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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

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Europe, Fungicides

As the largest suppliers of these AIs in Europe, ADAMA has played a crucial role in the re-registration process.

ADAMA, a global leader in crop protection solutions, announced the continued availability of its key multi-site fungicides, Folpet and Captan, for European growers. This follows the recent decision by the European Union’s (EU) Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) to renew the approval of both active ingredients (AIs) for another 15 years.

ADAMA remains dedicated to providing farmers with safe and effective solutions to protect their crops against fungal diseases. Both Folpet and Captan undergo periodic re-evaluation in the EU through a rigorous renewal process, which includes comprehensive testing and assessment. As the largest suppliers of these AIs in Europe, ADAMA has played a crucial role in the re-registration process by providing extensive data that demonstrates their ongoing safety.

“We are delighted with the renewal of Folpet and Captan,” said Alex Mills, Global Head of Fungicides at ADAMA. “These fungicides are essential for farmers across Europe, offering excellent resistance management and broad-spectrum protection against fungal diseases in multiple crops. We are proud to have significantly contributed to the re-registration process and will continue to invest in new solutions based on Folpet and Captan for our customers.”

The renewal of Folpet ensures that growers of crops such as cereals, grapes, and specialty crops can continue to benefit from ADAMA’s broad Folpet portfolio, which includes products like Folpan® 500SC, Folpan® 80WDG, Vinergy®, Folpan® Energy and Folpan® Gold.

The renewal of Captan is particularly significant for sustainable agriculture, as it becomes the first AI to be renewed with conditions tied to precision agriculture. These conditions mandate the use of equipment that enhances the precision and accuracy of application, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible crop management.

Mills added, “By reducing the required active ingredient dosage and promoting the adoption of precision agriculture practices, we enable farmers to optimize yields sustainably while maintaining high safety standards. This aligns with ADAMA’s mission to provide lower-impact alternatives to traditional crop protection.”

Captan is primarily used in orchards, making this outcome especially beneficial for orchard growers, who will continue to have access to key products like Merpan® 80WDG. 

“We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This renewal reinforces our position as a trusted partner to growers across Europe,” concluded Mills.

As the largest suppliers of these AIs

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, India, Live Stock, R&D

The technology comprises captive broodstock development, induced breeding and larval rearing in captivity.

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai developed the compressive package of captive seed production of peacock eel. The technology comprises captive broodstock development, induced breeding and larval rearing in captivity. In captivity, Peacock eel attain sexual maturity at the size of 18-25 g which is obtained after one year of rearing. Mature oozing males and gravid females were noticed in the mid of June 2024. The technology was developed by a team of scientists: Dr. Prem Kumar, Dr. S. Munilkumar, Dr. Rupam Sharma, and Dr. K.N. Mohanta.

Macrognathus aral (Peacock eel) is a commercially important fish species of mastacembelidae family. It is an important food fish of North-East India, Bihar and Jharkhand. Due to consumer demands and high nutritional value, it fetches a high market price between Rs. 500-600/kg. It also has very high ornamental value due to its attractive colour pattern, body shape and playful behaviour.

During the first week of July 2024, female fish (average body weight, 22 g) having the mean oocyte diameter of 1.45 mm and oozing males (average body weight, 14 g) in sex ratio of 2:1 (Male: Female) were selected and administered with an inducing hormone (a combination of LHRHa and domperidone) at the dose of 200 µl to female and half the dose to males. After an 18 h of average latency period, spawning was observed. The estimated functional fecundity of a female was around 3500. Fertilised eggs of Peacock eel were greenish, spherical, and adhesive in nature. The root of the Pistia plant was used as a substrate for the sticky eggs of the Peacock eel. Estimated fertilization and hatching rate were 45 and 20 per cent, respectively.

The larvae hatched out after an incubation period of 18 h at 28 0C water temperature. The newly hatched larvae measured from 1.65 to 1.85 mm with a large oval-shaped yolk sac. During nursery rearing, newly hatched larvae were transferred to outdoor tanks having floated aquatic plants (Pistia) as hideouts. The yolk sac was utilised after five days post-hatching (dph). Exogenous feeding was initiated after five dph with Artemia nauplii. which continued for 30 days. Weaning on a micro-particulate diet was started at 30 dph. Fry produced are being reared in outdoor tanks.

The technology comprises captive broodstock development, induced

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Drones, India

The initiative plans to launch 100 centres in the next two years: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

Raminfo Limited, a BSE-listed company and a leading innovation-led technology solutions-providing company is marking a significant step toward the agricultural sector with the launch of Kisan Drones Private Limited. This initiative is set to revolutionise the agricultural landscape by offering cutting-edge drone services that promise to enhance farming practices and productivity.

Kisan Drones Private Limited is designed as a “Drone-as-a-Service” platform, poised to deliver a wide range of benefits to farmers across India. These technologically modern drones will be deployed across agricultural fields, enabling precise field mapping and efficient fertilizer spraying. This technological advancement is expected to significantly boost agricultural output and refine the art of farming, providing farmers with a powerful tool for modern agriculture.

The focus of the initiative will be at the grassroots level of the drone ecosystem within the farming fraternity, where farmers will have access to the best drones, servicing of the same, and training of new drone pilots. The drone entrepreneurs will also receive the required financing and guidance to bring them to speed with the demand and business development associated with their new enterprise, making Kisan Drones a one-stop shop not only for new entrepreneurs but also for drone pilots.

L. Srinath Reddy, Managing Director, Raminfo, expressed his enthusiasm, stating – “We are proud to announce the launch of our new initiative Kisan Drones Private Limited to the farming fraternity. Kisan Drones Pvt. Ltd. is the one key stepping stone toward our long journey to empower the agricultural sector with advanced technology. From providing access to top-notch drones and excellent support services for farmers, we not only enhance productivity but also unleash a new wave of entrepreneurship in rural India. It is our commitment that each farmer, irrespective of location, is empowered with the best practices and knowledge to succeed in today’s dynamic agricultural industry.”

The initiative plans to launch 100 centers in the next two years: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. There will be two different types of stores ‘mini and major’ stores to meet the farmers’ needs. The Mini stores will provide only the basic drone store facilities while the Major stores will be larger compared to the mini stores and will provide the farming community with extensive service options with qualified drone pilots to guide the farmers on how to access the different types of drones according to the farmer’s need.

This program also aims to create over 1000+ entrepreneurs in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the next 12-18 months, by connecting drone service centers with drone operators. Also, in its role as a medium between the market and the producer, Kisan Drones Private Limited will have the most critical and definitive say in creating synergy between the demand for drone services and producers who cater to that service.

The initiative plans to launch 100 centres

Agribusiness, Company News, Environment, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability

The initiative is a part of the company’s green logistics ecosystem and aims to empower customers to decarbonize their supply chains.

Mahindra Logistics Limited, one of India’s largest integrated logistics solutions providers, has launched the ‘Emission Analytics Report’, a digital platform that provides customers with real-time visualisation of their carbon emissions and empowers them to decarbonise their supply chain. Focussing on transportation, the user-friendly platform provides Scope 3 carbon emission data of their customers and offers detailed insights on emissions intensity, tonne-kilometres, emissions by mode of transport, fuel usage, access to emissions savings certificates, and more, all through a monthly subscription-based model.

The Emission Analytics Report is a part of Mahindra Logistics’ green logistics ecosystem, driven by Edel, initially a green last-mile cargo delivery service offering. EDeL has evolved into a comprehensive, sustainable suite, including carbon-neutral warehousing solutions, fleet of 2W, 3W & 4W electric vehicles for last-mile delivery, and this Emissions Analytics Report. Accessible through a fully automated system, the report is established via a SaaS platform. Accredited by the Global Logistics Emission Council (GLEC) and ISO 14083, this platform seamlessly integrates into existing systems, making it accessible on both web and mobile devices.

The platform enables customers complying with BRSR and other environmental regulations, as well as companies aspiring to improve sustainability, transition towards green logistics. By innovating and optimizing transportation, the report also quantifies shipment-level reporting of Scope 3 emissions for industries such as auto, manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, FMCG, mobility, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, quick commerce, and freight forwarding.

Commenting on the Launch, Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO, Mahindra Logistics Ltd., said, “Logistics today is about creating value for stakeholders, customers, communities, and the planet. To mark India’s 78th Independence Day, we are celebrating ‘Freedom from emissions’ by launching the ‘Emission Analytics Report’ as a part of Edel – our green logistics ecosystem, empowering our customers to decarbonize their supply chains. At Mahindra Logistics, we are committed to contributing to India’s ambitious goal of becoming Net-Zero by 2070, building a futuristic supply chain driven by a sustainable logistics network, and integrating environmental consciousness into our actions”.

Commenting on the Launch, Swayantani Ghosh, Chief Sustainability & CSR Officer Mahindra Logistics Ltd., said, “In a rapidly growing economy like India, the need to lead a comprehensive effort in the fight against climate change is the need of the hour. Particularly in the context of supply chain, scope 3 decarbonization imposes unique challenges in absence of right framework, tool and data. With the introduction of shipment-level Emission Analytics Report powered with climate-focused AI, our clients can track carbon footprint for their shipments on real time, access emission savings analytics and evaluate decarb modelling. Right from reporting to low-carbon decision making, at every step we as an integrated logistic player aim to partner with our clients in their transition to net zero “.

The initiative is a part of the

Animal Health, Animal Husbandry, Company News, Dairy, India, Live Stock

 Company launches two new premium products and outlines plans for nationwide growth.

Swiss-Indian agri-tech platform Innoterra announced the expansion of its subsidiary MilkLane’s Aayush cattle feed business, launching two new premium products and outlining plans for nationwide growth.

The company introduced Aayush Supreme and Aayush Vardhan, containing 22 per cent and 24 per cent crude protein respectively, aimed at the premium segment of the cattle feed market. New feed products, enriched with bypass fat, protein, yeast, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, are designed to boost milk quality and cattle health, said Innoterra, in a statement.

The firm currently operates two automated plants in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, with plans to add two more by the end of fiscal year 2025. It aims to double its network of farmers, retailers, and distributors in the same period.

“We are poised to double our network of farmers, retailers, and distributors by FY2025,” said Avinash Kasinathan, Head of India Business at Innoterra.

MilkLane’s Aayush Cattle Feed currently works with over 10,000 farmers, 250 retailers, and 50 distributors. The brand has a strong presence in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand into Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana this year. The company identified Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh as future expansion areas, aiming for a pan-India presence.  Company did not disclose the financial details of the expansion plans.

 Company launches two new premium products and

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, Company News, Europe

Amazon has provided €1.5 million for the establishment of North Sea Farm 1 and a year of scientific research on CO2 reduction through seaweed cultivation.

This autumn, the world’s first commercial seaweed farm will open within the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) wind farm, located approximately 18 kilometres off the coast between The Hague and Zandvoort in the North Sea. North Sea Farm 1, created by North Sea Farmers with funding from Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, is a floating farm situated among wind turbines where seaweed cultivation can be tested and improved. The site will also host scientific research on seaweed farms’ potential for carbon sequestration.

By utilising the previously unused space between turbines, the project aims to expand seaweed cultivation in the heavily used North Sea. There is ample room in current and future wind farms in the North Sea to scale production to 1 million tons of fresh seaweed per year by 2040, potentially sequestering and avoiding millions of tons of CO2.

Led by North Sea Farmers

The project, led by North Sea Farmers (NSF), is executed by a consortium of scientific researchers and partners from the seaweed industry. The seaweed farm is expected to be operational by the end of this year. The consortium hopes North Sea Farm 1 will serve as a replicable commercial model for offshore seaweed cultivation globally.

Amazon’s Investment

Amazon has provided €1.5 million for the establishment of North Sea Farm 1 and a year of scientific research on CO2 reduction through seaweed cultivation.

North Sea Farmers (NSF) has been representing the European seaweed industry as a non-profit organisation since 2014. NSF leads this project to gather essential evidence for the sector. The consortium includes researchers from Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PLM), Deltares, and Silvestrum Climate Associates, seaweed extract manufacturer Algaia, project developer Simply Blue Group, and maritime contractors Van Oord and Doggerland Offshore.

Amazon has provided €1.5 million for the

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, North America, Poultry, R&D

NestFresh claims to be the first major U.S. egg producer to implement innovative in-ovo sexing technology to identify chick sex before hatching, reducing male chick culling and advancing animal welfare.

NestFresh, a pioneer in humane and sustainable egg production, announced its adoption of industry leading in-ovo sexing technology. This cutting-edge method determines the sex of chicks while still inside the egg, eliminating the need to euthanize newborn male chicks and marking a significant advancement in animal welfare.

In-ovo sexing allows for the identification of an embryo’s sex during early incubation. After many months of researching the successes of in-ovo sexing technologies in Europe, NestFresh is ready to set the standard in the U.S. egg industry by being the first to implement similar in-ovo sexing technologies for their chicks beginning in late 2024.

Mike Sencer, Executive Vice President at NestFresh, has a storied 54-year career in the egg industry, from running night shifts in college to becoming Executive VP at Egg City, the world’s largest egg ranch in its time. His commitment to humane practices was profoundly shaped by a visit to a hatchery with his daughter, who tugged on his arm and asked why male chicks were being thrown into the trash. When Mike explained they were euthanized, she fell silent and barely spoke to him for weeks. This heartbreaking moment inspired Mike to champion innovations like in-ovo sexing technology, reinforcing NestFresh’s dedication to humane egg production.

“Our adoption of in-ovo sexing technology marks a pivotal moment in the egg industry,” said Mike Sencer, Executive Vice President at NestFresh. “While many companies have announced plans to adopt in-ovo sexing technologies when available, NestFresh will be the first to actually implement this technology and bring in-ovo sexed eggs to the US market. We have invested significant time and resources into research, development, and understanding the complexities of this emerging technology. Having collaborated with various systems and hatcheries, we have now placed orders for in-ovo chicks, with our eggs expected to hit the market by mid-2025.”

NestFresh’s adoption of in-ovo sexing technology builds on its history of leading the industry in ethical practices. NestFresh has always had third-party certified claims for their products, including Certified Humane® starting in 2005, and maintains an impeccable reputation for transparency and integrity. The company was a leader in the cage-free movement, never owning a cage, and was the first national brand to offer cage-free, non-GMO, and organic eggs, as well as the first to offer Regenerative Organic Certified milks and eggs under their New Barn Organics line. NestFresh intends to be the first company to use this non-invasive in-ovo sexing technology, planning to transition its entire egg line to this new process, with these first-of-their-kind certified eggs launching in retailers beginning July 2025.

“We applaud NestFresh for their efforts to ensure farm animals are treated with compassion throughout their lifetimes,” said Mimi Stein, Executive Director of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), which oversees the Certified Humane® program. “We see this movement as part of a major paradigm shift to correct a longstanding industry challenge in egg production.”

“NestFresh is once again demonstrating its leadership in the egg industry by adopting in-ovo sexing across its entire egg line, backed up by third-party certification to ensure transparency and accountability. This innovative approach eliminates the need for male chick culling, aligning the industry more closely with modern consumers’ expectations for responsible animal stewardship,” said Robert Yaman, CEO of Innovate Animal Ag. “Consumers have spoken, and NestFresh has listened.”

NestFresh claims to be the first major

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Packaging & Labelling, R&D, Supply Chain, World

Vidre+® Stickers and Vidre+® Complex, when applied to packaging and films, extend the shelf life and quality of more produce than ever possible before.

European-based Fresh Inset announced today that it is introducing Vidre+ Complex, its breakthrough technology that unlocks the full potential of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) application across the entire supply chain, to the United States. Vidre+ is revolutionizing the supply chain seamlessly without any reorganization of current operating practices, by making every existing type of fresh produce packaging and label functional and adaptable into a smart version with adjustable protection against the negative effects of ethylene. Vidre+ Stickers, a flagship product, can be tailored to optimize size and dose rate, ensuring effective protection for ethylene-sensitive produce in any type or size of packaging, including cardboard boxes, bags, trays and clamshells. Branding and white-label opportunities are also available.

The patented timed and gradual release of 1-MCP in Vidre+ technology ensures a controlled application effectively extending the freshness, quality, appearance and nutrient values of produce. This approach provides optimal protection during storage, transport, and retail.

“Research has proven Vidre+ is effective on cherries, blueberries, raspberries, table grapes, limes, tomatoes, avocados, leafy greens, broccoli, peppers and more,” said Tim Malefyt, PhD, Fresh Inset’s Chief Technology Officer. “It can be used right after harvest as well as during transport or storage to provide days to weeks (depending on the crop type) of additional shelf life to freshly harvested produce, helping to keep its quality and nutritional value and remain fit for the market. We are excited to offer a solution that extends beyond apples and pears to benefit many other produce categories. This is a game changer.”

Reimagining the future of 1-MCP technology

Vidre+ has received GRAS status by the FDA and is already revolutionizing 1-MCP delivery with the Vidre+ functional sticker. But there is more on the horizon for Fresh Inset. The company is disrupting and de-commoditizing the flexible and cardboard packaging industries with Vidre+ Complex by empowering PE, PP, PET films and paper cardboard that carry Vidre+ technology with the ability to extend freshness, without creating additional landfill waste.

“The use of Vidre+ to combat the negative effects of ethylene and extend produce shelf life is not new. However, Fresh Inset has taken it to the next level with dose rate flexibility and gradual release technology that is operationally simple, affordable and enhances profitability,” said Kevin Frye, Fresh Inset’s VP Market Development, North America. “This is an incredibly exciting innovation that is garnering unprecedented interest amongst growers, packers, shippers and retailers alike, as they can all easily incorporate it into their operations and benefit from it, while increasing their sustainability efforts toward food waste reduction. Packaging companies are equally excited about the ability to empower their existing bags, boxes and clamshells with a freshness function and deliver added value packaging to their customers that will actually improve the freshness and quality of their produce.”

Vidre+® Stickers and Vidre+® Complex, when applied

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, World

Registration dossiers were submitted in India, Brazil, the Philippines, the United States, Colombia, South Korea, Peru and Taiwan.

FMC Corporation, a leading agricultural sciences company, recently submitted regulatory applications for Dodhylex™ active herbicide in eight rice-growing countries. Registration dossiers were submitted in India, Brazil, the Philippines, the United States, Colombia, South Korea, Peru and Taiwan, which account for approximately 35 per cent of the estimated 165 million hectares of planted rice globally. Regulatory submissions for Dodhylex™ active are planned in additional key global markets.

Dodhylex™ active, FMC’s brand name for tetflupyrolimet, has been classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) as a Group 28 herbicide, making it the first new mode of action herbicide globally in over three decades. Dodhylex™ active will be an important new rotational tool for growers to manage herbicide resistance, which poses an increasing challenge for growers worldwide.

“Dodhylex™ active is a significant advancement for the agriculture industry as it will help combat resistant grass weeds,” said Dr Seva Rostovtsev, FMC executive vice president and chief technology officer. “This is particularly remarkable because rice is a grass, and controlling grass weeds in a grass crop is challenging.”

Studies show this proprietary molecule will offer season-long control of resistant grass weeds in rice, regardless of the cultivation method. FMC continues to research the use of Dodhylex™ active in additional crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean and corn.

“Dodhylex™ active is one of many new active ingredients in our robust development pipeline that will contribute to FMC’s near and long-term growth,” said Brian P. Angeli, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “There are opportunities to control resistant grass weeds in other crops, and we are exploring additional markets for Dodhylex™ active outside of rice. We believe this will expand our global addressable market in the future.”

Dodhylex™ active, which was discovered and developed at FMC’s Stine Research Center, is a testament to FMC’s commitment to innovation and disciplined approach to advancing new molecules to help combat resistance and support food security for a growing population. Pending regulatory decisions, FMC anticipates the first launches of Dodhylex™ active in 2026.

Registration dossiers were submitted in India, Brazil,

Acquaculture, Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, India, Live Stock, R&D

The current genomic information provides a valuable resource for identifying and discovering genes and variants associated with economically important traits of this fish.

The whole genome of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala, commonly known as mrigal, has been sequenced and assembled by scientists of ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. The fish plays a crucial role in the carp-dominated aquaculture system and is the third most important species among the major Indian carps.

The assembled whole genome of the fish is 1.057 Gb in size, consisting of 940 scaffolds with an N50 of 37.32 Mb. Benchmarking with BUSCO determined the genome to be 98.00 per cent complete.

The characterization of the assembled highly revealed 39,091 genes was functionally annotated, which included 8,428 hypothetical and 1,688 uncharacterized. The study investigated Hox gene clusters, identifying 38 Hox genes distributed in seven clusters. The research findings are published in Scientific Data journal, published by Nature group of journals. 

The current genomic information provides a valuable resource for identifying and discovering genes and variants associated with economically important traits of this fish. These resources pave the way for implementing genomic selection programs in aquaculture and fisheries, which will play a crucial role in enhancing the genetic improvement of farmed fish for sustainable production.

The Genome Sequencing Project at ICAR-NBFGR is directed by Dr Vindhya Mohindra, funded by ICAR-Consortium Research Platform on Genomics, and coordinated by Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) ICAR.

The current genomic information provides a valuable

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation

MoU between JNPA & Gateway Terminal India (GTI) was also signed to boost sustainable effort by shoring up power supply for Vessels.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled major sustainable initiatives after inauguring Three Freshwater Lakes at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. All these lakes were rejuvenated and beautified which will serve as vital reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration. Sonowal also reviewed various port infrastructure and developmental projects.

The Union Minister Sonowal also attended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony among the JN Port Authority (JNPA), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Vadhavan Port to shore up financing for infrastructure projects. The second MoU was signed between JNPA and Gateway Terminal India (GTI) to shore up the sustainable initiative of the port.

Sarbananda Sonowal also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart SEZ project. This project includes preventing perimeter intrusions, ensuring disciplined vehicle movement, streamlining gate operations, smart tracking of staff and vehicles, as well as extending network connectivity to all utility buildings for LAN users. The project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for future applications such as an Energy Management System, Smart Water Management, Smart Street Lighting, Smart Parking, and weighbridge. Sonowal also planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at JNPA SEZ.

 Sonowal said, “Today, we also witnessed the signing up of two major MoUs between JNPA, Vadhavan Port and REC as well as between JNPA and GTI. These will further bolster the efforts of the Modi Government to propel infrastructure as well as shore up efforts towards sustainability. Our ports are dedicated to advancing India’s economic growth by facilitating seamless trade and strengthening its role in global supply chains. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our ministry is working towards more sustainability efforts as we must replenish our environment and achieve economic growth with utmost responsibility for the future generations of our country.”

The three inaugurated key water bodies designed to enhance the region’s ecological balance. Among these are the Admin Building Foothill Lake and the CPP Lake, both strategically situated within the port area. Additionally, the Minister performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Jashkar Lake. These lakes have been named in honour of the revered saints of Maharashtra: Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj, Saint Eknath Maharaj, and Saint Namdeo Maharaj. Shri Sonowal also issued Letters of Intent (LoI) to SEZ concessionaires. Earlier, the Union Minister was welcomed by the Chairman of JNPT, Unmesh Sharad Wagh.

JNPA has allotted plots in 7 phases. The recent e-auction of phase 7 for 57 Acres saw a remarkable response, with 21 bidders submitting bids for 6-unit plots and 3 co-developer plots. Notably, there was an overall 95.23% increase in quoted value for the said plots above the reserve price, resulting revenue increase of 63% above the reserve price for JNPA.

As part of the strategic engagements, JNPA issued the date of award of concession to the concessionaires of Liquid Berth 3/ Liquid Berth 4 (LB3/LB4). JNPA announced the successful expansion of its liquid cargo handling capacity with the introduction of Additional Liquid Cargo Berths (ALCB), specifically Liquid Berth-3 and Liquid Berth-4. These berths will be equipped, operated, maintained, and eventually transferred through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Currently, JNPA handles approximately 6.5 million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of liquid cargo through its existing Liquid Berth-1 and Liquid Berth-2. With the completion of the Additional Liquid Cargo Berths LB3 and LB4, JNPA’s total liquid cargo handling capacity will increase to 11 MMTPA.

In a move to further empower the local community and enhance workforce development, the Union Minister launched the Vadhvan Skilling Program’s Whatsapp ChatBot developed by JNPA, designed to facilitate access to skilling programs, provide information about Vadhvan Port, and guide users through the process of visiting JNPort. The primary goal of this chatbot is to gather valuable data and ensure that the youth of Vadhvan receive targeted training that aligns with employment opportunities. The Vadhvan Port project is expected to create approximately 10 lakh employment opportunities.

MoU between JNPA & Gateway Terminal India

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

 It will enable data collected by CASE IH and New Holland machines to be displayed and used within the CropX agronomic farm management system for improved precision and sustainability.

CropX Ltd., a global leader in digital agriculture solutions, and CNH Industrial a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery and technology, announced a new application programming interface (API) connection between the CropX agronomic farm management system and Case IH and New Holland Agriculture equipment. This integration automates the transfer of data from CNH machinery to CropX for data visualization, record-keeping, planning, and variable-rate applications.

The digital integration between CNH and CropX will enable data collected by CASE IH and New Holland machines to be displayed and used within the CropX agronomic farm management system for improved precision and sustainability.

The digital integration between CNH and CropX will enable data collected by CASE IH and New Holland machines to be displayed and used within the CropX agronomic farm management system for improved precision and sustainability.

The datasets transferred from Case IH and New Holland equipment encompass a wide range of activities, including planting, application, and harvesting, with the specific data varying by equipment type. This information is then displayed on tables or maps that can be overlayed with other data layers, allowing farmers and agronomic advisors to easily extract valuable agronomic insights. Additionally, the connection enables the creation of variable rate application maps for fertilization and seeding using advanced agronomic tools within the CropX platform.

“This API between CNH and CropX leverages the strengths of both companies to significantly benefit farmers,” says Tomer Tzach, CropX CEO. “The vast amount of data collected by farm machinery is incredibly valuable. Bringing that data into the CropX system makes it accessible and meaningful, driving farm efficiency and sustainability.” Tzach continues, “Data connections are crucial for digital farming solutions. At CropX, we prioritize integrations with data sources that strengthen our system and greatly benefit farm operations.”

“Enhancing data connectivity allows our customers to get more value from the data that CNH machinery collects,” says Dan Danford, CNH Precision Technology Partner Manager. “Making it easy for our customers to utilize their farm data in the CropX agronomic farm management system also creates a more intuitive precision agriculture user experience. This empowers operators to expand their productivity with more confident data-driven decisions.”

CropX now has APIs with the two largest manufacturers of farm machinery, CNH and John Deere. This integration adds to a growing list of farm equipment partners. Consolidating all farm data into one user-friendly platform allows for the generation of even more powerful insights and actionable advice, enhancing overall farm management and productivity.

 It will enable data collected by CASE