Connect with:
Tuesday / November 19. 2024

logo
mobile-logo
Home2024 (Page 5)
Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, Start ups, World

 This MOU brings together Garuda Aerospace’s drone technology with CYOL’s advanced agricultural software, creating an integrated platform for precision farming, surveillance, and data-driven analytics.

In a strategic partnership set to transform the global agriculture landscape, Garuda Aerospace, one of India’s leading drone manufacturers and CYOL (Pvt) Ltd., a leading provider of advanced agricultural technology solutions in Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Sri Lanka. This agreement marks a major milestone in both companies’ growth as they expand their operations into Australia, Africa, and Asia.

The MOU was signed by Chamitha Ranneththi, Chairman and Director of CYOL, alongside Sanjeewa Dissanayake, Director, S. Mahendran, Director, and Vincent Renold, Director of Garuda Aerospace Ceylon Pvt. Ltd.

A Collaboration to Revolutionise Global Agriculture

As part of this partnership, Garuda Aerospace has officially launched its operations in Sri Lanka, further solidifying its presence in South Asia. The Indian-based drone company, recognized for its cutting-edge solutions in agriculture, surveillance, mapping, thermography, videography, and defence anti-drone systems, will collaborate with CYOL to deliver a revolutionary approach to farming and technology integration.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder CEO, Garuda Aerospace said, “This collaboration with CYOL cements our commitment is a significant step toward advancing precision farming and technological innovation in agriculture across these key regions. By combining our drone expertise with CYOL’s robust software solutions, we are confident that this partnership will create significant value for farmers and stakeholders.”

This MOU brings together Garuda Aerospace’s renowned drone technology with CYOL’s advanced agricultural software, creating an integrated platform for precision farming, surveillance, and data-driven analytics. Together, the two companies aim to revolutionize agriculture across Australia, Africa, and Asia, providing farmers with real- time insights, optimized resource management, and enhanced crop monitoring capabilities.

Chamitha Ranneththi, Chairman and Director of CYOL, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “This collaboration between CYOL and Garuda Aerospace is a game-changer for the agricultural industry. By merging drone technology with advanced software solutions, we are poised to deliver high-value solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and decision-making for farmers across multiple regions.”

The partnership is expected to offer mutual benefits by combining Garuda’s aerial expertise with CYOL’s technological advancements in data analytics, crop monitoring, and farm management systems. Together, both companies will provide a comprehensive suite of services, offering farmers holistic tools for optimizing their operations and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

 S. Mahendran, Director of Garuda Aerospace Ceylon Pvt. Ltd., shared his vision: “The potential for integrating drones with smart farming solutions is immense, and this partnership will enable us to bring the latest innovations to regions where agriculture is crucial for economic growth. We are excited about the impact this collaboration will have on farmers globally.”

 This MOU brings together Garuda Aerospace’s drone

Agribusiness, Company News, Floriculture, Horticulture, Seeds, Trade, Vegetables

This acquisition will enable Crystal to diversify its seeds business and strengthen its presence in the high-value vegetable and flower segments.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited has announced its 12th acquisition, acquiring I&B Seeds, a prominent player in the flower and vegetable seeds market having a leadership position in Marigold seeds with Indus and SPS brands. This acquisition will enable Crystal to diversify its seeds business and strengthen its presence in the high-value vegetable and flower segments, positioning the company as a formidable player in the industry.

By expanding into this segment, Crystal aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality vegetable and flower seeds that can enhance yield and profitability. I&B Seeds is a leader in the flower and vegetable seeds market, known for its strong focus on R&D and high-quality seed products. The company is the market leader in Marigold seeds with Indus and SPS brands and has a strong presence in Tomato, Chilies, Sweetcorn and Cucumber. With over 600+ dealers across India and export operations in countries like the United States, Egypt, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, I&B Seeds has a robust global presence.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited, said, “This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in our growth strategy. At Crystal, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our farmers. By expanding into the vegetable and flower seed segments, we are not only diversifying our offerings but also enhancing our ability to provide farmers with high-quality seeds that can significantly increase their incomes. Our focus is on empowering farmers with innovative solutions that improve yields and profitability, ensuring they have access to the best resources for their cultivation needs. I&B Seed’s expertise in the flower and vegetable seeds market, combined with our strong portfolio in field crops, will allow us to better serve the agricultural community and contribute to sustainable farming practices across India.”

Crystal’s current seeds portfolio has farmer’s preferred brands like Proagro, Sadanand, Surpass, and Dairy Green across field crops like cotton, maize, pearl millet, mustard, fodder, wheat, berseem, and sorghum. With the addition of Indus and SPS Brands with the acquisition of I&B Seeds vegetable and flower segments, Crystal will further diversify its product offerings and expand its reach to more farmers. The new business is expected to boost Crystal’s seeds division, contributing to a 30 per cent increase in its topline growth.

Praveen Noojibail, Managing Director of I&B Seeds, stated, “This acquisition is a great opportunity for Crystal Seeds to combine I&B Seed’s legacy in flower and vegetable seeds with Crystal’s extensive resources and distribution network. The size and strength of Crystal will help accelerate the reach of innovative and high-quality seeds to farmers across India and beyond, ensuring better yields and profitability.”

George Ball, Chairman, W. Atlee Burpee Company and Partner in I&B Seeds, also stated that it will be a great opportunity for I&B Seed’s R&D to reach farmers at a larger level and help them produce better crops.

Artha Arbitrage Consulting, a Hyderabad-based financial consulting firm, advised I&B on this transaction.

This acquisition will enable Crystal to diversify

AgroPolicy, E-commerce, India, Seeds

The newly populated categories feature nearly 8,000 seed varieties that can be procured by Central/State PSUs and other governing bodies for further dissemination across the country.

On a mission to simplify access to quality agricultural & horticulture seeds, Government e Marketplace (GeM) has revamped & introduced 170 Seed categories on the portal. Created ahead of the upcoming cropping season, the newly populated categories feature nearly 8,000 seed varieties that can be procured by Central/State PSUs and other governing bodies for further dissemination across the country.

Created after consultation with stakeholders including state seed corporations and research bodies, seed categories on GeM portal offer a ready framework for seed procurement, incorporating the extant rules & regulations by Government of India and necessary parameters, easing the entire process for procuring authorities.

The roll out of these new categories is a part of GeM’s broader strategy to promote category-based procurement through the portal. With an emphasis on increasing efficiency, category-based procurement of seeds aims to reduce time consumed in tendering processes, stimulate transparency & accountability in government procurement, while facilitating increased participation of sellers across the country.

“We invite sellers to leverage these new seed categories and list their offerings to participate freely in government tenders. We also encourage seed corporations/state bodies to utilise these new categories for cost-effective procurement of quality seeds” said Roli Khare, Deputy CEO, GeM.

The newly populated categories feature nearly 8,000

AgroPolicy, Sugar industry

 Requests formula-based increase in ethanol prices to Rs. 73.14 per litre (Sugarcane), Rs. 67.70 per litre (B-Heavy Molasses), Rs. 61.20 per litre (C-Heavy molasses) to offset heavy losses being incurred by manufacturers.

The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has issued an appeal to the government, urging timely policy interventions to support the sustainability of the sugar industry, as it confronts rising production costs, stagnant ethanol procurement prices, and a significant anticipated sugar surplus. The apex body of India’s sugar and bio-energy industry has highlighted the need to promptly adjust the Minimum Sale Price (MSP) of sugar to Rs. 39.14 per kg for SS 2024-25, raise ethanol procurement prices, and establish a stable framework for sugar exports—key measures to stabilise the industry, enable timely farmer payments, and sustain growth in renewable energy initiatives through ethanol production.

M Prabhakar Rao, President, ISMA, said, “We need urgent support from the Govt. to increase the MSP of sugar to reduce losses being faced by the industry. The increase of MSP will protect the minimum ex-factory price particularly during the crushing season during which the prices tend to go below the cost of production, bleeding the Mills and making them financially unviable. This may lead to a delay in payment of cane arrears and sometimes defaults to the farmers. Based on the historical MSP declared by the Government, ISMA has been requesting to revise the MSP to at least Rs. 39.14 per kg, based on the same formula that was used for fixing the MSP in 2017-18 and 2018-19”.

“Even if the MSP for sugar is fixed at Rs. 39.14, the increase of the sugar prices over the last 10 years will be only 0.95 per cent per annum, much lower than the consumer price increase of 2.23% per year. As such, more than 60 per cent of the sugar is consumed by the beverages, confectionery and other food industries, who are capable of absorbing these prices. There is no cost implication to the ex-chequer”, M Prabhakar Rao, added.

Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, said, “In recent years, the Indian sugar industry has made significant strides with the government’s support, enabling us to improve efficiencies and strengthen our contribution to both the rural economy and renewable energy sector. However, with rising production costs, stagnant ethanol procurement prices, and anticipated surpluses, urgent policy action is needed to ensure the sector’s continued stability. Specifically, we are calling for an increase in the Minimum Sale Price (MSP) of sugar, which has remained unchanged since 2019 despite substantial hikes in cane prices. An adjustment in the MSP is essential to cover rising production costs and help mills make timely payments to farmers.

Additionally, a revision of the ethanol procurement price is necessary to support the government’s 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025-26, fostering a sustainable shift towards renewable energy. Finally, a long-term export policy would enable effective management of anticipated surpluses, allowing India to strengthen its position in the global sugar market while maintaining a healthy domestic balance. We, at ISMA, remain committed to working alongside the government to sustain industry growth, protect farmers, and strengthen India’s economic resilience”, Ballani added.

 Requests formula-based increase in ethanol prices to

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Oilseeds

This partnership will provide farmers with access to advanced agricultural technologies, training programs, and essential resources to enhance productivity.

Hyderabad based 3F Oil Palm Pvt Ltd has strengthened its presence in Karnataka through a strategic partnership with the Karnataka Department of Horticulture by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable agriculture in rural communities. The MoU was signed in the presence of Prakash M Sabarad, Additional Director of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka, paves the way for transformative support to oil palm cultivators in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and the Sedam taluk of Gulbarga district.

This partnership will provide farmers with access to advanced agricultural technologies, training programs, and essential resources to enhance productivity and support Karnataka’s growing horticultural sector. The company plans to introduce state-of-the-art cultivation practices, focusing on sustainable growth and community empowerment.

Speaking on the partnership, Srinivasarao Kilari, Head Agriculture, 3F Oil Palm Pvt Ltd said, “This MoU represents a major milestone, aligning with our mission to uplift local farming communities while setting new benchmarks for sustainable oil palm cultivation. We extend our gratitude to the Karnataka Horticulture Department for their vital support and look forward to collaborating closely with the farming community.”

As part of the initiative, 3F Oil Palm Pvt Ltd will oversee area expansion, nursery development, sprout procurement, and seedling cultivation within the designated zones. This effort aims to increase palm oil productivity, create economic growth, and empower farmers with sustainable knowledge, offering a model for long-term agricultural success in Karnataka.

This partnership will provide farmers with access

Agribusiness, Company News, R&D, Sustainable Energy

This demonstration plant will produce about 1 Tonne green hydrogen per day by gasifying about 25 Tonne per day MSW/agri-waste.

 NETRA, the R&D wing of NTPC Ltd., embarks to set up green hydrogen production plant using Plasma Oxy Gasification of MSW/Agri-Waste technology. Upon set-up, it shall be a unique plant globally, wherein plasma assisted ‘oxy gasification’ of MSW-RDF/Agri-Waste shall be carried to produce ‘very high quality syn-gas’, from which high purity hydrogen (more than 99.9 per cent) shall be separated using a novel configuration of ‘gas membrane’ and ‘pressure swing adsorption’.

This demonstration plant will produce about 1 Tonne per day green hydrogen by gasifying about 25 Tonne per day MSW/Agri-Waste. Besides ‘Carbon-Mono-Oxide’ separated from ‘Hydrogen Recovery System’ shall be used to produce electricity using a low-calorie gas engine.

It may be mentioned that other than electrolysis, which is a highly energy intensive process (55-60 kWh/kg H2), Gasification & Reformation of MSW/Agri-Waste is the only pathways to produce green hydrogen.

This cutting-edge technology is in line with NETRA’s commitment to undertake research projects and demonstrate technologies for achieving Energy Transition goals and NTPC’s commitment for adopting ‘Circular Economy’ models.

This opens a new avenue for NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC in the domain of green hydrogen.

This demonstration plant will produce about 1

Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Collaborations, Company News, India, Sustainability

CSSRI in collaboration with Syngenta India will conduct joint research and development projects on soil salinity management and improving crop productivity, through sustainable agricultural practices.

Syngenta India recently announced two critical MoUs it has signed with government institutions to help farmers enhancing crop productivity and promoting diversified sustainable agriculture practices, Syngenta India signed multiple Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs), aiming to benefit the farmers of Haryana.

Susheel Kumar, MD & Country Head, Syngenta India, signed two MoUs with ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) and Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) respectively.

The MoU with CSSRI is focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving soil health and resilience in salt-affected areas, while the MoU with Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) aims to promote diversified sustainable farming systems for improving productivity and working towards promoting diversified sustainable agriculture practices.

Susheel Kumar, Country Head and MD, Syngenta India, said, “Both the MoUs mark a significant step towards strengthening our collaborations with experts in the agriculture domain. Innovations are at the core of our functioning to effectively meet the challenges of a changing world, from climate change, soil erosion and biodiversity loss to the demands of farmers and the wider society. Since our contribution is a combined effort, we believe in taking all stakeholders along to make agriculture in India a model of sustainability and prosperity of farmers.”

After the exchange of MoU, Prof BR Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of CCSHAU, Hisar, said, “As a premier university dedicated to agriculture research and education, we are pleased to join hands with Syngenta India, one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, to promote diversified sustainable farming systems for improving productivity.”

Kumar added, “The need of the hour is to adopt a multifaceted approach by engaging all stakeholders to meet the challenge of increasing farm productivity. “We believe in a partnership approach and we have been collaborating proactively with public institutions, growers as well as non-government organizations in India”. As per the MoU, CCSHAU and Syngenta India would work together to achieve the common aim to develop skills of stakeholders, promote the use of ICT-driven tools and technologies to enhance decision making through accurate, reliable and timely information for agricultural research and sharing the output with the farmers, he explained further.

They will also collaborate to implement projects related to capacity building of rural youth in agriculture and allied sciences, safe use of crop protection chemicals and adoption of new technologies, etc., through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agriculture Diploma Technical Schools, Farmers Groups and other institutes of the university under Syngenta’s I RISE (Inculcating Rural India Skill Enhancement) initiative.

Dr RK Yadav, Director, ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal, while interacting with media persons on the occasion, said, “We in collaboration with Syngenta India will conduct joint research and development projects on soil salinity management and improving crop productivity, through sustainable agricultural practices.”

Kumar further explained that as per the terms and references of the MoU with ICAR-CSSRI, capacity building and training programs would also be conducted for farmers, researchers, and extension workers in the areas of soil salinity management, crop protection, and sustainable agriculture. Development of joint publications, presentations, and dissemination of research outcomes to the broader scientific community and stakeholders will also be done by us”.

Additionally, CSSRI will offer internship opportunities to interns sponsored by Syngenta, allowing them to work with eminent scientists and enhance their expertise in soil health and salinity management.

CSSRI in collaboration with Syngenta India will

Agribusiness, Horticulture, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Vegetables

The Centre is planning to set up vegetable production clusters near major cities to increase production and supply chains. The clusters will be developed in partnership with the private sector, Farmer Producer Societies (FPS), and cooperative bodies. The goal is to have consumers buy vegetables from retail shops and vending trucks in their locality. The clusters will be set up in a radius of 50 km from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The scheme will provide support for: Implementing agencies, decentralised cold storage facilities, Procurement of vending trucks and vans, Fruit and vegetable processing, and setting up kiosks and retail outlets in residential areas. The government will also promote Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and startups for vegetable supply chains. The government can facilitate the establishment of these clusters by providing infrastructure support, budgetary allocations, and subsidies to farmers for adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices. These subsidies can help farmers invest in advanced equipment, irrigation systems, and post-harvest solutions that are otherwise cost-prohibitive. These initiatives will go a long way in setting up vegetable production clusters across the country.

The production of vegetables in India is envisaged to be around 205.80 million tonne, according to the Third Advance Estimates of 2023-24 released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in September 2024. Increase is expected in production of tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, tapioca, bottle gourd, pumpkin, carrot, cucumber, bitter gourd, parwal and okra, whereas, decrease in production is envisaged in potato, onion, brinjal, elephant foot yam, capsicum, and other vegetables. 

Uttar Pradesh is the top vegetable producing state in India, accounting for 14.8 per cent of the country’s total vegetable production in 2022. Other top vegetable producing states include West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. The National Vegetable Initiative for Urban Clusters initiative aims to improve vegetable production and productivity through capacity building, technology dissemination and value chain development. Bihar announced the plan to develop large-scale clusters in 20 districts to promote vegetable supply chains.

Currently, a significant portion of vegetable cultivation is done on small, fragmented farms, which leads to inefficiencies in distribution, post-harvest losses, and market price volatility. Large-scale production can address these challenges by enabling economies of scale, optimising resource use, and standardising quality. Additionally, it allows for better integration of technology in farming practices, such as precision agriculture and climate-smart solutions, which further enhance productivity and sustainability. The private sector can contribute by bringing in technological innovations. A cluster-based approach encourages localised production hubs with integrated cold chain logistics, processing units, and advanced storage facilities, all of which reduce post-harvest losses.

The private sector can contribute significantly to the development of vegetable production clusters. They can invest in cold chain infrastructure and logistics, which are crucial for preserving the quality of perishable vegetables. Private companies can bring in technology for farm management, traceability and quality assurance, enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain. They can provide market linkages and offtake guarantees, ensuring a steady demand for the product. Additionally, the private sector can offer extension services and training to farmers, improving their skills and knowledge.

The post-harvest losses of vegetables in India range from nearly 5-12 per cent. Developing vegetable clusters that are closer to key consumption centres can contribute to reduction is post-harvest losses by reducing the time taken for the vegetables to reach the market which can benefit not only the farmers who have a greater quantity of vegetables to sell but also the consumers, according to a study conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services in 2022.

The creation of vegetable production clusters provides help to farmers to aggregate large volumes of vegetable produce in few locations FPOs and cooperatives can act as collection centres which enable buyers to deal with a small number of entities compared to many small farmers. This market linkage not only helps develop price efficiencies but also helps contribute to enhanced incomes for small farmers.

Also, the development of storage infrastructure like cold storage and warehouses by FPOs, startups, and other stakeholders under the vegetable cluster can reduce post-harvest losses. Creation of storage facilities at farm gates will provide the facility to farmers to sell their produce when market rates are remunerative. Thus, the overall reduction in post-harvest losses can help reduce prices.

The development of vegetable production clusters can contribute to increasing farmer incomes and make farming more viable. However, the success of these clusters depends on addressing operational issues in the vegetable supply chain and securing financial support from government and private players.

Developing large-scale vegetable production has the potential to revolutionise the vegetable supply chain in India by creating a more consistent and reliable supply of produce. Currently, a significant portion of vegetable production is done on small, fragmented farms, which leads to inefficiencies in distribution, post-harvest losses, and market price volatility. Large-scale production can address these challenges by enabling economies of scale, optimising resource use, and standardising quality.

Additionally, it allows for better integration of technology in farming practices, such as precision agriculture and climate-smart solutions, which further enhance productivity and sustainability. Ultimately, large-scale production can improve the availability of vegetables year-round, stabilise prices for both farmers and consumers and reduce wastage across the supply chain. To make the vegetable supply chain more robust, the focus should be on expanding cold storage infrastructure, particularly in rural production hubs, where a wider variety of vegetables can be stored under ideal conditions. The introduction of decentralised, off-grid storage solutions like solar-powered cold rooms.

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

The Centre is planning to set up

India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Sustainable Energy

Let’s explore how the shift from non-renewable to renewable energy is having a transformative effect on Indian agriculture.

Cutting down on petroleum imports and rolling out effective eco-friendly policies across industries, especially the agri sector, is the key focus of the government. Sustainability in agriculture is another mantra that is now a familiar term even in villages and cities in equal measure. Rural parts of India are set to benefit from solar-powered pumps and grid-connected power plants thanks to initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM). The reliance of farmers on diesel and grid electricity is diminished as a result. Additionally, private companies have jumped on the bandwagon; one such company, Ecozen Systems, has created solar-powered cold storage systems for small and marginal farms. Let’s explore how the shift from non-renewable to renewable energy is having a transformative effect on Indian agriculture.

India increased its power generation capacity by around 26GW in the fiscal year 2023–24, with 71 per cent of that capacity coming from renewable energy sources, as stated in the most latest edition of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water – Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) Market Handbook, which was published recently. At 442 GW, the nation’s total installed energy capacity is up 33 per cent from 144 GW (renewable energy) and 11 per cent from hydro. Thereby, the proportion of India’s installed capacity that comes from coal and lignite fell below 50 per cent for the very first time.

Some new efforts to harness renewable energy sources are cropping up in the agricultural sector. Wind and solar power systems work together to make renewable energy more efficient and dependable for farming. By utilising these devices, power continuity is maintained even in situations where solar generation is minimal, for as on overcast days or at night. In areas rich in wind and solar electricity, researchers are looking into hybrid systems that can power farms around the clock. In areas where power outages are common, solar pumps offer a dependable and economical way to water crops. They are useful because they lessen farmers’ operational expenses and carbon footprint.

Commenting on these developments, Narinder Mittal, Country Manager & Managing Director, Agriculture Business – CNH Industrial India and SAARC, said, “Utilising renewable energy to conduct agriculture operations is a very productive step as it will not only cut down on farmers’ expenses but It will also help them to increase the quality of their product by embedding innovative solutions into their daily operations.”

Role of Agrivoltaics

The advent of agrivoltaics, the practice of farming on land that is also used to generate solar photovoltaic power, has the potential to revolutionise India’s agricultural industry. There are several ways in which this novel strategy might improve agricultural sustainability, economic feasibility, and production. By combining food production with energy generation, agrivoltaics maximises land utilisation and boosts agricultural productivity. This technique promotes a balance between food security and renewable energy in locations with limited arable land by ensuring that the land is not used exclusively for energy production.

The PM-KUSUM plan was launched in 2018, with the primary goal of meeting the electricity demands of Indian farmers by providing them with solar-powered off-grid and on-grid pumps. This marked the beginning of a further shift towards distributed solar power and its application in agriculture. Under PM-KUSUM, the government offers large incentives to promote the use of solar energy. For example, farmers can get subsidies from the federal and state governments equal to 60 per cent of the project cost, and banks can lend them 30 per cent more. Just 10 per cent of the overall expense is expected from farmers.

But there are two major concerns plaguing India’s agricultural sector. Extreme weather events, such as floods and heavy rains, as well as rising temperatures and droughts, have reduced agricultural yields and will continue to threaten the nation’s food supply in the years to come as a result of climate change. Meanwhile, there is a major and ongoing issue with the power. Since most states in India provide substantial subsidies or even free power to agriculture, the sector accounts for roughly 20 per cent of the country’s total electricity demand, but only around 8 per cent of that demand is met. This is because distribution firms typically lose more than Rs 2 while supplying electricity to agricultural loads, even though this is where their costs are highest (approximately Rs 7.5-8/kWh on a national average). So, as the demand for power in rural areas increases, Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) (and by extension, state governments) are already struggling financially and will continue to do so. One revolutionary approach that could tackle these problems in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way is agrivoltaics.

Adding his views on the subject, Amandeep Panwar, Co-founder & Director, BharatRohan said, “Solar plants installed at heights of two to three metres are known as agrivoltaics, and they make it possible to grow crops either, below or in between arrays of panels. Agrivoltaics have increased farmer incomes, agricultural output, and local employment—all of which are necessary and desirable—according to anecdotal evidence from all around the world, including from a few pilots in India.”

It is possible to cultivate crops all year round by transforming a single plot of rain-fed soil into many plots of shade-loving crops and vegetables. Improved groundwater retention, water harvesting, and drip irrigation will all contribute to less water being lost to evaporation. For certain dry and drought-prone regions, this may also become a viable option. A solar canopy can protect crops from extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or hail, much like a greenhouse.

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

Let’s explore how the shift from non-renewable

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Interaction

In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Aravindha Krishnamachari, Managing Director, Tex Biosciences shares the company’s plans and goals for the coming years. Edited excerpts;

Tex Biosciences, a family-owned organisation promoted by its Founder R P Krishnamachari, began its operations in leather and textile markets in 1979. The company has witnessed phenomenal growth and has a strong and diversified presence in animal feed, leather, water treatment, wastewater treatment, pulp & paper, textiles and detergent industries. Now the company is a major player in India and abroad for the manufacturing of animal feed additives for poultry, piggery and aqua market. Having two state-of-the-art plants in Tamil Nadu and registering its products in over 22 countries, it is also offering Contract Manufacturing Services. In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Aravindha Krishnamachari, Managing Director, Tex Biosciences shares the company’s plans and goals for the coming years. Edited excerpts;

What have been the main growth drivers for Tex Biosciences in the last financial year? And how much increment in average turnover has the company seen during this period?

Animal Feed and Contract Manufacturing have been the main growth drives for Tex Biosciences in the last financial year. We grew at 7.6 per cent to achieve a turnover of Rs 71.08 crore in 2023-24.

What infrastructure and strategies do you have in place to boost the industry developments and partnerships for this year and the coming years?

 Tex Biosciences undertook a Rs 32 crore ($4 million) expansion programme to increase production capacities and improve capabilities. The expansion programme began in January 2021 and was completed by February 2024. The company added to its facility’s multiple large-scale fermenters and downstream processing equipment. We also created product and market specific blenders and packing units to service our contract manufacturing customers. Our strategy is to have a strong and large manufacturing capacity to be able to effectively service the industrial biotech market and embark on more contract manufacturing projects.

In which segment do you see promising supply requirements that will shape the company’s growth trajectory in the coming years? How do you strategise to stay on top of disruptions in the global supply chain?

Tex Biosciences sees good market potential in the feed and food industry. Our FAMI Qs, ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 certifications serve us in good stead to be able to serve the feed and food market. Antimicrobial peptides in both feed and food have good market potential and we see more companies looking at natural ways to improve feed and food nutrition and preservation.

Fermentation is both an Art and Science. Higher capacities allow us to compete with Chinese manufacturers and achieve economies of scale through large upstream and downstream equipment. Multiple fermenters housed in separate enclosures allow us to run multiple projects at the same time.

Indian biotech companies especially the ones that operate in industrial biotech sectors have to be risk taking and invest into large capacities. This allows us to run regular productions at lower cost and frees up time and capacities to run new trials and process/product optimisation. Tex Biosciences has been following this and is committed to continuously investing into large fermenter upstream and downstream capacities and embarking on new product development and process improvements.

In terms of product diversification to meet consumer needs and ensure expansion, what are the highlights in the company’s R&D sector in the coming 2-3 years?

Our R&D has been very active in discovering biotech solutions to problems faced in the animal feed industry. We have also expanded our product range into wastewater treatment and pulp and paper industries. Some of the notable contributions from our R&D team include Probiotics based solution to reduce ammonia smell in animal and aquaculture farming; Antimicrobial peptide solutions to reduce pathogen related diseases in animal and aquaculture farming; Using enzymes, probiotics and biotech components for bioremediation of wastewater and biotech solution for deinking of paper and reducing chemical usage.

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

In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Aravindha Krishnamachari,

Agribusiness, Drones, India, Interaction

 AgroSpectrum interacted with Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone Destination to shed more light on the future growth and challenges of agri-drone industry. Edited excerpts:

An urgent need to increase agricultural output and efficiency has sped up the expansion of the agricultural drone market in India. There are about 3,000 drones in operation right now, and by FY25, that number is projected to rise to over 7,000. Frost and Sullivan, an American business consulting firm, predicts that the agri-drone market will reach $121.43 million by 2030, quadruple by 2028, and increase at a CAGR of 38.5 per cent.

This growth would not have been possible without the efforts of the government. To encourage farmers to use drone technology, programmes are offering incentives and financial aid through schemes like the Agricultural Mechanisation Sub-Mission, as well as programmes that promote ‘Kisan Drones’ for crop management. ‘Drone Didi’ is a new programme that will promote sustainable farming practices by providing drone technology to women’s self-help organisations. Owing to all these developments, AgroSpectrum interacted with Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone Destination to shed more light on the future growth and challenges of this industry. Edited excerpts:

In your opinion, what does the future hold for the agricultural drone market?

Indian agriculture makes a substantial contribution to the nation’s GDP, employment, and food security. Agriculture in India is one of the primary sources of income for many Indians. Almost 70 per cent of India’s people are employed in agriculture. India also has the maximum land dedicated to the production of crops such as wheat, rice, cotton and more.

Drones in agriculture provide increased efficiency by saving time (drones can spray one acre in 5-7 minutes) and increasing the area covered in a day (drones can cover 25 acres per day vs 2-3 acres using conventional labour. Drones also reduce dependency on labour and provide a safe working environment (labourers don’t have to inhale harmful chemicals using traditional spray means). Agri drones also assist in saving water as well as optimising the usage of fertilisers and pesticides by spraying evenly portions over fields using precise mission planning.

The government of India has introduced Kisan Drone initiatives to facilitate ‘Drone Shakti’ through varied applications and Kisan Drones promoted for crop assessment, digitisation of land records, spraying of insecticides, and nutrients for Drone-As-A-Service (DAAS). Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), financial assistance ranging from 40 per cent to 100 per cent is provided to farmers, agricultural graduates, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs), State Agri Universities and more, for the purchase of Kisan Drones and their associated drone training.

The government has also recently approved the Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with an outlay of Rs 1261 crore. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes (application of fertilisers and pesticides).

More recently large fertiliser companies such as IFFCO, and Coromandel have started giving orders for drone spray services and over two crore acres of spray orders have already been distributed to the industry. The average price per acre for a drone varies from Rs 400 to 700 depending upon the region and crop.

For the coming year, the size of the agri drone ecosystem, consisting of drone sales, services and training, can be estimated to be between 3000 crore and 4000 crores. The future of the agri drone industry looks extremely promising because drones are becoming easily accessible while also widely applicable in the agricultural sector.

How has the use of drones impacted the face of India’s agricultural industry?

Over the past few years, Indian farming has seen some major changes because of the adoption of new technologies. One of the most exciting advancements is the drone. These flying machines have the potential to completely change how farming works across the country. Drones are not just making things easier for farmers but also helping them make more money and grow more crops.

They can do a lot of different jobs that used to be hard or take a lot of time. For example, drones can spray chemicals on crops, manage irrigation, check on crop health, find pests, and even make sure that all parts of the field get the right amount of fertiliser. 

Drones are a game-changer in Indian farming. Their advanced sensors and cameras equip most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allow farmers to observe and manage their crops with precision.

Drones are equipped with advanced sensors, and they can collect high-resolution data on crop health. The accuracy allows the farmers to change their practices. It also helps reduce resource waste and increase yields. They play an important role in monitoring the crop. It helps to capture multispectral and thermal images. This data helps farmers identify different types of crop diseases. It enables targeted interventions, reducing the need for extensive pesticide use.

Besides, drones create accurate and timely maps of farmlands. It aids in crop planning and management. The farmers can analyse maps and improve planting patterns. The drones provide farmers with real-time data. Accurate data enables farmers to make informed decisions. This information empowers farmers to respond quickly to changes in crop conditions and weather conditions as well.

The timely data collected from drones helps farmers. It improves their irrigation practices. While identifying certain areas with moisture deficiencies. The farmers can adjust their irrigation timings. It helps to conserve water and improves the overall efficiency of agricultural practices. Drones provide precision agriculture, which boosts productivity. through improving inputs like pesticides, fertiliser, and water. Farmers can lessen their influence on the environment while increasing harvests.

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

 AgroSpectrum interacted with Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone

Agrotech, India, Live Stock, Opinions

 By Ramanuj Panda, Founder, GoCarin

Innovation in technology and the demand for more sustainable methods are driving a major revolution in India’s animal husbandry industry. Current developments and technologies, such as blockchain, automation, and precision livestock farming, are revolutionising the animal husbandry sector and present a wealth of opportunities for agribusiness executives, legislators, and academic researchers. With an emphasis on business-to-business applications, this article examines the latest developments in technology and trends influencing animal husbandry in India.

In India, animal husbandry plays a pivotal role in agricultural growth and the national economy. As of 2023, this sector contributes around 4.11 per cent to the GDP and employs a significant portion of the rural population. However, with the rise of global competition, environmental challenges, and growing consumer demands for quality, there is an increasing need to modernise animal husbandry practices. Over the last decade, India has seen a surge in technological innovation across various sectors, including agriculture and animal husbandry. These innovations promise to create a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future for the animal husbandry industry.

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF)

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is revolutionising the way animal husbandry is conducted by integrating cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics. In India, the adoption of PLF is still in its infancy, but it is gaining traction due to the immense potential for increasing productivity and efficiency.

AI algorithms and IoT devices are now being used to monitor animals’ health in real-time. Sensors placed on livestock can track vital signs such as heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels. This data is processed using machine learning algorithms, allowing for early detection of diseases and optimisation of feeding practices. For example, in dairy farming, IoT devices can track the milking process and monitor milk yield, while AI systems predict lactation patterns, improving the overall efficiency of milk production.

Data analytics further enable farmers to optimise animal husbandry practices by providing insights into breeding, feeding, and health management. Decision support systems are being developed to help farmers make data-driven decisions that minimise risks and maximise productivity. Additionally, remote monitoring tools allow farmers to oversee animal health and productivity from afar, providing timely interventions when needed.

Genomic Technologies

Genomic technologies are playing a critical role in improving livestock breeds and their productivity. These technologies focus on enhancing the genetic potential of animals to produce healthier, more productive breeds.

Genomic selection involves evaluating the genetic makeup of animals to identify the most desirable traits, such as disease resistance, higher milk production, and better growth rates. This approach is being widely used in breeding programmes to create high-yielding cattle breeds. In India, both the dairy and meat industries are leveraging genomic selection to improve livestock quality and productivity.

Advanced reproductive technologies like In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer are also gaining prominence in India. These techniques allow for the selection of superior genetic traits, thereby improving the overall quality of livestock. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched by the Indian government, has been instrumental in promoting artificial insemination, IVF, and embryo transfer in cattle, leading to improved milk production and herd quality. Additionally, emerging gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR, although still in their early stages, hold great promise for revolutionising animal husbandry by improving disease resistance and productivity.

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

 By Ramanuj Panda, Founder, GoCarinInnovation in technology

India, Interaction

National Association of Farmer Producer Organisations (NAFPO), in collaboration with Samunnati published ‘State of the Sector Report 2024’ during the event.

The National Association of Farmer Producer Organisations (NAFPO), in collaboration with Samunnati, published the “State of the Sector Report 2024” on October 28, 2024. This comprehensive analysis intends to stimulate strategic policy-making and sectoral growth by shedding light on the primary challenges that Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in India face as well as the expanding opportunities that they have been presented with.

Distinguished dignitaries such as Professor Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog, Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Pravesh Sharma Director of NAFPO, Indian Administrative Service and, and Dheeraj Sahu from State Food and Agriculture Corporation (SFAC) were present at the event. The “State of the Sector Report 2024” is a treasure trove of information that can assist in bridging gaps and improving the effectiveness of the FPO. It is a valuable resource for agencies, parliamentarians, and stakeholders.

“India is on a mission to develop FPOs as thriving enterprises, driven by national policies and grassroots input. For the purpose of ensuring that agricultural expansion is approached in a unified manner, we are strongly encouraging states to develop their own FPO policies that are in line with the national plan”, said Faiz in his address.

Faiz also stated that the states ought to follow their own policies in order to strengthen the FPO mission in India.

In particular, he discussed the 10,000 FPO initiative, which has been of assistance to over 2.5 million farmers, as well as the objective of the Ministry of Agriculture to increase the number of FPOs. According to Kidwai, the Ministry intends to extend the scope of this initiative so that it encompasses a greater number of farmers. Through the provision of marketing links, input licensing, and simplified access to markets, this will contribute to the promotion of revenue growth driven by businesses.

A total of 30,000 licences for the distribution of fertiliser, seeds, and pesticides have been distributed to farmer collectives in the past two months as part of the input licensing process that is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture. Kidwai claimed that the government should provide financial instruments to the FPOs when they require financing on a much larger scale and at a lower interest cost. He stated that the cost of financing for the FPOs is high when they access financing from non-banking finance businesses.

“By participating in the urban job market, women gain skills, resource and exposure that can contribute significantly to their leadership roles within FPOs. This trend fosters a dual benefit: it enhances individual economic agency while bolstering the collective strength and sustainability of FPOs, thereby promoting inclusive development across rural and urban landscape,” stated Anil Kumar SG, Founder and CEO, Samunnati.

“The dynamism and energy in the FPO sector are palpable, as are the outstanding challenges of building robust business capabilities, accessing capital for investments and operations, repurposing the farm to achieve climate resilience and above all, finding remunerative markets. We remain hopeful that the FPO sector will continue to strengthen to address old and new challenges in the coming year,” said Pravesh Sharma, Chairman Steering Committee, NAFPO.

National Association of Farmer Producer Organisations (NAFPO),

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, India, Live Stock

The census will emphasise breed management, utilising image-based technology to accurately identify livestock breeds, while prioritising critical aspects like animal health, productivity, and disease control to address the sector’s key challenges.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi, which will be conducted until February 2025. The 21st Livestock Census will cover over 30 crore households across all States and Union Territories, including nomadic communities and pastoralists, ensuring that the diversity of India’s livestock practices is captured. The census will focus on important areas such as gender roles in livestock rearing, offering a deeper understanding of women’s contributions to the sector. It will also emphasize breed management, utilizing image-based technology to accurately identify livestock breeds, while prioritizing critical aspects like animal health, productivity, and disease control to address the sector’s key challenges.

21st Livestock Census will play a pivotal role in shaping livestock-centred schemes and initiatives, such as the National Gokul Mission, Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC), and the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). By providing comprehensive and updated data, the census will help identify the needs and opportunities in the sector, enabling the government to fine-tune these programs for greater impact. The insights gathered will not only strengthen existing initiatives but also pave the way for new strategies aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, improving animal health, and boosting rural incomes. Ultimately, this will contribute to the sustainable growth of the livestock sector, benefiting millions of households and driving overall economic development.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the critical role the Livestock Census plays in shaping policies that ensure the sustainable growth of India’s livestock sector. He noted, “India’s livestock sector is not only a major contributor to our rural economy but also a significant source of nutrition, employment, and income for millions of households. The 21st Livestock Census will provide us with updated data on the livestock population, which will allow the government to address key issues like disease control, breed improvement, and rural livelihoods. With the digital advancements introduced in this census, we are confident that the data collected will be more accurate, timely, and comprehensive than ever before.”

He also highlighted the innovations brought in this census, such as a mobile application for data collection and real-time monitoring through a web-based dashboard, marking a significant step toward modernizing data collection methodologies.

Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, emphasized the sector’s vital role in GDP contribution and job creation, especially in rural areas. He noted, “Livestock supports the livelihoods of over 2.1 crore people and is essential to India’s agricultural economy. The data collected from the 21st Livestock Census will help us pinpoint areas where we can intervene to enhance rural livelihoods and improve animal health.” 

Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of DAHD, detailed the extensive preparations for the census launch. “We have trained over one lakh field personnel, conducted regional and state-level training sessions, and established a strong digital infrastructure to ensure seamless and accurate data collection. The innovations in this census, including offline data capture, breed identification through images, and real-time monitoring, will guarantee that this initiative runs efficiently across India.

The census will emphasise breed management, utilising