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Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News

The biggest retail company in Australia, Woolworths, has partnered with HyFun Foods, a well-known leader in the frozen food sector

Through this partnership, HyFun’s hash browns will be available in more than 1,000 Woolworths locations, which is a big step in the company’s global growth. The action demonstrates the rising demand for high-quality frozen foods in retail regions such as Australia and India.

HyFun will sell its well-liked hash browns and tots to Australian customers under the “Your Spud Co” brand. The brand’s worldwide goal to satisfy consumer demand for premium frozen food options is strengthened by this endeavor. Following HyFun Foods’ fruitful partnership with Walmart USA, which established the business as a dependable partner for extensive international retail operations, comes this most recent development. HyFun Foods, which is well-established in the American market, is currently using its knowledge to duplicate that success in Australia.

Kamlesh Karamchandani, Executive Director of HyFun Foods mentioned- “Our partnership with Woolworths is an exciting opportunity to bring HyFun Foods’ premium products to Australian households under the Your Spud Co brand. “

Joshua Biggs, Managing Director of Your Spud Co mentioned, “We, at Your Spud Co, have had the privilege of working closely with HyFun to launch and pioneer Indian potatoes and frozen products into the Australian market. Their commitment to high-quality products and consistent innovation has played a key role in the success of this partnership.”

Australia’s frozen food market continues to grow, driven by increasing per capita consumption and demand for convenient food solutions. By leveraging Woolworths’ extensive retail network, HyFun Foods is positioned to meet this demand effectively. This partnership not only strengthens HyFun Foods’ presence in the Australian retail market but also reinforces its standing as a global leader in the frozen food sector, paving the way for further expansion and success.

The biggest retail company in Australia, Woolworths,

Collaborations, Horticulture, R&D

A high-level meeting to enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural and horticultural sectors was held today at ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH), Rangret, Srinagar

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Mahendra Kumar Verma, Director of ICAR-CITH, focused on addressing the significant challenges faced by stakeholders, particularly the rising costs associated with apple cultivation, a statement issued to Ziraat Times said.
The gathering brought together prominent stakeholders, including the President of the Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), Bashir Ahmad Naik, and representatives from the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union. Discussions centered on collaborative strategies to bolster the region’s horticultural landscape and improve the livelihoods of fruit growers.
Bashir Ahmad Naik, President of JKPICCA, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Verma for organizing the meeting and acknowledged the contributions of all participants.
“The insights shared during this session have laid a solid foundation for addressing the pressing issues faced by the horticulture community,” he said, appreciating the commitment of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union to the sector’s development.
The meeting concluded with optimism as stakeholders committed to implementing the collaborative initiatives discussed. These efforts aim to create a positive impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural and horticultural sectors, fostering growth and sustainability for the region’s fruit growers.

A high-level meeting to enhance Jammu and

Biofuel industry, Environment, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

Maize is the primary feed for poultry but the rising demands of the ethanol industry, has increased the prices

The poultry industry in India is facing a multitude of challenges, ranging from soaring feed costs to regulatory obstacles, according to Uday Singh Bias, President, Poultry India and the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Bias reiterated that the industry is actively pushing for government support on several fronts. Maize is the primary feed for poultry but the rising demands of the ethanol industry, has increased the prices. Farmers are selling their maize to that sector, he said adding, “We need the government to double maize production to meet poultry needs. Unfortunately, this has not happened at the expected level. We have also requested permission for free imports of maize and soya.”

The rising cost of feed remains the sector’s most pressing issue. “Maize and soya prices increase by 2–3 percent every year. On top of that, unpredictable weather, seasonal demand fluctuations, and disease outbreaks are making it increasingly difficult for poultry farmers to remain viable,” he added.

He emphasised the need for greater maize and soya cultivation to meet the sector’s demands, but stressed that government intervention is essential. “We are encouraging farmers to grow more maize and soya, but the government must implement policies to address the challenges we face. With the right support, the poultry industry can continue to play a crucial role in providing affordable nutrition and food security for the nation,” Bias said.

Maize is the primary feed for poultry

Country, Trade

With the recent relaxation of export limitations on non-basmati rice and robust global demand, India expects agricultural exports to surpass $50 billion in 2024–2025. Despite earlier export restrictions on rice, wheat, and sugar that affected exports by an estimated $6-7 billion, this optimistic forecast

The country’s agri exports are expected to cross $50 billion in 2024-25 on account of healthy demand and lifting on curbs on non-basmati rice, an official said on Tuesday. The official said export curbs on rice, wheat, and sugar impact agri exports to the tune of about $6-7 billion. “But now the curbs have been removed on rice, we expect that the agri exports will cross USD 50 billion. So far the trend is good, though the growth rate is not positive but as now rice is opened, by December-end, we will be in the positive zone,” the official added. Rice exports are likely to reach 17-18 million tonnes this fiscal year as against 14-15 million tonnes last year.

“It will give a big boost to exports,” the official said, adding that basmati shipments may touch 5.5 million tonnes, while parboiled could be around 7-8 million tonnes and over 4 million tonnes of non-basmati rice.

The main commodities, which are registering healthy growth included fruits, vegetables, meat and its products, beverages, and food processing.

The commerce ministry is aiming at taking the agri exports to $100 billion by 2030.

In October, the government removed curbs on overseas shipments of non-basmati white rice and exempted parboiled rice and husked (brown) rice from export duty.

These measures came at a time when the country has ample stock of rice at government godowns and retail prices are also under control.

The country exported non-basmati white rice worth $201 million during April-August this fiscal. It was $852.52 million in 2023-24.

Though there was a ban on the exports, the government was allowing the shipments to friendly nations like Maldives, Mauritius, the UAE, and African countries. This variety of rice is widely consumed in India and it also has demand in global markets, particularly in nations with a large Indian diaspora. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is among the factors that have disrupted the foodgrain supply chain.

With the recent relaxation of export limitations

Carbon Farming, Climate, Country, Environment, Investments, Nature, Soil Health, Supply Chain, Sustainability

With FAO’s support, 22 countries access financing to address biodiversity loss, land degradation, climate change, and pollution

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has helped 22 countries unlock $68 million in financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to address biodiversity loss, groundwater management, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.

The projects were approved by the GEF Secretariat and Councils for the GEF Trust Fund, the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) meeting this week in Washington D.C. The projects expect to leverage an additional $273 million in co-financing to advance global goals for biodiversity, social inclusion, land and water management, and reducing use of hazardous chemicals.

“The approval of this batch of projects comes at the end of a year of environmental summits that highlighted both the need for finance to unlock transformation of global agrifood systems to this critical agenda,” said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General. “We look forward to supporting countries to meet their biodiversity, climate, land, water, and pollution goals through agrifood systems solutions under the overall guidance of the Four Betters.”

“These projects will help change the way we produce our food, fuel, and fiber to address global environmental crises. They will enhance coherence between agricultural and environmental sectors and support countries and communities to tackle environmental challenges, food insecurity, and poverty. With this new financing in place, it is now equally important to their success to effectively communicate their goals and impacts,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson, GEF.

As part of the funding, the Council approved a $19 million allocation for FAO’s first activities as a new implementing agency for the Small Grants Program. The project builds upon 30 years of impact by bringing FAO’s expertise in working with smallholder producers to support civil society organizations and community-based organizations in co-designing and delivering locally led initiatives. The project will develop strategies, provide financial and technical assistance, and foster South-South Cooperation, with a strong focus on innovation, scalability, and social inclusion of women, Indigenous Peoples and youth.

The project will work with local organizations across 14 countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, South Sudan, Tajikistan, Uganda and Venezuela. It aims to restore 20,000 hectares of land, improve practices across 350,000 hectares, and benefit 45,000 people.

Five projects funded by the GBFF will help mainstream biodiversity in agrifood sectors, foster sustainable livelihoods, and empower Indigenous Peoples. These projects aim to improve the management of 500,000 hectares of protected areas, restore 13,000 hectares of landscapes, improve practices on 2.4 million hectares of land and sea, mitigate 1.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit 100,000 people.

The $1.7 million project in Laos will enhance biodiversity through ecosystem restoration and biodiversity-friendly One Health practices. The $6.4 million project in Papua New Guinea will improve ecosystem connectivity and climate resilience with integrated landscape management. In the Solomon Islands, $2.4 million will support community-led management of key biodiversity areas by Indigenous Peoples, including through spatial management and other effective area-based conservation mechanisms (OECM). In Cuba, the $3 million project will address unsustainable fishing and agriculture in Northeastern Cuba, and the $1.3 million project in Nepal will help conserve endangered freshwater fish through ecosystem-based fisheries management.

A $8 million project funded by the GEF Trust Fund will enhance biodiversity, ecosystem service, and carbon sequestration in Areas Important for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (AIBDES), including areas inside and outside protected areas in South Sumatra and Central Java, Indonesia. The project aims to conserve and restore 91,000 hectares of natural ecosystems that house species such as the Javan Leopard and Sumatran Elephant. The project will also improve practices on 565,000 hectares of land, mitigate 6.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit 40,000 people.

Under the Integrated Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism Program (iCOAST), FAO will support Vanuatu in promoting sustainable practices within the tourism industry through bioeconomy and circular approaches. The project will channel $4 million to update the national tourism strategy, restore over 32,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems, improve practices on 62,000 hectares of land and sea, and benefit over 246,000 people.

Under the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Plus Program (FARM+), FAO will support Gambia to reduce harmful agrochemical use and transition to climate-resilient, agroecological practices in rice, millet and maize production. With $9.6 million from the GEF Trust Fund and the LDCF, the project aims to restore 10,000 hectares of land, improve practices on 120,000 hectares of land and sea, mitigate over 15,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit 240,000 people.

The program closes a year of record growth in the FAO-GEF partnership. In addition to $440 million approved across the February, June and December work programs in 2024, 13 FAO projects worth $14 million in GEF resources and $24 million in co-financing are providing global and national support in meeting reporting commitments for climate change and LDN.

With FAO’s support, 22 countries access financing

Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, India

The programme seeks to reinforce domestic nut production, reduce reliance on imports and create economic opportunities for local farmers.

The Nuts and Dry Fruit Council of India, NDFC(I), launched a walnut plantation initiative at Chakrata, Uttarakhand on 28-29th of December. The ambitious initiative seeks to introduce grafted walnut plants in India for the first time, with 300 saplings planted in the region of Chakrata. The programme seeks to reinforce domestic nut production, reduce reliance on imports and create economic opportunities for local farmers. The initiative is intended to usher an increase in the nut production of the region and serves as the steppingstone for a 3-year project that would subsequently encompass over 1000 cultivators.

The initiative envisages the planting of 300 saplings in a cluster centred around 3 villages in the region with over 70 farmers being involved. Apart from the 300 saplings, the programme will provide comprehensive support to the farmers in terms of in-depth training on optimal plantation techniques, including proper care and maintenance during critical growth stages. The high-yielding saplings have been provisioned from a Turkish horticultural company, AGRONOM, and imported by an Indian counterpart, Kalason Nursery. As NDFC(I) gears up for the 2nd edition of MEWA in February 2025, this initiative marks a cornerstone in the attempt to popularise and increase production of nuts in India.

This initiative emphasizes long-term sustainability with a focus on continuous plantation efforts and the establishment of world-class nut plant nurseries in India to ensure easy access to high-yielding grafted plants for farmers. This project is expected to significantly boost the local economy by increasing walnut production and creating new job opportunities for the community

NDFC(I) is collaborating with WANGAI (Walnuts and other Nut Fruit Growers Association of India), an organization promoting the cultivation of nuts.  The collaborative effort seeks to position India as a leading producer and exporter of walnuts and subsequently delve into other nut categories. The initiative serves as a gateway to expanding nut production, with a plan to increase cultivation in the Chakrata and Tuni regions and incorporating 1000 farmers. 

Speaking about the initiative, Achin Aggarwal, Chair, Committee for Agriculture and Farmers Connect at NDFC(I) stated, “With this initiative, we hope to cater to the growing popularity and demand for Walnuts. As India and the world moves towards a healthier lifestyle, we hope that the initiative will help expand the walnut production base. Beyond expanding production, the initiative will assist in the economy of the region and we hope that in the coming years, it becomes a major exporting location for Walnuts. The introduction of Grafted walnut plants should also spur a slate of innovation and research that would further increase yield and production.”

.

The programme seeks to reinforce domestic nut

Agribusiness, Environment, Schemes - Govt, Sustainability

Tobacco farmers income doubled over last 5 years

The Tobacco Board has undertaken several strategic activities to ensure the sustainability and growth of the tobacco industry. These include crop planning and regulation of production to meet both domestic and export demands.

The Board supports farmers by providing handholding assistance to produce tobacco of requisite quality to meet the standards of importing countries. The Tobacco Board was established on 1st January 1976 by an Act of Parliament “Tobacco Board Act, 1975 (Act 4 of 1975)” for the overall development of the tobacco industry. The Board’s primary role is to ensure the smooth functioning of the farming system and to ensure fair and remunerative prices for tobacco farmers and the promotion of exports. Financial assistance is extended to farmers through banks, along with the necessary inputs for the production of quality tobacco. The Board also engages in extension and developmental activities to promote sustainable tobacco cultivation practices.

India is the 2nd largest producer of tobacco in the world after China. India is the 4th largest producer of FCV tobacco in the world after China, Brazil and Zimbabwe. India is the 2nd largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco (quantity terms) after Brazil. Tobacco exports contribute sizable foreign exchange to the Indian exchequer. During 2023-24 the value of Indian tobacco exports reached Rs.12005.89 crore (1449.54 in US dollars). Tobacco farmers income has also doubled over the last 5 years.

To ensure better price discovery and secure remunerative prices for farmers, the Tobacco Board has implemented an IT-enabled electronic auctioning system for FCV tobacco. Additionally, export promotion activities are carried out to sustain and improve India’s tobacco exports. Welfare measures are extended to tobacco farmers, providing financial relief in the form of grants and loans during times of need.

As the Board celebrates its formation day, it proudly highlights that Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers’ earnings have more than doubled between 2019-20 and 2023-24 from Rs.124.00 per kg in 2019-20 to Rs.279.54 in 2023-24.

This success is attributed to effective government policies and efficient market mechanisms that have enhanced the livelihoods of approximately 83,000 farmers. The Tobacco Board’s efforts have played a crucial role in ensuring better returns, demonstrating the positive impact of strategic support to the tobacco farmers.

The efficient and transparent electronic auction system being implemented by the Tobacco Board for the sale of tobacco produced by the farmers helped in achieving the Government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income in the FCV tobacco sector.

The 2023-24 crop season has turned out to be a remarkable year for FCV (Flue-Cured Virginia) tobacco farmers across Andhra Pradesh. Despite facing natural calamities, our farmers’ determination and resilience resulted in a record-high production of 215.35 million kg kilograms of tobacco. This is an outstanding achievement, further complemented by a record-high price realization of Rs 288.65 per kilogram.

The surge in international demand for Indian FCV tobacco this year has played a pivotal role in achieving these unprecedented figures. Not only has this benefited the farmers, who have reaped the rewards of their hard work, but it has also significantly contributed to the national exchequer by generating foreign exchange through exports.

The auctions for the sale of the 2023-24 Andhra Pradesh FCV tobacco crop commenced on 29th February 2024 and concluded on 14th October 2024. A total of 16 auction platforms were operated, distributed as follows: 5 platforms in NLS, 5 in SBS, and 6 in SLS. Over the course of 178 auction days, 43,021 growers participated, resulting in a record-high volume of 215.35 million kg of FCV tobacco marketed, including 9.46 million kg of scrap and bits of tobacco. Farmers realized an average price of Rs 288.65 per kg, which is the highest average price ever recorded, and collectively earned Rs 6,313.58 crore during the season. This season’s average price was Rs 62.92 per kg higher than the previous year’s average of Rs 225.73 per kg, with the highest price achieved being Rs 411 per kg, compared to Rs 289 per kg last year.

Additionally, 38,751 registered growers benefited from a penalty waiver for the sale of 76.84 million kg of excess tobacco, resulting in savings of Rs 184 crore for the farmers. The Tobacco Board employees and growers also contributed Rs 92.70 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support victims of recent cyclones in Andhra Pradesh.

Tobacco farmers income doubled over last 5

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

Domestic sales in December 2024 were at 22019 units, as against 18028 units during December 2023.

 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, today announced its tractor sales numbers for December 2024. Domestic sales in December 2024 were at 22019 units, as against 18028 units during December 2023. Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during December 2024 were at 22943 units, as against 19138 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 924 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We have sold 22019 tractors in the domestic market during December 2024, a growth of 22 per cent over last year. Sentiments have remained positive in December on account of positive cash flow momentum from Kharif harvest. Additionally, favourable reservoir levels have resulted in strong sowing for the rabi season, further bolstering demand for tractors. Looking ahead, the tractor industry is poised for significant growth, underpinned by positive agricultural sentiments and favourable terms of trade for farmers. In the exports market, we have sold 924 tractors.”

Domestic sales in December 2024 were at

Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy, Environment, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with a total budget of Rs 69,515.71 crore. Government has also approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade of Non-Basmati White Rice (NBWR) between the Ministry of Cooperation of the Government of India and the Ministry of Trade of Indonesia

Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while expressing pleasure at the decisions of the Union Cabinet in a press conference, said that the new year should bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of the people of our country and we should be able to fulfill Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s resolve of a developed India. He said that the government has dedicated the New Year to the farmers. For this, I thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from the bottom of my heart. Today the cabinet has taken 3 big decisions in the interest of farmers. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is provided for the farmers.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with a total budget of Rs 69,515.71 crore. The aim of this decision is to provide risk coverage to farmers against natural calamities. The Cabinet approved setting up of Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), with an allocation of Rs 824.77 crore for technology improvements in insurance schemes. Key initiatives include Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH), which uses remote sensing for crop yield estimates. Weather Information and Network Data System (WINDS) for augmenting weather data through automatic weather stations. Talking about the third decision, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade of Non Basmati White Rice (NBWR) between the Ministry of Cooperation of India and the Ministry of Trade of Indonesia. This MoU is for trading of one million metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice annually based on production and international prices. The duration of the MoU will be four years and will be automatically extended for an additional four years and it will help to address the trade imbalance and strengthen India-Indonesia trade relations. NCEL will source Non-Basmati White Rice (NBWR) from the open market through a transparent tender process and from co-operative societies, thereby not distorting the market. Shri Chouhan said that targets have been set for the next one month of work of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and efforts will continue to achieve those targets.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation

AgroPolicy, R&D, Start ups

The partnership aims to enrich VISTAAR Network with information about start-ups in Agriculture & Allied Sectors to enable farmers to be aware of the capabilities that start-ups have and access them.

 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Government of India, on Project VISTAAR, which seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural extension system through Digitalisation. The Pilot Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) seeks to further strengthen the agricultural extension system.

Start-ups are known for their innovation and capabilities to use technology to bring new products and services to market. The context of agriculture sector presents unique opportunities for start-ups, both from the supply side and demand side. The technologies and innovations can benefit the farmers in agriculture and allied sectors to improve efficiencies and productivity while also helping on market information.

The Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras along with its incubated start-up YNOS Venture Engine have developed the most comprehensive information on the Indian start-up landscape.

The MoU signed recently between the Agriculture Ministry and IIT Madras enables them to enrich the VISTAAR platform with information about start-ups in the agriculture and allied sectors. This would enable farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture and allied sectors to be aware of the capabilities and offerings that start-ups have and easily access them.

Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Prof. Thillai Rajan A., Head, Centre for Research on Start-up, IIT Madras, said, “Agriculture forms the backbone of India’s social and economic rubric. Ensuring a strong agriculture sector therefore becomes a major policy imperative. Start-ups have an important role to play in bringing innovation across the value chain in the agriculture and allied sectors.”

Further, Prof. Thillai Rajan A., also a faculty in the Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, added, “The Start-up information platform developed by the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras along with its incubate start-up YNOS Venture Engine has information about 12,000 start-ups that are connected to the agriculture and farming sectors. This collaboration would bring this rich information within the easy reach of the farmer and contribute to the effectiveness of extension services of the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare significantly.”

Further, Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, said, “Innovative technologies of Agri Start-ups contribute towards making Agriculture sustainable and climate resilient and therefore connecting the technology of Agri startups with farmers through Extension is critical from an access and adoption perspective and the collaboration with IITM would surely pave way for achieving this objective through VISTAAR DPI for Agriculture Extension.”

Digitalisation of the existing extension system will expand its outreach substantially and enable every farmer to access high-quality advisory services on crop production, marketing, value and supply chain management. The advisory services will also provide information about all Government schemes related to agriculture and allied sectors including rural development from which the farmers can be benefited.

The process of digitalisation augments the current agricultural extension system by providing timely, contextual and accurate information and advisories to the farmers on agriculture and allied sectors.

The partnership aims to enrich VISTAAR Network

Agrotech, Allied Industry, Climate, Drones, R&D, Sustainability

Terra Drone Agri, a subsidiary of Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation, has implemented an advanced pest control initiative across 3,548.46 hectares of oil palm plantations in Malaysia. The program, launched under the company’s Terra Agri service, focuses on combating bagworm infestations—a significant threat to plantation health and yield

Bagworms are a persistent pest for oil palm plantations, causing severe defoliation and reducing crop yields. To tackle this challenge, Terra Drone Agri deploys GX30 and D16 drones, which are equipped with precision nozzles for uniform pesticide distribution. These drones enable effective pest control, even in difficult terrains, while minimizing environmental impact and chemical waste.

The drones apply specialized agrochemical products, including TAKUMI, developed by Agricultural Chemicals (M) Sdn. Bhd. (ACM), and Magnetik, a product from S&H Techventure Sdn. Bhd. These solutions are tailored to optimize pesticide application and ensure maximum effectiveness.

″This drone-based approach accelerates response times to pest outbreaks, reduces labor costs, and minimizes chemical waste,″ the press release states.

The operation highlights the synergy between Terra Drone Agri, ACM, and S&H Techventure. ACM, established in 1969, brings decades of experience in pesticide formulation and provides after-sales services, including training and consultation. S&H Techventure contributes region-specific expertise, ensuring effective pest control strategies tailored for Malaysian plantations.

By integrating drone technology with agrochemical solutions, Terra Drone Agri supports the modernization of Malaysia’s agricultural landscape. This initiative exemplifies the use of innovative tools to address pressing challenges while promoting long-term sustainability and productivity.

Terra Drone Agri, a subsidiary of Japan-based

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, Finance, India, Schemes - Govt

One-time Special Package is for the period from 01.01.2025 till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for extension of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT for the period from 01.01.2025 till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The tentative budgetary requirement for above would be approximately up to Rs 3,850 crore.

28 grades of P&K fertilizers are made available to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f 01.04.2010. Continuing topmost priority in keeping farmers’ welfare in firm focus, Government of India has extended a massive relief to farmers in keeping the price of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer unchanged. In spite of geo-political constraints and volatility of global market conditions, Government kept its commitment towards farmer friendly approach by ensuring availability of DAP to farmers at affordable prices for Kharif and Rabi 2024-25.

Cabinet in July 2024 had approved one-time Special Package on DAP beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT from 01.04.2024 to 31.12.2024 with approximate financial implication of Rs 2,625 cr. The Cabinet in its meeting held today (1.1.2025) has approved to extend the Special Package on DAP with approximate financial implication up to Rs. 3850 crores. With this the total amount of special package approved for DAP since April 2024 would be more than Rs. 6,475 cr. to ensure availability of DAP at affordable price to farmers.  Availability of DAP to farmers at subsidized, affordable and reasonable prices will be ensured.

One-time Special Package is for the period

Collaborations, R&D, Sustainability, Trade

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad and the Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, has launched an Integrated Management Approach to address the threat of pests and diseases in the country’s date palm groves

Date palms play a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural economy and food security, particularly in southern provinces such as Sistan and Baluchestan, Hormozgan, Fars, and Kerman. With over 93 commercial varieties, Iran (Islamic Republic) is among the world’s top producers of dates. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including climate extremes, water scarcity, and improper crop management practices.

In recent years, insect pests such as the Red Palm Weevil and the Dubas bug, along with diseases like Date Palm Bunch Wilting Disorder, have caused damage to date palm groves.

Speaking at the event, Chongguang Liao, FAO Representative ad interim to the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlighted the urgency of tackling these challenges, and stated that ″Unchecked infestations of invasive pests like the Red Palm Weevil could lead to severe economic and ecological consequences.″

″The Integrated Management of Date Palm Key insect pests and diseases project has been developed to address the urgent need for a comprehensive and holistic strategy that will mobilize the synergies of multiple institutions and approaches. Through this initiative, FAO aims to support national efforts by introducing sustainable and combined different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and to minimize the risk of pests’ outbreaks,″ Liao explained.

The project will focus on strengthening phytosanitary measures to prevent the spread of invasive pests; improving early warning systems and efficient reporting of the population density for effective monitoring mechanisms, enhancing integrated management protocols to improve and highlight emerging strategies in combating major insect pests and diseases, as well as building national capacity to ensure that farmers, gardeners, and plant protection teams can effectively adopt these solutions.

″Prevention and control of diseases and pests requires an integral strategy which mobilizes synergies of multiple institutions,″ Yubak Dhoj GC, FAO Senior Agricultural Officer stated.

By implementing these measures, the project aims to reduce production losses, improve crop yields, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Iran’s date palm industry.

The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project is owned by Iran and for Iran. The inception workshop brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to align priorities and strategies for safeguarding the country’s date palm groves.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the

Agribusiness, Horticulture

The Darjeeling orange, once a priceless gem, is currently experiencing a painful crisis. Due to a sharp decline in production, traders in Siliguri, the epicenter of the fruit trade, are facing enormous losses

Known for its alluring perfume and flavor, this aromatic gem of North Bengal is currently fighting for its life. The future of this renowned fruit is in jeopardy as output has fallen to just 20 per cent.

Every year from November to January, North Bengal’s orange trade brought in crores of rupees. In order to stock as much of the seasonal fruit as possible, traders from all over the nation used to congregate at the Regulated market, the largest wholesale market in the Northeast, which is located in Siliguri, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. In the meantime, during the past few years, things have changed. Orange production has decreased in Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Darjeeling. Orange production has decreased to 20 per cent, according to Siliguri dealers. They asserted that the government’s lack of collaboration and maintenance has caused a decline in orange production.

At the controlled market, Adam Singh Giri, a farmer from Soreng, Darjeeling, stated: “The government is not providing them with any support. Due to the lack of organic fertilizers, the farmers were unable to maintain the orange trees on their own, with the assistance of a few members of the Farmers Club. Additionally, they asked the government to investigate, saying that if they don’t, the fruits will have disappeared.

“The orange market is almost finished,” stated Binod Rastogi, an orange vendor from a Siliguri market that is regulated. They used to receive an enormous amount of oranges between November and January. Currently, however, only 20% comes from the hills. It is a result of both inadequate tree care and global warming.

The Darjeeling orange, once a priceless gem,