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Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Bamboo industry, Biofertilizers, Drones, Horticulture, Interaction, Live Stock

Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior, is organising Central India’s largest agriculture exhibition Farm-Tech India 2025 during 21-24 February 2025.

The fair will focus on the latest technologies in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and food processing. In this event, advanced technologies and products from India and abroad will be displayed at more than 200 stalls. Farmers, agricultural scientists, traders, consultants and other key sections will actively participate in the exhibition.

Main Attractions:

The exhibition will feature expert-led sessions, live demonstrations, and in-depth insights on cutting-edge advancements, empowering attendees with the latest knowledge and innovations in the industry on below categories:

  • Bamboo cultivation and its products.
  • Natural and organic farming techniques and products.
  • Protected cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers (horticulture) and nursery.
  • Dairy machinery and animal feed in animal husbandry.
  • Display of modern irrigation methods and seed-fertilizers.
  • Soil quality and health check.
  • Display of bio-fertilizers and chemicals.
  • Agricultural products and latest agricultural equipment.
  • Agricultural drones, polyhouse farming, solar pumps and biogas plants.
  • Pond Liner and Non-Woven Protective Farming.
  • Developed farm equipment and improved agricultural machinery.
  • Schemes for marketing and distribution of agricultural products.
  • New opportunities from government schemes and startups.

Features of the Exhibition:

• Organization of agricultural seminars daily.

• Knowledge of modern technologies to farmers.

• Live demonstration and sale of latest agricultural technologies.

Highlights of Farm-Tech India 2025:

This event will be a major platform to double the income of farmers and provide latest solutions in the agriculture sector.

Entry:

Entry to this exhibition is free.

Venue:

Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University Campus, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

This exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for farmers, industry experts and businessmen. All farmer brothers and sisters are invited to participate in this event.

Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior, is

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Collaborations, Finance, Trade

The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry experts, setting the stage for a more robust and export-driven agricultural sector in Odisha.

The three-day Export Pathshala workshop, aimed at enhancing agri and allied exports through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), successfully concluded. Organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in collaboration with Palladium Consulting India Private Limited (PCIPL), the workshop provided FPOs with critical insights and strategies to scale their businesses globally. The initiative convened policymakers, financial institutions, exporters, farmer producer organizations and supporting organizations to explore opportunities and solutions for strengthening India’s agri-export ecosystem. By equipping FPOs with expertise in export procedures, quality compliance, and market linkages, the workshop is set to enhance Odisha’s competitiveness in global markets for fruits, vegetables, and spices

Addressing the inaugural session, SK Talukdar, Chief General Manager, NABARD, underscored the significance of empowering FPOs with the right knowledge, infrastructure, and market access. He noted that capacity-building initiatives like Export Pathshala will enable smallholder farmers to directly connect with global buyers, ensuring better price realization and sustainable growth. Over the first two days, leading experts from NABARD, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the World Trade Centre, the Spices Board of India, Bank of Baroda, and panel of industry exporters provided practical training & had interactive discussions with participants on export documentation, compliance, and quality standards, post-harvest management and packaging for export readiness, value chain development for fruits, vegetables, and spices, and risk mitigation and export insurance for perishable goods. A field visit to PRB Super Foods in Khordha provided hands-on exposure to good packaging and logistics practices for large-scale agri-exports.

The final day featured knowledge-sharing sessions from successful FPO leaders across India. Md. Jabbar A Khan, CEO of Bhangar Vegetables Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd. from West Bengal, shared his journey of scaling up an FPO into a globally competitive agri-enterprise. Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Nasik, Maharashtra, conducted a virtual session led by its Director, Azhar Tambuwala, who highlighted best practices in handling, processing, and marketing fresh produce for export markets. Discussions also focused on export insurance for persihable items, led by Satyanarayan Nanda, Senior Vice President, Unilight Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd., emphasizing the need for risk management mechanisms in perishable commodity supply chains like fruits and vegetables and ways to safeguard farmers against export uncertainties.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion where participants reflected on key learnings, challenges, and the way forward. NABARD and Palladium outlined a comprehensive action plan to strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem by fostering information exchange, identifying clusters for export-oriented production, leveraging export-support infrastructures, and strengthening supply chains through close collaboration with exporters. Shri Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Director (E.R.), APEDA, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, “This is one of its kind workshop conducted for FPOs, focused on exports. I am sure the workshop will enable FPOs from Odisha to take up agricultural and horticultural exports to tap into remunerative markets. APEDA in collaboration with Government of Odisha, NABARD and Palladium would try its best to support these FPOs to scale new heights in global agri-trade.”

Key insights from the workshop highlighted the importance of training in compliance, packaging, and logistics for exports, as well as the need for effective post-harvest management, value addition, and stronger market linkages. The requirement of timely financial assistance and insurance support was also discussed, with experts emphasizing that access to export credit and risk mitigation strategies can empower FPOs in building global market linkages. The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry experts, setting the stage for a more robust and export-driven agricultural sector in Odisha.

“Empowering FPOs with the right knowledge and resources is key to unlocking India’s agri-export potential. We organized the first-of-its-kind Export Pathshala to bridge the gap between farmers and global markets by providing practical insights into enhancing the export readiness of FPOs. Through such capacity-building initiatives, FPOs can build sustainable, market-driven agricultural enterprises. The success of this workshop reaffirms the importance of collaboration between FPOs, public-private institutions, and industry experts in strengthening Odisha’s agri-export ecosystem,” said Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium.

“India has a great potential of exporting agricultural products and strengthening FPOs is crucial for enhancing this potential. That is why we have organized this Export Pathshala. By improving FPO infrastructure, we can equip farmers with the tools needed to compete in global markets. This workshop demonstrates the value of targeted capacity-building programs, and we see immense potential in replicating this model across other regions. By scaling up such initiatives, NABARD aims to create a nationwide network of export-ready FPOs, driving inclusive growth and positioning India as a strong player in the global agri-trade landscape,” said Dr. SKK Mishra, Chief General Manager/Officer-In-Charge, NABARD, Bhubaneswar.

The Export Pathshala has set the stage for expanding India’s agricultural footprint in international markets. By building capabilities, fostering collaborations, and ensuring market access, the initiative is poised to create a new generation of globally competitive farmer enterprises. With NABARD and Palladium leading the way, Odisha’s FPO-driven agri-export model could serve as a blueprint for other regions, transforming the country into a major force in global agricultural trade.

The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government

Company News, Finance, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

The company clocked 9,769 overall tractor sales in January’24.

India’s major tractor manufacturer, Sonalika Tractors announced that the company has clocked its highest-ever January 25 overall sales of 10,350 tractors. The company clocked 9,769 overall tractor sales in January’24.

India’s agricultural sector is navigating through an era of sustainability and an ever-evolving farm practice. With the central government’s budget focus on the agri sector as the economy’s growth engine, the tractor industry should also remain as the pivotal force driving the nation ahead.

 Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director at International Tractors Limited (Sonalika & Solis), shared his comment in a LinkedIn post, stated,”2025 has begun with a ‘Maha Achievement’ as we are proud to have achieved our highest-ever January overall sales of 10,350 tractors. This milestone is deeply rooted in the trust of our farmers, the strength of our integrity, and our relentless pursuit of innovation. By seamlessly blending modern technology with a farmer-first approach, we continue to ensure that every Sonalika tractor is a heavy-duty partner in driving prosperity and progress.”

He also added, ‘We have always lived up to our belief and 3 core philosophies – providing the best products and services, looking after the interests of our stakeholders and doing business ethically without any shortcuts. It has always inspired us to push our limits to set new performance benchmarks in the tractor industry and enabled us to start the 2025 journey with our highest ever January overall sales of 10,350 tractors. We have continued to grow in volume & gain market share in the domestic market as well as beaten industry growth in Jan’25.”

Sonalika has been focusing on advanced technology and farmer feedback to improve its tractors. The company aims to make heavy-duty tractors more reliable and efficient, helping farmers boost productivity and improve their farming operations.

The company clocked 9,769 overall tractor sales

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, China, Company News, India, Japan

Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of Prexio-based product formulations as early as the second quarter of 2025 in India for the important Kharif season.

BASF has started the registration for Prexio® Active, a new insecticide active ingredient designed specifically to manage all four rice hopper species. The regulatory dossiers were recently submitted in key Asia Pacific markets. This step marks an important milestone in further expanding BASF’s global insecticide portfolio and the company’s position in providing sustainable innovations to rice farmers in Asia. Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of Prexio-based product formulations as early as the second quarter of 2025 in India for the important Kharif season. The company anticipates further introductions to quickly follow in other Asia Pacific key countries, including China, Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam.

“Rice growers in Asia are looking for advanced solutions that provide both powerful and sustainable control of damaging rice hoppers, amidst growing insecticide resistance and an increasing global demand for rice,” said Harold Bastiaans, Vice President Global Insecticide Research and Seed Solutions at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With Prexio we continue to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to provide growers with cutting-edge innovations to safeguard their crops while at the same time being highly compatible with beneficials and the environment when applied according to label instructions.”

The new insecticide active ingredient has no known cross-resistance to market standards and is classified as a Group 4E insecticide by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Prexio provides outstanding efficacy and long residual control against all damaging life stages of the four rice hopper species, including brown planthoppers, white-backed planthoppers, small brown planthoppers, and rice green leafhoppers.

“Prexio Active marks the first BASF insecticide active ingredient developed specifically for the rice crop system. It offers growers a tool that is easy to use and flexible in supporting their various rice farming practices, such as granular application for traditional nursery box farming or foliar application for transplanted and direct seeded rice,” said Stephanie Jensen, Vice President Crop System Rice and Portfolio Solutions Insecticides and Seed Treatment at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With its broad application window, Prexio allows growers to choose the application timing that works best for their operations.”

“This highly effective active ingredient only requires one spray under normal pest pressure, saving rice growers time and labor,” said Devendra Vyas, Global Prexio Project Lead, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The suspension concentrate formulation of Prexio Active is both drone- and tank mix-compatible with many commonly used crop protection products in the rice production system. This enables Prexio to be easily tank mixed with other crop protection products.”

Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market

Agribusiness, Company News, Floriculture, Fruits, India, Seeds, Trade, Vegetables

As part of the acquisition, Catalyst Seeds, New World Seeds, and California Hybrids will now be part of Namdhari Seeds.

India, is a leading vegetable and flower seeds breeding company, Namdhari Seeds Private Limited announced that it has acquired US Agriseeds open field vegetable seed business from Axia Vegetable Seeds.  Through this acquisition company is strengthening our presence in North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

The species include tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, melons, watermelons, cucumbers, squash, and eggplant. Axia’s open field business in these crops is marketed under the US Agriseeds brand in North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Namdhari’s will continue to use the US Agriseeds brand in these markets with the existing customers and distributors. As part of the acquisition, Catalyst Seeds, New World Seeds, and California Hybrids will now be part of Namdhari Seeds.

Gurmukh Roopra, CEO of Namdhari’s Group said, “The acquisition of US Agriseeds marks a pivotal step in the Namdhari Seeds journey to expand its footprint and become a significant player in the global vegetable seeds market. Integrating the strong brand heritage of US Agriseeds with our expertise in breeding and innovation, we aim to continue to deliver customized, high-performing products to more farmers globally. This reflects our commitment to empowering growers with better choices and advancing global food security.”

Alois Van Vliet, CEO of Axia, says, ″I am pleased with this transaction as it will allow us to fully focus on our protected culture seed business globally, and we look forward to cooperating and working with Namdhari’s in the months and years ahead on production, marker technology and research. ″

Axia, based in the Netherlands, is a breeding company in vegetable seeds for heated and unheated greenhouse cultivation, with or without artificial light.

US Agriseeds is a breeding company focused on vegetable seed crops for open field cultivation. The company, founded over 20 years ago has been in highly successful in the creation and development of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, melons, watermelons and squash. With research locations strategically located in California, Florida and Sinaloa, Mexico, their ample research space ensures that they benefit from natural (counter) seasons and grow their crops all around the year.

As part of the acquisition, Catalyst Seeds,

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

Company records overall robust performance in seeds business, driven by grain sorghum, sunflower and corn.

UPL Ltd. reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024. Company’s revenue for the third quarter was up by 10 per cent, driven by 9 per cent increase in volumes, 5 per cent increase in price and 4 per cent decline due to Fx, mainly in Brazil.

Financial Performance Update

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Company’s EBITDA was at Rs 2,163 crores in Q3 FY25 compared to Rs 416 crores in Q3FY24 registering the growth of 420 per cent YoY. Company recorded revenue of Rs 10,907 crore in Q3 FY25 Vs Rs 9,887 in Q3FY24 witnessing 10 per cent growth. Contribution margin increase led by product mix, rebate normalisation and COGS improvement. Strong performance with accretive margins in differentiated and sustainable segment. Overall robust performance in seeds business, driven by grain sorghum, sunflower and corn. Net Debt lower by $745M vs. last year; $363M increase in net debt vs. March ’24, significantly lower than $1.7Bn increase over the same period last year.  

Commenting on the Q3FY25 performance, Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO, said “We are seeing strong bounce back versus last year, with normalisation of business, and recovery of volumes and prices. This has helped in regaining our contribution margins back to our previous higher levels. Through strong focus, the team has done a commendable job in bringing down the working capital, resulting in a significant reduction of our net debt versus September, 2024. With this strong performance, we are confident of delivering our EBITDA and free cash flow guidance for the full year.”  

Mike Frank, CEO, UPL Corporation Ltd., said: “The global crop protection market continues to rebound as farmers and dealer buying patterns are now reset. Our volume growth of 14 per cent in this past quarter demonstrates continued strong demand across regions, and our ability to increase market share. Through our focus on customers, driven by investments in marketing excellence, new launches and differentiated solutions, we have improved our margins, as compared to the last few quarters. We expect benefits from this to continue in Q4 as well as in the next financial year”

Company records overall robust performance in seeds

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Foodgrains, India, Seeds, Sustainability

Workshops to offer live demonstrations, agronomic training, and insights into DEKALB hybrids.

Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in healthcare and agriculture, is organising a series of farmer workshops across key districts in Uttar Pradesh to highlight the importance of corn as a vital crop for food, feed, and sustainable fuel. These farmer-centric roadshows, already underway, will cover Marehara, Kamalganj, Chhibramau and other key locations, reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in improving their yields and incomes.

The corn sector in India plays a crucial role in the economy, generating over 1,000 million man-days of employment and contributing Rs 400 billion to the national GDP. With rising demand both domestically and globally, Bayer is driving improvements in corn yields through cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to support India’s goal of self-sufficiency in corn production.

The roadshows, which began on January 27 will go on till February 14 in the state. These interactive workshops will provide farmers with comprehensive insights into advanced crop management techniques to ensure maximum productivity. The sessions will feature live demonstrations of agronomic best practices, allowing farmers to see innovative techniques in action. They will also hear success stories from fellow farmers who have achieved better yields using DEKALB hybrids. Experts will provide guidance on sustainable farming techniques, equipping farmers with the knowledge to enhance productivity while maintaining soil health. Additionally, engagement activities, including a QR code-based reward system via the FarmRise app, will offer farmers opportunities to earn incentives and stay connected with Bayer’s agricultural network.

Speaking on this initiative, Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead, CropScience Division of Bayer in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, said, “Bayer is committed to helping corn farmers enhance their productivity and income by equipping them with the right tools, knowledge, and support. These workshops are a crucial step in enabling farmers to adopt innovative practices, improve their yields, and meet the evolving demands of the corn market. Uttar Pradesh plays a vital role in India’s corn ecosystem, with its vast agricultural landscape and growing contribution to national production. By strengthening corn cultivation, we aim to support India’s journey toward self-sufficiency in corn for food, feed, and sustainable fuel, ensuring long-term economic growth and resilience for smallholder farmers.”

At the workshops, farmers will also learn about DEKALB’s Spring hybrids, known for their adaptability to diverse sowing conditions, superior standability, stay-green traits, and high-quality grains. These hybrids are designed to help farmers optimize their output while ensuring long-term sustainability. DEKALB Spring Hybrids possess a high starch content of 80-85% which is highly congenial for the distilleries to produce high-quality ETHANOL from these Hybrids. DEKALB hybrids are highly adaptable for SILAGE cultivation also.

Workshops to offer live demonstrations, agronomic training,

Agribusiness, Company News, Fruits, India, Interaction, Start ups, Trade, Vegetables


The first of its kind workshop aims to equip Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agri-entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills for tapping into global markets.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with Palladium Consulting India Private Limited (PCIPL) will be conducting “Export Pathshala” a three-day workshop during 07-09 February 2025, at Bhubaneswar, with focus on enhancing exports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Odisha.

The first of its kind workshop aims to equip Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agri-entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills for tapping into global markets. The resource persons from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), World Trade Centre, Bhubaneswar, Spices Board, exporters association from West Bengal and Odisha will be guiding the FPOs in undertaking of exports of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices from Odisha. The representatives of Bank of Baroda, NCDC, NABARD supported FPOs from 15 districts will also be participating in the aforesaid Pathsala.

The workshop shall focus on presentations on the agriculture sector in Odisha by APEDA, and export facilities available in the state by World Trade Centre, Bhubaneswar, followed by virtual orientation session by Sahyadri farms, Nashik. A field visit is also planned to give an exposure on good packaging practices to the FPO members.

The event shall also contain panel discussions bringing together leading exporters from Odisha and West Bengal, who would share insights into the current export scenario and growth potential in agri-trade and case studies from successful FPOs and agri-entrepreneurs, including export experiences of mango and vegetable-producing FPOs from Dhenkanal, Bolangir, is also planned.

The workshop will help in facilitating the FPOs from Odisha to discuss with the leading exporters on export documentation, value chain development, post-harvest management, quality control and other compliances required for export of fresh fruits and vegetables from Odisha.

The first of its kind workshop aims

Collaborations, Environment, Nature, Soil Health, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

By guaranteeing food security, stabilizing society, and providing livelihoods for more than 60 per cent of the rural population, Vietnam’s agriculture sector reinforced its position as the country’s economic backbone in 2024

More than 400 programs promoting sustainable forestry, fisheries, and agriculture have benefited Vietnam, offering crucial training to stabilize lives and propel socioeconomic growth after the conflict.

At a high-level meeting with its team in Ha Noi on Thursday, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan thanked the UN Food and Agricultural Organization on behalf of all Vietnamese farmers for more than 45 years of assistance.

The agricultural sector in Vietnam reinforced its position as the foundation of the economy in 2024, guaranteeing food security, fostering social stability, and providing a living for more than 60 per cent of the country’s rural population.

The sector, which employs close to 30 per cent of the workforce and contributes 11.86 per cent of the national GDP, continues to gain from international collaborations, such as FAO, in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (No poverty) and SDG2 (Zero hunger).

Vietnam’s significant involvement in regional and international FAO-led projects was praised by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. He emphasized that in order to make progress in the nation’s agriculture sector, a transformative attitude is required.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s strengths include innovation and a global outlook. To improve Vietnam’s position on the world agricultural map, the next phase should concentrate on coordinated sectoral growth and progressively creating a green agricultural economy, Qu stated.

He pointed out that creating local goods, like those under the Vietnam One Commune One Product (OCOP) initiative, is frequently the foundation of prosperous farming systems. This strategy improves social welfare by strengthening value chains and establishing the framework for the development of “green cities” in rural areas.

The Food Systems Transformation Partnership Agreement, which was signed in 2024 by 45 domestic and foreign partners, reaffirmed their dedication to sustainable agriculture. The “Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Linked to Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030” initiative is a major effort to create a high-quality rice production area that lowers greenhouse gas emissions and increases farmer incomes.

Vietnam has been actively involved in South-South Cooperation (SSC) for more than 20 years, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) believes that this is a good time for the nation to join China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and India in influencing global food security.

In 2024, the number of African ministers and ambassadors to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reached a record high.

Minister Hoan stated his hope that these partnerships would be further strengthened by FAO’s resources.

By guaranteeing food security, stabilizing society, and

Agribusiness, Horticulture

According to the Finance Minister, the district recently shipped over a lakh tonnes of bananas to Iran via Container Corporation of India train rakes

The State government will offer policy support to establish the district into a horticultural hub, according to Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav. Mr. Keshav announced the opening of the city’s first Anantha Horticulture Conclave on Wednesday. He said that the district recently exported over one lakh tonnes of bananas to Iran using Container Corporation of India train rakes, and that five other horticulture products would receive a similar marketing push. The Minister declared that the conference would become an annual event due to the positive response it received.

According to Mr. Keshav, offering complete solutions for horticultural produce from the nursery to the marketing stage was urgently needed. “As part of Swarnadhra 2047, this will guarantee that Anantapur district contributes 25 per cent to the State GVA (Gross Value Added),” Mr. Keshav stated. He claimed that encouraging businesses to make investments in cold chain, logistics, and farmer support systems will assist realize this goal.

In order to operate all 12 pumpsets and provide irrigation water to additional cultivable fields, Mr. Keshav stated that the TDP government will begin the process of enlarging the Handri-Neeva canal as soon as possible during the current agricultural season. The Minister declared, “The project will be finished within the next 12 months.”

Speaking at the event, Budithi Rajasekhar, Special Chief Secretary, Horticulture and Agriculture, stated that the government was committed to overcoming the several obstacles that stood in the way of realizing the ambition. Anantapur’s banana yield per hectare was 65 million tonnes (MTs), which was quite near to Turkey’s 70.2 MTs, the highest in the world. The immediate needs for the horticulture industry to meet its goals were to maintain the supply chain, enhance product quality and packaging, and provide value-addition, he stated. He stated that the post-harvest losses, which were between 15 and 20 per cent, were to be reduced to nine per cent.

Six of the eleven priority crops in the 24 clusters that the Central and State governments were promoting, according to Mr. Rajasekhar, were in Anantapur: banana, dry chilli, sweet orange, tomato, mango, and dragon fruit. “MoUs were signed with seven companies during the conclave for various aspects of improving productivity of identified horticulture crops with the goal of making Anantapur a global brand,” said District Collector Vinod Kumar V, who chaired the first session. Support will be given during the pre-harvest, production, and post-harvest phases, he said.

The event was attended by Kalava Srinivasulu, Paritala Sunitha, and other district elected officials. During the conference, MOUs were inked with seven businesses: Puro Natural, Siddhartha Cold Storage, Kousuri Bajaj Agro, Green Gurukulam, Agro Life Science Croporation, and Micro Algae Solutions.

According to the Finance Minister, the district

Finance, Funding

The budget for Kerala allots Rs 227.4 crore for the development of agricultural infrastructure, which includes money for the production of vegetables, coconuts, and spices. A project involving paddy farming receives Rs 150 crore

The budget has set aside Rs 227.4 crore for the construction of fundamental infrastructure in the agriculture sector, with an additional Rs 115.5 crore designated for central support. According to the Minister, Kerala’s agriculture industry has grown steadily during the last three years. While Rs 73 crore has been set aside for the promotion of coconut cultivation, Rs 78.45 crore has been set aside for the Comprehensive Vegetable Cultivation Project. The Spices Cultivation Development Project now has Rs 7.6 crore instead of Rs 4.6 crore in funding.

For crop management, Rs 535.9 crore has been set aside. The upcoming fiscal year will see the implementation of a comprehensive paddy cultivation project, for which Rs 150 crore has been set aside through the integration of multiple initiatives. This includes Rs 80 crore set aside for royalties, Rs 3,000 per hectare for field protection for rice field owners, and Rs 5,500 per hectare for support of sustainable paddy farming inputs.

Rs 21 crore has been given aside for new initiatives out of the Rs 43 crore allotted for the growth of agricultural universities. With Rs 30 crore set aside for this purpose, the Minister also unveiled a new plan to position Kerala as a hub for high-value horticulture.

The budget for Kerala allots Rs 227.4

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Bee keeping, R&D

The updated hives feature an insulation redesign that replaces traditional polystyrene components with high-density pressed cardboard layers.

 Koppert hasannounced an update to its bumblebee hives, enhancing their performance in diverse climates while significantly advancing sustainability. These updates demonstrate its continuous commitment to innovative pollination solutions that meet the needs of growers. Growers in Europe, Midde East and Asia can expect to receive the revised design hives from the beginning of February 2025.

A redesigned insulation system

The updated hives feature an insulation redesign that replaces traditional polystyrene components with high-density pressed cardboard layers. This improvement retains the original ventilation design while boosting efficiency. The redesigned sugar water tank contributing to enhanced insulation performance at the base of the hive. ‘This update is a significant step forward for both growers and the environment,’ says Jesus Domingo Cuevas, Pollination Product Manager at Koppert. ‘We have successfully improved heat regulation, enhanced cold protection, and reduced plastic use—all while maintaining the exceptional pollination performance our customers rely on.’

Better heat regulation for optimal performance

The enhanced design includes a stronger backing system around the sugar water, improving the flow of heat and cold through ventilation holes. This creates better internal heat regulation, particularly during high temperatures. The result is increased hive performance, reduced sugar water consumption, and more pollination activity during the hottest seasons. ‘Our improved ventilation system ensures the hives perform optimally, even in extreme conditions,’ explains Domingo. ‘This means growers can rely on their hives to deliver consistent results, no matter the temperature.’

Improved cold protection

For colder climates, the cardboard insulation retains heat, maintaining a warmer internal environment that accelerates larval development and reduces sugar water consumption. Bumblebees can begin pollinating earlier in the day, extending their activity window during cooler conditions. ‘This innovation isn’t just about heat management,’ Domingo notes. ‘It’s about ensuring that bumblebees thrive in all climates. By focusing on better insulation, we are enabling early-morning pollination and greater efficiency for growers.’

Improved materials for sustainability

The updated Koppert hive design aligns with our commitment to sustainability. By replacing polystyrene with pressed cardboard layers, the hives significantly reduce plastic waste and environmental impact. ’We are in the process to make our hives more sustainable; this update brings us closer to our goal,’ Domingo states. ‘We are encouraging growers to recycle the components of the hives after use. This update makes waste management easier for our customers.’

The updated hives feature an insulation redesign

Farm Mechanisation, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

20,000 F28 engines can be produced at a new 7,000 square meter engine plant in Greater Noida, increasing local output

At its Greater Noida manufacturing plant, CNH has started producing its new 2.8-liter TREM V-compliant engine. After the TREM V emission requirements are implemented, the engine will be introduced for agricultural machinery. Currently, it is being built for construction equipment with CEV V criteria. The F28 engine, which was designed in Italy, has a 60 per cent localization value, with 75 parts imported and 199 parts sourced domestically. In a staged approach, the corporation is aiming to raise it to 90 per cent.

The Iveco Group’s powertrain branch, FPT Industrial, has a licensing deal with the company that produced the F28 engine. Its compact design improves fuel efficiency, lessens vibrations, and balances the engine. The engine, which is made to fit under-hood applications, guarantees maximum power production while meeting strict emission regulations. The Noida plant, which occupies 7,000 square meters and is part of CNH’s 60-acre manufacturing cluster, was constructed using robotic cleaning technology, digital process management, and AI-driven technologies to guarantee accuracy and productivity in production. Up to 20,000 units can be produced annually at the plant, serving both domestic and international markets.

The introduction of the F28 engine is in line with CNH India’s objective of creating superior, domestically produced solutions, according to Narinder Mittal, President and Managing Director. The new powertrain technology would improve the performance and dependability of CNH’s construction and agricultural equipment in India, he added, highlighting the company’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability. It is anticipated that localizing these engines will lessen reliance on imports while offering a reliable solution that is suited to Indian operating circumstances.

With its brands, including as Case IH, New Holland, and CASE Construction Equipment, CNH is well-known in India. The company has been producing and delivering a variety of construction and agricultural equipment in the nation for more than 25 years. CNH, which employs more than 40,000 people worldwide, is dedicated to creating sustainable technologies that increase productivity and efficiency for professionals in agriculture and construction.

20,000 F28 engines can be produced at

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Fruits, India, Pulses, Trade, Vegetables

It aims to increase the coverage of agricultural commodities and offer more opportunities for farmers and traders to benefit from the digital trading platform.

In response to the continuous demand from farmers, traders and other stakeholders for inclusion of more agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India has decided to further expand the scope of trade under e-NAM. This initiative aims to increase the coverage of agricultural commodities and offer more opportunities for farmers and traders to benefit from the digital trading platform, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) has formulated tradable parameters for 10 additional agricultural commodities. These new commodities parameters are a result of extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including state agencies, traders, subject matter specialists and SFAC and with approval from the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

DMI has been entrusted with the formulation of tradable parameters for agricultural commodities to be traded on the e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) platform. These tradable parameters are designed to help farmers secure better prices for their produce by ensuring the quality and commerciality of agricultural products. This initiative enhances transparency, facilitates fair trading practices, and contributes to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.

DMI has formulated tradable parameters for 221 agricultural commodities, which are available on the e-NAM platform and following 10 additional commodities will make the list to 231 commodities.

Miscellaneous Commodities:

1. Dried Tulsi Leaves

2. Besan (Chickpea Flour)

3. Wheat Flour

4. Chana Sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour)

5. Water Chestnut Flour

Spices:

6. Asafoetida

7. Dried Fenugreek Leaves

Vegetables:

8. Water Chestnut

9. Baby Corn

Fruits:

10. Dragon Fruit

Commodities at Serial number 4 to 7 above fall in category of secondary trade, and this can help FPOs to market value added products as well as formalize the trade in the sector.

These newly approved tradable parameters will be available on the e-NAM portal (enam.gov.in), further strengthening the platform’s capacity to facilitate the digital trading of agricultural commodities. This move will provide farmers with improved market access, better pricing, and an enhanced quality assurance, thus supporting their economic well-being. The formulation of these additional tradable parameters aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the agricultural sector, ensuring greater inclusivity, efficiency, and market transparency.

It aims to increase the coverage of