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Award, Carbon Farming, Collaborations, Company News, Environment, Nature, Soil Health, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced that it is now certified to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification standard ISCC PLUS at its site in Herkenbosch, the Netherlands

Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, today announced that it is now certified to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification standard ISCC PLUS at its site in Herkenbosch, the Netherlands. The certification covers the use of biobased and/or bio-circular feedstocks to produce biodegradable chelates with up to 100% renewable carbon index (RCI). The recent expansion of the Herkenbosch site, along with the new ISCC PLUS certification demonstrates Nouryon’s commitment to addressing customer requirements and advancing sustainability efforts.

“We are pleased to offer more sustainable ingredient solutions to our customers in the household and Industrial and Institutional cleaning markets. By producing our green chelating agents from up to 100% RCI biobased raw materials, we help meet downstream users’ needs for sustainable cleaning solutions,” said Brad Pearson, Vice President of Cleaning Goods at Nouryon. “Having the option to deliver fully biobased chelating agents supports a growing need in the cleaning industry for more natural ingredients, resulting in lower carbon footprints. Leading cleaning product formulators have committed to be net zero by 2040, and Nouryon technologies provide our customers options to achieve this goal.”

Nouryon is a worldwide leading producer of high-performing, biodegradable chelates, designed to enhance the performance of auto-dishwashing, liquid laundry detergents, household cleaners, as well as Industrial and Institutional cleaning products. This ISCC PLUS certification complements other recent sustainability-led innovations that Nouryon has brought to the market, including Berol® Nexxt surfactant and Berol® Nexus surfactant. In addition, Nouryon has obtained ISCC PLUS certification for green ethoxylated surfactants and green monochloroacetic acid (MCA), which is further evidence of Nouryon’s continuing commitment to delivering differentiating sustainable solutions to customers.

As a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, Nouryon strives to develop products that meet or exceed industry benchmarks for sustainability without sacrificing performance. More information on the Company’s sustainability progress can be found in our 2023 Sustainability Report, Sustainability fact sheet and dedicated sustainability section of the Company website.

Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader,

Agribusiness, Schemes - Govt, Sustainability

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a Rs 4,000-crore project which seeks to increase agricultural productivity up to 35 per cent and strengthen the rural enterprise ecosystem

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday inaugurated a Rs 4,000-crore project which seeks to increase agricultural productivity up to 35 per cent and strengthen the rural enterprise ecosystem. The UP-AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) project is expected to become a milestone in boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing rural enterprises and empowering farmers in the state, said an official statement issued here.

The project aims to improve farmers’ yield, which is anticipated to rise from 10 quintals per acre to 14-15 quintals, and will provide a much-needed boost to the state’s agricultural economy, it said.

This six-year project will be implemented across the state till 2029-30. The state’s agricultural productivity has to be increased by an additional 30 to 35 per cent, the statement said.

Adityanath said that the state ranks third in the country in terms of foodgrain exports. In such a situation, UP-AGREES project will prove to be a milestone in taking the state’s export prospects forward.

“This is a good start for the food-providing farmers and people working in the agriculture sector. Out of the Rs 4,000 crore of UP AGREES project, the World Bank has arranged a loan of Rs 2,737 crore and the state government has contributed Rs 1,166 crore,” the chief minister said.

Around 45 per cent of the country’s land is cultivable, and 75 per cent of those farm lands are in Uttar Pradesh, making the state one of the most fertile and productive regions, he said, adding this is why UP leads the nation in the production of wheat, potatoes, mangoes, guavas, peas, mushrooms, watermelons, and honey, among others.

The state accounts for 15 per cent of India’s vegetable production and 11 per cent of fruit production.

Meanwhile, Adityanath also virtually inaugurated a Rs 1,300-crore greenfield manufacturing plant in Unnao industrial corridor.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Opinions

The agriculture commodity derivatives markets are keenly awaiting measures to enhance liquidity and transparency in the agriculture sector.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman all set to present the Union Budget on February 1, agri – economists and agriculture industry experts are hoping for a slew of reforms that would help boost agriculture, MSMEs and other sectors, while prioritising fiscal prudence.

 While sharing the expectations from upcoming Union Budget, Kedar Deshpande, Chief Business Officer, NCDEX mentioned, “As we look ahead to the upcoming Union Budget, the agriculture commodity derivatives markets are keenly awaiting measures to enhance liquidity and transparency in the agriculture sector. We hope the government adopts a consultative approach to introduce initiatives that streamline regulations, deepen market participation, and position India as a significant player in the global commodity landscape”

Deshpande also emphasised that, at NCDEX, we urge policymakers to prioritise market-driven solutions and modern risk management tools to boost efficiency, reduce fiscal strain, enhance transparency and ensure long-term sustainability of India’s agricultural economy. Addressing the core challenge faced by farmers / FPOs—being price takers in a system influenced by the unpredictability of APMC markets—by focusing on derivative instruments like put options complementing government schemes like ‘Fasal Bima’, MSP etc would be a transformative step. Another key expectation is the implementation of incentives for farmers / FPOs using Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (eNWRs). Equipping farmers to store their produce in WDRA-certified warehouses and secure funding against their stocks, eNWRs can enable them to hold their harvest for better prices, improving income stability. Enhancing warehouse-based markets, linked through eNWRs to the electronic platforms will empower farmers / FPOs with greater market access and better price discovery while supporting the agricultural economy’s transition towards a digital-first approach.”

The agriculture commodity derivatives markets are keenly

Agribusiness, Agrotech, India, Start ups, Sustainability

The program witnessed the participation of 57 farmers from 25 villages of Vidisha and Gyaraspur blocks of Madhya Pradesh.

A Training of Trainers (TOT) program on coriander crop was organized at the PNB Farmers Training Institute in collaboration with Gram Unnati and the National Sustainable Spice Program (NSSP) in Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh.

The program witnessed the participation of 57 farmers from 25 villages of Vidisha and Gyaraspur blocks. Coriander NSSP field diaries and POP materials for coriander and peas were distributed by NSSP and Gram Unnati, respectively. Outstanding and start-up farmers excelling in coriander cultivation were also honoured.

The farmers were addressed by Dr Takht Singh Rajpurohit (NSSP Professor and Chief Trainer), who emphasised on the benefits of adopting integrated pest management (IPM). He explained how quality farming can be achieved at a lower cost, enabling farmers to increase their income. He also advised climate-resilient farming practices considering climate change and stressed soil and water conservation, the use of certified seeds, and soil and seed treatment using Trichoderma. Other organic measures such as neem-based sprays, vermicompost, vermiwash, and Panchagavya were discussed in detail.

Dr K. S. Khapediya (Deputy Director, Agriculture Department) suggested transitioning from wheat to coriander cultivation under the crop diversification plan. He stressed adopting crop rotation and promoting high-income crops like coriander. Additionally, he discussed selecting suitable crops, varieties, and fertilizers based on soil and water testing.

Insights from Dr. Mukul Vishnoi (Scientist, Horticulture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raisen) highlighted the significance of spice, medicinal, and horticultural crops and shared advanced farming techniques for their cultivation.

Gram Unnati’s Project Director Sushil Yadav educated farmers about the Package of Practices (POP) for coriander cultivation to protect crops from harmful pests and diseases. He also provided vital information on post-harvest care and advanced grading techniques (double/single parrot, eagle/scooter, etc.).

The event showcased various types of collateral/posters on coriander, IPM practices, factors affecting coriander pricing, advanced grading techniques (double/single parrot grades), and pest and disease prevention measures. Farmers expressed gratitude to Gram Unnati and NSSP for providing valuable insights into advanced coriander farming.

The program witnessed the participation of 57

Agribusiness, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Through this MOU, HMM plans to strengthen its Indian services and enhance its port business competitiveness.

South Korea based global integrated logistics and shipping company, HMM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to collaborate on developing Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra state.

Under the MOU, HMM will support the development and operation of Vadhvan Port, a large-scale project by the Indian government to become one of the world’s top 10 container ports by 2040. The port will handle 23 million TEUs annually and include nine container terminals. Through this MOU, HMM plans to strengthen its Indian services and enhance its port business competitiveness.

With a natural depth of 20 meters, deeper than the 15.5 meters at Nhava Sheva, the port can accommodate HMM’s 24,000 TEU vessels and offers strong connectivity to India’s inland logistics network.

India’s fast-growing market has drawn global attention, and HMM is expanding its services in the region, including INX (India North Europe Express), which will be starting in February this year, FIM (Far East-India Mediterranean) and IAX (India- America Express) routes.

An HMM official stated, “We hope this partnership leads to strong cooperation for port development. We will continue investing in terminals to grow our integrated logistics business, a key part of our mid-to-long-term strategy.”

HMM is a global integrated logistics and shipping company connecting customer values. The company provides customised services for different cargo including container cargo (dry, reefer and special cargo) and bulk cargo for raw materials, oil and plants.

Through this MOU, HMM plans to strengthen

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News

The cost of remaining stagnant is higher than ever. It’s essential that farmers have access to improved products that drive genetic gain and help them overcome in-field threats. The 2025 class of Brevant® brand corn and soybeans features 39 new products that have been strategically selected to better support farmer needs

″We can’t predict what growing conditions this season will bring, so we continue improving our products for stability across all environments,″ said Travis Belt, portfolio and technology lead for Brevant® seeds. ″The newest class has a competitive edge over previous classes and is handpicked to address the needs of our retail teams and their customers.″

The new class of Brevant seeds equips farmers with 27 new grain corn and silage corn hybrids that outyield all competitors by +11.6 bu./A1 and wins 71 per cent of the time. The 2025 class adds 11 PowerCore® Enlist® corn products to the lineup of Brevant seeds — providing more options for comprehensive weed and insect control. With two additional PowerCore® Ultra Enlist® corn products in the class, farmers get even more protection against above-ground pests. The seven new Brevant brand Vorceed® Enlist® corn products feature improved defense against corn rootworm (CRW) and flexible weed control.

″Advancements in the seed space are accelerating and the momentum isn’t slowing down,″ Belt said. ″As technology continues to push forward, farmers are getting products with improved agronomics and yield potential. It’s important for them to take advantage of these new technologies to stay ahead of the curve.″

The 2025 lineup of Brevant brand Enlist E3® soybeans continues to raise the bar with elite Corteva genetics for ag retail and 12 new varieties, five of which have Peking resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). This class focuses on delivering more yield potential and improved agronomics, including advancements in emergence, standability, iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC), white mold, phytophthora field tolerance, and sudden death syndrome (SDS). The next generation of Brevant brand Enlist E3 soybeans demonstrates strong performance as it wins 68%2 of the time and averages +2.8 bu./A over the competition.

The cost of remaining stagnant is higher

Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, Organic, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

The country’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494.80 million in 2023 -24

Indian exporters have huge opportunities to increase their share in the global agriculture trade from the current 2.4 per cent, a government official said on Wednesday. The global agriculture trade is about $2 trillion. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev said that given these numbers, “huge opportunities” are there to increase exports from the country.

Despite being the seventh largest agri exporter in the world, “our share is 2.4 per cent in the overall world agri trade and immense possibilities are there to increase this share,” he said at the inauguration of Indusfood 2025 at Greater Noida. India’s agri export was about $50 billion in 2023-24 and this year also, the country is looking at pushing the figure to “new record”, he said.

Dev added that the overall focus now is to promote exports of value-added goods. Talking about exports of organic products, the chairman said India’s share in this segment is about 2.5 per cent, “but we have an ambitious target of increasing the share four-times in the next five years and we are working on that.” The global market for organic goods is $147 billion. The country’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494.80 million in 2023 -24. Talking about the food show, he said the number of foreign participants is increasing year after year. Over 2,300 exhibitors from 30 countries and 7,500 international buyers are participating in three-day Indusfood 2025. The integrated trade fair will host 15,000 Indian buyers and trade visitors. Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI, said the exhibition will provide a platform to bridge the gaps between farmers, technology providers and global markets.

“It not only enhances trade opportunities but also directly improves farmer incomes by creating access to better markets and value-addition opportunities,” he said. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan inaugurated the eighth edition of the show, which is being organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with the support of Department of Commerce.

Apart from the Indusfood food and beverages trade fair at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, the council is also organising the fourth edition of Indusfood Manufacturing (covering food processing technology, packaging technology, ingredients and hospitality technology) and Indusfood Agritech (showcasing agricultural technology, fisheries technology, dairy and poultry farming technology). The latter two fairs are scheduled for January 9-11 at Yashobhoomi here. Speaking at the inauguration, Singla said the exhibition is aimed to promote international collaboration, and innovation across the food value chain. “Over 1,800 exhibitors are attending. The international exhibitor pavilion launched last year has nearly doubled in terms of representation, with exhibitors from around 30 countries now participating,” he added.

The country's organic food exports have grown

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, India, R&D, Sustainable Energy

The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition is envisioned as a world-class knowledge hub designed to promote research, innovation, and capacity-building in energy transition technologies and policies.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), was signed in Hyderabad, for jointly setting up the Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition (CoEET) in the TERI’s Institute of Energy Transition (IoET) at its campus in Hyderabad. BEE and TERI collaborate to foster innovation, research, policy advocacy and capacity building for energy transition and building a sustainable future.

This collaboration is a significant step toward advancing India’s energy transition efforts and fostering sustainable development. The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition is envisioned as a world-class knowledge hub designed to promote research, innovation, and capacity-building in energy transition technologies and policies. By fostering partnerships with national and international organizations, the Centre aims to enhance India’s capabilities in addressing energy transition challenges and developing solutions that align with global sustainability goals.

The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition will focus on research and development in emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and clean technology adoption. It will conduct studies on baselining GHG emissions in large industries, MSMEs, buildings, transport, power, and mining sectors. The Centre will validate, demonstrate, and promote adoption of clean and low carbon technologies to reduce energy consumption in buildings and industry such as motors, HVAC systems, efficient lighting, waste heat recovery, and smart manufacturing systems. Additionally, it will develop frameworks for building codes, minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), and circular economy models to accelerate the energy transition agenda. By incorporating innovations like AI-enabled real-time energy monitoring, it aims to enhance efficiency in energy generation, transmission, and distribution while minimizing losses.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, and A Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, along with senior dignitaries and officials from the Ministry of Power, BEE, the Government of Telangana, and TERI.

Speaking on the signing of the MoU, the Union Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, remarked, “The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition is a bold and transformative initiative that underscores India’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. By fostering cutting-edge research, collaboration, and innovation, the Centre will act as a catalyst for clean energy adoption, enabling us to lead the global transition to a low-carbon economy. This partnership between BEE and TERI sets a benchmark for future collaborations in the energy sector.”

Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, expressed, “TERI is honoured to join hands with BEE in setting up the CoEET, which aligns with the shared vision of promoting a sustainable future through fostering cutting-edge research in climate and energy transition domains. The Centre’s multi-disciplinary approach will offer holistic and actionable solutions to the pressing climate and energy risks. It also offers a space for engaging meaningfully with businesses, academia, and other potential sectors.”

Srikant Nagulapalli Director General, BEE, highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating, “The Centre will serve as a vital platform for fostering innovative solutions and facilitating capacity building in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies. It will be instrumental in achieving our national objectives of reducing energy consumption and enhancing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.”

The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Funding, Inputs, Schemes - Govt

Chouhan advocated direct benefit transfer subsidies for fertilizers and farming equipment as part of his recent proposal of prospective policy initiatives for streamlining agriculture. To assist farmers, the government has been contemplating on funding for the shipment of agricultural products. These measures strive to enlighten farmers about present schemes, boost agricultural effectiveness, and minimize consumer costs

Shivraj Singh Chouhan remarked on Monday that the government is striving to simplify agriculture through policy-level changes. He also signaled that direct benefit transfer subsidies for farming equipment, fertilizer, and seeds would be considered in the future. Referring to farmers who came as special guests to witness the Republic Day parade, the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister said that the government spends up to Rs 2,00,000 crore on fertiliser subsidies. The cost incurred by PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is around Rs 60,000 crore; if the fertilizer subsidy is granted via DBT, the bank balance of farmers is expected to grow substantially.

According to the minister, the government will also investigate if direct benefit transfer may be used for other agricultural subsidies, such as those for tractors, drip irrigation, or polyhouses. The minister added that in order to allow farmers to sell their goods all over the nation, the government has been contemplating about compensating for the transport of agricultural products.

Although agricultural produce is inexpensive, the cost increases as it gets to urban areas. The government is considering ways to lessen this disparity for the consumer, such as splitting the cost of transportation,” he stated. The minister also briefed farmers on other government programs, such as the PM Awas Yojna, for which a survey is now being conducted.

Chouhan advocated direct benefit transfer subsidies for

Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Award, Digital Technologies, India, IT, R&D

AgroSpectrum is proud to announce Technovate 2025, an exclusive two-day summit designed to bring together the brightest minds and innovators in the agritech sector. Set to take place on March 12-13, 2025, at the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Center, Navi Mumbai, this event will offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore transformative solutions that are revolutionising agriculture.

The AgroSpectrum India Awards 2025 will recognise and celebrate excellence in innovation and sustainability within the agritech industry.  The awards will honour trailblazers in the agricultural ecosystem, recognizing their exceptional contributions to advancing agritech, sustainable practices, and community impact. The awards ceremony will be the highlight of the AgroSpectrum’s Technovate 2025 event, featuring keynote speeches, entertainment, and networking opportunities in a grand celebration of excellence.

Award Categories

Innovator of the Year

Recognises individuals or teams driving groundbreaking agritech innovations.

Best Agritech Startup

Celebrates impactful startups leveraging emerging technologies to transform agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture Award

Honors sustainable practices and resource-efficient technologies in farming.

Precision Farming Excellence

Showcasing the best applications of precision farming technologies.

Agri-Fintech Pioneer

Rewarding innovative financial solutions empowering farmers and agri-businesses.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Leader

Highlighting impactful technologies and practices for climate resilience in agriculture.

Community Impact Award

Recognizing innovations creating significant socio-economic benefits for farming communities.

Biotechnology Breakthrough in Agriculture

Celebrates advancements in biotechnology revolutionizing agriculture, such as gene editing, synthetic biology, bio-based fertilizers, and pest-resistant crops.

Why Nominate?

Prestigious Recognition: Gain national and international acknowledgment for your contributions.

Build Credibility: Establish yourself or your organization as a leader in the agri-sector.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with agritech leaders, experts, and stakeholders.

Inspire Change: Showcase your work and inspire others to adopt innovative practices.

How to Participate

Submit Your Nomination: For nominating, please click on: Nomination Form by the deadline 28th February 2025.

Supporting Documents: Provide detailed evidence of your achievements, including impact metrics, scalability, and innovation.

Evaluation: Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts from industry, academia, and policymaking.

Finalists Announced: Shortlisted candidates will be announced before the event.

Awards Ceremony: Winners will be honoured during a gala evening at AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to individuals, startups, organizations, and institutions within the agriculture and agritech sectors.
  • Contributions must demonstrate measurable impact achieved within the last 2 years.
  • Nominees should showcase innovation, scalability, and sustainability in their work.

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation: How unique and transformative is the idea or solution?
  • Impact: What measurable difference has it made to agriculture or farming communities?
  • Sustainability: How environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable is the initiative?
  • Scalability: Can the solution be applied across various regions and contexts?

The summit promises a dynamic environment where participants can engage with global thought leaders, discover cutting-edge technologies, and forge valuable collaborations to drive the future of agriculture.

AgroSpectrum is proud to announce Technovate

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, India, People, R&D

Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal is a distinguished Indian geneticist and plant breeder, and alumni of IARI, New Delhi.

 The government of India conferred Padma Shri award to Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal for his contributions to agriculture in the fields of science and engineering.

Born in Amritsar, Punjab, on 12 April 1938, Dr Surinder completed B.Sc. from Khalsa College, Amritsar in 1957 and M.Sc. from Kanpur Agricultural College in 1959.  He has completed his Ph.D. from IARI in 1966 and also Post-doctoral Fellow, CIMMYT, Mexico, 1970.

 Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal is a distinguished scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico to date. Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal is a distinguished Indian geneticist and plant breeder, and alumni of IARI, New Delhi. He is renowned for development of Quality Protein Maize (QPM), while working at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico. Dr Vasal worked with biochemist Dr Evangelina Villegas for 35 years to develop a protein enriched form of maize in the 1970s. The QPM is created by adding protein to low nutrient corn and is referenced as “miracle maize” because of its role in alleviating malnourishment.

 He worked as Research Assistant in 1959-66, and Assistant Botanist Maize-cum-Assistant Professor in 1966-67, Department of Agriculture, H.P; Research Associate, Rockefeller Foundation, Thailand, 1967. He worked as International Staff in 1971-84 and as Germplasm Coordinator in 1985-90. Dr Surinder worked as Coordinator Lowland Tropical in 1991-98, Maize Program at CIMMYT, Mexico.

Dr Surinder Kumar has received many prestigious awards at international level. He has received La Asociacion Mexicana de Semilleros ‘Premio Cesar Garza’ Award in 1993; International Service in Crop Science Award, in 1996; International Agronomy Award in 1999; World Food Prize in 2000 and Dr M.S. Swaminathan Award by TAAS. Dr Surinder is a Fellow of American Society of Agronomy; Crop Science Society of America.

Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal is a distinguished

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, India, Oilseeds, R&D

The CoE aims to transform spice cultivation by providing farmers with the training and tools necessary to adhere to global production standards.

Suhana Masala, in collaboration with the Ecofactory Foundation, announced plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for spice production in Telangana. The decision follows a discussion between Anand Chordia, Director Suhana Masala and IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.

The initiative will train thousands of farmers in global standards, enhancing market access and income. This transformative project will significantly boost the agricultural economy of the region. Positioned next to Suhana’s existing facility in Sangareddy, this centre aims to transform spice cultivation by providing farmers with the training and tools necessary to adhere to global production standards.

This initiative focuses on meeting international criteria for spice production, aiding farmers in boosting their market reach and income. Partnering with industry leaders, the centre will introduce state-of-the-art technologies, research, and practices to the agricultural community in Telangana.

Over the next 2-3 years, the two organisations plan to train 25,000 to 30,000 farmers in advanced farming techniques to enhance spice quality. The training will focus on meeting global benchmarks, improving market access, and boosting income for farmers.

The project will also emphasize eco-friendly farming practices to protect and preserve Telangana’s natural resources. “This initiative will ensure sustainable spice production while empowering farmers and promoting the state’s agricultural sector, according to statement by the Industries Ministry.

The CoE aims to transform spice cultivation

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Finance, World

By the end of 2030, Bayer’s grant for insurance premium support of 10 million euros will unlock a potential insurance coverage of 127 million U.S. dollars for 10 million smallholder farmers.

Bayer Foundation and the Pula Foundation announced at World Economic Forum that they are planning to provide insurance coverage for 10 million smallholder farmers by 2030. The collaboration aims to enhance climate resilience among smallholder farmers, protecting them against the growing impacts of droughts and floods, which threaten harvests, livelihoods, and global food security. It will help build private-public collaborations and shape the insurance market for agriculture in Africa and Asia.

The Pula Foundation has developed scalable and data-driven agricultural insurance solutions designed to safeguard smallholder farmers’ investments in their farms. By mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, the Pula Foundation ensures that farmers receive financial compensation for yield losses, enabling them to recover, reinvest, and build long-term resilience in the face of climate uncertainty.

By 2030, Bayer Foundation’s grant for insurance premium support in the amount of 10 million euros – supported by a donation from Bayer’s Crop Science Division – will unlock a potential insurance coverage of 127 million U.S. dollars for 10 million farmers working with national governments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Mali. The grant originates from Bayer Foundation’s Social Innovation Ecosystem Fund which targets mature and high-impact solutions for underserved communities.

“Smallholder farmers are already affected heavily by the impacts of climate change, and this will get worse going forward. It is crucial that we enable them to feed their communities and contribute to global food security,” said Matthias Berninger, Executive Vice President Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability at Bayer and Member of the Board of Trustees at Bayer Foundation.

“Our Crop Science division is committed to deliver innovative, farmer-focused solutions that drive sustainable growth and regenerative agriculture. By unlocking climate finance and collaborating with partners like the Pula Foundation, we aim to deliver ecosystem-based approaches that empower smallholder farmers and their communities to overcome challenges and thrive,” added Rodrigo Santos, President of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and Executive Director Bayer Foundation.

Pula Foundation and Bayer Foundation already demonstrated in 2021 that building such public-private partnerships to offer insurance protection at scale works: Together with the Zimbabwean Government and as part of the Zimbabwean Conservation Agriculture Program, they developed an insurance solution that protects the input investments farmers made. With the catalytic support of Bayer Foundation for this pilot, 31,000 farmers were insured against climate risks such as droughts in the first year, which the public-private partnership network of Pula Foundation scaled to more than 1 million farmers after three years.

“Climate resilience is not just about recovery but also about dignity and empowerment. We believe that insurance enables smallholder farmers to prepare themselves for an increasingly volatile climate, rather than waiting for handouts. We have witnessed firsthand how farmers bounce back stronger after climate shocks when they have the right tools and support,” said Rose Goslinga, Director of Pula Foundation. “This partnership with Bayer Foundation will enable us to expand our reach and ensure that millions more farmers can secure their livelihoods and build resilience against climate risks.”

Bayer aims to support a total of 100 million smallholder farmers in LMICs by 2030 by improving their access to agricultural products and services. This also includes collaborations with partners. To achieve this, Bayer strives to create market models that generate benefits and reduce business risks for all partners in the value chain, including smallholder farmers. This is implemented by helping smallholder farmers gain access to the agricultural value chain and increase their productivity and income, as well as by creating resilience to ensure the long-term food security of smallholder farmers, their families and rural regions in LMICs.

By the end of 2030, Bayer’s grant

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Start ups

 The initiative fostered collaboration and innovation in agriculture, empowering Odisha’s FPOs with strategies for sustainable market linkages and global exports.

A six-day exposure visit to Sahyadri Farms, Maharashtra, concluded successfully, bringing together representatives of 19 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Cuttack and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha. The visit, facilitated under the Support to FPO scheme, Government of Odisha was organized to provide hands-on insights into sustainable farming practices and FPO management, began on January 20, 2025, and was marked by high-level engagements and in-depth discussions.

The agenda seamlessly combined field visits, interactive discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Participants from FPOs explored innovative practices like solar drying, algae production from wastewater, and advanced FMCG processing while witnessing Sahyadri Farms’ farmer-inclusive value chain initiatives. Supported by Palladium as the Technical Support Unit under the PSFPO project, Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the visit fostered collaboration and innovation in agriculture, empowering Odisha’s FPOs with strategies for sustainable market linkages and global exports.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the attendance of Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy. He was accompanied by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, DA&FE, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, IAS, Director of Agriculture and Food Production and Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, IAS, Director of Horticulture and Dr Monica Priyadarshini, IAS, Director, Mission Shakti. The dignitaries and senior officials, actively participated in scheduled activities, aligning discussions with Odisha’s agricultural growth objectives.

Speaking about the visit, Vilas Shinde, CMD, Sahyadri Farms, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Odisha and the PSFPO team for their proactive role in organizing this successful exposure visit. It was a pleasure to host such an enthusiastic group of FPO representatives and dignitaries from the state. We look forward to collaborating further with the Government of Odisha to replicate the Sahyadri model and empower farmers in the state with sustainable practices and value chain development strategies.”

Key action points discussed during the visit focused on replicating the Sahyadri Farms model in Odisha by leveraging government support through initiatives such as land allocation, subsidies, and initial investments. Emphasis was placed on selecting suitable horticulture crops, including pineapple, citrus, banana, mango, and guava, to promote sustainable farming and enhance market relevance. To build awareness and facilitate informed decision-making, it was proposed to organize a presentation by Sahyadri Farms for agri-ecosystem stakeholders in Odisha and arrange another exposure visit for policymakers. The formation of crop-specific farmer groups, including women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), was highlighted as a critical step toward strengthening community involvement. Lastly, a strong focus was placed on ensuring the production and supply of high-quality produce to maintain competitiveness in the market.

Looking forward, the state will continue to conduct exposure visits and market-oriented training for 250 Farmers Producer Organizations across the state in the upcoming months under the Support to FPO scheme by Government of Odisha.

 The initiative fostered collaboration and innovation in