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Agribusiness, Agrotech, Climate, Company News, Digital Technologies, Start ups, Sustainability

Cropin Cloud addresses critical challenges such as reducing carbon footprints, enabling climate-smart agriculture, ensuring traceability, and complying with regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Bengaluru based Cropin, one of the world’s leading AI platforms for food and agriculture, announced that it has achieved the Google Cloud Ready – Sustainability Designation within the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program. This designation recognises Cropin’s success in developing and delivering solutions and tools on Google Cloud that enable customers to meet their sustainability and Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) objectives. Cropin Cloud has been recognised for its global leadership in driving and strategizing responsible sourcing within the agri-food industry and deploying Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Farming practices across more than 100 countries.

In a climate-impacted world, agri-food systems face unprecedented challenges, threatening global food security and the performance of agri-food businesses. As part of the Google Cloud Ready – Sustainability partner program, Cropin Cloud empowers agri-food businesses and policymakers to safeguard domestic food security while enabling climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural operations. It supports the realization of meaningful climate objectives, delivering solutions that reduce carbon emissions, enhance the sustainability of value chains, process ESG metrics, and identify climate risks to build resilience. Google Cloud Ready – Sustainability will provide Cropin’s customers a facilitated journey to discover and use proven partner solutions, powered by Google Cloud, in their sustainability and Climate-Smart business transformations.

Cropin Cloud is a powerful platform designed to help organizations seamlessly adopt sustainability and climate risk measures. Powered by advanced agri-science and AI/ML models, it enables agri-food and allied industries to make data-driven decisions that promote sustainable sourcing, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impact across the value chain. Cropin Cloud addresses critical challenges such as reducing carbon footprints, enabling climate-smart agriculture, ensuring traceability, and complying with regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Its capabilities include managing deforestation with Land Use & Land Change (LULC) models, forecasting future yield potential, assessing supply chain risks, conserving water through irrigation advisory, and minimizing pesticide use with the Disease Early Warning System (DEWS). Widely trusted by global agri-food businesses, Cropin Cloud empowers organizations and their partner growers to achieve net-zero goals, meet sustainability targets, and build resilient, traceable supply chains.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Sustainability Partner within the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program. At Cropin, our mission is to transform food systems into more sustainable and resilient frameworks in a world increasingly affected by climate change. This partnership is a testament to our vision of creating a prosperous and sustainable future for our customers and the planet. Collaborating with Google Cloud, a global leader in sustainability innovation, underscores the critical need for a strong ecosystem to address challenges in the essential food and agriculture sector. We aim to drive meaningful, lasting change for the sustainable future of global food systems,” said Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Cropin.

Google Cloud Ready for Sustainability is part of the Google Cloud Partner Advantage program, designed to maximize Google Cloud partners’ success across business models, customer requirements, success metrics, and strategic priorities. Google Cloud Marketplace Sustainability Hub provides customers with easy access to validated sustainability solutions and will showcase Google Cloud Ready for Sustainability solutions.

Cropin Cloud addresses critical challenges such as

R&D

Cassava, a versatile and nutritious crop, is gaining global recognition for its economic and dietary value. Recently, WATEA stakeholders, including six Polytechnic Rectors from different Nigerian states, technical officers, and SMEs, visited the IITA cassava processing factory to explore its innovative operations

Cassava, a versatile and nutritious crop, is gaining global recognition for its economic and dietary value. The group received by IITA Trial Manager, Cassava Breeding Unit, Peter Iluebbey, toured the processing factory, and saw firsthand the scale of operations and how staff handled each processing stage with a commitment to quality and safety.

Iluebbey explaining the cassava processing journey from farm to factory to the group said after harvesting, tubers undergo rigorous inspection before entering the processing line, adding that the first phase of processing – washing, peeling, and cutting before transformation into a variety of value-added products is critical to how the quality of the end products turn out.

Research Supervisors Durodola Owoade and Rachael Abioye further detailed the processing techniques used to create staple products such as garri, tapioca, flour, starch, and cassava-based pastries. The visitors were shown advanced milling machines producing gluten-free cassava flour – an increasingly popular alternative for health-conscious consumers. They also learned about tapioca production, a key ingredient in bubble tea and culinary dishes worldwide.

During discussions some of cassava’s nutritional benefits were highlighted, particularly its high carbohydrate content and gluten-free nature, making it an essential energy source.

The IITA cassava processing line emphasizes sustainability efforts, including waste reduction and the repurposing of by-products for animal feed and bioenergy production.

Before departing, the visitors sampled cassava-based products such as chips, bread, and pastries—an experience that underscored the root crop’s versatility. They expressed appreciation for the informative visit and anticipation of future collaborations in training and capacity development for their institutions.

The IITA cassava processing factory stands as a testament to innovation, sustainability, and the vital role of cassava in global food security.

Cassava, a versatile and nutritious crop, is

Uncategorized

MEWA India 2025, the foremost B2B exhibition for nuts and dry fruits by the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council of India [NDFC(I)], successfully concluded the three-day event at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. From February 12th to 14th, the event served as a global platform, bringing together over 300 exhibitors and 10,000 Participants from more than 25 countries

Building on the success of MEWA 2024, which had 6,000+ visitors and 130+ exhibitors, MEWA India 2025 expanded significantly, welcoming over 10,000 visitors and 300+ exhibitors from more than 25 countries, representing a 66.67 per cent increase in participation. The major focus of MEWA 2025 was to position nuts and dry fruits as a healthy snacking food option globally. Due to an increase in awareness of the health benefits of nuts and dry fruits, consumers around the globe are seeking nutritious food options.

Mr. Sameer Bhanushali, Founding Member of NDFC(I) highlighted the challenges of the nuts & dry fruits sector and said “The nuts and dry fruits market in India is projected to grow by 5.97%, resulting in a market volume of $13.27 billion in 2030. Urban populations are showing a preference for healthier options like foxnuts, pistachios, almonds and more. However, the sector is still underdeveloped and faces several challenges in our country. Price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and global economic factors, significantly impact the sector daily. With MEWA 2025, we aimed to address industry challenges, enhance visibility, and foster international partnerships that would help the industry to better develop and streamline the process of the sector.”

MEWA India 2025 served as a global platform, fostering advancements in research, innovation, production, trade, and consumption within the nuts and dry fruits sector. A variety of products from international and Indian suppliers were on display at the exhibition stalls. A few participants at the exhibition were Crain Walnut & Wonderful Pistachios from the USA, Kimia Dates from Iran, Blue Diamond – the World’s largest almond exporter, and Al Mehtab from Dubai. The event also facilitated an insightful Panel Discussion with the presence of industry experts that focused on utilizing advanced technology to streamline the sector, policies for the import and export of nuts and dry fruits in the country, and nurturing relationships through exhibitions and events. The exhibition provided an opportunity to foster connections & trading opportunities for industry players to showcase products.

Mr. Rajeev Pabreja, Founding Member of NDFC(I) & Co-Chairperson of MEWA 2025, emphasizing the role of MEWA in the nuts and dry fruits industry, stated, “MEWA India 2025 aims to promote quality, innovation, and growth, positioning India as a global leader in the nuts and dry fruits sector. By fostering valuable networking opportunities, it fuels business expansion, facilitates the exploration of potential partnerships, and drives collaborative growth in the nuts and dried fruits sector. The goal of organizing such events is to allow businesses to collaborate, negotiate, and strengthen their presence in the global market in the near future.”

Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Union Cabinet Minister marked her presence as Keynote speaker for the event. Participants and visitors enjoyed the glamorous performance of Bollywood singer Jonita Gandhi. The event was also graced by the presence of iconic Bollywood actress Mrs. Genelia D’souza promoting her plant-based meat company, Imagine Meats.

The event was highly focused on promoting the nuts and dry fruits sector and the strategic role of marketing boards in India. MEWA India 2025 offered networking opportunities and trade visibility, making a business impact. With high expectations, MEWA India is more excited to be back next year with new opportunities & more participants.

MEWA India 2025, the foremost B2B exhibition

Award, Trade

PAU led Punjab Agri-Business Incubator (PABI), has achieved a proud milestone with its incubated startup, Corn Troopers, successfully exporting India’s first-ever consignment of coated popcorn to South Korea. Founded by Shivam Mittal, Corn Troopers marked this historic achievement by dispatching a 40-foot container carrying approximately 27,000 pouches (75 grams each) of flavoured coated popcorn. The shipment was flagged off from Dappar Inland Container Depot (ICD), Punjab and loaded onto a vessel from Mundra Port destined to arrive at the Port of Busan, South Korea, this month

This landmark export underscores PABI’s success in nurturing agri-entrepreneurs and enabling them to transform agricultural products into high-value exports. Expressing his gratitude, Shivam Mittal stated, “This achievement would not have been possible without the mentorship, training, and strategic guidance from PABI. The incubator provided me with critical insights on branding, market research, and export regulations, which helped me secure this international deal.”

Dr. M.S. Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, described the event as a proud moment for Punjab and PABI, stating that Corn Troopers’ success exemplifies how startups can lead India’s value-added agri-food exports, breaking barriers and establishing their brands internationally.

Dr. T.S. Riar, Principal Investigator, PABI, emphasized that the export milestone validates PABI’s incubation model, which offers technical expertise, business mentorship, and market exposure to convert innovative ideas into global success stories. He also praised Mittal’s determination and resilience.

Dr. Poonam Sachdev, Co-Principal Investigator, PABI, highlighted that Corn Troopers’ achievement reflects the importance of value addition, smart packaging, and persistence in global trade, adding that with stronger government support and improved export logistics, Punjab’s food processing industry can scale new heights.

PAU led Punjab Agri-Business Incubator (PABI), has

Award

Dr Pavneet Kaur, Ph.D. scholar at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has won laurels by bagging the “IAUA Award” for her outstanding Ph.D. thesis research for the year 2024 in the category of Agricultural Sciences including Agriculture Engineering. She was conferred with the award, carrying a cash of Rs 50,000/-, a certificate and a plaque, during the Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA) Vice Chancellors’ Convention, held at the Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Ayodhya on February 13 and 14

Dr Kaur is also a recipient of Dr Manjit Singh Kang medal for securing the highest OCPA (8.84) in M.Sc. Biotechnology as well as the INSPIRE Fellowship by the DST, Government of India. She is presently appointed as Project Scientist at Gurdev Singh Khush Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, PAU, Ludhiana.

The IAUA instituted IAUA awards for outstanding Ph.D. thesis research, to recognize outstanding original research, to provide incentive for enhancing the quality of research and to promote high quality research in emerging priority areas. These awards are meant exclusively for Ph.D. thesis research related to Agricultural Sciences including Agriculture Engineering, Horticultural Science including Forestry, Veterinary and Animal Sciences and Dairy and Fisheries Sciences from any of the IAUA member Agricultural Universities.

Working under the supervision of Dr Kumari Neelam, Biotechnologist, her research aimed to elucidate the molecular basis of brown plant hopper (BPH) resistance in wild rice species O. nivara, providing a foundation for developing BPH-resistant rice varieties through MAS that could better withstand the challenges posed by new biotpes of BPH.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, congratulated Dr Kaur on her remarkable achievement and encouraged her to continue pursuing cutting-edge research for the benefit of the state and the nation.

Dr MIS Gill, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Dr CS Aulakh, Dean, College of Agriculture, commended her for bringing laurels to the university.

Dr Parveen Chhuneja, Director of the Gurdev Singh Khush Institute, and Dr Yogesh Vikal, Director of the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, reaffirmed their commitment to providing students with world-class facilities and expert guidance to foster high-quality research.

Dr Pavneet Kaur, Ph.D. scholar at the

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, E-commerce, IT, R&D

DMO-AG addresses a critical market gap by offering a unified platform that brings together farmers, drone operators, maintenance teams, and agrochemical companies.
 As India’s agricultural drone sector prepares for exponential growth, Skylark Drones, a leading startup providing drone solutions unveiled DMO-AG at the Krishi Darshan Expo 2025 in Hisar – a first-of-its-kind software platform set to transform how agricultural drones are managed and operated across the country.

The launch is crucial when India’s agriculture sector is rapidly adopting drone technology, driven by government initiatives and increasing demand for precision farming solutions. DMO-AG addresses a critical market gap by offering a unified platform that brings together farmers, drone operators, maintenance teams, and agrochemical companies.

“With DMO-AG, we expect a transformative shift in the agricultural industry. By democratizing access to drone technology, we anticipate increased adoption of precision farming, leading to higher yields, reduced input costs, and more sustainable practices. Our DGCA-compliant platform will not only empower farmers but also Drone Service Providers and Done pilots with real-time insights, automation, and Revenue management, ultimately making Indian agriculture more efficient, data-driven, and future-ready.”  – Mrinal Pai, Co-founder, Skylark Drones

The DGCA-compliant platform introduces several groundbreaking features including real-time fleet management, crop-specific recommendations, and automated health monitoring – all accessible through an intuitive interface available in local languages. This comprehensive solution is compatible with all major autopilot-enabled controllers, making it a versatile tool for India’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Skylark Drones, which has already executed more than 10 million autonomous drone flights and processed more than 100 million drone images across 120+ enterprise customers nationwide, brings substantial expertise to this sector. The launch of DMO-AG marks a significant milestone in its mission to make drone technology more accessible and efficient for India’s agricultural community.


“With India’s agricultural drone market expected to grow at 25-30% CAGR, surpassing $1 billion by 2030, DMO-AG is poised to lead this transformation. Backed by government support and the rising demand for precision farming, our platform democratizes access to advanced drone technology” adds Mrinal Pai

The company is backed by leading investors, including Thakral Corporation, Infoedge Ventures, Advantedge Partners, Turbostart Global, IIM Udaipur Incubation, and Hunch Ventures.

DMO-AG addresses a critical market gap by

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

Company’s net profit stood at Rs 16 crores with PAT margin of 9.2 per cent.

India Pesticides Limited, one of the fast-growing agro-chemical companies for technical manufacturing, announced its results for quarter and nine months ended December 31st, 2024.

Company reported Total Income of Rs. 175 crores, an increase of 13.0 per cent on YoY in Q3FY25. Company recorded EBITDA of Rs 29 crores with EBITDA margin of 16.7 per cent. Net Profit stood at Rs. 16 crores with PAT margin of 9.2 per cent.

 In 9M FY25 company’s Total Income was Rs. 633 Cr, an increase of 12.0 per cent on YoY basis. EBITDA of Rs 101 crores, an increase of 6.3 per cent on YoY with EBITDA margin of 15.9 per cent. Company reported Net Profit of Rs 62 crores, an increase of 3.5 per cent on YoY with PAT margin of 9.8 per cent.

Commenting on the performance, Anand S. Agarwal, Director, Founder & Promoter said, ″We are pleased to report revenue growth of 13 per cent year-on-year for Q3 FY25, achieving a total income of Rs 175 crore. This growth was underpinned by an increase in volumes, which highlights the demand for our products across key markets. While the increase in volumes demonstrates the strength of our operations and market presence, pricing adjustments in the international markets led to a modest impact on margins during the quarter.

Additionally, our freight costs rose due to logistical challenges in the Red Sea region, and investments in strengthening our R&D capabilities and workforce added to the cost base. These decisions were made with a long-term view to enhance our competitiveness and support the development of a strong product pipeline.

We continue to drive operational efficiencies and prioritize innovation to maintain our leadership in key product categories. Our investments in R&D and talent are aligned with our vision to deliver superior products that meet evolving customer needs and align with global trends.

Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the growth trajectory of the agrochemical sector. With a strong operational framework, an expanding product portfolio, and a deep commitment to excellence, we are confident in our ability to deliver sustainable growth while creating value for all our stakeholders. ″

Company’s net profit stood at Rs 16

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Finance, India, Seeds

Q3 FY25 gross profit stood at Rs. 89 crores, an increasing from Rs. 72 crores in Q3 FY24.

Best Agrolife Limited, India’s leading agrochemicals manufacturer, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31st, 2024, in the Board meeting held on 14th February, 2025.

Q3 FY25 Revenue from Operations declined by 13 per cent YoY to Rs 274 crores in Q3 FY25 compared to Rs. 315 crores in Q3 FY24. This decline was primarily due to the recent cyclonic conditions in southern India, which severely impacted the chilli crop, a key contributor to the region’s agricultural economy. Frequent rainfall during the season disrupted several crucial pest control sprays, exacerbating the situation.

Q3 FY25 gross profit stood at Rs. 89 crores, an increasing from Rs. 72 crores in Q3 FY24. The gross profit margin stood at 32 per cent with an improvement of 900 Bps as compared to last year showcasing the impact of higher braded sales contribution.

Q3 FY25 EBITDA (excluding other income) was at Rs. -6 crore compared to Rs. 19 crores in Q3 FY24. The EBITDA margin stood at -2 per cent with a decrease of 800 Bps on YoY basis, mainly due to higher fixed costs associated with investments in sales teams and a loss of Rs. 11 crores resulting from foreign currency fluctuations. Q3 FY25 Loss stood at Rs. 24 crores compared to Rs. 7 crores in Q3 FY24.

Commenting on the result and overall update on the Q3 FY25, Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd. said, ″As we reflect on the current state of the agrochemical industry, this season has been challenging climatically and demand wise. Recent cyclonic conditions in southern India have affected the agricultural landscape, particularly in key states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The disrupted weather patterns, delayed monsoons, and extended rainfall impacted the crop cycles, delaying and causing reduction in agrochemical consumption. Overall, we observed unfavourable market conditions, such as the drop in prices of key crops like chillies and tomatoes, making it difficult for farmers to invest in crop protection products. The quarter was further impacted by the strengthening of USD leading to incurring a foreign currency loss.

This combination of reduced demand and strained market sentiment created a challenging operating environment for the company. The revenue from operations stood at Rs 274 crores, a dip of -13 per cent (Q3FY24). We have experienced a weaker Q3 with PAT of -24 crores as compared to -7 crores in Q3FY24. The widening of the quarterly loss was primarily due to a weaker revenue from operations. We continue to see positivity in our strategy of shift towards a business-to-consumer (B2C) model, increasing the contribution of branded sales to 72 per cent in 9 months of FY25. The company’s branded business improved due to introduction of new products and witnessed a volume increase. Despite the volume growth, we saw a 20 per cent reduction in product prices impacting our overall revenue. Our institutional business saw a reduction by Rs72 crores in line with our movement to B2C segment, but the corresponding expected increase in the branded sales was impacted by the reduced demand and price erosion despite a healthy volume growth.

While these results are below our expectation, we view them as an opportunity to fine tune our operations for better margins by reducing costs, optimizing operations and building efficiencies. We remain focused on stabilizing our financial performance in the upcoming quarters. We intend to bring down costs as a percentage of sales and be better equipped to navigate the current and future challenges. Our focus on IP generation, technical R&D, new formulation research and development of innovative products will continue with renewed zeal. ″

Q3 FY25 gross profit stood at Rs.

Agro Universities, Biofuel industry, Collaborations, Company News, India

BPCL has pledged Rs 5 crore to support research and development initiatives within this partnership.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur to collaboratively develop sweet sorghum as an eco-friendly feedstock for bioethanol production. This strategic alliance supports India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and aligns with the government’s objectives to promote biofuels and diminish reliance on fossil fuels.

BPCL has pledged Rs 5 crore to support research and development initiatives within this partnership. The funding will optimise sweet sorghum yields, enhance agricultural practices, and create efficient juice extraction and fermentation methods to boost ethanol production. Additionally, this collaboration will examine the use of leftover biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications, promoting a comprehensive approach to bioenergy use.

BPCL has pledged Rs 5 crore to

Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Transportation

AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports successfully completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of 5.7 metric tons (MT) Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra.

In a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports successfully completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates respectively to Australia via sea. This marks a major breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce.

The first-ever sea-freight shipment departed from India on December 6, 2024 and arrived in Sydney on January 13, 2025 with 5.7 metric tons (MT) of pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra, packed into 1,900 boxes, each containing 3 kg of premium fruit. Another commercial sea shipment carrying 1,872 boxes (6.56 tons) of Bhagwa variety arrived in Brisbane, Australia, on January 6, 2025. The use of bulk sea shipment ensured competitive pricing, benefiting farmers and creating sustainable trade opportunities. Both shipments were integrated into ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring transparency and building consumer confidence in international markets. This successful export not only underscores India’s capabilities in meeting global quality standards but also provides a significant boost to Indian farmers by opening up new revenue streams.

Upon arrival, the pomegranates received an overwhelmingly positive response in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The strong demand has already led to immediate requests for additional shipments, showcasing the growing potential for a profitable and sustainable trade relationship between India and Australia. The shipment’s timing was strategically aligned with Australia’s non-producing season, maximizing market opportunities for Indian exporters.

 Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA, emphasised “India’s agricultural export landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace, with fresh fruit exports surging by 29% year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have seen a 20 per cent growth, demonstrating the immense potential of this segment. The successful shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia marks India’s ability to supply high-quality fresh produce to discerning international markets. Through advanced traceability systems like ANARNET, we ensure that Indian agricultural products meet the highest global standards, enhancing consumer trust worldwide.”

Abhishek Dev also emphasized APEDA’s role in securing and facilitating market access for Indian farmers, stating, “We are committed to supporting Indian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs by expanding into new and emerging markets. This success story paves the way for further collaborations and increased export volumes in the future.”

With the next export season beginning in September, AgroStar’s INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports and other key players are poised to build on this success, ensuring a steady supply of Indian pomegranates to Australia. This development reaffirms India’s position as a global leader in agricultural exports and strengthens bilateral trade ties with Australia.

AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports successfully completed

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News

The global conglomerate ITC Ltd is allegedly in preliminary talks with Orkla ASA of Norway to purchase its Indian businesses, MTR Foods Pvt Ltd and Eastern Condiments Pvt Ltd, for about $1.4 billion. This possible acquisition fits with ITC’s plan to increase its market share in the food industry in southern India

ITC has been aggressively growing in the spices and ready-to-cook food sectors, while maintaining a diversified portfolio that includes FMCG, hotels, and agro. The company recently announced that it will buy Prasuma, a brand that specializes in frozen and ready-to-cook foods, in February 2025. In 2020, it bought Sunrise Foods, a manufacturer of spices.

Orkla ASA, a Norwegian industrial investment firm, entered the Indian market by acquiring MTR Foods in 2007 and later expanded by purchasing a majority stake in Eastern Condiments in 2020. In October 2023, Orkla consolidated its Indian operations—MTR, Eastern, and its international business—under Orkla India.

Both MTR Foods and Eastern Condiments have a strong market presence in the ready-to-cook and spices segments, particularly in southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. If ITC successfully acquires these brands, it would gain a substantial advantage in these regions. Orkla is currently determining if a private sale would provide a superior valuation, despite having previously contemplated an initial public offering (IPO) for its Indian business as recently as September 2024. Orkla might choose to go public if talks with ITC don’t work out.

If the deal goes through, ITC would bolster its position against rivals like Everest and MDH in the spices industry and greatly increase its market footprint in southern India’s food sector. But the agreement hasn’t been formally verified by Orkla or ITC.

The global conglomerate ITC Ltd is allegedly

Agribusiness

ITC has today signed definitive agreements for acquisition of Prasuma1, a leading player in the frozen, chilled and ready to cook foods space in India. Prasuma, a specialist in oriental cuisine (viz. momos, baos, Korean fried chicken), high quality delicatessens and raw meats, etc., sells a wide assortment of 170+ products, backed by unparalleled innovation expertise in developing ‘Good-for-You’ products. This acquisition will further fortify ITC’s presence in these future-facing categories, with current annual market size of over Rs 10,000 crores and poised for rapid growth in the years ahead

ITC will acquire 100 per cent stake in Prasuma over a period of 3 years. The first tranche of 43.8 per cent stake shall be acquired upfront and balance stake will be acquired, in tranches, by June, 2028, basis pre-defined valuation criteria and subject to other conditions as stated in the definitive agreements. Prasuma operates through ‘Prasuma’, ‘Meatigo by Prasuma’ and ‘Prasuma Momo Kitchen’ brands. The flagship ‘Prasuma Momos’ were launched in 2019 – an industry first innovation – garnering leading retail market position in the frozen momos category within a short span of time.

Prasuma has also developed several first-to-market frozen products like Baos, Korean Fried Chicken, Schezwan Momo meal, Japanese Fried Rice, etc. and caters to a variety of consumption occasions through innovative and differentiated product offerings. Meatigo, on the other hand, offers consumers access to high quality delicatessens and raw meats through its own D2C platform (www.meatigo.com). Prasuma Momo Kitchen offers high quality Pan Asian offerings through 40 cloud kitchens. Prasuma, with presence in 100+ cities across online and offline channels, has scaled up to an Annual Revenue Runrate of about Rs 200 crore (trailing 3 months basis). ITC had entered the Frozen Foods market in 2019 under ‘ITC Master Chef’ brand. Within 5 years of launch, ITC Master Chef has grown rapidly and has established itself as one of the leading Frozen Foods brands, offering a range of 50+ easy to cook nutritious and tasty frozen Western and Indian snacks and Indian breads.

Available across 200+ towns, ITC Master Chef caters to both Retail and Food Service customers. With the industry at an inflection point, this acquisition will help strengthen and expand ITC’s presence in the aforesaid categories by gaining entry into high growth segments, viz. Pan Asian foods, Deli meats, etc. With the proposed acquisition, ITC will become the first full stack player in the segment with an unparalleled portfolio, offering meals and snacking options across multiple occasions throughout the day for the discerning consumer. ITC Master Chef and Prasuma shall also benefit from significant synergies through well designed institutional mechanisms and enablers.

This investment is in line with the ‘ITC Next’ strategy articulated by Chairman, Mr. Sanjiv Puri, that focusses on building a future ready portfolio of products that serves evolving consumer needs. Commenting on this acquisition, Mr. Hemant Malik, Wholetime Director, ITC Limited stated, “We are delighted to back Prasuma and look forward to jointly building an unparalleled, full stack frozen, chilled and ready to cook foods portfolio. With Good-for-You, first-to-market products, across cuisines, we believe that the combined portfolio will delight our discerning consumers.

This investment reaffirms our commitment to building future facing, best in class, innovative portfolios.” Commenting on this transaction, Ms. Lisa Suwal, CEO and Mr. Siddhant Wangdi, COO of Prasuma, said, “We are extremely proud of what we have built and excited to join hands with ITC to drive the next phase of growth. The overwhelming support and love for our products from consumers have always inspired us. ITC shares our commitment to quality and innovation, making them the perfect partner. Frozen food is a category of the future. With Prasuma’s strength in manufacturing and innovation, combined with ITC’s expertise in distribution and building new-age brands, we are excited about the significant value that this collaboration will create for consumers in India and globally.”

ITC has today signed definitive agreements for

Award

Shri Hariman Sharma, an innovative and dedicated farmer from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri for his exceptional contributions to Indian agriculture. The Government of India recognized his remarkable achievements in advancing apple cultivation in non-traditional regions. Shri Sharma developed the HRMN-99 apple variety, which has transformed apple farming by allowing it to thrive in the tropical climate of India, paving the way for nationwide apple cultivation

HRMN-99 is a self-pollinating, low-chilling variety that grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas, flourishing in temperatures between 40-45°C, thus broadening the scope of apple farming across various Indian states and Union Territories. The variety has been registered by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi, through the ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar being the DUS center for temperate fruits and nuts.

The registration of HRMN-99 by the PPV&FRA, New Delhi, offers dual protection by safeguarding both the variety and its denomination. Traditionally, apple cultivation requires a cold climate with chilling hours (the number of hours below 7°C during dormancy). However, with advancements in horticultural practices and the development of low-chill apple varieties like HRMN-99, apple farming is now feasible in some of India’s low-chill regions.

The HRMN-99 variety has been gaining traction in the warmer parts of India, allowing successful apple cultivation in areas once considered unsuitable. States such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Manipur are now cultivating HRMN-99. Apples grown in the lower reaches and tropical regions tend to mature earlier, which increases demand and profitability. The development and promotion of indigenous varieties like HRMN-99 is a significant step toward achieving an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by reducing imports and boosting exports.

Shri Hariman Sharma, an innovative and dedicated

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy

According to the research, agriculture continues to play a significant role in the economy of Odisha, providing a living for more than 60 per cent of the population and employing 49 per cent of the labor force

The most recent report from the Odisha Economic Survey (OES) projects that the state’s agriculture and related industries would expand by 3.3 per cent in 2024–2025, which is comparable to the growth rate for all of India.

It is anticipated that agriculture, cattle, and fisheries will all experience strong growth, demonstrating their increasing significance in propelling agricultural expansion. According to the most recent Odisha Economic Survey report, the livestock sector is anticipated to increase by 6.2 per cent in 2024–2025, while the forestry and fisheries sectors are each expected to rise by 6.7 per cent.

According to the research, agriculture continues to be a vital sector of the Odisha economy, providing a living for more than 60 per cent of the population and employing 49 per cent  of the labor force.

In 2024–2025, the industry will account for approximately 18.9 per cent of the state’s gross value added (GVA). It noted that the sector’s projected growth rate for 2024–2025 is 3.3 per cent, which is comparable to the growth rate for the entire country of India.

It is anticipated that agriculture, cattle, and fisheries will all experience strong growth, demonstrating their increasing significance in propelling agricultural expansion.

In 2024–2025, the livestock industry is predicted to increase by 6.2 per cent, while the forestry and fisheries sectors are each predicted to grow by 6.7 per cent. These numbers highlight the necessity of giving livestock and fisheries top priority in order to propel the state’s agricultural growth rate.

Significant structural changes have occurred in agriculture and related industries in recent years, as seen by the strong growth rates of livestock and fisheries, which contribute more to agriculture’s GVA.

In order to boost agriculture growth and farmers’ income, the government has implemented a number of measures, including providing an input subsidy of Rs 800 per quintal for paddy above the MSP of Rs 2,300, direct cash transfer for the purchase of inputs, crop diversification, a dedicated mission for cash crops, comprehensive rice fallow management, and infrastructure development.

In order to support the livestock and fisheries industry and diversify farmers’ income, the government has also implemented extensive initiatives in these areas, such as the Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana (MKY) and the Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY).

These strategic efforts aim to secure the sector’s long-term socioeconomic development in addition to increasing sustainability and productivity. Due to their small holdings and limited marketable surplus, farmers in Odisha continue to have serious concerns about access to an improved market. The government has strengthened marketing infrastructure through a number of initiatives, such as encouraging exports, building cold storage facilities, and updating mandis. By creating a cold storage facility at every subdivision, the government will enable farmers to safely store their product and sell it when the market is at its best, minimizing distressed sales.

The state is aggressively encouraging farmers to switch to high-value crops including oilseeds, pulses, and horticulture goods in order to modernize and diversify agriculture.

According to the OES, in order to lessen the negative effects of climate change and guarantee sustainable productivity, the government is also supporting climate-resilient farming methods, such as the cultivation of millets under the Shree Anna Abhiyan, preserving traditional seed varieties, and encouraging organic agriculture.

According to the research, agriculture continues to