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

Company records overall robust performance in seeds business, driven by grain sorghum, sunflower and corn.

UPL Ltd. reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024. Company’s revenue for the third quarter was up by 10 per cent, driven by 9 per cent increase in volumes, 5 per cent increase in price and 4 per cent decline due to Fx, mainly in Brazil.

Financial Performance Update

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Company’s EBITDA was at Rs 2,163 crores in Q3 FY25 compared to Rs 416 crores in Q3FY24 registering the growth of 420 per cent YoY. Company recorded revenue of Rs 10,907 crore in Q3 FY25 Vs Rs 9,887 in Q3FY24 witnessing 10 per cent growth. Contribution margin increase led by product mix, rebate normalisation and COGS improvement. Strong performance with accretive margins in differentiated and sustainable segment. Overall robust performance in seeds business, driven by grain sorghum, sunflower and corn. Net Debt lower by $745M vs. last year; $363M increase in net debt vs. March ’24, significantly lower than $1.7Bn increase over the same period last year.  

Commenting on the Q3FY25 performance, Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO, said “We are seeing strong bounce back versus last year, with normalisation of business, and recovery of volumes and prices. This has helped in regaining our contribution margins back to our previous higher levels. Through strong focus, the team has done a commendable job in bringing down the working capital, resulting in a significant reduction of our net debt versus September, 2024. With this strong performance, we are confident of delivering our EBITDA and free cash flow guidance for the full year.”  

Mike Frank, CEO, UPL Corporation Ltd., said: “The global crop protection market continues to rebound as farmers and dealer buying patterns are now reset. Our volume growth of 14 per cent in this past quarter demonstrates continued strong demand across regions, and our ability to increase market share. Through our focus on customers, driven by investments in marketing excellence, new launches and differentiated solutions, we have improved our margins, as compared to the last few quarters. We expect benefits from this to continue in Q4 as well as in the next financial year”

Company records overall robust performance in seeds

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Foodgrains, India, Seeds, Sustainability

Workshops to offer live demonstrations, agronomic training, and insights into DEKALB hybrids.

Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in healthcare and agriculture, is organising a series of farmer workshops across key districts in Uttar Pradesh to highlight the importance of corn as a vital crop for food, feed, and sustainable fuel. These farmer-centric roadshows, already underway, will cover Marehara, Kamalganj, Chhibramau and other key locations, reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in improving their yields and incomes.

The corn sector in India plays a crucial role in the economy, generating over 1,000 million man-days of employment and contributing Rs 400 billion to the national GDP. With rising demand both domestically and globally, Bayer is driving improvements in corn yields through cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to support India’s goal of self-sufficiency in corn production.

The roadshows, which began on January 27 will go on till February 14 in the state. These interactive workshops will provide farmers with comprehensive insights into advanced crop management techniques to ensure maximum productivity. The sessions will feature live demonstrations of agronomic best practices, allowing farmers to see innovative techniques in action. They will also hear success stories from fellow farmers who have achieved better yields using DEKALB hybrids. Experts will provide guidance on sustainable farming techniques, equipping farmers with the knowledge to enhance productivity while maintaining soil health. Additionally, engagement activities, including a QR code-based reward system via the FarmRise app, will offer farmers opportunities to earn incentives and stay connected with Bayer’s agricultural network.

Speaking on this initiative, Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead, CropScience Division of Bayer in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, said, “Bayer is committed to helping corn farmers enhance their productivity and income by equipping them with the right tools, knowledge, and support. These workshops are a crucial step in enabling farmers to adopt innovative practices, improve their yields, and meet the evolving demands of the corn market. Uttar Pradesh plays a vital role in India’s corn ecosystem, with its vast agricultural landscape and growing contribution to national production. By strengthening corn cultivation, we aim to support India’s journey toward self-sufficiency in corn for food, feed, and sustainable fuel, ensuring long-term economic growth and resilience for smallholder farmers.”

At the workshops, farmers will also learn about DEKALB’s Spring hybrids, known for their adaptability to diverse sowing conditions, superior standability, stay-green traits, and high-quality grains. These hybrids are designed to help farmers optimize their output while ensuring long-term sustainability. DEKALB Spring Hybrids possess a high starch content of 80-85% which is highly congenial for the distilleries to produce high-quality ETHANOL from these Hybrids. DEKALB hybrids are highly adaptable for SILAGE cultivation also.

Workshops to offer live demonstrations, agronomic training,

Agribusiness, Company News, Fruits, India, Interaction, Start ups, Trade, Vegetables


The first of its kind workshop aims to equip Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agri-entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills for tapping into global markets.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with Palladium Consulting India Private Limited (PCIPL) will be conducting “Export Pathshala” a three-day workshop during 07-09 February 2025, at Bhubaneswar, with focus on enhancing exports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Odisha.

The first of its kind workshop aims to equip Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agri-entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills for tapping into global markets. The resource persons from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), World Trade Centre, Bhubaneswar, Spices Board, exporters association from West Bengal and Odisha will be guiding the FPOs in undertaking of exports of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices from Odisha. The representatives of Bank of Baroda, NCDC, NABARD supported FPOs from 15 districts will also be participating in the aforesaid Pathsala.

The workshop shall focus on presentations on the agriculture sector in Odisha by APEDA, and export facilities available in the state by World Trade Centre, Bhubaneswar, followed by virtual orientation session by Sahyadri farms, Nashik. A field visit is also planned to give an exposure on good packaging practices to the FPO members.

The event shall also contain panel discussions bringing together leading exporters from Odisha and West Bengal, who would share insights into the current export scenario and growth potential in agri-trade and case studies from successful FPOs and agri-entrepreneurs, including export experiences of mango and vegetable-producing FPOs from Dhenkanal, Bolangir, is also planned.

The workshop will help in facilitating the FPOs from Odisha to discuss with the leading exporters on export documentation, value chain development, post-harvest management, quality control and other compliances required for export of fresh fruits and vegetables from Odisha.

The first of its kind workshop aims

Collaborations, Environment, Nature, Soil Health, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

By guaranteeing food security, stabilizing society, and providing livelihoods for more than 60 per cent of the rural population, Vietnam’s agriculture sector reinforced its position as the country’s economic backbone in 2024

More than 400 programs promoting sustainable forestry, fisheries, and agriculture have benefited Vietnam, offering crucial training to stabilize lives and propel socioeconomic growth after the conflict.

At a high-level meeting with its team in Ha Noi on Thursday, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan thanked the UN Food and Agricultural Organization on behalf of all Vietnamese farmers for more than 45 years of assistance.

The agricultural sector in Vietnam reinforced its position as the foundation of the economy in 2024, guaranteeing food security, fostering social stability, and providing a living for more than 60 per cent of the country’s rural population.

The sector, which employs close to 30 per cent of the workforce and contributes 11.86 per cent of the national GDP, continues to gain from international collaborations, such as FAO, in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (No poverty) and SDG2 (Zero hunger).

Vietnam’s significant involvement in regional and international FAO-led projects was praised by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. He emphasized that in order to make progress in the nation’s agriculture sector, a transformative attitude is required.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s strengths include innovation and a global outlook. To improve Vietnam’s position on the world agricultural map, the next phase should concentrate on coordinated sectoral growth and progressively creating a green agricultural economy, Qu stated.

He pointed out that creating local goods, like those under the Vietnam One Commune One Product (OCOP) initiative, is frequently the foundation of prosperous farming systems. This strategy improves social welfare by strengthening value chains and establishing the framework for the development of “green cities” in rural areas.

The Food Systems Transformation Partnership Agreement, which was signed in 2024 by 45 domestic and foreign partners, reaffirmed their dedication to sustainable agriculture. The “Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Linked to Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030” initiative is a major effort to create a high-quality rice production area that lowers greenhouse gas emissions and increases farmer incomes.

Vietnam has been actively involved in South-South Cooperation (SSC) for more than 20 years, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) believes that this is a good time for the nation to join China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and India in influencing global food security.

In 2024, the number of African ministers and ambassadors to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reached a record high.

Minister Hoan stated his hope that these partnerships would be further strengthened by FAO’s resources.

By guaranteeing food security, stabilizing society, and

Agribusiness, Horticulture

According to the Finance Minister, the district recently shipped over a lakh tonnes of bananas to Iran via Container Corporation of India train rakes

The State government will offer policy support to establish the district into a horticultural hub, according to Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav. Mr. Keshav announced the opening of the city’s first Anantha Horticulture Conclave on Wednesday. He said that the district recently exported over one lakh tonnes of bananas to Iran using Container Corporation of India train rakes, and that five other horticulture products would receive a similar marketing push. The Minister declared that the conference would become an annual event due to the positive response it received.

According to Mr. Keshav, offering complete solutions for horticultural produce from the nursery to the marketing stage was urgently needed. “As part of Swarnadhra 2047, this will guarantee that Anantapur district contributes 25 per cent to the State GVA (Gross Value Added),” Mr. Keshav stated. He claimed that encouraging businesses to make investments in cold chain, logistics, and farmer support systems will assist realize this goal.

In order to operate all 12 pumpsets and provide irrigation water to additional cultivable fields, Mr. Keshav stated that the TDP government will begin the process of enlarging the Handri-Neeva canal as soon as possible during the current agricultural season. The Minister declared, “The project will be finished within the next 12 months.”

Speaking at the event, Budithi Rajasekhar, Special Chief Secretary, Horticulture and Agriculture, stated that the government was committed to overcoming the several obstacles that stood in the way of realizing the ambition. Anantapur’s banana yield per hectare was 65 million tonnes (MTs), which was quite near to Turkey’s 70.2 MTs, the highest in the world. The immediate needs for the horticulture industry to meet its goals were to maintain the supply chain, enhance product quality and packaging, and provide value-addition, he stated. He stated that the post-harvest losses, which were between 15 and 20 per cent, were to be reduced to nine per cent.

Six of the eleven priority crops in the 24 clusters that the Central and State governments were promoting, according to Mr. Rajasekhar, were in Anantapur: banana, dry chilli, sweet orange, tomato, mango, and dragon fruit. “MoUs were signed with seven companies during the conclave for various aspects of improving productivity of identified horticulture crops with the goal of making Anantapur a global brand,” said District Collector Vinod Kumar V, who chaired the first session. Support will be given during the pre-harvest, production, and post-harvest phases, he said.

The event was attended by Kalava Srinivasulu, Paritala Sunitha, and other district elected officials. During the conference, MOUs were inked with seven businesses: Puro Natural, Siddhartha Cold Storage, Kousuri Bajaj Agro, Green Gurukulam, Agro Life Science Croporation, and Micro Algae Solutions.

According to the Finance Minister, the district

Finance, Funding

The budget for Kerala allots Rs 227.4 crore for the development of agricultural infrastructure, which includes money for the production of vegetables, coconuts, and spices. A project involving paddy farming receives Rs 150 crore

The budget has set aside Rs 227.4 crore for the construction of fundamental infrastructure in the agriculture sector, with an additional Rs 115.5 crore designated for central support. According to the Minister, Kerala’s agriculture industry has grown steadily during the last three years. While Rs 73 crore has been set aside for the promotion of coconut cultivation, Rs 78.45 crore has been set aside for the Comprehensive Vegetable Cultivation Project. The Spices Cultivation Development Project now has Rs 7.6 crore instead of Rs 4.6 crore in funding.

For crop management, Rs 535.9 crore has been set aside. The upcoming fiscal year will see the implementation of a comprehensive paddy cultivation project, for which Rs 150 crore has been set aside through the integration of multiple initiatives. This includes Rs 80 crore set aside for royalties, Rs 3,000 per hectare for field protection for rice field owners, and Rs 5,500 per hectare for support of sustainable paddy farming inputs.

Rs 21 crore has been given aside for new initiatives out of the Rs 43 crore allotted for the growth of agricultural universities. With Rs 30 crore set aside for this purpose, the Minister also unveiled a new plan to position Kerala as a hub for high-value horticulture.

The budget for Kerala allots Rs 227.4

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Bee keeping, R&D

The updated hives feature an insulation redesign that replaces traditional polystyrene components with high-density pressed cardboard layers.

 Koppert hasannounced an update to its bumblebee hives, enhancing their performance in diverse climates while significantly advancing sustainability. These updates demonstrate its continuous commitment to innovative pollination solutions that meet the needs of growers. Growers in Europe, Midde East and Asia can expect to receive the revised design hives from the beginning of February 2025.

A redesigned insulation system

The updated hives feature an insulation redesign that replaces traditional polystyrene components with high-density pressed cardboard layers. This improvement retains the original ventilation design while boosting efficiency. The redesigned sugar water tank contributing to enhanced insulation performance at the base of the hive. ‘This update is a significant step forward for both growers and the environment,’ says Jesus Domingo Cuevas, Pollination Product Manager at Koppert. ‘We have successfully improved heat regulation, enhanced cold protection, and reduced plastic use—all while maintaining the exceptional pollination performance our customers rely on.’

Better heat regulation for optimal performance

The enhanced design includes a stronger backing system around the sugar water, improving the flow of heat and cold through ventilation holes. This creates better internal heat regulation, particularly during high temperatures. The result is increased hive performance, reduced sugar water consumption, and more pollination activity during the hottest seasons. ‘Our improved ventilation system ensures the hives perform optimally, even in extreme conditions,’ explains Domingo. ‘This means growers can rely on their hives to deliver consistent results, no matter the temperature.’

Improved cold protection

For colder climates, the cardboard insulation retains heat, maintaining a warmer internal environment that accelerates larval development and reduces sugar water consumption. Bumblebees can begin pollinating earlier in the day, extending their activity window during cooler conditions. ‘This innovation isn’t just about heat management,’ Domingo notes. ‘It’s about ensuring that bumblebees thrive in all climates. By focusing on better insulation, we are enabling early-morning pollination and greater efficiency for growers.’

Improved materials for sustainability

The updated Koppert hive design aligns with our commitment to sustainability. By replacing polystyrene with pressed cardboard layers, the hives significantly reduce plastic waste and environmental impact. ’We are in the process to make our hives more sustainable; this update brings us closer to our goal,’ Domingo states. ‘We are encouraging growers to recycle the components of the hives after use. This update makes waste management easier for our customers.’

The updated hives feature an insulation redesign

Farm Mechanisation, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

20,000 F28 engines can be produced at a new 7,000 square meter engine plant in Greater Noida, increasing local output

At its Greater Noida manufacturing plant, CNH has started producing its new 2.8-liter TREM V-compliant engine. After the TREM V emission requirements are implemented, the engine will be introduced for agricultural machinery. Currently, it is being built for construction equipment with CEV V criteria. The F28 engine, which was designed in Italy, has a 60 per cent localization value, with 75 parts imported and 199 parts sourced domestically. In a staged approach, the corporation is aiming to raise it to 90 per cent.

The Iveco Group’s powertrain branch, FPT Industrial, has a licensing deal with the company that produced the F28 engine. Its compact design improves fuel efficiency, lessens vibrations, and balances the engine. The engine, which is made to fit under-hood applications, guarantees maximum power production while meeting strict emission regulations. The Noida plant, which occupies 7,000 square meters and is part of CNH’s 60-acre manufacturing cluster, was constructed using robotic cleaning technology, digital process management, and AI-driven technologies to guarantee accuracy and productivity in production. Up to 20,000 units can be produced annually at the plant, serving both domestic and international markets.

The introduction of the F28 engine is in line with CNH India’s objective of creating superior, domestically produced solutions, according to Narinder Mittal, President and Managing Director. The new powertrain technology would improve the performance and dependability of CNH’s construction and agricultural equipment in India, he added, highlighting the company’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability. It is anticipated that localizing these engines will lessen reliance on imports while offering a reliable solution that is suited to Indian operating circumstances.

With its brands, including as Case IH, New Holland, and CASE Construction Equipment, CNH is well-known in India. The company has been producing and delivering a variety of construction and agricultural equipment in the nation for more than 25 years. CNH, which employs more than 40,000 people worldwide, is dedicated to creating sustainable technologies that increase productivity and efficiency for professionals in agriculture and construction.

20,000 F28 engines can be produced at

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Fruits, India, Pulses, Trade, Vegetables

It aims to increase the coverage of agricultural commodities and offer more opportunities for farmers and traders to benefit from the digital trading platform.

In response to the continuous demand from farmers, traders and other stakeholders for inclusion of more agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India has decided to further expand the scope of trade under e-NAM. This initiative aims to increase the coverage of agricultural commodities and offer more opportunities for farmers and traders to benefit from the digital trading platform, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) has formulated tradable parameters for 10 additional agricultural commodities. These new commodities parameters are a result of extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including state agencies, traders, subject matter specialists and SFAC and with approval from the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

DMI has been entrusted with the formulation of tradable parameters for agricultural commodities to be traded on the e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) platform. These tradable parameters are designed to help farmers secure better prices for their produce by ensuring the quality and commerciality of agricultural products. This initiative enhances transparency, facilitates fair trading practices, and contributes to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.

DMI has formulated tradable parameters for 221 agricultural commodities, which are available on the e-NAM platform and following 10 additional commodities will make the list to 231 commodities.

Miscellaneous Commodities:

1. Dried Tulsi Leaves

2. Besan (Chickpea Flour)

3. Wheat Flour

4. Chana Sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour)

5. Water Chestnut Flour

Spices:

6. Asafoetida

7. Dried Fenugreek Leaves

Vegetables:

8. Water Chestnut

9. Baby Corn

Fruits:

10. Dragon Fruit

Commodities at Serial number 4 to 7 above fall in category of secondary trade, and this can help FPOs to market value added products as well as formalize the trade in the sector.

These newly approved tradable parameters will be available on the e-NAM portal (enam.gov.in), further strengthening the platform’s capacity to facilitate the digital trading of agricultural commodities. This move will provide farmers with improved market access, better pricing, and an enhanced quality assurance, thus supporting their economic well-being. The formulation of these additional tradable parameters aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the agricultural sector, ensuring greater inclusivity, efficiency, and market transparency.

It aims to increase the coverage of

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Company News, Finance, India, Schemes - Govt, Seeds

NSC’s revenue from operations increased to Rs 1,143.26 Crores from Rs1,078.23 Crores in the previous year, while the total income rose to Rs 1,182.48 Crores (ever highest) compared to Rs 1,112.13 Crores in 2022-23.

National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has announced the declaration of final Dividend of Rs 35.30 Crores for the Financial Year 2023-24, representing 5 per cent of its net worth, in compliance with Department of Investment and Public Asset Management-DIPAM guidelines. This highest ever dividend underscores NSC’s commitment to contributing to National Agricultural Development while ensuring financial sustainability.

The Dividend cheque was presented to the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan by Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Chairperson cum Managing Director of NSC, in a ceremony held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that it should be ensured that farmers always get good quality seeds.

NSC is a Schedule ‘B’-Mini Ratna Category-I company wholly owned by the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Established in 1963, NSC is engaged in the production and distribution of certified seeds to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security in India.

During FY 2023-24, NSC recorded significant growth in its financial performance. The revenue from operations increased to Rs 1,143.26 Crores from Rs1,078.23 Crores in the previous year, while the total income rose to Rs 1,182.48 Crores (ever highest) compared to Rs 1,112.13 Crores in 2022-23. The company’s profitability also witnessed a substantial increase, with Profit Before Tax (PBT) surging by 64.74 per cent to Rs 86.81 Crores and ever highest Profit After Tax (PAT) growing by 38.15 per cent to Rs 73.64 Crores.

NSC’s operational efficiency and strategic market expansion contributed to this growth. The company achieved seed sales revenue of ₹1005 Crores, marking an increase from Rs 947 Crores in the previous year. Notably, non-subsidized seed sales reached Rs 920 Crores, up from Rs 847.83 Crores. Online seed sales also saw a remarkable rise, reflecting NSC’s efforts in digital transformation. The company strengthened its market presence by appointing 992 new dealers, bringing the total dealer network to 4,665. The Company also appointed 2,126 no. of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) and PACs and LAMPs.

On the production front, NSC continued to enhance its capabilities, with raw seed production/procurement reaching 17.10 lakh quintals. The seed processing capacity increased to 25.67 Lakhs quintal, supported by infrastructure improvements. Additionally, NSC played a crucial role in Government agricultural initiatives, supplying seeds to the Government, State Governments, dealers and also selling online via ONDC platform.

NSC is producing seeds in its five big Farms located at Sardargarh, Suratgarh, Jetsar in Rajasthan, Hisar in Haryana and Raichur in Karnataka with total area of 21,841 Ha. and through 14,166 Registered growers. The Company produces Test seeds to Breeder Seeds to Foundation seeds to Certified seeds, chronologically. The Company operates from 11 Regional Offices, 48 Area Offices, 29 Production Centres, 75 Seed processing plants, having 7 Air-conditioned seed storage facilities, and 180 seed storage godowns. The company has 4 Quality control labs and 1 DNA Finger printing lab.

NSC’s revenue from operations increased to Rs

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

This cutting-edge global engine has been localised in India to deliver a robust and reliable solution for the Indian market.

CNH, a global leader in agriculture and construction equipment, announces the commencement of production at its new engine plant in Greater Noida, marking a significant milestone in the company’s dedication to innovation and localization. The facility manufactures the advanced 2.8l Trem V engine (namely F28), designed to power the company’s product line up with exceptional performance and efficiency. This cutting-edge global engine has been localised in India to deliver a robust and reliable solution for the Indian market.

Narinder Mittal, President and Managing Director, CNH India, said, “The launch of the 2.8l TREM V engine from the state-of-the-art Noida engine plant, underscores our dedication to delivering solutions engineered and manufactured in India. This achievement both enhances our product offerings and reaffirms CNH’s commitment to innovation and sustainable productivity. This highlights our strategic focus on producing reliable, efficient and environmentally compliant powertrain solutions that will set new benchmarks for the industry.”

The new 2.8l engine is licensed to CNH by FPT Industrial, the powertrain division of Iveco Group, reflecting the strong synergy between the two entities in driving innovation and sustainability in powertrain technologies. Designed for under-hood applications, its compact design improves engine balance, reduces vibration, and minimizes friction for improved fuel efficiency. Located within CNH’s 60-acre Greater Noida facility, the advanced engine plant spans 7,000 Square meters and is designed for scalable production, with an annual capacity up to 20,000 units. Currently the 2.8l F28 TremV compliant engine is manufactured for construction equipment (with CEV V norms), with plans to expand it to agriculture once TREM V emission norms are introduced.  The state-of-the-art plant features digital and AI-driven technologies, including an advanced operator guidance system and a robotic component cleaning, ensuring precision, efficiency, and high-quality output.

For over 25 years, CNH India has been delivering world-class products through its ‘Made in India’ operations. The company operates in the country through its Case IH, New Holland, and CASE Construction Equipment brands, as well as its financial arm CNH Capital and Global Technology Center.

This cutting-edge global engine has been localised

Agribusiness, India, Inputs, Oilseeds, Sustainability

More than 9,000 hectares of mostly semi-arid land repeatedly farmed according to the SuCCESS® sustainability code

 Pragati, the world’s first sustainable castor bean program, completed eight years of operation in the 2023/2024 season. More than 8,000 farmers are now certified under the program, and individual farmer yields have increased significantly. The program has grown to more than 9,000 hectares of mostly semi-arid land under the SuCCESS® sustainability code (see www.castorsuccess.org). BASF, Arkema, Jayant Agro-Organics and the project implementing organization Solidaridad jointly launched the project in May 2016. The program members updated the results and impacts of the program for 2024:

  • More than 10,000 farmers have been trained, and more than 8,000 of them certified.
  • About 100,000 metric tons of certified castor seeds have been under cultivation, a significant increase over the previous year (74,500 metric tons). This growth ensures a continuous supply of sustainable castor beans to the global supply chain.
  • In the crop cycle 2023/2024, SuCCESS-certified farmers realized 57 percent higher yields than that published by the local government for the region.
  • Over 9,000 hectares were farmed according to the SuCCESS code in 2023/2024, for a total of more than 36,000 hectares since the start of the program. Pragati farmers are increasing the amount of land devoted to castor farming as it is seen as a profitable crop.
  • The practices adopted in the Pragati program have resulted in a lower water consumption compared with conventional practices. Data measured in the demonstration plots for these practices showed about 33 percent less water consumption.
  • Over 8,200 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and 5,500 crop protection storage boxes were distributed free of charge.

In 2024, more than 100 medical camps organized in all project villages monitored the health of over 6,000 project and 2,300 non-project farmers, workers and their family members. Nearly 50 percent of those monitored were women.

During the year, more than 420 capacity-building training sessions were conducted with the farmers.

Over 700 lead farmers were identified and trained to provide leadership to certified farmer groups.

In accordance with the strategy for the current phase, the project placed a particular emphasis on gender. This year, more than 1,100 women from 17 project villages enrolled in the program and received in-depth training on good agricultural practices. This training aims to raise productivity while fostering safe, sustainable and regenerative agriculture. All participants also took part in the program’s digital and financial literacy module.

Next year, the Pragati program will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Launched following the completion of a baseline survey of over 1,000 castor oil farmers in Gujarat, India, the initiative identified the profitability and ease of cultivation of castor oil as key factors. Since then, the project has aimed to increase yields and farmer incomes by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, promoting good waste management practices, ensuring efficient water use, maintaining soil fertility, and implementing better health and safety measures while respecting human rights. In 2025, the achievements made over the past xears will continue to drive progress in sustainable castor oil production.

More than 9,000 hectares of mostly semi-arid

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

Company’s Crop Nutrition Business (CNB) continue to out-perform, revenue up by 55 per cent YOY, driven by good monsoon and execution of crop focus value added strategy.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited, one of India’s leading producers of industrial & mining chemicals and fertilisers (DFPCL) announced its results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Key Highlights for Q3FY25:

Consolidated Revenues:  Company saw a strong 39 per cent growth, reaching Rs. 2,579 crores for the Q3 FY25. Company witnessed a remarkable 72 per cent increase in EBITDA, bringing it to Rs. 486 crores with a sustainable EBITDA margin improved from 15 per cent to 19 per cent. Company registered a phenomenal 318 per cent jump in Net profit reaching Rs. 253 crores.

Crop Nutrition Business (Fertilisers) Review

In Q3 FY25, manufactured bulk fertilizer achieved robust sales of 231 KMT, marking a 64% year-over-year increase. For the first 9 months, sales rose by 52 per cent, driven by above-normal monsoon rains in the operating region.

Company’s flagship products, Smartek and Croptek, saw exceptional sales growth, with volumes rising by 186 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively. This performance was driven by the successful execution of our Go-To-Market strategy and strong demand-generation initiatives. Both products focus on Nutrient Unlocking Technology, which helps improve yield per acre. Sale of specialty fertilizer Bensulf and water-soluble fertilizers was 19 KMT, up 8 per cent YoY.

Reflecting on the company’s performance, S.C. Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of DFPCL, stated, “India faced a slightly slower start to the year, but with the government’s ongoing focus on investment-led growth and strong structural drivers, we remain confident about the future of the chemical and fertilizer industries. Our Q3 FY25 results reflect the strength of this confidence, highlighting the success of our strategic transition from commodity products to high-value specialty offerings, moving from customer to end consumers supported by effective backward integration and innovation.

Company’s Crop Nutrition Business (CNB) continue to

AgroPolicy, Collaborations, India, Sustainability

The project is set to benefit 2,000 farmers who will be trained at two dedicated centers located in Khadiya and Serendagh Hall.

 Roots Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to creating sustainable solutions for rural development, has joined hands with Coal India Ltd. (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, to launch CIL’s Harit Samriddhi project as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR) initiative to enhance farmers’ income and promote inclusive growth in the agrarian economy of Chatra district, Jharkhand. The project is initially being implemented in the Tandwa and Simaria blocks of the district. This initiative aims to provide farmers with essential training and support, improving agricultural practices and enabling better livelihoods.

The project is set to benefit 2,000 farmers who will be trained at two dedicated centers located in Khadiya and Serendagh Hall. Over 1,000 farmers have already undergone training, certified by the Agricultural Skill Council of India (ASCI). The training equips farmers with modern farming techniques and introduces them to the latest agricultural tools, ensuring they can address crop-related challenges effectively and enhance their productivity.

In addition to the model farm, 60 demonstration farms are being developed across 60 villages in Tandwa and Simaria. These demonstration farms will serve as hubs for knowledge and practical support throughout the crop cycle, offering farmers access to crucial inputs like seeds and fertilizers. The Harit Samriddhi project continues to focus on empowering farmers, providing them with the skills, tools, and resources they need to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape.

On the occasion, Amresh Kumar Singh, General Manager of the Amrapali Chandragupt Area, CCL, said, “A lack of awareness among farmers often limits their access to technological advancements. Those who are informed are already cultivating high-quality crops, underscoring the need for greater outreach and education to bridge this gap. A key aspect of the project is the establishment of a one-acre model farm, maintained by the Roots Foundation, to provide practical exposure to the farmers. The model farm is equipped with modern agricultural techniques such as greenhouses, polyhouses, drip irrigation systems, and a vermicompost unit. These technologies aim to improve crop productivity and resource efficiency. Farmers will also have access to discussions on subsidies, helping them maximize the potential of these advancements.”

The project is set to benefit 2,000