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The objective of the MoU is to evaluate the utility of plant-based vitamin D3 for the improved growth and health of shrimp.

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the team of Nutrigene Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Telangana, a technology-driven company working on high-value botanical molecules as a startup firm based in Hyderabad today. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA.

Dr. Lal highlighted the importance of vitamin D3 and its role in shrimp and fish aquaculture. He also briefed the significance of plant-based product supplements in line with our vision of natural farming in India.

 A.J. Rajesh, Vice-President, Nutrigene Biosciences, spoke about their company’s initiatives in providing high-end biological molecules using natural sources from herbs.

Nutrient Biosciences aims to provide high-value botanicals and other novel standardized plant extracts to the nutraceuticals, food, feed, and cosmetic industries. The objective of the MoU is to evaluate the utility of plant-based vitamin D3 for the improved growth and health of shrimp.

The objective of the MoU is to

The seed industry has welcomed the verdict by the two-judge bench on the conditional approval granted by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP).

 Delivered on Tuesday, the matter is set to be reviewed by a larger bench. Terming it a watershed moment, the industry emphasised that adopting progressive GM technology will significantly advance India’s pursuit of atmanirbarta in oilseeds.

Justice Sanjay Karol upheld the GEAC’s decision as independent, reasoned, and in line with the existing regulations. His ruling has been met with appreciation from the seed industry. Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, commended Justice Karol’s decision, stating, “We are glad that Hon’ble Justice Karol has supported the working of the regulatory body GEAC and found its working as per rules. The industry has always maintained that we must trust our regulators and support their decisions. GEAC is a scientific body, and their assessments are of high quality.”

On the other hand, Justice B V Nagarathna, part of the two-judge bench, deemed the decision “vitiated,” highlighting significant concerns. As a result, the petitions, which have been pending for nearly two decades, will now be presented to a larger bench for further deliberation.

Industry experts emphasise the need for self-sufficiency in oilseeds and increased farmer profitability. Rana asserted, “GMOs are tested stringently, and India’s regulatory bodies and research institutions adhere to the highest international norms and practices for evaluating safety & efficacy of biotech crops. GM Mustard can ensure ‘atmanirbharta’ in oil seeds, a major focus of the Indian government, and also promote farmer prosperity through increased productivity.”

A critical point of contention for setting aside the GEAC’s permission is the use of foreign data in the application. Critics argue that the GEAC approved the trait without relying on indigenous studies on the effects of GM Mustard in India and its potential environmental ramifications. Industry experts counter that Indian agencies have been integral to all biosafety studies.

Ram Kaundinya, Advisor to FSII, underlined the critical involvement of Indian agencies and institutions in the biosafety study of DMH-11. “The University of Delhi is part of the regulatory evaluations that are part of the field trials conducted in India. The food safety studies have been done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and accredited laboratories. Reputed Indian institutions like CGMPC, University of Delhi, ICMR-NIN, ICAR-DRMR, and CSIR-IMT generated data on molecular characterization, food safety, environmental safety, and detection protocols for the three proteins – Bar, Barnase, and Barstar,” he explained. “A 3285-page document containing the observations and results of all the biosafety studies was submitted to GEAC. An expert committee reviewed all the data submitted by the applicant and cleared it. That report is available on the GEAC website for public consultation.”

Both justices highlighted the necessity for a national policy on GMOs and directed the union government to develop such a policy through appropriate consultations with all stakeholders, including states, independent experts, and farmers’ bodies. Dr Rajendra Barwale, Member of FSII and Executive Chairman of Mahyco Pvt Ltd, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The industry unanimously views this direction as positive. A national policy is needed because the actual implementation of the regulatory process is getting impeded by political decisions and activism. There is an urgent need for a common approach amongst all states. This national policy should be formed in consultation with states and political parties and based on science and a common understanding among them. The policy, when formulated, should be supported by all, ensuring uniformity of approach with respect to its implementation in the country. It will help the industry in making investment decisions in further research and development for getting such cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of farmers and the country.”

Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, FSII noted the global acceptance of GM Canola cultivated on millions of hectares for the past 25 years, with no reported adverse effects. “There has not been any reported adverse effect of this cultivation on humans, animals, environment, or honey bees. There is no reason to believe that all the data generated through trials in India have shown anything different. On the other hand, we are importing GM oils and consuming them without any adverse health events being reported,” he said.

As the issue moves to a larger bench, the industry’s future direction and regulatory landscape remain under close scrutiny, with stakeholders awaiting a comprehensive and unified policy on GMOs.

The seed industry has welcomed the verdict

Having an impressive career spanning over 28 years, Karavadi brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Bayer, where he served as MD and CEO in Bangladesh.

Bioscience company, Absolute has announced the appointment of Srinivasakumar Karavadi as the President of Inera, its biological farm inputs division. This strategic appointment is poised to drive a significant shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with the growing global demand for eco-friendly farming solutions.

Having an impressive career spanning over 28 years, Karavadi brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Bayer, where he served as MD and CEO in Bangladesh. His extensive expertise in crop protection, seeds, and traits will be instrumental as he leads Inera’s mission to make bio-agriculture accessible and reliable for farmers worldwide.

“I’m thrilled to be leading Inera and its team of champions into the continued success of their mission—to make bio-agriculture accessible, affordable, and truly reliable for farmers globally.” This declaration underscores his commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that can redefine agricultural practices”, said Karavadi in the statement on Absolute’s LinkedIn page.

Srinivasakumar Karavadi also mentioned in his LinkedIn post, I look forward to the challenges and new opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will create value for both farmers and consumers as we work to accomplish our mission.

Inera’s commitment to delivering reliable biological solutions has the potential to empower farmers and reshape the agricultural landscape for generations to come.

Having an impressive career spanning over 28

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to bolster India’s food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Rural Agriculture Innovation Programme (RAIN).

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to bolster India’s food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture. The initiative focuses on providing technologies for on-farm sustainable agriculture, enhancing production and quality control, and aiding farmers in diversifying their opportunities and adding value in line with global standards.

The program primarily focuses on small and marginalised farmers, particularly women, who contribute 60-90 per cent of the world’s rice cultivation. It also supports women-led fisheries enterprises to maintain sustainable yields, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. With climate change impacting yields, RAIN seeks to support these communities by offering solutions that address local challenges and improve agricultural productivity.

The RAIN initiative will begin with a four-fold focus on eco-harmony, which involves innovations in soil health and biodiversity; harvest-secure methods to minimize produce wastage; climate resilience strategies to withstand agricultural challenges; and cleantech and sanitation to enhance environmental and health standards.

Additionally, C-CAMP and MSSRF plan to collaborate at the Centre of Excellence for Agri Innovation, supported by the Government of Karnataka, and exchange technical and field support for validating technologies that are culturally suited to target areas. They will also launch a joint call for innovations in food, agriculture, pisciculture, animal husbandry, and related fields.

The partners are considering expanding the program to other states such as Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, and exploring CSR or public-private partnership opportunities to further their reach.

Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO of C-CAMP highlighted, “Agriculture and climate are closely interlinked. Due to climate change large parts of the world are becoming food insecure. RAIN with MSSRF comes at this crucial time so that we can build a joint innovation programme in India especially for the vulnerable communities in various ecologies in India, whether it be coastal, or small and marginalised farmers who will benefit from switching crops, etc. The aim is to increase agricultural productivity; identifying rural innovations; increased income for smallholder farmers; women empowerment in agriculture; and foremost local solutions to address local or micro pain points.”

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF expressed, “Delighted to sign an MoU with C-CAMP, a real star in the innovation ecosystem. We will jointly work on the RAIN programme focusing on solving problems of small & marginal farmers through a science-based approach.”

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation

Company demonstrates commitment to sustainability and empowers over 9 million Indian farmers.

 AgroStar, India’s foremost AgTech company which serves over 9 million Indian farmers and reaches global customers across 25+ countries, proudly announced the release of its comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact report 2024, titled ‘Sowing Seeds of Sustainability.’ The impact assessment was conducted by Aspire Impact, a leader in impact leadership and ecosystem development.

Aspire used its proprietary 4P framework to assess AgroStar’s impact across People, Planet, Product, and Policy. These are further broken down into 13 categories and 40 impact standards, with around 160+ metrics collected and analysed. In recognition of AgroStar’s exceptional impact performance, Aspire Impact has awarded the company the ‘Gold Leaf’ rating. “Helping Farmers Win,” is at the heart of AgroStar’s operations and the company focuses on five key stakeholders: employees, retail partners, last-mile delivery partners, global customers, and most importantly, farmers.

AgroStar employs a cutting-edge digital-first strategy, delivering scientific agronomy knowledge through multiple channels. This approach has successfully resolved over 10 million farmer queries and garnered over 325 million video views, ensuring farmers receive expert guidance anytime, anywhere.

The ESG report provides a comprehensive view of the initiatives and actions undertaken by AgroStar. Key highlights of the report include:

Increased Yield and Reduced Costs: Indian farmers have increased their yield by an average of 27% with the help of AgroStar products and advisory services while reducing their input cost by 17 per cent.

Water Conservation: The company’s agri-input products have contributed to the global cause of water conservation by reducing water consumption by 423 billion litres.

Carbon Sequestration: The use of the company’s environmentally friendly products has helped restore 580 metric tonnes of carbon matter into Indian soils.

Reduced Food Wastage: Optimal post-harvest processes introduced by the company have led to a reduction in food wastage to less than 1% in its supply chain, compared to industry standards of 6-10%.

Product Safety and Traceability: The company’s F&V brand ‘Kimaye’ ensures product safety by achieving 100% compliance with the food safety requirements of 25+ importing countries. Additionally, 100% of Kimaye products are part of a traceability system.

Workforce Diversity: The company promotes workforce diversity and provides work opportunities to women in the rural agriculture ecosystem, with over 75% of employees being women at its fruit and vegetable packhouses.

Economic Opportunities for Women Farmers: The company offers equitable economic opportunities to women farmers, providing them a premium price for their produce procured for its ‘Kimaye’ brand.

Shardul Sheth, Co-founder & CEO of AgroStar, expressed his pride and commitment in the following statement: “Since our inception, we have been driven by a deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of farmers across India. As an organisation deeply entrenched in the agriculture sector, driving positive change is woven into our DNA. Our ESG Report 2024 – ‘Sowing Seeds of Sustainability’ – not only measures the direct and indirect impact of our work but also showcases our dedication to sustainable development. We are incredibly proud to have received a gold rating from Aspire Impact for our sustainability efforts and committed to driving impact on our identified UN SDGs (sustainable development goals) and our mission of Helping Farmers Win.”

Arvind Sridharan, Co-founder & CEO of Aspire Impact, mentioned, “We had the privilege of assessing AgroStar’s transformative impact on the Indian agriculture ecosystem through extensive interactions with their farmers, partners, and employees. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in every aspect of their work. This report showcases their dedication to driving positive change and sets a high standard for transparency and accountability in the industry.”

Company demonstrates commitment to sustainability and empowers

This partnership allows both companies to leverage their expertise to offer the market new sources of omega-3 beyond marine sources.

Nuseed® Nutritional US Inc., the seed technologies platform of Nufarm Limited, is partnering with KD Nutra, a division of The KD Pharma Group, to expand offerings of plant-based long-chain omega-3 ingredients. This partnership allows both companies to leverage their expertise to offer the market new sources of omega-3 beyond marine sources and tap into the rapidly growing demand for alternatives.

Nufarm is a global leader in developing agricultural solutions to environmental challenges. Our Omega-3 Canola is the world’s first plant-based source of total omega-3 nutrition. Aquaterra® and Nutriterra® are derived from the seed oil and provide alternatives to marine-sourced omega-3 ingredients while delivering all the health benefits that come with this science-backed nutrient.

“Our combined technologies and capabilities have great potential for human health,” said Brent Zacharias, Nufarm, Group Executive for Seed Technologies. “KD Nutra’s technical expertise and commitment to quality can deliver our plant-based innovations to a broader audience.”

“We’re excited to partner with Nufarm to expand our plant-based omega-3 offerings,” said Kimberly Smith, CEO of KD Nutra. “Nufarm’s innovation in plant-based nutrition together with KD Nutra’s technology platform and leadership in omega-3 will allow us to bring unique and renewable solutions to the industry.”

This research and development partnership will increase access to omega-3 nutrition for the long-term health of people and the planet.

This partnership allows both companies to leverage

The review of agricultural research will ensure high productivity and development of climate-resilient varieties, which is a crucial step forward for seed industry.

 Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) & CEO & MD Savannah Seeds shared his views on the Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The seed industry welcomes the budget 2024-2025, which has allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture and allied sectors, marking an increase from the Rs 1.25 lakh crore allocated in 2023. This budget has rightfully kept farmers at its core, identifying agriculture and its allied sectors as a top priority among the nine key focus areas. The emphasis on Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture highlights a strategic direction to strengthen the sector.

The push towards agricultural research in India is a significant concern for the seed industry. The finance minister has addressed this concern by announcing a comprehensive review of the agricultural research setup. This review will ensure high productivity and development of climate-resilient varieties, which is a crucial step forward for our industry.

Moreover, the announcement of the release of 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops is a monumental step. This landmark initiative will address the detrimental effects of droughts and floods on agriculture, safeguarding farmers from crop losses and ensuring food security and stable incomes. Introducing these resilient crop varieties will support farmers through innovative agricultural practices.

India’s agriculture sector has recently emphasised the need to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses. In 2022-23, the country imported 165 million metric tonnes of edible oils. The announcement of a mission for pulses and oilseeds is a strategic move towards achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), potentially saving India substantial amounts in import costs and strengthening domestic production.

The launch of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aims to significantly boost rural connectivity, thereby fostering rural prosperity and attracting substantial capital, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in the agriculture sector. The government’s steadfast commitment to facilitating the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture, in collaboration with states, will modernise the sector and enhance its efficiency. Integrating the details of 6 crore farmers and their lands into centralized farmer and land registries will streamline agricultural management and support systems.

However, cotton should have also been included in this mission. A dedicated cotton technology mission is crucial to address the challenges faced by the cotton sector. Additionally, the budget missed providing tax benefits for the seed industry on research investments. Restoring the 200 per cent IT deduction that the industry has been advocating for would have been beneficial & is a miss in the budget.

The budget 2024-2025 reflects a comprehensive and progressive approach to strengthening India’s agriculture sector. The Federation of Seed Industry of India applauds these initiatives and looks forward to contributing to the nation’s agricultural advancement.

The review of agricultural research will ensure

Financing for shrimp farming, processing and export will be facilitated through NABARD.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25. In the first budget of the Modi 3.0 government, Sitharaman said that government has drawn a road map for Vikasit Bharat with 9 priorities agenda which includes productivity and resilience in agriculture and energy security.

The Union Finance Minister said financial support for setting up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for Shrimp Broodstocks will be provided.  Sitharaman said Financing for shrimp farming, processing and export will be facilitated through NABARD.

Financing for shrimp farming, processing and export

This substantial funding is set to bring transformative changes to India’s agricultural landscape.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25. In the first budget of the Modi 3.0 government, Sitharaman said that government has drawn a road map for Vikasit Bharat with 9 priorities agenda which includes productivity and resilience in agriculture and energy security.

While presenting Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that Rs 1.52 lakh crore has been allocated for agriculture and allied sectors in the Budget for 2024-25 fiscal. Stating that agriculture was a key agenda of the government, Sitharaman said productivity and resilience will be in focus when formulating policies. This substantial funding is set to bring transformative changes to India’s agricultural landscape.

This substantial funding is set to bring

Around 6 crore farmers will be brought into the Farmer Registry System. Kisan credit cards will be enabled in at least five states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Union Budget 2024 on July 23 that Government has set out an ambitious plan to facilitate implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture over 3 years, bringing over 6 crore farmers under the formal land registry system.

Sitharaman added that Buoyed by the success of pilot projects, the government will facilitate implementation of DPI for agriculture over the next 3 years. Under the project Agri Stack the government plans to conduct digital crop survey in 400 districts in FY2024, bringing over 6 crore farmers into the formal Farmer Registry System.

 FM said that around 6 crore farmers will be brought into the Farmer Registry System. Kisan credit cards will be enabled in at least five states.

Around 6 crore farmers will be brought

Government will promote Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives and startups for vegetable supply chain including for collection and storage and marketing.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25. In the first budget of the Modi 3.0 government, Sitharaman said that we have drawn road map for Vikasit Bharat with 9 priorities agenda which includes productivity and resilience in agriculture and energy security.

Mission for pulses and oil seeds

The FM said that in order to achieve self -sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, government will strengthen its production, storage and marketing. As announced in the interim budget, a strategy has been put in place to achieve Atma Nirbharta in oilseeds such as mustard, groundnuts, sesame, soyabean and sunflowers.

Vegetable production and supply chain

A large-scale cluster for vegetable production will be developed closer to major consumption centres. Government will promote Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives and startups for vegetable supply chain including for collection and storage and marketing.

Government will promote Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives

 Implementation of Natural farming will be done through Scientific institutions and willing grampanchayats.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25. In the first budget of the Modi 3.0 government, Sitharaman said that we have drawn road map for Vikasit Bharat with 9 priorities agenda which includes productivity and resilience in agriculture and energy security.

FM said that in the next two years 1 crore farmers across the country will be initiated into natural farming. Government will support them with certification and branding. Implementation will be done through Scientific institutions and willing grampanchayats. 10,000 need-based bio-input resources will be established

 Implementation of Natural farming will be done

 Government will undertake a comprehensive review of agricultural research set up to bring the focus on increasing productivity and developing climate resilient varieties of crops

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25. In the first budget of the Modi 3.0 government, Sitharaman said that we have drawn road map for Vikasit Bharat with 9 priorities agenda which includes productivity and resilience in agriculture, energy security.

FM said the government will focus on transformation agricultural research. Government will undertake a comprehensive review of agricultural research set up to bring the focus on increasing productivity and developing climate resilient varieties of crops. Government will provide funding to research in private sector. Domain experts from government and private sector will oversee the conduct of such research.

Sitharam also said that 109 new high -yielding and climate resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be released for cultivation by farmers.

 Government will undertake a comprehensive review of

Livestock sector grows at CAGR of 7.38 per cent; fisheries sector grows at 8.9 per cent between 2014- 15 and 2022-23.

Economic Survey 2023-24 was presented in the Parliament today by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Economic Survey shows that the allied sectors of Indian agriculture are steadily emerging as robust growth centres and promising sources for improving farm incomes. From 2014-15 to 2022-23, the livestock sector grew at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.38 per cent at constant prices. The contribution of livestock to the total GVA (at constant prices) in agriculture and allied sectors increased from 24.32 per cent in 2014-15 to 30.38 per cent in 2022-23. In 2022-23, the livestock sector contributed 4.66 per cent of the total GVA, significantly boosting the per capita availability of milk, eggs, and meat. The fisheries sector, a crucial contributor to the Indian economy, makes up about 6.72 per cent of the agricultural GVA and has grown at compound annual rate of 8.9 per cent between 2014-15 and 2022-23 (at constant prices). This “sunrise sector” supports approximately 30 million people, particularly marginalised and vulnerable communities.

Economic Survey states that the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) facilitates investments from individual entrepreneurs, private companies, FPOs, and Section 8 companies and Diary Cooperative (included by merging Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund in AHIDF) in key areas like dairy processing, meat processing, animal feed plants, and breed improvement technology. The government provides a 3 per cent interest subvention to the borrower and a credit guarantee of up to 25 per cent of total borrowing. As of May 2024, 408 projects have been sanctioned by the lending banks/ NABARD/NDDB worth Rs 13.861 Crore, generating 40,000 direct employment opportunities and benefiting more than 42 lakh farmers.

Economic Survey stated that in 2022-23, India achieved a record fish production of 17.54 million tons, ranking third globally and accounting for 8 per cent of global production. To bolster this sector, a comprehensive intervention has been developed in the form of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with the objective to enhance seed and fish production and other extension services. To address the sector’s infrastructure needs, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) was introduced in 2018-19 with a total fund size of Rs 7.52 thousand Crore. So far, 121 proposals have been recommended for Rs 5.59 thousand Crore as a concessional rate.

Food Processing Sector:

As per Economic Survey, India is the largest producer of milk and the second largest producer of fruits, vegetables and sugar. The food processing industry in India is one of the largest employers in organized manufacturing, with a 12.02 per cent share in the total employment in the organised sector. The value of agri-food exports, including processed food exports during 2022-23, was USD46.44Billion, accounting for about 11.7 per cent of India’s total exports. The share of processed food exports also increased from 14.9 per cent in 2017-18 to 23.4 percent in 2022-23.

Economic Survey highlights that the GVA in the food processing sector has increased from ₹1.30 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1.92 lakh crore in 2022-23. The sector constituted 7.66 per cent of GVA in Manufacturing in 2022-23 at 2011-12 prices.

Livestock sector grows at CAGR of 7.38