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AgroPolicy, India, Seeds, Supply Chain

The seed industry believes that incentivising investments in advanced seed technologies and research that help enhance productivity and thus overall supply is crucial.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi launched sales of tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 60 per kg in Delhi-NCR on July 29 as part of the government’s efforts to stabilise prices and provide relief to the common man.

The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd (NCCF) vans have started providing tomatoes at a subsidised rate. The tomatoes are sold in Delhi along with Noida and Gurugram, according to the statement.

The Centre undertook the market intervention initiative to stabilise rising tomato prices in the retail market. The Department of Consumer Affairs has decided to launch this initiative to check the surge of tomato prices in major cities, especially Delhi.

Federation of Seed Industry of India has welcomed government’s initiative of selling subsidised tomatoes through NCCF vans. While commenting on the government’s initiative, Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India said, “We welcome the government’s initiative to sell subsidised tomatoes through NCCF vans, initially introduced in Delhi and now expanded to Mumbai, to help cool down rising costs and ensure affordability for consumers. While these short-term measures are vital in addressing acute price volatility, we would like to reiterate the need to focus on long-term, sustainable solutions.

The seed industry believes that incentivising investments in advanced seed technologies and research that help enhance productivity and thus overall supply is crucial.

For example, New Breeding Technologies (NBTs), including CRISPR gene editing can be leveraged for introducing crop traits like pest and disease resistance, improved productivity, and extended shelf life. These advancements will not only stabilize prices but also enhance farmers’ profitability.

We urge for continued support in developing superior seed varieties and implementing evidence-based policies that foster innovation and sustainability. This will pave the way for Indian agriculture to become prosperous and profitable, benefiting both farmers and consumers in the long run”.

The seed industry believes that incentivising investments

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Collaborations, Company News, India, Malaysia

To substantially reduce mortality rate of Livestock and Aquaculture into India.

Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd (Fischer MV), a pioneering force in the healthcare industry, confirmed its investment and collaboration with Bio Angle Vacs Sdn Bhd (BAV), a leading Biotechnology company in Malaysia that develops, manufactures and distributes vaccines to small and large-scale farming owners worldwide, focusing on health and disease prevention for livestock and aquaculture. BAV have to date secured a total of USD 83 million annual sales contracts from China, Nigeria, Kenya, Chad, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Indonesia for its range of innovative, sought-after animal vaccines.

Fischer MV (formerly known as Fischer Chemic Ltd) is known for its affordable and high-quality medical diagnostic and imaging technologies, by leveraging cutting-edge innovations and AI-powered software solutions in healthcare. Moving into preventative healthcare for livestock and aquaculture with BAV shows its commitment to improve healthcare through greater food security. Fischer MV is making plans with BAV to establish a production facility in India to serve the local and Middle Eastern markets where livestock populations are top on the world’s list.

Founded in 2013, BAV has revolutionized the animal vaccination industry with its ground-breaking delivery methods that prioritize quality, safety, and efficacy. Its flagship innovation, the Spray Technology Vaccine (STVAC), was developed and patented by BAV’s founder, Prof. Mohd Zamri Saad, in collaboration with scientists from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). STVAC leverages advanced recombinant technology and intranasal administration to elicit both mucosal and systemic immune responses, demonstrating enhanced protection for small ruminants, especially goats and sheep, against bacterial infections with high mortality rates. Pneumonic Pasteurellosis (pneumonia) commonly affects 30 per cent to 60 per cent of global goat and sheep populations can be effectively managed through vaccination, however traditional injectable vaccines requiring vet to administer are costly, time-consuming, labour- intensive and stressful for animals. In contrast, BAV’s STVAC intranasal spray method minimizes stress for animals, reduces costs and simplifies the vaccination process by any handlers, hence more accessible for farmers. STVAC is tested to enhance protection of goats and sheep from pneumonia, reducing mortality rates significantly to below 5 per cent.

In addition to STVAC, BAV has developed several other innovative solutions. VIVAC aqua-feed is a Vibrio vaccine that provides cross-protection against a range of pathogenic Vibrio spp. prevalent in Asian marine fish cultures. Administered effectively through fish feed, VIVAC addresses the challenges faced by small and medium-sized fish farmers who struggle with labour-intensive and costly injectable vaccines. AQUABOOSTER is an oral feed vaccine that offers cross-protection against multiple species of pathogenic Streptococcus spp. and Aeromonas spp. prevalent in freshwater fish farming across Asia. AQUABOOSTER has been shown to significantly increase survival rates by 60-90%. SEABIOBROWN is a symbiotic feed enhancer for shrimp health, combining prebiotics and probiotics to help prevent acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and vibriosis outbreaks, which contribute to early mortality syndrome (EMS) in shrimp. Aside from vaccines, BAV is also expanding into other animal-related products such as disinfectants, antiseptics and treatment.

 Ravindran Govindan, Executive Chairman & MD of Fischer MV, announces the collaboration with confidence: “This collaboration with BAV is our commitment in food security, starting from India with the 2nd largest sheep & goat population of about 223 million, and where food security is a growing issue. With Fischer MV’s expertise in MedTech solutions, robust resources, and strategic network, we look forward to bringing BAV’s ground-breaking, cost-effective animal vaccines and products to the rest of the world to improve our food safety.”

 Noor Shazreena Ishak, CEO of BAV is elated to partner Fischer MV: “In view of the growing demand for preventive healthcare in the animal world, we are committed to offer easy, cost-effective and trustworthy solutions to relief the stress of our livestock and aquaculture and greatly improve the ROI of farmers. Through this collaboration with Fischer MV, we will have stronger science, tech and marketing support to meet the global demand for quality and affordable animal vaccines, and ultimately help reduce the burden of animal diseases worldwide.”

To substantially reduce mortality rate of Livestock

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

Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre inaugurated at Paradip port and foundation laid for Water treatment plant with the capacity to filter 16 million litres of water per day.

T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) inaugurated and laid foundation stone of several significant projects worth more than Rs. 13 crores at Paradip Port Authority (PPA).

He inaugurated the Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre in the newly constructed Annex building of Paradip Port Hospital. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.90 Crores, the centre will provide curative and rehabilitative services for trauma and burn victims in and around Paradip.

Secretary, Ramachandran laid the foundation stone for the Water Treatment Plant of PPA. The project, being constructed at a cost of Rs. 10.50 Crores will receive raw water through Taldanda Canal and will have the capacity to filter 16 million litres of water per day. The plant is expected to be completed by December 2024, enhancing the water infrastructure of Paradip Port and supplying quality drinking water to the citizens of Port Township.

Ramachandran reviewed the functioning of the PPA and interacted with Heads of Departments and Deputy Heads of Departments. He also inspected and reviewed port operations, planning, and expansion at the Mechanized Coal Handling Plant, Twin Wagon Tipplers at JSWPTPL, and KICT silos. He suggested system improvement measures to increase productivity.

The Secretary suggested several measures aimed at improving the overall performance of the port operations. These recommendations are expected to enhance the capacity and streamline the workflow, contributing to Paradip Port’s long-term growth and success.

It is to be noted that, the Paradip Port in Odisha is the highest cargo handling major port of the country. In the financial year 2023-24 PPA became highest cargo handling port by handling 145.38 million metric tonnes (MMT) cargo throughput.

The goal under Vision 2047 is to increase the port handling capacity to 10,000 MTPA. Contours of the plan will soon be spelled out. There will be avenues for private participation that are being worked upon. All ports are preparing a master plan in order to become mega ports by 2047. Improving port infrastructure and facilities, reducing turnaround time, and increasing handling capacity will be the bedrock of the 2047 target.

The latest goal is well above the targets set under the ongoing Sagarmala programme that aims boosting port capacity by 800 MMTPA to an overall 3,500 MMTPA by 2035.

As a part of Sagarmala programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of Rs 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015-2035. In a nearer goal, the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 has a goal to develop global standard ports in India. The MIV 2030 estimates investments to the tune of Rs 1-1.25 lakh crore for capacity augmentation and infrastructure development at Indian ports.

Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre inaugurated

Agro Universities, India, R&D

Scientific team of Dr Ajit Arun Waman and Dr Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientists, ICAR-CIARI contributed to both inventions.

ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair got two of their inventions registered as Industrial Designs with the Patent Office. The first invention- cold water circulatory system is a laboratory aid useful for condensation operation during the process of extraction of phytochemicals from spices, medicinal & aromatic plants, fruits etc. Such extraction processes involve continuous use of running tap water for condensation, which results in considerable wastage of water, while the sophisticated recirculatory chillers are too costly for most of the small laboratories. The invention would not only be affordable but also water-saving solution for the researchers and academicians dealing with various aspects such as extraction of essential oils, fixed oils, refluxing of samples etc.

The second invention is cinnamon bark rubbing tool, which is a handy tool that facilitates extraction of inner bark of cinnamon from the harvested stems. Cinnamon is an ancient spice and country imports huge quantities of produce causing loss to the national exchequer. High labour requirement in various stages of harvesting is the main factor deterring cinnamon cultivation in the country. In order to facilitate the harvesting, availability of user-friendly tools is required and this invention is a timely attempt to meet this gap.

Scientific team for the above inventions includes Dr. Ajit Arun Waman and Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientists, ICAR-CIARI.

Scientific team of Dr Ajit Arun Waman

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, Finance, India, Speciality Chemicals

Company registered Profit After Tax (PAT)of Rs 200 crore which is 76 per cent higher on YoY basis.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited, one of India’s leading producers of industrial & mining chemicals and fertiliser announced its results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2024.

In Q1FY25 company delivered revenue Rs.2,281 Crores, marginal decline by 1.4 per cent on YoY basis due to lower commodity prices. Company’s EBITDA margin improved to 20.4 per cent against 12.1 per cent on YoY basis. Company’s PAT was Rs.200 crore which is 76 per cent higher on YoY basis.

During the quarter, sales of manufactured bulk fertilisers was 174 KMT, representing an 11 per cent increase YoY. The company has launched Smartek fertilizer for paddy, pulses, and cotton, along with the Croptek grade for soybean crops. Sales of specialty fertilizer product, Bensulf, amounted to 10 KMT this quarter, reflecting a 51 per cent increase YoY.

Sales of traded specialty fertilisers in Q1FY25 saw an 80 per cent increase YoY. With global prices for water-soluble fertilisers stabilizing, demand has now returned to normal levels.

 With better monsoon, the demand outlook is positive. We are focusing on delivering crop specific and water-soluble fertilizers which deliver higher yield and productivity to the farmer. Additionally, our recent partnership with Israel-based Haifa Group will help to promote high-performance specialty fertilisers.

Segment Performance:

Chemical Segment (Mining and Industrial Chemical) contributed about 57 per cent of total revenue which grew by 5per cent YoY mainly driven by improved demand in TAN business.

Fertilisers Segment contributed 43 per cent of total revenue which was lower by 9 per cent YoY because of delay in monsoon which post July has picked up very well.

Reduction in key RM Prices during Q1FY25 has resulted in lower NSP:  Ammonia 36 per cent YoY; MOP 37 per cent YoY; Gas 7 per cent YoY; while delivering improved overall margins.

Launched Croptek grade for Soyabean Crop and Smartek grade for Paddy-& Pulse.

The National Budget has proposed Duty hikes on Ammonium Nitrate and Duty reductions on the Precious Metals used for Catalysts, both will have a positive impact.

Commenting on the performance, Sailesh C. Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director said, “DFPCL has delivered an impressive performance for Q1FY25, with notable increase in EBITDA margin by 823 bps YoY, up from 12.1 per cent to 20.4 per cent.

The businesses are reaping the benefits of backward integration of Ammonia plant which has helped mitigate supply chain risk as well as price volatility and the benefits are captured within the group.

Also, the strategy of moving from commodity to speciality has been working to sustain and enhance the margins of the businesses.

Mining chemical segment demonstrated robust volume and margin growth supported by stable imported Fertliser Grade Ammoniam Nitrate (FGAN) prices and lower ammonia prices. The proposed duty hike on ammonium nitrate will also help going forward.

The fertilizer business volume was driven by Croptek and specialty fertilizers, providing crop-specific solutions to farmers. Despite delayed monsoon and high inventory of phosphatic fertilizers, volumes slightly declined by 3 per cent YoY. With rains predicted to be above normal, we expect volume growth in the coming quarter, boosted by new launches: Croptek grade for Soyabean and Smartek for paddy and pulses.

Margins of Nitric acid is stable with volumes lower on YoY basis due to extended repair in WNA plant. The IPA business declined by 8 per cent YoY due to the planned shutdown of the plant. Going forward, we expect stable demand in both Nitric Acid and IPA segment.

We continue to maintain sharp focus on operational efficiencies, drive cost optimizations, capacity utilization, and productivity improvements, which will help us navigate through market challenges and remain steadfast in adding value to our shareholders.

Company registered Profit After Tax (PAT)of Rs

Agribusiness, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, Finance, India

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during July 2024 were at 27209 units, as against 25175 units for the same period last year.

 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, today announced its tractor sales numbers for July 2024.Domestic sales in July 2024 were at 25587 units, as against 24168 units during July 2023. Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during July 2024 were at 27209 units, as against 25175 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1622 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We have sold 25587 tractors in the domestic market during July’24, at a growth of 6 per cent over last year. South-West monsoon has progressed very well in the month of July, with surplus rainfall in Central, Western and Southern states; while Bihar, Haryana, Punjab and parts of eastern UP and Jharkhand are still in deficient rainfall category. Kharif sowing has progressed considerably across India uplifting farmer sentiments. Higher crop prices for wheat and potato and increase in MSP for all major kharif crops has further elevated farmers sentiments. Rainfall progress remains a key monitorable for the coming months. With budget allocations supporting agri and rural economy and favourable terms of trade for the farmers, the upcoming festive season is looking very promising for tractor industry. In the export market, we have sold 1622 tractors, a growth of 61 per cent over last year.”

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during

Agribusiness, India, Sugar industry

ISMA expects only a minimal decline of 3-5 per cent in gross sugar production in Maharashtra and Karnataka for 2024-25 sugar season.

The Indian Sugar Mills & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has announced a promising outlook for the 2024-25 sugar season (SS), with total sugarcane acreage in India estimated at approximately 56.1 lakh hectares based on satellite images obtained in late June 2024.

During a recent meeting held on July 30, 2024, representatives from sugar-producing states across the country gathered to discuss the findings. The meeting covered a comprehensive analysis of satellite imagery, field reports on expected yields, sugar recovery rates, drawl percentages, the impact of rainfall from previous and current years, water availability in reservoirs, and anticipated rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon 2024.

Key Highlights:

Uttar Pradesh: The overall condition of standing cane remains robust. Additionally, the diversion of cane towards jaggery and khandsari units is expected to be lower than last year, aligning with normal trends, thus contributing positively to sugar production.

Maharashtra and Karnataka: Both states have experienced a reduction in cane area by around 13 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively, primarily due to last year’s deficient rainfall in major cane-growing districts. However, the current year’s rainfall has been abundant, approximately 30% above normal, with a positive forecast for the remainder of the monsoon. This improved water availability is anticipated to significantly enhance cane productivity and sugar recovery, effectively mitigating the impact of the reduced cane area. As a result, we expect only a minimal decline of 3-5% in gross sugar production in these states.

Other States: Minor adjustments in cane area and production are expected, with overall stability anticipated.

Overall, the projections for the 2024-25 SS are significantly more optimistic than those forecasted a few months ago. We are confident that the upcoming sugar season will be productive and successful.

In light of these encouraging developments, ISMA is releasing a preliminary estimate of gross sugar production for the 2024-25 SS, excluding the diversion of sugar towards ethanol production.

ISMA expects only a minimal decline of

Agrotech, Drones, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

Drones are becoming an essential part of the Indian agriculture sector, with over 220 drone startups as of February 2022. The adoption of drone technology faces challenges like high costs, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of technical expertise among farmers. Despite these challenges, with supportive government policies and ongoing technological advancements, the future of the agri drone business is bright.

A large portion of India’s gross domestic product (GDP), workforce, and food security are supported by the agricultural sector. Many Indians rely on agriculture as a main source of income.  The use of drones in agriculture has the potential to greatly improve productivity. Not only can drones spray an acre in just 5 to 7 minutes, but they can also cover an area of about 25 acres every day, compared to just 2 to 3 acres when employing conventional labour. In addition to reducing reliance on labour, drones offer a safer working environment by eliminating the need for traditional spray methods, which expose labourers to dangerous chemicals.

Agri drones help conserve water and maximise the use of pesticides and fertilisers by distributing the spray uniformly across fields through meticulous mission planning. The Indian government has launched a number of kisan drone initiatives to promote “Drone Shakti” through a variety of uses, including crop assessment, digitisation of land records, insecticide spraying, and nutrient delivery for Drone-As-A-Service (DAAS). Financial support ranging from 40 to 100 per cent is provided to various entities, including farmers, agricultural graduates, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), State Agricultural Universities, and more, under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), so that they can purchase kisan drones and receive drone training.

Even though India is the world’s leading agricultural producer, few would have predicted a few years ago that tech companies would create tools that could revolutionise precision farming. With the goal of making India a world leader in agritech, more than 2,800 entrepreneurs are currently working hard to realise this ambition.

As far as agri-drones in India are concerned, the next year is looking bright. Some market research estimates put the growth rate at more than 30 per cent, with a range of 31.5 to 38.5 per cent. Within the next several years, agri-drones will be widely used by farmers across the nation. The increasing demand for precision farming, along with developments in drone technology and government backing, are driving this trend.

Sharing his views on this growth, Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone Destination said, “The government has also recently authorised the Central Sector Scheme, which would allocate Rs 1261 crore to purchase drones for use by women’s self-help groups (SHGs). The plan is to supply 15,000 chosen women SHGs with drones so they may rent them out to farmers for agricultural purposes (fertiliser and pesticide application). Drone spraying services have recently seen an influx of orders from major fertiliser firms like IFFCO and Coromandel, with over two crore acres of spraying already supplied to the industry. Drones can cost anything from Rs 400- 700 per acre, with the exact figure depending on the area and crop.”

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

Drones are becoming an essential part of

Agrotech, Animal Health, India, Opinions

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm

Protein hydrolysates offer multiple benefits for animal growth & immunity boosting, plant nutrition and protection, including nutrient supply, biostimulation, crop protection, soil health improvement, and support for organic farming practices. Their versatility and eco-friendly properties make them valuable tools for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.

Protein hydrolysates are essentially proteins that have been broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids through the process of hydrolysis. This process involves the use of water and enzymes or acids to break the peptide bonds between amino acids, resulting in smaller protein fragments.

The hydrolysis process breaks down proteins into smaller fragments. Smaller peptides and amino acids are absorbed more quickly by the body compared to intact proteins, leading to faster delivery of amino acids to muscles and other tissues for growth, repair, and other physiological processes. Protein hydrolysates often exhibit unique functional properties, such as improved solubility, emulsifying properties, and stability, which can make them suitable for use in various animal feed applications. Hydrolyzing proteins can sometimes reduce their allergenic potential by breaking down allergenic epitopes, making them safer for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities.

The source of protein significantly impacts the quality of protein hydrolysates in several ways, including their nutritional profile, functional properties, digestibility, and potential applications.

Protein hydrolysates serve as a valuable source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids in animal feeds especially aquaculture feeds. They provide nutrients necessary for growth, development, and overall health. They also enhance nutrient absorption and utilisation, leading to better growth rates and feed efficiency. Hydrolyzed proteins can enhance the palatability of fish, shrimp and crustacean feeds, making them more attractive to these aquatic animals. This can encourage increased feed intake, which is essential for promoting growth and maximising production. Protein hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides that may have stress-reducing effects on shrimp and other crustaceans. By including hydrolyzed proteins in feeds, aquaculture producers can potentially improve the resilience and survival rates of their livestock during periods of environmental stress or disease challenges. Some protein hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides that have immunomodulatory effects, helping to support the immune system of salmon, trout, and other fish species. Strengthening the fish’s immune defences can enhance disease resistance and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in aquaculture operations.

To read more click on:https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, LoopwormProtein hydrolysates

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Opinions

 By Dr Richa Priyadarshini, Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi-NCR.

Biotechnology is increasingly poised to accelerate the transition from a petroleum-based linear economy to a sustainable and circular economy. Embracing the principles of a circular economy offers a promising approach to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

The circular economy is a systematic approach that is dedicated to creating an economically sustainable system that optimises resources, recycles and reduces waste, and promotes environmental preservation. The United Nations has laid down the framework for sustainable development (SDGs), and the curricular economy is a major contributor. Microbes are crucial for a circular economy and contribute towards both the manufacturing of economic products and the recycling and degradation of waste materials. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation divides the circular economy into two halves: Technical and Biological. The technical side deals with non-biological resources entering the manufacturing cycle. Efficient use of resources and energy, sustainable design concepts for increasing the life of materials, and improving the reuse and recycling of materials all fall under the technical half. The other half of the circular economy consists of biological resources. Biotechnology and bio-based industries play a major role in transitioning from a linear to a sustainable circular economy. Many biotechnological interventions are helping to develop eco-friendly solutions for significant problems of pollution and food security. Some of them include biofuels, bioplastics, and biodegradation.

Sustainable Agriculture

Pesticides and chemical interventions are heavily employed in agriculture practices to meet the food requirements of the growing world population. These chemical interventions negatively impact soil and disturb the phosphorus and nitrogen cycles. Moreover, excessive use of chemical fertilisers leads to contamination of water and soil and is hazardous to human health. Biofertilisers and biopesticides are safer alternatives, which can contribute towards sustainable agriculture. Bacteria and fungi play an important role in sustainable agriculture. Plant-microbe interactions are known to be important for plant health and increase crop yields. Bioinoculants composed of microbes are used to promote plant growth. Plant growth-promoting microbes induce plant growth by nitrogen assimilation, phytohormones, and bioavailability of macro and microelements. Moreover, symbiotic plant microbes help plants resist pathogens and induce immune response by modulations of gene expression. These microbial interventions not only enhance plant yield but also aid in the remediation of degraded soils.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

 By Dr Richa Priyadarshini, Associate Professor, Department

Agribusiness, Animal Health, India, Interaction

Ranjan Kumar, CEO and Founder of eFeed, is spearheading a transformative wave in the dairy industry shares more about the VetVantage platform. Edited Excerpts:

Ranjan Kumar, CEO and Founder of eFeed, is spearheading a transformative wave in the dairy industry with the launch of VetVantage. eFeed has introduced this platform that empowers dairy firms to effectively manage and mitigate methane emissions. Keen on innovation and sustainability, Kumar is not just revolutionising dairy farming practices but also setting new standards for environmental stewardship in the agricultural sector. VetVantage stands as a testament to his commitment to marrying technological advancements with eco-friendly practices, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations while enhancing the efficiency and profitability of dairy operations today. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Kumar shares more about the VetVantage platform. Edited Excerpts:

 What was the inspiration behind eFeed?

My journey into entrepreneurship and innovation was shaped by my previous experiences in autonomous cars, ADAS, and electric vehicles. These roles honed my commitment to real-world impact and sustainable practices. The idea for eFeed emerged from observing the significant challenges faced by cattle farmers in India, including low incomes, poor animal nutrition, and high methane emissions. Motivated to make a difference, I founded eFeed to empower these farmers through advanced AI-driven solutions that not only enhance their livelihoods but also address environmental concerns. Our mission at eFeed is to transform livestock management by boosting productivity and reducing emissions, leading us toward a more sustainable and innovation-driven economy.

How has the company evolved since its inception?

Since inception in 2021 at Pune, we have seen tremendous growth in how we leverage technology to support farmers. Initially, we used the premise that smartphones are powerful, accessible tools for farmers. This idea has expanded into a comprehensive platform that not only gathers data but also provides precise, actionable insights directly to farmers. Our focus on reducing methane emissions and improving animal yields has led to notable success, including a 13-14 per cent reduction in methane with a balanced Total Mixed Ration (TMR). We have also launched VetVantage, a revolutionary platform that aids dairy companies in managing their emissions, transforming the way we approach sustainability in livestock management. This evolution reflects our commitment to turning India into an innovation-led economy, benefiting farmers and the environment alike.

Can you explain how the technology that converts methane into milk works?

Methane emissions from cattle are a function of cattle genetics, nutrition and microbiomes in rumen. We have studied how the feed energy in the cattle gets utilised in the cattle body and evaluated the energy loss in methane emissions. By improving the cattle rumen and improved nutrition we have seen significant improvement in milk outputs and methane emissions. For every 1kg milk we saw reduction of 14 grams of methane drop in cow and 18 gms drop in buffalo.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

Ranjan Kumar, CEO and Founder of eFeed,

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

 Indian fertiliser industry is struggling with the challenges such as increased rates of raw materials, dependency on imports for Potash, government’s subsidy policies for the fertiliser sector. Efforts are being made to reduce this dependency and move towards self-sufficiency. Let’s dig deeper.

The fertiliser imports dropped by nearly 10 per cent in 2023-24 as local production increased, aiming for self-sufficiency in urea. Urea imports dropped 7 per cent to 7.04 million metric tonnes (MMT) due to a 20 per cent jump in domestic output to 31.4 MMT in 2023-24, according to the data. Lower imports of urea also came on the back of higher local production of nano urea, a liquid form of the farm chemical, as well as a move towards eco-friendly alternatives by farmers. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) has sold about 3.3 MMT of locally produced nano urea worth about Rs 7 crore between August 2021 to February 2024. Private players too are contributing to the growth of the fertiliser industry by increasing production of nano urea. Coromandel International Limited has unveiled a state-of-the-art nano fertiliser plant at its Kakinada complex in Andhra Pradesh. Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) has announced partnership with Ray Nano Science & Research Centre for the production and distribution of nano urea. However, the fertiliser industry is struggling with the challenges such as increased rates of raw materials, dependency on imports for Potash, government’s subsidy policies for the fertiliser sector. Efforts are being made to reduce this dependency and move towards self-sufficiency. Let’s dig deeper.

The Union Government has set 2025-26 as the deadline by which the country will end all urea imports. To achieve this goal the government has focused on reviving closed fertiliser plants in Talcher, Ramagundam, Gorakhpur, Sindri, and Barauni to increase the fertiliser production. In this regard a lot has been achieved so far. However, with the help of impactful policy support, global partnerships for technology transfer and expansion and most importantly financial support for R&D and infrastructure from the government, the fertiliser industry can achieve self-sufficiency in the coming years.

India has one of the world’s largest fertiliser industries, driven by substantial agricultural demand. The market has seen consistent growth, propelled by increased agricultural activity, government support, and technological advancements in the sector. The industry comprises both domestic production and significant imports to meet fertiliser demands. Supportive government policies, subsidies, and schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) drive fertiliser usage and agricultural productivity. Integration of innovative technologies like precision farming, smart fertilisation methods, and bio-fertilisers enhances efficiency and boosts market growth. Growing environmental awareness fosters the demand for organic and eco-friendly fertilisers, driving market growth. International collaborations and agreements between companies contribute to market growth, expanding the availability of specialised fertilisers.

The India fertiliser market has experienced substantial growth owing to multiple factors that have contributed to its expansion and evolution. The conducive policy environment has catalysed investments across the public, cooperative, and private sectors, fostering a surge in fertiliser production. This encouragement led to a remarkable increase in total fertiliser output, reaching 46.22 MMT in 2021-22, representing an impressive 11.40 per cent per cent year-on-year growth. Maximize Market Research report noted that the India fertiliser market size was valued at Rs 1046.85 billion in 2023 and the total India fertiliser revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7 per cent from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly Rs 1543.15 billion by 2030.

India boasts a robust infrastructure with 33 large-scale urea plants, 21 units dedicated to producing DAP and complex fertilisers, and 3 units generating Ammonium Sulphate as a by-product. Such a diverse and extensive network of production facilities has substantially contributed to meeting the country’s fertiliser demands. Urea production during 2021-2022 increased to 24.93 MMT, while the estimated production of DAP and complex fertilisers rose to 13.74 MMT, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 6.51 per cent over the previous year. India’s reliance on imports, especially for urea (25 per cent), phosphates (90 per cent), and potash (100 per cent) has driven the government’s push for joint ventures abroad. These collaborations, with buy-back arrangements, foster long-term agreements for the supply of vital fertiliser inputs, securing the nation’s fertiliser demands. The convergence of these factors, favourable policies, robust production facilities, specific fertiliser type growth, and strategic international collaborations stands as the primary driver propelling the India fertiliser market towards sustainable growth and self-sufficiency in meeting its agricultural requirements.

To read more click on https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

 Indian fertiliser industry is struggling with the

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Collaborations, India, R&D

These farms will serve as experimental sites for testing and implementing various agricultural practices and new technologies in accordance with Indian standards.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the development of the first of its kind ‘Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farm’ (SADF) in India.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr M. S. Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor, GBPUAT, and senior officials from the University, including Dr. Deepa Vinay, Registrar; Dr.Ajeet Kumar Nain, Director of Research; and Deans of various colleges of GBPUAT, along with Dr. S. B. Singh, BIS Chair at GBPUAT.

Rajeev P, Deputy Director General (North), Saurabh Tiwari, Director & Head, BIS Dehradun, and other senior officials of BIS attended the event. This MoU marks the first collaboration between BIS and an agricultural university in the country to develop SADFs.

While emphasising about the potential benefits of MoU, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS, stated, “This partnership with GBPUAT is a major step forward. It will enhance agricultural practices by integrating Indian Standards, benefiting farmers and advancing agricultural innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the agricultural sector and the broader community.”

The primary objective of this MoU is to develop SADFs at GBPUAT in collaboration with BIS. These farms will serve as experimental sites for testing and implementing various agricultural practices and new technologies in accordance with Indian Standards. Regarding the fast pace development, it was informed that the Vice-Chancellor has instructed the concerned officials at GBPUAT to commence work on the project immediately and report the outcomes regularly, keeping BIS informed as per the defined periodicity.

This partnership with GBPUAT is a significant step towards promoting standardised agricultural practices and ensuring the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

These farms will serve as experimental sites

Agribusiness, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Oilseeds, Trade

CRISIL Ratings noted improved operating margins and stable credit profiles, with government policies supporting profitability through extended zero import-duty measures.

For domestic refiners of edible palm oil, revenue is expected to grow 10 per cent this fiscal on steady demand and higher realisations. Operating profitability is seen rising 40-50 basis points (bps) to 3.5 per cent owing to favourable prices and continuation of duty-free imports.

Healthy balance sheets and the absence of major debt-funded capital expenditure (capex), over the medium term, will keep the credit risk profiles of palm oil refiners stable. A study of nine companies rated by CRISIL Ratings, accounting for a third of the industry revenue of Rs 75,000 crore, indicates as much.

Palm oil dominates edible oil consumption in India, with 38-40 per cent share in volume. Palm oil is used largely in the food processing and hotels, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) segments, which account for 45-50 per cent of the overall consumption. The household and industrial segments consume the rest.

Rising urbanisation and increased consumption of processed and outside food will keep palm oil demand firm. Hence, the industry is set to witness volume growth of 3-4 per cent this fiscal to 93 lakh tonnes.

India has ample refining capacities but does not produce much crude palm oil (CPO) to feed the refineries and is dependent on the world’s largest producers — Malaysia and Indonesia — for over 90 per cent of its CPO requirement. Over the years, the global palm acreage has stagnated owing to sustainability and environmental concerns, ultimately leading to price rise.

 Rahul Guha, Director, CRISIL Ratings said, “In the latest budget, the Government’s endeavour to strengthen the domestic production of oil seeds to support domestic availability was amply clear, but the outcome could be little long drawn. In the meantime, global CPO output is expected to remain stagnant at 78-79 million tonnes, leading to price rise of 7-8 per cent this fiscal. Along with steady volume increase, this will lead to Indian edible palm oil industry revenues rising 10 per cent this fiscal.”

The operating margins of Indian refiners are set to improve 50 bps to 3.5 per cent on account of increased economies of scale, firm commodity hedging policies and continuation of duty-free imports of CPO.

Says Rishi Hari, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings, “In fiscal 2023, the Government of India had extended the zero import-duty structure for CPO for two straight years until March 2025. The duty structure was earlier set to expire in March 2024. The import duty for CPO was as high as 40% pre-pandemic. The extension will help regulate domestic supplies and keep prices in check, whilst supporting profitability this fiscal.”

Amid stagnant global supplies, Indian refiners are unlikely to add capacities over the medium term, and cash accrual will be more than adequate to cover incremental working capital requirement and maintenance capex. Hence, credit profiles will remain stable this fiscal, with total outside liabilities to tangible networth (TOLTNW) and interest coverage ratios estimated at 1.25 times and 4 times, respectively. That said, the impact of geopolitical challenges and international edible oil trade dynamics will bear watching.

CRISIL Ratings noted improved operating margins and