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Agro Universities, India, R&D

The herb is used for treating diabetics, bronchitis, piles, jaundice, and fever. It is considered as a blood purifier and used for the treatment of skin diseases.

ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research has been granted an Indian Patent for the development of a novel drug formulation using Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). The patented formulation, entitled ‘Development of microencapsulated formulation based on Andrographolide and Method of Preparation,’ improves the bioavailability and sustained release of Andrographolide, the active compound in Kalmegh, for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The technology was developed by Dr Narendra A. Gajbhiye and Jitendra Kumar of ICAR-DMAPR.

Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Nees], an important medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. Kalmegh is a branched annual herb of the family Acanthaceae and is about 30-100 cm tall. Andrographolide is the active principle having the therapeutic action. The herb is used for treating diabetics, bronchitis, piles, jaundice, and fever. It is considered as a blood purifier and used for the treatment of skin diseases. It is cultivated as a kharif season crop in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

The invention also describes the method of obtaining the enriched Andrographolide extract from Kalmegh. The key benefits of the technology include improved bioavailability and sustained release of the bioactive compound Andrographolide for better efficacy due to its diverse biological activities.

Dr Manish Das, Director, ICAR-DMAPR, highlighted that the microencapsulated formulation is expected to have greater demand in the pharmaceutical industry due to its enhanced properties.

The herb is used for treating diabetics,

Uncategorized

In the 21st century, the combination of bio-technology and biomass is an important part of the foundation of Viksit Bharat as Bio Economy: PM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks at the start of the Genome India Project via video message today. During the occasion, he said today India had taken a historic step in the field of research. He added that the Genome India project was approved 5 years ago and our scientists have diligently worked and completed the project despite the challenges posed by the Covid Pandemic. Shri Modi remarked that more than 20 illustrious research institutions such as IISc, IITs, CSIR and DBT-BRIC have played a major role in this research. He added that the data consisting of the genome sequences of 10,000 Indians was now available at the Indian Biological Data Center. Shri Modi expressed confidence that this project would prove to be a milestone in the field of biotechnology research and congratulated all the stakeholders involved in the project.

“Genome India Project is an important milestone in the biotechnology revolution”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He noted that this project has successfully created a diverse genetic resource by sequencing the genomes of 10,000 individuals from various populations.The Prime Minister noted that this data will now be available to scientists and researchers, aiding scholars in understanding India’s genetic landscape. He emphasized that this information will greatly assist in policy-making and planning for the country.

Addressing the experts and scientists and emphasizing India’s vastness and diversity, not just in food, language, and geography, but also in the genetic makeup of its people, the Prime Minister remarked that the nature of diseases varies greatly, making it essential to understand the genetic identity of the population to determine effective treatments. He highlighted the significant challenge of sickle cell anemia in the tribal communities and the national mission to combat it. He noted that the problem might differ across regions, and a complete genetic study is necessary to understand the unique genomic patterns of the Indian population. Shri Modi stressed that this understanding will help develop specific solutions and effective medicines for particular groups. He emphasized that the scope is much broader and sickle cell anaemia was just an example. The Prime Minister underlined there was lack of awareness in India about many genetic diseases that are passed from one generation to another and the Genome India Project would aid in developing effective treatments for all such diseases in India.

“The combination of biotechnology and biomass in the 21st century forms a crucial foundation for a developed India as a Bio Economy”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that the goal of the Bio Economy is the optimal use of natural resources, promotion of bio-based products and services, and creation of new employment opportunities in this sector. He added that the Bio Economy accelerates sustainable development and innovation. The Prime Minister was pleased to note that India’s Bio Economy has grown rapidly over the past decade, from $10 billion in 2014 to over $150 billion today. He highlighted that India is striving to elevate its Bio Economy to new heights and recently launched the Bio E3 Policy. Touching upon the vision of this policy, Shri Modi said it would help India to emerge as a leader in the global biotech landscape, similar to the IT revolution. He acknowledged the significant role of scientists in this endeavor and extended his best wishes to them.

Highlighting India’s evolving role as a major pharma hub, the Prime Minister remarked that over the past decade, India had taken revolutionary steps in public healthcare, providing free treatment to millions of Indians, offering medicines at an 80% discount through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and building modern medical infrastructure. The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s pharma ecosystem proved its strength during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that efforts are being made to establish a robust supply and value chain for drug manufacturing within India. He remarked that the Genome India Project will further accelerate and energize these efforts.

“World is looking to India for solutions to global problems, presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for future generations”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that India is building a vast research ecosystem, with a strong focus on research and innovation at all levels of education over the past decade.

“More than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs are enabling students to conduct new experiments daily”, said Shri Modi. He noted that hundreds of Atal Incubation Centers have been established across the country to support young innovators. He added that the PM Research Fellowship Scheme is also being implemented to support research during PhD studies. Highlighting that the National Research Fund was created to promote multidisciplinary and international research, the Prime Minister said the Anusandhan National Research Foundation will support sectors such as science, engineering, environment, and health. He remarked that the government had also decided to create a corpus of one lakh crore rupees to boost research and investment in sunrise technologies, which will aid the development of the biotechnology sector and support young scientists.

Touching upon the Government’s recent significant decision of “One Nation One Subscription”, the Prime Minister remarked that this initiative will ensure easy and cost-free access for Indian students and researchers to prestigious global journals. The Prime Minister emphasized that these efforts will greatly contribute to making India the knowledge and innovation hub of the 21st century.

“India’s Pro People Governance and Digital Public Infrastructure have set a new model for the world”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. Concluding his speech, he expressed confidence that the Genome India Project will similarly strengthen India’s image in the field of genetic research. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes for the success of the Genome India Project.

In the 21st century, the combination of

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Company News, Sustainability, World

The companies have closed a deal where Bayer acquires camelina germplasm and intellectual property assets from Smart Earth Camelina Corp. to meet growing demand for renewable fuel.

Bayer announced a deal with Canada-based Smart Earth Camelina Corp., whereby Bayer has acquired their camelina germplasm, intellectual property, and materials to expand its global leadership position in biomass-based feedstock markets. This acquisition underlines Bayer’s goal to help decarbonize the transportation sector and to deliver regenerative agriculture solutions through the investment and development of intermediate oilseed crops to meet the demand of the growing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) markets which is estimated to increase from 14 billion to 40 billion gallons by 2040.

As part of Bayer’s Biofuel strategy, the introduction of camelina will complement Bayer’s existing work with CoverCress, and the recent announcement on scaling winter canola in the US as a biomass-based feedstock to meet growing demand for renewable fuel. Bayer aims to launch hybrid TruFlex winter canola in the US in 2027.

Camelina is a novel intermediate oilseed crop with a promising low-carbon intensity for renewable fuel and can be grown in both spring and winter. Bayer intends to use its expertise in oilseeds to further develop this product.

“We are committed to supporting farmers’ ability to deliver on growing demand for low-carbon biomass-based feedstocks, through investments and development of new intermediate oilseed crops like camelina and advancing sustainable cropping systems,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Bayer is going to continue to lead the way with alternative biomass-based feedstocks and regenerative agricultural solutions.”

Biofuels play a key role in decarbonizing the transportation sector since electrification is not feasible in all transportation systems like aviation or marine. Biofuels can be produced from renewable organic materials like corn, soy, canola and novel alternative oilseed crops like camelina and CoverCress. These drop-in fuels have a lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, playing a key role in mitigating climate change. On top, they can provide farmers with new revenue streams through the cultivation of biomass-based feedstocks.

“We are excited about the acquisition of camelina germplasm from Smart Earth Camelina Corp. which enables us to offer farmers a profitable low-carbon intermediate crop option,” added Jennifer Ozimkiewicz, Head of Crop Strategy Soy & Biofuels at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Camelina is a short season and drought tolerant crop, offering growers an alternative low-input crop for marginal land or to be grown in-between crops.”

“Smart Earth Camelina Corp. has been at the forefront of camelina development for over 20 years, and camelina is now poised to join the ranks of the other major oilseed crops,” said Jack Grushcow, President and Chief Executive Officer at Smart Earth Carmelina Corp. “We believe Bayer is the ideal party to scale camelina production to a level that drives meaningful advancements in sustainable agriculture and significantly reduces global CO2 emissions.”

2025 is set to be a transformative year for Bayer in establishing new renewable fuel value chains to deliver fuel with lower carbon intensity than traditional fuel sources. This includes the introduction of camelina to farmers as a profitable alternative oilseed option.

Smart Earth Camelina is headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and is a leading supplier of camelina-based Omega 3 products for the companion animal and equestrian market. The company will continue to operate and grow this established business.

The companies have closed a deal where

Agbiologicals

Partnership poised to accelerate adoption of cost-effective mycorrhizal inoculants to one of the world’s largest agricultural markets

Groundwork BioAg, the largest global producer of mycorrhizal inoculants, and ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE 000553), a leading global crop protection company, announced an exclusive commercial agreement to offer Rootella® mycorrhizal inoculants to Chinese farmers. This collaboration builds on Groundwork BioAg’s successful introduction of Rootella to local distributors in China earlier this year, following the product’s approval for commercialization in 2023.

China represents a significant opportunity for mycorrhizal inoculants, with approximately 127 million hectares of harvested cropland. Rootella, a biostimulant based on naturally robust strains of mycorrhizal fungi, offers Chinese farmers a natural and cost-effective solution to improve crop yields, enhance soil health, and reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers. It is particularly beneficial for farmers growing vegetables, sugarcane, potato, and row crops including cotton, corn and soybean.

“Following the success of our local field trials and the positive response from Chinese distributors, this partnership with ADAMA marks a crucial step in our global expansion strategy,” said Hanan Dor, Chief Commercial Officer at Groundwork BioAg. “As environmental and financial pressures mount for farmers worldwide, we’re excited to offer Chinese farmers access to the most highly concentrated mycorrhizal inoculant products available, helping them optimize plant health, sequester carbon, and ensure productive, sustainable harvests.”

This partnership builds on the success of similar collaborations between Groundwork BioAg and ADAMA in other major agricultural markets, including India, where the companies have successfully introduced mycorrhizal products tailored to local farming practices.

“ADAMA’s expansion into biological formulations, including Rootella, is a response to our deep understanding of the evolving needs of farmers in China”, said Helen Zhang, General Manager of ADAMA China CDC. “This strategic partnership with Groundwork BioAg expends our portfolio of innovative solutions that not only enhance crop productivity but also promote sustainability. By incorporating biological options into our portfolio, we are committed to supporting sustainable farming practices and providing farmers with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly challenging agricultural environment.”

The expanded distribution of Rootella in this important agricultural market is timely, as it supports China’s 14th Five-Year National Agriculture Green Development Plan, which emphasizes resource protection, pollution control, and the development of low-carbon agricultural practices.

Groundwork BioAg’s representative office in Hainan province has been working with several local distributors following successful local trials in corn, soybean, wheat, cotton and select specialty crops in 2023. ADAMA will offer Rootella to its farmer customers starting in the 2025 planting season.

Partnership poised to accelerate adoption of cost-effective

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Inputs, Sustainability

Scientists at the Southern Federal University (SFedU) have developed an eco-friendly alternative to toxic pesticides using citron juice, a breakthrough that could help prevent the 14% global crop loss caused by post-harvest pathogens. The innovative method produces silver nanoparticles with potent antibacterial properties, offering a sustainable solution to one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges

The research, published in Discover Nano journal, demonstrates a significant advancement in sustainable agricultural technology. The international team, including collaborators from China, India, and Poland, developed the method under Russia’s Priority 2030 national research initiative. “This technology could revolutionize how we protect our harvests,” says Dr. Sudhir Shende, lead researcher at SFedU. “Our green-synthesized silver nanoparticles have shown remarkable antimicrobial activity against several phytopathogenic molds that typically devastate post-harvest crops.”

Laboratory tests revealed impressive antifungal properties against notorious crop destroyers, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Alternaria alternata. These fungi, responsible for significant crop losses worldwide, have historically been combated with chemical pesticides that raise environmental and health concerns.

The innovative approach uses citron (Citrus medica L.) juice to synthesize silver nanoparticles through a process that Dr. Tatyana Minkina, head of the Soil Science Department at SFedU, describes as “remarkably simple and cost-effective.” She emphasizes that the method is not only environmentally friendly but also scalable for industrial production.

“What makes this development particularly exciting is its potential for mass implementation,” Dr. Minkina explains. “We’ve created a sustainable process that could be scaled up without compromising its environmental benefits or effectiveness.”

The timing of this breakthrough is particularly significant as agricultural producers worldwide are increasingly moving away from toxic pesticides and fungicides, seeking greener alternatives that don’t compromise crop protection efficiency.

This development comes as part of a larger global shift toward sustainable agricultural practices. The researchers suggest their method could be further refined to create even more effective crop protection strategies, potentially transforming how farmers worldwide protect their harvests from devastating pathogens.

The project was funded through Russia’s Priority 2030 academic excellence program, which aims to enhance the country’s research capabilities in critical areas including agricultural sustainability and food security.

Scientists at the Southern Federal University (SFedU)

Agribiotechnology, Biostimulants

Syngenta and the pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) company TraitSeq are combining forces to use the full power of AI for the development of innovative, high-performance biostimulants

Syngenta, a world leader in developing the next generation of biologicals products for agricultural use, will use its extensive knowledge of crop biology to complement TraitSeq’s proprietary AI methods to identify highly specific indicators of a plant’s cellular state called biomarkers. When activated, these biomarkers can indicate how well a plant is responding to efforts to boost its health or to block the effects of external, abiotic stressors.

Biostimulants are products applied to plants, seeds or the root environment that enhance natural plant processes, leading to an improved nutrient use efficiency, increased tolerance to abiotic stress or better crop quality. Biostimulants are a vital and growing component of sustainable agriculture, yet their performance can vary depending on environmental factors such as temperature and local climate.

Syngenta has extensive data across different branches of science – such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics. Using TraitSeq’s sophisticated proprietary platform, scientists from both teams hope to leverage AI to analyze complex biological big data, to uncover the intricate molecular interactions that impact a crop’s ability to utilize available nutrients in the soil. Once specific biomarkers can be identified, scientists hope to be able to quickly and accurately assess the efficacy of a new biostimulant in enhancing plant health.

The development of such biostimulants also fits in Syngenta’s efforts to support farmers transition to regenerative practices and its commitment to sustainability. Syngenta’s recently launched Portfolio Sustainability Framework (PSF) rates Syngenta’s products for sustainability and stakeholder alignments into 3 tiers. New products are also included with the aim to shift the portfolio towards the top tier.

Camilla Corsi, Head Crop Protection Research & Development, said: ″At Syngenta, we are accelerating the pace at which we innovate, to deliver solutions farmers urgently need. Technologies such as TraitSeq’s AI-driven platform enable us to revolutionize our research, attain important data-driven insights, so that we can develop the next-generation of sustainable solutions faster – while further strengthening our pipeline of innovative agricultural technologies.″

Dr. Joshua Colmer, CEO of TraitSeq, said: ″This partnership highlights how TraitSeq’s versatile platform can transform agricultural input development by uncovering predictive biomarkers that directly link molecular insights to biostimulant performance. By equipping Syngenta’s innovation pipeline with these capabilities, we aim to optimise and accelerate the development of new biological solutions, which will support farmers in adopting more sustainable agricultural practices.″

Biostimulants offer an important solution to farmers seeking to improve the sustainability of their farming operations while addressing challenges arising from an increasingly constrained toolbox of available agricultural technologies and evolving consumer demands.

Syngenta and the pioneering artificial intelligence (AI)

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India, Start ups, Sustainability

Wavar & Krushi Sarthi will leverage their combined expertise to empower farmers with advanced IPM technologies, reduce chemical dependency & improve overall crop health & profitability.

Wavar, a leading agri-tech company committed to transforming Indian agriculture through sustainable and innovative solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Krushi Sarthi, known for its strong grassroots connections & farmer-focused initiatives to accelerate the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices across key farming regions. This collaboration marks a significant step in Wavar’s mission of “Har Gaon IPM” – bringing sustainable pest management solutions to farming communities at scale.

Through this partnership, Wavar and Krushi Sarthi will leverage their combined expertise to empower farmers with advanced IPM technologies, reduce chemical dependency and improve overall crop health and profitability.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sanjay Shirodkar, Co-Founder, Wavar, said, “This partnership with Krushi Sarthi represents a significant step forward in our mission to make sustainable pest management practices more accessible and impactful. By combining Wavar’s innovative IPM solutions with Krushi Sarthi’s strong regional presence and farmer engagement expertise, we aim to create meaningful change at scale. Together, we are confident in making ‘Har Gaon IPM’ a reality across farming communities.”

Krushi Sarthi will play a crucial role in implementing Wavar’s IPM solutions on the ground. With a focus on knowledge-sharing, field training and sustainable adoption practices, this collaboration is set to deliver measurable benefits to farmers across multiple agricultural hubs. This partnership goes beyond pest management, it represents a shared vision of farmer empowerment, improved crop resilience and long-term economic and environmental sustainability

Wavar & Krushi Sarthi will leverage their

R&D, Sugar industry

In the digital era of “Digital India,” Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is gaining momentum, revolutionizing sectors across the country. One such area where AI is proving transformative is agriculture. The application of AI in farming has shown remarkable potential, with Baramati leading the charge in enhancing agricultural productivity

Baramati farmers are working towards achieving remarkable results in sugarcane farming using AI technology, setting an example for the future of agriculture. Microsoft Chairman Satya Nadella, who visited India, recognized their efforts and praised the innovative work during his visit to Baramati.

Farmers from Baramati, has recently adopted AI technology to increase sugarcane production. With the assistance of the Agriculture Development Trust (ADT) in Baramati and support from Microsoft’s AI tools, farmers have been able to boost their crop yields. Farmers at Baramati have therefore done a commendable job in integrating AI into agriculture as a part of the groundbreaking project.

The ADT in Baramati has been guiding 1,000 farmers in using AI technology for sugarcane farming on an experimental basis. These farmers are receiving guidance on how AI can enhance sugarcane farming, with a focus on improving sustainability and productivity. The use of AI in agriculture aims to provide real-time solutions for optimal crop management, thereby empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions.

From January 16 to 20, an agricultural exhibition will be held at the Agriculture Development Trust in Baramati. The event will showcase practical demonstrations of AI-powered farming techniques for sugarcane and other crops, giving farmers a glimpse into future agricultural methods.

Before the exhibition, the ADT team presented their findings to Nadella, showcasing how AI can transform farming. Nadella’s acknowledgement of their efforts has earned the trust’s widespread appreciation.

In the digital era of “Digital India,”

Acquaculture, Sustainability

ICAR-CIFE has licensed two innovative technologies to COFFED in Patna, with the goal of improving fisheries sustainability and productivity. The technologies include a patented catfish hatchery system and FishANUre, a DIY organic manure solution derived from fish excrement

In a significant step in advancing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) has licensed two unique technologies to the Cooperative Fisheries Federation (COFFED) in Patna, Bihar. The innovations, which aim to improve the sustainability and productivity of the fishing sector, were officially handed over during a ceremony on January 8, 2025.

Dr. Ravishankar C.N., Director of ICAR-CIFE, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating that they are critical to defining the future of India’s fishing sector. The collaboration not only strengthens the road from research to market, but it also encourages the adoption of sustainable practices within the business.

The Catfish Hatchery and raising of Seed under the Three-Tier System, the first licensed technology, marks a significant advancement in sustainable hatchery management and seed raising for catfish farming. Dr. C.S. Chaturvedi, Dr. W.S. Lakra, Dr. Arpita Sharma, and Dr. A. Landge developed this unique method, which has already been trademarked and has the potential to alter India’s catfish farming operations.

The second technology, FishANUre, is a do-it-yourself option that allows farms to turn fish waste into organic manure. This novel strategy, developed by Anurag Singh, Dr. Arpita Sharma, Dr. Martin Xavier, and Shubham Soni, addresses waste management issues while supporting sustainable agriculture. The technique has already been given a trademark, and it represents a viable alternative for environmentally friendly farming.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was seen by top ICAR-CIFE personnel, including Drs. Arpita Sharma, S.P. Shukla, and Swadesh Prakash, as well as the COFFED team led by Rishikesh Kashyap.

This collaboration is expected to help local fisheries in Bihar, increasing livelihoods and encouraging future innovation in the aquaculture sector.

ICAR-CIFE has licensed two innovative technologies to

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Drones, Horticulture, India, R&D

The state-of-the-art Drone Lab fosters innovation in UAV applications for plantation crops while Centre of Excellence for Profiling and Bioactive Components focuses on exploring phytochemicals in cashew apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), inaugurated the Drone Technology lab and Horticulture lab of ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, today. He lauded the Director and scientists for creating outstanding infrastructure and research facilities and emphasised that it should be emulated by other ICAR institutes. Dr Pathak also stressed the need for impactful research to increase the production and productivity of cashews to reduce the dependency on the import of raw cashew nuts. He discussed the ongoing research activities and inquired about the requirements for the institute during the interaction with the staff.

The Drone Technology Lab and Horticulture Lab were established with funding from RKVY-RAFTAAR, the Govt of Karnataka, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt of India. The state-of-the-art Drone Lab fosters innovation in UAV applications for plantation crops, promoting research and sustainable practices. Equipped with advanced drones Centre of Excellence for Profiling and Bioactive Components focuses on exploring phytochemicals in cashew apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves and data tools, it supports smart farming solutions. Additionally, the, with equipment including HPLC, GCMS, and UV-visible spectrophotometers.

Dr J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-DCR, Puttur, highlighted the research achievements and transfer of technology initiatives of the institute.Dr V.B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Horticulture); Dr J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-DCR; and staff of ICAR-DCR were also present on the occasion.

During the event, Cashew Sprout Cookies were licensed to Mr. Radhakrishna, Proprietor of Nidhi Food Products, Puttur. Developed by Dr. Veena G.L., Scientist (Fruit Science), the cookies are a healthy, value-added product rich in protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with no refined flour, added colors, or flavors. The program concluded with the felicitation of the dignitaries on the dais.

The state-of-the-art Drone Lab fosters innovation in

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Drones

The drones will be providing live imagery of up to the 12-mile maritime limit from nine points in all seven coastal districts. In a first for Maharashtra, drones will be deployed to monitor illegal fishing along its 720-km coastline beginning January 9, a Fisheries Department official said on Wednesday

The drones will provide live footage of up to the 12-mile maritime boundary from nine locations across all seven coastal districts.

The official said the streaming data collected by drones will be used to take legal action against unauthorised fishing boats.

He said the drone system will be launched by Minister of State for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane.

“The minister will oversee the system through a live feed from the Fisheries Commissioner’s Office. Streaming data collected by these drones will be used as evidence to take legal action against unauthorised fishing boats,” the official said. He said the drone system will bring the entire maritime area of Maharashtra under camera surveillance, helping the government to curb illegal fishing. “It is an important step to protect marine resources and ensure compliance with regulations,” the official added.

Devendra Tandel, president of the Akhil Maharashtra Fishermen’s Action Committee, welcomed the initiative. “Illegal fishing has severely impacted traditional fishermen. This system should support us rather than harass us. However, there are concerns about its effectiveness during the monsoon and the use of the collected data,” he said. Tandel said traditional fishermen face challenges ranging from the rampant use of purse seine nets and unauthorised fishing during the monsoon to inadequate coordination between fisheries and police authorities.

He also raised concerns about boats operating without proper identification and lacking resources for effective maritime monitoring. “We hope this system will address these challenges and bring accountability. But the Fisheries Act should focus on safeguarding fishermen’s livelihoods while ensuring sustainability,” Tandel said.

The drones will be providing live imagery

Carbon Farming, Climate, Collaborations, Environment, Nature, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

The World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group (WRG) promotes sustainable agriculture by expanding water-saving methods, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing productivity through public-private partnerships. Its projects, such as Low Methane Rice and innovative irrigation methods in India and Bangladesh, improve climate resilience and food security globally

The World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group (WRG), a global public-private partnership, is spearheading efforts to solve water scarcity in agriculture, which accounts for 70% of total freshwater withdrawals. WRG, which operates as a trust fund under the World Bank, works with businesses, governments, and civil society to create innovative water management solutions while also promoting climate-resilient food systems. Climate change poses severe obstacles, making these initiatives critical as farmers struggle to satisfy global food demands. WRG encourages micro-irrigation for water efficiency, better agriculture practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and market innovations that increase agricultural output and mechanization. By driving these sustainable practices, WRG helps secure stable food supplies, increase farmers’ earnings, and save crucial water resources.

WRG’s Low Methane Rice effort is one of its ground-breaking projects, with the goal of having revolutionary environmental and agricultural consequences. Building on the success of India’s Uttar Pradesh PRAGATI Accelerator, the initiative aims to scale up initiatives to reduce methane emissions, improve water efficiency, and increase yields in important rice-growing regions throughout South and East Asia. This unique program demonstrates WRG’s ability to use public-private partnerships to achieve daring solutions that were previously thought impossible. By duplicating established models such as PRAGATI, WRG positions itself as a leader in reducing emissions and promoting climate-resilient agriculture. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable techniques can meet both global environmental issues and local agriculture demands.

WRG’s Low Methane Rice effort is one of its ground-breaking projects, with the goal of having revolutionary environmental and agricultural consequences. Building on the success of India’s Uttar Pradesh PRAGATI Accelerator, the initiative aims to scale up initiatives to reduce methane emissions, improve water efficiency, and increase yields in important rice-growing regions throughout South and East Asia. This unique program demonstrates WRG’s ability to use public-private partnerships to achieve daring solutions that were previously thought impossible. By duplicating established models such as PRAGATI, WRG positions itself as a leader in reducing emissions and promoting climate-resilient agriculture. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable techniques can meet both global environmental issues and local agriculture demands.

Beyond India and Bangladesh, WRG’s creative programs serve as models for other regions with comparable difficulties. In Karnataka, India, WRG established the world’s first large-scale community drip irrigation project, lowering water abstraction by 24 million cubic meters and duplicating the idea on an additional 100,000 hectares. In Kenya, WRG pioneered a funding strategy that allowed smallholder farmers to gain access to sophisticated irrigation systems, helping 500 farmers and encouraging the wider growth of farmer-led irrigation programs. Meanwhile, in South Africa, WRG launched the country’s first automated water administration system, decreasing water distribution losses by up to 20% and expanding the model to 21 major irrigation systems. These projects demonstrate WRG’s ability to provide scalable and meaningful solutions that boost productivity while conserving water.

Over the last decade, WRG’s initiatives have proved the power of public-private partnerships to address the interconnected concerns of water scarcity, agricultural production, and climate resilience. By combining local knowledge with global expertise, WRG has enabled farmers in Africa and Asia to implement novel solutions that increase yields while minimizing environmental impact. From pioneering low-methane rice cultivation to expanding irrigation improvements, WRG’s projects have established new standards for sustainable water management. These measures have not only addressed current issues, but have also established long-term routes for resilience and growth. By ensuring food security, safeguarding natural resources, and lowering emissions, WRG continues to play an important role in addressing some of today’s most critical concerns. With an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability

The World Bank's 2030 Water Resources Group

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India, Organic

 bigbasket will source organic fruits, vegetables, and staple items directly from organic farmers across the state and will launch four new collection centers in Andhra Pradesh.

Hyderabad based bigbasket, a TATA Enterprise, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to strengthen the organic produce market linkage. This partnership will enable bigbasket to source organic fruits, vegetables, and staple items directly from organic farmers across the state and supply them to its distribution centres nationwide.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, marking a significant step towards strengthening the organic agriculture ecosystem and supporting the state’s farmers. As part of the collaboration, bigbasket will establish four new collection centres in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring a daily supply of fresh, high-quality organic produce. The initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of local organic farmers and enhance consumer access to sustainable, organic products.

Speaking on the occasion, Seshu Kumar Tirumala, Chief buying and merchandising officer, bigbasket, said, “This MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government is a monumental step forward, not just in terms of establishing robust market linkages, but in reshaping the future of agriculture. Our focus goes beyond simply supplying fresh, high-quality organic produce – it’s about creating an ecosystem where both farmers and consumers thrive. By extending our network of collection centers, we are creating a lasting impact on the local economy, reducing the carbon footprint of our supply chain and improving the accessibility of healthy, organic food for people across India.”

Currently, bigbasket operates 12 organic collection centres and in total around 80+ collection centres across India, working closely with over 1,500 organic farmers. This initiative aligns with bigbasket’s ongoing efforts to make organic food more accessible and affordable. In September 2024, the company introduced an initiative offering organically grown fruits, vegetables, and staples at prices comparable to conventionally grown products, aiming to eliminate the price gap and promote sustainable agriculture. This MoU is also another significant step by bigbasket towards solidifying its reputation as India’s premier destination for organic produce.

 bigbasket will source organic fruits, vegetables, and

Agribusiness, Biofuel industry, Collaborations, Company News, Oilseeds, Sustainable Energy, World

Bayer will work with Neste, the value chain, and farmers to introduce winter canola as a biomass-based feedstock that delivers fuel with lower carbon intensity.

Bayer and Neste, a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly scale winter canola as a biomass-based feedstock for renewable products like biofuels. Within the collaboration, the companies are going to develop a winter canola ecosystem in the Southern Great Plains of the US, including product development and additional collaborations to enable Bayer to enter this market.

“Renewable fuels are playing an important role in the decarbonization of transportation and energy while global targets continue to shape biofuel markets and accelerate demand for biomass-based feedstocks going forward,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability for Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “We are committed to supporting farmers’ ability to deliver low-carbon feedstocks on demand, through investments in new crops like winter canola and advancements in sustainable cropping systems.”

Bayer aims to launch hybrid TruFlex winter canola in 2027. It offers many benefits to farmers as it includes Roundup Ready and pod shatter resistance technology, delivering excellent product stability and performance. Used as a new alternative rotational crop, winter canola helps sequester carbon in the soil and can improve soil health by increasing its organic matter content and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced soil fertility and productivity.

“We are excited to partner with Neste to enable profitable new crop options for farmers, while delivering on the unmet demand for renewable fuel,” said Jennifer Ozimkiewicz, Head of Crop Strategy Soy & Biofuels at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “We believe our next generation TruFlex products will provide farmers a new profitable rotational crop option, while offering potential sustainability benefits such as increased biodiversity, soil health and agronomic rotation to reduce pest, disease and weed pressure. Bayer is committed to continue to lead the way with alternative biomass-based feedstocks and regenerative agricultural solutions.”

Leading up to launch, Bayer will work with Neste, the value chain, and farmers to introduce winter canola as a biomass-based feedstock that delivers fuel with lower carbon intensity than traditional fuel sources. Bayer and Neste expect to finalize a definitive agreement in 2025.

“This collaboration with Bayer strengthens our strategy to develop together with value chain partners regenerative agriculture concepts that can be scaled up and can play an important role in diversifying and growing the raw materials pool for all of our renewable products,” said Artturi Mikkola, Senior Vice President Feedstock Sourcing & Trading at Neste. “We believe winter canola can bring environmental benefits to cropping systems and result in lower carbon intensity feedstocks that help replace fossil resources with renewable raw materials.”

Renewable fuels play a key role in decarbonizing the transportation sector as electrification will take time in the hard-to-abate sectors, such as aviation. Renewable fuels have a lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle compared to traditional fossil fuels, playing a key role in mitigating climate change. On top, they can provide farmers with new revenue streams through the cultivation of biomass-based feedstocks.

Bayer will work with Neste, the value