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Agbiologicals, Company News, Europe, People

With over 20 years of experience, Stephen Ford is a seasoned innovator and plant pathologist with a strong background in mycology and phytopathogenic diseases.

UK based Bionema Group Ltd, announced the appointment of Stephen Ford as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Ford brings a wealth of expertise in agricultural biotechnology and pathology, particularly in developing eco-friendly solutions for crop protection and sustainable farming practices.

With over 20 years of experience, Stephen Ford is a seasoned innovator and plant pathologist with a strong background in mycology and phytopathogenic diseases. He has an impressive track record in founding and leading companies focused on sustainable agriculture across New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. His expertise spans agricultural biotechnology, research and development, pest and disease management, and product commercialisation.

Stephen Ford holds a Master’s in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s in Horticulture Science from Massey University, New Zealand. He has been recognised for contributing to the agricultural biotechnology industry with several awards, including the prestigious Auckland University Entrepreneurs Challenge and the NZ Bio Award.

In his new role as CTO at Bionema, Ford will drive the company’s technological vision and strategy. He will establish a centre of excellence in biocontrol in Wales, leading a team of 10 skilled scientists and researchers. His leadership will be crucial in overseeing the development of innovative biotechnology products and ensuring the company’s technology development aligns with its strategic goals. Stephen will also play a key role in managing the build-out of a new research facility in Wales and production facilities overseas. These facilities will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the successful commercialisation of Bionema’s products.

Prof. Dylan Jones, Chairman of Bionema Group Ltd, expressed his confidence in Stephen Ford’s ability to lead the company’s technological advancements. He stated, “We are thrilled to have Stephen join our executive team. His vast experience in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture and his proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market make him the ideal person to drive Bionema’s technological advancements. We are confident that our research and development efforts will reach new heights under his leadership, further solidifying Bionema’s position as a leader in sustainable crop protection.”

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, added, “Stephen’s appointment as CTO marks a significant milestone for Bionema. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, coupled with his passion for sustainable farming, will be instrumental in achieving our mission to develop environmentally friendly solutions for crop protection. We look forward to working closely with Stephen to bring our innovative products to market and make a lasting impact on global agriculture.”

Stephen Ford commented on his new role: “I am excited to join Bionema and contribute to the company’s mission of promoting sustainable farming practices. The opportunity to lead a talented R&D team and work on pioneering biotechnology solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for developing sustainable alternatives to traditional agricultural chemicals. I look forward to driving innovation and helping Bionema deliver on its commitment to enhancing crop protection and plant health”.

With over 20 years of experience, Stephen

Agribusiness, Company News, R&D, Start ups, World

Within the new Golden Ticket program of Bayer, Genvor to receive fully funded access to lab space and equipment in California

Bayer today announced that the company has selected Genvor Inc., a US-based crop protection business, as the recipient of its first Golden Ticket award. Genvor will receive year-long access to lab space and equipment at Bayer’s LifeHub California @AgStart, one of the premier U.S. AgriFoodTech innovation ecosystems. This will allow Genvor to connect with Bayer mentors and experts in Bayer’s global innovator network.

In addition to their work with biological sprays, Genvor is working with antimicrobial peptide (AMP) technology to make small changes within a genome that could amplify disease resistance and enhance nutrition, from seed to sprout. These seed traits are another way that Genvor is working to provide increased disease resistance and nutrition for crops.

“We’re excited that Genvor has been selected as the winner of our Golden Ticket program, and that we will be working with them to scale and grow their innovations,” said Phil Taylor, Director of Open Innovation and Outreach for Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Genvor’s proprietary use of antimicrobial peptide technology takes advantage of pathways built-in to crops and has the potential to deliver broad spectrum biological sprays for effective controls of many plant diseases.”

The Golden Ticket program is one of the many ways that Bayer is working with start-ups from around the world to accelerate the delivery of agricultural innovation to farmers. In its first year, it focuses on areas of regenerative agriculture, novel crop protection and efficiency approaches, advanced breeding technologies, and applications of synthetic biology. From a broad field of applicants representing 34 cutting edge technologies and approaches, Genvor was selected to receive the award for their ground-breaking approach to crop protection. Through Bayer’s LifeHub California @AgStart, Genvor will also gain access to excellent equipment, resources, and mentorship as they bring their technologies to market.

“Receiving Bayer’s Golden Ticket is a pivotal moment for us, propelling our pioneering peptide design innovations in crop protection,” said Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor. “This support will accelerate our journey towards commercialization, enhancing agricultural sustainability and delivering tangible benefits for farmers and the environment globally.”

Bayer’s global network of LifeHubs is located in hotspots of innovation including Monheim, Lyon, Barcelona, California, and Bangalore. In support of the Crop Science mission, they focus on areas of critical innovation in agriculture such as solutions for smallholder farmers, transparency, and sustainability.

Bayer’s LifeHub California @AgStart focuses on innovations within food production systems, including bringing food to market and new technologies. As a part of the larger AgStart facility which hosts the largest wet-lab incubator for startup companies in California’s Central Valley region, the LifeHub also connects the knowledge and experience of Bayer scientists to the leading innovators of the area to assist in developing new technologies.

Within the new Golden Ticket program of

Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Company News, Drones, India

Approval grants IoTechWorld the authority to provide comprehensive training for both small and medium-class drones, marking a significant leap in the company’s capabilities.

IoTechWorld Avigation, a pioneering drone manufacturer in India announced that it has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). This landmark achievement underscores IoTechWorld’s commitment to advancing drone technology and training in India, positioning the company at the forefront of the rapidly evolving unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.

The RPTO approval grants IoTechWorld the authority to provide comprehensive training for both small and medium-class drones, marking a significant leap in the company’s capabilities. The training programs will be conducted by DGCA-certified instructors, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and proficiency. What sets IoTechWorld’s RPTO apart is its innovative approach to training, which combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on, application-based drone flying experience.

The state-of-the-art RPTO facility is strategically located at Dhumaspur Road, near Delhi Public School, Sector 67A, Badshahpur, Gurugram. This location provides easy access for trainees while offering an ideal environment for both theoretical learning and practical flying exercises & real-time application-based training.

Deepak Bhardwaj, Co-Founder and Director, of IoTechWorld Avigation, expressed his enthusiasm about this development, saying, “This DGCA approval for our RPTO is a game-changer for IoTechWorld and the Indian drone industry as a whole. It empowers us to deliver comprehensive, high-quality training to aspiring drone pilots, further solidifying our position as industry leaders. Our goal is to create a new generation of skilled drone operators who can harness the full potential of this technology across various sectors, particularly in agriculture where our focus lies.”

The newly established RPTO boasts an impressive annual training capacity of approximately 800 individuals. IoTechWorld will offer a diverse range of training programs tailored to meet different needs and drone classifications. These include Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) courses for both small and medium drones, as well as specialized RPC+OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) courses that provide in-depth knowledge of specific drone models and their applications.

Anoop Upadhyay director & co-founder of IoTech World said “This DGCA approval for our RPTO is a testament to IoTechWorld Avigation’s dedication to pioneering excellence in the drone industry. Beyond building drones, we are also building the future of drone operations in India. By offering comprehensive, hands-on training at our state-of-the-art facility, we are empowering a new generation of drone operators to lead the way in innovative, technology-driven solutions. We look forward to further expanding our drone ecosystem in India with more such facilities.”

One of the standout features of IoTechWorld’s training approach is the integration of real-time, application-based flying exercises. This practical component ensures that trainees not only understand the theoretical aspects of drone operation but also gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. The duration of these courses will vary based on factors such as the number of candidates, drone class, and weather conditions, with the shortest program lasting 8 days.

The RPTO license, authorized by DGCA, carries a validity of 10 years from the date of issuance, reflecting the regulatory body’s confidence in IoTechWorld’s long-term commitment to quality training. Similarly, the Remote Pilot Certificates (RPCs) issued by IoTechWorld’s RPTO will be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, providing graduates with long-term professional credentials.

This DGCA approval marks a significant milestone in IoTechWorld Avigation’s mission to build a robust drone ecosystem in India. By providing high-quality training and certification, IoTechWorld aims to bridge the skills gap in the drone industry, empowering its customers, farmers, and Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) partners to fully leverage UAV technology.

Approval grants IoTechWorld the authority to provide

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, India

Proclaim XTRA delivers swift, long-lasting control over all damaging lepidopteran insect stages which provide greener and healthier crops with more yield.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, a leading agrochemical organization, has launched Proclaim XTRA, its latest insecticide specifically formulated for maize and soybean. Proclaim XTRA is designed to provide effective protection against all kinds of caterpillar especially Spodoptera spp. like Fall Army worm. This ensures prolonged crop safety and help farmers to maximise yield during the crop cycle. This innovative solution promises to enhance crop health and productivity, contributing to the success and sustainability of farmers’ produce.

Proclaim XTRA is a contact, systemic and translaminar insecticide that works to paralyze and kill caterpillars. It is an EC formulation that enables efficient control on a wide range of caterpillar pests on crops. The caterpillar rapidly ceases damage to crops after its application, provides rapid control with long duration. It inhibits the metamorphosis of insect which prevents insect to convert into another damaging stage. Farmers should apply Proclaim XTRA at the stage of 30-60 Days and 60-90 Days after sowing of soybean.

Commenting on the launch, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited said “Crystal’s mission to work closely with the farming community and improve farm profitability and sustainability in crop protection stands at the core where we conceived Proclaim Xtra. This unique formulation not only controls a wide array of caterpillars but will contribute to ensure a better yield for Soybean and Maize farmers. Proclaim Xtra is an amplification for our efforts to build profitable farms for all. Crystal’s legacy of innovative R&D capability is committed to provide sustainable farming solutions to Indian farmers and Proclaim Xtra establishes our endeavour further,”.

“At Crystal, we’re thrilled to introduce Proclaim Xtra—a game-changer in crop protection designed to boost farm profitability and sustainability. This unique formulation effectively targets caterpillars, ensuring higher yields for Soybean and Maize farmers. Proclaim Xtra embodies our commitment to deliver innovative solutions that empower Indian farmers,” added Sohit Satyawali, Sales & Marketing Head of Crystal Crop Protection Limited.

Explaining the impact of the product, Praveen Gour, Portfolio Head Insecticide Crystal Crop Protection Limited said, “We are excited to introduce Proclaim XTRA, a breakthrough insecticide poised to redefine pest management in agriculture. Designed as an EC formulation, Proclaim XTRA delivers comprehensive control against caterpillar through its unique contact, systemic, and translaminar properties. By hampering insect metamorphosis, this solution not only prevents crop damage but also ensures sustained efficacy over time.

The product uniqueness imparts control over the three life stages of the caterpillar i.e. egg, larva as well as adult making it a holistic product for difficult pests like Spodoptera spp,”.

Proclaim XTRA delivers swift, long-lasting control over

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, Foodgrains, India, Trade

The E-commerce ecosystem has delivered a staggering 75 per cent revenue growth (vs. STLY) * for KRBL, solidifying its position as a pivotal strategic channel for the company’s business expansion.

KRBL Limited, renowned for its flagship range- India Gate Basmati Rice, the World’s No. 1 Basmati Rice brand, has reported robust growth in the domestic market for Q1 FY25, with revenue of Rs 925 crore, marking a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. This growth is underpinned by a significant rise in both volume and realisation for branded Basmati rice, as well as a 23 per cent surge in sales of non-Basmati branded rice.

KRBL has achieved a record-breaking market share of 37.1 per cent (+460 bps*, STLY) in general trade, 44.9 per cent (+280 bps*, STLY) in modern trade, and 42.0 per cent (+350 bps*, STLY) in e-commerce, significantly strengthening its leadership across all market categories in Q1 FY25. The E-commerce ecosystem has delivered a staggering 75 per cent revenue growth (vs. STLY) * for KRBL, solidifying its position as a pivotal strategic channel for the company’s business expansion.

The company’s unwavering efforts to enhance product availability and densify its distribution network are credited with this achievement. Currently, the brand is present in over 1.1 crore households nationwide, with a 10 per cent penetration (8 per cent increase* over STLY) and a retail outlet presence of 3.8 lac outlets.

The company has also received a positive response to its regional rice offerings and the India Gate Classic Biryani Masala. The regional rice segment, featuring aged varieties such as Surti Kolam, Jeera Rice, Sona Masoorie, Wada Kolam, and Gobindo Bhog, has grown by 23 per cent, reflecting strong consumer demand. Similarly, the India Gate Classic Biryani Masala has gained traction across E-commerce and Modern Trade platforms, further enhancing KRBL’s presence in the domestic market.

Ayush Gupta, Domestic Business Head, KRBL, commented on the performance, saying, “Our recipe for success is built on three essential pillars: Consumer, Category, and Channel. We place the consumer at the core of everything we do, constantly evolving with their preferences and translating these insights into impactful initiatives. Our passion goes beyond selling rice; we’re committed to elevating the entire basmati category. By expanding the market, educating both consumers and retailers and preserving Basmati’s heritage, we ensure an uncompromised experience. Additionally, a robust omnichannel presence has been crucial in connecting with the right customers at the right time, driving our growth strategy forward”

As KRBL continues to build on its market leadership, the company remains dedicated to expanding its reach and strengthening its product offerings in the domestic market, ensuring sustained growth and value for its stakeholders.

The E-commerce ecosystem has delivered a staggering

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Collaborations, India

MoU will explore new opportunities in the area of Fish, Fish cooperative and Fisheries ecosystem from the perspective of education, research, capacity building and consultancy.

In a significant stride towards fostering collaboration in the field of cooperative management within the fisheries sector, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) and the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This is an important step forward in realisation of the vision of establishment of 2 lakh PACS, Dairy and Fishery Cooperatives in every Panchayat.

The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at achieving sustainable livelihood development and operational excellence in the fisheries sector through enhanced cooperative management. Both institutions are committed to leveraging their combined strengths to address key challenges and drive progress in this vital field.

Fisheries in India provides livelihood to 14.46 million people and this strategic partnership aims to enhance integration and reach of advanced technology as well as promotion of value addition in fishery cooperatives. VAMNICOM and ICAR-CIFE will together explore new opportunities in the area of Fish, Fish cooperative and Fisheries ecosystem from the perspective of education, research, capacity building and consultancy.

The ceremony, held at the ICAR-CIFE campus in Mumbai, was graced by Dr Ravishankar CN, Director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE, and Dr Hema Yadav, Director of VAMNICOM. Scientists, faculty members, and key team members from both institutions were also present on the occasion.

The MoU aims to bolster the synergies between ICAR-CIFE and VAMNICOM, paving the way for enhanced cooperative management practices in fisheries. Through this partnership, the institutions will collaborate on research, training and development initiatives that are expected to significantly impact the fisheries sector by improving cooperative management strategies and practices.

Dr Ravishankar CN expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the MoU represents a pivotal moment for advancing the shared goals of both institutions. “This partnership will not only strengthen our research capabilities but also extend our reach in delivering impactful training programs. We are excited about the potential advancements in cooperative management that will emerge from this collaboration,” he stated.

Dr Hema Yadav echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits and opportunities that the MoU brings. “By joining forces with ICAR-CIFE, we are taking a monumental step towards integrating cooperative management principles into the fisheries sector. This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other’s expertise and resources to drive innovation and improve practices across the board.”

MoU will explore new opportunities in the

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

The technology not only adds value to kinnow waste but also presents a sustainable opportunity for businesses in the nutraceutical and food industries.

ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, successfully licensed its groundbreaking technology, titled ‘Process for Extraction of Hesperidin from Immature Dropped Kinnows,’ to M/s BNK Foods, Uttarakhand. The licensing agreement was officially signed between Dr Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, and Akash Joshi, Director of M/s BNK Foods.

Dr. Kotwaliwale lauded the licensing agreement as a major step in bridging agricultural research with industry, expressing confidence that M/s BNK Foods will effectively use the technology to produce high-quality hesperidin, driving economic growth and health benefits.

This innovative process, developed by Dr Manju Bala, Dr. Deepika Goswami, Dr, Mridula D., Dr. R.K. Vishwakarma & Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale at ICAR-CIPHET, offers an efficient method to extract hesperidin, a valuable bioflavonoid with numerous health benefits, from immature dropped kinnows. The technology not only adds value to kinnow waste but also presents a sustainable opportunity for businesses in the nutraceutical and food industries. This agreement highlights ICAR-CIPHET’s commitment to transform agricultural practices and promoting economic development.

The technology not only adds value to

Agbiologicals, Collaborations, Company News, India

 This JV will benefit the farmers across the world by providing solutions for the difficult to control pests.

 IPL Biologicals Ltd., the global leader in agri-biologicals with the widest portfolio of bio-pesticides, bio-fungicides, and bio-fertilizers; and AFEPASA, one of the oldest and respected manufacturers of biocontrol, nutrition and plant bio-stimulation solutions of Europe, have signed an Agreement to globally register and market IPL’s proprietary microbial bio-pesticides. These products have been tried and rested all over the world and are much sought after globally.  The first product to be registered will be IPL’s star nematicide with a very high-level of efficacy. Starting with Europe, this product will be registered globally. As chemical products are largely ineffective against nematodes, the global market potential for IPL’s nematicide is huge.

The Agreement was signed at the AFEPASA office in Spain, where IPL was represented by Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka,, President, and AFEPASA was represented by Manel Montaño, CEO. This JV will benefit the farmers across the world by providing solutions for the difficult to control pests, reduce their dependence on chemicals while improving the yield and quality.

 Speaking on the joint venture, Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka,, President of IPL Biologicals Ltd. Said, “We are thrilled to join hands with AFEPASA in this groundbreaking partnership that will bring our cutting-edge agri-biological solutions to Europe. Due to resistance many agri problems have defied solution by chemical pesticides. Also, biological products do not have a problem of dangerous residue in the crops. Our biological products have shown remarkable efficacy in trials and large field demos all over the world. In AFEPASA, we have a partner who will enable us to quickly take-to-the-market our most exciting product.”

Manel Montaño, CEO of AFEPASA commented, “The strategic collaboration with IPL Biologicals will enable us offer innovative bio-pesticides to the European and global markets. We will be replacing harmful synthetic pesticides with safe biologicals, not only prioritizing the health of food consumers but also that of our environment. We are happy to be associated with IPL Biologicals, the global technology leader in agri-biologicals, and a company that has the most exciting technology path for the future, and who we are certain will dominate the global agri-biologicals market.”

 This JV will benefit the farmers across

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Goat farming, India, Live Stock, Poultry

The integrated unit covers 1.5 ha, including a 1.0 ha brackishwater pond, poultry and goat rearing sheds, and horticulture activities.

The ICAR-Navsari Gujarat Research Centre, Navsari of ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai established an Integrated Aqua-Agri-Poultry-Goat Farming Unit at Sultanpur Village in Navsari District, under the Scheduled Tribe Component for coastal tribal communities. The integrated unit covers 1.5 ha, including a 1.0 ha brackishwater pond, poultry and goat rearing sheds, and horticulture activities. It also includes nursery and grow-out farming of high-value brackishwater finfish and mud crab box culture, animal husbandry, and horticulture.

Dr. Z. P. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Navsari Agricultiural University inaugurated the unit in the presence of Dr. Kuldeep Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai. A meeting on tribal community livelihood opportunities was organized, featuring scientists from ICAR-CIBA, subject matter specialists from ICAR-KVK, Navsari, and Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University.

A total of 150 tribal beneficiaries from Sultanpur, Eroo, Abrama and Singod villages of Navsari attended the programme.

The integrated unit covers 1.5 ha, including

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, World

The decision to divest is driven by the acknowledgment that Yara’s ambition to become a true leader in the Food Systems Transformation in Africa.

Yara International ASA, a global leader in crop nutrition, announced the divestment of its fertilizer import and distribution subsidiary in Ivory Coast. Recognising the ever-evolving challenges in the global food industry, Yara has undertaken a thorough analysis of its operations, considering market dynamics, regulatory environment, and strategic growth opportunities. This evaluation has led to the decision to divest its position in Ivory Coast, warranting the allocation of resources and investments towards selected countries in the continent, which offer a higher potential for the successful implementation of its 2030 Africa Food Systems Transformation strategy.

“The decision to divest is driven by the acknowledgment that Yara’s ambition to become a true leader in the Food Systems Transformation in Africa, can only be reached in a phased approach. A necessary first step is to right-size our geographical footprint and prioritize those specific crops and regional segments offering the highest opportunity to establish closed-loop partnerships, which will secure a sustainable improvement in the Sub-Saharan smallholder farmer’s productivity and profitability”, said Luis Alfredo Pérez, SVP Yara Africa.

“In our pursuit of securing the necessary investments, it is imperative that we streamline our operations and exercise prudent capital allocation. A realistic and disciplined approach is necessary, with a strong focus on core markets that can yield scale and drive bottom-line growth. I am confident that this strategic decision will enable us to optimize returns, enhance shareholder value, and strategically position our company for sustained success in the years ahead” said Wikus Grové, Financial Director Yara Africa.

“Yara has always put its employees at the forefront of its decision-making and this point we can assure our employees that no jobs will be lost due to this decision, we value our talented workforce and understand that they are instrumental in our success,” said Taz Hassim, HRBP Yara Africa.

The decision to divest is driven by

Agri Genomics, Agribusiness, Company News, R&D, Seeds

Through its SEEDesign™ technology platform, Inari combines AI-powered predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products.

Inari marked the grand opening of a new 42,000-square-foot facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. The $20 million expansion – Inari’s largest to date – further accelerates the development and commercialization of higher-yielding seeds to meet market demand.

Through its SEEDesign™ technology platform, Inari combines AI-powered predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products that help ensure a thriving planet, food security and farmer well-being. West Lafayette is home to Inari’s product development and commercial operations, bringing to life research conducted at the company’s Cambridge, Massachusetts-based headquarters and Ghent, Belgium site.

“This expansion ushers in an exciting new phase for Inari as we scale up to deliver our breakthrough products to seed customers,” CEO Ponsi Trivisvavet said. “Not only does it optimize and accelerate our operations, the expanded capacity and capabilities allow us to address more crops and crop varieties.”

The expansion includes a more than doubling of the site’s greenhouse facilities and state-of-the-art LED lighting and environmental controls, as well as additional office and warehouse space. It is expected to further grow Inari’s West Lafayette employee base, which currently accounts for about half of the company’s more than 300 team members worldwide.

Inari, the SEEDesign™ company, develops seeds that address the world’s needs, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for a more sustainable, nature-positive food system. 

Through its SEEDesign™ technology platform, Inari combines

Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, Farm Mechanisation, World

The new FieldOps™ Mobile and Web application, Connectivity Included and expanded API partnerships will allow farmers to easily manage their fleets and access actionable data from anywhere.

Case IH believes precision tech must be rooted in providing actionable data and impactful solutions that make farming easier, more efficient and profitable. That’s why Case IH is launching a series of technology initiatives that put the farmer user-experience at the forefront. The all-new FieldOps™ mobile and web application redefines the way farmers connect, view and manage their operations with an expanded API integration. Lastly, Case IH is announcing Connectivity Included, which eliminates subscriptions on selected new machines, and simplifies the process of customizing technology needs.

FieldOps seamlessly connects and integrates agronomic insights and machine performance data, providing farmers with a comprehensive, real-time* overview of their operations, no matter the brand makeup of their fleet. Redesigned with special attention to streamlining the user experience, FieldOps makes it easy to access agronomic and machine data from anywhere.

“Launching FieldOps gave us the opportunity to fulfill the three main needs farmers have with connectivity and precision tech: interoperability, ease of use, and real-time data transfer,” said Marco Lombardi, Head of Case IH and STEYR brands EMEA. The all-new Case IH FieldOps web and mobile app is available now for download in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Key features available with Case IH FieldOps:

Remote Display View allows farmers to see all parts of the in-cab screen: operators can be guided from a distance and achieve minimum downtime and maximum productivity through this quick and targeted assistance.

Continuously updated machine location for real-time* updates and directions.

Farmers can customize their view based on what’s important to them: set notifications, alarms and adjust settings for each machine, create machine parameter favourites by machine or machine type.

Enable dark or light mode for preferred user experience regardless of time of day.

Integrates with CNH brands and third parties.

FieldOps offers a consistent, user-friendly interface across mobile devices and web browsers, ensuring ease of use for farmers on the go. FieldOps is purposefully designed to incorporate all Case IH data and information into one platform for easy access with one log-in.

Farmers can monitor crop health, growth stages, and field conditions to make informed agronomic decisions. Furthermore, FieldOps integrates with Case IH equipment and third-party systems to streamline data collection and analysis, providing a holistic view of farm operations, no matter the fleet makeup. Farmers can track machinery usage, fuel consumption, and performance with continuous updates, ensuring optimal operational efficiency, labor management and maintenance scheduling.

Case IH Expands API Partnerships to Remove Data Integration Barriers

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Case IH recognizes how critical it is for farmers to have seamless integration and access to their various data platforms. Case IH is expanding its API partnerships, which globally totals more than 40 as of June 2024. This gives Case IH customers easier access to their agronomic and operational data, eliminates hurdles navigating within digital platforms, and ultimately, increases farmer productivity.

The new FieldOps™ Mobile and Web application,

Agrotech, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Mahindra aims to transform land preparation activities in India with a durable and reliable range of rotavators, ranging from heavy to light duty, designed and developed for every farming condition.

Mahindra Farm Equipment Sector, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, is gearing up to significantly transform land preparation activities for farmers in India through its comprehensive range of rotavators, developed for every soil and crop type in India. Mahindra is one of the largest rotavator manufacturers in the country, with the company’s extensive range designed and tested to world-class standards by its research and development team. The company works closely with farmers to ensure optimum performance, reliability, and life for every farming condition across the country. Made in India, Mahindra rotavators are manufactured at a dedicated manufacturing unit in Nabha, Punjab.

Mahindra’s Rotavators optimise the time and labour required for land preparation activities. They also improve seedbed quality, ensure weed control and residue management while ensuring improvement in the physical conditions of the soil. Mahindra Rotavators are compatible with tractors ranging from 15 to 70 hp and are suitable for a variety of soil conditions. The rotavators are designed to ensure the lowest fuel consumption for tillage and are highly durable. The blades of Mahindra Rotavators are made with a special steel alloy branded ‘Boroblades’ to ensure long life even in the toughest of soil conditions.

To cater to progressive farmers, Mahindra also offers an ‘Intelligent Rotavator’ that communicates via an app through Bluetooth technology built into the rotavator.

Talking about Mahindra’s ambitions towards mechanising land preparation in India, Hemant Sikka – President, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. explained, “As modern farm equipment evolves, the rotavator has proven to greatly enhance farm productivity and efficiency the world over. We at Mahindra have made significant strides in rotavator technology for India, in line with our purpose of Transform Farming and Enrich Lives.”

 Kairas Vakharia – Senior Vice President & Business Head, Farm Machinery, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. further explains, “We at Mahindra aim to significantly reduce the time and labour required for land preparation in India and, through decades of working with the farmer, have developed a comprehensive range of rotavators. Mahindra Rotavators are manufactured in a dedicated world-class plant in Nabha, Punjab. Our extensive sales, service, and spares network, along with an unbeatable 2-year comprehensive warranty across our entire range, will further ensure we enhance the farmers experience of our products.”

Mahindra aims to transform land preparation activities

India, Interaction, Organic, Soil Health, Sustainability

He was speaking during the publication ceremony of the Marathi translation of the Hindi book ‘Naisargik Sheti’ written by Acharya Devvrat organised by the Agrovision Foundation.

The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers like urea, DAP, and pesticides has led to barren lands and an increase in disease incidences. Thus, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat urged farmers to embrace organic farming to restore soil fertility, reduce costs, increase production, and promote better health.

This appeal was made during the publication ceremony of the Marathi translation of the Hindi book ‘Naisargik Sheti’ written by Acharya Devvrat. The event, organised by the Agrovision Foundation, took place at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Auditorium on Sunday. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari presided over the program, alongside prominent dignitaries including Dr. Sharad Gadakh, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University, Dr. Nitin Patil, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries University, Dr C.K. Timbadia, Ravi Bortkar, President of Agrovision Foundation, Ramesh Mankar, Treasurer, and others. The ground-breaking ceremony of the Agrovision Farmers Training Centre was also held, and the translator of ‘Naisargik Sheti,’ Nitin Naigaonkar, along with editorial guide Shailesh Pandey, were felicitated.

Acharya Devvrat emphasised that chemical farming is a conspiracy imposed on farmers and challenged agricultural researchers to demonstrate that chemical fertilizers do not increase farming costs or degrade soil quality. He contrasted organic farming with natural farming, highlighting the benefits of using indigenous cow dung and cow urine to enhance soil fertility and crop yields.

Praising Nitin Gadkari’s visionary leadership in the agricultural sector, Acharya Devvrat commended his initiatives, including Agrovision, training centers, and efforts to make farmers self-reliant.

Ravi Boratkar conducted the foreword, while Asawari Galande-Deshpande moderated the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ramesh Mankar.

A New Market for Farmers: Nitin Gadkari

During the event, Nitin Gadkari Union Minister Road Transport & Highways and Chief Patron of Agrovision announced plans to establish a market where farmers can directly sell their naturally farmed products and fruits to consumers, ensuring direct benefits for the farming community. He also revealed that the country’s first Agro Convention Center will be set up within the premises of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University.

The upcoming Agrovision Farmers Training Center will provide facilities for soil and water testing, and modern training in new technologies. Gadkari emphasized that measures such as encouraging natural farming, river and canal deepening, and enhancing seed and plant nurseries will lower farming costs, increase production, and help farmers become debt-free, ultimately contributing to the prevention of farmer suicides. He urged the widespread distribution of Acharya Devvrat’s book ‘Naisargik Sheti’ among all farmers.

A New Chapter in Agrovision’s History: Ravi Boratkar

On Sunday morning, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Agrovision’s modern Farmer Training Centre, marking a new chapter in Agrovision’s history. Ravi Boratkar, Chairman of Agrovision Foundation, expressed his pride in this achievement during the event.

He announced that Gadkari’s vision of an agricultural training centre under Agrovision will soon be released. The centre will feature training classes, a 150-seat auditorium for workshops, a library, and labs for soil and water testing. Plans for a future farmer’s market were also shared, emphasising Agrovision’s commitment to supporting farmers through education and market access.

He was speaking during the publication ceremony