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Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Digital Technologies, India

This collaboration aims at helping farmers unlock the full potential of their harvested produce by leveraging cutting-edge innovation.

Gujarat-based HyFun Foods, one of India’s leading potato processors and a big player in the frozen potato products industry, has formed a strategic partnership with UK-based pioneering crop insights company HarvestEye to introduce its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology in India.

This collaboration aims at helping farmers unlock the full potential of their harvested produce by leveraging cutting-edge innovation, according to release by the company

Haresh Karamchandani, MD and CEO of the HyFun Group, said, “This strategic collaboration aligns with our vision of revolutionising the fresh-produce linked food industry by bringing state-of-the-art advancements to potato farming through HyFarm, the agribusiness unit of HyFun Group.”

HyFarm has always focused on embracing the latest digital technologies and using precision agriculture tools to improve productivity, profitability and quality of potato crops. It helps in streamlining and strengthening the entire potato value chain integration, while minimising crop losses, the release mentioned.

HarvestEye will utilise vision systems powered by advanced machine learning (AML) and AI to provide real-time insights into potato crops including size, count and weight.

This collaboration also enables the integration of HarvestEye with HyFarm’s industry-leading farmer-connect digital ecosystem Farmoji. Farmoji offers potato farmers access to crop advisories, soil health analysis, water efficiency guidance, weather and disease alerts, drone spraying and mechanisation.

The partnership with HarvestEye will increase transparency regarding the product profile and quality of potatoes farmers supply to the processing plant. This will ensure better value realisation for potato growers for ensuring high-quality and in turn enable delivering superior frozen products to global consumers.

S Soundararadjane, CEO, HyFarm, said, “The introduction of HarvestEye in India will be a game-changer for HyFarm’s potato farmers by ensuring transparency, and sustaining quality supplies, while enhancing productivity and profitability.”

India’s processing industry, which is at the cusp of breaking new ground, this collaboration provides data-driven insights, optimises raw material utilisation and improves sustainability for finished products such as French fries, hash browns and other varieties of snacks, according  the release.

Vee Gururajan, CEO, HarvestEye, said, “With this joining of hands, we are extending the benefits of innovation to key markets, transforming potato farming and driving efficient food processing.”

Today, India is the second- largest producer of potatoes globally and this joining of hands by two leaders in the segment underscores the country’s commitment to leverage technology for a more resilient, efficient and farmer-friendly agricultural ecosystem.

This collaboration aims at helping farmers unlock

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Seeds, Vegetables

The Union Minister of Cooperation emphasised on preparing a comprehensive database of all traditional seeds of fruits, vegetables and food grains across the country.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a review meeting regarding traditional/sweet seeds of the Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Union Minister of Cooperation said, Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) is making continuous efforts to conserve and promote traditional seeds.

During the meeting, Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah directed to ensure organic production of some selected traditional seeds from different regions of the country and their wide availability in the market from Kharif-2025. The major seeds among these seeds are- Amreli millet (Gujarat), Uttarakhand Gahat (Horse Gram), Uttarakhand Mandua (Finger Millet), Bundelkhand Methi (Fenugreek), Kathia wheat, Munsiyari Rajma, Kala Bhatt, four varieties of Kala Namak paddy, Juhi paddy (Bengal) and Gopal Bhog paddy (Bengal).

The Union Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah emphasised on preparing a comprehensive database of all traditional seeds of fruits, vegetables and food grains across the country and implementing a comprehensive action plan for their conservation and promotion

The Union Minister of Cooperation emphasised on

Agribusiness, Collaborations

Anupam Rasayan expects a 30-35 per cent revenue increase in the financial year ending in March 2026 (FY26), driven by rising demand across pharmaceuticals, polymers, and a recovering agrochemical segment

Demand circumstances have greatly improved, according to Deputy CFO Vishal Thakur, especially in agrochemicals, where volumes are increasing. He stated, “We anticipate growth to continue in Q4 and into FY26 as well. The revenue uptake is largely based on volume.”

Agrochemicals made up 49 per cent of overall sales during the nine months that ended in December 2024, with pharmaceuticals coming in second at 23 per cent, personal care at 17 per cent, and performance materials at 11 per cent. It is anticipated that margins will stay steady between 26-28 per cent.

With revenues increasing 32 per cent year over year (YoY) to Rs 390 crore and profits before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) up 57 per cent YoY to Rs 124 crore, the company had a good third quarter. A positive product mix and consistent demand helped margins grow by 500 basis points (bps) to 31.8 per cent. However, compared to the same period last year, revenue was down 13 for the first nine months of the current fiscal year, while profit was down 24 per cent and the margin was 27.5 per cent. Around 9,000 crore worth of orders have been placed by Anupam Rasayan, and fresh contracts are anticipated to begin contributing in 2025.

Projects signed in 2022 are being commercialized by the corporation, and over the next two years, more recent deals will start to ramp up. According to him, it usually takes 18 to 24 months for a letter of intent to become a commercial product, and an additional two to three years for it to achieve full volume. Additionally, Anupam Rasayan is closely monitoring its working capital cycle, which had experienced some upswing earlier this year. Thakur stated that the medium-term goal is still 180–200 days.

Anupam Rasayan expects a 30-35 per cent

Collaborations

Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. (erstwhile Mahindra Gujarat Tractor Ltd.), a joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and the Government of Gujarat celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the tractor makers journey towards empowering Indian farmers with affordable mechanized solutions

Rechristened to Mahindra Gujarat Tractor Ltd. with Mahindra acquiring a major stake in the company 1999 and renamed to Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. in 2017, this signaled a strategic shift for the brand towards providing a distinctive and affordable range of mechanization solutions for India’s farming community. In the last 25 years Gromax has expanded its tractor range from about only 4 tractor models to over 40 variants in the 20-50HP segment under the TRAKSTAR (launched in 2017) and HINDUSTAN brand of tractors, and farm implements under the TRAKMATE brand.

To commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary Gromax has launched all-new 4WD tractor models – the Trakstar 525 and Trakstar 536 during the year. The company has also introduced new 2WD tractor variants under the 24HP, 31HP and 36HP categories to cater to the specific needs of the orchard segment. To attract young farmers and drive differentiation, Gromax has also introduced tractors in saffron and black colour themes.

Commenting on 25 years of Gromax, Mr. Hemant Sikka – President, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, “A milestone year for us at Mahindra & Mahindra, we are extremely proud of Gromax’s remarkable journey of 25 years. A reflection of our shared commitment to ‘Transform Farming and Enrich Lives’, Gromax is a brand defined to serve the farmers of our nation with the best farm equipment that are both affordable and accessible. We express our sincere gratitude to our customers, partners and the Government of Gujarat, as well as our employees who have supported us through this journey. As we move forward, we look forward to the next chapter of growth with Gromax, as we further aim to enable Indian farmers in mechanising their farms.”

Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. is a jointly owned company between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and the Government of Gujarat with an equity ratio of 60:40 respectively. The company’s manufacturing plant is based out of Vadodara.

Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. (erstwhile Mahindra Gujarat

Herbicides, Inputs

FMC Corporation has achieved an important milestone in bringing the first new mode of action herbicide to growers in over three decades. This month, FMC successfully manufactured its first commercial batch of Dodhylex™ active (tetflupyrolimet), a pre-emergence and early post-emergence herbicide with excellent crop safety and broad utility in rice globally

“The successful production of our first commercial batch of Dodhylex™ active represents a pivotal milestone in FMC’s innovation journey,” said Ronaldo Pereira, President. “This achievement validates our manufacturing capabilities and also moves us closer to delivering this breakthrough molecule to market.”

This production signals the molecule’s transition from development to the commercialization phase, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and disciplined approach to advancing the most promising new molecules. The progress in commercialization is further evidenced by regulatory dossiers submitted in India, Brazil, the United States, the Philippines, Colombia, South Korea, Peru, Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia, which account for approximately 35% of the estimated 165 million hectares of planted rice globally. Notably, FMC recently received conditional regulatory approval in the Philippines, and we expect to make initial sales there later this year. First full product launches are anticipated in 2026.

“This marks the beginning of the final steps in bringing this innovative solution to market,” said Pereira. “With manufacturing capabilities now demonstrated and regulatory submissions advancing in key markets, we are well positioned to begin commercial launches in 2026. This molecule represents a significant market opportunity, particularly given the growing challenge of herbicide resistance in rice production, and we expect it to maximize growers’ productivity and be a meaningful contributor to FMC’s growth objectives.”

Discovered at FMC’s Stine Research Center, the R&D process leveraged cutting-edge scientific approaches, including high-volume screening, chemical genomics, and target-based design methods, resulting in a solution that provides season-long control of resistant and yield-robbing grass weeds. Beyond its initial focus on rice, FMC is exploring the use of Dodhylex™ active in other crops including soybean, sunflower, sugarcane and corn.

This manufacturing milestone represents another step forward in FMC’s commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions that address critical challenges in global agriculture.

FMC Corporation has achieved an important milestone

Company News

UPL Ltd, a prominent player in the agrochemical industry, revealed that UPL Global Ltd, UK, its step-down company, has further invested in Origeo Comercio de Produtos Agropecuarios S.A., a joint venture in Brazil. The investment is to maintain Origeo’s company growth and assist with its working capital needs

Origeo was founded on July 29, 2021, and offers Brazilian farmers integrated agricultural solutions that include inputs, services, financing, and technical assistance. The joint venture is a partnership between Bunge, a leading global agribusiness, and UPL.

Given that it was a joint venture and was carried out through UPL Global, UPL verified that this transaction constituted a related party investment. No more regulatory clearances are needed because the acquisition has been finalized. The investment is in line with UPL’s agriculture strategy aims.

Compared to previous year’s net loss for the same quarter, UPL generated a profit again. In contrast to the Rs 1,217 crore net loss, UPL declared a net profit of Rs 828 crore. During the quarter, the company had lower financing costs and lower material consumption expenditures, both of which helped to increase the bottom line figure.

9 per cent volume growth and 5 per cent price growth drove the 10 per cent increase in revenue to Rs 10,907 crore for the quarter. Foreign exchange problems, mainly in Brazil, counterbalanced this. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) increased from Rs 416 crore to Rs 2,162 crore, while the margin increased from 4.2 per cent to 19.8 per cent.

UPL Ltd, a prominent player in the

AgroPolicy, Schemes - Govt

With a direct transfer of Rs 22,000 crore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi initiative, which will benefit over 9.8 crore farmers nationwide. The event, which took place in Bhagalpur, Bihar, also featured projects that support rural development and sustainable agriculture

On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 19th payment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) initiative, which will directly help over 9.8 crore farmers in India. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), more than Rs 22,000 crore was distributed, guaranteeing clear and effective assistance to farmers—including 2.41 million female recipients—without the need for intermediaries. Rs 2,000 would be given to each qualified farmer to help them cover necessary farming costs.

The gathering, which was part of the “Kisan Samman Samaroh,” was held in Bhagalpur, Bihar, and was attended by almost 5 lakh farmers as well as Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and other notable figures. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), farmers in India who qualify for the 19th payment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) initiative would earn Rs 2,000 immediately in their bank accounts.

Farmers must have their bank accounts connected to their Aadhaar numbers and their eKYC updated in order to guarantee the smooth flow of money. The payment will be made automatically to those who have already fulfilled the requirements. Farmers are encouraged to visit the official PM-KISAN portal (pmkisan.gov.in) or get help from their local agriculture office if they are experiencing any problems or if the installment has not been received.

Launched on February 24, 2019, the PM-KISAN plan intends to give qualified farmer households Rs 6,000 in three equal installments of cash support each year. Over 11 crore farmer families nationwide would benefit from the scheme’s total distribution of Rs 3.68 lakh crore with the delivery of the 19th tranche. The 19th installment is expected to benefit over 76.37 lakh farmers, boosting the state’s total benefit to Rs 27,088 crore. In Bihar alone, more than Rs 25,497 crore has already been distributed through earlier installments.

The Oilseed Mission, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), and Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme (PMFBY) were among the programs that distributed agricultural equipment and seed kits during the occasion. To further encourage sustainable agricultural methods, exhibitions featuring natural and organic farming as well as products with Geographical Indication (GI) tags were arranged. The Prime Minister celebrated the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the 2020 initiative to increase farmers’ access to markets and bargaining power.
The celebration also commemorated the opening of the Regional Center of Excellence (CoE) in Motihari, which is part of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to increase dairy productivity and cattle breeding, and the Barauni Dairy’s state-of-the-art dairy product factory, which has a processing capacity of 2 lakh liters of milk.

To increase connectivity and enable the smooth movement of people and commodities in the area, additional infrastructure projects were also launched, including as the Ismailpur–Rafiganj Road Over Bridge and the duplication of the Warisaliganj–Nawadah–Tilaiya train segment.

With a direct transfer of Rs 22,000

Agbiologicals, Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India

Under this partnership, C-CAMP has successfully transferred two breakthrough biocontrol technologies to PI on an exclusive basis.

PI Industries Ltd. (PI), a leading player in Agri Sciences, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and nature-driven solutions for agricultural challenges, positioning India at the forefront of global agri-tech innovation.

Under this partnership, C-CAMP has successfully transferred two breakthrough biocontrol technologies to PI on an exclusive basis. These cutting-edge solutions, AphidControl and XanthoControl, are set to revolutionise pest and disease management in agriculture by providing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.

• AphidControl is a botanical insecticide designed to combat aphids; a major pest responsible for yield losses of up to 60 per cent across various crops. This innovation can potentially benefit over 25 million farmers.

• XanthoControl is a biocontrol agent targeting Xanthomonas species, a pathogen responsible for significant crop diseases leading to yield losses of up to 80 per cent. This technology has the potential to support over 45 million farmers fighting this menace.

Strategic Synergy & Global Expansion

This partnership is a significant step in PI’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the biological sector. The company has consistently grown its portfolio, with biological products registering 45 per cent revenue growth over the last two years. Adding C-CAMP’s innovations complements PI’s previous investments in biological solutions and other partnerships, further strengthening its integrated approach to sustainable agriculture.

PI aims to commercialise these innovative bio-solutions across key global markets, leveraging its robust R&D capabilities and international distribution network. By combining C-CAMP’s scientific expertise with PI’s market reach, this collaboration is poised to make a transformative impact on the future of agriculture.

Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, PI Industries Ltd., said, “As the world confronts the dual challenges of climate change and food security, biological solutions have transitioned from being an option to a necessity. Through our collaboration with C-CAMP, we are leveraging cutting-edge science to develop sustainable, nature-driven solutions that not only mitigate immediate agricultural threats but also pave the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly farming ecosystem. This partnership reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability while taking India’s scientific prowess to the global stage.”

Under this partnership, C-CAMP has successfully transferred

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, R&D, Water

 The developed model can be significantly used on across the country to assess groundwater stress for irrigation purposes.

A research team from National Institute of Technology Rourkela has used machine learning to evaluate groundwater quality for irrigation in Sundargarh district, Odisha. With agriculture being central to the local economy and surface water sources covering only 1.21 per cent of the district, groundwater is essential to meet the irrigation needs of this area. Paddy, which occupies 76 per cent of the net cultivable area, requires a large amount of water, making groundwater (GW) quality an essential factor for farmers.

Machine learning (ML) algorithms consisting of five tools are implemented in this current work for future prediction of the evaluated irrigation water quality indices from the available physiochemical GW quality data during 2014-21 for Sundargarh district. They are basically statistical and predictive analytics techniques for exhibiting relationship between the response variable and explanatory variables by application of some mathematical coding in various platforms. The primary advantage of ML techniques over human calculation lies in their ability to process training data, enabling them to generate accurate predictions in real-world applications.

Groundwater extraction in Sundargarh district of Odisha has been increasing due to growing agricultural demand, limited surface water availability, and population growth. This has resulted in reductions in both the quantity and quality of groundwater. Poor-quality water can affect crop yields and long-term soil fertility.

In this context, Prof. Anurag Sharma, Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, NIT Rourkela, along with his research scholar Souvick Kumar Shaw, used advanced data analysis techniques to examine key water quality parameters and their variations across different parts of the district.

The study examined groundwater samples collected from 360 wells across Sundargarh. These samples were tested for various chemical properties, including salts and minerals that can influence soil and crop health. Machine learning models and statistical tools were applied to predict water quality trends and understand how conditions have changed from 2014 to 2021.

The findings indicate that groundwater in the southern, south-western and eastern parts of Sundargarh district, including areas around Rangaimunda, Lephripara and Putudihi is considered to be fit for irrigation. These regions showed stable groundwater quality with acceptable levels of dissolved salts and minerals along with the permissible range of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Percentage Sodium (%Na), Permeability Index (PI) and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP). However, the western and central parts of the district, particularly Krinjikela, Talsara and Kutra, and parts of Sundargarh town, have groundwater with comparatively higher concentrations of total dissolved solids and certain cations like sodium, calcium and magnesium, which may affect soil and crop productivity. If not managed properly, these conditions could lead to declining yields of potato and cucumber for this district.

Speaking about the significance of the research, Prof. Anurag Sharma, Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, NIT Rourkela, said, “Machine learning allows us to move beyond static assessments and develop predictive models that help farmers and policymakers make proactive decisions. By integrating data-driven insights with traditional water management practices, we can create a more sustainable approach to irrigation and agricultural planning.”

The developed model can be significantly used on across the country to assess groundwater stress for irrigation purposes. By evaluating the groundwater quality, informed decisions can be taken by the authorities on degrading water resource management. Additionally, it can provide real-time insights on waiter quality, enabling productive interventions to safeguard irrigation-dependent farming communities across the country.

 The developed model can be significantly used

AgroPolicy, India, Interaction, Water

Water security challenges could significantly impact its ambitious economic growth targets, India G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant said at FICCI’s 10th India Industry Water Conclave and FICCI Water Awards.

Kant highlighted the stark disparity between India’s population and water resources, noting that while the country houses 17 per cent of the global population, it has access to merely 4 per cent of the world’s freshwater resources. This imbalance is further exacerbated by the fact that 75 per cent of Indian households currently lack access to drinking water.

“India’s ability to grow from a $4 trillion economy to a $30 trillion economy is fundamentally a function of water,” Kant said. “Our capacity to grow in an environmentally sustainable manner and improve citizens’ quality of life depends entirely on how we manage this critical resource.”

He outlined three key solutions: restoring local water bodies, deploying advanced technology for real-time monitoring, and community-based water management.  

Kant encouraged the industry to take a leading role in efficiently managing water resources. “Industry must lead the way in recycling and reusing water, bringing in the best technology and capabilities. This will be crucial for ensuring India becomes water secure,” he emphasised.

On occasion, G Asok Kumar, Former Special Secretary; Former Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt of India, alluded to the Sahi-Fasal campaign, promoting water-efficient farming practices. “We need to achieve more net income per drop by reducing water-intensive farming,” he said, urging industries to support farmers with micro-irrigation technologies.

Highlighting the need for responsible water management, Mr Kumar urged that if water is extracted from the ground, it is essential to replenish it. He also advocated for the “Catch the Rain” campaign, which aims to refurbish and prepare rainwater harvesting structures before the monsoon season, ensuring that no drop of rainwater is wasted.

Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair, FICCI Water Mission and Past President, FICCI, emphasised the industry’s responsibility in sustainable water usage. “The industry can and must lead the way in water conservation, focusing on reducing our water footprint through innovative practices,” she said.

The event saw the release of FICCI’s Compendium of Best Practices and the announcement of the 12th FICCI Water Awards, where Apollo Tyres won first prize in the Industrial Water Use Efficiency category, followed by Hindalco Industries (Unit Birla Copper Dahej) in second place. Diageo (United Spirits Ltd.- Goa) and ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar received special mentions.

IndusInd Bank’s Livolink Odisha Project secured first prize in Community Initiatives by Industry category. SmarterHomes Technologies and Vishvaraj Environment won first prizes in Innovation in Water Technology and Urban Water and Wastewater Management, respectively.

In the Water Initiatives by NGO category, PANI claimed first prize, with Earth Brigade Foundation taking second place. Liquiclear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. received a special mention in the Best Startup – Water Innovation category. Shraman Jha, Co-Chair, FICCI Water Mission and CEO, Hindustan Unilever Foundation, delivered the vote of thanks.

Water security challenges could significantly impact its

Sustainability

Roots Foundation, in collaboration with Pi Foundation, is spearheading Project Sahyog to revolutionize the agricultural sector by integrating modern technology with traditional farming practices. With a strong focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and rural entrepreneurship, the initiative is empowering farmers and youth across Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

Project Sahyog tackles the challenges faced by farmers by introducing them to the latest farming equipment and innovative techniques. The initiative not only educates farmers on modern agricultural practices but also provides rural youth with business opportunities in agricultural equipment leasing. By demonstrating the use of high-quality inputs, safe chemical applications, and efficient spraying and harvesting techniques, the project ensures that farmers can improve productivity while adopting sustainable methods.

Over the past three years, Project Sahyog has significantly transformed the agricultural landscape, benefiting over 20,000 farmers across Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. By distributing 371 machines, the project has enhanced mechanization and efficiency in farming practices while simultaneously empowering 371 rural entrepreneurs, who have collectively generated over Rs1.6 crore in revenue, boosting the rural economy. Additionally, through targeted awareness sessions, farmers have gained crucial knowledge on sustainable farming techniques and responsible agrochemical use, fostering a more informed and resilient agricultural community.

“Earlier, we used to spray pesticides manually, which took days. Now, with the tractor-mounted boom sprayer from Project Sahyog, it’s a matter of hours or even minutes,” says Amrender Singh, a farmer from Haryana. “With increased efficiency, reduced labor dependency, and over Rs 1.5 lakh earned in one season, this technology has truly transformed farming for us.”

In the fiscal year 2024-2025, Project Sahyog launched a major initiative focused on distributing advanced boom sprayers to enhance agricultural efficiency further. The initiative introduced two types of sprayers: Tractor-Mounted Boom Sprayers (TMS) which is designed for large-scale farming operations, these sprayers ensure uniform and efficient crop protection, significantly improving farm productivity and Self-Propelled Boom Sprayers (SPBS), equipped with independent propulsion systems, these sprayers provide enhanced flexibility and precision, particularly for small farms and challenging terrains. The self-propelled boom sprayer can generate over Rs 2 lakh in revenue per machine in a single season. It can be used twice a year in multiple crops such as wheat, maize, sugarcane, groundnut etc.

Notably, the field insights have shown that using Self-Propelled and Tractor-Mounted Boom Sprayers results in a 5-10 per cent reduction in pesticide usage compared to manual spraying, making them a more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative. The project extended its support to a wide range of beneficiaries, including individual farmers, farmer-producer companies (FPCs), and cooperative societies. By providing access to advanced equipment, the initiative fosters collaboration, market competitiveness, and sustainable farming practices.

Project Sahyog is making a lasting impact by achieving the following key outcomes- encouraging eco-friendly farming practices that benefit both farmers and the environment; training farmers in the safe and effective application of agrochemicals, minimizing health and environmental risks; supporting entrepreneurship and access to modern farm machinery, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and increasing farmer profitability; contributing to food security, environmental sustainability, and rural economic growth.

Project Sahyog continues to work towards a future where farmers have access to the best tools and knowledge to enhance their livelihoods. By fostering innovation, education, and economic empowerment, the project is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.

Roots Foundation, in collaboration with Pi Foundation,

Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, India, Textile industry

Key recommendations and action points that emerged during the meeting related to introducing advanced hybrid seed technologies and pest-resistant cotton strains, bridging research gaps in biotechnology through global collaborations.

The Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has pledged support for the National Mission on Cotton, a Rs 500 crore initiative by the Government of India to enhance productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness in cotton production. This was stated by Dr M.J Khan, Special Advisor, WAF Board and Emeritus Chairman, ICFA during the Round Table Discussion on Global Cotton Scenario-Emerging Trends and Future Prospects organised by ICFA.

Eric B. Trachtenberg, during his address, reiterated ICAC’s commitment to bringing global best practices to India’s cotton sector. He highlighted key industry challenges, including stagnant productivity, pest infestations, and climate vulnerability, urging technological and policy interventions to secure India’s position as a leading cotton producer.

Trachtenberg further elaborated that India risks becoming a major cotton importer due to stagnating productivity and inadequacy of new hybrid seeds and this situation has existed for over the past 13 years. Besides, pest infestations, particularly pink bollworm, cause an annual loss of Rs 3,900 crores (13 lakh bales) of cotton. And on top of it, climate change threatens to destroy 87 lakh bales of cotton, which would impact key producing states like Gujarat, Punjab, and the Southern regions. Hence, stronger biotech interventions are required, including advancements in the Cotton Genome Initiative and wider policy support, for implementing genetically modified organism (GMO) solutions.

Among the other speakers, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, emphasized that urgent innovation is required to combat stagnation in productivity and threat from pests while Dr. M. Prabhakar Rao, President, NSAI, spoke on the gaps in cotton breeding and biotechnology tools, stressing on the need for published research and phenotypic markers for key traits.

Raghavan Sampath kumar, Executive Director, FSII, called for stronger textile-seed industry collaboration, advocating an International Year of Cotton to drive sectoral reforms. Dr Y.G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-CICR, stressed on the need for climate-resilient cotton varieties and integrated pest management strategies.

Key recommendations and action points that emerged during the meeting related to introducing advanced hybrid seed technologies and pest-resistant cotton strains, bridging research gaps in biotechnology through global collaborations, policy advocacy for regulatory reforms in seed and biotech approvals, strengthening climate resilience through sustainable farming practices, enhancing export potential with improved fiber quality and market linkages, among others.

The discussions marked a critical step toward revitalizing India’s cotton sector, securing higher farmer incomes, sustainability, and global leadership in cotton production.

Addressing stakeholders, Shreyasi Agarwal, CEO, ICFA, underscored the role of cotton in India’s agricultural economy, stating: “Technology-driven solutions and multi-stakeholder collaboration are key to resurrecting the cotton sector and ensuring farmer prosperity.”

Key recommendations and action points that emerged

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

Crop Protection constitutes 74 per cent of the overall company’s revenue in Q3 FY25.

Meghmani Organics Limited, a fully integrated diversified chemical company announced its financial results for the third quarter ended 31 December 2024 (Q3 FY25).

For the quarter under review, revenue from operations stood at Rs 558.0 crore, up by 62 per cent YoY on the back of improved product mix and healthy volume growth witnessed in both the segments. EBITDA for the quarter grew to Rs 60.4 crore, compared to a negative EBITDA of Rs 0.4 crore in the same quarter previous year.

Crop Protection constitutes 74 per cent of the overall company’s revenue in Q3 FY25. Revenue and EBITDA for the segment stood at Rs 410.5 crore and Rs 61.2 crore, up by 72 per cent YoY and 1,095 per cent YoY respectively.

Pigments constitutes 26 per cent of the overall company’s revenue in Q3 FY25. Revenue and EBITDA for the segment stood at Rs 147.5 crore and Rs 5.2 crore, up by 40 per cent YoY and 479 per cent YoY respectively.

For the nine months ended 31 December 2024 (9M FY25), Revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,501.8 crore as compared to Rs 1,140.0 crore in the corresponding previous year, up by 32 per cent YoY. EBITDA grew to Rs 115.8 crore in 9M FY25 against a negative EBITDA of Rs 0.7 crore in the corresponding previous year.

Commenting on Q3 FY25 performance, Ankit Patel, Chairman & Managing Director said ″Our improved revenue and profitability was on the back of better product mix and continued growth momentum witnessed in both the segments during the quarter. Our revenue grew 62 per cent YoY to Rs 558 crore while our profit after tax stood at Rs 30.2 crore against a loss of Rs 27.2 crore in the same quarter previous year.

In our Crop Nutrition segment, we have signed MoU with Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) for pan India marketing of Nano Urea and are also conducting extensive field activities with farmers showcasing the efficacy of Meghmani Nano Urea on different crops. ″

Crop Protection constitutes 74 per cent of

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Supply Chain

1132 LMT wheat procurement during Rabi 2024; ample availability in the country.

Government of India keeps a close watch on the prices of wheat and takes suitable appropriate interventions to ensure price stability for the consumers in the country. A total production of 1132 LMT of wheat was recorded during Rabi 2024 and there is ample availability of wheat in the country.

In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India imposed stock limits on Wheat applicable to Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors in all States and Union Territories. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2024 was issued on 24 June 2024 and revised on 09 September 2024 & on 11 December 2024 and was applicable for all States and Union Territories.

As part of continuous efforts to moderate prices of wheat, Central Government has decided to revise the Wheat Stock limit applicable until 31st March 2025 as under:

EntitiesExisting Wheat Stock LimitRevised Wheat Stock Limit
Trader/ Wholesaler1000 MT250 MT
Retailer5 MT for each Retail outlet.4 MT for each Retail outlet.
Big Chain Retailer5 MT for each outlet subject to maximum quantity of (5 multiplied by total number of outlets) MT stock at all their outlets & Depots put together.4 MT for each outlet subject to maximum quantity of (4 multiplied by total number of outlets) MT stock at all their outlets & Depots put together.
Processor50% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months till April 2025.50% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months till April 2025.

All wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update the stock position on every Friday. Any entity which is found to have not registered on the portal or violates the stock limits will be subject to suitable punitive action under Section 6 & 7 of Essential Commodities Act,1955.

In case the stocks held by above entities are higher than the above prescribed limit, they shall have to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 15 days of issue of the notification.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution is maintaining a close watch over the stock position of Wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.

1132 LMT wheat procurement during Rabi 2024;