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Company News, Interaction, Opinions, People

PepsiCo aims to impact one million women by 2026 through its RevolutioNari initiative, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing female representation in agriculture

The RevolutioNari Awards, a ground-breaking program to support women’s empowerment in the agriculture industry, have been formally introduced by PepsiCo India. The occasion, which took place in New Delhi, marks a significant turning point in PepsiCo’s continuous initiatives to promote inclusive growth by forming alliances with communities and governments.

The awards highlighted the value of gender equality and innovation in agriculture by recognizing ten female farmers for their exceptional accomplishments in a variety of categories. Prominent individuals in attendance, including Smriti Irani and Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, emphasized the important role women play in promoting agricultural advancement. Through its RevolutioNari project, PepsiCo hopes to have an influence on one million women by 2026, further demonstrating its dedication to increasing the number of women in agriculture. More than 150 professionals attended the event, which also included policy and financial inclusion workshops and conversations to examine innovation and sustainable growth.

Ten female farmers from all around India were honored for serving as role models for women in leadership roles and encouraging countless others to make more significant contributions to the industry. They were chosen following a careful review of nominations received from all throughout the nation. The submissions were examined in five categories by an external jury made up of industry professionals led by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog:

-Breaking Gender Stereotypes & Implementing Best Farming Practices: Tapasi Pal from West Bengal awarded Gold and Sanju Yogi from Rajasthan awarded Silver

-Economic Empowerment through SHGs: Ganapathi SHG from Telangana awarded Gold and Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. from Uttar Pradesh awarded Silver

-Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Shivani Kisku from Jharkhand awarded Gold and Manguben Jaga from Gujarat awarded Silver

-Protection and Promotion of Native Indigenous Food Systems: Monika Mohite from Maharashtra awarded Gold and Sujata Paramanik from West Bengal awarded Silver

-Youth Innovators in Agriculture: Surbhi Kumari from Bihar awarded Gold and Anima Aind from Jharkhand awarded Silver

Knowledge exchanges, workshops, and lively panel discussions characterized the event. Insightful workshops were created to give farmers the skills and information they need to prosper in the changing agricultural environment. The advancement of resilience and gender equality in agriculture was the main topic of the panel talks. In order to empower women as change agents, “Policy Perspectives: Advancing Gender Equality in Agriculture” focused on specific policies and training. The article “Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion, Innovation, and Technology” emphasized how innovation may improve women’s access to resources. In order to create a sustainable and resilient future, “Seed to Smile: Cultivating Resilience for a Better Tomorrow” examined climate-smart methods and farmer empowerment. The RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024 drew more than 150 professionals from the agricultural sector, including academicians, corporates, opinion leaders, agronomists, and policymakers.

PepsiCo aims to impact one million women

Collaborations, R&D, Sustainability, Trade

The session outlined a roadmap for transforming the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future while providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed

The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC 2024) concluded with a dynamic plenary session centered on strategies to enhance Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector. Moderated by Dr. Vikram Patil, Agricultural Economics Scientist at IRRI, the session brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from government officials and academic leaders to industry experts—to discuss actionable strategies that can improve seed quality, infrastructure, and market access in the state. The overarching goal was to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector to better serve the needs of farmers and foster sustainable agriculture.

A distinguished panel of speakers led the session, including Prof. Panjab Singh, Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi; Dr. K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. A.K. Singh, Former Director and Vice Chancellor of IARI, New Delhi; Dr. J.S. Tomar, Director of Agriculture, UP; Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC; Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General of Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research; Mr. Pankaj Tripathi, Managing Director of Beeja Vikas Nigam, UP; and Prof. Sanjeet Kumar, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at ANDUAT, Ayodhya.

The session delved into several critical areas for strengthening the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and ensuring accessibility for farmers.

A key focus was enhancing seed quality and certification. Panelists emphasized the need for expanding seed testing and quality control facilities across the state. Simplifying the certification process, especially for small-scale producers, was also highlighted as a vital step. By offering training and financial incentives, the state can help local seed producers meet national and international standards, ensuring high-quality seeds are readily available to farmers.

Infrastructure development emerged as another critical area of focus. Experts underscored the importance of investing in cold storage units, warehouses, and transportation systems to preserve seed quality and ensure timely delivery to farmers. This infrastructure would not only support seed producers but also ensure that farmers have consistent access to the seeds they need, particularly during crucial planting seasons.

In today’s digital age, digital solutions were highlighted as a means of enhancing transparency and efficiency in the seed supply chain. Panelists called for the development of mobile applications and digital platforms that connect seed producers, suppliers, and farmers. These platforms can provide real-time information on seed varieties, market prices, and weather updates, ensuring farmers can make informed decisions and access the best available seeds.

Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was also seen as essential for empowering farmers. These organizations can serve as valuable intermediaries, providing farmers with access to new seed varieties, training on best practices, and resources to improve their farming techniques. The session also focused on the promotion of bio-fortified and climate-resilient seeds, with a strong push for developing drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties. Implementing pricing mechanisms and offering incentives for cultivating nutrient-rich varieties could improve both food security and farmers’ economic viability.

An important point of discussion was the conservation of indigenous landraces. The creation of a Landrace Conservation Committee was proposed to catalog and promote indigenous seed varieties, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. Additionally, the establishment of a digital repository to document the traits and benefits of these varieties was recommended as a way to support their continued use in modern agriculture. To foster the growth of organic seed production, the session advocated for financial incentives and simplified certification processes, making it easier for farmers to produce and access organic seeds. This would help meet the growing demand for organic produce and encourage environmentally friendly farming practices.

In addition, capacity building was emphasized as a key pillar of the seed sector’s growth. Training programs for farmers, seed inspectors, and extension agents will ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to implement innovative practices effectively. Collaboration between public institutions and private companies was also encouraged to drive research and innovation in seed production.

Finally, the session highlighted the importance of market linkages and expanding export potential. Strengthening connections between seed producers and agro-processing industries could help improve the economic viability of the seed sector. Establishing export systems for high-quality seeds would not only boost competitiveness in global markets but also support the state’s economic growth by tapping into international demand.

The session concluded with a clear call to action: all stakeholders—government bodies, research institutions, the private sector, and farmer organizations—must collaborate to implement these strategies and drive the growth of Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector. By investing in infrastructure, embracing digital innovations, and fostering public-private partnerships, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to position itself as a leader in India’s seed industry, supporting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods. With these actionable recommendations, the session outlined a roadmap for transforming the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future while providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The session outlined a roadmap for transforming

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Collaborations, Digital Technologies, Institutions, IT

ICRISAT and KALRO Lead Stakeholder Workshop on Advancing Digital Agriculture in Nairobi

The event, organized by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) under the aegis of CGIAR initiative on digital innovation, brought together a diverse group—including government representatives, NGOs, private companies, and farmer collectives—to explore how digital agriculture can revolutionize the region’s farming practices.

Discussions focused on boosting the adoption of digital tools to improve productivity, climate resilience, and market access for smallholder farmers across the continent. A key highlight was the launch of the Plantix app in Swahili jointly by ICRISAT and Plantix with support from CGIAR initiative on digital innovations, offering farmers real-time pest and disease diagnostics, crop management advice, and weather updates.

Dr Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim & Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT, underscored the importance of digital innovation for Africa’s agricultural future.

“Digital Agriculture is gaining significant momentum globally, driven by advances in AI, machine learning, and precision farming technologies. These innovations are reshaping agriculture and hold enormous potential for smallholder farmers across Africa, enhancing productivity, expanding market access, and promoting sustainability through data-driven decision-making,” said Dr Blade. The United Nations highlights food security as a critical area that will be significantly disrupted by digital technologies, with Digital Agriculture playing a key role in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr ML Jat, Global Director of ICRISAT’s Resilient Farm and Food Systems Program, acknowledged that despite significant technological advancements, challenges such as inadequate information systems and low digital literacy continue to persist.

“Digital Agriculture has the potential to bridge the gap between innovation and smallholder farmers. By empowering farmers with easy-to-use precision tools and data-driven insights, we are helping to build more resilient and sustainable farming systems,” said Dr Jat.

Regarding Transforming Smallholder Farming Systems, discussions centered on how high-tech tools, such as drones, AI-powered predictive tools, IoT devices, and remote sensing, can improve irrigation, pest management, and crop yields. Experts also highlighted the role of digital mobile tools and ICTs in providing climate-smart agricultural advice and enhancing market access for farmers. The workshop also addressed the need for innovative business models, public-private partnerships, and policies to support the scaling of Digital Agriculture in Africa. Topics included carbon farming, blockchain technology, and the importance of data privacy and farmer profiling.

The goal was to identify investment opportunities, define policy needs, and create a collaborative community of Digital Agriculture practitioners. The workshop also aimed to define research and development (R&D) areas that would benefit from multi-stakeholder collaboration in the digital space.

“The success of this workshop underscores the growing recognition of Digital Agriculture as a key driver of agricultural transformation in Africa and the Global South,” shared Dr Salim Kinyimu, Director of Information and Communication Technology, KALRO. “In collaboration with ICRISAT, KALRO will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that smallholder farmers benefit from the latest technological advances.”

ICRISAT and KALRO Lead Stakeholder Workshop on

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, AgroPolicy, Biofertilizers, Company News, Fungicides, Herbicides, R&D

Initial estimates suggest a market size of ₹200–₹300 crores for targeted pest management products in high value crops, offering a sustained growth opportunity for Best Agrolife Ltd

Best Agrolife Ltd., one of India’s leading agrochemical manufacturers, has been granted a synergistic patent for its novel ternary pesticide formulation that integrates Spiromesifen, Hexythiazox, and Abamectin. This breakthrough product is specifically designed to address mite infestations in cotton, chilli and tea plantations, a persistent issue that threatens crop productivity and quality. This unique formulation is effective against multiple pests, delivering unparalleled efficacy in combating various mites, as well as sucking pests like whiteflies. These pests are among the most destructive to crops and vegetables including brinjal, okra, and tomato.

Mites pose a severe challenge to tea farmers, leading to crop losses ranging from 17% to 46%. The patented formulation offers a holistic approach to managing mite infestations by targeting mites across ovicidal, nymphal, and adult stages. This multi-action mechanism ensures efficient pest control, contributing to healthier crops and improved yields for high value plantations.

India, the second-largest producer of tea globally and the largest consumer, accounts for 30% of the world’s tea consumption. In 2022, tea cultivation in India spanned approximately 6.19 lakh hectares. The tea segment in India is valued at around ₹20,000 crores annually, and pest management is a critical component of this market. Mites constitute a major challenge for Tea estates.

The new product addresses a critical need, offering farmers a powerful solution to protect their crops in regions where these pests are most prevalent. States Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab, Assam and West Bengal, are expected to benefit from the introduction of this product.

The new formulation has the potential to cater to a significant share of this market, especially given the increasing demand for specialized crop protection solutions. Initial estimates suggest a market size of ₹200–₹300 crores for targeted pest management products in high value crops, offering a sustained growth opportunity for Best Agrolife Ltd. Initial sale estimates in the first year of introduction are estimated to be around ₹15 to ₹30 crores.

This development underscores Best Agrolife Ltd.’s commitment to innovation and its robust R&D capabilities. By securing this patent, the company has further strengthened its product portfolio addressing a critical pain point for tea, cotton and chilli and brinjal farmers. By combining three potent active ingredients, this formulation provides broad-spectrum control, reducing the necessity for multiple applications. This not only lowers costs for farmers but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices by limiting environmental impact.

The patent is part of Best Agrolife Ltd.’s growing portfolio of specialised crop-specific product portfolio. The company’s leadership in research and development continues to drive advancements that empower farmers and support the agri-industry’s growth.

Initial estimates suggest a market size of

Fruits, India, Supply Chain, Trade

 Company plans to introduce various consumer engagement activities, including in-store promotions and recipe-sharing campaigns, to enhance their experience.

The much-anticipated South African stone fruit season is here, bringing a bounty of juicy peaches, nectarines, and plums to the Indian market. Known for their exceptional taste, vibrant colour, and premium quality, these stone fruits promise to delight Indian consumers with their freshness and versatility.

South Africa, celebrated globally for its fertile lands and state-of-the-art farming practices, has been a trusted source of high-quality stone fruits for decades. The region’s unique climate is ideal for producing fruits that are naturally sweet and full of flavour.

This season’s arrival marks a continued effort to strengthen the bond between South African growers and Indian consumers. With growing awareness about healthy eating, South African stone fruits are an excellent choice for those seeking nutrient-rich snacks, fresh desserts, or ingredients for creative recipes.

Sachin Khurana, India Representative, South African Stone Fruits, said, “We are thrilled to bring South African stone fruits to India once again this season. Indian consumers have embraced the exceptional quality of our fruits, and we are committed to providing them with the freshest and finest produce. This year, we are excited to introduce various consumer engagement activities, including in-store promotions and recipe-sharing campaigns, to enhance their experience.”

To celebrate the launch of the season, consumers in India can look forward to exciting retail promotions at leading stores, where they can sample and purchase these premium stone fruits. Additionally, chefs and food enthusiasts will share innovative recipes using South African stone fruits, highlighting their versatility in both traditional and modern cuisines.

South African stone fruits are now available across major cities in India, ensuring easy access for all fruit lovers. South Africa is one of the leading exporters of high-quality stone fruits, renowned for its state-of-the-art farming practices and commitment to freshness. With a rich heritage in agriculture, the region continues to deliver fruits that are enjoyed worldwide.

 Company plans to introduce various consumer engagement

AgroPolicy, Finance, India, Schemes - Govt, Supply Chain, Warehousing

With a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore, the scheme aims to provide post-harvest financial support to farmers against electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWRs) issued for commodities.

In a significant step to empower farmers and prevent distress selling, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF). With a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore, the scheme aims to provide post-harvest financial support to farmers against electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWRs) issued for commodities stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)-accredited warehouses.

Highlighting the scheme’s transformative potential, Joshi emphasized that it will encourage banks to adopt a liberal approach towards extending credit to farmers, enabling them to store their produce and fetch better market prices. He urged WDRA to expedite warehouse registrations and develop facilities closer to farmlands, ensuring wider reach and adoption.

Key Features of the CGS-NPF Scheme:

Coverage: Loans up to Rs 75 lakh for small and marginal farmers will enjoy 80-85 percent coverage, while loans up to Rs 200 lakh for MSMEs, FPOs, and traders will be covered up to 75 percent.

Focus Areas: Priority will be given to Small and Marginal Farmers, Women, SC/ST, and Divyangjan (PwD) farmers.

Objective: To enhance post-harvest lending, improve farmers’ income, and minimize distress sales.

Target: The scheme aims to boost post-harvest lending to Rs 5.5 lakh crore over the next decade.

Union Minister of State Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya emphasised the scheme’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for farmers’ welfare, while MoS B.L. Verma highlighted its role in mitigating credit risk and warehouseman risk, bolstering trust among banks and stakeholders.

Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, emphasized the need to scale up warehouse registrations to 40,000 over the next 1-2 years. He also pointed to the integration of the e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi platform, which will streamline end-to-end lending processes for farmers, reducing bureaucratic delays.

The scheme has been widely welcomed by stakeholders, particularly the banking sector, as it ensures greater availability and accessibility of credit for post-harvest activities. It also supports FPOs, MSMEs, and small traders, strengthening the agricultural value chain and food security.

This initiative is a significant step towards empowering farmers, enhancing credit flow, and ensuring better financial returns for their produce.

With a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore,

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Funding, Herbicides

Broadway Ultra builds on the success of Broadway® Star which has been a mainstay of early-season weed control for 14 years

Wheat and triticale growers in the UK and Ireland will have a new herbicide at their disposal next spring to tackle a wide range of broad-leaved and grass weeds.

Broadway Ultra builds on the success of Broadway® Star which has been a mainstay of early-season weed control for 14 years.

Corteva Agriscience has now combined pyroxsulam and mesosulfuron-methyl in the new Broadway Ultra formulation, offering arable farmers the ability to control an extensive spectrum of weeds in a single pass.

″Broadway Star has a well-earned reputation as reliable, proven chemistry but with our new Broadway Ultra product the addition of mesosulfuron-methyl brings meadow grass control into farmers’ hands too,″ said Alister McRobbie, Cereal Herbicides Category Manager.

″We see this as a significant evolution. We now have two of the most effective post-emergence active ingredients in a single formulation and this should be something of real value to growers at the start of spring herbicide campaigns.″

Corteva expects growers with traditional rotations and on lighter land where meadow grass and broad-leaved weeds are the key issue to benefit the most from this new innovation.

Broadway Ultra’s label weeds also include brome, ryegrass, tame oats, wild oats and loose silky bent as well as difficult broad-leaved weeds such as cleavers, speedwells, mayweed, charlock, bur chervil and volunteer oilseed rape.

Trials conducted by Corteva demonstrate the same level of control of rygrass, meadow brome and annual meadow brome as mesosulfuron- and iodosulfuron-containing herbicides.

Alister added that the same ″act early″ principles around application timing should be followed.

″Getting on top of key problem weeds early is as important as it ever was, and the challenging autumns we have had in recent years often shifts the pressure for weed control to the spring,″ he said.

″Broadway Ultra can be applied from 1 January right the way through to the middle of May, but can not be used in the autumn. It can be safely tank mixed with – or followed by – Zypar® and has a broad range of ALS joint applications on the label, including combinations with Corteva ALS herbicides and those of other manufacturers.″

The wettable granule should be applied with an adjuvant at a rate of 100g per hectare and comes in a 500g pack.

A 5m reducible buffer zone applies.

Alister said: ″We are really pleased to be able to bring this product to the market in the spring and will have good availability of the product for growers who want to experience the new formulation on their farms.″

Broadway Ultra builds on the success of

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, R&D

Opening new possibilities for farmers in Europe to combat key cereal diseases while enhancing crop quality

ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE 000553), a leading global crop protection company, announced its plan to introduce a novel fungicidal Active Ingredient, Gilboa™, targeting key cereal and oilseed rape diseases including Septoria, Ramularia, and Sclerotinia. The company has submitted this innovative molecule to the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), where it is expected to be assigned to a new mode of action group for cereals. This innovation will offer European farmers a valuable resistance management tool, enabling the use of Gilboa™-based fungicides in conjunction with, or instead of, existing fungicides.

In the past five years, EU farmers have lost access to 68 conventional pesticide active ingredients due to regulatory changes. Moreover, it has been some years since a new molecule targeting Septoria in wheat, Ramularia in barley, or Sclerotinia in oilseed rape has been introduced to market. Unlike existing solutions, many of which are based on SDHI and DMI’s, Gilboa™ targets a different pathway. This new approach offers farmers an innovative way to tackle serious fungal diseases while enhancing crop quality.

“Based on our extensive field trials, Gilboa™ is a major game-changer for cereal farmers in Great Britain, Europe and globally,” said Florian Wagner, EVP Portfolio and Innovation at ADAMA. “Based on its mode of action, this new chemistry exemplifies ADAMA’s leadership in developing advanced solutions to protect cereal crops while reducing the risk of resistance development.”

“We expect Gilboa™ to be a standout solution to challenges faced by farmers worldwide,” said Gaël Hili, President and CEO at ADAMA. “Farmers today need more diverse and effective tools in their toolkit, and Gilboa™ delivers exactly that. By complementing ADAMA’s existing portfolio of cereal fungicides, it provides growers with a broader range of solutions to manage disease pressure more effectively. This aligns with our strategy to deliver innovative solutions that address growers’ evolving needs, improve disease management, and support sustainable agriculture.”

Gilboa™ was submitted for registration in 2023 and is expected to be approved in Great Britain in 2027 and the EU in 2029. Subsequent registrations are planned for additional territories.

Opening new possibilities for farmers in Europe

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy

Given seasonal uncertainty, Syngenta offers a solution to maximize soybean yield potential, no matter the early-season pest pressure

With reports of high disease outbreaks in 2024, and the World Meteorological Organization (WO) predicting a 60% chance of La Niña1 weather in 2025, this could lead to cooler conditions. If this happens, soybean growers will need to be prepared for any weather condition or disease outbreak next season.

Thanks to continued research into Saltro® fungicide seed treatment, Syngenta has confirmed an additional way for soybean growers to unlock soybean yield potential, as well as their ROI potential, regardless of early-season pressure.

″Since it entered the market, Saltro has consistently delivered thorough protection against Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) and more recently, Red Crown Rot (RCR)*,″ said Dale Ireland, Ph.D., Syngenta technical lead. ″We’ve continued to run trials and have found Saltro also improves soybean health and potential yield in situations with no perceived pest or disease pressure, and that’s where the recently confirmed benefit of MagniSafe technology comes in.″

This well-documented and unique phenomenon, enabled exclusively by MagniSafe™ technology, results in extraordinary increases in root and shoot mass and enhanced plant-health improvements that can be seen regardless of disease or pest pressure.

″In various weather conditions and regardless of variety planted, Saltro-treated soybeans grow stronger, faster and healthier – above and below ground,″ said Katie Jaeger, Syngenta product lead. ″Compared to other seed treatments or untreated seed trials, we’ve seen Saltro set soybeans up for greater success. It helps soybeans establish a larger root system for maximum nutrient uptake and helps plants emerge stronger and healthier for faster speed-to-canopy. In the field, it’s translated into higher yield and greater return potential.″

Under SDS pressure, Saltro delivers a 3-bushel yield advantage over the competitive product in eight years of trials2. With enhanced plant health and crop safety, Saltro also boosts potential yields in the absence of disease or pest pressure with a 1.5-to-4.5-bushel yield increase compared to a base treatment alone across the broad acre.3

″Soybean growers need higher yield to be profitable,″ Jaeger said. ″The unique protection from Saltro could bring the extra bushels growers need to bounce back after a challenging season and heading into an uncertain 2025. I encourage growers to try Saltro next season and see how its MagniSafe technology may impact yield and their bottom line.″

Given seasonal uncertainty, Syngenta offers a solution

Acquaculture, Allied Industry, Funding, India, Investments, Schemes - Govt, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Trade

As reported by MPEDA, the target fixed for the export of fish and fishery products during 2024-25 is 8,000 USD Million and 6 new markets viz. Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Central African Republic, Sierra Leona, Suriname and Chad has been identified for export of fish and fish products

During the financial year 2023-24, India exported an all-time high volume of 17,81,602 MT of Seafood worth Rs. 60,523.89 crore. USA and China are the major importers of Indian seafood. The details of the Market to which India exports the largest volume of marine products are placed at Annexure-I. As reported by MPEDA, the target fixed for the export of fish and fishery products during 2024-25 is 8,000 USD Million and 6 new markets viz. Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Central African Republic, Sierra Leona, Suriname and Chad has been identified for export of fish and fish products.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the year 2020-21 during the Covid-19 pandemic has rolled out a flagship scheme the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with highest ever investment of Rs. 20050 crores in the fisheries sector for implementation during a period of five years i.e., 2020-21 to 2024-25, in all States/Union Territories with objective of enhancing production, productivity and exports and of addressing key gaps in the value chain. Towards meeting this objective and in order to enhance India’s export competitiveness and higher price realization, the PMMSY supports a basket of interventions/activities along the fisheries value chain. These include quality fish production, expansion, diversification and intensification of brackish water aquaculture, promotion of export-oriented species, infusion of technology, robust disease management framework, promotion of good aquaculture practices, branding, standards, certification and traceability, training and capacity building, creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure with seamless cold chain, development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres, etc. In addition, to address the critical infrastructure requirements of fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India during 2018-19 has created the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore to provide concessional finance to states/UT and private sector.

In addition, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Department of Commerce has been taking various steps to promote export of marine products from India to other countries including brand promotion. These inter alia include participation in various trade fairs and exhibitions, and organization of Virtual Buyer Seller Meets (VBSMs), organization of Chintan Shivir etc.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the ongoing scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya SampadaYojana (PMMSY) provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territories for the development of post-harvest infrastructure facilities for fisheries such as ice plants/ cold storages, fishing harbours and fish landing centres, fish transport facilities such as refrigerated vehicles, insulated vehicles, two wheelers/ three wheelers with ice box, fish marketing facilities such as fish retail markets, fish kiosks, fish value-added enterprises, e-platform for e-trading and e-marketing of fish and fisheries products, live fish vending centres etc.

In order to promote the export of marine products, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has taken several initiatives these inter-alia includes support to 27,823 ice plant /cold storages, transportation facilities supported with an investment of ₹1362 cr, support for acquisition of 1398 Deep Sea Tuna Fishing Vessels (₹ 1310 cr) and up-gradation of 1338 fishing vessels (₹ 193.64 cr), approval of the projects for export oriented fish species such as Scampi, Mud crab, Asian Seabass, Cobia etc, support for state-of-the-art aquaculture production technologies like RAS and Biofloc. In addition Department of fisheries has notified guidelines for promoting diversified species, Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBCs) / Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMCs) and Brood Banks under CAA Act.

Further, to reduce disease prevalence and increase fish productivity nationwide, the Department is implementing National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) coordinated by ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow. To ensure the sustainability and uninterrupted supply of Indian seafood to the US Market, the Department is supporting a Marine Mammal Stock assessment project at the cost of around ₹ 13.29 cr. In addition, the Department is also advising the States/UTs to encourage the farmers to attend the technical and demonstration workshops/training programs related to seed and feed, technology infusion, ornamental fisheries, hatchery technologies etc. on periodic basis in order to increase in productivity and quality of fishery produce

In addition, MPEDA operates various financial assistance schemes like Assistance for Mini labs, establishment of nurseries, establishment of shrimp handling facilities, establishment of aquafarms for diversified aquaculture, Shaphari Certification of farms and hatcheries, Technology Upgradation Scheme for Marine Products (TUSMP), Assistance for Infrastructural Development for Value Addition, Chilled Fish Handling Centre, Assistance for Large Cold Storage etc. to upgrade infrastructure for value addition and establish mini laboratories, support shrimp farmers in enhancing disease-free production and ensuring quality produce

As per their legal and trade policies, countries enforce various regulatory measures to ensure the safety and quality of the products placed in their territory. The range and stringency of the requirements, including prior registration, testing and certification may differ from one country to another, depending on their developmental status as well as how evolved their regulatory structures are. These measures apply equally to both domestic manufacturers and the importers. However, such measures may sometimes create hurdles in getting market access due various reasons such as gap in the regulatory frameworks and quality compliance requirements of the trade partners, lack of transparency, arbitrariness or differing interpretation of the rules, improper implementation etc. To address the concerns related to quality control and to ensure compliance with international standards, Export Inspection Council (EIC), Department of Commerce conducts periodic awareness and training programs for relevant stakeholders across the value chain. Further, Export Inspection Council (EIC) has enhanced and upgraded laboratory facilities to support quality assurance needs of the exporters.

To enhance the processing capacity and value-addition infrastructure for marine products and to meet stringent export quality standards and food safety parameters, the Department of Commerce (DoC) approved the Technology Development for Specific Value-Added Marine Products (TDSVMP) guidelines on 12/02/2024 for the FY 2023-24 to 2025-26. Under the TDSVMP guidelines, MPEDA released ₹906.70 lakh for 9 beneficiaries during 2023-24 to increase the production of value-added seafood products in the country.

As reported by MPEDA, the target fixed

AgroPolicy, Finance, India, Investments, Textile industry

India’s textiles growth target comprises a market size of $ 350b & $ 100b in exports by 2030.

Giriraj Singh Union Minister of Textiles held a pivotal meeting with senior officials from Uniqlo, facilitated through Invest India, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening India’s textile sector. This engagement follows Uniqlo’s earlier interaction with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, highlighting their keen interest in collaborating with India’s textile industry to enhance cotton production capabilities, productivity, and quality. This meeting underscores the synergy between Uniqlo’s vision and India’s goal of fostering a globally competitive and sustainable textile sector.

With 15 stores across the country and a retail revenue of Rs 814 crore as of March 31, 2024, Uniqlo has demonstrated a robust growth rate of 30 per cent, contributing substantially to the retail and textile ecosystem in India. Their operations, including collaboration with 18 swing factories and 6 fabric mills sourced from 9 vendors, underline their commitment to quality and innovation in textiles.

Uniqlo has expressed a keen interest in advancing cotton production capabilities, productivity, and quality within India. As the world’s largest cotton producer, cultivating over 11.9 million hectares, India provides an ideal landscape for such initiatives. India already utilizing high-density quality seeds in Akola where productivity levels are up to 1,500 kg/hectare. The company’s pilot project is also working on similar lines where the productivity and quality levels are yielding up to 1,000 kg/hectare. The Ministry is committed to supporting Uniqlo’s request for land to scale this initiative, reflecting a shared vision of making India a global hub for high-quality cotton sourcing.

In alignment with India’s textile growth targets, reaching a market size of $350 billion and $100 billion in exports by 2030, the Ministry has extended an invitation to Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. These parks offer a ready-to-perform ecosystem with a Build-to-Suit model, ensuring seamless integration for companies seeking sustainable and efficient operations.

Uniqlo’s participation in the upcoming “Bharat Tex” Global Textile Expo in February will further underscore the shared commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and traceability in the textile sector. With global attention focused on sustainable and traceable practices, the Ministry has encouraged Uniqlo to extend its research and development efforts into new natural fibres, including milkweed fibre aligning with India’s own initiatives in this critical area.

The Ministry remains confident that this partnership will bolster India’s end-to-end textile value chain, strengthen the women-led economy, and elevate India’s position as a global textile leader.

India’s textiles growth target comprises a market

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, Farm Mechanisation, India

The partnership further enhances accessibility to these services via the ‘Krish-e Kheti Ke Liye App,’ along with other technology-driven farm solutions offered by Mahindra’s FES.

Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri-solutions provider, and Mahindra & Mahindra Limited’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES) business vertical, Krish-e, announced a partnership to extend Coromandel’s drone spraying services, Gromor Drive, to Indian farmers.

Currently operational in seven key states Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Gromor Drive’s operations are supported by RPTO-trained pilots. Coromandel’s drone services are uniquely positioned in the market through the support of its subsidiary, Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, which ensures reliable drone supply, pilot training, and service support. This backward integration provides Coromandel with a distinct competitive edge in this emerging market. The partnership further enhances accessibility to these services via the ‘Krish-e Kheti Ke Liye App,’ along with other technology-driven farm solutions offered by Mahindra’s FES, aimed at sustainably maximizing farmers’ income and benefiting the broader agricultural value chain.

During the (non-binding) MoU signing event, Coromandel’s Chief Operating Officer, Fertiliser Business Amir Alvi, said: “Coromandel’s Gromor Drive offers significant advancements in efficiency, scalability, and convenience for agricultural practices to farmers. This (non-binding) MoU signing between Coromandel’s Gromor Drive and Mahindra Krish-e represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards transforming the agricultural landscape of India by making drone spraying accessible to farmers. We aim to reduce their input costs, increase productivity, and improve farm profitability through this collaboration. Coromandel’s Gromor Drive, backed by the company’s subsidiary Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, brings in the added advantage of in-house developed cutting-edge agricultural drones, in addition to its fleet of certified drone pilots. We are confident that this collaboration will unlock new opportunities for innovation, create value for our stakeholders, and most importantly, make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of farmers.”

Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., expressed strong enthusiasm and optimism about this new venture and the integration of modern technology in farming saying “With Krish-e’s well-established presence across the country and Coromandel’s experienced Gromor Drive fleet, we are pleased to take the benefits of drones to many more Indian farmers. A significant step towards enhancing productivity and lowering a farmer’s exposure to powerful chemicals, drone technology can enable selective spraying of fertiliser and chemicals on crops, while also ensuring improved yield. The partnership will ensure accessibility of drone spraying for Krish-e customers through the Krish-e Kheti ke Liye App, on a pay-per-acre basis.”

The partnership further enhances accessibility to these

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India, Logistics, Supply Chain

This partnership is a significant step towards enhancing transparency, operational efficiency, and innovation in India’s logistics sector.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has signed an agreement with NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDS) to integrate its APIs with Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP). This partnership is a significant step towards enhancing transparency, operational efficiency, and innovation in India’s logistics sector. The agreement was signed in the presence of Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD, NICDC and Chairman, NLDS, and Avinash Jain, Chief General Manager, North Zone, HPCL. The signing took place between Girish Kumar Supur, CEO, NLDS, and Ms. Anju Jai Misra, General Manager, Delhi Retail Region, HPCL.

The HPCL API of ULIP provides Fuel Station & Pricing Visibility, which offers real-time visibility into the location and pricing of HPCL fuel stations across India. This API is expected to address critical logistics challenges, such as lack of clarity on refuelling options and fluctuating fuel costs along various routes. By utilising this data, logistics service providers, traders and transporters can optimize their planning and operations, ultimately reducing costs and inefficiencies.

Further, the visibility into fuel station locations helps logistics operators avoid unplanned stops and ensure smoother, more efficient operations. Fleet operators can also plan long-haul trips more effectively by identifying fuel stations along key routes, minimising downtime and ensuring timely deliveries.

This collaboration between HPCL and ULIP underscores a shared vision of creating a smarter, more efficient logistics ecosystem. By providing real-time data and enabling seamless access to critical resources, this integration will empower stakeholders, drive innovation, and significantly improve the operational efficiency of India’s logistics and supply chain industry.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rajat Kumar Saini, Chairman, NLDS, stated, “The integration of HPCL’s APIs into ULIP will provide logistics operators with the tools needed to make data-driven decisions that directly impact their bottom line. By enabling route-specific fuel cost analysis and visibility into fuel station locations, we are addressing key pain points in the logistics sector. This is a critical step in ULIP’s mission to unify and digitize India’s supply chain ecosystem.” Further, Shri Avinash Jain of HPCL, emphasized that this integration reinforces HPCL’s commitment to leveraging technology to provide innovative solutions for the logistics industry.

The integration’s impact is already visible, as over 10 participants in the ongoing ULIP Hackathon 2.0 have opted for HPCL’s API to develop innovative solutions. These include tools such as dynamic route optimization platforms, fuel cost calculators, and heat maps for fuel station density along key routes. Such solutions showcase the potential of HPCL’s API to drive operational improvements and foster innovation within the logistics sector.

ULIP is a digital gateway that allows industry players to access logistics-related datasets from various Government systems through API-based integration. Currently, the platform integrates with 41 systems from 11 ministries via 125 APIs, covering over 1800 data fields. Private sector and govt. departments’ participation in ULIP has been instrumental in amplifying its impact, with over 1200 entities registered on the ULIP portal (www.goulip.in). Additionally, these companies have developed over 150 applications, leading to more than 70 crore API transactions.

This partnership is a significant step towards

Agro Universities, Carbon Farming, Collaborations, Environment, Funding, Institutions, Soil Health, Sustainability

Aligned with Work Package 6 (WP6) of the CGIAR’s SeedEqual Initiative, IRRI is testing various capacity-building approaches and business models to develop decentralized seed systems

Decentralized, farmer-led seed systems are vital for improving smallholder farmers’ access to quality seeds. Recognizing this, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), under the CGIAR’s SeedEqual Initiative and ClimatePRO project, is promoting women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to spearhead quality seed production.

Despite their critical role in rice systems, women face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, technology, land, and capital. By fostering women’s entrepreneurship in seed production, these challenges can be addressed, enabling women to transition from laborers to decision-makers and business owners.

Aligned with Work Package 6 (WP6) of the CGIAR’s SeedEqual Initiative, IRRI is testing various capacity-building approaches and business models to develop decentralized seed systems. Similarly, IRRI’s ClimatePRO project in Odisha focuses on improving farmers’ access to high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties, enhancing productivity and profitability.

On 1 December 2024, IRRI hosted a Reflection and Learning Workshop on “Strengthening Women-Led Seed Entrepreneurship.” The workshop aimed to share findings from a study involving six FPCs across Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, assessing pathways for successful women-led seed entrepreneurship; identify challenges faced by FPCs and develop actionable solutions; and facilitate the exchange of best practices to strengthen women-led seed enterprises. Participants included women seed producers, FPC Board members, NGO partners, and external experts.

Dr. Ranjitha Puskur, Principal Scientist for Gender and Livelihoods at IRRI and Lead of WP6 of the CGIAR SeedEqual Initiative, presented key findings. She noted, “This study highlights both the successes and challenges of women-led FPCs. Our goal is to learn from shared experiences and identify practical solutions to enhance their operations.”

Workshop sessions delved into challenges such as business and financial skills, packaging, branding, governance, and infrastructure. Participants collaboratively identified solutions to these obstacles, drawing from their experiences and expertise.

IRRI’s Director General, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the transformative potential of women entrepreneurs. She stated, “Women’s participation in the seed business is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. By owning and managing enterprises, women gain financial independence, decision-making authority, and influence over local economies. This can significantly enhance access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for their families and communities.”

Workshops like this provide invaluable opportunities for stakeholders—including women farmers, civil society organizations, and researchers—to collaborate, share insights, and design practical solutions. They amplify women farmers’ voices while granting access to expert knowledge and support.

Aligned with Work Package 6 (WP6) of