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Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture

In order to promote the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has made an appeal to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to include special assistance in the 2025–2026 budget. With more than 700,000 families directly or indirectly reliant on the fruit business, the union, which represents fruit producers’ associations throughout the Valley, has emphasized the industry’s critical role in the local economy

The union proposed in its pitch that the government should design a crop insurance program for horticulture that is equivalent to the one that is offered to the agricultural industry. Despite previous announcements of such a program, it has not yet been put into action, leaving fruit growers exposed to losses from natural disasters. The union has emphasized that growers will greatly benefit from the budgetary provisions for this program in the next budget, especially during periods of severe weather.

Reintroducing the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is another important demand made by the union. The organization noted that “Grade C” and fallen apples make up around 40% of the yearly apple harvest, frequently causing growers to suffer financial losses. To help farmers lessen their losses, the government previously implemented the MIS, which allowed the Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department to purchase these inferior apples at set prices. But the program was abandoned a number of years ago. The union has asked for its reintroduction, claiming that it will give fruit growers the crucial financial stability they need.

In keeping with the current industrial estates in Jammu and Kashmir, the union has also suggested creating a horticultural estate specifically for this purpose. For the advantage of fruit producers and dealers, such an estate would offer state-of-the-art facilities under a single window system, such as juice plants, canning factories, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, and other related units. The union has asked that money be set aside in the next budget to support the construction of this infrastructure.

There have also been complaints about the exorbitant price of agricultural inputs and packaging. The government is now imposing a 12 percent GST on necessities like cardboard cartons, plastic trays, baskets, waste paper, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers. The union has asked the government to either exempt or lower this tax. It has been stated that fruit producers’ production costs have increased dramatically due to the rising costs of these resources, making it difficult for them to stay competitive.

The union has also demanded that testing facilities be established in each Valley district, that tree spray oil be recognized as an agricultural product, and that funding be allocated for the restoration of damaged orchards. Given the frequent unfavorable weather conditions that impact fruit production in the area, the plea also requests a specific budgetary provision for financial help in the event of natural disasters.

The exclusion of small-scale fruit growers’ Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans is another important demand. According to the organization, a number of these growers have been unable to pay back their loans because of things like political upheaval, the terrible floods in 2014, the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts, and unusual snowfall that was followed by a lot of rain and wind. Given the financial difficulties growers have endured over the years, it has encouraged the government to forgive these loans.

Last but not least, the union has urged the growth of pomegranate, grape, and kiwi orchards in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that the area is now experiencing a scarcity of these fruits. In order to encourage their production and guarantee the diversification of horticulture in the Valley, it has asked the government to include money in the budget.

In order to ensure the expansion and sustainability of the horticulture industry, which continues to be a vital pillar of the local economy, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has expressed optimism that the government will give careful thought to these concerns while drafting the budget for 2025–2026.

In order to promote the horticulture sector

AgroPolicy, Collaborations

As India intensifies efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition, the Tata-Cornell Institute (TCI) and ICRISAT are helping policymakers with evidence-based strategies to include millet in the Public Distribution System (PDS) which provides food subsidies to low-income families

Known as “Smart Foods,” millets are globally celebrated for being nutrient-rich and climate-resilient.

Alongside staples like rice and wheat, they provide important benefits for food security and nutrition, yet their inclusion in the PDS remains largely underutilized. To advance solutions, a TCI forum on ‘Promoting Millets in the PDS’ was hosted at ICRISAT’s Hyderabad campus, bringing together key participants from across the country.

The event featured an opening address by Dr Prabhu Pingali, ICRISAT Board Chair and Director of the Tata-Cornell Institute. Professor Prabhu Pingali said that novel insights were leading to reforms, helping to pave the way for a more effective and future-ready Public Distribution System in India. “With the potential of cash-based vouchers, families can gain the freedom to choose the nutritious foods they need, such as millet, rather than being limited to fixed staples, increasing demand for these nutritious grains and sending a strong price signal to millet producers to increase supply,” said Dr Pingali.

Through its project on the true cost of food subsidies in India, TCI has estimated the hidden costs associated with the PDS.

In a study published in Environmental Research Letters, researchers show that the true cost of the PDS in 2021-22 was $45.3 billion when the economic and environmental impacts of rice and wheat production were considered, compared with $16.5 billion budgeted by the federal government. They further demonstrated that replacing 1 kilogram of rice with millets for 200 million PDS beneficiaries would shrink the program’s true cost by $1.37 billion each year. Dr Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim, ICRISAT, emphasized the need to build on the momentum created by the International Year of Millets-2023 and ICRISAT’s Smart Food campaign. “This discussion is crucial for integrating millets into the Public Distribution System and avoiding the exclusivity that occurred with quinoa,’ said Dr. Blade.

Mr Manoj Kumar, CEO of the Naandi Foundation, moderated the session. Dr Raghav Puri, a Research Associate at the Tata-Cornell Institute, shared statistics on millet production and consumption in India, highlighting the potential to revive millet cultivation in traditional growing regions where it has declined. Ms Priya Rampal (Oxford Policy Management), Ms Bhagya Laxmi (WASSAN NGO), and Mr Dinesh Balam (Odisha Millet Mission) discussed challenges and opportunities in millet procurement and distribution in Karnataka, Telangana, and Odisha. Active participation by ICRISAT scientists provided valuable insights from the field.

As India intensifies efforts to fight hunger

Agro Universities, Environment, India, R&D, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

PAU’s Department of Renewable Energy Engineering has achieved the landmark of 51 commercialisation agreements for various biogas related technologies till date.

Providing relevant solutions to address energy security issues, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) signed an agreement for Paddy Straw based Biogas Plant with Atmos Power Private Limited, a company hailing from Gujarat. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, signed the MoA with the representative of the company. Dr Mahesh Kumar, Additional Director of Research (Agricultural Engineer); Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; and Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director of Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, were also present at the MoA signing ceremony.

Dr Dharni stated that PAU was disseminating its technologies to the masses through technology transfer agreements with various companies and entrepreneurs. He added that PAU developed Paddy Straw based Biogas Technology was popular throughout the country, he said.

Dr Sooch said that paddy straw could be digested by anaerobic means for the production of biogas as a fuel for the kitchen as well as for power generation. The latest method of anaerobic digestion, i.e., dry fermentation of organic wastes could be carried out with little labour and produced biogas for a period of three months. The digested material from such anaerobic digestion was quality manure ready for use in fields, he added.

Dr Dhatt congratulated Dr Sarbjit Singh Sooch, Head-cum-Principal Scientist, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, for achieving the landmark of 51 commercialization agreements for various biogas related technologies.

PAU’s Department of Renewable Energy Engineering has

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Company News, Fungicides, Herbicides

Nunhems introduces a new variety, N6556, which has resistance to fusarium 3, a soil fungus that has become a “limiting factor” for crop development

The N6556 adapts to different growing cycles, from the earliest to the latest, and in all of them offers “high production.” This material also stands out for its “good fruit setting at high temperatures,” as well as its good field endurance.

With N6556, BASF | Nunhems complements the N6428, new in the past season and which, as Lapie states, “has offered very good results.” BASF has also launched Cabrio® WG, against downy mildew and powdery mildew. This fungicide is the company’s new solution to combat both diseases in industrial tomato cultivation. “It is a broad-spectrum fungicide,” states Pedro Ríos, Technical Crop Manager Vegetables, who details that, “with each application, we will be controlling both downy mildew and powdery mildew.” Cabrio WG is formulated with pyraclostrobin and has shown “high efficacy” in controlling target diseases. It also has a short safety period that makes applications possible until very close to harvest time. This is their most recent solution in a portfolio in which they already have a wide range of fungicides, acaricides for red spider mite control, insecticides, and herbicides, among others.

Agrigenio is BASF’s decision support system (DSS), a digital tool that allows farmers to optimize the resources needed to make their crop profitable. This software is already available for vineyard, table grapes, olive trees, potato, onion, cereals, and industrial tomatoes, a crop in which the company even goes a step further. “This year we have completed the software with the characterization of BASF | Nunhems seeds,” advances Miguel Martínez, Digital Product Manager Spain of Agrigenio, who explains: “The system offers farmers generic recommendations for tomato cultivation and, especially, for BASF | Nunhems varieties, where it gives you ‘a customized recipe’.”

Provisia Technology is BASF’s new system for grass weed control, which combines their Provisia® rice varieties with Verresta, an ACCase inhibitor herbicide, very effective for controlling various grass biotypes. The company continues in 2025 with the launch of Provisia® rice varieties in partnership with Hisparroz and Copsemar, leading companies in the rice seed segment in Spain. To guarantee the durability and efficacy of their Provisia Technology, the company also has resistance management and prevention programs supported by the advice of their own technical team and experienced BASF Distribution in rice.

With all these solutions, BASF shows, once again, its commitment to the entire value chain in favor of profitable and sustainable agriculture.

Nunhems introduces a new variety, N6556, which

Agro Universities, Animal Health, India, R&D

Experts believe that this recognition will pave the way for more focused research, ultimately leading to better breeding practices and improved productivity.

The Bundelkhandi goat, a vital yet previously unclassified breed from the Bundelkhand region of Central India, has been officially recognised as a new breed by ICAR – National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal. The formal recognition was announced during a ceremonial event organised at the National Agricultural Science Centre

For years, the Bundelkhandi goat has played a crucial role in the rural economy of the Bundelkhand region, renowned for its hardiness and adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. Despite its significance, the breed had remained unclassified until now. The official recognition marks a major milestone in its conservation and development, opening up new research opportunities and improving livelihoods for local goat farmers.

The successful registration is the result of the dedicated efforts of the breed conservation team at ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, under the leadership of Dr Pankaj Kaushal, Director, ICAR-IGFRI.

Experts believe that this recognition will pave the way for more focused research, ultimately leading to better breeding practices and improved productivity. The Bundelkhandi goat’s classification as an official breed is expected to help enhance the livelihoods of goat farmers in the region, who rely on these animals for meat production along with some milk.

The ICAR’s decision to grant the Bundelkhandi goat breed status underscores the growing importance of preserving indigenous livestock breeds and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in rural India.

Experts believe that this recognition will pave

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader,

Agribusiness, Schemes - Govt, Sustainability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Opinions

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

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

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

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

The agriculture commodity derivatives markets are keenly

Agribusiness, Agrotech, India, Start ups, Sustainability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The program witnessed the participation of 57

Agribusiness, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Through this MOU, HMM plans to strengthen

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News

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

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

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

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

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

The cost of remaining stagnant is higher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The country's organic food exports have grown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition

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

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

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

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

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

Chouhan advocated direct benefit transfer subsidies for