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Agribusiness, Company News

Group Legrand India, a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure, proudly announces the inauguration of its Water Table Recharge Project in Bore, Pune. This initiative aims to enhance groundwater availability in the villages of Wada in Palghar and Bore in Pune

The Water Table Recharge Project continues to recharge 50 community borewells, with an expected annual recharge of 10 Crore liters of water every year, significantly improving the water supply in these regions. This initiative will ensure a sustainable and reliable water source for over 2,500 direct beneficiaries, primarily from tribal and farmer communities. By improving both the quantity and quality of water, the project will help reduce water scarcity, improve health, increase agriculture yield and ease the daily burden of water collection.

The tribal and farming communities in these regions face immense challenges due to depleting groundwater levels and rainfall variability. These issues have led to severe water scarcity, forcing villagers to walk over 2 kilometers daily to access clean water. The lack of reliable water sources has not only impacted their health and agriculture but also added to their daily burden.

To address these challenges, Group Legrand India, in collaboration with the Third Planet Foundation, has deployed an innovative and patented water table recharge solution developed by Urdhvam Environmental Technologies Pvt. Ltd. This method revives low-yielding borewells, accelerating a natural process that would typically take decades.

Omkar Tukaram Malusare, a young farmer, expressed his gratitude to the Legrand Team, stating, “Earlier, we had only half an hour of water for the farms, but now we have uninterrupted 3-4 hours of water even in summers. This has made a huge difference in our lives.”

The project was inaugurated by Abida Aneez, VP-CSR, Group Legrand India, in the presence of the villagers and attended by Group Legrand India employees.

Group Legrand India remains committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Legrand’s Commitment to Sustainability & Social Responsibility
Group Legrand India is deeply committed to creating a sustainable and equitable future. Through its social initiatives, the company actively supports projects in education, healthcare, skill development, environmental protection, and disaster relief. The Water Table Recharge Project is a key step toward reinforcing environmental sustainability and ensuring access to clean water for all.

Speaking about the project, Abida Aneez, VP-CSR, Group Legrand India, commented, “At Legrand, we recognize our responsibility to address critical societal challenges. Access to water is a fundamental right, and through this project, we aim to provide a sustainable solution to a growing crisis. By leveraging advanced technology and community partnerships, we are improving water access and empowering local communities with a lifeline for a better future.”

With a strong emphasis on sustainable innovation, Legrand continues to drive positive social and environmental impact through its business and CSR initiatives. As part of its broader sustainability goals, Legrand has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, a commitment validated by SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative). With the Water Table Recharge Project, Legrand India reaffirms its dedication to building a sustainable future—one drop at a time.

Group Legrand India, a global specialist in

Agribusiness, Start ups

Member of the Organizing Committee of Startup Mahakumbh and Chair of the Agritech panel, Founder and Vice Chairman of Aavishkaar Group, Vineet Rai, will be anchoring the Agritech Pavilion at the 2nd Edition of the Startup Mahakumbh, the world’s largest celebration of innovation and Entrepreneurship, set to take place from April 3–5, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. C M Patil, Chief Executive Officer of KrishiKalpa Foundation will be the Co-Lead of the Agritech Pavilion

With the focal theme as ‘Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story’, the convening will feature 3,000+ startups, 1,000+ investors and incubators, 10,000+ delegates from 50+ countries, creating an unparalleled platform to shape the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Supported by Next Bharat Ventures, Aavishkaar Capital and Intellecap, part of the Aavishkaar Group, and IIT Kharagpur, the Agritech pavilion will celebrate startups and technologies driving sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods across rural India.

The overwhelming participation and response from entrepreneurs and innovators alike from the previous edition has resulted in a more interactive and creative format for this edition. With ~100 promising startups alone being showcased, there will also be an ‘Agri-Bazaar’, bespoke Masterclasses, and exciting discussions with Agritech luminaries at the Summit. As a 1st time addition to the Summit, the ‘Startup Maharathi Challenge’, with a funding pool for INR 30Cr, will provide an opportunity for visionary startups to showcase transformative solutions, secure nation-wide recognition, and access the right funding and mentorship to scale.

“Startup Mahakumbh as the name suggest is the grand celebration of Indian Startup ecosystem. As the member of Startup Mahakumbh Organizing Committee and as Chair and Lead of the Agritech Pavilion, we look forward to welcoming exciting new startups to showcase their transformative capacity, specifically in the space of Agriculture and Rural Development. As we chart the course towards ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ the Agritech pavilion will showcase how Indian farmers are sharing their experience with the startup founders and their technological prowess to paint a new narrative around food security, job creation and income enhancement. At the Agritech Pavillion, farmers and stock market experts, venture funds, Investment bankers, agritech startups and farmer producer companies, would weave a rich tapestry of insights, ideas, investments and impact.” shared Vineet Rai, Founder and Vice Chairman, Aavishkaar Group.

Aavishkaar Group is also delighted to present NABARD as the lead partner of the Agritech pavilion. As the pre-eminent institution of choice for building rural India, the partnership will shed light on the latest advancements, disruptive technologies, and opportunities reshaping the future of agriculture in India. NABARD is India’s apex development finance institution promoting sustainable, equitable agriculture and rural development. This pivotal collaboration highlights NABARD’s commitment to nurturing the agri-sector’s growth and innovation. At the pavilion, NABARD will also showcase 30 startups from their cohort, showcasing the dynamic and transformative potential within India’s agri startup ecosystem.

Shaji KV, Chairman, NABARD said, “Innovation and entrepreneurship in rural India are the cornerstones of inclusive development. By fostering startups, we empower communities, strengthen agriculture, and pave the way for a sustainable future, NABARD will continue to provide support for initiatives that propel the agritech ecosystem to make strides in the agriculture space. At Startup Mahakumbh, we aim to highlight the contributions of the enterprises we support and scale, to our agri-ecosystem. We look forward to a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture in India.”

The ‘Entrepreneur-first’ agenda will ensure that Startups get unprecedented access to one-on-one mentoring sessions, live pitches, best practices on Governance, and the opportunity to participate and win Awards for their startup innovations. The Startup Mahakumbh agenda has been curated to facilitate a vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices at the forefront of agricultural innovation in India.

The comprehensive program is curated by an Organizing Committee featuring prominent leaders from India’s startup ecosystem. Led by FICCI, the key organizers include ASSOCHAM, Nasscom, TiE, IVCA and Bootstrap Foundation. The event is well supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at a national level.

Member of the Organizing Committee of Startup

Agribusiness, Trade

In a major push to protect India’s industries, stakeholders at the 6th edition of the Traceability and Authentication Forum (TAF 2025) called for stricter anti-counterfeiting laws and advanced traceability measures. Organized by the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the two-day event highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of India’s industries from the menace of counterfeiting, which affects both domestic markets and exports

Industry experts noted that counterfeit products, mislabeled goods, and fraudulent certifications pose a serious risk to India’s reputation, both in domestic markets and internationally. Fake products not only compromise safety but also diminish consumer trust, potentially leading to stricter trade restrictions from global partners. The need for stringent policies, real-time tracking systems, and industry-wide collaboration was echoed by attendees. Experts emphasized the importance of adopting blockchain-enabled traceability solutions and AI-driven authentication systems to monitor supply chains and detect fraud in real-time. However, they also stressed that India must act and evolve with these technologies, particularly in rural areas where authentication practices still rely on traditional methods, such as identifying products by color. In this context, physical overt packaging should also be a key part of the solution, ensuring authenticity is clear and accessible to all consumers, regardless of their location or technological access.

Addressing the forum, Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS & Chairman of the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), acknowledged the valuable work done by ASPA in combating the growing threat of counterfeit products.

“Counterfeiting is a pervasive issue impacting various sectors, including agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and consumer goods. It not only threatens consumer safety but also undermines India’s trade credibility. APEDA appreciates the valuable insights provided in the ASPA-CRISIL report launched in 2022, which highlighted the significant impact of counterfeiting across industries. Reports like these are crucial for the industry, and there is a need for more such studies to help guide efforts to address this challenge. APEDA encourages further collaboration and development of such solutions, as data-driven insights are essential for the industry’s response.”

He continued, “At APEDA, we have been working on traceability systems for organic products under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). We look forward to strengthening these efforts with the integration of advanced authentication technologies such as holograms and QR codes to ensure product integrity. This aligns with the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister Modi to produce the best-quality products in India and ensure they are trusted, both domestically and globally.”

ASPA President, Mr. Manoj Kochar, reinforced the necessity of collaborative efforts to curb counterfeiting, stating, “TAF 2025 has brought together industry leaders and policymakers to drive solutions that protect consumers and ensure fair trade. We are proud to have received support from APEDA to enhance traceability and secure India’s position as a trusted global exporter.” He also emphasized the importance of raising consumer awareness, both domestically and internationally, as a critical step in protecting their safety and supporting brand integrity. He further announced that ASPA will soon be launching the State of Counterfeiting in India 2025, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to research-driven advocacy and industry-wide action.

The discussions at TAF 2025 highlighted the urgent need for India to adopt a comprehensive approach to combat counterfeiting. Industry leaders called on the government to establish dedicated task forces, enforce stricter penalties for counterfeit trade, and enhance international collaboration on counterfeit prevention. They also emphasized the importance of incentivizing businesses to implement modern authentication technologies to safeguard both domestic markets and exports. With rising global demand for high-quality, traceable products, India is at a critical point to introduce world-class anti-counterfeiting measures. The commitments made at the forum are expected to lead to actionable policy reforms in the coming months, ensuring the competitiveness, safety, and trustworthiness of products in both domestic and international markets.

The forum saw over 200 participants, including 40+ industry leaders, government officials, and technology experts, discussing the latest anti-counterfeiting solutions. Key representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, and major companies from different sectors stressed the need for stronger regulations to tackle counterfeit trade. TAF 2025 concluded with a firm commitment from stakeholders to advocate for robust policies and technological advancements that will protect India’s industries, with the sector now looking to policymakers for decisive action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s business environment.

In a major push to protect India’s

Company News, India, People, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Phyo May Win joins with nearly 24 years of experience and brings extensive expertise in business development.

Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM), India’s largest post-harvest logistics and Agri-solutions Company, has appointed Phyo May Win as the Country Head, Business Development & Strategic Initiatives, SLCM Ltd for its Myanmar operations. In this role, Phyo May Win will be responsible for overseeing SLCM’s operations in Myanmar, driving strategic growth, and strengthening partnerships to enhance the company’s market position. This strategic move aims to expand operations with its implementation of scientific warehousing offerings coupled with Phygital solutions across Agri and non-Agri Commodities in Myanmar. 

An MBA and a certified project management professional, Phyo May Win joins with nearly 24 years of experience, and brings extensive expertise in business development, sales leadership, and strategic growth. She has held key positions with the United Nations (Food & Agriculture Projects), leading hospitality chains (Park Royal, Novotel), and Prudential, where she served as Group Head Sales and Director Sales. She has successfully led diverse teams and driven business transformation in Myanmar.

Speaking on the appointment, Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO, SLCM, expressed “We are delighted to welcome Phyo to the SLCM leadership team to lead Myanmar operations. Her deep understanding of the Myanmar market, coupled with her extensive experience in business development and strategic growth, makes her the ideal leader to drive our next phase of expansion. We look forward to leveraging her expertise to further strengthen SLCM’s footprint in Myanmar and apply our phygital warehousing solutions that have been game-changer in India.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Phyo May Win, Country Head, Business Development & Strategic Initiatives, SLCM Myanmar said “I am excited to join SLCM at such a transformative stage where they are looking to strengthen their presence in the markets outside India. Having a market leadership, SLCM’s innovative phygital model has already set a benchmark in the industry. I look forward to expanding this success in Myanmar by enhancing technological integration, streamlining operations, and delivering greater value to our clients while strengthening SLCM’s position in the region.”

Phyo May Win joins with nearly 24

Agribusiness, Agrotech, India, Start ups, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

KUPL specialises in sustainable collection and management of paddy straw and other agricultural residues, offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional waste disposal methods.

Gruner Renewable Energy, India’s fastest growing renewable energy company, announced its entry into Agritech space with the launch of Kisani Urjaa Pvt. Ltd. (KUPL). Gruner has invested USD 1 Million, in this new venture to revolutionise Indian agriculture through digital innovation and sustainable practices. Committed to enhancing farmer livelihoods, Kisani Urjaa integrates cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions to optimize productivity, streamline agricultural waste management, and provide seamless access to essential farming services.

With India generating approximately 620 million metric tons of agricultural waste annually, only 25-30 per cent is effectively utilized for fodder and energy production. The improper disposal of agricultural residue, particularly stubble burning, remains a major contributor to air pollution and environmental degradation. KUPL aims to address these challenges by introducing efficient agricultural waste management solutions, empowering farmers and promoting sustainability.

Utkarsh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Gruner Group, emphasised the strategic importance of this initiative and said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 underscores agriculture as a pivotal engine of economic development, with an allocation of approx Rs. 1,37,000 crores to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, representing 2.7 per cent of the Union Budget. Initiatives such as the ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ aim to uplift farmers across 100 low agricultural productivity districts. Kisani Urjaa aligns with these national efforts by focusing on boosting agricultural productivity, empowering rural communities, and promoting sustainability.”

He further stated, “The launch of Kisani Urjaa marks a significant step toward transforming Indian agriculture through sustainable and technology-driven solutions. At KUPL, we are committed to providing farmers with efficient agricultural waste management services, helping them clear their fields on time, reduce costs, and adopt eco-friendly practices. We are targeting a revenue of Rs. 100 crores in the financial year 2025-26 which will help us to empower farmers of the country. By integrating digital innovation with grassroots agricultural needs, we aim to create a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for India’s farming communities.”

KUPL specialises in sustainable collection and management of paddy straw and other agricultural residues, offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional waste disposal methods. Their key initiatives include:

•         Field Clearance for Next Crop Cycles: Assisting farmers in preparing their fields promptly for subsequent planting, thereby saving time and reducing labor costs.

•         Environmental Conservation: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices to minimize environmental impact and promote ecological balance.

To further streamline feedstock collection, KUPL has introduced the Kisani Mobile App, a digital platform that seamlessly connects farmers with the company’s services. The app allows farmers to easily register and list their available feedstock, ensuring quick and hassle-free scheduling for residue collection. By providing a convenient and efficient solution, it helps farmers monetise agricultural waste, reduce environmental impact, and enhance their income opportunities. Through this technology-driven approach, KUPL is transforming farm waste into a valuable resource, fostering a more sustainable and profitable future for India’s agricultural sector.

KUPL specialises in sustainable collection and management

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

The natural brewed vinegar developed under this research focuses on utilising traditional fruits with high nutritional and therapeutic value, contributing to value addition in horticultural produce.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has taken another significant step in promoting research-driven agri-innovations by signing a tri-partite agreement with Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), Chandigarh, and Labrose Ayurveda, a Karnal-based company, for the commercialization of Natural Vinegar technology.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU; Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, PSCST; and Ms. Kamini, representative of Labrose Ayurveda, on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Joint Director, PSCST; Dr. Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing & IPR Cell, PAU; and Dr. Urmila Gupta, Head, Department of Microbiology, PAU.

Congratulating Dr. G.S. Kocher, Principal Microbiologist, Department of Microbiology, PAU, on the commercialisation of this innovative technology, Dr Dhatt highlighted PAU’s pioneering role in fermented vinegar research. Dr Kocher, the inventor of the technology, shared that the natural brewed vinegar developed under this research focuses on utilizing traditional fruits with high nutritional and therapeutic value, contributing to value addition in horticultural produce. Apple vinegar, known for its health benefits, is in high demand, and this marks the 10th MoA for PAU’s vinegar technology.

Dr Dharni emphasised that PAU has successfully commercialized several fermentation technologies, producing vinegar from sugarcane, grapes, jamun, and apples. He reiterated PAU’s commitment to bridging the gap between research and industry, ensuring that its scientific advancements reach farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses through strategic commercialisation.

The natural brewed vinegar developed under this

Agribusiness, India, Interaction, Sustainability

The roundtable served as a critical platform to discuss actionable strategies for enhancing gender inclusivity in agriculture, driving sustainable growth, and empowering women as key stakeholders in the sector.

Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, UN World Food Program, today while addressing Roundtable on ‘Advancing Gender-Inclusive Agri Value Chains’, organized by FICCI, jointly with Yara India and Solidaridad Network, emphasised the need for inclusive agricultural functions to create an equitable, efficient, and sustainable food system.

She highlighted that empowering women with comprehensive support mechanisms can drive significant progress in agriculture and ensure long-term food security.

Siraj Hussain, Advisor, Food Processing, FICCI and Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, underscored the crucial role women play in agriculture and livestock industries. He stated that equal participation of women in these sectors is fundamental to achieving a more inclusive and resilient agricultural ecosystem.

 Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia & Country Head, Yara India, stressed the financial challenges faced by women in agriculture. He pointed out that despite their willingness to learn and adopt new practices, women often do not receive adequate financial recognition. Bridging this gap is essential for improving their economic stability and contributions to the sector.

Neha, Senior Manager, Gender (Asia Region), Solidaridad Network Asia Ltd., emphasized the significance of the feminization of the supply chain, which empowers women not just economically but also socially and psychologically. She highlighted the need to ensure financial access and control for women to bring about long-lasting change in the agricultural sector.

A key highlight of the roundtable was the Voices from the Field, where women farmers shared their real-life experiences, contributions, challenges, and success stories. Their testimonies underscored the urgent need for policy interventions, training programs, and workshops to build confidence among women farmers, ensure equal rights and opportunities, and enhance their knowledge of market linkages and industry support to enhance their participation in the agricultural value chain.

The roundtable served as a critical platform to discuss actionable strategies for enhancing gender inclusivity in agriculture, driving sustainable growth, and empowering women as key stakeholders in the sector. It also explored market-driven solutions to empower women in agriculture, highlighted successful initiatives that promote rural livelihoods and gender equality, and examined Ease of Doing Business (EODB) policies to support a more sustainable agribusiness ecosystem in India. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of industry leaders and policymakers to advancing gender equity through targeted interventions, financial inclusion, and skill development initiatives.

The roundtable served as a critical platform

Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, India

 As the technical partner, DroneAcharya will provide hands-on training, while IIT Ropar will contribute its academic expertise to develop specialised training modules and frameworks.

India’s leading drone tech company DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited, in conjunction with IIT Ropar, is all set to shape Nepal’s future drone landscape. They have been selected by Ernst & Young (EY) to execute the “Nepal Drone Ecosystem Acceleration Program,” a World Bank initiative focused on building a comprehensive and sustainable drone infrastructure.

As the lead bidder, EY secured the contract from the World Bank and has collaborated with DroneAcharya and IIT Ropar to execute the project. By combining expertise in consultancy, academia, and technical training, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of drone technology in Nepal across various sectors, including government and private enterprises.

The program is a six-month project designed to assess, strengthen, and integrate drone technologies into Nepal’s national development strategy. As the technical partner, DroneAcharya will provide hands-on training, while IIT Ropar, a leading academic institution, will contribute its academic expertise to develop specialized training modules and frameworks.

The program will begin with an in-depth analysis of Nepal’s current drone ecosystem to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, the consortium will develop a structured framework for drone integration that aligns with global standards. DroneAcharya, as the technical and training partner, will work alongside IIT Ropar to create specialized training modules that cover technical operations, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.

A key aspect of the initiative is training key stakeholders from Nepal’s government agencies. The program includes a Training, which will equip 100 individuals, including policymakers, government officials, and industry leaders, and train the trainer for 25-30 people with advanced drone training. These trained professionals will be pivotal in integrating drone technology into national development strategies.

The project will adhere to international aviation standards, including those set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), ensuring best practices in airspace management, safety, and drone operations. Upon completion, a comprehensive report will outline key findings, challenges, and recommendations for the sustainable development of Nepal’s drone industry.

This partnership signifies a decisive step towards building a robust and innovative drone ecosystem, poised to revolutionize various sectors across the Himalayan nation.

 Speaking about the collaboration, Prateek Srivastava, Founder and Managing Director of DroneAcharya, said, “This initiative demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration. By uniting industry expertise, academic rigor, and strategic consultancy, we’re not just building Nepal’s drone ecosystem; we’re empowering its future. Our vision is to cultivate a self-reliant drone industry in Nepal, equipping businesses and government agencies with the tools for innovation and sustainable growth.”

 As the technical partner, DroneAcharya will provide

Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Foodgrains, R&D

The system utilises advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning models to interrogate datasets across decades of research and trials.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has launched a new AI-powered digital platform that can significantly advance and accelerate hybrid rice breeding and parental selection around the world, contributing to improved food security and sustainable agriculture through the propagation of high-yielding and climate-smart rice hybrids.

Called the Global AI-Hybrid Rice Platform (GAI-HRP), the platform was developed by the IRRI Hybrid Rice Unit with the Hybrid Rice Development Consortium (HRDC). The system utilises advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning models to interrogate datasets across decades of research and trials, and to provide swift and precise identification of optimal hybrid rice combinations based on specific parameters.

Hybrid rice is a type of rice bred from two different parents across rice lines. The combination of parental lines often produces rice plants with ‘hybrid vigor’ or increased yields of up to 30% or more. Many hybrids also showcase various beneficial traits, such as greater tolerance for water stress, shorter maturity, or less reliance on fertilizers. However, the discovery and identification of ideal parental combinations for targeted traits in various ecologies can be slow and tedious, requiring many man-hours and painstaking research.

With the GAI-HRP system, the AI will be able to quickly and accurately predict the highest-yielding F1 rice hybrid combinations using SNP genotypic data of the male and female parental lines, while also considering the various market segments and available historical hybrid datasets. This can significantly help breeders, researchers, and seed companies to determine the best combinations for hybrid rice development by specific traits, environments, and markets.

In addition to optimising yield potential, GAI-HRP also indirectly contributes to sustainable agriculture by identifying low-carbon footprint rice hybrids. This is achieved by considering high-yielding and early-maturing hybrid rice varieties, which require fewer resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the platform is being developed and enhanced to predict the most significant gene panels for targeted hybrid rice traits, helping to improve breeding efficiency and precision.

“The AI platform is utilized to accelerate and take the guesswork out of selecting the most productive and sustainable hybrid combinations for different market segments,” shared Dr Seyed Mahdi Hosseiniyan Khatibi, IRRI Postdoctoral Fellow and lead developer of GAI-HRP. “In the future we hope to expand the platform, adding other AI-driven applications useful for different hybrid rice programs.”

“GAI-HRP would help hybrid rice breeders and scientists to identify potential high-yielding hybrid combinations without the need to make thousands of crosses and grow them in the field,” said Dr. Jauhar Ali, Research Unit Leader for IRRI Hybrid Rice Technology for Industry and Head of HRDC. “This will reduce the amount of work and costs for breeding and contribute to increased global hybrid rice productivity.”

The system utilises advanced artificial intelligence and

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

Urgent development of seed banks, processing units, and streamlined policies is recommended to support industry growth.

Primus Partners has released a comprehensive report titled “Seaweed Farming can touch a million lives”, highlighting the immense potential of seaweed farming to transform India’s coastal economy. Seaweed Farming has the potential to touch a million lives. In fact, the expert estimations are that given the right support to the ecosystem, 4,00,000 families or 1.6 million lives can be positively impacted by seaweed farming. This is a massive growth projection from the current 40,000+ families involved with this ecosystem.

 In terms of revenues, India’s seaweed sector, estimated to be worth Rs 200 crore in 2022, could surge to Rs 3,277 crore within the next 10 years. This growth is driven by rising demand across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biomaterials and agriculture, alongside strong government support and increasing consumer interest in sustainable products.

India’s diverse coastal regions, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Goa, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, present untapped potential for largescale seaweed farming. With rising demand across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture, seaweed farming is poised to become a key driver of India’s blue economy.

However, despite its potential, India currently contributes less than 1% to global seaweed production. The report identifies key challenges, including inconsistent seed quality, logistical bottlenecks, and limited market linkages, which hinder the sector’s growth.

Key Insights from the Report:

Economic Impact: Seaweed farming could generate significant revenue, with farmers earning up to Rs 13.28 lakh per hectare annually from high-value species like Kappaphycus alvarezii.

Challenges for Buyers: Buyers face issues such as inconsistent supply, poor logistics, and lack of contract farming policies, leading to a reliance on imported seaweed.

Farmer Challenges: Coastal farmers struggle with low awareness of farming techniques, environmental risks, and weak market linkages, limiting their adoption of seaweed farming.

Government Initiatives:

The Indian government has taken several steps to promote seaweed farming, including budget allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and initiatives to provide Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and Mudra Loans to farmers. However, the report emphasizes the need for a concrete roadmap focusing on:

Infrastructure Development: Establishing onshore and offshore seed banks, micropropagation facilities, and processing units near cultivation hubs.

Policy Support: Streamlining land leasing and contract farming policies to ensure stable incomes for farmers and reliable supply chains for buyers.

Market Access: Encouraging private investments through fiscal incentives and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to strengthen the seaweed value chain.

India’s leading seaweed buyers include large multinational corporations across the food, pharmaceutical, agriculture (bio-stimulants), and cosmetics industries, as well as small businesses focused on sustainable packaging, biofuels, and agriculture. Additionally, companies specialising in extracting agar, agarose, and carrageenan from red algae purchase significant quantities for use as thickeners and emulsifiers in the food industry.

Dr. Stefan Kraan, Chief Scientific Officer of TSC-Purple Pvt. Ltd., Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu said, “Lakshadweep has emerged as a key location. Typically, the final dry seaweed production per unit of seeds is 5X; however, some regions in Lakshadweep have shown extraordinary results of up to 15X”.

 Abhiram Seth, Managing Director of Aquaagri Processing Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the need to resolve concerns around Kappaphycus, stating, “If the perception issue of Kappaphycus can be solved, seaweed farming can provide livelihood to a million lives.”

Ramakrishnan M, MD, Primus Partners, Author of this report, commented, “Seaweed farming represents a tidal shift in sustainable agriculture, promising not only to bolster India’s blue economy but to fundamentally transform coastal livelihoods. By embracing this untapped resource, we are paving a path towards economic resilience and environmental stewardship for millions.”

The report calls for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and coastal communities to unlock the full potential of seaweed farming. By addressing challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, India can position itself as a global leader in the seaweed industry, driving sustainable economic growth and empowering coastal communities.

Urgent development of seed banks, processing units,

Agribusiness, Supply Chain, Trade, World

New FAO study notes a nearly 40 percent price surge in 2024 due to supply-side disruptions, primarily from unfavourable weather.

World coffee prices reached a multi-year high in 2024 – increasing 38.8 percent on the previous year’s average – mostly driven by inclement weather affecting key producing countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said.

According to an FAO note on global coffee market trends, in December 2024, Arabica, the higher quality coffee favoured in the roast and ground coffee market, was selling at 58 percent up on a year ago, while Robusta, used mainly for instant coffee and blending, saw a price surge of 70 percent in real terms. This marked a narrowing of the price differential between the two varieties for the first time since the mid-1990s.

Rises in 2025 possible

FAO said that coffee export prices may rise further in 2025 if major growing regions experience further significant supply reductions.

Key factors behind the recent price increase include limited export quantities from Viet Nam, reduced output in Indonesia, and adverse weather impacting coffee production in Brazil.

In Viet Nam, prolonged dry weather caused a 20 percent drop in coffee production in the 2023/24, with exports falling by 10 percent for the second consecutive year. Similarly, in Indonesia, coffee production in 2023/24 declined by 16.5 percent year-on-year on the back of excessive rains in April-May 2023 that damaged coffee cherries. Exports dropped by 23 percent.

In Brazil, dry and hot weather conditions prompted successive downward revisions to the 2023/24 production forecast, with official estimates shifting from an anticipated 5.5 percent year-on-year increase to a 1.6 percent decline.

Shipping costs a factor

Higher shipping costs were also found to be one of the factors contributing to the increase in world coffee prices. Early data indicates that in December 2024, the increase in world prices translated into consumers paying 6.6 percent more for their coffee in the United States and 3.75 percent more in the European Union, compared to the same period in 2023.

“The high prices should provide incentives to invest more in technology and research and development in the coffee sector – which relies largely on smallholder farmers – to increase climate resilience,” said Boubaker Ben-Belhassen, Director of FAO’s Markets and Trade Division, adding that climate change is impacting coffee production in the longer term. FAO supports many of the coffee-producing countries to help farmers adopt climate-resilient techniques that also contribute to restoring biodiversity loss.

FAO highlights the importance of market transparency and encourages cooperation among all actors of the value chain to support sustainable growth in the global coffee sector and protect the livelihoods of millions of smallholder producers worldwide.

Key Figures

  • Brazil and Viet Nam together account for nearly 50 percent of world coffee production.
  • Smallholder farmers play a vital role in the coffee industry, accounting for 80 percent of global coffee production.
  • Global coffee production amounts to over $20 billion annually.
  • The value of total coffee trade is estimated at over $25 billion per year.
  • In 2023, world coffee production reached 11 million tonnes.
  • In 2023, coffee export earnings accounted for 33.8 percent of total merchandise exports in Ethiopia, 22.6 percent in Burundi, and 15.4 percent in Uganda.
  • In 2023, the largest coffee importers were the European Union and the United States of America.
  • The global coffee industry generates over $200 billion in annual revenues.

New FAO study notes a nearly 40

Agro Universities, Environment, Sustainability

The project Accelerating Methane Reductions in Rice Production in Southeast Asia (AcceLER) was launched during a three-day consultation workshop held in Makati City, Philippines.

Southeast Asia comprises around a third of the total rice harvest worldwide. It is also home to two of the top rice-exporting countries in the world, Thailand and Viet Nam. However, traditional rice farming methods significantly contribute to methane emissions in agriculture, making it crucial to adopt more sustainable practices in the region.

In response, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through funding from the Global Methane Hub (GMH), has launched a new project aimed at increased adoption of low-emission rice practices, and monitoring of greenhouse gas emission reduction progress toward 2030 goals.

The project Accelerating Methane Reductions in Rice Production in Southeast Asia (AcceLER) was launched during a three-day consultation workshop held in Makati City, Philippines, from March 11 to 13, 2025.

“While the rice industry must continue to meet the needs of the growing populations, it is important to recognize that the actions we take today will shape the future of our farmers, food security, and the health of our planet. This calls for exploring and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that are not only effective but also accessible, scalable, and beneficial to those who need them most,” said Philippine Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Christopher Morales to open the event.

The project seeks to develop national roadmaps that achieve an aspirational 15 percent reduction in methane emissions in the rice sector by 2030, and to mainstream Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, including remote sensing-enabled approaches. The project also intends to enable capacity sharing with national agencies on methane mitigation actions, MRV, and nationally determined contributions (NDC) planning.

“Countries formulate greenhouse gas mitigation targets to 2030, including for the rice sector. However, the data that the countries have to design these targets is very limited. We tried to provide some information, and evidence-based analyses that give the countries a better data foundation to formulate their targets,” said Dr. Bjoern Ole Sander, IRRI Country Representative to Thailand, and the focal person for climate change research.

One of the ways to ensure the attainment of these NDCs is through the adoption of MRV systems. “This project has an important objective of contributing to that process, helping our partners to have robust, reliable, credible MRV to measure these activities and progress in terms of reducing GHG emissions,” said Dr. Alisher Mirzabaev, IRRI Senior Scientist I for Policy Analysis and Climate Change. Drs. Sander and Mirzabaev are among the main proponents of the AcceLER Project.

“Food security is of prime importance, and rice is a global staple. So, in this project, we don’t need to reduce production levels but increase production levels while reducing the methane associated with it,” said Dr. Kofi Konadu Boateng, Program Officer at the Global Methane Hub.

The workshop also provided a platform to assess regulations and practices that influence GHG emissions in rice, develop and improve rice emission MRV systems, and identify rice sector financing and carbon market opportunities that support climate change mitigation.

The project Accelerating Methane Reductions in Rice

Agribusiness, Company News, India, People

Suresh Rajagopalan will assume the role of Group CTO of Samunnati and CEO of the subsidiary company Samunnati Agri Innovation Labs (SAIL). 

Samunnati, India’s pioneering agri-value chain enabler, has appointed a new Group Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to drive innovation through technology-led solutions for the agri ecosystem. Suresh Rajagopalan will assume the role of Group CTO of Samunnati and CEO of the subsidiary company Samunnati Agri Innovation Labs (SAIL). 

Suresh Rajagopalan brings over 30 years of expertise in banking, payments, and fintech, having held key leadership roles at global banks, Infosys, and FSS Solutions. Most recently, he served as CEO of WIBMO, a cross-border PayTech solutions company acquired by Naspers-backed PayU.

On his appointment, Anil Kumar SG, Founder, Samunnati said, “Suresh, with his expertise in technology, platform development, and financial services, will drive Samunnati’s digital transformation, spearheading innovations and enabling access to innovative solutions across the value chain players through SAIL, to scale technology-led solutions for the agri ecosystem, ultimately enhancing efficiency, productivity, and livelihoods of small-holder farmers”

Samunnati has been at the forefront of introducing efficiencies in the agricultural value chain, by leveraging emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance productivity and sustainability within the agri ecosystem. SAIL, its subsidiary, is focused on deepening market linkages in the agriculture supply chain, driving innovation, and scaling technology-driven solutions through partnerships and platform-based engagements with agriculture ecosystem players. SAIL’s vision is to establish a leadership position in digital agriculture by building and scaling transformative solutions.

Suresh Rajagopalan will assume the role of

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Collaborations, India, Interaction, Live Stock, Poultry

The seminar served as a pivotal platform, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to collectively chart the future course for India’s poultry sector.

The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India successfully convened Poultry Seminar 2025 on March 6, 2025, at Rosewood Hall, The Park Hotel, Kolkata — one in a series of regional seminars being held across key cities in India. The seminar served as a pivotal platform, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to collectively chart the future course for India’s poultry sector. Cantered around the theme, “Poultry Scenario – What Lies Ahead,” the discussions addressed pressing issues such as sustainability, feed security, and policy reforms, all of which are essential to ensuring the sector’s long-term resilience and sustainable growth.

Setting the tone for the day, Sumit Sureka, Deputy Chairman, CLFMA of India, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the poultry sector’s critical contribution to India’s food and nutritional security and its deep integration with the country’s broader agricultural economy. His remarks emphasised the urgent need for innovation, policy cohesion, and diversified feed strategies to navigate supply-side pressures, rising input costs, and regulatory uncertainties.

The seminar featured a dedicated session led by. Amit Sachdev and Reece Cannady of the U.S. Grains Council, offering valuable insights into global feed stock trends and presenting U.S. sorghum as a potential alternative feed ingredient for the Indian poultry industry. Their analysis underscored the importance of diversifying feed sources to enhance cost-efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Dr Harsh Kumar Shetty, General Manager, Venkateshwara Hatcheries, provided a comprehensive update on the current state of India’s poultry sector, outlining key challenges and emerging opportunities that will define the industry’s future. His presentation offered a sharp assessment of market trends, policy gaps, and the critical need for technology adoption across the value chain.

Moderated by Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India, the seminar’s panel discussion convened leading voices including:

●       Sameer Agarwal, Managing Director, Shalimar Group

●       Madan Mohan Maithy, General Secretary, WBPF

●       Naveen Pasuparthy, President, KPFBA

●       Neeraj Kumar Srivastava, Past Chairman, CLFMA of India

●       Sumit Sureka, Deputy Chairman, CLFMA of India

“India’s livestock and poultry industries are at a turning point, shaped by evolving market demands, sustainability imperatives, and global supply chain shifts. At CLFMA, we recognise that fostering industry-wide dialogue is crucial—not just to address immediate challenges, but to shape a long-term, resilient future. Knowledge-sharing platforms like these are part of a larger effort to create a more integrated and forward-looking sector. We are committed to driving similar initiatives across the country, ensuring that key industry voices—from feed and nutrition to production and policy—are aligned in building a stronger, more self-sufficient ecosystem for India’s protein economy”, said Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India.

The panel explored regulatory complexities, market access hurdles, technological disruptions, and the growing imperative for sustainable and climate-resilient poultry practices. The discussion reiterated the importance of a unified, solutions-driven industry voice to engage policymakers, drive innovation, and secure the sector’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The seminar served as a pivotal platform,