Connect with:
Wednesday / February 5. 2025

logo
mobile-logo
Home2025 (Page 4)
Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Farm Mechanisation, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting, Sustainability

The Indian agricultural ecosystem’s quicker adoption of e-tractors will promote early market development, giving homegrown producers the chance to expand their worldwide leadership in e-tractor production and open up export markets.

JMK Research & Analytics estimated diesel tractors contributed 7.4 per cent of the country’s yearly fuel consumption. The continuous use of diesel tractors has further caused greenhouse gas emissions to rise, with India thereby accounting for 7.3 per cent of world emissions, primarily from transportation and agriculture at the rate of 8.36 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively. The headwinds of growing global concerns on ecological balance and sustainability therefore influenced the transition towards the electrification of tractors and adoption of advanced electric tractors to reduce these emissions. The effective implementation of e-tractors in India will require a thorough and cooperative effort from several sectors. The Indian agricultural ecosystem’s quicker adoption of e-tractors will promote early market development, giving homegrown producers the chance to expand their worldwide leadership in e-tractor production and open up export markets.

The concept of electric tractors (e-tractors) however is still at a nascent stage in India. However, over time, the nation shall embrace and advance in electrification, creating ample opportunities for the e-tractors market to develop soon. In India, diesel tractors account for around 8.81 lakh registered units or 3.57 per cent of the total vehicle population in FY2024. The country continues to be a dominant player in the segment thereby exporting 10.33 per cent of the manufactured tractors to the international markets.

The diesel tractor market has eventually risen at a CAGR of 8.29 per cent between FY2016 and FY2024, indicating an enormous prospective in this sector. The top five companies made up roughly 85 per cent of the market share in FY2024.

With the most tractor registrations and the highest number of units sold between FY2014 and FY2024, Uttar Pradesh emerged as the state with the largest agricultural base, according to Vahan Database. The extent of automated farming in India’s key agricultural centres is demonstrated by the high tractor sales volumes in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Telangana. The growth from FY2023 to FY2024 is marginally lower at 8.84 per cent, whereas the annual average growth rate (AAGR) from FY2022 to FY2023 is 10.12 per cent (VAHAN 2024). The statistics demonstrate an apparent halt but overall steady growth. The country’s agricultural diversity is reflected in the geographic distribution of tractor sales, with states with intensive farming, such as Uttar Pradesh, exhibiting greater adoption rates.

A diminishing labour force and expanding food demand represent two primary challenges facing India’s agriculture sector, necessitating production quality and quantity increases. Although increasing farm mechanisation is necessary to boost productivity, it has boosted the use of diesel-powered tractors, which has raised the cost of operation and carbon emissions. The use of e-tractors offers a practical way to deal with these problems sustainably. As previously mentioned, e-tractors provide a sustainable substitute by lowering reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. They additionally bring about a more economical cost of operation by requiring less fuel and maintenance. The drop in diesel demand may also alleviate the fiscal burden on the government, by providing fossil fuel subsidies.

As of June 2024, 127 e-tractor units have been registered cumulatively in India, as per JMK Research; including imported e-tractor vehicles from other countries and sales of prototype e-tractor vehicles built in India. In terms of state-wise deployment, the highest number of e-tractors has been registered in key agricultural states such as Haryana and Punjab.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

The Indian agricultural ecosystem's quicker adoption of

Agribusiness, Farm Mechanisation, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

With the support of new technologies such as electric tractors (e-tractors), precision agriculture and custom hiring the farm mechanisation industry is moving towards transformation from traditional tractor production to sustainable and customer-centric tractors by 2030. Let’s explore further.

Farm productivity has been adversely hit by a ceaseless migration of rural population to cities for ‘better prospects’ in the recent past, more so than ever before. This has triggered a significant growth in the market for farm machinery, especially tractors and harvesting equipment, to boost productivity. In 2023, the agricultural machinery market in India was valued at Rs 1.13 trillion and is expected to reach Rs 1.66 trillion by FY2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.69 per cent during the 2024 – 2029 period.  Government initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and subsidies for agricultural machinery purchases, are also encouraging farmers to adopt advanced technologies, further fuelling the growth of India’s agricultural machinery market. Business models such as custom hiring and tractor ownership have been started to increase the deployment of farm machinery across the country. Startups are supporting farmers through the Farming-as-a-Service (FAAS) model.  With the support of new technologies such as electric tractors (e-tractors), precision agriculture and custom hiring the farm mechanisation industry is moving towards transformation from traditional tractor production to sustainable and customer-centric tractors by 2030. Let’s explore further.

The role of modern agricultural machines is very crucial as they help in increasing agriculture production and productivity, improving the utilisation efficiency of costlier inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and irrigation water, besides the traditional use of humans and animals in farming. However, the adoption of mechanisation by the farmers of various states depends on varying factors such as socio-economic conditions, geographical conditions, crops grown, irrigation facilities etc.

Out of the multiple strategic interventions required to spur sustainable agricultural growth and achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat, improving the level of farm mechanisation seems to hold tremendous potential. The overall farm mechanisation level in India stands at 47 per cent which is still below the level of developing countries like Brazil and China where it is around 70 per cent. Farm mechanisation is even more important in India where 82 per cent of farmers belong to the small and marginal categories and half of the arable land is under the rainfed category. In these conditions, it becomes imperative for farmers to ensure the completion of activities on time. Multiple evidence suggests that the average yield in agriculture has a direct correlation with farm mechanisation.

According to the PwC report ‘Farm Mechanisation: A Catalyst for Sustainable Agricultural Growth’ published in February 2024, “Globally, the Asia-Pacific region holds the highest share (43 per cent) in the global farm machinery market. Among different kinds of farm machinery, tractors are used the most, having a share of almost 55 per cent. In India, of all farming equipment used by farmers, tractors make up 80 per cent of the total share. Due to the inclination towards increased tractor use in the country, the Indian agricultural sector is said to be ‘tractorised’. At present, the farm power availability in India is at 2.49 kW/ha. The Government of India has thus set an ambitious target of raising the farm power availability in the country to 4.0 kW/ha by 2030.

In India itself, the average farm power availability varies greatly across different states – i.e. 5–6 kW/ha in Punjab and Haryana 0.2 kW/ha in the north-eastern regions. This discrepancy is one of the major reasons for the uneven development of agriculture in India. It is also important to note that the farm mechanisation level varies according to the types of crops as well – cereal crops like wheat and rice stand at about 50–60 per cent mechanisation, whereas horticulture crops have a much lower level of mechanisation. However, at the same time, farm power availability has increased tremendously in India during the recent decades, helping India to become one of the major net exporters of tractors in the world.

The government is keen to promote mechanisation with the specific aim of increasing the reach of farm mechanisation to small and marginal farmers and to the regions where the availability of farm power is low and promoting ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small land holding and high cost of individual ownership of agricultural machines. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation’ (SMAM) was implemented in all the States and Union Territories from 2014-15 including the state of Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, financial assistance @ 40 – 50 per cent of the cost of machines depending on the categories of farmers is provided for the purchase of agricultural machines. Financial assistance @ 40 per cent of the project cost is also provided to rural entrepreneurs, (rural youth and farmers as an entrepreneur), Cooperative Societies of Farmers (CSFs), Registered Farmers Societies (RFSs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Panchayats for the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Hi-tech hubs of high-value agricultural machines. Financial assistance @ 80 per cent of the project cost for projects costing up to Rs 30 lakh are provided to the CSFs, RFSs, FPOs, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayats for setting up of village level Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs). The scheme promotes almost all agricultural machines and equipment for crop production and post-production activities.

Between 2014-15 and March 2024, Rs 7265 crore were allocated for agricultural mechanisation.18,16,221 machines and various other equipment have been provided to farmers on subsidy. 25,527 CHCs, 594 high-tech hubs and 23,538 FMBs have been established to make available agricultural machines and equipment to the farmers on a rental basis. During 2024-25, Rs 69.99 crore was released to the States.

Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)

Making various farm machinery/equipment for small and marginal farmers at an affordable rent is one of the main objectives of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs). It also helps in offsetting adverse economies of scale due to the high cost of individual ownership. CHC improves mechanisation in places with low farm power availability. It mainly provides hiring services for various agricultural machinery/implements applied for different operations. CHC helps to expand mechanised activities during cropping seasons in large areas, especially in small and marginal holdings. It also provides hiring services for various high-value crop-specific machines applied for different operations.

The farm power availability for small/marginal land holdings is the lowest. As the small/marginal holdings constitute 85 per cent of total land holdings, the potential for CHC which will cater to the farm machinery requirement of such a vast area, is quite huge. Keeping in view the emphasis on agricultural farm machinery and the need for taking the farm machinery within the reach of small/marginal farmers, institutional credit needs to be made available for CHCs. Generally, FPOs have a base of more than 500 members, readily potential customers for the CHC. Further, CHC’s services can be made available to non-members to increase its viability.

India’s agriculture sector is vast but fragmented, with a significant portion of the country’s farmers holding small lands. For the small and marginal farmers, investing in modern equipment and advanced agricultural practices has traditionally been very expensive and also limited their productivity. FaaS addresses this challenge head-on by democratising access to these resources. Through affordable and scalable solutions, farmers can use technology to improve their yields, reduce input costs, and ultimately increase their profitability.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

With the support of new technologies such

Biofuel industry

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved revision of ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25 under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme of the Government of India. Accordingly, the administered ex-mill price of ethanol for the EBP Programme derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) for the Ethanol Supply Year 2024-25 has been fixed at Rs.57.97 per litre from Rs.56.58 per litre

The approval will not only facilitate the continued policy for the Government in providing price stability and remunerative prices for ethanol suppliers but will also help in reducing dependency on crude oil imports, savings in foreign exchange and bring benefits to the environment. In the interest of sugarcane farmers, as in the past, GST and transportation charges would be separately payable. Increase in prices of CHM Ethanol by 3 per cent will assure sufficient availability of ethanol to meet the increased blending target.

Government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 20 per cent. This Programme is being implemented across the country to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels. This intervention also seeks to reduce import dependence for energy requirements and give boost to agriculture sector. During the last ten years (as on 31.12.2024), ethanol blending in petrol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has resulted in approximate savings of more than Rs.1,13,007crore of foreign exchange and crude oil substitution of about 193 lakh metric tonnes.

Ethanol blending by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has increased from 38 crore litre in Ethanol Supply Year 2013-14 (ESY – currently defined as ethanol supply period from 1stNovember of a year to 31st October of the following year) to 707crore litre achieving average blending of 14.60 per cent in ESY 2023-24.

Government has advanced the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol from earlier 2030 to ESY 2025-26 and a “Roadmap for ethanol blending in India 2020-25” has been put in public domain. As a step in this direction, OMCs plan to achieve 18 per cent blending during the ongoing ESY 2024-25. Other recent enablers include enhancement of ethanol distillation capacity to 1713 crore litre per annum; Long Term Off-take Agreements (LTOAs) to set up Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs) in ethanol deficit States; encourage conversion of single feed distilleries to multi feed; availability of E-100 and E-20 fuel; launch of flexi fuel vehicles etc. All these steps also add to ease of doing business and achieving the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Due to the visibility provided by the Government under EBP Programme, investments have happened across the country in the form of network of greenfield and brownfield distilleries, storage and logistics facilities apart from employment opportunities and sharing of value within the country among various stakeholders. All distilleries will be able to take benefit of the scheme and large number of them are expected to supply ethanol for the EBP programme. This will help in quantifiable forex savings, crude oil substitution, environmental benefits and early payment to cane farmers.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA),

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy

It is critical to address the inequality and competitiveness challenges caused by Chinese imports by ensuring a complete GST refund for MSME agri-input manufacturers.

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 Union Budget 2025 Dr Suhas Buddhe, Adviser, Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association said,“We expect Budget 2025 to focus on enhanced funding and support for research and development towards the import substitution of advanced agricultural inputs. It is critical to address the inequality and competitiveness challenges caused by Chinese imports by ensuring a complete GST refund for MSME agri-input manufacturers. Currently, they purchase raw materials and machinery at 18 per cent GST and sell their products at 5 per cent, resulting in a 13 per cent GST differential that blocks significant working capital on every unit produced. This GST blockage forces many to borrow funds just to pay GST, limiting their growth potential.

Additionally, we hope for a budgetary provision to establish farm schools to educate and train marginal farmers in modern farming techniques. There is also a pressing need for allocating funds to promote residue-free farming alongside organic farming, encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.”

It is critical to address the inequality

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, India, Sustainable Energy

With an investment of Rs 4 crore, the 1MW floating solar plant is expected to meet 5 per cent of Matix’s energy needs.

Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals announced that company has commissioned a 1 MW floating solar power plant at its Panagarh facility in West Bengal with an investment of Rs 4 crore. The funding for the project was through internal accruals, the company added.

Located within Matix’s premises, this investment represents a significant move towards energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Solar power is a key priority in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s energy strategy for India which aims to reduce carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. This 1MW floating solar plant, expected to meet 5 per cent of Matix’s energy needs, is Phase 1 of a gradual transition that is meant to be implemented over the next few years. It will not only help in reducing Matix’s carbon footprint but also will additionally minimise evaporation from the water body thus aiding water conservation. Water is a crucial input for the plant’s steam production processes which in turn powers it’s turbines for power generation. This dual-purpose solution highlights how innovative technology can address both energy and resource challenges.

“This floating solar plant is another step in our continued commitment to integrating sustainability into our operations. We have already taken big strides in water conservation, greening and energy efficiency. By leveraging renewable energy, we aim not only to reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute meaningfully to Bharat’s environmental goals,” Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Chairman Nishant Kanodia said in a statement.

With an investment of Rs 4 crore,

AgroPolicy, Cold Storage, India, Supply Chain, Transportation, Warehousing

Spanning 27 acres within the port complex, this facility is set to transform the processing, storage, and transportation of agricultural commodities.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, launched multiple projects worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore to expand capacity at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Navi Mumbai, according to the release.

Sonowal also launched the development of a state-of-the-art agro processing facility at JNPA. This pioneering initiative, with an investment of Rs 284 crore, marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s agricultural trade infrastructure. Spanning 27 acres within the port complex, this one-of-its-kind facility is set to transform the processing, storage, and transportation of agricultural commodities. “Designed to handle approximately 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, the facility will offer comprehensive services including processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory facilities to ensure compliance with food safety and trade regulations.

 Another MoU was signed for setting up a warehousing facility in the port area under JNPA’s initiative to monetise vacant land parcels along with capacity development. An investment of Rs 300 crore is being fixed for the development of these ambient and temperature-controlled warehousing and CFS facilities, the release mentioned.

The MoU between VPPL and Dr Balasaheb Kokan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli was also signed for the development and implementation of an integrated agricultural and horticultural plan for short-listed villages in Dahanu and Palghar in and around Vadhavan.

Spanning 27 acres within the port complex,

R&D

Agdia announced the launch of a new product that simplifies and speeds up the sample purification process for RT-qPCR-based detection of Potato Virus Y (PVY). Agdia’s new ImmunoCapture Antibody for PVY represents an innovative step forward for testing laboratories looking to improve both performance and efficiency when testing for this impactful virus

he potato plant (Solanum tuberosum) is a critical crop for global food security, cultivated across temperate and tropical regions. However, it is vulnerable to numerous pathogens with Potato virus Y (PVY) being the most significant, capable of causing up to 80% crop losses in heavily infected fields. PVY affects a wide range of solanaceous crops, including potato, tomato, eggplant, and pepper, as well as ornamental plants and weeds, posing a severe threat to agriculture.

PVY strains are categorized into three phylogroups: O (ordinary), C (common), and N (necrotic), along with recombinant strains like PVYO+C and PVYNTN. Symptoms vary but can include foliar mosaic patterns, necrosis, premature leaf drop, and tuber necrotic ringspots. Transmission occurs via 50+ aphid species, which spread the virus over long distances, in addition to transmission by mechanical means like plant contact caused by wind or human activity. Infected seed tubers are the primary inoculum source for PVY.

Management relies on maintaining certified seed tubers and identifying infected seed by diagnostic workflows, including serological tests like ELISA, ImmunoStrip®, AmplifyRP® and laboratory-based molecular tools such as RT-qPCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). These approaches, coupled with winter grow-out trials, are vital for identifying and mitigating PVY’s impact on potato production.

Although qPCR methods for detection of PVY are highly sensitive and specific, the labor and extraction kit materials required for traditional nucleic acid purification can be cost-prohibitive for certification purposes. Traditional nucleic acid purification materials and reagents can be costly and require multiple steps, each of which is a critical control point that can be subject to errors. Immunocapture simplifies this process by combining pathogen isolation and nucleic acid preparation into a single step.

Incorporating an immunocapture step in qPCR/RT-qPCR combines serological (antibody-based) and molecular (DNA- or RNA-based) detection techniques that can result in gains for both assay performance and method efficiency.

With immunocapture methods, specific antibodies are immobilized on a solid surface (ex: PCR microtiter plates) to bind to target pathogens (in this case, PVY). The binding step effectively concentrates the virus, and a simple washing step separates it from inhibitors commonly found in complex biological samples such as macerated tuber tissue. The captured viral particles are then lysed to release their nucleic acids, which serve as the template for the qPCR method that follows.

Immunocapture not only speeds up the purification process, but also offers more opportunities for high-throughput process automation since it occurs in a simple PCR plate versus the various tubes, filters, etc. which are required in traditional nucleic acid purification.

Traditional nucleic acid extraction methods co-purify all nucleic acids present in a sample extract. With immunocapture purification, only the target antigens (ex: PVY) are bound to the antibodies while all other sample materials are washed away. This leads to fewer chances for inhibiting substances and non-target DNA or RNA to interfere with the downstream qPCR/RT-qPCR protocol.

For a high-throughput PCR lab, Agdia’s ImmunoCapture Antibody for Potato Virus Y streamlines the testing process, reduces costs, and improves both the sensitivity and reliability of detecting PVY. By integrating this innovative reagent, labs can process more samples faster with higher confidence in the results, making it a superior choice over traditional nucleic acid extraction methods for the detection of PVY.

Agdia announced the launch of a new

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Fungicides, Herbicides, Sustainability

Soybean growers across the globe face a silent but devastating threat under the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). This microscopic pathogen attacks soybean roots, jeopardizing crop yields and causing more than $1.5 billion in annual losses in the United States alone. Despite decades of effort, effective solutions to protect soybeans from SCN remain elusive, as the pathogen is often detected only in later stages because its early symptoms are subtle. However, new research offers hope for a sustainable solution to this agricultural challenge

A recent study published in the journal Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (MPMI), led by the graduate student Alexandra Margets and other researchers from the Roger Innes Laboratory at Indiana University Bloomington, in collaboration with the Baum Lab at Iowa State University, has identified and characterized a key protein behind SCN infection. Their findings could revolutionize how farmers protect their crops from this pervasive threat.

The team of researchers identified an effector protein called CPR1 (″cysteine protease 1″), which SCN secretes into soybean roots during infection. CPR1 disrupts the plant’s immune system, paving the way for the pathogen to establish itself. Using a cutting-edge technique called ″proximity labeling,” the team identified a soybean protein, GmBCAT1 (branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase), as a target of CPR1. Further experiments revealed that CPR1 prevents the accumulation of GmBCAT1, suggesting cleavage. This discovery could enable the team to engineer ″decoy” proteins that trick SCN effectors into cleaving them, thereby triggering a robust plant immune response that prevents further infection.

″This work has broad impacts on our understanding of SCN parasitism and the development of a novel resistance strategy. If shown to be successful, we can develop plants that are resistant to SCN and deliver a new solution for soybean farmers to use in their fields,” said Roger Innes, head of the Innes Lab. ″If this technology works for SCN resistance in soybeans, it will almost certainly work for other crop plants and respective plant diseases.”

These insights could have far-reaching implications for global agriculture. By developing SCN-resistant soybeans, this research aims to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, lowering agriculture’s environmental impact while increasing crop yields. The complementary expertise of the Innes Lab in decoy protein engineering and the Baum Lab in soybean and nematode biology underscores the potential for transformative advancements in sustainable farming. Both labs hope this research will benefit farmers and promote sustainable agriculture by developing a new generation of SCN-resistant soybeans.

Soybean growers across the globe face a

Agribusiness, Start ups

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration, mentorship, and support for startups in the region

The signing took place during “Jammu Kashmir Konnect,” a special startup-focused program organized at JKEDI’s Baribrahamna campus, where startups, incubators, and key-way stakeholders gathered to discuss innovation and growth opportunities. DPIIT and JKEDI formally signed the MoU marking a significant step toward strengthening startup support systems in J&K.

The MoU between DPIIT and JKEDI paves the way for greater branding, outreach, and accessibility to Startup India’s ecosystem, fostering mentorship, knowledge exchange, and infrastructure support. It also focuses on market linkages, funding networks, and international expansion opportunities, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

During the program, Director DPIIT and Director JKEDI held one-on-one interactions with all incubators, discussing their challenges, needs, and future plans. The session provided a unique platform for incubators to share insights, suggest improvements, and seek policy-level support for enhancing the startup ecosystem.

During the event, Shri Rajinder Kumar Sharma, JKAS, Director JKEDI highlighted the impact of the JK Startup Policy, launched in March 2024, which has led to over 250 new startup registrations on the DPIIT portal taken the total to 988 in a short span. He also emphasized the significant outreach efforts undertaken by JKEDI, stating that during the current financial year, the institute has successfully conducted 601 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs (EAPs) across Universities, Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools, and IITs in 20 districts of J&K—without incurring any expenses.

The “Jammu Kashmir Konnect” program, coupled with the signing of the MoU, marks a major milestone in J&K’s startup ecosystem, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs receive the mentorship, funding opportunities, and ecosystem support needed to thrive.

The Head of the Incubators from IIT- Jammu, IIM-Jammu, Jammu University, SKUAST-Jammu, Cluster University and CIIIT Jammu along with the FICCI Flo attended the event physically. Incubators from NIT- Srinagar, IUST University, SKUAST – Kashmir and CIIIT Baramulla joined virtually.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal

Award

Dr Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been conferred with the “IAHS-Girdhari Lal Chadha Award 2024” by the Indian Academy of Horticultural Society (IAHS), the oldest professional society of India established in 1942 and comprising 2,400 members, for his outstanding contributions to fruit science

The award, consisting of a Gold Medal and citation, was awarded to Dr Gill during the Inaugural Session of the National Conference on “Digital Technologies for Transforming the Horticulture Sector,” held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi on January 28. The Girdhari Lal Chadha Award in Fruit Science was instituted in 1992 with a corpus money donated by Padma Shri Dr KL Chadha, former Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR in Fruit Science Research and Development (R&D).

The inaugural session was graced by the agricultural stalwarts including Prof Ramesh Chand, member of NITI Aayog, New Delhi; Dr T Mohapatra, former Director General, ICAR and Chairperson PPV&FRA; Dr SK Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR; and Dr Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary DA&FW, Government of India, New Delhi.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU; and Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, congratulated Dr Gill for winning this prestigious award and making significant contributions as well as displaying leadership in R&D in fruit science.

Dr Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean, Post

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Company News, Digital Technologies, India

 The app helps to track real-time inflow of raw materials and outflow of finished products parameters for the alert to maintain an appropriate level of stock.

Buyofuel, India’s top biofuel marketplace, announced the launch of the Buyo Inventory App to transform biofuel inventory management. Biofuel manufacturers, suppliers, and traders face enormous challenges in managing raw material inflow, finished product outflow, production schedule, and machinery maintenance in an increasingly competitive market. Gallery Buyo Inventory App Solution minimizes such pain areas and provides a more efficient, scalable, and sustainable solution for smooth inventory management. Inventory management has been a longstanding issue in the biofuel industry, given cost and timing issues, like stock mismanagement or overproduction of biofuels, material wastage from production processes such as fermentation, and unplanned downtime of machinery. To address these challenges, Buyofuel introduces the Buyo Inventory App to optimise operations and improve inventory management within the biofuel industry. The Buyo Inventory App is available for download across leading app stores and can be easily integrated into operating processes.

The Buyo Inventory App comes with numerous features that are specifically designed for biofuel distributors and producers. It helps to Track Real-time inflow of raw materials and outflow of finished products parameters for the alert to maintain an appropriate level of stock. This feature assists in minimizing overstocking or shortages to maintain smooth operations. Furthermore, the app integrates into machinery maintenance schedules and production capacity, helping ensure parts are available when needed, and minimizing downtime. It’s easy-to-navigate interface leads to rapid adoption of the platform across teams, even if they are at different operational levels. Its versatility in different kinds of businesses supports active adaptation to different biofuel processes. With vast experience in the biofuel business, Buyofuel developed the Buyo Inventory App to provide added value to bio fuel producers and suppliers.

Building this app after learning about the challenges of trying to improve things in the industry, the app works with the other Buyofuel tools to provide a single dashboard that can run everything. It can also be adapted to all types of biofuels processes as it can use rice husks, bagasse, groundnut shells, and other biomass feedstocks. Benefits such as cost efficiency also fall into this category, as the ability to optimize for machines and spare parts helps reduce waste and make production more productive by minimizing downtime. Moreover, it encourages sustainability by optimizing inventory management and minimizing the carbon footprint.

 Kishan Karunakaran, Founder & CEO of Buyofuel said, “The Buyo Inventory App is a key milestone for the biofuel sector. It is intended to streamline inventory management and enable biofuel companies to run more cost-efficiently. Its powerful features and intuitive interface help users streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve overall profitability.” The app can be adapted immediately by biofuel manufacturers and suppliers to reap the benefits of more robust inventory control and improved operational productivity. The new solution is the latest step in Buyofuel’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability that enables the biofuel sector to implement intelligent technologies that drive growth and help deliver a greener tomorrow. Technology reviews Buyofuel is a leading platform dedicated to transforming the biofuel industry through innovative solutions. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, Buyofuel connects biofuel producers, suppliers, and consumers to create a seamless ecosystem for biofuel trade and management.”

 The app helps to track real-time inflow

Company News, Packaging & Labelling

Blending Tradition with Innovation to Empower Every Purchase with Transparency and Quality

KRBL Limited, a global leader in the food industry and parent to the World’s No.1 India Gate Basmati Rice, proudly announces the launch of its new packaging. Designed
with a consumer-first approach, the revamped packaging aims to educate and empower consumers, enabling them to make informed choices based on their unique preferences and requirements. The journey to this milestone began with a deep dive into consumer behavior, aiming to address significant gaps in the category. Research highlighted key challenges: lack of detailed product knowledge and price-driven decision-making. These insights laid the foundation for the new packaging, designed to simplify choices, provide transparency, and strengthen consumer trust.

To bring this vision to life, KRBL partnered with renowned brand consulting and design firm Landor Associates. This collaboration brought global expertise to address complex challenges, such as the integration of modern design elements with India Gate’s rich legacy and ensuring that the packaging resonates with diverse consumer mindsets. Through extensive research and validation, the new packaging emerged as a solution that blends tradition with innovation, empowering consumers with detailed product information, consumer-forward illustrations and interactive features like QR codes. By segmenting the portfolio based on mindsets—such as The Perfectionist, The Quality-Seeker, The Taste Champion, The Smart Shopper—KRBL ensures a tailored experience for every consumer.

“The new packaging represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower consumers,” said Ayush Gupta, India Business Head, KRBL Limited. “By addressing long-standing consumer challenges, we aim to redefine how consumers interact with basmati rice. Every detail, from AR- enabled QR codes to variant-specific prefixes, is designed to make their journey easier and more rewarding. This is packaging with a purpose—intelligent, engaging, and deeply rooted in our values. This initiative not only reflects our dedication to quality and innovation but also strengthens our legacy as a trusted leader in the industry.”

The revamped packaging is just the beginning of a multi-phase campaign that is being launched on 29th January 2025 at PVR Director’s Cut, Vasant Kunj, with the unveiling kicking off with a grand premiere at PVR Director’s Cut, marking a bold step in redefining consumer engagement in an otherwise low-engagement category.

Blending Tradition with Innovation to Empower Every

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Animal Health, Company News, India, Live Stock, R&D

 Argo Rid, helps in healing of lesions due to parasitic attachment (Argulus Spot) on the fishes in addition to boosting their immune system.

Godrej Agrovet Limited announced that the company has launched Argo Rid, a fish lice controller. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), the product helps in healing of lesions due to parasitic attachment (Argulus Spot) on the fishes in addition to boosting their immune system thereby aiding enabling aqua farmers take better care of their fish’s health.

Argulus infections have long plagued the Aquaculture industry, affected nearly 48 percent of Indian aquaculture ponds and caused an estimated annual loss of USD 62.5 million. ArgoRid addresses this challenge through its farmer-friendly, easy-to-use formulation, making it accessible to both small-scale and large commercial fish farmers who can seamlessly integrate it into their existing feeding practices.

Commenting on the launch, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we are committed to offering research-driven solutions that enhance farm efficiency and uplift farming families while maintaining sustainability. Hence in our quest to contribute to nation’s Blue Revolution, we delighted to empower fish farmers with a reliable, easy-to-use, and effective tool to combat one of the industry’s biggest challenges. Leveraging the technical expertise of ICAR-CIFE and our distribution reach, we certainly believe that such public-private partnerships will play a critical role in driving meaningful advancements in the industry and strengthen the position of our country’s Fisheries sector on the global map.”

Dr. Mohammad Aklakur, Scientist, ICAR-CIFE also shared his views on the product. “The introduction of ArgoRid is a breakthrough from a scientific perspective because it proves that nutraceuticals can be effective treatments in controlling fish lice infestations. Its formulation not only eliminates fish lice but also enhances immunity, promotes wound healing, and improves overall fish health. Developed through extensive research at ICAR-CIFE, ArgoRid provides a scalable and effective solution to one of the industry’s major challenges.”

 Argo Rid, helps in healing of lesions

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Start ups, World

New cohort to explore innovations focused on meeting customers’ needs.

Deere & Company announced the names of 6 companies chosen for its 2025 Startup Collaborator program. The John Deere Startup Collaborator program was launched in 2019 to enhance and deepen the company’s interaction with startup companies whose technology could add value for agriculture and construction customers.

“The John Deere Startup Collaborator Program represents our ongoing dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions,” said Jahmy Hindman, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer. “By collaborating with forward-thinking startups, we aim to explore new technologies that can bring significant value to our customers in agriculture and construction. We look forward to working closely with these startups to learn, grow, and drive the future of productive, sustainable, and efficient farming and construction practices.”

The companies participating in the 2025 Startup Collaborator include:

Array Labs – A space technology company building the first constellation designed for frequent, high-quality 3D imaging of Earth’s entire surface

Landscan – A digital twin company fusing proprietary soil and remote sensing signals to generate unique analytical insights for the optimization and management of land and its resources

LIDWAVE – A pioneering 4D LiDAR-on-a-chip developer, providing unprecedented sensing for advanced automation, mapping, and inspection applications

Presien – A physical AI company partnering with OEMs to deliver plug-and-play, on-machine solutions that transform worksite safety and productivity

ReSim – An embodied AI testing company that automates hardware, simulation and replay evaluations, unlocking safer, faster development for autonomy

Witricity – A trailblazer in wireless charging technology for commercial and passenger vehicles, eliminating the hassle of plug-in charging and setting the stage for future autonomy

“We’re thrilled to welcome the 7th cohort of startups to our John Deere Startup Collaborator Program. This program is all about fostering innovation and collaboration. Each startup in this cohort brings unique technologies aimed at tackling real challenges in agriculture and construction. By working together and learning from one another, we will explore new technologies that can benefit our customers.” – Colton Salyards, Principal Corporate Development, John Deere. 

New cohort to explore innovations focused on