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Agri Genomics, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, North America

The grant will support the “Yam Optimized Architecture through Gene Editing (YOAGE)” project, aimed at delivering novel genetic variation to yam (Dioscorea spp.) that improves plant architecture.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in partnership with Pairwise, a US-based technology company pioneering the application of gene editing in food and agriculture, announced a grant of US$ 3,874,356 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant will support the “Yam Optimized Architecture through Gene Editing (YOAGE)” project, an innovative project aimed at delivering novel genetic variation to yam (Dioscorea spp.) that improves plant architecture. The project goal is to reduce labor and environmental impact associated with traditional plant staking while also enabling mechanized farming in Nigeria, where yam is an important staple food crop.

The 4-year YOAGE project will focus on developing yam varieties with optimized growth characteristics, improving cultivation practices, and boosting productivity and profitability while collaborating with various stakeholders, including local farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers. Yam is the second most important root and tuber crop in sub-Saharan Africa after cassava, with a production of about 75 million metric tons (FAO, 2021) and provides about 200 kilocalories daily to over 400 million people in the low-income and food-deficit countries of the tropics. Africa produces over 97 per cent of the global yams, with Nigeria alone accounting for about 66 per cent of the world’s total (FAO, 2021). In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, yam is not only a staple crop but also plays a central role as a traditional flagship crop deeply intertwined with societal norms, fulfilling various social and religious functions.

Despite this importance, yam cultivation faces several challenges, such as high costs of planting materials and labor, declining soil fertility, low-yielding varieties that require staking, and increased pest and disease pressures due to intensified farming. While conventional breeding has improved yam varieties for pest resistance, adaptability, and quality, it has made limited progress in optimizing plant architecture for mechanized farming. The YOAGE project will leverage advanced gene editing tools to overcome these challenges and support global food security, particularly in the face of climate change, resource limitations, and shifting consumer demands.

Leena Tripathi, IITA Eastern Africa Hub Director, Biotechnology Program Lead, and YOAGE Principal Investigator, said: “Receiving this grant from the Gates Foundation marks a pivotal advancement in transforming yam production through innovative gene editing technologies. By developing improved bushy-types of yam varieties, we aim to reduce labor demands, enhance farming efficiency, and boost sustainability. Ultimately, our goal is to elevate farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen food security.”

The YOAGE project aims to develop these varieties by identifying the genes controlling plant growth, optimizing gene editing to develop semi-dwarf varieties, and analyzing the impacts of these changes on labor and gender dynamics. By addressing the technical and environmental challenges of yam production, the project is expected to significantly improve productivity and farmers’ income, contributing to the global goal of sustainable agriculture and food security.

The Gates Foundation selected IITA and Pairwise for the grant because of their proven records in agricultural innovations and community engagements in the region. IITA is a global center of excellence for yam breeding and a genetic improvement source of new and improved yam genotypes for major yam growers in Africa. Also, it has a long tradition and experience in the breeding and genetics of yam, a well-established yam breeding network that connects several national programs from major yam-growing areas in Africa.

Pairwise is pioneering the application of gene editing technology in food and agriculture through its Fulcrum™ Platform, the most extensively developed and validated toolbox for CRISPR application in plants. As one of the first companies in the world to commercialize gene-edited consumer food and agricultural products, Pairwise brings together leaders in agriculture, technology, and consumer foods to harness the transformative potential of new genomics technologies to create innovative new products.

“The Gates Foundation sees gene editing as an opportunity to more rapidly advance important crops like yam, following a path established through a long history of crop breeding. Through gene editing, we can keep all the favorable characteristics of adapted crops, such as nutrition and climate resilience, while removing characteristics like vining in yams that limit a crop’s potential. By partnering IITA with Pairwise, we have brought together top scientists to tackle this important challenge and drive adoption of improved varieties for smallholder farmers.” explained Dr Nicolas Bate, the Senior Program Officer at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Pairwise Director of Trait Strategy and Testing, Dr Shai Lawit, added: “Gene editing offers a revolutionary approach to solving global challenges in agriculture. Through important public-private initiatives like this one with IITA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Pairwise, we are not only improving crop production; we’re also empowering smallholder farmers, reducing environmental impacts, and advancing food security to narrow the global nutritional deficit, which is especially prevalent in developing countries.”

Through this combined work, the YOAGE project will demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking the benefits of gene editing in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The grant will support the “Yam Optimized

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, Finance, Funding, World

Funding fuels growth of Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ business, introduction of new software and hardware products, and expansion of state-of-the-art manufacturing.

Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered farming, announced today that it has raised $70 million in Series D financing. The financing was led by new investor BOND with participation from existing investors NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture capital arm), Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Revolution, Sozo Ventures, and Voyager Capital. This round brings total company funding to $157 million. As part of the financing, Mood Rowghani, general partner at BOND, will join Carbon Robotics’ Board of Directors.

This new funding round will help scale Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ business, introduce new software and hardware products, and expand state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities in Eastern Washington. It will also support the company’s growth in new markets and continue its geographic expansion into Eastern and Southern Europe, as well as the Asia-Pacific region.

“Carbon Robotics is uniquely positioned to deploy AI to transform the massive agriculture industry at a critical time,” said Mood Rowghani, general partner at BOND. “Its proven ability to execute and scale, combined with a visionary leadership team, makes it a clear standout in the space. This investment reflects our strong conviction in the central role Carbon Robotics will play in shaping the future of farming.”

Carbon Robotics has quickly emerged as the innovation leader in the agricultural industry with its AI-powered LaserWeeder. Growers in North America, Europe, and Australia have eliminated more than 10 billion weeds across 100 crop types without the use of chemical herbicides, hand labor, or soil disruption.

“This funding represents a pivotal milestone not just for our company but for farmers and consumers worldwide,” said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. “We’re leading a transformative shift, and this investment accelerates our ability to pioneer AI and robotics that will reshape farming for generations to come. I’m excited to have the strong backing of BOND and existing investors like NVentures and to welcome Mood Rowghani to our Board.”

The funding comes on the heels of Carbon Robotics’ recognition on the CNBC Disruptor 50, Fast Company’s Best Workplaces For Innovators, and the Fortune Change The World lists. These accolades underscore the Carbon Robotics team’s passion for innovation that creates a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Funding fuels growth of Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, India

The collaboration will focus on launching multiple certified, high-quality products tailored to the specific needs of Indian farmers.

AgroStar, India’s leading agri-tech platform announced a strategic partnership with Biorizon Biotech, a renowned biotechnology company headquartered in Almeria, Spain. This collaboration aims to bring advanced biological and biocontrol products to Indian farmers, enhancing crop health and driving sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

Biorizon Biotech is a global leader in developing biostimulants and biopesticides derived from natural sources such as microalgae, bacteria, and plant extracts. Their products are currently distributed in nearly 60 countries across five continents. Through this partnership, AgroStar will introduce Biorizon’s innovative, eco-friendly solutions to Indian farmers, providing them with tools to boost crop resilience, productivity, and sustainability. The partnership is part of a larger initiative by AgroStar and Biorizon to evaluate and bring additional biological solutions to India, addressing key agricultural challenges. AgroStar’s mission of #HelpingFarmersWin aligns seamlessly with Biorizon’s commitment to promoting regenerative agriculture through cutting-edge biotechnology. Together, they aim to equip Indian farmers with certified, world-class solutions that improve both crop yields and environmental outcomes.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Biorizon Biotech to bring their innovative biological products to India,” said Shardul Sheth, Co-founder & CEO of AgroStar. “By partnering with Biorizon Biotech, a global leader in sustainable crop nutrition technologies, we are reinforcing our commitment to bringing world-class innovations to Indian farmers. This collaboration aligns with our mission of Helping Farmers Win with solutions that enhance farmer productivity and safeguard the environment.”

Biorizon Biotech, known for operating the two largest indoor microalgae cultivation plants in Europe, has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Their biostimulant products hold the highest number of Official European Certifications, establishing them as a global agricultural biotech industry pioneer.

David Iglesias Hernandez, CEO of Biorizon Biotech, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with AgroStar to introduce our cutting-edge biotechnological products to the dynamic Indian market. We can effectively reach millions of farmers across the country through AgroStar’s extensive omnichannel platform and deep-rooted farmer network. As a trusted partner, AgroStar will play a critical role in helping us make a meaningful impact on Indian agriculture, empowering farmers to adopt sustainable solutions. Our microalgae-based biological solutions will help farmers address key challenges like soil health degradation and pest management, ensuring long-term sustainability and productivity.”

The collaboration will focus on launching multiple certified, high-quality products tailored to the specific needs of Indian farmers, with an emphasis on delivering sustainable, innovative solutions for long-term agricultural success.

The collaboration will focus on launching multiple

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, Fruits, India, Trade, Vegetables

The investment will accelerate Magnus Farm’s expansion, allowing it to diversify its product offerings and expand its workforce.

Magnus Farm Fresh Pvt Ltd, an Indian producer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables, has confirmed that Tarun Singh, MD Highbrow Securities has acquired a 3.5 per cent minority stake in the company.

Singh, a seasoned investor with over two decades of experience supporting SMEs, seeks to leverage his expertise to accelerate the company’s growth and global expansion. The partnership also includes plans for product innovation, with a potential follow-up investment of USD 3 million within the next year, underscoring Singh’s commitment to the long-term success of Magnus Farm.

The investment will accelerate Magnus Farm’s expansion, allowing it to diversify its product offerings and expand its workforce. Funds will be used to develop a processed food line including Individually Quick Frozen (IQF), frozen, and retort products, and cultivate new fruit varieties, accelerating its global export capabilities and market presence.

With a network of over 3,000 growers across Maharashtra’s prime agricultural districts including Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, Osmanabad, and Ahmednagar; Magnus Farm has established a strong presence in key global markets, such as Europe, the UK, Russia, Southeast Asia, Canada, and the Middle East, supplying fresh produce to major supermarket chains like Edeka, NETTO, Superunie, Aldi, Lidl, Rewe and X5.

India’s food processing and export industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing global demand for premium-quality produce. Magnus Farm’s solid foundation and industry leadership position it well to capitalize on this momentum, making it an ideal choice for Singh’s strategic investment.

Tarun Singh said, “My decision to invest in Magnus Farm stems from the food industry’s fundamental and timeless relevance. While other sectors can be unpredictable, the food sector offers a steady, and reliable growth, akin to the tortoise’s consistent pace in the fable. Magnus Farm impressed me with its compelling valuation, strong leadership, and innovative business model. I’m confident of their potential to lead the market. With my experience in the European food sector, I look forward to supporting their global expansion and helping them unlock new opportunities internationally.”

Since its inception, Magnus Farm has achieved growth, increasing its revenue approximately 3 times from over Rs 53 crore in FY 2020-21 to R 150 crore in FY 2023-24.

“The company’s growth underscores the company’s robust expansion strategy and its ability to cater to both domestic as well as international markets and expand into high-demand regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia,” Singh added.

This collaboration underscores Singh’s dedication to nurturing MSMEs with the potential to scale internationally/globally.

Laxman Savalkar, Founder and Director of Magnus Farm, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Tarun Singh as both an investor and strategic partner in Magnus Farm. His vast experience and deep insights will play a pivotal role as we drive forward our expansion plans and enhance our product range.

“Magnus Farms is committed to driving innovation and playing a pivotal role in India’s agriculture and food export sector by scaling to new heights in the global export market. With our association, we are excited about the next phase of growth and the opportunities that lie ahead for Magnus Farm,” Savalkar said.

As part of its growth strategy, Magnus Farm is expanding its farmer networks and integrating advanced technology to optimize crop cycles. With a plan to increase its farmer base to 10,000 in the next two years, the company aims to ensure fair pricing, timely payments, and greater transparency across its supply chain.

The investment will accelerate Magnus Farm’s expansion,

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, North America

In research trials, Liberty ULTRA herbicide has demonstrated 20 per cent superior weed control and won nine out of ten head-to-head comparisons against generics.

Liberty® ULTRA herbicide, powered by Glu-L™ Technology has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration and is now approved for use, subject to state approvals. Liberty ULTRA herbicide, containing the active ingredient glufosinate-P-ammonium, also been referred to as L-glufosinate ammonium, is the next generation of Liberty herbicide from BASF. This powerful new post knockdown solution is effective on both broadleaves and grasses and is available for use on glufosinate-enabled soybean, cotton, corn and canola acres. In research trials, Liberty ULTRA herbicide has demonstrated 20 per cent superior weed control and won nine out of ten head-to-head comparisons against generics.

“As farmers increasingly rely on glufosinate in their weed management programs, the demand for enhanced efficacy and efficiency of this herbicide is more apparent than ever,” said Matt Malone, Product Manager for BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With a narrowing number of effective knockdown tools in the U.S., BASF’s latest innovation, Liberty ULTRA herbicide, will offer American farmers a post knockdown tool that delivers improved performance and convenience thanks to the new Liberty Lock formulation and BASF’s patented Glu-L Technology.”

This powerful combination gives farmers better weed control on grasses and tough broadleaf weeds like palmer amaranth, waterhemp, giant ragweed and kochia, resulting in more bushels at the end of the season.   

Glu-L Technology, the patented synthesis process that refines the glufosinate-ammonium active ingredient to its most herbicidally active component, allows every gallon of Liberty ULTRA to cover 33 per cent more acres than generics. Liberty ULTRA herbicide packs the power of 32 fluid ounces of Liberty herbicide into a convenient 24 fluid ounces standard use rate. In addition to its lower standard use rate, BASF’s Liberty Lock formulation locks more herbicide onto leaves and into weeds. This custom formulation is designed to adhere more droplets onto weed leaves for better coverage with every pass. Once on the leaves, the patent-pending formulation drives nearly three times more herbicide into weeds2 compared to generic glufosinate. 

Liberty ULTRA herbicide from BASF is the first resolved isomer, trait-enabled knockdown herbicide, paving the way for several Glu-L Technology-based premix herbicides to come from BASF within this decade.

In research trials, Liberty ULTRA herbicide has

AgroPolicy, India, Pulses, Vegetables

To augment domestic production and facilitate seamless import, the government has allowed duty free import of Tur, Urad, Masur and Chana till 31st March 2025 and Yellow Peas import till 31st December 2024.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, launched the retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED and Kendriya Bhandar here today, in the presence of Ministers of State, Shri B.L. Verma and Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya.

In Phase – II of Bharat Chana Dal, 3 lakh tons of Chana stock from the price stabilisation buffer is being converted to Chana Dal and Chana Whole for retail sale to consumers at MRP of Rs70 per kg and Rs.58 per kg, respectively. Apart from Chana, the government had also expanded the Bharat brand to Moong and Masur Dals. The Bharat Moong Dal is retailed at Rs.107 per kg, Bharat Moong Sabut at Rs.93 per kg and Bharat Masur Dal at Rs.89 per kg. The resumption of Bharat Chana Dal at this time will enhance the supplies to consumers of Delhi-NCR in this festive season.

While interacting with media persons during the event, Joshi stated that the initiative is an affirmation of the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential food to the consumers at affordable prices. Direct interventions through retail sale of basic food items such as rice, atta, dals and onion have also helped in maintaining stable price regime.

The Centre has taken various policy measures to ensure availability of pulses. In order to encourage domestic production, the government has raised the MSP of pulses year after year, and also announced the policy to procure Tur, Urad and Masur without ceiling for 2024-25 season. During Kharif 2024-25 sowing season, NCCF and NAFED had conducted awareness campaigns, seed distribution and pre-registration of farmers for assured procurement, and the same activities are being continued in upcoming Rabi sowing season. To augment domestic production and facilitate seamless import, the government has allowed duty free import of Tur, Urad, Masur and Chana till 31st March, 2025 and Yellow Peas import till 31st December, 2024. Enhanced area coverage of Kharif pulses this year, together with continuous inflow of imports have led to declining trend in the prices of most pulses since July, 2024. The retail prices of Tur dal, Urad dal, Moong dal and Masur dal have either declined or remained stable during the past three months.

In respect of vegetables, the government had procured 4.7 lakh tonnes onions from the rabi crop for price stabilisation buffer through NCCF and NAFED. The government started the disposal of onions from the buffer from 5th September, 2024 and till date, 1.15 lakh tonnes has been disposed. NCCF has disposed onions in 77 centres across 21 States and NAFED in 43 centres in 16 States. To augment the pace of disposal, bulk transportation of onions by rail rakes have been adopted for the first time. NCCF had transported 1,600 MT (42 BCN wagons i.e. approximately 53 trucks) by Kanda Express from Nashik which arrived at Delhi on 20th October, 2024. NAFED has also arranged the transportation of 800 – 840 MT of onions to Chennai by rail rake. The rail rake to Chennai has left Nashik on 22nd October, 2024.

Indent for shipments by rail rake to Lucknow and Varanasi has been placed by NCCF. The Department of Consumer affairs has also requested Indian Railways to allow transportation of onion rakes from Nashik to multiple locations across the North-eastern region which would include (i) NJP: New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri), (ii) DBRG- Dibrugarh, (iii) NTSK- New Tinsukia, and (iv) CGS: Changsari. This will ensure wider availability of onions in different regions of India ensuring its availability at a very reasonable price to consumers.

To augment domestic production and facilitate seamless

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

Company posted Revenue from Operations at Rs. 746.6 Crore in Q2 FY25.

Best Agrolife Limited, amongst India’s leading agrochemicals manufacturers, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half year ended September 30th, 2024, in the Board meeting held on 18th October, 2024.

 Company’s Q2 FY25 Revenue from Operations declined by 8 per cent YoY to Rs. 746.6 crore in Q2 FY25 compared to Rs. 811.2 crore in Q2 FY24 due to lesser sprays on account of continuous rains and a strategic higher focus on branded sales. Branded sales contributed 65 per cent to the overall revenue as compared to 63 per cent in Q2FY24. Q2 FY25 EBITDA was at Rs. 147.1 crore compared to Rs. 144.1 crore in Q2 FY24. EBITDA margin stood at 19.7 per cent with an increase of 193 Bps on YoY basis, mainly on account of stability in raw material prices & higher sales of branded products. Company’s Q2 FY25 PAT stood at Rs. 94.7 crore compared to Rs. 94.9 crore in Q2 FY24. As on September 30, 2024, the Net Debt to equity has improved to 0.59 as compared to 0.90 as on 31st March 2024.

Commenting on the result and overall update on the Q2 FY25, Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd. said, “We are pleased to announce that Best Agrolife Ltd. has delivered a strong performance in Q2 FY25, capitalising on favourable market conditions and executing our strategic shift toward branded sales. Our commitment to enhancing brand visibility and expanding our market presence has yielded positive results, contributing significantly to both top-line and bottom-line growth.”

During H1 FY25, we secured three key patents for our innovative formulations, reinforcing our leadership in the crop protection segment. Our branded products continued to perform exceptionally well across regions, driving overall revenue growth. As a result of these efforts, we saw a substantial improvement in profitability, with our margins expanding from 26 per cent to 34 per cent year-on-year.

Due to our effective working capital management, we have seen a significant improvement in cash flow from operating activities, rising from Rs 5 crores in H1FY24 to Rs 125 crores in H1FY25, reflecting our ongoing focus on optimizing financial performance.

A notable achievement has been the effective management of sales returns-a challenge we faced in the previous fiscal year. By optimizing our supply chain to better align with channel demand, we successfully reduced sales returns, which are expected to remain significantly lower than last year.

“Looking ahead, we are excited about our strong product pipeline for Q3 and Q4 FY25. In the upcoming quarter, we plan to launch our patented herbicide ‘Shot Down’ alongside a new insecticide. Additionally, two more cutting-edge insecticides are slated for release in Q4, further strengthening our product portfolio and market competitiveness. As we move forward, Best Agrolife remains committed to leveraging innovation, expanding brand presence, and maintaining financial discipline to drive sustainable growth in the coming quarters.”

Business Highlights

The Company was granted a patent for its novel ternary pesticide formulation that integrates Isoprothiolane, Pymetrozine, and Trifloxystrobin; as well as one for its fungicide formulation that combines Trifloxystrobin and Valifenalate.

Best Agrolife received a patent for innovative insecticide formulation ‘Nemagen’ that combines Chlorantraniliprole, Novaluron, and Emamectin Benzoate.

The Company received regulatory approval for Nemagen, an insecticide formulation called to target resistant pests causing major crop damage.

Company posted Revenue from Operations at Rs.

AgroPolicy, Dairy, Fruits, India, Vegetables

 Several Memorandum of Understandings were also signed among reputed institutions to leverage mutual expertise across the dairy value chain during NDDB’s Diamond Jubilee Year and the birth anniversary of Tribhuvandas Patel ji.

Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation launched farmer-oriented activities during NDDB’s Diamond Jubilee Year and the birth anniversary of Tribhuvandas Patel ji at NDDB’s TK Patel Auditorium on 22nd October 2024 in Anand.

The event commenced with Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation laying the foundation stone of NDDB’s new office building in Anand along with laying foundation stone of other significant projects such as Mother Dairy’s Fruit & Vegetable Processing Plant in Itola, Vadodara and IDMC’s Polyfilm Plant in Narela, Delhi. In addition, the event featured launch of Gir Ghee from Mother Dairy and Badri Ghee from Uttarakhand Cooperative Dairy Federation which are leveraging the traceability mechanism of Bharat Pashudhan.

During the event, Manipur Milk Union was also given financial support by handing over of cheque to Manipur Milk Union by Chief Guest under the NDDB’s scheme ‘Revitalising Producer Owned Institutions’. Mother Dairy also shared the profit earned to farmers from whom they had purchased apricots from Ladakh, apples from Himachal Pradesh and pineapples from Meghalaya and making it available to the consumers. Further. first of its kind initiative in the dairy sector for monetisation of carbon credits in the country, dairy farmers from Rajasthan and Assam received payments under the NDDB and Sustain Plus Manure Management Programme. This represents a significant step towards ensuring additional income for dairy farmers through carbon credits on a sustainable basis.

In addition, several Memorandum of Understandings were also signed among reputed institutions to leverage mutual expertise across the dairy value chain including organics which will help taking the sector forward. These agreement included: collaboration between NDDB and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to conduct cutting-edge research in One-Health focusing on innovation in animal health and sustainability; collaboration of National Cooperative Organics Limited with Mother Dairy and NDDB Mrida Limited to promote distribution of organic products as well as promoting organic farming practices; collaborations of  NDDB and Suzuki R&D Center India (SRDI) with Amul and Mehsana Milk Union to establish compressed biogas plants for rural mobility enhancing sustainable energy production along with organic ferilisers; partnership between NDDB and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, to use remote sensing technology to assess fodder resources for improved resource management.

In his address Chief Guest, Amit Shah called for increasing the depth and spread of dairy cooperatives in new areas in which White Revolution 2.0 and formation of 2 lakh new cooperatives will play a major role.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj stated that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the country has made significant progress in milk production with several new initiatives like Indigenous Sex Sorted Semen, Unified Genomic Chip, Genomic Services for farmers etc.

Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, mentioned that with guidance and continued support from the central government, NDDB is committed to take new innovations, initiatives and activates to make our dairy sector more remunerative to farmers as well as making India a major player in the global dairy sector.

 Several Memorandum of Understandings were also signed

Agribusiness, India, Interaction, Oilseeds

Panel discussions at the summit focused on advancing sustainable farming, strengthening supply chain resilience, and accelerating public-private partnerships through technology.

IDH held the second edition of its annual event, SUTRA 2.0: The Sustainable Trade Summit 2024, at The Oberoi, Gurugram, on October 17-18, 2024. With the theme “Accelerating Responsible Sourcing in Indian Markets,” the summit brought together around 400 industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss the challenges and solutions to advance responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains. Building on the success of the inaugural summit, SUTRA 2.0 emphasised ethical and sustainable practices across key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, spices, and palm oil. The summit featured the launch of the India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto. The Manifesto seeks to unite stakeholders from the private sector, government, and civil society around a shared commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing.

Sutra 2.0 featured engaging sessions, covering topics such as regenerative agriculture, innovative financing, gender-inclusive business models, and the transformative role of technology. The key speakers during the event included H.E. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India; Daan Wensing, Global CEO of IDH; Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director – India, IDH; Sanjeev Asthana, CEO, Patanjali Foods; Sonali Shahpurwala, Managing Director & Head, Inclusive Banking at HSBC India; Anukool Joshi, Director Agro, PepsiCo India; Malavika Gopinath, Sustainability Lead, Olam Agri, and Vilas Shinde, Chairman of Sahyadri Farms. Their insights provided strategies for integrating sustainability into business practices, making supply chains more resilient and socially responsible.

Panel discussions at the summit focused on advancing sustainable farming, strengthening supply chain resilience, and accelerating public-private partnerships through technology. The summit highlighted the power of pre-competitive collaboration, with discussions on leveraging gender-responsive business models and innovative financing to drive sustainable trade. Breakout sessions explored key value chains such as spices, palm oil, coffee, and textiles, addressing sector-specific barriers and solutions. Additionally, the agenda featured cross-sectoral insights on sustainable procurement and regenerative agriculture, aiming to reshape industry practices for a more sustainable future.

Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director – India, IDH, remarked, “Agriculture, a means of livelihood for millions, and a cornerstone of our economy and cultural heritage, stands at a critical juncture today. Not only must we contend with climate change, but we must also prioritise social equity. To ensure a sustainable future, we must focus on three pillars: environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity. The SUTRA 2.0 summit on responsible sourcing in India is a crucial platform that will foster important dialogue and unlock pathways to ensure that we empower our farmers while protecting our natural resources.”

The summit served as a platform to launch several new initiatives aimed at scaling sustainable sourcing in key sectors and addressing some of the pertinent challenges. These initiatives include pre-competitive collaborations in multiple sectors, as well as investment commitments to support smallholder farmers and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Panel discussions at the summit focused on

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, India

The Intelligent Agriculture Spraying Drone is engineered for both rugged terrains and flat farmlands, boasting state-of-the-art AI-driven features such as binocular environment perception, LiDAR, and millimeter wave radar.

Kody Technolab Limited, a forerunner in robotics and AI solutions has signed a groundbreaking MoU with Ray Nano Science and Research Center to develop an intelligent agricultural drone designed for precision spraying with drones ranging between 20 to 50 Litres of capacity. This collaboration aims to redefine sustainable farming practices across India.

The Intelligent Agriculture Spraying Drone is engineered for both rugged terrains and flat farmlands, boasting state-of-the-art AI-driven features such as binocular environment perception, LiDAR, and millimeter wave radar to deliver precise and automated spraying solutions. This drone is tailored for efficient distribution of nano urea, addressing the critical need for optimising fertiliser use in Indian agriculture, thereby significantly reducing environmental impact. This will be the largest drone in the Indian market for agriculture purposes, offering the highest precision available. Previously, only drones with a capacity of 10 to 15 litres were available, making this drone a groundbreaking innovation.

The introduction of this intelligent agricultural drone comes at a pivotal time for Indian farming, which faces challenges such as inefficient resource use, and declining productivity. By enabling precision spraying and providing data-driven insights, the drone will help farmers optimize inputs, reduce waste, and improve crop health. This innovation is set to boost yields, increase profitability, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable, modern farming practices.

This partnership aligns with India’s Vision 2047 initiative, which targets transforming the country into a global innovation hub and achieving a $30 trillion economy. With agriculture being a key sector in this transformation, the introduction of advanced drone technology is expected to drive productivity while supporting the nation’s green growth and sustainability goals.

Kody Technolab’s MD, Manav Patel, commented, “This MOU marks a pivotal moment for both companies and for India’s agricultural sector. We are creating the next generation of farming solutions, which will not only enhance productivity but also contribute to the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in technology by 2047.”

As part of India’s march toward a Viksit Bharat, the agriculture sector will be central in driving the country’s future economic growth. AI powered Drones are set to become indispensable tools in this effort, aligning with the country’s roadmap to 2047.

The partnership between Kody Technolab and Ray Nano Science is poised to set new standards in agricultural technology, aligning with India’s broader objectives to foster digital innovation, improve food security, and reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. This innovation will not only serve Indian farmers but also create new global opportunities for smart farming solutions.

The Intelligent Agriculture Spraying Drone is engineered

Agro Universities, R&D

The findings highlight substantial yield gaps in regions like Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, where the difference between average current yields and attainable yields ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 tons per hectare.

 As the world’s largest rice exporter and a crucial player in global food security, India has made impressive strides in agricultural productivity since the Green Revolution. However, a significant gap remains between the rice yields that farmers currently achieve and what they could potentially produce. A recent study published in Nature Communications titled “Context-dependent agricultural intensification pathways to increase rice production in India” reveals innovative strategies to narrow these gaps using data-driven methods, with a special focus on Eastern India.

The study, conducted by researchers from Cornell University, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), aimed to identify the barriers holding back rice production in seven key rice-producing states. Analysing data from over 15,800 fields, the researchers discovered that rice yields vary significantly across regions, with average yields ranging from 3.3 to 5.5 tons per hectare.

These findings highlight substantial yield gaps in regions like Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, where the difference between average current yields and attainable yields ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 tons per hectare. This gap presents a significant opportunity to boost rice production through improved management techniques and sustainable farming practices.

The study pinpointed two critical factors affecting rice yields: nitrogen (N) fertilizer uses and irrigation practices. These elements were found to be the main constraints in several states, including Bihar, Odisha, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In other areas, issues such as potassium (K) fertilizer application in West Bengal and rice variety selection in Jharkhand also played significant roles in limiting yields.

“Contrary to the common belief that Indian farmers overuse fertilizers, our findings suggest that in many regions, they are not using enough nitrogen to reach their full potential,” explained Dr. Hari Sankar Nayak from the Cornell School of Integrative Plant Science, Soil and Crop Sciences Section, and the study’s lead author. “Optimizing nitrogen and irrigation could significantly elevate productivity, especially in the most responsive fields.”

The study leveraged advanced machine learning techniques to analyse the impact of various agronomic factors on individual field yield prediction. Using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values, researchers were able to assess how each variable influenced rice yields prediction, allowing for more precise recommendations tailored to local conditions.

These analytical models indicated that targeting nitrogen and irrigation improvements in specific fields could yield productivity increases up to three times greater than those achieved by applying general recommendations uniformly across all fields. This precision approach marks a shift from traditional blanket strategies to more nuanced, data-driven interventions. The study’s findings suggest a need for a fundamental shift in agricultural policy towards

The findings highlight substantial yield gaps in

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biostimulants, Collaborations, Company News, R&D, World

Distribution agreement broadens BioSolutions portfolio with seaweed biostimulants Solution for global market responds to climate-smart agriculture needs.

BASF expands its BioSolutions offering by incorporating seaweed biostimulants from Acadian Plant Health™, a renowned marine plant harvesting, cultivation, and extraction company based in Dartmouth, Canada. “Now more than ever, farmers must pursue productivity and sustainability. We connect the best products, technologies, and services, to positively transform agriculture, impact food systems and, ultimately, society. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can make a meaningful change,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions.

Through the agreement with Acadian Plant Health, BASF will leverage the company’s new biostimulant technology to complement its biological portfolio, expand the availability of the products in new markets and increase solutions that will grow more, and sustainably better crops. Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants or the surrounding soil, have the ability to enhance crop growth, improve stress tolerance, and maintain marketable yield. They are complementary tools to conventional agriculture, helping growers manage the demands of food retailers for high-quality produce.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a seaweed that grows in extreme conditions in the North Atlantic tidal zone. As a biostimulant, it is rich in bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, mannitol, and betaines. “These compounds work together to improve plant tolerance to stressful growing conditions, including, but not limited to, heat and drought. At Acadian, we have meticulously determined, isolated, and formulated the most active ingredients that deliver unparalleled protection and resilience to crops,” said Nelson Gibson, President of Acadian Plant Health. “Our goal is to create solutions that drive greater economic well-being of farmers while also ensuring environmental sustainability.”

BASF currently distributes these products in multiple countries in Europe and China and is exploring opportunities to bring these products to customers in other regions and countries. The collaboration will expand the distribution of a newly developed patented abiotic stress management portfolio to a global market. “This partnership is a further step in BASF’s commitment and dedication to develop solutions that respond to the need for climate-smart agriculture,” said Stefan Tresch, Head of New Technologies & BioSolutions at BASF Agricultural Solutions.

Distribution agreement broadens BioSolutions portfolio with seaweed

Agro Universities, India, People, R&D

Dr Pathak will officially assume his role next year, ushering in a new era of strategic leadership and growth for the Institute.

The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) formally announced the appointment of Dr Himanshu Pathak as the Director General designate of the globally acclaimed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad.

Dr Pathak has a distinguished career in advancing global agricultural research and development and will bring a wealth of experience to ICRISAT. He currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

On behalf of the Governing Board, I am delighted to welcome Dr Pathak as Director General designate said Professor Pingali.

“His strategic vision and proven leadership will be instrumental as ICRISAT confronts the challenges of expanding drylands and drives forward its mission to build resilient, sustainable agri-food systems for the most vulnerable across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

“Under Dr Pathak’s guidance, we are confident that ICRISAT will continue to build powerful new alliances and set new benchmarks in agricultural innovation and global food security and the Governing Board and I look forward to working closely with him.

“We also extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing Director General Dr Jacqueline Hughes for her unwavering leadership during a period of profound transition and unprecedented challenges. Despite the global disruptions brought on by COVID-19, Dr Hughes guided ICRISAT with resilience and vision, driving forward numerous agricultural innovations that have strengthened the Institute’s impact and reach,” said Prof. Pingali.

Dr Pathak’s appointment will herald a new chapter for ICRISAT as it embarks on its 52nd year, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to pioneering agricultural innovations and cementing its status as a global leader in dryland research.

Dr Pathak will officially assume his role next year, ushering in a new era of strategic leadership and growth for the Institute.

Dr Pathak will officially assume his role

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India, People

Anil Kakkar, Vice President of Sumitomo Chemical India, continues his role as Vice-Chairman for the fourth consecutive year.

CropLife India, an association of 17 R&D driven member companies in crop protection, has announced the change in leadership in the board of directors. The 44th annual general meeting of CropLife India elected Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd, as the new Chairman of the board recently. Aggarwal succeeds KC Ravi, who served as the Chairman for the past four years.

Anil Kakkar, Vice President of Sumitomo Chemical India, continues his role as Vice-Chairman for the fourth consecutive year. Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer of Bayer CropScience for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, has been inducted as the second Vice-Chairman of the board.

A media statement said Ankur Aggarwal’s extensive experience positions him as a pivotal leader in the crop protection industry. He is committed to advancing innovative technologies that empower farmers to enhance productivity sustainably, all while addressing the crucial environmental challenges the country faces today.

 Aggarwal said in the statement, “India is confronted with a pressing challenge: decreasing agricultural landholdings alongside a growing population, which is increasing at about 0.8 per cent annually. This scenario heightens the demand for food production, putting pressure on food systems and necessitating innovative solutions for food security. To address this, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource management, and responsible use of crop protection solutions will be essential for maximising productivity on existing farmland. As the Chairman of CropLife India, we remain committed to improving the lives of Indian farmers. We are dedicated to providing them with science-based solutions that ensure effective and sustainable crop protection.”

Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General of CropLife India, said: “It will be our earnest endeavour in collaborating closely with Mr Ankur Aggarwal and the board of directors, to fulfil our responsibility in delivering the latest and safest innovations. Together, we aim to educate farmers on the safe and responsible use of crop protection solutions, ensuring they can effectively protect their crops while prioritizing safety and sustainability.”

Anil Kakkar, Vice President of Sumitomo Chemical