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Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Finance, World

By the end of 2030, Bayer’s grant for insurance premium support of 10 million euros will unlock a potential insurance coverage of 127 million U.S. dollars for 10 million smallholder farmers.

Bayer Foundation and the Pula Foundation announced at World Economic Forum that they are planning to provide insurance coverage for 10 million smallholder farmers by 2030. The collaboration aims to enhance climate resilience among smallholder farmers, protecting them against the growing impacts of droughts and floods, which threaten harvests, livelihoods, and global food security. It will help build private-public collaborations and shape the insurance market for agriculture in Africa and Asia.

The Pula Foundation has developed scalable and data-driven agricultural insurance solutions designed to safeguard smallholder farmers’ investments in their farms. By mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, the Pula Foundation ensures that farmers receive financial compensation for yield losses, enabling them to recover, reinvest, and build long-term resilience in the face of climate uncertainty.

By 2030, Bayer Foundation’s grant for insurance premium support in the amount of 10 million euros – supported by a donation from Bayer’s Crop Science Division – will unlock a potential insurance coverage of 127 million U.S. dollars for 10 million farmers working with national governments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Mali. The grant originates from Bayer Foundation’s Social Innovation Ecosystem Fund which targets mature and high-impact solutions for underserved communities.

“Smallholder farmers are already affected heavily by the impacts of climate change, and this will get worse going forward. It is crucial that we enable them to feed their communities and contribute to global food security,” said Matthias Berninger, Executive Vice President Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability at Bayer and Member of the Board of Trustees at Bayer Foundation.

“Our Crop Science division is committed to deliver innovative, farmer-focused solutions that drive sustainable growth and regenerative agriculture. By unlocking climate finance and collaborating with partners like the Pula Foundation, we aim to deliver ecosystem-based approaches that empower smallholder farmers and their communities to overcome challenges and thrive,” added Rodrigo Santos, President of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and Executive Director Bayer Foundation.

Pula Foundation and Bayer Foundation already demonstrated in 2021 that building such public-private partnerships to offer insurance protection at scale works: Together with the Zimbabwean Government and as part of the Zimbabwean Conservation Agriculture Program, they developed an insurance solution that protects the input investments farmers made. With the catalytic support of Bayer Foundation for this pilot, 31,000 farmers were insured against climate risks such as droughts in the first year, which the public-private partnership network of Pula Foundation scaled to more than 1 million farmers after three years.

“Climate resilience is not just about recovery but also about dignity and empowerment. We believe that insurance enables smallholder farmers to prepare themselves for an increasingly volatile climate, rather than waiting for handouts. We have witnessed firsthand how farmers bounce back stronger after climate shocks when they have the right tools and support,” said Rose Goslinga, Director of Pula Foundation. “This partnership with Bayer Foundation will enable us to expand our reach and ensure that millions more farmers can secure their livelihoods and build resilience against climate risks.”

Bayer aims to support a total of 100 million smallholder farmers in LMICs by 2030 by improving their access to agricultural products and services. This also includes collaborations with partners. To achieve this, Bayer strives to create market models that generate benefits and reduce business risks for all partners in the value chain, including smallholder farmers. This is implemented by helping smallholder farmers gain access to the agricultural value chain and increase their productivity and income, as well as by creating resilience to ensure the long-term food security of smallholder farmers, their families and rural regions in LMICs.

By the end of 2030, Bayer’s grant

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Start ups

 The initiative fostered collaboration and innovation in agriculture, empowering Odisha’s FPOs with strategies for sustainable market linkages and global exports.

A six-day exposure visit to Sahyadri Farms, Maharashtra, concluded successfully, bringing together representatives of 19 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Cuttack and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha. The visit, facilitated under the Support to FPO scheme, Government of Odisha was organized to provide hands-on insights into sustainable farming practices and FPO management, began on January 20, 2025, and was marked by high-level engagements and in-depth discussions.

The agenda seamlessly combined field visits, interactive discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Participants from FPOs explored innovative practices like solar drying, algae production from wastewater, and advanced FMCG processing while witnessing Sahyadri Farms’ farmer-inclusive value chain initiatives. Supported by Palladium as the Technical Support Unit under the PSFPO project, Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the visit fostered collaboration and innovation in agriculture, empowering Odisha’s FPOs with strategies for sustainable market linkages and global exports.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the attendance of Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy. He was accompanied by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, DA&FE, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, IAS, Director of Agriculture and Food Production and Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, IAS, Director of Horticulture and Dr Monica Priyadarshini, IAS, Director, Mission Shakti. The dignitaries and senior officials, actively participated in scheduled activities, aligning discussions with Odisha’s agricultural growth objectives.

Speaking about the visit, Vilas Shinde, CMD, Sahyadri Farms, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Odisha and the PSFPO team for their proactive role in organizing this successful exposure visit. It was a pleasure to host such an enthusiastic group of FPO representatives and dignitaries from the state. We look forward to collaborating further with the Government of Odisha to replicate the Sahyadri model and empower farmers in the state with sustainable practices and value chain development strategies.”

Key action points discussed during the visit focused on replicating the Sahyadri Farms model in Odisha by leveraging government support through initiatives such as land allocation, subsidies, and initial investments. Emphasis was placed on selecting suitable horticulture crops, including pineapple, citrus, banana, mango, and guava, to promote sustainable farming and enhance market relevance. To build awareness and facilitate informed decision-making, it was proposed to organize a presentation by Sahyadri Farms for agri-ecosystem stakeholders in Odisha and arrange another exposure visit for policymakers. The formation of crop-specific farmer groups, including women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), was highlighted as a critical step toward strengthening community involvement. Lastly, a strong focus was placed on ensuring the production and supply of high-quality produce to maintain competitiveness in the market.

Looking forward, the state will continue to conduct exposure visits and market-oriented training for 250 Farmers Producer Organizations across the state in the upcoming months under the Support to FPO scheme by Government of Odisha.

 The initiative fostered collaboration and innovation in

Agribusiness, Drones, India, Start ups

The company plans to invest Rs 300 crore over the next seven years to manufacture drones, establish training centres, and build a network of trained Drone Service Providers (DSPs).

Salam Kisan (PRYM Group) has entered into a transformative partnership with the Government of Maharashtra. This is also in partnership with Microsoft as a technology partner to revolutionize precision agriculture in India. Announced at the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant milestone in democratising agriculture drone technology, making it affordable and accessible for smallholder farmers who form 70 per cent of India’s farming population.

India’s agriculture sector is projected to require one million drones by 2030 to optimise farming practices. However, the high cost of these drones has remained a barrier for small and marginal farmers. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Salam Kisan will spearhead the “Drone-as-a-Service” (DaaS) model. The company plans to invest Rs 300 crore over the next seven years to manufacture drones, establish training centers, and build a network of trained Drone Service Providers (DSPs). These efforts will not only make drone services affordable for farmers but also create over 200,000 rural jobs, empowering women, youth, and marginal communities.

The Government of Maharashtra will play a pivotal role in supporting this initiative by facilitating the establishment of infrastructure, training centers, and maintenance facilities in Marathwada. The government’s commitment, coupled with an investment of RsGovernme 300 crore over seven years, will ensure that rural communities benefit from this transformative technology. Microsoft, as the technology partner, will leverage its advanced AI, machine learning, and cloud capabilities to provide predictive analytics, real-time data insights, and seamless operational support for precision agriculture.

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying, “Maharashtra is leading agricultural transformation at #WEF25 in Davos. Through this collaboration with Salam Kisan (PRYM Solutions), we are creating over 300 jobs in drone manufacturing and empowering rural communities. This partnership will enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and set a global standard for climate-resilient farming and rural development.”

This collaboration is expected to have far-reaching impacts. For farmers, it will reduce input costs by 30 per cent, save significant water resources, and enhance crop productivity by up to 40 per cent through Salam Kisan’s AI-powered crop advisory and other precision farming solutions. For rural entrepreneurs, the training of 200,000 DSPs will enable them to earn sustainable incomes of up to Rs 5,00,000 annually, driving economic growth and revitalizing rural communities. On a broader scale, the initiative will save an estimated 238 billion liters of water by 2030, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and contribute to food security while reducing environmental impacts.

The MoU also represents a significant investment in Marathwada, where Salam Kisan will expand its drone manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, set up training and maintenance centers, and create a scalable model that can be replicated nationwide. By addressing critical challenges such as water conservation, cost reduction, and environmental sustainability, the initiative aligns with Salam Kisan’s mission of empowering farmers and ensuring sustainable agriculture practices.

The announcement at the World Economic Forum underscores India’s leadership in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By presenting this collaboration on a global platform, Salam Kisan, the Government of Maharashtra, and Microsoft aim to attract international partners and investments to amplify the initiative’s impact.

The company plans to invest Rs 300

Allied Industry

ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, through its Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) project, launched Mission Navshakti 2.0, a transformative initiative focused on empowering rural women

Dr U.K. Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, emphasized the transformative power of grassroots interventions.

Mission Navshakti 2.0 began with a pilot project in Dhankutti village, Barabanki, in February 2024, where women started cultivating and selling ornamental fish. Encouraged by its success, the model was expanded to KVK Katia, Sitapur, and later KVK Unnao. In Unnao, an interactive session on 10th January 2025 identified challenges and aspirations, followed by hands-on training on aquarium fabrication and fish farming on 16th and 17th January. Women from Dhankutti shared their success stories, showing how these interventions empowered them to rear fish in their backyards. The programme’s success highlights how small-scale initiatives can create significant social and economic impact.

Supported by partnerships with Aquaworld and Hi-Tech Fish Farming, the project uses a hub-and-spoke model to localize production and reduce dependency on external markets. Women were provided with startup kits, including solar lights and aquarium accessories.

The initiative trained 325 women, promoting resilience, community bonds, and leadership roles among rural women. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, Mission Navshakti 2.0 fosters economic independence and social empowerment, laying the foundation for a more inclusive future for rural women in India.

The project engaged 51 women from 13 self-help groups (SHGs) across eight villages in Unnao, including Dohra, Chiraiya, Mithepur, and others. These SHGs, such as Nari Shakti and Jai Ambe, are becoming hubs of entrepreneurial activity.

ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, through

Allied Industry, Company News, Dairy

The board of the company has “approved the acquisition of 100 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of the Milk Mantra Dairy Private Limited,” according to a BSE filing from HAP. HAP intends to bolster its operations in Odisha and the eastern dairy business with this arrangement

According to the filing, Milk Mantra, situated in Bhubaneswar, will become a fully-owned subsidiary of HAP upon the acquisition.

HAP hopes to increase its presence in Odisha and the eastern dairy sector with this agreement. According to the document, it also wants to investigate its current market in north Andhra Pradesh as well as possible markets in West Bengal and nearby states.

Following the acquisition, Milky Moo will be a new brand in addition to HAP’s current ones, Arun, IBACO, Hatsun, and Arokya.

Milk Mantra was established in 2009 by Srikumar and Rashima Misra, and it started operations in 2012. Moo Shake and Milky Moo are the two brands that the firm offers its goods under. It offers flavored milkshakes, lassi, paneer, curd, bottled milk, and mishti dahi.

The firm lost money in FY23 on operational revenue of Rs 272.9 Cr, a 2 per cent year-over-year (YoY) increase, after eight years of profitability.

With a net profit of Rs 9.8 Cr in FY24 compared to a net loss of Rs 12.3 Cr in the previous fiscal year, the company was able to limit its expenses and generate a profit once more.

Only the pasteurized milk and curd categories saw an increase in sales, and Milk Mantra’s operational revenue increased by just 1.3 per cent year over year to Rs 276.4 Cr in FY24.

With more than 20 processing facilities and more than 3700 retail locations, Hatsun Agro has been in business for 50 years.

The board of the company has "approved

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Inputs

Rallis India Limited (A TATA Enterprise) a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2024

Against the backdrop of fierce market rivalry, domestic businesses saw volume increase Tata Rallis has acquired 13 per cent growth in the Biologicals & Specialty Solutions company. Revenue from Seeds’ business was Rs 30 Cr, compared to Rs 32 Cr in Q3 of this year. The export industry continues to face challenges, as evidenced by a 38 per cent decline in growth, a 13 per cent decline in overall revenue, and a decline in profitability.

The company focus will be on increasing our market share in the domestic market, which is supported by the expanding Seeds, Herbicides, and Biologicals & Specialty solutions areas. To meet the various demands of farmers, we have planned the introduction of new, unique products. The employees at Seeds Division are preparing for the forthcoming Kharif season. Additionally, Rallis is nearing the end of the commercialization process for a novel active component called Metalaxyl-M, and we are optimistic about the product’s long-term prospects for both domestic and foreign markets. The organization plans to step up our efforts to grow our clientele and strengthen our strategic alliances. The company has started taking steps to update the personnel pool in strategic roles and has been working to greatly increase interaction with farmers who are sleeping on the digital platform.

Key Development for Q3 FY25 include new customer partnerships with Global majors and Indian Companies and successful technology transfer and commercial trial of CSM product. Rallis India was conferred FICCI award under ″Green Process″ category for promoting sustainability through circular economy and award for ″Best Zero Waste Initiative″ in CII-SR Industrial Water & Waste Management Competition 2024. In line with organizational commitments to Tata Group’s flagship ″Project Aalingana″, the Board has approved the investment in Solar Power which will reduce electricity costs and carbon footprint.

Rallis India Limited (A TATA Enterprise) a

Inputs

The new Dodhylex-powered herbicides available in the US were marketed under the trade names Keenali Complete and Keenali GR by FMC U.S. FMC expects the introduction of Keenali Complete herbicide for rice farmers in 2027 and Keenali GR herbicide in 2028, contingent on a decision by the US EPA

The Herbicide Resistance Action Committee and the Weed Science Society of America have designated Dodhylex active, the FMC brand name for tetflupyrolimet, as a Group 28 herbicide. This designation makes it the first new herbicide mode of action to be introduced globally in almost 40 years, and it will be a crucial new rotational tool for growers to control herbicide resistance.

In order to capitalize on their complementary spectrums and provide inherent herbicide resistance stewardship for both active components, Keenali Complete herbicide will be a co-pack product that combines Dodhylex active with the established industry standard, Command 3ME microencapsulated herbicide. FMC is taking preemptive measures to safeguard the novel Dodhylex active and offer technology that is more resilient to resistance development by combining several modes of action in a co-pack.

Keenali Complete herbicide, which has been thoroughly evaluated across all rice herbicide platforms, will offer more residual grass control, exhibit crop safety, and work with a range of cultural techniques, such as water-seeded and direct-seeded rice cultivation. It is anticipated to be commercially accessible for the 2027 growing season, pending an EPA decision.

For the California rice market, Keenali GR herbicide will be marketed as a standalone preemergence herbicide to manage sprangletop, late watergrass, and barnyardgrass. Herbicide-resistant grass weeds will be effectively controlled throughout the season using Keenali GR herbicide, which is positioned as a residual. It is anticipated to be commercially available for the 2028 growing season, pending an EPA decision.

The new Dodhylex-powered herbicides available in the

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Biostimulants, Inputs, Soil Health, Sustainability

A unique chemical called Inbal™ helps control insect infestations such as white flies and spider mites. In addition, it protects and lessens Powdery Mildew, which successfully stops the disease’s beginning and spread

Inbal™, a state-of-the-art biostimulant made with natural essential oils, harnesses the force of nature to strengthen plants, resulting in more abundant and superior harvests. Inbal™ increases resistance to pests and diseases by boosting the plant’s defenses, forming a physical barrier, and triggering biochemical pathways.

To promote strong development in a variety of crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, Inbal™ is simple to use into agricultural practices. This innovative product is suitable for long-term usage, safer, residue-free, and IPM-focused. When tested on crops where this factor is crucial, including tomatoes and Khat, a chewable leaf (in areas where its usage is permitted), Inbal™ was shown to leave no residues. Additionally, experiments demonstrated that when combined with other items, it effectively targets other insects.

After trying samples and observing how they work in comparison to conventional treatments, customers continue to request more from us. According to a top extension service expert who recently carried out thorough testing with Inbal™, she would deem it safe enough to suggest for usage even on strawberry farms where customers select their own strawberries.

After application and in the future, plants treated with Inbal™ become stronger, more resilient, and resistant to a variety of pests and diseases.

A unique chemical called Inbal™ helps control

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, India, Institutions, Schemes - Banks, Supply Chain, Warehousing

The proceeds of the transaction will be used to provide post-harvest liquidity to farmers, FPOs and small agri-enterprises and to bring them under the formal banking channel.

GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has provided two partial guarantees to HSBC India for Rs 2.5 billion (USD 30 million) loan facility extended by HSBC India to Arya.ag India’s leading grain commerce platform.

The proceeds of the transaction will be used to provide post-harvest liquidity to farmers, farmer producing organisations (FPOs) and small agri-enterprises, to bring them under the formal banking channel, which, in turn will help the farmers to unlock greater value for their crops.

This is GuarantCo’s first transaction in the agricultural sector in India, with a strong focus on financial inclusion and climate resilience sources. Arya.ag supports the financial inclusion of farmers by offering farmgate-level storage, instant finance against commodity, and market linkages for seamless commerce. This allows farmers, FPOs and agri-enterprises to avoid distress sales immediately post-harvest when prices are at their lowest, by storing commodities until off-season when prices appreciate to often generate 20-30 percent higher returns.

GuarantCo’s Impact team assessed the project as aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 Zero Hunger (Double the productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers) and SDG 15 Life on Land (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss).

GuarantCo will provide partial credit guarantees for two separate loan facilities from HSBC India to Arya.ag’s integrated commerce platform Aryatech, and its fintech arm Aryadhan. Arya has also been supported by a Technical Assistance grant from the PIDG Trust.

Nishant Kumar, Managing Director, Asia Investments at GuarantCo and Head of Coverage – Asia at PIDG said: “We are delighted to join hands with HSBC India for the first time to support Arya in developing the marketplace infrastructure for India’s crucial agricultural sector. Arya is a unique and innovative company that has the power to unlock the potential of underserved farmers by expanding storage, finance and commerce markets, to ultimately increase their revenues.

“The transaction is expected to provide added market transformation value as replication of Arya’s integrated value chain would enhance the resilience of the domestic post-harvest market. GuarantCo, through the Private Infrastructure Development Group, continues to seek out opportunities to increase economic impact and empower lower-income communities to deliver against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in alignment with the PIDG 2030 strategy.”

Sonali Shahpurwala, MD and Head- Inclusive Banking Unit, HSBC India, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with GuarantCo and Arya on this significant transaction that supports the agriculture sector, a primary driver for India’s economy. This loan underscores our commitment to provide financial solutions that empower businesses like Arya to enhance infrastructure, drive sustainable growth and create a lasting impact.”

Anand Chandra, Co-Founder and COO of Arya.ag, said, “Partnering with GuarantCo and HSBC India expands our ability to connect farmers, FPOs, and agri-enterprises to vital resources while driving trust and transparency through technology. GuarantCo’s support underscores the transformative power of our integrated model that drives secure storage, accessible financing, and transparent market linkages beyond traditional reach shaping a more efficient and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.”

The proceeds of the transaction will be

Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Award, Digital Technologies, India, Interaction, IT, R&D

AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025 will serve as a key platform for agritech entrepreneurs, farmers, agri-professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, investors, and NGOs.

AgroSpectrum is proud to announce AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025, an exclusive two-day summit designed to bring together the brightest minds and innovators in the agritech sector. Set to take place on March 12-13, 2025, at the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Center, Navi Mumbai, this event will offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore transformative solutions that are revolutionising agriculture.

Under the theme “Transforming Agriculture Through Innovation and Emerging Technologies,”. AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025 will serve as a key platform for agritech entrepreneurs, farmers, agri-professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, investors, and NGOs. The summit promises a dynamic environment where participants can engage with global thought leaders, discover cutting-edge technologies, and forge valuable collaborations to drive the future of agriculture.

At this summit, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from keynote speeches delivered by leading agritech experts. The event will feature in-depth panel discussions on key topics such as Smart Farming, Biotechnology, IoT, and more. In addition to expert insights, the summit will provide ample networking opportunities with top professionals, investors, and innovators. The AgroSpectrum Awards will also recognize and celebrate excellence in innovation and sustainability within the agritech industry. Furthermore, the event will host the Ideate Competition, supporting emerging startups and breakthrough solutions that are shaping the future of agriculture.

Highlights of the event:

Keynote Sessions:

Gain exclusive insights from industry giants and pioneers who are leading the charge in agritech innovation.

Panel Discussions:

Dive into in-depth discussions on vital topics such as Smart Farming, Biotechnology, IoT, and more, with experts at the forefront of the industry.

Ideation Forums:

Participate in high-impact forums that focus on solving pressing challenges and developing forward-thinking strategies for the agricultural sector.

Networking Opportunities:

Connect with top professionals, investors, innovators, and policymakers to foster meaningful collaborations that could define the future of agritech.

AgroSpectrum Awards:

Celebrate the best and brightest in agritech, sustainability, and innovation through the AgroSpectrum Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions from startups, organizations, and individuals.

Nominate Now: https://agrospectrumindia.com/technovate2025/awards.php

Ideate Competition:

Support groundbreaking startups and innovations with the Ideate Competition, a platform for emerging solutions that promise to disrupt and enhance the agritech landscape.

Why Attend Technovate 2025?

For Associations:

Engage with a global network of stakeholders and amplify your influence in the agritech space.

For Sponsors:

Gain unparalleled brand visibility and connect directly with potential clients, partners, and collaborators.

For Academia:

Showcase your cutting-edge research, build industry connections, and explore funding and partnership opportunities.

For Partners:

Collaborate on innovative projects and drive impactful solutions that will shape the future of agriculture.

For more details and registration, visit https://agrospectrumindia.com/technovate2025

Join us at this premier event for a transformative experience that will reshape the future of agriculture!

AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025 will serve as a

Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, India

A World Economic Forum report estimates that digital agriculture could boost the agricultural GDP of low- and middle-income countries by $450 billion annually.

At the World Economic Forum (WEF), Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, presented the five key trends in AI that will define agriculture in 2025. During a panel discussion at Bloomberg House on the topic “From Soil to Silicon: How Advanced Technologies are Cultivating the Future of Sustainable Ag”, he outlined how 2025 will mark the first year AI truly revolutionizes agriculture – from lab to field.

The five key trends in AI identified by Syngenta are:

AI in R&D: Today at Syngenta, all research projects utilize machine learning models to identify novel active ingredients – for synthetic and biological products.

AI in the Field: The introduction of AI-driven systems for reliably monitoring and predicting soil health, enabling high-resolution soil nutrient, texture, and carbon maps for growers.

AI in Farmers’ Hands: GenAI-enabled digital tools acting as agronomic advisors to help farmers determine optimal crop management practices.

AI in Pest Management: Precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making solutions supporting farmers by targeting crop protection products only to infested areas.

AI in Supply Chain Management: Demand forecasting, market prediction, and the reduction of overproduction and waste to optimize logistics and improve efficiency.

Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, stated: “AI and digital tools are revolutionizing farming and sustainable practices. Advanced monitoring systems integrate satellite imagery, drones, and soil maps to enable precise crop management. Predictive analytics, powered by AI and machine learning, provide farmers with actionable insights, transforming reactive practices into proactive strategies.”

The global AgriTech market, valued at $24.19 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $54.17 billion by 2029 according to a recent report by AgriTech Market analysis. The global market for AI in agriculture is projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $4.7 billion by 2028 as estimated in a recent market analysis, underscoring the significant economic potential of these technologies. A WEF report estimates that digital agriculture could boost the agricultural GDP of low- and middle-income countries by $450 billion annually.

During the panel discussion with Suzanne DiBianca, Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce, both panellists emphasized the critical need for collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to reduce financial and technical barriers for farmers adopting technology.

The synergy between digital technologies and sustainable farming empowers farmers to tackle climate change while improving productivity. By integrating regenerative practices with cutting-edge technology, the agricultural sector is paving the way for a resilient food system that benefits both people and the planet, the speakers concluded.

A World Economic Forum report estimates that

Collaborations, R&D, Start ups, Supply Chain

Following the successful Walmart Growth Summit in India, KBCols Sciences, GreenPod, and Cropin have announced plans to pilot scalable sourcing technology for Walmart’s U.S. market in 2025

The largest omnichannel retailer in the world, Walmart, announced significant partnerships with startups in India to serve the company’s sourcing and supply chain activities in the United States. Three startups have been chosen for trial programs: Bengaluru-based Cropin, Chennai-based GreenPod Labs, and Pune-based KBCols Sciences. Last year, these businesses attended the Walmart Growth Summit.

Each company’s solutions will support large-scale innovation throughout Walmart’s supply chains. In order to lessen the impact on the environment, the pilot programs will test solutions that increase the availability of better and fresher products for Walmart customers in the United States and abroad, decrease product waste, and develop sustainable substitutes for intermediate products used in manufacturing processes like synthetic textile dyes.

Based in Pune, India, KBCols Sciences produces non-GMO natural textile dyes by fermenting microorganisms from agricultural waste all throughout the country. By using less water and energy during the dying process, these natural dyes can be applied to a variety of textiles, facilitating more efficient manufacturing. This invention opens the door for more regenerative techniques in mass-produced apparel by providing a more environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic dyes. Through testing on jersey cotton and woven fabrics, the pilot will assess the qualities of KBCol’s dyes.

GreenPod Labs, a Chennai-based startup, creates tiny sachets of plant extracts that trigger fruits’ and vegetables’ natural defensive systems, slowing down ripening and simulating the condition while still on the vine, therefore extending the freshness of natural produce. Produce can remain fresher for longer because to the supply chain’s extended travel times. Walmart may be able to source from new regions thanks to this innovation, which could also make transportation more affordable and enhance customer quality and freshness. Walmart will test GreenPod sachets in partnership with UC Davis to determine how well they work.

An AI-driven AgTech platform that offers useful insights on crop yields, improving productivity, optimizing resource use, and guaranteeing consistent harvest quality is provided by Bengaluru, India-based Cropin. To better understand crop health, production projections, and the timing of seasonal transitions, the pilot will test this technology on produce supply networks. Walmart may be able to obtain perishable goods more efficiently with improved data accuracy, which might increase customer availability and quality while cutting waste. This pilot program, which is being launched in partnership with Walmart Global Tech’s Sparkubate program, will enable start-up innovators to expand their concepts and address the most important retail concerns.

Part of a global series, the Walmart Growth Summit in India aims to link innovators, suppliers, and entrepreneurs with Walmart’s vast supply chain network. These summits, which take place in nations like Mexico, Chile, and India, give attendees a stage on which to showcase innovations and technology that complement Walmart’s emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and creativity. Entrepreneurs can present their goods and look at ways to grow within Walmart’s worldwide supply chain through one-on-one pitch sessions and informative talks.

These most recent pilot projects expand on a portfolio of innovative projects that includes partnerships with Rubi Laboratories, Agritask, and unspun. Pilots for sourcing innovation are intended to improve resource efficiency, assist Walmart in making better sourcing decisions, and promote quantifiable advancements in the direction of a more robust global supply chain.

Following the successful Walmart Growth Summit in

Horticulture

As the demand for the South American tropical fruit avocado rises among health-conscious customers, ambitious farmers are embracing its growing in the state

Often referred to as butter fruit, this fruit is a great source of healthful fats, antioxidants that fight disease and aging, and almost 20 different vitamins and minerals. The fruit has a deep flavor and a creamy consistency. To fulfill the increasing demand, it is now mostly imported, but some ambitious people are attempting to cultivate it locally.

The crop will soon be the subject of research at Telangana State Horticultural University’s Sangareddy campus. For 2024–2025, the horticulture department had set a modest goal of 20 hectares to promote the avocado production.

Enthusiastic farmers took up cultivation of the avocado crop even before the horticulture department started its research. One can grow more avocado trees per acre of land than mangoes and the retail price is between Rs 400 to Rs 500 per kg. Containing a lot of minerals, vitamins and is rich with fats which are good for health. As it does not have sugars, it’s good for diabetics also.

It is stated that the avocado oil, which costs Rs 1,500 per litre, has properties similar to those of olive oil and is beneficial for the skin, heart, and Vitamin E. As a result, it is utilized in cooking and cosmetics. According to data just released by the American Heart Association, eating avocados lowers the risk of having a heart attack by 30 per cent. International demand for the fruit has been strong. For the past six years, we have been providing farmers with training programs. We market the fruit, maintain a nursery, and conduct field tests. Around it, we are creating an ecology. The demand for it is enormous on a global scale. Fruit folate promotes the development of the baby’s brain and spine and facilitates digestion during pregnancy.

As the demand for the South American

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Collaborations, Finance, Funding, R&D, Trade

FPOs deliberate on Challenges of Commodity Derivatives Suspension where FPOs discussed and shared the critical impact of suspensions of Commodity Derivatives and way forward highlighting the research by IIT Bombay (SJMSOM), on the ‘Impact of suspensions of Commodity derivatives on the agri Ecosystem’

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, collectively representing over 10,000 farmers gather at IIT Mumbai. This unique forum organized by NCDEX IPFT facilitated a dialogue on the critical impact of the suspension of commodity derivatives on farmers and their livelihood. A study conducted by Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT Bombay, titled “Impact of Suspension of Commodity Derivatives on the Agri Ecosystem,” was also presented at the event. The research underscores the critical role of commodity derivatives in price discovery and risk management for farmers and stakeholders in the agri value chain.

Shri Pasha Patel Chairman of the State Agriculture Price Committee, Maharashtra addressed the meet and opined, “The commodity derivatives markets are an extension of the spot markets. As price discovery is an important function of Commodity Exchanges – FPOs must have access to it. Government initiatives in collaboration with the Exchange can yield results that can empower the farmers / FPOs to mitigate their price risk establishing a robust and sustainable agri ecosystem” India is the 4th largest producer of oil and oilseeds in the world accounting for 10 per cent of global production.

Government has launched a mission worth $ 1.3 billion (Rs. 11,000 crore) FY’25 aimed at reducing the dependency on imported edible oils and achieving self sufficiency in oilseed production. Commodity derivatives market played a vital role in empowering farmers by providing a transparent price discovery mechanism, mitigating price volatility and promoting sound decision-making by all agri market participants. However, the suspension of Exchange-Traded Commodity Derivatives (ETCDs) has disrupted these benefits, leaving farmers vulnerable to inconsistent mandi prices and volatile market conditions.

The SJMSOM IIT Bombay report Impact of Suspension of Commodity Derivatives on the Agri Ecosystem highlighted that commodity derivatives market and futures trading provides a transparent price discovery process for Farmers’ Producers (FPOs) to make informed decisions regarding their agricultural produce (right from sowing to selling); commodity derivatives serve as market-driven tools for price risk management by the entire commodity value chain in managing the price volatility and inherent risks in the agro economic space; commodity price fluctuations are inevitable and depends primarily upon market dynamics of Demand & Supply.

Dr. Sarthak Gaurav, IIT Bombay, the author of the aforementioned report, commented that, “Commodity derivative contracts play an important role in price discovery and risk hedging, which is apparent from the analysis. The suspension of futures commodities trading has negatively impacted better price realization because of the absence of reference pricing mechanism and thus also disrupted price risk management practices of participants in the commodity value chain. Consequently, the agri-ecosystem in whole has been affected due to hurdles in market access, participation and securing fair prices.”

The SJMSOM, IIT Bombay combined primary and secondary research through survey and indepth interview of physical market participants (including farmers and FPOs) in three states i.e. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh with focus on Mustard Seed, Soya Oil, Soybean, Chana and Wheat. It primarily examined the relationship between futures and spot prices, volume, and volatility and presented commodity-specific price variation associated with the suspension. The report shared insights pertaining to futures trading for physical market participants including the farming community whose experiences in the context of futures trading remain understudied

FPOs deliberate on Challenges of Commodity Derivatives