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Agribusiness, India

Over 70 per cent of women-led FPOs focus on consulting, market services, and advisory roles, while the rest are engaged in direct farm production.

Women in agriculture are leading a transformation in India’s rural economy. The number of women-led Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) has grown by 128 per cent in the last two years within Arya.ag. Today, over 50,000 women are directly engaged in these FPOs, strengthening rural economies through collective enterprise. This expansion is creating new opportunities for financial independence, market access, and leadership in agribusiness.

Women’s participation in these FPOs is significant. Nine out of ten shareholders in these organisations are women, demonstrating a shift towards inclusive and equitable business models. Nearly 44 per cent of these FPOs are based in Maharashtra, followed by Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with increasing presence in Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

The business models of these organisations are evolving. Over 70 per cent of women-led FPOs focus on consulting, market services, and advisory roles, while the rest are engaged in direct farm production. This diversification highlights how women are influencing key agricultural decisions beyond cultivation.

“Women farmers are no longer just contributors to agriculture. They are financial decision-makers, business strategists, and key players in supply chains,” said Prasanna Rao, CEO of Arya.ag. “By providing access to finance, storage, and reliable market connections, we are supporting the rise of women-led agribusiness.”

The impact goes beyond financial gains. Many of these women-led FPOs have helped smallholder farmers increase incomes by improving price realisation and reducing post-harvest losses. Reshma Kumari from Dehayat FPO in Bihar shared her experience, “Our FPO had become inactive, but with the support of Arya.ag, we have transformed into a self-sustaining model. Farmer incomes have increased four times, and we now have access to better markets”.

Women’s contributions to agriculture extend far beyond farming. They are leading in agritech, finance, supply chain management, and rural entrepreneurship. Women professionals are playing crucial roles in agricultural innovation, from developing digital finance solutions to managing large-scale agri-business operations. Their expertise in human resources, technology, and policy-making is shaping a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector.

Sunita Waghmare, Chairperson of Navi Umed FPC Ltd, shares the inspiring journey of their Farmer Producer Company, which began with 3,500 women and has now reached a turnover of 6.5 crores. She discusses how they started with trading in turmeric and soybean, despite having little experience in the market. Sunita credits Arya.ag for their significant support in teaching them about quality parameters and market standards, which were essential to their success.

With greater control over their agricultural enterprises, women are improving price realisation, reducing risks, and strengthening supply chains. The rise of these FPOs is not just about numbers but about real impact—ensuring that rural women gain economic stability and long-term sustainability.

This Women’s Day, the rapid growth of women-led FPOs underscores a fundamental shift in Indian agriculture. As more women step into leadership roles, they are redefining rural economic growth and shaping the future of agribusiness.

Over 70 per cent of women-led FPOs

AgroPolicy, Collaborations, India, Start ups

The event will showcase sectoral pavilions focused on AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech and Mobility.

 To accelerate its vision for – Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story –organizing committee members of Startup Mahakumbh supported by The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has scheduled an evening of innovation and startups at Vanijya Bhawan with attendees panning across the globe.

To foster collaboration at a global scale, the evening is set to witness delegates from 50+ countries to witness the scale of world’s largest congregation of startups in India at the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh slated to be held at Bharat Mandapam from April 3-5, 2025.

Igniting a New Era of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the landmark event – Startup Mahakumbh – will aim to shape the future of India’s startup ecosystem with a focus on a self-reliant and innovative Viksit Bharat by 2047. The event will showcase sectoral pavilions focused on AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech and Mobility. Each pavilion will host sector-based exhibitions, conference sessions, master classes, pitching opportunities, roundtables, etc., to facilitate global exposure and opportunities for startups.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, states, “By fostering an innovation-driven culture, this evening will play an integral role in shaping the future of disruptive Indian entrepreneurs. With delegates from over 50 countries, Startup Mahakumbh will be an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the breadth and potential of India’s startup ecosystem on a global stage.”

Asserting the position of India as a key figure in the global startup ecosystem, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “The evening will help showcase the expanse of India’s startup ecosystem at a convivial yet innovative evening. Ambassadors, Consulates, Deputy High Commissioners, alongside many others from countries such as Italy, Spain, Brazil, Korea, Sri Lanka, among others will help in bridging global networks and fostering collaboration among startups and key stakeholders.”

Archana Jahagirdar, Founding & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital and member of the Organizing Committee at Startup Mahakumbh, said, “Startup Mahakumbh is a remarkable initiative that brings together the best of global innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. It is exciting to witness India’s vibrant startup ecosystem on such a grand stage. This evening provides a unique platform to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and collaborate, driving growth and creating opportunities for disruptive startups to thrive on a global scale.”

The event will showcase sectoral pavilions focused

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India, Inputs, Seeds

For the nine months ended on December 31, 2024, the Company registered sales of Rs 1,19,732.9 million, as compared to Rs. 1,04,075.1 million for the corresponding period of the previous year.

BASF India Limited, registered sales of Rs. 37,586.7 million for the third quarter, which ended on December 31, 2024, as compared to Rs. 33,262.6 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, representing an increase of 13 per cent.

The Company reported Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 1,377.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 1,874.0 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

For the nine months ended on December 31, 2024, the Company registered sales of Rs. 1,19,732.9 million, as compared to Rs. 1,04,075.1 million for the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of 15%. Profit before tax (before exceptional items) stood at Rs. 5,918.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, compared to Profit Before Tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 5,395.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 for the corresponding period of the previous year. Profit after tax (after exceptional items) stood at Rs. 4,521.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to Profit after tax (after exceptional items) of Rs. 4,018.4 million reported in the corresponding period of the previous year.

“Despite the challenging market condition in Q3, the Company reported revenue growth in Agricultural Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Materials, Surface Technologies and Chemicals segments, largely driven by higher volumes. However, this growth was impacted by higher input costs,” said Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India Limited.

For the nine months ended on December

Agribusiness, Farm Mechanisation, Finance, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

This marks the highest-ever sales figure for the company in February, along with the highest Year-to-Date (YTD) domestic sales for Feb 2025.

 India’s leading tractor manufacturer company, Sonalika Tractors has achieved a significant milestone in Feb 2025, recording 10,493 tractor sales in total, including both domestic and export markets. This marks the highest-ever sales figure for the company in February, along with the highest Year-to-Date (YTD) domestic sales for Feb 2025.

Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director of International Tractors (Sonalika and Solis), shared his excitement about the success in a LinkedIn post. He stated, “As we continue to transform farmers’ aspirations into achievements in every season with our heavy-duty tractors, it feels elated to have recorded a fantastic February overall sale of 10,493 tractors. Our growth trajectory in India has beaten industry performance & we have peaked with the highest ever YTD February’25 sales as we consistently fulfil the responsibility of delivering advanced farm technologies that increase farmers’ productivity.”

Mittal further emphasised Sonalika’s commitment to supporting farmers of all scales, stating, “From small to mega farms, our vision remains to transform the farming landscape with our customised farm tech solutions. We will do everything to make sure that no farmer is left behind in leveraging new farm technologies and earning a sustainable future.”

This marks the highest-ever sales figure for

Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, R&D

With a capacity of 3 tons per batch, it effectively reduces the moisture content of freshly harvested maize from 25 per cent to 14 per cent, ensuring safe storage.

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been granted a patent for its Portable Maize Dryer, designed by the Department of Processing and Food Engineering in collaboration with Dr Gursahib Singh (ADR, Retired, FMPE). Developed in response to a 2016 request from the Secretary of Agriculture, Punjab, this innovative dryer was conceptualised and designed by Dr Mahesh Kumar and Dr Satish Kumar as per international standards and fabricated by NU Tech Dairy Engineers, Ambala under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PAU.

Giving details, Dr Mahesh Kumar informed that the dryer is mounted on a trolley platform, is portable and highly efficient, making it ideal for rural areas where grain drying is a challenge. “With a capacity of 3 tons per batch, it effectively reduces the moisture content of freshly harvested maize from 25 per cent to 14 per cent, ensuring safe storage. It can be operated using a 35 HP tractor PTO or a 15-kW electric power source. The drying unit features a three-pass indirect heating diesel-fired furnace, consuming 3-4 litres of diesel per hour. Designed with modern controllers, including a VFD system, waste heat recovery unit, automated temperature control (50°C-90°C), and a flame-based optical sensor, the dryer ensures precision heating and energy efficiency, Dr Mahesh Kumar informed.

Dr Satish Kumar further elaborated that the PAU Portable Maize Dryer has undergone successful field testing since December 2016. It was demonstrated at Rajpura New Grain Market for three consecutive years, where PAU operated it to dry maize grain for farmers at its own cost. The dried maize consistently showed above 90% germination quality, proving its effectiveness. The PAU Research Evaluation Committee approved this technology in 2017, recognising its potential to transform post-harvest drying practices by providing efficient, mobile, and cost-effective grain drying solutions.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Dr. A.S. Dhatt (Director of Research), Dr. Manjit Singh (Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology), and Dr. T.C. Mittal (Head of Department) congratulated the team of scientists for their significant contribution to agricultural innovation.

With a capacity of 3 tons per

Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, R&D, World

The combined Sollum-Leaficient solution leverages Leaficient’s cutting-edge plant monitoring technology to measure photosynthetic efficiency and adjust light intensity accordingly.

Sollum Technologies and Leaficient are pioneering a breakthrough technology that redefines how LED lighting adapts to plant growth. Today’s traditional lighting strategies rely on Daily Light Integral (DLI) as the primary metric for optimizing plant growth, based on the premise that plants absorb and use light with the same efficiency throughout the day and at all growth stages. However, recent research has shown that plant productivity can change significantly based on a myriad of factors relating to the environment, resources provided and internal biological processes. In response, Sollum and Leaficient are collaborating to develop the first closed-loop, plant-adaptive dynamic lighting system, which adjusts lighting in real time based on plant productivity and growth rates.

Sollum and Leaficient introduce the first closed-loop, plant-adaptive dynamic lighting system, which adjusts lighting in real time based on plant productivity and growth rates. The combined Sollum-Leaficient solution leverages Leaficient’s cutting-edge plant monitoring technology to measure photosynthetic efficiency and adjust light intensity accordingly. (CNW Group/Sollum Technologies)

“Today’s lighting strategies are outdated because they don’t take into account the actual efficiency of light absorption by plants,” said François R-Moisan, CTO and co-founder of Sollum Technologies. “Growers are often paying for photons that plants are not using effectively. By integrating Leaficient’s real-time plant measurement technology with our dynamic LED lighting solution, we can now ensure that every photon is maximally utilized—boosting yields while reducing energy costs.”

A new era in dynamic lighting

 This closed-loop approach ensures that plants receive the exact amount of light they need, precisely when they need it, eliminating unnecessary energy costs and optimizing growth conditions for any crop varieties.

“The future of horticultural lighting isn’t just about delivering more light—it’s about delivering the right light at the right time,” said Brian Stancil, co-founder and CEO of Leaficient. “By focusing on real-time plant productivity rather than static lighting schedules, we’re not just improving efficiency—we’re transforming how growers manage their crops.”

This groundbreaking collaboration between Sollum and Leaficient marks a paradigm shift in controlled environment agriculture with the first plant-aware dynamic lighting solution that maximizes both yield and sustainability.

Industry disruption with real-world impact

For greenhouse and vertical farm operators, this innovation offers a compelling alternative to legacy lighting strategies that often rely on static schedules and overcompensate with excessive energy consumption. Instead, Sollum and Leaficient offer an intelligent lighting system that adapts to the biological rhythms of crops to ensure optimal performance at every stage of development. Beyond optimizing lighting efficiency, this breakthrough will enable precise control over crop development—triggering fruiting and flowering at optimal times or even enhancing specific nutrient and flavor profiles.

The combined Sollum-Leaficient solution leverages Leaficient’s cutting-edge

Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Start ups, Trade

The acquisition will give Innoterra access to Fasal’s 85,000-acre farmer network and drive projected revenue growth of 30-35 per cent.

Swiss Indian agri tech platform Innoterra it has acquired the fresh produce distribution business of Fasal, a precision agriculture and digital farming company, to expand its presence in Bengaluru and Chandigarh.

The acquisition will give Innoterra access to Fasal’s 85,000-acre farmer network, which is expected to double its distribution routes and drive projected revenue growth of 30-35 per cent, mentioned the company.

“We will continue pursuing strategic acquisitions to scale our business while prioritising operational efficiency and financial sustainability. By tapping into Fasal’s farmer network, particularly in bananas and pomegranates, Innoterra expects up to an 80 per cent increase in fruit distribution”, said Avinash Kasinathan Innoterra India Business Head and Managing Director.

The company plans to extend its Farmlink platform into non-perishables and staples such as rice and spices, Kasinathan added.

“This transition allows us to sharpen our focus on precision agriculture, driving smarter and more sustainable farming solutions”,said Fasal Co-Founder and CEO Shailendra Tiwari.

Following the acquisition, Fasal will focus on advancing its precision agriculture technologies and expanding farmer support initiatives. The company did not disclose the financial details of the deal.

The acquisition will give Innoterra access to

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, India

The company opened a second manufacturing plant to ensure a steady supply of high-quality Bentonite Sulphur fertilisers to the farmers.

Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions providers, has inaugurated its second Sulphur manufacturing plant at its Visakhapatnam facility in Andhra Pradesh.

Visakhapatnam site is the company’s wholly backward integrated unit and produces approximately 12 LMT of complex fertilisers along with Phosphoric acid and Sulphuric acid. The site also hosts a Sulphur Fertiliser plant with 25000 MT production capacity. With the inauguration of this new plant, the company’s Sulphur fertiliser capacity is doubled, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality bentonite Sulphur fertilisers to the farmers.

This expansion marks a significant step in strengthening Coromandel’s presence in the specialty nutrients market, reinforcing its commitment to Indian agriculture. The event was graced by S Sankarasubramanian, MD & CEO, Coromandel International Limited, Avinash Thakur, Business Head, Specialty Nutrient and Organic Fertilisers, and other senior team members.

Sulphur is an essential nutrient for plant growth, playing a crucial role in protein synthesis, enzyme function, and overall crop productivity. In India, Sulphur deficiency is a growing concern due to factors like intensive cropping, imbalanced fertiliser use, and declining organic matter in soil. By increasing its Bentonite Sulphur capacity, Coromandel aims to provide Indian farmers with high-quality, affordable, and sustainable nutrient solutions to improve soil health and maximize yields.

The new plant is equipped with advanced German technology and capabilities to fortify Sulphur fertilisers with multiple micronutrients, addressing the evolving nutrient deficiencies in Indian soil. Beyond production, this facility also sets the stage for research and development for introducing new Sulphur variants designed to meet the crop and geography specific needs of Indian agriculture.

Speaking at the inauguration, S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer – Coromandel International Limited said, “At Coromandel we believe in delivering innovative and sustainable Agri solutions to the farmers. By continuously augmenting our infrastructure and expanding capacities, we are ensuring a steady supply of fertilisers that promote long-term soil health and at the same time enhance productivity.  Over the next 4-5 years, this plant will play a crucial role in effectively meeting the growing demand for Bentonite Sulphur fertilisers across India. This milestone aligns with our long-term vision of advancing agricultural growth through technology and farmer-focused initiatives.”

Coromandel’s broader vision to drive agricultural innovation, support sustainable farming practices beyond the NPKs and DAP is depicted through the Sulphur capacity expansion at the Visakhapatnam. With this initiative, Coromandel reaffirms its leadership in providing science-backed, farmer-centric solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the agriculture sector.

The Company clocked a turnover of Rs. 22,290 Crores during FY23-24. Its efforts towards environment have been well recognized by international organizations like UNDP and has also been voted as one of the ten greenest companies in India by TERI. Coromandel is a part of the Rs 778 billion (Rs 77,881 Crores) of the Murugappa Group.

The company opened a second manufacturing plant

Agro Universities, India, People

Dr Pathak has served as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Renowned agricultural scientist Dr Himanshu Pathak assumed charge today as the Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, the only international agricultural research center in India. Dr Pathak brings a wealth of experience to ICRISAT, having served as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Dr Pathak completed his BSc (Ag.) from Banaras Hindu University in 1986 and earned his MSc and PhD in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in 1988 and 1992, respectively. His distinguished career spans roles such as Director of the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, and Director of the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, India.  Pathak has also been a visiting scientist at the University of Essex, UK, and the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Germany.

ICRISAT is a premier drylands agricultural research institute dedicated to uplifting smallholder farmers and ensuring food security in semi-arid tropics worldwide. Operating extensively in some of the most challenging environments in East and Southern Africa, as well as West and Central Africa, ICRISAT is committed to elevating crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability—vital to dryland communities’ prosperity. This steadfast commitment profoundly affects millions in the world’s most challenging agricultural regions.

For over five decades, the institute has pioneered cost-effective and scalable solutions empowering farming communities through advanced research, technology, and partnerships. From the world’s first pigeonpea hybrid to early maturing groundnut to Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet and more, ICRISAT’s legacy and continued focus on key semi-arid crops, like cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, addresses farmers’ diverse challenges – from adapting to climate change to bolstering soil health, water management, and market connections.

Dr Pathak’s appointment as the Director General marks a significant milestone for ICRISAT as it continues to build resilient, sustainable agri-food systems for the most vulnerable across Asia, Africa, and beyond. His strategic vision and proven leadership are expected to drive forward ICRISAT’s mission, setting new benchmarks in agricultural innovation and global food security.

Dr Pathak has served as Secretary of

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Finance, Seeds, World

EBITDA before special items at Crop Science decreased by 14.2 percent to 4.325 billion euros, mainly due to significant price declines in the crop protection business.

The Bayer Group achieved its adjusted guidance for 2024. “We have three great businesses, with attractive long-term prospects,” CEO Bill Anderson said at the Financial News Conference. Sales at Crop Science decreased by 2.0 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 22.259 billion euros. Business was primarily impacted by lower prices in the crop protection business driven by competitive pricing pressure. Lower volumes in seeds and traits due to lower planted area were offset by volume growth in crop protection. Sales in Latin America were down due to lower planted corn area and reduced crop protection prices. By contrast, North America delivered slightly higher sales driven by higher crop protection volumes and soybean planted area, partially offset by lower corn planted area.

EBITDA before special items at Crop Science decreased by 14.2 percent to 4.325 billion euros, mainly due to significant price declines in the crop protection business. Earnings were also impacted by higher provisions for the Group-wide short-term incentive (STI) program as well as inflationary cost increases, whereas the cost of goods sold improved due to efficiencies, especially for crop protection products. There was also a positive currency effect of 37 million euros (2023: 103 million euros). The EBITDA margin before special items declined by 2.3 percentage points to 19.4 percent.

The plan to boost profitability at Crop Science centres around key measures regarding the product portfolio, research and development, production, commercial and enabling functions, totalling more than one billion euros in annual earnings contributions by 2029. It also includes a far-reaching cash productivity program. Bayer is targeting above-market growth for Crop Science during the coming years, with more than 3.5 billion euros of incremental sales from innovation by 2029. By the same year, the division is targeting an EBITDA margin before special items in the mid-20s percentage. “We recognise the need to take action, our team has a plan, and they’ve got what it takes to deliver,” Bill Anderson said.

EBITDA before special items at Crop Science

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, Animal Husbandry, India, Live Stock

The Pashu Aushadhi is new component added to the LHDCP scheme which includes provision of Rs. 75 crores to provide good quality and affordable generic veterinary medicine and incentive for sale of medicines.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has today approved the Revision of Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). The scheme has three components namely National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), LH&DC and Pashu Aushadhi. 

LH&DC has three sub-components i.e. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP), Establishment and Strengthening of existing Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Unit (ESVHD-MVU) and Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD). The Pashu Aushadhi is new component added to the LHDCP scheme. The total outlay of the scheme is Rs.3,880 crore for two years i.e. 2024-25 and 2025-26, which includes provision of Rs. 75 crores to provide good quality and affordable generic veterinary medicine and incentive for sale of medicines under Pashu Aushadhi component.

Productivity of the livestock is impacted adversely due to diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease, etc. Implementation of the LHDCP will facilitate reduction in these losses by preventing diseases through immunization.  The Scheme also supports door-step delivery of livestock health care through the subcomponents of Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU) and improving availability of generic veterinary medicine- Pashu Aushadhi through network of PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendra and Cooperative Societies.

Thus, the scheme will help in prevention and control of livestock diseases through vaccination, surveillance and upgradation of healthcare facilities. Also, the scheme will improve productivity, generate employment, encourage entrepreneurship in the rural area and prevent economic losses of farmers due to disease burden.

The Pashu Aushadhi is new component added

AgroPolicy, Environment, India, R&D

Establishment of the second GenBank will strengthen India’s position as a leader in global biodiversity conservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a post-budget webinar held via video conferencing today, has announced that a Gene Bank will be established to conserve the country’s genetic resources. This initiative aims to ensure genetic resources and food security for future generations.

The establishment of the second GenBank will strengthen India’s position as a leader in global biodiversity conservation. This new facility will not only safeguard India’s invaluable plant genetic resources but also support international biodiversity initiatives, especially for countries in SAARC and BRICS regions, offering conservation assistance to those lacking well-established PGR networks.

With growing threats like climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical challenges that jeopardise the security of genetic diversity worldwide, the creation of the safety duplicate GenBank is vital. This redundancy structure will provide a fail-safe for India’s irreplaceable germplasm, ensuring long-term sustainability and global food security.

The webinar fosters collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens encouraging discussions to help translate the transformative Budget announcements towards the same into effective outcomes. With a key focus on empowering citizens, strengthening the economy, and fostering innovation, the deliberations will aim at paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth; leadership in technology and other sectors; and a skilled, healthy workforce working towards realising the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The key themes of the webinar include Investing in People, the Economy, and Innovation

A gene bank is a repository of genetic material, such as seeds, pollen or tissue samples, collected from different plant species in order to protect them from potential extinction and preserve vital varieties for future generations.

India’s first gene bank was set up in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi. This bank is comprised of 12 regional stations across the country for collection and storage of vital crop germplasms. These germplasms are the genetic constituents of plants or animals that is used in research, conservation and crop breeding.

As on January 15, 2025, the bank currently stores 0.47 million accessions (plant material stored and used for breeding) — according to the database maintained by ICAR-NBPGR. These include cereals (0.17 million accessions), millets (more than 60,600 accessions), legumes (over 69,200 accessions), oilseeds (more than 63,500 accessions) and vegetables (nearly 30,000 accessions).

The Ministry of Finance has announced the establishment of a second National GenBank in the 2025-26 budget to safeguard India’s agricultural biodiversity. This facility will house 10 lakh (1 million) germplasm lines, offering critical conservation support for both public and private sectors involved in genetic resource management.

India is recognized as a biodiversity-rich country with a wide variety of cultivated crop species and their wild relatives. With over 811 cultivated crop species and 902 crop wild relatives, the nation plays a pivotal role in preserving plant genetic resources (PGR), which are essential for agricultural resilience, food security, and combating the challenges posed by climate change. The existing National GenBank, led by ICAR-NBPGR, conserves over 4.7 lakh accessions and supports the global effort of PGR conservation through partnerships and distributions to researchers, breeders, and scientists.

Establishment of the second GenBank will strengthen

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, Dairy, India

The expansion project, estimated at Rs 100 crore, will increase Purabi Dairy’s Panjabari plant’s capacity from 1.5 Lakh Litres Per Day to 3 LLPD.

The West Assam Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd (WAMUL), which operates under the brand Purabi Dairy, announced that it has joined hands with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to double production to 3 lakh litres per day.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the recent ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ business summit for the Guwahati-based milk producer’s expansion exercise.

“The expansion project, estimated at Rs 100 crore, will increase Purabi Dairy’s Panjabari plant’s capacity from 1.5 LLPD to 3 LLPD, ensuring a steady supply of quality dairy products to meet growing consumer demand,” WAMUL said in a statement.

It will also see an increase in fermented milk product capacity from 20 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) to 50 MTPD and the establishment of a new ice cream plant with a capacity of 20 TLPD. Along with enhancing the supply chain, this will also ensure better returns for dairy farmers through value-added products, the company said.

In July last year, WAMUL had entered into an agreement with the Assam government to operate a 5,000-litre daily capacity plant in Dhemaji district.

The expansion project, estimated at Rs 100

Agrotech, Foodgrains, Interaction, World

The global dialogue “Sustainable Maize and Wheat: Scaling Innovations for Resilience” in Istanbul highlighted the urgent need for innovative, collaborative, and inclusive approaches to maize and wheat sustainability.

Wheat, maize, and rice are key food crops supporting global food security, providing 50 per cent of the world’s dietary energy. While maize is a well-known smallholder crop, especially in Africa and Latin America, wheat is also produced by smallholders, for example in Ethiopia and South Asia.

Despite record-high global cereal harvests in recent years, these staple crops are increasingly at risk due to rising temperatures, groundwater depletion, pollution, biodiversity loss, and other environmental challenges. On the other hand, by strategically transforming food systems, including the value chains of wheat, maize and rice, we have a unique opportunity to mitigate environmental harm and address socio-economic challenges simultaneously. 

Two integrated programs funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF)—the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program (FOLUR) and the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP)—are actively working toward this transformation. Together, these programs encompass 46 countries projects, with a substantial number dedicated to maize and wheat. Their collective efforts aim to enhance food crop value chains, making them more sustainable, pollution-free, resilient, and inclusive.

January 2025 marked a significant milestone in the global maize and wheat sustainability discussion. The FOLUR program, in collaboration with the Government of Türkiye, co-hosted the “Sustainable Maize and Wheat: Scaling Innovations for Resilience” dialogue. This event gathered over 60 international participants, including FAO and IFAD specialists, to discuss the latest advancements in sustainable maize and wheat value chains and agricultural systems. 

The global dialogue in Istanbul highlighted the urgent need for innovative, collaborative, and inclusive approaches to maize and wheat sustainability. By fostering synergies between FOLUR and FSIP, enhancing policy, legal and governance frameworks, and supporting small-scale producers, FAO and its partners are working to create resilient food systems that can withstand the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. 

The dialogue served as an opportunity to reinforce connection and efforts of teams coordinating the two GEF-funded integrated programs—FOLUR, led by the World Bank, and FSIP, jointly led by FAO and IFAD. Key areas of discussion included:

Sustainable diversification: Moving beyond mono-crop commodity-driven approaches to increase resilience.

Support for small-scale producers: Ensuring an inclusive transition that benefits farmers’ livelihoods and enhances food security and nutrition.

Cross-country learning: Facilitating South-South and South-North knowledge exchange among FOLUR and FSIP maize and wheat countries to share best practices and innovative solutions.

Transforming food systems presents an opportunity to improve policies, governance and regulatory frameworks, and maximize knowledge resources for positive change. A strong policy and governance framework at national and landscape and field levels is key to accelerating the shift toward sustainable crop production.

To support this level of transformation, at the national level, FAO introduced its cutting-edge Policy Optimization Tool (PolOpT) designed to help governments optimize their food and agriculture budgets. The tool enables countries to optimize the allocation of financial resources to boost agrifood GDP, lift hundreds of thousands out of poverty, create rural jobs, make healthy diets more affordable, and increase agrifood production while achieving environmental goals. Early results suggest that economic growth and emission reductions do not have to be at odds—smart agricultural policies can achieve both.

To bridge national policies with on-the-ground action and ensure coherence between strategic landscape-level interventions across the two Integrated Programs, FAO presented early implementation results of the Participatory Informed Landscape Approach (PILA) currently being spearheaded within FOLUR. PILA is a cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder, innovative, participatory and inclusive approach that facilitates informed decision-making through tailored information made available at the national, landscape, and field levels. It promotes integrated landscape management and governance, supporting the transformation of food systems towards greater sustainability.

IFAD shared practical experiences from the food systems projects it implements globally, including under the GEF-supported Resilient Food Systems (RFS) programme, highlighting innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture.  Discussion fostered valuable linkages between the next generation of FSIP projects currently under design with lessons emerging from FOLUR and existing GEF-supported food systems projects. Key examples included smallholder operated sub-surface irrigation systems, adapted small-scale machinery for combined straw integration and sowing in rice-wheat systems, and approaches to reduce zinc deficiencies, demonstrating IFAD’s commitment to scaling practical, climate-resilient solutions.

The global dialogue "Sustainable Maize and Wheat: