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Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, Funding, India

The proposed IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 450 crore and an Offer-For-Sale (OFS) of 2.69 crore equity shares by existing stakeholders, according to the DRHP.

The Maharashtra-based tech-driven agricultural services firm, Star Agriwarehousing and Collateral Management Ltd has filed preliminary papers with capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 450 crore and an Offer-For-Sale (OFS) component of 2.69 crore equity shares by promoters and an investor, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed.

As part of the OFS, Claymore Investments (Mauritius) Pte, an indirect subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, is offering 1.19 crore equity shares through the OFS and the remaining 1.5 crore shares will be offloaded by promoters.

At present, Claymore holds 11.83 per cent stake in Star Agriwarehousing and Collateral Management and promoters own 88.17 per cent stake in the company. The company may consider raising Rs 90 crore through a pre-IPO placement. If this placement happens, the fresh issue size will be reduced.

 The company intends to allocate Rs 120 crore from the fresh issue to partially meet its working capital requirements and Rs 125 crore to the working capital needs of its subsidiary, FFIPL. Another Rs 100 crore will be invested in its subsidiary, AFL, to strengthen its capital base, with the remainder earmarked for general corporate purposes.

Star Agri warehousing offers solutions in warehousing, procurement, and collateral management of agricultural commodities. With a network of over 100,000 farmers, 800+ warehouses across 16 states, Star Agri aims to become a strategic link in the global agricultural commodities supply chain. The company has received funding support from Temasek Holdings and IDFC Private Equity.

The proposed IPO includes a fresh issue

Foodgrains, India, Interaction, Seeds

Ajay Bhuwalka, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Monk Private Limited shared his views on the millet sector in India in an exclusive conversation with AgroSpectrum.

How would you envisage the future of millets in India?

Millets are an ancient grain of India and was a staple grain before the green revolution. Most rural parts of the country still consume millets as their staple.  We are very confident that millets will definitely find their way back into urban kitchens due to its immense health benefits. Post COVID, the consciousness of all people to lead a healthy lifestyle has gone up significantly. Thus, we are very confident that millet’s popularity will again touch new heights in coming years as people are getting more aware of their benefits.

With good transport facilities, strong marketing network and easy payment system, farmers will definitely be going to opt for millet cultivation. As we have mixers and table size coconut oil extractors at home, in the same way, technology to remove husk of millet at home will definitely increase the demand for millets.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM). How will this development enhance the nexus of millets in the domestic and international market?

The IYOM announcement has given a lot of boosts in not only creating awareness about the importance and benefits of millets but also considerably improved the demand of millets across all channels both offline and online. Many startups have mushroomed to take advantage of this opportunity and thus further creating the market for millets especially in the urban spaces. The government promotional activities such as B2B meet and expos being conducted across the country and even abroad has undoubtedly helped to create national and international awareness and demand. Workshops conducted to spread the health benefits of millets bring new customers. Even at the grassroots level, functions conducted by the agriculture department by distributing seeds to spread the benefits of millets have encouraged new millet farmers.

Agriculture universities are conducting both online and off line programmes to spread awareness about business opportunities that millets provide to institutions and also to individuals. All these activities expect to bring new millet cultivators, new consumers, new traders and they will create an entire new ecosystem for millets and its production.

What steps should be taken to enhance awareness about millets and their benefits across the country?

There are numerous points of view on this topic, but my one and only request is for a national advertising campaign led by celebrities that will run for two years and be distributed in as many different media outlets and languages as possible. The campaign that Amitabh Bachchan ran to raise awareness about polio is an example of a campaign that is comparable. All brands will be able to reap the benefits of this, as it will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the millet sector.

What are the major challenges that hampering the growth of millets industry in India?

There are a number of obstacles that are looming over the millets sector, includes Lack of awareness among customers, Inconsistent and fragmented supply of millets, Lack of trust among farmers, Shorter shelf life after primary processing, Inefficient agricultural practices and processing of millets, which ultimately results in an increase in costs.

The planting of minor millet presents a significant challenge. As the crop has to be planted in a very specific manner. The soil pattern and moisture levels should be appropriate. Even if a great number of newly educated farmers have come up to take on the challenge of farming minor millets, these seeds will not sprout unless the appropriate amount of moisture and soil type is available.

The Government of India has launched many key initiatives such as National Food Security (NFS) Act covering ‘coarse grains’, Millets made part of the National Food Security Mission etc. As per you, are these initiatives aligned rightly to enhance millet’s growth both in India and abroad?

I really feel these steps will take the industry in the right direction. Apart from these, I feel that there is still scope for rolling out some small initiatives such as –

·        Making sure that millet seeds are easily available and the required sowing equipment system is readily accessible.

·        Enhancing warehouse facilities

·        Relaxation in export policy so that farmers and traders can benefit

·        Spreading more awareness about millets so that young generation get attractive towards this lucrative industry.

Millets are mostly a part of the low external input sustainable agriculture (LEISA), investments in millet production systems in India usually remain lower than those for fine cereals – i.e. paddy and wheat. How can this perception be removed?

This impression of millet will undoubtedly shift if the demand from the urban population develops, as they would consume millets for the purpose of bettering their health and warding off diseases that are associated with lifestyle choices. Additionally, there is a powerful demand for technological innovation of a high quality in order to harvest millets without causing damage to fodder.

                                                                                                                                           By Nitin Konde

Ajay Bhuwalka, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Monk

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

The agricultural industry continues to be India’s principal economic sector, and it is responsible for the employment of more than half of the country’s workforce. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the agricultural landscape by introducing fresh techniques to boost crop yields and provide support to marginal farmers. This is all happening as a result of the convergence of these two fields.

Agritech companies are becoming increasingly prevalent in India, which is the key element that is driving the deployment of artificial intelligence in the agricultural industry. Speaking on the latest development in AI in the agri sector, Kartheeswaran Kandasamy, CEO & Co-Founder, Ninjacart stated, “The breakthrough artificial intelligence solutions that are being created by these companies are aimed at the small and marginal farmers as their target audience. For example, a number of companies are currently working on the development of applications that are driven by artificial intelligence and provide recommendations on crop management in real time. On the contrary, other firms are utilising machine learning in order to create sophisticated predictive models for the state of the soil and the environmental circumstances.”

Expanding Influence of AI in Agriculture

Artificial intelligence is responsible for revolutionising a number of different industries, and agriculture is one of those businesses that is being affected by this revolution. The agriculture sector is currently engaging in the application of technologies that are driven by artificial intelligence in order to address a number of key difficulties that are currently being faced. The ability to forecast weather patterns and maximise irrigation efficiency are two of the problems that need to be overcome on an urgent basis. Other challenges include monitoring crop health and improving supply chain efficiency. These technological advancements not only cause an increase in productivity, but they also provide farmers with the opportunity to make decisions based on data, which in turn makes them more resistant to the effects of climate change and the volatility that exists in the market.

Moreover, the integration of AI into agricultural practices is paving the way for innovative approaches that go beyond traditional farming methods such as:

Precision Farming: Precision farming, which makes use of data-driven insights to improve crop management, is made possible by artificial intelligence technologies. Artificial intelligence is able to offer farmers with specific information about the health of the soil, the amounts of moisture in the soil, and the conditions of the crop by evaluating data from satellites, drones, and sensors. This makes it possible for farmers to apply the appropriate quantity of water, fertilisers, and pesticides precisely where they are required, which in turn helps to reduce waste and increase yields.

Predictive Analytics: For the purpose of forecasting crop yields and associated threats, artificial intelligence algorithms can examine historical data, weather patterns, and market movements. Farmers are able to make more informed decisions about planting schedules, crop selection, and resource allocation with the assistance of this predictive capability.

Automated Systems: The employment of automated devices that are powered by artificial intelligence, like robotic harvesters and drones, is becoming increasingly common in order to expedite farming operations. Using these technologies, farmers are able to accomplish operations such as planting, watering, and harvesting with more efficiency and precision, which in turn reduces the amount of work that is required of them and simultaneously increases their production.

Transforming Farmer Interactions with Technology:

The usage of artificial intelligence chatbots and virtual assistants, such as WhatsApp AI bots, is one of the most interesting breakthroughs in artificial intelligence for the agricultural sector in India. Farmers are gaining access to information and interacting with technology in a way that is being revolutionised by these bots. WhatsApp bots that are powered by artificial intelligence are providing farmers with real-time information on a variety of areas of farming, such as weather forecasts, suggestions for crop management, and market prices.

Govt push for tech reforms in agri sector

A significant commitment to modernising agriculture has been established by the government of India over the course of the past few years. This commitment has been made through the implementation of policies that are advantageous and the increase of budget allocations. Because of the significant rise in investment, the budget for agriculture has increased from Rs 30,000 crore to Rs 1.3 lakh crore.

“The Digital Agriculture Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) are two examples of government programmes that are designed to encourage farmers to utilise a variety of digital tools and technology in their agricultural operations. Both of these programmes are meant to encourage farmers to employ digital tools and technologies. The implementation of artificial intelligence and other forms of technology into conventional farming operations is becoming less difficult as a result of these programmes. This, in turn, makes it easier for farmers to gain access to resources and information in a more efficient manner,” said Kandasamy.

Impact and Future Prospects

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indian agriculture is already producing favourable outcomes. Enhanced crop yields, lower input costs, and enhanced resource management are some of the benefits that farmers who use tools and technology driven by artificial intelligence have reported. Because they have access to information that is both fast and accurate, farmers are able to improve their decision-making abilities and better adjust to shifting environmental situations.

“As we look to the future, the potential for artificial intelligence to significantly alter agriculture in India is enormous. There is a good chance that increasingly sophisticated solutions for crop management, pest control, and resource optimisation may emerge as a result of ongoing research and investment in artificial intelligence technologies. Additionally, when artificial intelligence products become more readily available and more reasonably priced, they will be able to reach a wider range of farmers, including those who live in places that are underserved and distant,” added Kandasamy.

Way Forward

There is a promising way to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture in India, and that strategy is to increase agricultural yields through the application of artificial intelligence. Small and marginal farmers are gaining access to tools and information that were previously out of their reach.

This is a result of a number of factors, including the rapid rise of agritech businesses, the substantial assistance provided by the government, and the revolutionary potential of chatbots powered by artificial intelligence. It is likely that if these technologies continue to progress, they may be able to solve a major number of the problems that Indian farmers are currently suffering. As a result, this will pave the path for an agricultural industry that is not only more prosperous but also more robust.

By Nitin Konde

The agricultural industry continues to be India's

Agribusiness, Award, Collaborations, Company News, R&D

The event honoured India’s richest farmers and highlighted Mahindra’s dedication to cutting-edge technology to change the farming landscape

Mahindra Tractors, India’s leading tractor brand celebrates the remarkable achievements of India’s successful farmers through a ground-breaking initiative called ‘Millionaire Farmer of India Award’.

In its second edition, the awards held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi from December 01 – 03, 2024, witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri. Nitin Gadkari – Honourable Union Minister of Road, Transport, and Highways, Government of India, Shri. Bhagirath Chaudhary – Honourable Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Prof. Ramesh Chand – Member of National Institution for Transforming India, NITI Aayog, Government of India, and Chairman of the Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, Shri. Parshottam Rupala – Former Union Minister, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri. SP Singh Baghel – Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, along with other dignitaries.

The 3-day event honoured over 1200 farmers, across 300 categories, at the district, state, and national levels, such as horticulturists, spice farmers, poultry, dairy etc. and includes prominent personalities from India’s agriculture industry. At the event Mahindra also showcased a wide range of cutting-edge tractors and farm mechanization solutions.

During the 3-day event, Mahindra Tractors showcased its range of tractors across various categories and farm machinery for various applications. Among these was the Mahindra OJA, Mahindra’s future-ready range of 4WD light-weight tractors.

Like the inaugural edition of Millionaire Farmer of India, Mahindra Tractors will interact with farmers at the district level through roadshows and activities at KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s) through the year.

With a primary objective to acknowledge, inspire and elevate the profession of farming in India, the ‘Millionaire Farmer of India Awards’ recognises farmers who through unwavering efforts have not only doubled their farm incomes, but have also achieved millionaire status, through best practices, integrating technology, while attaining record levels of productivity and profitability from their farmlands over the years.

Mahindra is India’s No.1 tractor brand for nearly four decades and is the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume. Mahindra rolled-out its first tractor in 1963, through a joint venture with International Harvester, Inc., USA, and in March 2019 became the first Indian tractor brand to sell three million tractors including global sales. Powerful and fuel efficient for longer duty cycles, Mahindra Tractors are Built ‘Tough’ and are known for their exceptional build quality and performance on rugged and unforgiving terrains, for India and over 50 global markets. Mahindra Tractors offer the widest tractor portfolio for India and are developed based on Mahindra’s world-class R&D, product development, quality manufacturing, in India, with world-class testing standards, based on world-class engines, powertrains, and aggregate technologies. This is backed by the country’s most comprehensive tractor sales, service, and spares networks, for lowest total cost of ownership, along with the highest tractor resale value.

Spanning 60 years, Mahindra has broadened its offerings to encompass a diverse range of more than 390 tractor models. During this period, Mahindra Tractors has also established a robust network of over 1200 dealer partners across India, with a customer first orientation that has enabled the brand to provide unparalleled levels of sales, service and spares support to an expanding base of 40 lakh Mahindra Tractors customers.

About Mahindra

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

The event honoured India's richest farmers and

Agribusiness, Company News, Organic, R&D

The company also plans to set up a 2-hour delivery service to cater to the growing demand for convenience and quick commerce

The Organic World (TOW), India’s No.1 Responsible Retailer and part of the Bengaluru-based Nimida Group, is targeting the addition of 30 new stores in Hyderabad, by the end of 2025. In September this year, TOW marked its foray out of Karnataka with the launch of its first store in Hyderabad in Pragathi Nagar. This targeted expansion marks a pivotal step in TOW’s strategic growth as it aims to increase its footprint across South India.

This move underscores TOW’s commitment to making worry-free, wholesome, curated groceries accessible to a wider audience and supporting its ambitious pan-India target of INR 100 crore in revenue by the end of FY 2025. Hyderabad has been a key focus area for the brand, given the growing preference for organic and chemical-free products among consumers in the city.

TOW’s presence in the city will be marked by its ongoing investment in new store setups and comprehensive marketing efforts, alongside a 2-hour delivery service to cater to the growing demand for convenience and quick commerce. Currently, TOW has three stores in Hyderabad – in Pragathi Nagar, Kompally, and Kokapet. The expansion plan comes on the back of an overwhelming response that the brand received from consumers, across their stores and online channels.

“Our Hyderabad expansion is just the beginning of our journey to provide chemical-free, worry-free living to more people across India,” said Gaurav Manchanda, Founder, Nimida Group, the parent company of The Organic World. “We have had a great response from Hyderabad with our initial few stores. We see Hyderabad as a market that has consistently focused on building an ecosystem for chemical-free living and consumers here are far more informed and responsible in their decisions. Our aim is to empower these consumers with access to healthier and safer choices – our range of worry-free, wholesome, curated groceries – that can benefit both their well-being and the environment,” adds Manchanda

The expansion in Hyderabad is part of TOW’s broader plans to strengthen its presence in major urban centres and tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, including Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai and Coimbatore.The expansion will include a mix of company-owned (COCO) and franchise-operated (FOFO) stores strategically located in key catchment areas. TOW intends to establish itself as a household name synonymous with worry-free, wholesome, curated groceries.

Since its inception in 2017, TOW has been dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of choosing products free of harmful chemicals. The brand’s curated range includes organic-certified, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, chemical-free staples, hormone- and antibiotic-free dairy, personal care products free from parabens and sulfates, toxin-free homecare, as well as nutritious snacks and wellness items. Each product is carefully sourced and vetted, to meet higher than established industry standards, supporting the community’s health and environmental sustainability.

With the launch of its Hyderabad stores, The Organic World invites local residents to discover a new shopping experience dedicated to holistic living and healthier choices. As TOW continues to expand, the brand is poised to be a transformative force in the organic retail sector, helping communities embrace a cleaner, more mindful way of life.

About The Organic World

The Organic World (TOW), a part of the Bengaluru-based business conglomerate, Nimida Group, was launched in 2017 with a mission to create a positive and progressive impact on the world. The brand is dedicated to providing better choices for everyone—consumers, communities, farmers, responsible brands, and the planet. TOW empowers individuals to embrace a healthier and safer lifestyle with its worry-free, wholesome, curated groceries. With over 3000 organic and natural products available under one roof, TOW offers a diverse selection that includes organic-certified, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, wholesome chemical-free staples, and homecare products free from toxins. Customers can also find a wide range of safe personal care items free of parabens and sulfates, health and wellness products, lovingly curated childcare items, and nutritious snack alternatives. Since the launch of its pilot store in JP Nagar, TOW has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the compromises associated with conventional lifestyle choices. The brand has redefined industry benchmarks for authenticity, accessibility, and affordability, making it easier for consumers to make informed, health-conscious decisions.

About Nimida Group

The Nimida Group is a business group headquartered in Bengaluru, India. The word Nimida is derived from the Sanskrit word Nimitta, which means ‘cause for good’. Established in 2022, the businesses under the Nimida Group help in enabling better choices and creating sustainable value. The group is active in sectors such as retail, consumer goods, farming, and sports. Businesses under the Nimida Group include: The Organic World, Wellbe Foods, Osh Homecare Solutions, Nimida Sports, Happy Harvest Farms, & Root’d. Gaurav Manchanda is the Founder and Director of Nimida Group.

The company also plans to set up

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Animal Husbandry, Carbon Farming, Climate, Collaborations, Dairy, Environment, Industry Reports / Analysis, Institutions, Live Stock, R&D, Sustainability, Water

CGIAR, the global leader in agricultural research, has launched its visionary 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) to transform farming in the world’s driest regions and ensure sustainable food systems for generations to come

The GSRD, collaboratively developed by CGIAR centers under the leadership of ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) and ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), provides a comprehensive, science-driven roadmap to improve the lives of some 2.7 billion people who call the drylands home with a particular focus on Asia and Africa.

Drylands, traditionally seen as fragile ecosystems, are key to developing climate-smart agricultural models that can be scaled globally.

These regions support 44% of global agriculture and nearly half of the world’s livestock.

Building on 50 years of dryland research, the GSRD leverages innovations from CGIAR’s 15 global research centers and partners and provides solutions to enhance food security, conserve biodiversity, and build resilient livelihoods by delivering groundbreaking agri-research solutions—such as solar-powered agrivoltaics, innovative agroforestry and livestock feed practices, soil improvement and desalination solutions, as well as improved breeding technology for climate-smart crops such as barley, lentil, chickpea, soybean or cactus. ​

Speaking at COP16 in Riyadh, CGIAR Executive Managing Director Dr Ismahane Elouafi said the new strategy builds on CGIAR’s rich legacy of impact, uniting all fifteen centers in a stronger, more integrated effort to tackle the challenges of drylands.

“As climate change continues to threaten global food systems, the models of resilience we, along with our partners, have developed in drylands will be indispensable to support the world’s most vulnerable communities,” said Dr Blade.

CGIAR, the global leader in agricultural research,

Agribusiness, Dairy, Europe, India

Amul will launch the dairy products in Spain and further plan expansion to other countries in Europe thus catering to the Indian diaspora and Asian population

Amul will enter the European market by the end of this month after launching its products in the US, GCMMF Managing Director Jayen S Mehta said on Monday. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) sells its dairy products under the popular Amul brand. “We will be launching milk, fresh products in Europe by the end of this month,” he said at the annual convocation of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) here.

The company will launch the products in Spain first and then look at expanding to other countries in Europe.

“Try to create a market opportunity for us,” Mehta said adding that milk is a source of livelihood for more than 10 crore families in the country and most of the producers are small and marginal farmers. India allows the import of dairy goods at a 30 per cent duty.

Amul has a turnover of Rs 80,000 crore and is now ranked as the strongest dairy and food brand globally, owned by 36 lakh farmers, he claimed.

In March, GCMMF launched four variants of milk in the US market to cater to the Indian diaspora and Asian population.

Amul will launch the dairy products in

AgroPolicy, Climate, Collaborations, Foodgrains, Sustainability

The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the ISARC Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) unit to providing technical guidance, capacity-building initiatives, and market linkages to bolster Odisha’s rice value chain

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, successfully hosted a transformative training program focused on rice cookie production and micro-enterprise development. Under the project “Promoting Self-Help Group Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition”, the immersive activity brought together 20 Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members from Odisha and two officials nominated by the Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha.

Over five intensive days, participants delved into hands-on training on paddy processing, cookie production, packaging, storage, and business development. They learned to create innovative products, including Kalajeera rice and millet cookies, utilizing advanced techniques such as wire-cut and dropping machines. The program also highlighted branding, cost-benefit analysis, and strategies for market success.

This initiative highlights the collaborative efforts of ISARC, the Department of Mission Shakti, and other partners in strengthening Odisha’s agricultural economy by enhancing rice value addition and enabling women SHGs as key drivers of sustainable growth.

“The learning of SHG members must translate into transformative progress, evolving from Self-Help Groups to Small and Medium Enterprises. The Government will ensure robust credit support to facilitate this growth. I extend my heartfelt thanks to IRRI and the entire project team for empowering SHG members with valuable training in rice product development. Together with the Department of Mission Shakti, the Government remains committed to moving in a positive direction and continuing its support to IRRI’s initiatives. I urge SHG members to utilize their learnings effectively and work towards setting up facilities within their respective districts, paving the way for sustainable development and economic empowerment,” said Joint Secretary, Department of Mission Shakti (DMS), Sailendra Kumar Jena. Chief guest Prof. Anil Chauhan, Head of Dairy Science and Food Technology at Banaras Hindu University, also lauded the initiative.

Participants expressed enthusiasm about the training’s practical benefits and their plans to transform local resources into market-ready products. The program, supported by IRRI resource persons Dr. Hameeda Itagi and Dr. Vikram Patil, spotlighted entrepreneurship as a pathway to resilient communities and livelihoods.

Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in driving inclusive growth aligned with sustainable development goals. He encouraged participants to leverage their newly acquired skills to establish thriving micro-enterprises, enhancing the value, particularly of locally-sourced Kalajeera rice and millets.

The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the ISARC Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) unit to providing technical guidance, capacity-building initiatives, and market linkages to bolster Odisha’s rice value chain. “Empowered women empower communities. The skills gained here will not only transform your lives but also contribute to the broader development of Odisha’s agricultural landscape,” said IRRI research lead for Consumer-driven Grain Quality and Nutrition and Head of CERVA, Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu.

The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India

The agreement brings together CIL’s extensive market reach and advanced R&D facilities with IFDC’s global expertise in fertilizer research and production technologies.

Coromandel International Limited (CIL), one of India’s leading agri-input companies, and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), a globally renowned non-profit organization based in the US, have signed a strategic Master Research Agreement to foster innovation and sustainability in fertiliser development.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards addressing critical challenges in agriculture by introducing next-generation fertilizers aimed at enhancing nutrient efficiency, improving crop productivity, and reducing environmental impact. The agreement brings together CIL’s extensive market reach and advanced R&D facilities with IFDC’s global expertise in fertilizer research and production technologies.

Key Areas of Collaboration:

Coromandel International is actively pursuing the development of new and efficient fertilizers at its three state-of-the-art R&D centers located in Vishakhapatnam, IIT Bombay, and Coimbatore. These efforts aim to bring innovative solutions to the Indian market, empowering farmers with advanced products that enhance productivity while promoting soil health.

IFDC, with its cutting-edge research facilities in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA, has been a pioneer in developing advanced fertilizers and technologies. Looking ahead, IFDC plans to establish similar facilities in India, further strengthening the collaborative ecosystem for fertilizer innovation.

Announcing the partnership, S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Limited, said, “As a farmer-first company, Coromandel is deeply committed to driving innovation that enhances soil health and boosts crop productivity. This Master Research Agreement with IFDC represents a significant step in our journey toward sustainable agricultural solutions. By combining our efforts with IFDC’s globally recognized expertise in fertilizer development and production technologies, we aim to deliver impactful innovations that improve productivity and reduce input costs for farmers.”

Commenting on the partnership, Henk van Duijn, President and CEO, IFDC, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Coromandel International to innovate and develop efficient, environmentally sustainable fertilizers tailored for India. With its vast agricultural landscape, India holds immense significance for IFDC. Our plans to establish a Fertilizer Innovation Center in the country will further strengthen our commitment by enabling dedicated research to address India’s unique agricultural needs in collaboration with companies such as Coromandel.”

The agreement brings together CIL’s extensive market

Agri Genomics, Collaborations, Company News, R&D, World

Biographica’s proprietary AI platform linked with Cibus’ crop editing abilities provide opportunities for discovery and commercial application.

Cibus, Inc., a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies for royalties, and Biographica, a UK-based leader in AI and graph machine learning for gene discovery, are pleased to announce a collaborative pilot project focused on advancing disease resistance in oilseed rape and Canola.

This partnership leverages Biographica’s proprietary platform to identify and prioritise targets for gene editing, aiming to develop resistance against critical diseases impacting crop health, yield and quality. Under this agreement, Biographica will utilise its cutting-edge AI and machine learning technology to analyse gene targets associated with disease resistance in oilseed rape and Canola and set the stage for future crop improvement strategies.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in unlocking the potential of advanced machine learning for agricultural innovation,” said Cecy Price, CEO at Biographica. “Combining Biographica’s unique machine learning trait discovery platform with Cibus’ expertise in crop trait development allows us to unlock new insights into disease resistance, paving the way for more resilient crops and sustainable agricultural practices.”

Tony Moran, Senior Vice President for International Development at Cibus, added, “We are excited to work alongside Biographica to identify impactful gene targets, enabling the development of crop varieties that can withstand disease pressure in the field with benefits for farmers, the environment, and food security.”

Dr. Greg Gocal, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, added, “We have made plant disease resistance an important pillar of our work. This is a critically important need in farming. Developing durable disease resistance in plants will require identifying multiple modes of action. This partnership with Biographica is an important extension of our work in building our inventory of gene targets associated with developing different modes of action for this important trait.”

The collaboration reflects a commitment by both companies to push the boundaries of crop science and contribute to sustainable agriculture. This pilot project has the potential to accelerate the delivery of improved crop varieties with advanced disease resistant traits to farmers worldwide.

Biographica’s proprietary AI platform linked with Cibus’

AgroPolicy, Allied Industry, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

The share of North East in India’s area under NR plantation before the launch of the INROAD project was 23%

The Natural Rubber (NR) plantation in the North East, part of the INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project for FY2024-25, has been successfully completed. Over the first four years of the project, an area of 125,272 hectares (ha) has been dedicated to new NR plantations, encompassing 94 districts in the North East and parts of West Bengal. This achievement represents one of the highest levels of NR plantation ever accomplished in the country within a four-year timeframe. INROAD is a significant and pioneering initiative, being the first of its kind globally where the tyre industry actively contributes to the development of rubber plantations. The project’s goal is to develop 200,000 ha of rubber plantation in the North Eastern states and West Bengal, with financial support from four members of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA): Apollo, Ceat, JK, and MRF. The implementation of the project is overseen by the Rubber Board of India.

Rajiv Budhraja, Director General of ATMA, highlighted that despite facing challenges, project INROAD has successfully achieved nearly 90% of its plantation target within the first four years. In addition to expanding planting areas, the project has made substantial advancements in enhancing local nurseries and developing the capabilities of growers. This progress serves as a testament to the collaborative endeavors of tire companies and the Rubber Board of India, as emphasized by Budhraja.

Over the last four years, the project has distributed a record 5.3 crore planting materials to various areas. The project has specifically targeted resource-deprived populations in the designated states, focusing on engaging farmers with land holdings of less than one acre. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve the economic and social status of 2.5 lakh beneficiaries.

Before the launch of the INROAD project, the share of North East in India’s area under NR plantation was 23%. Upon achieving the objective of developing plantations in an additional 2 lakh hectares under the INROAD project, it is estimated that the share of NE states will increase to 38%. Likewise, the share of North East in India’s NR production is projected to rise from the current 16% to 32%.

The share of North East in India’s

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Award, Company News, India, Inputs

The award recognises Matix’s exceptional efficiency in producing urea from its state-of-the-art gas-based fertiliser plant at Panagarh, West Bengal.

Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (Matix) has been recognised for ‘Best Production Performance of an Operating Fertilizer Unit for Nitrogen (Ammonia and Urea)’ for the year 2023-2024. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, presented this prestigious award to Giridhar Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, at the annual Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Awards in New Delhi. This award highlights Matix’s dedication to operational success, innovation, and sustainability within India’s vital agricultural sector.

Since the start of its operation in October 2021, Matix has risen to prominence in the fertilizer sector, capturing a significant 20 per cent market share of urea in eastern India. In 2023, the company was awarded the ‘Perseverance in Urea Production’ for its contribution towards the country’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in nitrogenous fertilizers. This year’s award recognises Matix’s exceptional efficiency in producing urea from its state-of-the-art gas-based fertiliser plant at Panagarh, West Bengal.

Reflecting on this recognition, Nishant Kanodia, Chairman, Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, stated, “It gives me immense pride to see the team at Matix being recognised with the FAI Award for ‘Best Production Performance of an Operating Fertilizer Unit for Nitrogen (Ammonia and Urea)’ for 2023-2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all Matixians. Our commitment to improving productivity is reflected in Matix achieving 118 per cent of rated annual capacities while setting new benchmarks in energy efficiency. As a company, we continue to remain steadfast in adopting sustainable practices, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance our operational efficiency and ensuring that our contributions significantly support India’s agricultural growth and self-sufficiency in fertilizer production.”

Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited is one of India’s youngest and fastest-growing fertilizer manufacturers, holding approximately a 20 per cent market share of urea in eastern India. Their product range includes urea, non-urea fertilisers, as well as specialty fertilisers. The company’s coverage in 9 states with a network of 1000+ dealers and 60,000+ retailers ensure timely delivery of essential crop nutrients to farmers. Matix Fertilisers is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative crop nutrition and soil enhancement products, aiming to nourish every farm and ensure food security for all.

The award recognises Matix’s exceptional efficiency in

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Out of 172 LMT of paddy, 169 LMT has already been lifted from the Mandis of Punjab and stored at the mill points for further milling of the stocks of paddy.

In Punjab, paddy is mainly procured by State Government Agencies and Custom Milled Rice (CMR) is delivered to Food Corporation of India (FCI).  The paddy is procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP) as per uniform specifications laid down by Government of India to ensure the remunerative price to farmers for their produce. However, in case of any natural calamities, relaxations in the uniform specifications of affected food grains are also provided for smooth procurement so as to prevent distress sale/rejection of food grains.

There is robust system of procurement and acceptance of milled rice by FCI with multi layered quality check system. In case lots are found Beyond Rejection Limit or not meeting the prescribed uniform specifications, the same shall be replaced by Fair Average Quality (FAQ) stock by the concerned Millers.

Further, during KMS 2024-25, around 172 LMT of paddy has been procured from farmers in Punjab. Out of this, 169 LMT has already been lifted from the Mandis of Punjab and stored at the mill points for further milling of the stocks of paddy. FCI has already started acceptance of Rice from the millers as per Govt. of India (GOI) specifications and 94,000 MT has already been accepted by FCI.

All out efforts are made at every level to ensure the quality of stocks.  The government is committed to procure all quantity of paddy offered for sale in Punjab as per the quality specification laid down by the Government and to ensure that the benefit of MSP regime is smoothly realized by all the farmers.

No incidents have been reported regarding rice being smuggled into Punjab from other states. No issue regarding undue rejection of rice on ground of quality has been reported.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in a written reply today in the Lok Sabha.

Out of 172 LMT of paddy, 169

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India, Organic

The Bharat Organics range will be made available at 300 Safal stores and around 10,000 general trade outlets in Delhi NCR, as well as through modern trade and e-commerce platforms.

India’s leading dairy company, Mother Dairy has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NCOL to distribute the Bharat Organics’ brand across multiple channels and geographies in Delhi- NCR. The company said in the statement that it has “signed up with ‘Bharat Organics’ as the exclusive distribution partner for their range of organic staples to the Delhi NCR market.”

Under the initiative, Mother Dairy will ensure distribution of packed and certified brand Bharat Organics’ produce for consumers across NCR through its network of booths across the region. The collaboration marks the launch of Bharat Organics Atta’ and Bharat Organics Sweetener (Jaggery) in the NCR market.

Bharat Organics is owned by the National Cooperative Organics (NCOL), a multi-State cooperative society, supported by NDDB, NAFED, NCDC, GCMMF and NCCF. It is dedicated to promoting organic farming through the cooperative model, creating organic clusters and ensuring fair trade practices.

“With this partnership, Mother Dairy aims to build a healthier and more sustainable India. By combining NCOL’s expertise in organic farming with our extensive distribution network and deep consumer trust, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between premium organic products and affordability,” said Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy.

The Bharat Organics range will be made available at 300 Safal stores and around 10,000 general trade outlets in Delhi NCR, as well as through modern trade and e-commerce platforms.

Vipul Mittal, Managing Director of NCOL, said “Atta is just the beginning. Our vision is to offer an entire basket of organic staples that cater to the daily needs, while ensuring fair returns for organic farmers.”

Mother Dairy was commissioned in 1974. It is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The company also has a diversified portfolio with products in edible oils under the Dhara’ brand and fresh fruits & vegetables, frozen vegetables & snacks, unpolished pulses, pulps & concentrates, etc. under the Safal’ brand.

The Bharat Organics range will be made