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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,

Agribusiness, Company News

Coromandel International confirmed the final arrangements to purchase the majority of NACL Industries (NACL) had been signed

An Indian participant in crop protection, NACL sells technicals to important parts of the world, has a significant branded formulation business in home markets, and participates in contract production with multinational agrochemical businesses.

In exchange for Rs 820 crore at a price of Rs 76.7 per share, Coromandel plans to purchase a 53 per cent stake in NACL Industries from the current promoter, KLR Products. In accordance with the SEBI Takeover Regulations, Coromandel also plans to launch an open offer to the general public to purchase up to 26 per cent of the company’s equity share capital. The proposed deal is anticipated to be completed in the upcoming months, pending regulatory approvals.

presence in the domestic formulation market, the proposed acquisition will establish Coromandel as one of the top companies in the Indian crop protection sector. Additionally, this will help Coromandel grow its business, enter the contract manufacturing market more quickly, commercialize new products more quickly, and broaden its product line.

In addition to having a centralized R&D facility close to Hyderabad, NACL Industries runs technical and formulation factories in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, NACL’s subsidiary has made an investment in a technical facility in Dahej that can produce active ingredients. It has been providing contract manufacturing services for more than 20 years and has formed strong alliances with important international players. With a presence throughout India, the company has a significant brand presence in the local formulations market.

Coromandel International confirmed the final arrangements to

Award, Carbon Farming, Environment, Nature, R&D, Soil Health, Sustainability

Nadia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), affiliated with Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya and under the jurisdiction of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first Net Zero certified Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

Nadia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), affiliated with Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya and under the jurisdiction of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first Net Zero certified Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). This groundbreaking accomplishment follows a pioneering MoU between ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, and Inhana Organic Research Foundation (IORF), Kolkata, and was officially recognized with the Sustainable Agriculture Carbon Footprint Certificate by the UK-based i-NoCarbon Limited.

The certificate was unveiled by Dr A.K. Patra, Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, during the 19th Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting of Nadia KVK, in the presence of Shri S. Arun Prasad, IAS, District Magistrate of Krishnanagar; Dr Avijit Samanta, SDO, Kalyani; Dr P. Das Biswas, Director, IORF; and Dr S.B. Goswami, Director, DEE, BCKV.

Dr Patra praised the team for achieving an impressive net carbon footprint of (-) 74.99 metric tonnes of CO₂e, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. He stated that this achievement positions Nadia KVK as a groundbreaking “Make in India” initiative, setting a global standard for Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) projects.

Dr Biswas attributed the success to the Clean Food Net Zero (CFNZ) Model, which promotes pesticide-free farming and uses Novcom compost to reduce emissions while enhancing carbon sequestration in perennial plants. He emphasized that the KVK Net Zero Model, combined with the CFNZ Program, provides a scalable framework for CSR, Net Zero compliance, carbon credits, and soil restoration.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, discussed the significance of ACFA Version 1.0, India’s first indigenous carbon computing framework. ACFA integrates international standards such as IPCC guidelines, the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1, and PAS 2050 to ensure precise carbon assessment. Dr Dey also highlighted the improvements made in ACFA Version 2.0, which supports enhanced footprint assessments and sustainability initiatives like the Regenerative Tea Initiative.

This pioneering effort is poised to serve as a model for the 731 KVKs across India, driving a nationwide shift toward a greener, more sustainable, and resilient agricultural future.

Nadia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), affiliated with

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, World

PROSIDIUM™ debuts as a novel solution to control pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses, including viral challenges in poultry and swine production.

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, launched a new feed pathogen control solution, PROSIDIUM™ at VIV Asia in Bangkok, Asia’s largest feed and animal production tradeshow.

Designed to help raw material and animal feed producers to produce safe animal feed, PROSIDIUM™ is based on powerful and novel peroxy acids and has undergone several years of research and development. This unique and patent pending feed pathogen control solution was innovatively designed to help the industry mitigate risks from Salmonella and viruses and increase the standard to produce clean and safe feed and food.

“As the world population grows, more feed is needed to raise healthy livestock and poultry. PROSIDIUM™ is the culmination of our extensive research and innovative chemistry to create a powerful solution to safeguard feed biosecurity,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries. “For decades, the feed industry has had two chemical options to manage feed biosecurity, primarily consisting of blends of organic acids or formaldehyde. PROSIDIUM™ combines the effective attributes of both and is a new, groundbreaking antimicrobial solution for the industry.”

Inspired by the Latin word “praesidium,” meaning protection or defense, PROSIDIUM™ creates a new antimicrobial class for the industry. It is based on peroxy acids, which break up the cell membrane of pathogens, leading to an immediate reduction of Salmonella risk and viral transmission through animal feed. The residual acids continue to protect the feed. PROSIDIUM™ presents an innovative way to mitigate pathogen risks and directly raises the market standards that lead to enhanced biosecurity practices, healthier livestock production, and safer animal protein production.

“Kemin believes raising healthy animals is paramount to food safety and human health, which is the driving force behind our rigorous research and ongoing innovations to keep animals healthy and profitably high for our customers,” said Stefaan Van Dyck, Group President, Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health. “Responsible feed safety is an integral component of the feed to food chain and is required for consumers and in feeding a global population.”

The ingredients of PROSIDIUM™ have received regulatory approval in several geographies, including Brazil and South Asia region. Regulatory work is underway in several regions, including Asia Pacific, South Africa, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. PROSIDIUM™ comes with the support of Kemin’s application solutions group, which has designed a dedicated and convenient application system to secure a uniform product distribution over the feed surface.

PROSIDIUM™ debuts as a novel solution to

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, India, R&D

Insecticide AYAKA has undergone rigorous testing for over two years across multiple states in India.

JU Agri Sciences Pvt. Ltd., a leading provider of crop protection and crop nutrition solutions backed by the Jhaver Group, has launched its first in-house developed patented insecticide, “AYAKA”, in key Rabi paddy-growing markets across India. This innovative product, equipped with patented synergistic technology, offers an advanced triple-combination solution for effectively managing Stem Borer and Leaf Folder in paddy crops.

Developed after years of extensive research, AYAKA is powered by Quad Force, a unique technology designed to provide superior pest control, improved yield, and enhanced crop quality for paddy growers. With this launch, JU Agri Sciences reaffirms its commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to the farming community.

The product has been introduced across key markets in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with successful launch events held in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Sindhanuru, and Trichy.

Speaking at the grand launch event in Kolkata, Anand Mundhra, President, JU Agri Sciences Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the company’s strong focus on research and innovation, “At JU Agri Sciences, we are continuously investing in R&D and pioneering new technologies. After four years of dedicated efforts, we are proud to introduce our first patented solution- AYAKA. This is just the beginning of our commitment to providing farmers with cutting-edge solutions. We are building a strong pipeline of future-ready products to address the evolving challenges in agriculture.”

Satyajeet Singh, Vice President, JU Agri Sciences, highlighted the company’s focus on sustainable agriculture, “Our mission is to deliver advanced, cost-effective solutions for farmers. We have already introduced biological and organic products like Ecomax and JU-Potash 2000 to improve soil health and higher production without increasing cultivation cost. Now, with AYAKA, we are stepping forward in crop protection, ensuring farmers get the best possible defense against harmful pests while maximizing their yield.”

Parveen Singh Chambial, AVP-Marketing, underscored India’s potential in paddy production, “India cultivates more than 1000 lakh acres of rice, making it one of the largest rice-producing nations. However, farmers often face challenges such as yield loss due to multiple insect pests, putting farmers in greater dilemma. AYAKA offers a wide spectrum, powerful and cost-effective Insect protection solution designed to enhance productivity, ensuring better returns for farmers while supporting sustainable rice cultivation.”

Pushpendra Salarpuriya, Product Manager, JU Agri Sciences, detailed the extensive field trials conducted before the launch, “AYAKA has undergone rigorous testing for over two years across multiple states in India. Its exceptional performance against stem borer and leaf folder makes it a game-changer for paddy growers. We are confident that this powerful solution will significantly contribute to protecting rice crops and boosting farmer profitability.”

Insecticide AYAKA has undergone rigorous testing for

India, Supply Chain, Trade, Transportation, Warehousing

The project will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s best performing port, has signed the Concession Agreement with SPV floated by M/s Trident Agrocom Exports Private Limited and M/s Man Infraconstruction Limited (Consortium) for the development of an Export-Import cum Domestic Agricultural Commodity-Based Processing and Storage Facility at JNPA. The project, valued at approximately Rs 285 Crores, will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson of JNPA, stated that the signing of this agreement marks a significant step in enhancing port-led industrial development. Chairman highlighted that since there is no integrated agro-based storage and processing facility in any Indian port currently, this project has been conceptualized as first of its kind facility and at par with global facilities which will strengthen agro-trade, create new business opportunities, and boost India’s agricultural exports. He further reaffirmed JNPA’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure to strengthen the logistics and supply chain ecosystem.

The proposed first of its kind state-of-the-art facility, planned on 27 acres of land at JNPA, is free from Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) constraints. It is designed to handle approximately 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually, ensuring efficient processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory testing to meet food safety and trade compliance standards. The facility will offer comprehensive storage solutions, including cold storage, pre-cooling, frozen storage, and dry warehouses under one roof, which will significantly reduce post-harvest losses. It will cater to a diverse range of agricultural commodities, including perishable goods like meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as non-perishable items such as non-basmati rice, maize, and marine products and spices. The facility will leverage advances technology, including shelf-life enhancement techniques, modern preservation methods, and automated processing systems to ensure optimal quality, reduce post-harvest and transit losses and enhance the efficiency of agricultural trade.  To support seamless logistics, the facility will also include an export packhouse, extensive loading and unloading zones, administrative facilities, and green spaces for sustainability. Also to improve the overall efficiency of the facility and the Port, facilities including custom clearances and food testing and certification are envisaged to be provided in the facility. This facility will also act as a local distribution hub for the domestic and the import agricultural commodities.

In December 2024, JNPA issued the Letter of Award to M/s Trident Agrocom Exports Private Limited and M/s Man Infraconstruction Limited (Consortium). This landmark initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring food safety compliance, and boosting agricultural exports, thereby strengthening India’s global agricultural trade. This facility will also promote movement of agricultural commodities through coastal routes.

The project will be developed under the