest technology, expertise, experience, and business to keep agriculturists across the country updated and empowered. Beyond its role in updating agriculturists throughout the country, the expo offers tremendous business opportunities that cannot be overlooked. AgroSpectrum is the exclusive media partner for Agrovision 2024.

2024 Edition Highlights:

*400 Exhibitors

*40,000+ Participants in the workshops

*30 Workshops

*60 Workshop Speakers

Special pavilion for MSME & Startups

Conference on Dairy, Inland Fisheries & Sugarcane farming

2,00,000+ Farmers Visited

New Initiatives in 15th Agrovision:

*IT in Agriculture

*Start-Ups in Agriculture

*NSIC Pavilion

*MSME Pavilion

*Livestock Pavilion

As the esteemed national expo, Agrovision seamlessly

Agribusiness, Agro Universities, R&D, Start ups, Sustainability

The collaboration between Salam Kisan and DBSKKV Dapoli is focused on a comprehensive suite of agritech advancements designed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability

In a transformative step for Indian agriculture, Salam Kisan, a leading agri-tech platform under PRYM Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious state agricultural university Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV Dapoli). This strategic partnership focuses on facilitating a research-backed, tech-driven transformation within the agricultural ecosystem. With this partnership, Salam Kisan strengthens its existing features and creates additional value for the entire agricultural community with the addition of expertise in R&D, field trials, and data analytics to its ecosystem.

The MoU, signed by Dr. Parag Haldankar, Director of Research and Mr. Akshay Khobragade, Chief Operating Officer at Salam Kisan, PRYM Group in the presence of Dr. Sanjay Bhave, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Satish Narkhede, Dean & DI, Dr. P.U. Shahare, Associate Dean from DBSKKV Dapoli, and aims to address critical needs in modern agriculture. Established for a period of five years, the partnership provides a stable foundation for long-term initiatives.

The strategic goals of this partnership include strengthening the crop calendar by utilizing data-driven AI and machine learning solutions to optimize agricultural planning, allowing for more precise planting and harvesting schedules. It also aims to develop drone Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for the safe and effective use of drones in agriculture, addressing a current industry gap as limited such government SoPs exist. Additionally, the collaboration will deliver real-time pest and disease management solutions, offering farmers on-the-ground support to protect their crops. Finally, the partnership will focus on formulating and promoting natural farming practices to encourage sustainable, eco-friendly methods that support environmental health and long-term agricultural resilience.

The partnership will benefit agriculture graduates, researchers, farmers, policymakers, micro-entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders who are vital to building a resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Ms. Dhanashree Mandhani Founder & CEO of Salam Kisan commented “This partnership is critical for the future of sustainable agriculture in India. Known for its excellence in agricultural research, the state agricultural university brings invaluable knowledge to this collaboration. By combining DBSKKV’s rigorous research expertise with Salam Kisan’s advanced technological capabilities, we can deliver impactful, scalable solutions that uplift the agriculture sector as a whole. This alliance represents a meaningful step toward our commitment to transforming agriculture through accessible, sustainable technology. Together, we aim to drive substantial improvements in farming productivity and resilience, enhancing livelihoods and supporting rural entrepreneurship across the nation.”

The collaboration between Salam Kisan and DBSKKV

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India

Under the agreement, GAVL will distribute Provivi’s YSB Eco-Dispenser for controlling yellow stem borer in rice crops.

Agribusiness major Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with US-based Provivi to introduce sustainable pheromone-based pest control solutions for India’s rice and corn farmers. The collaboration aims to leverage GAVL’s extensive distribution network to deliver environmentally friendly pest management tools to millions of Indian farmers who depend on rice and corn cultivation. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Under the agreement, GAVL will distribute Provivi’s YSB Eco-Dispenser for controlling yellow stem borer in rice crops. The company has also secured exclusive commercialisation rights in India for the FAW Eco-Dispenser, which targets fall armyworm in corn.

With changing climatic conditions leading to increased pest challenges, it’s more important than ever to empower Indian farmers with innovative, sustainable technologies,” GAVL Managing Director Balram Singh Yadav said in a statement.

India, a major global rice exporter and significant corn producer, faces ongoing challenges from crop-damaging pests that increase production costs for farmers. The biodegradable pest control products are expected to be available to Indian farmers by 2029, the company mentioned.

“This partnership allows Provivi to expand our impact in one of the world’s fastest-growing agricultural markets,” Provivi CEO Corey Huck said.

Under the agreement, GAVL will distribute Provivi's

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Allied Industry, Animal Husbandry, Australia, Climate, Country, Dairy, Digital Technologies, Foodgrains, Fruits, Funding, Horticulture, India, Inputs, Interaction, Investments, Live Stock, Nature, Oilseeds, Opinions, Poultry, Pulses, R&D, Soil Health, Sustainability, Trade, Vegetables

Mr Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner calls on Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi at Krishi Bhawan New Delhi to explore platforms towards strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and allied sectors

Mr. Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi . The meeting provided an important platform to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the agriculture and allied sectors.

During the meeting, Dr. Chaturvedi underscored the significance of the longstanding and multifaceted partnership between India and Australia, with particular focus on the agricultural sector. He outlined India’s current priorities in agriculture, emphasizing that the government is not only committed to ensuring food security but also to enhancing farmers’ incomes and improving nutritional security for the population. Dr. Chaturvedi highlighted key initiatives such as crop diversification, the promotion of exports, achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses, and the strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) as vital components of India’s agricultural strategy. He also stressed the importance of technological advancements, including precision agriculture, the Digital Agriculture Mission, and the mechanization of small farms, in modernizing the sector. Additionally, he acknowledged the growing role of startups in driving innovation and transformation in agriculture.

Mr. Green, in turn, highlighted the importance of agriculture in Australia’s priorities and the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. He expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities within the agritech sector and emphasized the importance of strengthening trade ties to further these objectives. Mr. Green stressed the need for continued engagement to identify and unlock new opportunities for trade and cooperation.

Both sides agreed on the importance of advancing collaboration across various areas, including agri-tech, horticulture, digital agriculture, and agricultural machinery.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, representatives from ICAR, and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs also participated in the discussion, contributing valuable insights and enriching the dialogue.

Mr Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, Live Stock, R&D

The app is currently being refined after successful trials with fishing communities in Kerala and will soon be rolled out for wider use in the region.

 Researchers at the University of Southampton have designed a new mobile app to help small-scale fishing communities in Kerala, India, navigate the challenges of diminishing fish stocks and climate change. The app connects fishers, enabling them to share real-time information about fish locations, sea conditions, and catch details, ultimately optimizing fishing trips and promoting sustainable practices.

Fishers in Kerala face numerous pressures, including climate change affecting resource availability, habitat degradation, marine pollution, and enforcement issues. This new app addresses these challenges by fostering collaboration within fishing groups. When a boat locates fish, its GPS location is shared via the app, saving other fishers time and fuel. The app also encourages photo sharing to document sea conditions and catches, providing valuable data for researchers to understand the local marine environment and inform policy development.

“Along with our Indian partners, we’ve researched the issues facing Kerala’s fishing communities over the past decade and the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss,” said Dr Bindi Shah, Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Southampton. “This app empowers these marginalised communities with accessible tools to mitigate some of these challenges.”

The research team, which includes experts from the University of Southampton, University of Exeter, University of Newcastle, and the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kerala, has also developed policy recommendations for local government. These recommendations address critical issues such as extreme weather events, marine mammal interactions, competitive disadvantages, infrastructure needs, and mangrove loss. The brief suggests practical and financial support for fishers, including compensation mechanisms, incentives for marine litter collection, and mangrove replanting projects.

The app is currently being refined after successful trials with fishing communities in Kerala and will soon be rolled out for wider use in the region. “Our key hope is that the app will stabilize incomes for the fishing community, saving them fuel and time, and helping them get the best price for their fish,” added Dr. Shah.

The app is currently being refined after

Award, India, People, R&D

 The fellowship, effective from January 1, 2025, recognizes Prof. Bansal’s outstanding contributions to science and its promotion in the developing world.

Prof. KC Bansal, an eminent agricultural scientist and former Director of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR), has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for his groundbreaking work in plant biotechnology, including developing transgenic crops for drought and salt stress tolerance.

The fellowship, effective from January 1, 2025, recognizes Prof. Bansal’s outstanding contributions to science and its promotion in the developing world. This achievement highlights a rare distinction, as only a select few Indian agricultural scientists, approximately seven so far, have been inducted as TWAS Fellows. The induction ceremony for newly elected members will take place during the next TWAS General Conference.

Prof. KC Bansal is a world-renowned plant biotechnologist with deep interest in genome engineering for building climate resilient and sustainable agriculture.  He obtained his doctorate with Gold Medal from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi and pursued post-doctorate from the prestigious Harvard University, Cambridge, USA. He worked as Visiting Scientist at Rutgers University, USA under the aegis of Rockefeller Career Biotech Fellowship. 

Currently, Prof. Bansal is Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, and serves on the Board of Directors of Global Plant Council; Board of Trustees of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, and on the Research Advisory Council of IARI, New Delhi. He is Chairman of the NASF’s Technical Advisory Committee of the National Network on Genome Editing in Plants. He is the first recipient of the prestigious Norman Borlaug Chair, selected in 2010 (a position equivalent to the University Vice-Chancellor).

Prof. Bansal served as elected Secretary of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), India (2021 to 2023), as Director of the premier ICAR institute, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Govt. of India, New Delhi from 2010-2016, and as elected Vice-Chair from Asia for the 15th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (2013-2015).

Prof. Bansal played the key, visionary role in formulating the World Bank project on National Agricultural Higher Education (NAHEP), which is implemented across 75 agricultural universities in the country, since 2017.

 The fellowship, effective from January 1, 2025,