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Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, World

AGCO has acquired an 85 per cent stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble will hold a 15 per cent stake.

AGCO Corporation and Trimble announced the closing of their joint venture (JV) transaction. The JV, known as PTx Trimble, combines Trimble’s precision agriculture business and AGCO’s JCA Technologies to form a new company that will better serve farmers with factory fit and retrofit applications in the mixed-fleet precision agriculture market.

AGCO has acquired an 85 per cent stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble will hold a 15 per cent stake. Going forward, the PTx Trimble JV will be consolidated into AGCO’s financial statements.

“Farmers worldwide need technologies that support them to be more productive and profitable while minimizing the environmental impact of their operations,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “PTx Trimble will provide farmers greater access to next-generation precision ag tools, no matter what brands of tractors and implements they operate.”

The formation of PTx Trimble enhances AGCO’s comprehensive technology offering around guidance, autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability.

“Farmers are the real winners here,” said Rob Painter, Trimble’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “By combining our expertise and resources through this JV, we aim to accelerate the pace of innovation. With a focus on open technologies, customers will benefit from tech solutions available to farmers across a broad range of tractor and implement brands.”

AGCO’s consolidated precision ag revenue is now expected to exceed $2.0 billion by 2028, and the transaction is expected to be accretive to AGCO’s revenue growth, adjusted operating margin profile and adjusted earnings per share in the first full year post-close.

AGCO financed the transaction through a combination of $1.1 billion in recently issued senior unsecured notes, a $500 million term loan facility, other borrowings and cash on hand.

AGCO has acquired an 85 per cent

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

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing solution by enabling the rapid visual detection of L. garvieae within just 40 minutes.

In a significant stride towards combating the devastating impact of Lactococcus garvieae, ICAR- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal clinched its patent for a pioneering diagnostic solution. The patented technology, titled ‘Composition, Protocol, and Diagnostic Kit for Identification of Bacterial Pathogen Lactococcus garvieae’ was led by Dr Neetu Shahi, Senior Scientist, and the team of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal.

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal, emphasised the urgent need for such innovative detection methods to safeguard global aquaculture industries from the burgeoning threat posed by this pathogen.

L. garvieae, recognised globally as a formidable threat to marine and freshwater aquaculture, has inflicted colossal economic losses running into millions of dollars. This bacterium, initially identified in the 1980s from bovine mastitis samples in the United Kingdom, wreaks havoc by causing hemorrhagic septicemia and meningoencephalitis in over 60 fish species. With crop losses ranging from 20 to 60% upon infection detection, the impact on fish production is staggering. Moreover, surviving fish become asymptomatic carriers, further perpetuating the spread of the disease. The outbreak of “Warm Water Lactococcosis”, ascribed to L. garvieae, intensifies during warmer months, posing a dire threat to rainbow trout farming. Compounding the challenge are factors such as climate change, antibiotic resistance, and the lack of rapid diagnostic tools. Traditional identification methods are time-consuming and often prone to misidentification, exacerbating the spread of the pathogen.

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing solution by enabling the rapid visual detection of L. garvieae within just 40 minutes. Leveraging specific concentrations and compositions of oligonucleotides, the diagnostic kit facilitates swift, accurate, and cost-effective detection by discerning color changes in the reactants.

This is the second patent granted to the directorate under the leadership of the present director.

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing

Agrotech, India, Seeds, Sustainability

FSII urges for collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to address agricultural waste issue.

India faces a significant challenge with its agricultural waste generation. Annually, the nation produces about 683 million tonnes (MT) of crop waste and an estimated 682.6 million tons of agricultural waste, including both edible crop production and surplus materials. This waste contributes substantially to India’s overall waste generation, amounting to approximately 62 million tonnes per year.

Additionally, out of India’s total solid waste, roughly 380 million tons are organic wastes from agricultural sources. These numbers highlight the urgent need for effective waste management strategies to minimise environmental pollution and promote sustainable practices.

Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India mentioned that FSII recognises the severity of this situation and urges immediate action on the International Day of Zero Waste. Effective waste management in agriculture requires sustainable practices to optimize resource usage, including careful application of fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Precision agriculture, a technique of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using high technology sensor and analysis tools, can significantly reduce input waste, enhancing long-term sustainability. It ensures the effective management of fertilizers and irrigation processes.

Food waste reduction requires a two-pronged approach: minimizing spoilage throughout the supply chain and aligning food production with demand. Firstly, better storage and transportation practices are crucial. Technologies like moisture-preserving coatings for produce and implementing tracking systems can significantly extend a product’s shelf life.

Secondly, bridging the gap between supply and demand is essential. In India’s complex supply chains, food needs are often predictable, yet production isn’t due to the many layers between farmers and consumers. Here, technology plays a vital role. By building a data network across the chain, from satellite imagery to smartphone apps, we can create a clearer picture of food demand, allowing farmers to adjust production accordingly. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology, such as disease-resistant crops, can further reduce pre- and post-harvest losses.

By prioritising these initiatives, India can significantly reduce food waste. This not only lessens the environmental impact, including water and energy waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation, but also promotes sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and a path towards environmental responsibility for future generations.

FSII calls for collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to address this pressing issue. By embracing sustainable practices, we can work towards a future where agricultural waste is minimized, environmental pollution is reduced, and India’s agricultural sector thrives sustainably.

FSII urges for collaborative efforts involving all

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India, Trade

The acquisition, finalised through a 100 per cent stake purchase with cash consideration, amounts to an estimated enterprise value of Rs 139 Crores.

Best Agrolife Ltd (BAL), a prominent player in the Indian agrochemicals industry, has made a significant stride with the acquisition of Sudarshan Farm Chemicals India Pvt Ltd (SFCL). This acquisition marks a milestone in BAL’s journey, as it not only expands its market presence but also strengthens its R&D capabilities and product portfolio.

The acquisition, finalised through a 100 per cent stake purchase with cash consideration, amounts to an estimated enterprise value of Rs 139 Crores. After accounting for Net Working Capital and other Liabilities, the cash outflow for BAL is expected to be around Rupees 9.5 Crore. This strategic move is aimed at leveraging SFCL’s expertise in R&D and brand management to enhance BAL’s market position and drive growth.

SFCL, a subsidiary of Sudarshan Chemical Industries, boasts a rich legacy of 40 years in the agrochemicals sector. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, SFCL has earned the trust of farmers across the country. The company’s focus on developing cost-effective manufacturing routes for off-patent molecules has been a key driver of its success.

One of the key assets acquired by BAL through this deal is SFCL’s impressive IP portfolio, which includes 10 patents (applied). This portfolio, combined with SFCL’s R&D capabilities, will provide BAL with a competitive edge in developing new and innovative products for the market.

The acquisition also grants BAL access to SFCL’s popular brands, including “Sutathion,” “Suphos,” “Suchlor,” and “Sumidon.” These brands, known for their quality and effectiveness, will complement BAL’s existing product lineup and help expand its presence in the central and southern regions of India.

The acquisition, finalised through a 100 per

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Europe, Fungicides

Forapro® combines two Active Ingredients with ADAMA’s Asorbital® Formulation Technology for a double boosting effect.

ADAMA Ltd., a leading crop protection company, has announced the European launch of Forapro®, its new T1 broad spectrum multi-crop cereal fungicide that delivers superior control over all major early season diseases in wheat.

Forapro® offers the double boosting effect of two Active Ingredients together with ADAMA’s unique Asorbital® Formulation Technology. It delivers powerful results for both wheat and barley and is effective against early season diseases such as Powdery Mildew, Septoria and Rust.

Due to its unique formulation and dual active ingredients, Forapro® provides excellent control in T1 that keeps disease infestation levels in check until T2 spraying. The power of Prothioconazole together with Fenpropidin and boosted by Asorbital® Formulation Technology ensures increased leaf penetration, faster uptake, and outstanding migration, spreading the impact across the entire plant, while also preventing degradation from sunlight. Extensive trials have shown that Forapro® penetrates the leaf cuticle significantly faster compared to a tank mixture of the two ingredients.

“Farmers are looking for innovative, effective fungicides that address their needs for fast acting crop protection and lower costs, so they can increase yields and bring high quality cereals to the market. With the launch of Forapro®, ADAMA has answered these needs and provided the value innovation that farmers expect from us,” said Alex Mills, Global Head of Fungicides at ADAMA. “Forapro® delivers superior T1 control of Septoria, Yellow Rust, and Powdery Mildew, improving crop yields. Thanks to its highly effective uptake, farmers can manage diseases while meeting both yield and cost goals.”

Forapro® is part of ADAMA’s new European cereal fungicide portfolio. Launches will continue across the continent throughout 2024.

Forapro® combines two Active Ingredients with ADAMA’s

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

Company sold 1748 tractors in the exports market, registering a growth of 26 per cent over last year.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, announced its tractor sales numbers for March 2024. Domestic sales in March 2024 were at 24276 units, as against 33622 units during March 2023. Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during March 2024 were at 26024 units, as against 35014 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1748 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We have sold 24276 tractors in the domestic market during March 2024. Government announcement of increased advance estimate of horticulture production and Rabi wheat output higher than last year is expected to bring positive sentiments among farmers. Forecast of a normal South -West monsoon this year is expected to further boost tractor demand in the coming months.  In the exports market, we have sold 1748 tractors, a growth of 26 per cent over last year.”         

Company sold 1748 tractors in the exports

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Fruits, India

Developed in collaboration with Japan’s Nissan Chemical Corporation, Hanabi features patented chemistry that provides longer control duration.

Godrej Agrovet Limited, a leading Indian agribusiness company, has introduced Hanabi, an advanced pesticide for controlling mites in apple orchards. The company mentioned that developed in collaboration with Japan’s Nissan Chemical Corporation, Hanabi features patented chemistry that provides longer control duration and faster knockdown activity, translating into better yields for farmers.

Rajavelu NK, CEO of Godrej Agrovet Limited’s Crop Protection Business, commented on Hanabi’s benefits and efficacy, “In Kashmir, where the annual export of 1.8 million metric tons of apples sustains livelihoods and contributes to 75 per cent of India’s apple production, we understand the deep impact of our agricultural practices. While abiotic climatic challenges remain beyond our control, the introduction of Hanabi demonstrates our commitment to addressing biotic factors that threaten this thriving industry.”

“Protecting the apple crop by eradicating mites during their entire lifecycle, Hanabi’s quick-action formula starts immediately after spraying. Providing 80 per cent knockdown within 3-4 hours, Hanabi is a reliable and efficient pest control solution. Additionally, its insecticidal activity has proven secondary efficacy against thrips and whiteflies. We are confident that this innovative solution will revolutionize apple farming in the valley,” he added.

Developed in collaboration with Japan’s Nissan Chemical

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, World

Various esteemed dignitaries from renowned international organisations delivered keynote address highlighting India’s achievements in the global campaign of the superfood at the event.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organised closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 on 29 March 2024 at the FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy. The high-level hybrid event that allowed participants to join both in-person and virtually and was graced by esteemed dignitaries from various parts of the world, including Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi from Govt. of India.

Additional Secretary, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, from Govt. of India, underscored the significance of India’s thriving Millet ecosystem comprising various Start-Ups, Industries, FPOs, in increasing promotion and adoption of millets.

Director-General, FAO, Dr QU Dongyu in his opening remarks at the official closing ceremony, commended the international community for their commitment to advancing millet-related initiatives and emphasized the crucial role of millets in achieving food security and nutrition for all.

Minister and Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to FAO Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran shed light on the significance of millets and outlined strategies for integrating millet cultivation into sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.

Further in the ceremony, attendees were treated to a captivating video showcasing the diverse range of activities and events organised under the International Year of Millets 2023 across different regions, fostering the global reach and impact of the initiative.

The ceremony came to a close with the concluding remarks of Deputy Director-General FAO Beth Bechdol expressing gratitude to all participants for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the success of the International Year of Millets 2023 and highlighting the importance of sustaining momentum in promoting millets beyond the designated year.

Following a proposal by India, backed by more than 70 countries, the United Nations General Assembly, at its 75th session in March 2021, declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The year-long celebration successfully raised awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of millet consumption, the suitability of millets for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions, and the benefits of creating sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers. The closing ceremony served as a forum to take stock of the accomplishments of, and lessons learned from, IYM 2023 and identify priorities for future investments, particularly to address identified constraints and strengthen millets value chains.

The event showcased a series of insightful discussions and presentations underscoring the importance of millets in achieving sustainable development goals and its emergence as ‘Global Superfood’. Director, ICAR-IIMR Dr C Tara Satyavathi shared insights into India’s R&D endeavours to develop a robust Millets value chain at a Roundtable Discussion on ‘Research and Development for the Millets Sector,’ a significant side event convened as part of #IYMClosingCeremony,

 A special exhibition featuring showcase of millet-value added products from across the world and a live cooking were also organised.

Various esteemed dignitaries from renowned international organisations

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

Indian agriculture being a gamble of monsoons, crop yields continue to be climate sensitive and the fluctuations in temperature and rainfall pattern adversely affect crops productivity, thus threatening food security in India. In India, climate change has triggered an increase in temperatures by 0.6 °C to 25.1 °C between 1901 and 2018, causing shifts in monsoon patterns. According to government reports, productivity of most crops is likely to decrease 10-40 per cent by 2100 due to increases in temperature, rainfall variability, and decreases in irrigation water. The major impacts of climate change will be on rain fed or un-irrigated crops, which are cultivated in nearly 60 per cent of cropland.

A temperature rise by 0.5°C in winter is projected to reduce rain fed wheat yield by 0.45 tonnes per hectare in India. Government of India’s economic survey (2018) estimated that the annual loss of $ 9-10 billion was due to the adverse effects of climate change. To overcome this, the Government of India highlighted the significance of a multi-stakeholder approach in addressing climate challenges and took up climate smart agriculture measures since 2011 to support the small and marginal farmers, who constitute 85 per cent of the farming population.

On January 18 the National Institution or Transforming India (NITI Aayog), the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly launched the ‘Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient agrifood Systems in India’ in New Delhi.

This initiative aims to develop an investment and partnership strategy to advance climate resilient agrifood systems among the government, private sectors, and farmers’ organisations and financial institutions in India.

The government of India has been active in this space and taken the lead in building climate resilient agrifood systems through prioritised actions in mitigation and adaptation domains since 2011 with the formation of National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), a network project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with an outlay of Rs 350 crore. The project aims to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture, covering crops, livestock and fisheries to climatic variability and climate change through development and application of improved production and risk management technologies. The government has implemented the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) that provides the overarching framework for climate actions, through national missions in specific areas. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), one of the Missions under NAPCC, includes programmatic interventions like Soil Health Card, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region, Rainfed Area Development, National Bamboo Mission and Sub-mission on Agro-Forestry. Besides, the NMSA aims at promoting location specific improved agronomic practices through soil health management, enhanced water use efficiency, judicious use of chemicals, crop diversification.

In addition, the country has many other schemes in the last 13 years such as the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), Climate Smart Village, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMSKY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY), Soil Health Card Scheme, National Water Mission (NWM), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY), Biotech-KISAN, Neem Coated Urea, National Livestock Mission which helped in developing climate resilient technologies for various crops under state of the art climate change research facilities established at several institutes across the country.

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

Indian agriculture being a gamble of monsoons,

Agrotech, Climate, Digital Technologies, India, Opinions

By Rohit Lall, Joint Project Director, National Committee on Precision Agriculture and Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India

Climate change presents significant challenges to the agrifood sector, affecting producers’ incomes and food security. Recent climate-smart innovations in agrifood that enhance producers’ incomes while promoting sustainable solutions among farmers will make a big difference to the farming community. Precision agriculture, a key climate-smart innovation, employs advanced technologies and techniques to maximise resource efficiency and enhance crop yields. These technologies allow for targeted and efficient resource use, minimising waste and environmental impact. Let’s explore how precision farming will promote sustainability by reducing the ecological footprint of agricultural activities.

Agriculture remains the cornerstone of India’s economy, serving as the primary source of livelihood for nearly half of the country’s workforce. As such, advancements in agriculture directly impact the prosperity of a significant portion of the population, particularly those with lower incomes. However, the sector faces formidable challenges exacerbated by the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events and shifting seasons, which pose serious threats to agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability and economic viability of the agrifood sector.

Moreover, India’s agricultural landscape exhibits considerable regional disparities, stemming from factors such as suboptimal input utilisation, limited access to modern technology, and stagnant technological innovation. Additionally, farmers often struggle to realise profitable prices for their produce due to inefficiencies in the agricultural marketing system, resulting in dwindling farm sizes and a decline in land cultivation, as farmers migrate in search of better job opportunities elsewhere. Because land leasing laws make it risky to lease land, increasingly, productive land is being left uncultivated. The dominance of paddy cultivation in Kharif and wheat in Rabi seasons further underscores the need for diversification toward high-value agricultural commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and animal products such as milk, poultry, fish and meat, driven by increasing incomes and urbanisation. Although per capita consumption of food grains has declined over the years, its total demand has been projected to increase due to the rise in population. To facilitate growth in productivity, it is important to ensure that farmers receive lucrative prices for their produce.

In response to these challenges, precision agriculture has emerged as a promising solution, with both central and state governments actively promoting its adoption. Notably, initiatives such as the centre’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) have significantly expanded micro irrigation coverage across the country, making notable strides on the global irrigation landscape. The robust participation of over 300 registered micro irrigation system suppliers registered under the PDMC scheme reflects the growing momentum toward precision agriculture adoption. Today over 15 mega hectares (mha) have been covered under micro irrigation across the country. Additionally, a conducive business environment has incentivised a greater number of Micro Irrigation Systems (MIS) suppliers to expand their manufacturing capacities, further propelling the growth of the sector.  Precision agriculture holds immense potential to enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate the impact of climate change, and improve farmer livelihoods. As India strives towards agricultural prosperity, continued support and investment in precision farming technologies will be pivotal in realising these goals.

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

By Rohit Lall, Joint Project Director, National

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Opinions, Start ups

 By P Dadira N Peiris, Senior Manager, Kanrich Plantations (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, with its diverse agro-climatic zones and rich agricultural heritage, stands at a critical juncture in its agricultural evolution. While the country’s agricultural sector holds immense promise, it grapples with numerous challenges hindering its growth and sustainability. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for collaboration and innovation, particularly with Indian agri-tech companies.

Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector grapples with several challenges, including limited access to modern technology, inefficient resource utilisation, and post-harvest losses. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the sector, face difficulties in accessing credit, market information, and quality inputs. Moreover, climate change impacts, such as erratic weather patterns and water scarcity, further exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers. Addressing these real needs requires holistic solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture.

Focus areas for improvement

To overcome these challenges, Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector must prioritise several key areas for improvement. Precision agriculture, crop diversification, post-harvest management, and agro-processing emerge as critical focal points. By enhancing efficiency and resilience across these domains, Sri Lanka can unlock its agricultural potential and foster sustainable growth. For instance, precision farming technologies, such as IoT-based sensors and drones, can optimise resource utilisation and improve crop yields. Additionally, solutions for water management and conservation can help mitigate the effects of water scarcity, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Market potential for new technology and mechanisation

Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector presents vast market potential for new technology and mechanisation solutions. With a growing population and increasing demand for food security, there is a pressing need to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. Moreover, the government’s emphasis on promoting agribusiness and value addition offers lucrative opportunities for investment in mechanisation, processing, and marketing infrastructure. Indian agri-tech companies can leverage their technological prowess to introduce cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of Sri Lankan farmers, thereby capturing a significant market share.

Recent achievements in Indian mechanisation

India has made significant strides in agricultural mechanisation, leveraging technology to enhance productivity and efficiency in farming operations. The introduction of advanced machinery, such as tractor-mounted implements, harvesters, and planters, has revolutionised traditional farming practices, reducing labour dependency and increasing output. Notable achievements include the widespread adoption of custom hiring centres for farm machinery, and promoting access to mechanisation services among smallholder farmers.

Future objectives of India and Sri Lanka in agricultural modernisation

Both India and Sri Lanka have outlined ambitious objectives for agricultural modernisation, encompassing technological advancements, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth. India’s vision for the agricultural sector includes doubling farmers’ income, promoting digital agriculture, and ensuring food security through innovative technologies and policy reforms. Similarly, Sri Lanka aims to enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote agro-based industries to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

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

 By P Dadira N Peiris, Senior Manager,

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, Interaction

India faces a pressing challenge as agricultural land dwindles due to urbanisation, industrialisation, and climate change, imperilling food security for its growing population. However, the adoption of innovative technologies offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, challenges persist, particularly in extending AI benefits to small-scale farmers. Despite this, the potential of technology to transform agriculture is evident. Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, sheds light on this transformative journey in an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum. He explores the pivotal role of technology in reshaping India’s agricultural industry and highlights Yara’s initiatives to educate farmers about its benefits. Edited excerpts;

The recent developments in technology are reshaping the landscape of agriculture worldwide. How do you perceive this transformation and its impact on the sector’s growth in India?

Today there are approximately 8 billion people in the world and by 2050, this number is expected to grow to 9.7 billion. To grow food for nearly 2 billion more people demands significant innovation in agriculture, especially given the challenges of climate change and diminishing arable land. Challenges like famine in some regions and disruptions in the supply of grain due to war in Europe add to the complexity.

Against the backdrop of the world’s surging population, the challenge posed by climate change, and famine caused by war, farmers in India continue to grow crops as they’ve done for centuries – without incorporating latest farming practices. As a result, the Indian farming sector grapples with low productivity. However, adopting new technologies could be a game-changer, significantly boosting output. Benefits of integrating technology in agriculture include enhanced efficiency and productivity through precision farming, use of innovative new age products and smart irrigation, leading to higher yields and reduced waste. Additionally, data driven decisions based on real-time information about soil health, weather patterns, and market prices empower farmers, enabling better decision-making and risk mitigation.

What recent technologies are changing the face of Indian agriculture?

Several groundbreaking technologies are reshaping agriculture in India including; 

Generative AI holds the potential to significantly increase the productivity of the Indian agricultural sector. For instance, farmers can use Generative AI’s predictive capability to analyse soil quality in real-time, enabling them to better plan their activities. Additionally, AI can assist the government in studying weather patterns, providing real-time information and advice to farmers. This approach enhances nutrient use efficiency (NUE), water use efficiency, and reduces the amount of agri-inputs required for crop cultivation – in effect, cutting the overall cost of farming. Generative AI can also enhance the accuracy of weather pattern predictions and offer insights into crops health, empowering farmers. to make informed decisions, allocate resources optimally, and increase crop yields.

AI-powered drones can be deployed in farmers’ fields to collect granular data on crops health, pest infestations and diseased crops. The drones can relay such information to farmers enabling them to make informed decisions to improve crops health, combat pests, and treat diseased crops. Also, should a farmer not know how to treat a plant, he can upload its pictures to a generative AI-powered platform for appropriate treatment recommendations. Perhaps most excitingly, generative AI has the potential to expedite the development of new crop varieties.

In terms of market access, only 6 per cent of Indian farmers benefit from selling their produce at Minimum Selling Prices (MSP). However, AI can facilitate predictive crop yield and pricing through an effective price discovery model, enabling informed decision-making. By moving towards demand-driven agriculture, AI can provide market intelligence and predictive pricing, aiding farmers in calibrating crop yields and investments.

Despite its potential, only 1 per cent of Indian farmers currently utilise agri-tech tools. One reason so few farmers use digital technologies is that farmers are unable to comprehend such technologies. Generative AI, which can communicate with farmers in their native language, has the potential to significantly increase the number of Indian farmers using digital tools. In summary, generative AI has the capability to introduce cutting-edge digital technology to even the most remote agricultural fields in rural India!

These are just a few ways in which generative AI can transform Indian agriculture. While it may not drastically reduce the number of Indians employed in farming, it can help farmers increase yields, cultivate healthier and more nutritious crops, and improve their earnings.  

Yara has recently entered into partnership with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce). Could you elaborate on this development?

Our partnership with ONDC, the Open Network for Digital Commerce, is a potential game-changer. It will create a more open and transparent online marketplace for agricultural products. This means farmers can bypass traditional supply chains, get access to the vast network of buyers/sellers through ONDC’s platform and potentially fetch better prices for their produce, again contributing to a potential deflationary effect.

What are the major challenges in integrating technology into the agriculture sector?

Despite the excitement, some challenges need to be addressed. For Indian farmers to use generative AI, they’ll need internet connectivity. In some instances, they may need internet connectivity in their fields. However, such connectivity is far from ubiquitous in India at the moment. While 5G is being rolled out, many parts of the country, particularly rural areas lack internet access.

Moreover, many Indian farmers harbour a deep mistrust of those who promise them increased yields with minimum effort. Convincing farmers of the benefits of new technologies, especially among older generations, poses a challenge. Education and training initiatives are crucial.

Affordability is another concern, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Government support and innovative financing mechanisms are essential to overcome these barriers.

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

India faces a pressing challenge as agricultural

Agrotech, Drones, India, Interaction

 In an exclusive interaction with AgroSpectrum, Amandeep Panwar, Co-founder & Director of BharatRohan – Agri-tech Drone, shares insights into this collaboration and the potential impact of hyperspectral technology on Indian agriculture.

BharatRohan, an Ag-tech firm based in India, specialising in empowering farmers through advanced UAV-based decision support systems utilising Hyperspectral Imaging technology has a mission to enhance traceable, sustainable, and secure food supply chains while improving farmers’ profitability. In a recent development, BharatRohan has collaborated with AgHub, the agricultural innovation hub of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), to develop hyperspectral libraries for paddy and cotton crops. In an exclusive interaction with AgroSpectrum, Amandeep Panwar, Co-founder & Director of BharatRohan – Agri-tech Drone, shares insights into this collaboration and the potential impact of hyperspectral technology on Indian agriculture. Edited excerpts; 

Recently you tied up with AgHub at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) to develop hyperspectral libraries for paddy and cotton crop. Please elaborate on this development.

Our collaboration with AgHub at PJTSAU marks a significant advancement in agricultural technology, particularly in paddy and cotton crops. Through this collaboration, we are focused on developing hyperspectral libraries specifically designed for these crops, leveraging drone technology equipped with hyperspectral imaging capabilities.

Hyperspectral imaging enables the detailed analysis of crops by capturing a wide range of wavelengths, extending beyond human visual perception. Through the creation of these specialised libraries, we can catalogue and analyse the distinct spectral signatures of both healthy and distressed crops, including those affected by pests, diseases, or environmental factors.

Tailoring hyperspectral libraries to paddy and cotton crops allows for customised recommendations and solutions based on their unique spectral characteristics. This precision ensures that interventions are targeted and effective in addressing specific crop health challenges, empowering farmers with tailored insights to optimise productivity and sustainability.

Lately, the agricultural industry has witnessed a lot of development in the technology sector. What is your take on this and how will this help the growth of Indian agriculture?

The recent surge of technological advancements in the agriculture sector is undoubtedly a game-changer for Indian agriculture, holding immense promise for revolutionising traditional farming methods and addressing the challenges faced by farmers across the country. Embracing agricultural technology isn’t merely about maintaining competitiveness; it’s about fulfilling our mission to empower farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.

Through the utilisation of drone-based hyperspectral imaging, we offer farmers innovative solutions to optimise their operations, enhance productivity, and manage risks effectively. These advancements enable us to extend our impact, particularly to remote and marginalised farming communities. Leveraging digital platforms like WhatsApp chatbot and dashboard, we onboard farmers onto our platform, providing them with crucial updates on weather conditions, distributing survey prescription maps, and facilitating connections with agronomists. Additionally, our dashboard serves as a centralised hub for tracking all farmer activities, ensuring traceability and potentially securing higher market prices for their produce.

Furthermore, I recognise the significant potential of agricultural technology to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive economic development in rural areas. Initiatives such as training individuals as drone pilots and offering drone franchise ownership opportunities have the potential to create new avenues for economic empowerment and growth within rural communities.

You have said that hyperspectral technology will help in attaining healthier crops, reducing input costs and enhancing yields. Could you shed some light on this?

Hyperspectral technology plays a crucial role in achieving healthier crops, reducing input costs, and enhancing yields in agriculture. Early Detection of Crop Stress: Hyperspectral imaging allows for the early detection of crop stressors such as nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, diseases, and water stress. By capturing detailed spectral data beyond the range of human vision, hyperspectral sensors can identify subtle changes in plant health before they become visually apparent. This early detection enables farmers to take proactive measures to address issues promptly, preventing significant yield losses.

Precision Farming Practices: With hyperspectral technology, farmers can implement precision farming practices tailored to the specific needs of their crops. By analysing spectral signatures, farmers can identify areas of the field that require targeted interventions, such as precise application of fertilisers, pesticides, and water. This targeted approach minimises input wastage, optimises resource utilisation, and promotes efficient crop growth.

Optimised Resource Management: Hyperspectral imaging enables precise monitoring of crop health and growth parameters, allowing farmers to optimise resource management decisions. By understanding the nutritional needs and growth patterns of their crops, farmers can adjust inputs such as fertilisers, irrigation, and crop protection products in real-time, ensuring that resources are applied efficiently to support optimal crop development.

Enhanced Yields and Quality: By leveraging hyperspectral technology to monitor and manage crop health effectively, farmers can achieve higher yields and improved crop quality. Early detection and intervention against stressors result in healthier plants, reduced crop losses, and ultimately, increased productivity. Additionally, by fine-tuning inputs based on spectral data, farmers can optimise crop development and achieve better quality produce, commanding higher prices in the market.

Cost Savings: Hyperspectral technology helps farmers reduce input costs by minimising the overuse of fertilisers, pesticides, and water. By applying inputs only where and when needed, farmers can save on expenses while maximising the effectiveness of their agricultural practices. Furthermore, the early detection of crop stressors allows for timely interventions, preventing the need for costly corrective measures later in the season.

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

 In an exclusive interaction with AgroSpectrum, Amandeep

Agrotech, India, Interaction, Start ups

Akhilesh Jain, Co- Founder Agrotech Risk Private Ltd shares his views on agritech sector in India with AgroSpectrum.

Agrotech Risk Pvt. Ltd.- Agrotech India, an agfintech firm in India, provides creative solutions for all agricultural challenges. It is a joint venture between Trinity League India Limited and Ctrl2Go. Its forte is the use of cutting-edge technology for data processing and exchange as well as automation. To communicate this data to its customers, it employs its own CLASS software. The company provides software solutions for agritech and agfintech from start to finish. Akhilesh Jain, Co- Founder Agrotech Risk Private Ltd shares his views on agritech sector in India with AgroSpectrum. Edited Excepts:

How Agrotech India is contributing to the agritech landscape in India?

Agrotech India (Agrotech Risk Pvt. Ltd.), a one-of-a-kind global agfintech company based in India, provides innovative solutions for all of the difficulties that are faced in the agricultural sector. Trinity League India Limited and Ctrl2Go have collaborated on this project to form a joint venture. Utilising cutting-edge technology for the purpose of data processing and exchange, in addition to automation, is one of its strongest points. In spite of the numerous agricultural problems that are affecting India, Agrotech India stands head and shoulders above the competition as a result of the cutting-edge technological knowledge and products that it offers. For the purpose of conveying this information to its clientele, it utilises its very own CLASS software. In addition to offering software solutions for agritech and agfintech operations from beginning to end, the company also offers drone services to assist with any issues that may arise.

We provide a one-of-a-kind service that is more than ninety percent accurate for major crops, and it is called Crop Yield Estimation (both before and after harvesting). Traders are provided with assistance in the planning of in-time yield buy volumes and additional logistics resources by the service. Additionally, it assists the farmers in increasing the potential output and revenue of their farms. Through the use of our AgfinTech software, we not only offer technical aid to farmers, but we also assist them in loan acquisition. It comes with a farm-level score system that is integrated right in. The use of this system makes it possible to keep track of all the financial matters that are associated with a certain farm and farmer, which enables the farmer to make investments that are both intelligent and decisive.

What challenges are the agritech startup companies facing in the Indian market?

Connectivity and digital literacy are two issues that frequently prove difficult to overcome in rural places. AgriTech entrepreneurs have a responsibility to address these difficulties in order to guarantee that their solutions are accessible to farmers located in rural areas, hence promoting inclusivity in the use of technology. Given that AgriTech platforms are responsible for the collection and analysis of enormous volumes of data, protecting the confidentiality and safety of this information is a significant concern. For the purpose of safeguarding sensitive farmer data, startups are required to deploy stringent cybersecurity safeguards. The agricultural infrastructure is out of date, which presents a challenge. Inadequate storage facilities, transportation bottlenecks, and access to reliable electricity are some of the hurdles that agritech businesses need to overcome in order to facilitate the smooth integration of technology.

The adoption of new technologies by farmers is of the utmost importance. Startups in the agritechnology industry confront the difficulty of overcoming old traditions and ensuring that farmers are taught about the benefits of embracing digital technologies, addressing scepticism, and pushing solutions that are user-friendly.

What are the opportunities for Indian agritech startups in the global agriculture market?

Companies should prioritise the local market at the moment since it has a lot of promise on its own. According to McKinsey and Company, India’s agricultural sector is expected to quadruple its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. Supply of agricultural inputs, production and transformation of agricultural products, and distribution to end users are all parts of the full value chain that makes up the agribusiness ecosystem. As a result of factors such increasing urbanisation, dietary diversity, shifting consumer tastes, and the proliferation of food markets, this ecosystem has grown to encompass e-commerce and hyperlocal. Agritech in India is booming, thanks to advances from established businesses along the value chain that have embraced digital tools like “super apps” to newer businesses like “Agri fintechs” and massive tech conglomerates. In India, agri-startups tend to congregate in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka as well as in the NCR of Delhi. The agricultural value chain, however, is still highly fragmented and disorganised, with many intermediaries and middlemen present at various levels.

What inputs are required for the growth of the agritech sector in India?

Unlocking new opportunities at every stage of the value chain extends beyond the core agritech industry. Trading and auction platforms are believed to transact over $8 billion worth of product, according to statistics from an Avendus analysis.

The goal of farm gate warehousing is to oversee agri-commodities valued above $10 billion. Agri fintech is anticipated to enable loan disbursals of more than $3 billion, while quality evaluation is anticipated to cover a GMV of $5 billion worth of produce.

At every point along the value chain, agritech companies are shaking up the conventional wisdom about farming. Data analytics and ML, for example, are key to raising output quality. By giving them access to up-to-the-minute information on the prices of inputs and outputs, platforms and data-driven solutions for price transparency empower farmers.

An increasing amount of money is flowing into the agritech business, which is a sign of how confident investors are in this area. Despite financial winter and macro headwinds, the agritech sector managed to secure over $1.1 billion in 46 acquisitions by 2022, up from $187 million in 19 deals in 2018. Roughly eight transactions totalling $161 million have occurred throughout the nation thus far in 2023’s first half.

What are the growth strategies and plans of the company for FY 24-25?

For the purpose of catering to a larger market and meeting a variety of requirements within the agricultural sector, it is recommended that the range of agrotech products and services be expanded. Possible examples of this might include the introduction of new crop protection systems, technologies for precision farming, or agricultural Internet of Things devices. The demand for agricultural products, the regulatory environment, and the level of competition are some of the elements that should be considered when identifying new geographic markets for expansion, whether they are domestic or international. In order to accomplish this, it may be necessary to build partnerships or distribution channels in novel regions. Invest resources in research and development in order to improve already existing items, come up with creative ideas, and maintain a competitive advantage over other businesses. For the purpose of crop development, this may involve making investments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or genetic engineering. 

Create more cutting-edge risk management solutions that are specifically adapted to meet the requirements of agricultural businesses, financial institutions, and farmers. Maintain an awareness of the regulatory shifts that are influencing the agriculture industry and make certain that you are in compliance with the applicable laws and standards. A company’s legitimacy and capacity to compete in the market can be improved by obtaining certifications that pertain to the quality, safety, or sustainability of their products.

Further, we would like to incorporate sustainable business practices into the business model in order to attract customers that are environmentally sensitive and to satisfy the needs of the regulatory bodies. These may include the promotion of organic farming practices, the reduction of carbon emissions, or the investment in solutions that utilise renewable energy sources.

By Nitin Konde

Akhilesh Jain, Co- Founder Agrotech Risk