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Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, India, R&D, Soil Health

With advanced instruments and systems ensure accurate analysis of over 18 parameters, the centre is capable of processing up to 200,000 samples annually.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Dr Reddy’s Foundation inaugurated a unique Soil Testing resource centre in Hyderabad.  Spreading across 14,750 sq.ft., the centre at Hyderabad. Centre is designed to provide fast, accurate, and affordable soil testing services to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including farmers, agronomists, agricultural researchers, and institutions, with the goal of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing productivity.

Degradation of land is one of the major challenges to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in India. Factors such as soil erosion, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and poor land management have led to declining soil fertility. Accurate soil testing plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by helping assess the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil. This data empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions on fertilizer application, crop selection, and sustainable soil nutrient management, thereby improving yields, reducing costs, and enhancing environmental outcomes.

Equipped with advanced technology and instruments such as Thermo Gallery Plus Discrete Analyzer, ICP OES 5800, MP-AES Agilent 4210, Dionex ICS-6000 HPIC System, Infinity HPLC, Foss KEL Plus Kjeltec 8400, the centre offers comprehensive chemical, biological, and physical testing of soil testing of over 18 parameters, including primary, macro, and micronutrients, as well as heavy metals in soil, water, and plants.

The centre has capability to process up to 2,00,000 soil samples annually. The centre offers cost-effective and detailed soil health evaluations including nutrient composition, pH levels, organic matter content, and other critical parameters. 

Only 5-20 per cent of India’s cultivable land undergoes soil analysis, leaving a significant gap in soil health understanding. Soil Test-Based Recommendations (STCR) outperform General Recommendation Dose (GRD) by optimizing nutrient use, increasing crop yields by 20-30 per cent, and enhancing farm income. The Soil Testing Resource Center (STRC) aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application of regenerative agriculture practices by offering precise, timely and affordable soil analysis. With the current capacity to process up to 75,000 soil samples annually, STRC will not only empower farmers with actionable insights to improve soil health and productivity, but at the same time would provide tailored recommendations benefiting the RA ecosystem as a whole.

Speaking about the initiative, Suman S, Head of Climate Action and Rural Livelihoods initiatives, said, “The soil testing resource centre is a significant step and part of our evidence-based scientific initiatives to promote sustainable development and empower communities. It reflects our commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges through innovation and community-focused solutions.  Through this centre, we aim to bridge the gap in access to reliable soil data, benefiting farmers, researchers, and agronomists alike. With the focus on affordability, accessibility, and technological excellence, the centre is poised to become a valuable resource for a wide range of stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. By enabling precise and timely decisions, we hope to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and long-term productivity gains.”

The inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from esteemed leaders across agriculture, sustainability, and social impact sectors. Prominent attendees included Dr Markandeya Gorantla, Executive Chairman & Managing Director, ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. ML Jat, Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT; and Dr. V. Praveen Rao, Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University and Former Vice Chancellor of PJTSAU. Other notable guests included Suhas Joshi, India Carbon Lead, Bayer Crop Sciences; Dr. KRK Reddy, Managing Director, Sri BioAesthetics Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Kavitha Sairam, Founder & CEO, FIB-SOL Life Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and Ram Kaundinya, Partner at Klorofil Biologics LLP and Former CEO of Advanta India.

The event was further enriched by the presence of key leaders, including Satish Reddy, Chairman of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories; G. Anuradha, Founder & Trustee, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation; Shamik Trehan, CEO, Dr Reddy’s Foundation; and Pranav Kumar Choudhary, COO, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation.

With advanced instruments and systems ensure accurate

Institutions, R&D

Renowned for its pioneering tobacco research since 1947, the ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI) is starting a revolutionary journey to expand its mission and tackle the issues facing commercial agriculture

Renowned for its pioneering tobacco research since 1947, the ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI) is undergoing a radical transformation to expand its mission and tackle the problems of commercial agriculture. The National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA) is the new name for the institute, which focuses on developing high-value crops like castor, ashwagandha, turmeric, and chilli.

The change is a reaction to international tobacco control legislation, the decrease in tobacco use, and increased public health concerns. Despite tobacco’s economic importance, there is growing concern over its cultivation. A multidisciplinary expert committee was established by ICAR in 2020 to rethink the institute’s function in light of these difficulties.

For commercial crops, ICAR-NIRCA will take the lead in research on post-harvest management, climate resilience, crop development, and export promotion. Its breakthroughs, which include genome editing, precision agriculture technologies, and the creation of value-added products, are intended to increase farmer incomes and fortify India’s place in international agricultural markets. The institute’s enlarged mandate is in line with India’s goal of a $5 trillion economy, in which agriculture will play a key part. To improve farm profitability and export preparedness, ICAR-NIRCA intends to make use of digital tools, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building programs.

This change in approach also responds to the increasing need for diverse value chains and sustainable farming methods. With its leadership, ICAR-NIRCA is taking a big step to guarantee innovation and sustainability in Indian agriculture, strengthening the country’s standing as a major exporter of high-value commercial crops. In the meantime, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute for Research on Crop Adaptation, or ICAR-NIRCA, is celebrating its foundation day at its Rajahmundry headquarters on Tuesday, the 21st, to commemorate the organization’s name and change of jurisdiction.

Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, the Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Steel, will be the main guest at the function. Turmeric Board Chairman Palle Gangareddy, Rajahmundry MP and BJP State President Daggubati Purandeswari, and ICAR Deputy Director General (Crop Science) Dr. TR Sharma, who will speak at the event, are among the notable guests. It is anticipated that the institute’s vision and contributions to agricultural research and development would be highlighted on the foundation day.

Renowned for its pioneering tobacco research since

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Finance, Funding, Sustainable Energy

This partnership aims to enhance Sistema.bio’s expansion into new African markets and diversify its agricultural and energy products.

Biogas technology provider company Sistema. Bio, which empower family farmers by providing access to biodigester technology, training, and financing, has announced Novastar Ventures as its newest investor. Novastar has joined Sistema.bio’s recent internal financing round of $7.75 million with a $3.5 million investment.

A media statement said this will accelerate Sistema.bio’s expansion into new African markets, new agricultural and energy products and its overall growth.

Joyce Cacho, Board Chairman of Sistema.bio, said, “Novastar Ventures’ investment strengthens Sistema.bio’s mission to empower low-resourced farmers with sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, climate resilience, and regenerative agriculture. Together, we are scaling impactful technologies that benefit both people and the planet.”

Steve Beck, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Novastar said Sistema.bio’s innovative technology and financing empower family farmers to transform farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. This unlocks farmers’ economic, health, and productivity benefits, building their resilience to climate change while reducing substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

“Sistema.bio is the first investment from our third fund, the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III (NVIII), which invests in transformative businesses that align the economic interests of Africa’s growing population with planet-positive technologies. We are excited to partner with Sistema.bio at this inflection point, as the company unlocks carbon markets to accelerate growth and serve more farmers with the tools to build resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems,” Steve Beck said.

A media statement said Sistema.bio’s innovative biogas systems and digital MRV (digital measurement, reporting, and verification) technology align well with Novastar’s mission to partner with bold entrepreneurs building businesses in Africa that create lasting value for the many, not just the few, for both people and the planet—for good.

Alex Eaton, CEO and Co-founder of Sistema.bio, said: “We have known the Novastar team for some time and are excited to welcome them now to Sistema.bio’s family of investors. Their investment bolsters our ambition to scale our services across Africa, empowering even more farmers with impactful solutions. It also reinforces our commitment to climate action as we work toward achieving a 1 per cent reduction in annual global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”

Sistema.bio has raised a total financing of $18.5 million in 2024, with a focus on regional geographic growth and adding new products. This funding will also help address the global demand for renewable energy, promote regenerative agricultural solutions, and support carbon emission reduction projects. The statement said that this funding also sets the stage for Sistema.bio’s anticipated Series C round, allowing the company to continue its leadership in biogas technology while advancing its mission to support smallholder farmers worldwide.

This partnership aims to enhance Sistema.bio’s expansion

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Cold Storage, Company News, Finance, India, Start ups, Supply Chain

This round of investment will be directed toward scaling Ecozen’s flagship solutions, including Ecotron, Ecofrost, and advanced motor control systems.

Ecozen, a leading climate-smart technology solutions provider, has raised over $23 million in debt funding from responsAbility Investments AG, Northern Arc Capital Limited, Maanaveeya Development & Finance Private Limited, and others. This funding will help Ecozen drive scale in its current businesses while furthering its position as a leader in sustainable technologies.

Ecozen has recorded an outstanding CAGR of over 83 per cent in revenue growth over the past three years, underscoring its rapid and sustained success. The company has manufactured over 300,000 Ecotron solar pump controllers to date, with an impressive 100,000 units produced between March and December 2024 alone. These innovations have contributed to the abatement of more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHG), including a remarkable 660,000 metric tons in 2024 alone.

In 2025, Ecozen is expanding its portfolio with innovative products tailored to the evolving needs of communities and businesses. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company will continue to pave the way for a future where growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Devendra Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecozen, said, “This funding reaffirms the confidence our partners have in Ecozen’s ability to drive impactful change through innovation. We are excited to be on a rapid growth path, driven by the increasing need for sustainable, climate-smart solutions. This funding will help us reach more people, expand our operations, and strengthen our impact in India and beyond. Our focus has always been on empowering our customers and providing them with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world. I’m truly grateful for the trust and support from our investors—responsAbility, Northern Arc, Maanaveeya and others, including our existing partners, who share our vision and are helping us create lasting positive change.”

Neha Baid, Team Head, Sustainable Food Debt, APAC, at responsAbility Investments AG, added,”Ecozen’s innovative solutions resonate deeply with our commitment to support sustainable and impactful ventures that are focused on climate mitigation, food loss and waste reduction and fostering overall climate resilience. We are proud to contribute to their journey of empowering rural and industrial stakeholders with advanced climate-smart technologies.”                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Northern Arc Capital said, “Northern Arc is delighted to support Ecozen in their journey of creating a sustainable impact through innovative technologies. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and fostering climate-first businesses. With the launch of our USD 125 million climate fund dedicated to supporting businesses that control and mitigate climate change, we aim to empower enterprises like Ecozen to grow and prosper. Together, we strive to advance climate-sustainable solutions and contribute meaningfully to a greener, more resilient future for all.”

“Over the past four decades, Maanaveeya has supported businesses that drive social change and economic empowerment. Ecozen exemplifies the potential of innovative technology to solve real-world problems. We look forward to seeing them expand their footprint and impact even further.” highlighted Dr Gouri Sankar, the Managing Director of Maanaveeya Development & Finance Private Limited.

This round of investment will be directed

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

Company’s Seeds business revenue was Rs 30 Crore in Q3FY25 as against Rs 32 Crore in Q3 Previous Year.

Rallis India Limited (A TATA Enterprise) a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2024. Announcing the results, Dr Gyanendra Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, Rallis India Limited, said, “Domestic business registered volume growth in the backdrop of intense market competition. I am pleased with the growth in Biologicals & Specialty solutions business, which has grown by 13 per cent. Seeds business revenue was Rs 30 Crore as against Rs 32 Crore in Q3 Previous Year. Exports business continues to face headwinds with business registering a de-growth of 38 per cent resulting in overall revenue de-growth of 13 per cent and drop in profitability.

Our efforts will continue to be focused on improving market share in the domestic business underpinned by the growing segments of Seeds, Herbicides and Biologicals & Specialty solutions. We have planned new differentiated product launches to serve the varying needs of farmers. In Seeds business, our teams are working for the upcoming Kharif season. We are also in the final stages of commercializing a new active ingredient “Metalaxyl-M” and are confident of the long-term potential of the product both for domestic and international markets. We will intensify the actions around expansion of our customer base and deepening strategic partnerships.

We have commenced actions to refresh our talent base in key positions. Our efforts to significantly improve engagement with farmers resting on the digital platform have been initiated. Sustainability is an integral part, and we remain committed to a greener future.”

Key Developments: Q3 FY25

  • New customer partnerships with Global majors and Indian Companies
  • Successful technology transfer and commercial trial of CSM product
  • Rallis India was conferred FICCI award under “Green Process” category for promoting sustainability through circular economy and award for “Best Zero Waste Initiative” in CII-SR Industrial Water & Waste Management Competition 2024
  • In line with our commitments to Tata Group’s flagship “Project Aalingana”, our Board has approved the investment in Solar Power which will reduce electricity costs and carbon footprint

Company's Seeds business revenue was Rs 30

Company News, Finance, Funding, India, Start ups

Company aims to develop a scalable farm-to-fork model from latest capital infusion from Jungle Ventures.

KisaanSay, incubated at Indigram Labs and supported through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, has successfully raised $2 million (Rs 17.29 Crore) in its pre-seed round. The funding round was led by Jungle Ventures through First Cheque@Jungle, with participation from senior leaders in the food industry.

Founded by Nitin Puri, Manoj Karki, and Vaishali Mehta, KisaanSay is transforming the connection between farmers and consumers with its direct-from-origin food brand. Partnering with 20 farmer collectives representing over 50,000 farmers, the startup ensures that every product is grown, minimally processed, and packaged at its origin.

With a portfolio of 80+ products across 12 categories, KisaanSay is now poised to expand its marketing efforts, operations, and distribution footprint, all while staying true to its mission of empowering farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices.

KisaanSay aims to develop a scalable farm-to-fork model. The fresh capital infusion will enhance marketing efforts, build a world-class team, and scale operations by expanding the product portfolio and distribution network. The goal is to create an ecosystem where every consumer has access to high-quality food and every farmer gains access to fair and sustainable markets.

“We are delighted to welcome Jungle to the KisaanSay family. Amit and Rishab have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey, and we are confident that their expertise will help steer us from idea to IPO. Jungle’s commitment to ESG and its global experience in tech and consumer space make it the perfect investor fit for us”, said Nitin Puri, Co-Founder of KisaanSay in the statement.

Rishab Malik, Partner, Seed Investments, who leads First Cheque@Jungle,stated that, “KisaanSay is addressing a fundamental gap in India’s food supply chain by creating a direct and equitable link between farmers and consumers. India also lacks a provenance-based consumer brand that brings authentic, pure, and high-quality products from the region’s best suited for their cultivation. What stood out to us was the team’s ability to align purpose with scale, building a model that delivers value to both sides of the ecosystem.”

Company aims to develop a scalable farm-to-fork

Agribusiness, Company News, Environment, India, Start ups, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Warehousing

With this move, the company aims to aggregate 40,000 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy straw this season, while generating new income opportunities for local farmers.

 BiofuelCircle, India’s leading digital platform for the bioenergy supply chain, is expanding its reach into rural India to build sustainable biomass aggregation. In its latest initiative, the company is setting up eight new warehouses—four near Mauda and four near Bhandara in Nagpur—to support biomass aggregation at scale. These warehouses will be equipped with the latest technology equipment including slashers, balers, rakers, etc. With this move, the company aims to aggregate 40,000 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy straw this season, while generating new income opportunities for local farmers.

To engage with local farmers directly, BiofuelCircle concluded an event in Mujbi near Mauda. Local administration representatives graced the event and launched the Mujbi Biomass Bank, signaling strong community support for this initiative. The officials discussed the importance of effective methods for aggregating paddy straw and emphasized on how initiatives like Biomass Banks can support the aggregation process while maintaining sustainability in the ecosystem.

The event saw participation from over 100 local farmers from surrounding villages. A live demonstration showcased how agri-waste bales are created, which generated considerable interest among farmers. These farmers showed keen interest in participation in paddy straw aggregation.

BiofuelCircle’s digital platform has deployed GPS and Telematics based apps to promote rural biomass businesses.  It is aimed at streamlining an efficient system for the collection and transportation of paddy straw. This enables creation of rural biomass businesses in the state.

It has also deployed advanced, digitally integrated machines like balers to collect and process stubble. Through this effort, BiofuelCircle envisions building a circular economy where agricultural residue is converted into valuable resources, supporting rural income generation and contributing to a cleaner environment.

BiofuelCircle’s Biomass Bank initiative plays a central role in this effort by offering a secure and transparent platform for farmers to sell their paddy straw. The collected residue will be processed into biofuels and other bio-based products, providing farmers with a reliable income stream while tackling the environmental concerns associated with stubble burning. Currently, the company has 31 warehouses which it plans to double across key agricultural states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh among others in this year.

Suhas Baxi, Co-Founder and CEO of BiofuelCircle, stated, “India has a tremendous opportunity to harness its vast biomass potential—235 million metric tonnes annually to drive sustainable energy transformation. Through our Biomass Banks, we are not only creating a market for agricultural waste but also empowering farmers and rural communities to become key players in the bioenergy ecosystem.

Each Biomass Bank serves as a hub, catering to clusters of villages and enabling over 2,000 farmers to monetize their agri-waste while creating new income-generation avenues for tractor owners and local entrepreneurs. This year, we are launching 50 Biomass Banks across India, including 10 in Maharashtra in locations such as Nagpur, Kurkumbh, Nagothane, and Palghar.

By reaching out to over 20,000 farmers in these regions, we aim to foster a thriving rural bioeconomy, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand”, he adds.

BiofuelCircle’s ongoing efforts in Nagpur and its surrounding regions are part of a broader mission to build a reliable and efficient biomass supply chain in India. By aggregating agricultural residue and converting it into a valuable resource, BiofuelCircle is not only providing a solution to stubble burning but also generating new economic opportunities for farmers, tractor operators, and rural entrepreneurs.

With this move, the company aims to

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India, Start ups

This partnership aims to empower over 1,460 FPOs in Karnataka, ensuring their sustainability, scalability, and growth.

The Centre of Excellence for Farmer Producer Organizations (CoE-FPO), Bengaluru, signed a landmark MoU with Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Ltd. (SFPCL) and the Sahyadri Rural Development Foundation (SRDF) in Nashik.

This partnership aims to empower over 1,460 FPOs in Karnataka, ensuring their sustainability, scalability, and growth. As we step into 2025, this collaboration reflects CoEFPO’s unwavering commitment to supporting FPOs through training, capacity building, exposure visits, and value chain development.

Key focus areas of this landmark MoU are as follows:

  • Capacity Building & Training: Equipping FPO board members and CEOs with leadership and governance skills.
  • Knowledge Partnership: Sharing Sahyadri’s expertise in sustainable farming and value chain management.
  • Exposure Visits: Hands-on learning opportunities at Sahyadri Farms for farmers and officials.
  • Value Chain Development: Enhancing horticultural value chains for crops like grapes, pomegranate, mango, and banana.
  • Export Promotion: Improving quality and expanding market access for Karnataka’s horticultural products.
  • Institutional Development: Collaborating with Karnataka’s development departments for holistic growth.

 With Sahyadri’s expertise in post-harvest management, value addition, and an integrated value chain model, Karnataka’s FPOs are set to achieve higher returns, better governance, and enhanced market competitiveness. Established in 2017, CoEFPO is India’s first dedicated centre solely for FPO development and has been recognized as the FPO Knowledge Partner in Karnataka’s FPO Policy, 2018.

This partnership aims to empower over 1,460

Agribusiness, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Yanmar Agricultural Machinery India Private Limited (YAMIN) will produce combines and other agricultural machinery for the Indian market at its factory located in Morinda, Punjab.

Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. has completed the acquisition of CLAAS India Private Limited through its group company, Yanmar Coromandel Agrisolutions Private Limited, and has changed the company name to Yanmar Agricultural Machinery India Private Limited (YAMIN) effective November 20, 2024.

Wheeled combine harvesters will be newly added to Yanmar’s lineup. Utilising the technological expertise and know-how that Yanmar has developed, YAMIN will produce combines and other agricultural machinery for the Indian market and the global market at its factory located in Morinda, Punjab.

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future.

Yanmar Agricultural Machinery India Private Limited (YAMIN)

Supply Chain

The agribusiness behemoth, which saw net income decrease by over fifty percent in the first quarter, will unveil new goods, shipping ports, and agronomy services to reverse market trends

CHS Inc., a farm co-op and agribusiness powerhouse, is expanding its worldwide supply chain and agronomy services as grain prices fall. The grain trader recently unveiled a new fertilizer facility in St. Louis to boost shipping capacity. Earlier this month, it also completed the acquisition of West Central Ag Services, which provides agronomy services to farmers.
CHS’s first-quarter net income plummeted by more than half from the previous year, according to an earnings report released on January 8. Net income increased to $244.8 million from $522.9 million the previous fiscal year.

Lower agricultural and fertilizer prices, along with squeezed refinery margins, have created a challenging environment for traditional agribusinesses, prompting many to diversify into new service areas to offset losses. CHS’ acquisition of West Central Ag Services, for example, establishes a new agricultural retail business unit that will offer farmers grain marketing and risk management services. The new division, CHS West Central, will also provide crop nutrients, seeds, crop protection, and animal nutrition.

As grain farmers deal with a significant loss of income, they are increasingly looking for services or products that will enhance earnings, cut expenses, or increase efficiencies. Merger and acquisition activity in the agronomy market has increased in recent months, with provider FarmQA acquiring data platform Farm Dog in November. CHS is also expanding its transportation supply chain to speed fertilizer delivery as it prepares to launch six new products aimed at increasing agricultural yields. The company is expanding its shipping capacity through an exclusive deal with Ingram Barge Company’s subsidiary, SCF Lewis and Clark Terminals LLC.

“Just as we have for nearly 100 years, CHS is leveraging our efficient global supply chain, strong relationships, and expertise to navigate these changing markets, while strategically investing to meet our owners’ future needs,” Debertin said in a statement issued after the company’s earnings release.

The agribusiness behemoth, which saw net income

Environment, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

Maharashtra and Rajasthan are leading the way in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) plan, notably Component C. This component attempts to expand renewable energy infrastructure while addressing agricultural sustainability and energy security.

The two states are projected to add more than 10 GW of solar capacity to the PM-KUSUM scheme by 2025. The PM-KUSUM program has three major components: small-scale solar projects (Component A), the installation of freestanding solar-powered pumps (Component B), and the solarization of existing grid-connected pumps (Component C).

Launched in 2019, the effort aims to improve energy availability, increase farmer incomes, and minimize environmental pollution by utilizing solar energy. The pace of solar pump installations under Component C has differed among states, as they work on two levels: individual pump solar and feeder-level solarization. Maharashtra has made significant progress in the feeder-level solarisation industry, with 775,000 units approved and 12,748 installations completed. Rajasthan has excelled in individual pump solarization, leading all states with a 27.09 per cent installation rate, completing 1,739 installations out of 6,418 permitted units. Nationally, permissions have been issued for 3,385,494 feeder-level solarization units and 171,640 individual pump solarisation units, with installation completion rates of 0.96 per cent and 2.77 per cent, respectively.

Maharashtra and Rajasthan are leading the way

Agribusiness, India

Sonalika Tractors, India’s leading tractor export brand, has made history by being named to the Fortune 500 India 2024 list of the country’s top enterprises. Simultaneously, Sonalika has become the top ten auto brands in India according to the coveted Fortune India list

Sonalika began in 1996 in the non-industrial village of Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and has since grown to be one of India’s 500 largest firms, with an estimated turnover of US$1.1 billion. Since its foundation, the brand has been led by three basic principles: providing best-in-class products and services, looking after its stakeholders, and conducting ethical business without taking shortcuts. Using each hurdle as a stepping stone to fuel the company’s devotion to the farming community, Sonalika has always maintained a debt-free strategy to establishing a strong presence in 150+ nations.

Sonalika’s success is built on a family-like atmosphere that extends to all stakeholders, including staff, dealers, vendors, and, most importantly, farmers. Sonalika remained loyal to its purpose of becoming the torchbearer of technology-powered transformation in the farming business during its one-of-a-kind journey of unwavering passion, innovation, and devotion to delivering heavy duty tractors. Despite the problems of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonalika demonstrated resilience and empathy by paying salaries, paying vendors in advance, and insuring no layoffs.

Sonalika, an India-based company trusted by over 17 lakh farmers globally, has grown to become India’s leading tractor export brand and the third largest tractor brand in India, the world’s largest tractor market. The brand proudly possesses the world’s leading integrated tractor manufacturing factory, which produces a new tractor every two minutes, cementing its position as a game changer in modern agriculture.

LD Mittal, Chairman, International Tractors Limited – Sonalika, commented on the achievement, saying, “It is a historic occasion for the entire Sonalika family.” We have debuted on the ‘Fortune 500 India 2024’ list, ranking among the nation’s largest firms as well as among the top ten auto brands in India.

Our incredible journey has been transformative: from a non-industrial town in Hoshiarpur, we have emerged as one of the leading worldwide tractor brands, true to our mission and values that drive us every day. We have been debt-free since our inception by adhering to our basic principals of putting people first, providing the greatest products and services, and conducting ethical business without taking shortcuts. This success highlights our principles and mission of transforming farmer lives through innovative farm machinery solutions.

Sonalika Tractors, India's leading tractor export brand,

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, Live Stock

The service is designed to provide essential information on sea and boat safety, hygienic fish handling practices, and value-added fish products directly to the mobile phones of fishermen.

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Kochi, in partnership with the Reliance Foundation, launched a voice message service to support the fishing community. The service is designed to provide essential information on sea and boat safety, hygienic fish handling practices, and value-added fish products directly to the mobile phones of fishermen. Leveraging the expertise of ICAR-CIFT scientists, these voice messages will be offered free of charge through the Reliance Foundation. Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, inaugurated the programme.

Nafas K. Nasar, Cluster Manager, Reliance Foundation, highlighted that the service will reach approximately 60,000 fishermen across six coastal districts of Kerala. The program coordinated by the Extension, Information, and Statistics Division of ICAR-CIFT aims to ensure timely and reliable updates for the fishing community. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering fishermen with essential knowledge to enhance safety and improve their livelihoods.

The service is designed to provide essential

Funding, Investments

Tractor Factory, situated in Jabalpur, has raised Rs 4 crore (approximately $500,000) in its pre-seed round, which was headed by early-stage investment firm All In Capital

Several well-known investors participated in the round, including Bharat Founders Fund, Devc, and family offices like as Dhingra Partners Prosperity Trust (affiliated with the Kirloskar Generators family office).

In addition, angel investors such as Samir Sood (Founder of Venture Highway), Abhishek Goyal (Founder of Tracxn), Aayush Phumbra (Founder of Chegg), and Puneet Kumar (from Steadview Capital) participated in the new investment.

The funds will be utilized to strengthen its technology, broaden its market reach, and improve the customer experience.

Tractor Factory, founded in 2024 by Shailesh Tiwari, is an omnichannel marketplace that meets farmers’ mechanization needs by making it easier and more economical to buy and sell secondhand tractors.

Last week, Moonrider, an electric tractor manufacturer, raised $2.2 million (Rs 19 crore) in a seed round headed by AdvantEdge Founders and Micelio Technology Fund.

According to the data analytics platform TheKredible, EV startups raised $616.78 million in 48 agreements in 2024.

Tractor Factory, situated in Jabalpur, has raised