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Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy

Net subsidy required for Rabi 2021-22 after deducting savings will be Rs 28,655 crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilisers for fixation of nutrient-based subsidy rates for P&K Fertilisers for the year 2021-22 (from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022). 

 

The approved rates for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)shall be as: the total amount of rollover will be Rs 28,602 crore. Special one-time package for additional subsidy on DAP at the tentative additional cost of Rs 5,716 crore. Special one-time package for additional subsidy on three most consumed NPKs grades viz. NPK 10-26-26, NPK 20-20-0-13 and NPK 12-32-16 at the tentative cost of Rs 837 crore. The total subsidy required will be Rs 35,115 crore. The CCEA also approved the inclusion of Potash derived from Molasses (0:0:14.5:0) under the NBSS scheme.

 

Net subsidy required for Rabi 2021-22 after deducting savings will be Rs 28,655 crore. The move will enable smooth availability of all P&K fertilisers to the farmers during Rabi Season 2021-22 at the subsidised / affordable prices of fertilisers and support the agricultural sector by continuing the present subsidy levels and giving special packages of additional subsidy for DAP and three mostly consumed NPK grades.

 

lt will give Rs 438 per bag benefit on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Rs 100 per bag benefit each on NPK 10-26-26, NPK 20-20-0-13 & NPK 12-32-16 to maintain prices of these fertilizers affordable to the farmers.

 

The subsidy on P&K fertilisers will be provided based on the NBS rates approved by the CCEA to ensure the smooth availability of these fertilisers to the farmers at affordable prices.

 

The government is making available fertilisers, namely urea and 24 grades of P&K fertilisers to farmers at subsidised prices through fertiliser manufacturers/ importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilisers is being governed by the NBS Scheme w.e.f. 01.04.2010. The subsidy would be released to fertiliser companies as per the above rates so that they can make available fertilisers to farmers at an affordable price than it would have been otherwise.

 

 

Net subsidy required for Rabi 2021-22 after

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Trade

He is also of the opinion to gradually reduce the fishing capacities, particularly, for overfished stocks

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal has called for waiver of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and dismantling new trade barriers in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“Apart from focusing on facilitating the free flow of goods, I invite G20 countries to join in efforts to make health services accessible and more affordable by the citizens of the world by enabling a free flow of health services,” Goyal said.

 

Calling for an equitable and balanced outcome to the trade negotiations in the fisheries sector, Goyal advocated those countries engaged in distant water fishing should stop subsidising their fishing in high seas and gradually reduce their fishing capacities, particularly, for overfished stocks.

 

“To achieve balanced outcomes in fisheries subsidies, policy space for future is a must, not only to protect the livelihoods of poor and marginal fishermen and address, the food security concerns but also to diversify, modernise and develop the fisheries sector, he said. Separately, Goyal also discussed the agreement on joint multilateral positions in fisheries etc with his Australian counterpart during a one-to-one meeting.

 

In his G20 Ministerial Address, meanwhile, Goyal also stated that India has committed towards the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

 

“India is among the few countries which are on track to exceed its commitments as per the Paris Agreement. We urge the members to fulfil their commitments regarding the transfer of technology and climate finance, which are far from being fulfilled by the developed countries,” he said.

 

He is also of the opinion to

AgroPolicy, Environment, R&D

According to the experts. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) should have taken the final decision strictly based on the scientific merit of the submission

India Agriculture Advancement Group (IAAG) International has approached Prime Minister, Narendra Modi expressing serious concern on the inordinate delay in the approval of draft guidelines for Safety Assessment of Genome/Gene-Edited Plants by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the regulatory body under the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

 

The draft guidelines were reviewed by an expert committee constituted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and subsequently endorsed by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) before it was forwarded to GEAC for approval. Therefore, sufficient scientific rigour has been applied to the formulation and endorsement of these guidelines for use across the country. GEAC should have taken the final decision strictly based on the scientific merit of the submission. Rather, the draft guidelines were sent to the States and Union Territories (UTs) seeking the comments on the exemption of the biosafety trials stipulated for the GM crops for SDN1 and SDN2 categories of genome-edited plants which will delay the process further.

 

Dr Ramesh Deshpande, Convener, IAAG International said, “The MoEF&CC’s communication to the states and UTs on the matter is likely to create confusion and wrong precedence. Genome-editing plants under the SDN1 and SDN2 category do not require any regulatory trials as these are similar to other varieties and hybrids bred through conventional plant breeding.”

 

Dr RS Paroda, Founder Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), said, “Outreach and effective communication strategy for much-needed public perception is critical to reap the benefits of genome-edited products. All stakeholders including government, public and private industry now need to work on the next step of educating public about the technology before it is open for public consultation because only then can an informed and unbiased decision be made.”

 

GEAC and MoEF&CC need to provide an early approval of the guidelines so that the country can begin to harness the benefits of gene-edited technology that has a great potential for scientific advances for ensuring nutritional and food security. To achieve the zero-hunger challenge of the United Nations, and to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, especially SDG 1 and SDG 2 (eliminating poverty and hunger, respectively), we must significantly enhance the small farm productivity and double farmers’ income. Such a transformation will be possible only through the intelligent and intensive applications of new technologies and innovations such as genome editing.

 

The other signatories to the letter included eminent agricultural scientists Dr RB Singh, Dr Gurdev Khush and Dr G Padmanabhan. Among the others were Dr Deepak Pental, Dr KL Chadda, Dr Prabhakar Tamboli, Dr Jitendra Srivastava, Dr HS Gupta and Dr Malvika Dadlani. 

According to the experts. Genetic Engineering Appraisal

Organic, Seeds, Water

HYPERroots is ready to use and does not require preparation

Proterra has announced a sustainable, proven gel grow medium, HYPERroots, enabling propagators to achieve higher yields consistently, with minimal OpEx. HYPERroots radically reduce the amount of water required to grow food and enables unprecedented control and certainty about crop outcomes, consistently and reliably, thus supporting automation and freeing time for growers to build their businesses.

HYPERroots is ready to use and does not require preparation, a differentiator from most other grow mediums on the market today. The substrate is naturally pest and pathogen-resistant, resulting in the elimination of common pests such as fungus gnats, whiteflies, soil aphids and thrips, and has almost no watering requirements.

This firm hydrogel substance is composed of water (98 per cent) and natural organic material (2 per cent). It’s biodegradable, rapidly compostable, sourced sustainably, organic, vegan, and kosher (certifications pending).

Available in a variety of formats, sizes and nutrient formulations, HYPERroots also offers custom nutrient recipes and formats to meet customer specifications. Currently available across the US, Canada and Mexico.

HYPERroots is ready to use and does

Agrotech, Seeds

The product acts as a powerful tool in protecting the seed and seedling from pests and diseases in the early stages

UPL has recently launched a smart technology-driven seed treatment solution Electron 3-Way Mix in the seed and plant health segment.

The company, in a statement, said the new product acts as a powerful tool in protecting the seed and seedling from pests and diseases in the early stages and helps in robust crop establishment.

According to the company, the product is cost-effective as it reduces the need for foliar applications in the initial stage of the plant cycle, which leads to a decrease in the cost of production.

“The ELECTRON 3-WM Technology will be a game-changer for the seed industry, shielding seed and crop from many problems in early stages and reducing the cost of cultivation, preparing a solid foundation for higher yield and farmer income,” said Rahul Pandey, India Marketing Head, UPL.

The product acts as a powerful tool

Agro chems – Pesticides, Interaction

The summit will be held in Birmingham, UK from May 23-25, 2022

The Annual World BioProtection Summit & Awards (AWBSA), formerly the BioPesticide Summit, will be held from May 23-25, 2022 and will be held at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. The event will bring together leading figures in the biocontrol industry, academia and the public sector to share expert knowledge and address major challenges in sustainable pest and disease management in agriculture.

Attracting delegates from Europe, Asia and the Americas, the AWBSA offers global networking opportunities as well as dedicated workshops which provide support for accessing investment to commercialise new bio protection products. There will also be a celebration of the best and brightest new ideas and achievements in the sector at the annual gala dinner and awards on the opening night.

Leading experts who have already confirmed their participation in the plenary sessions include Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema, UK; Prof Toby JA Bruce, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, UK; Prof Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Assistant Pro Vice- Chancellor (Enterprise) at the University of South Wales, UK; Anna Gregson, Partner, UK & European Patent Attorney, Mathys & Squire, UK; Dr Fatma Kaplan, CEO/CSO, Pheronym, USA; Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director, IBMA, UK; Marcus Meadows-Smith, CEO of Bioconsortia, USA; Carol Pullen, General Manager, Oro Agri Europe; Caroline Reid, Senior Technical Support Lead – Northern Europe, Bioline Agriscience, UK; Daniel Zommick, Global Technical Development Specialist, Valent Biosciences, USA and Prof Zhibing Zhang BEng, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Co-Director of the China Institute, University of Birmingham, UK.

The summit programme can be viewed online at www.worldbioprotectionforum.com/events.

The summit will be held in Birmingham,

Finance, Sustainable Energy

The new round of capital will help to provide solutions to climate and agriculture challenges

St Louis-based startup Pluton Biosciences is proud to announce the closing of its seed round, raising a total of $6.61 million in new investments. 

 

“With this new round of capital, we’ll be able to build Pluton’s value as an innovative force, providing solutions to the climate and agriculture challenges of our time. Credit goes to the leadership and science team who generated the results to make this all possible,” said Dr Barry Goldman, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Pluton. 

 

Founded in 2017, Pluton Biosciences is a natural product development company dedicated to discovering new microbes that drive environmental sustainability practices worldwide. Pluton’s current product efforts focus on agriculture, using microbes to fight climate change and replacing synthetic chemical applications with eco-friendly microbial products. 

 

Pluton is currently collaborating with global life sciences company Bayer to investigate the development of an all-natural, microbe-based carbon-capture soil amendment for growers by identifying and developing microbes found in soil that can store carbon and nitrogen. Pluton’s proof-of-concept research predicts that the right grouping of microbes, applied in a spray at planting and harvest, can scrub nearly two tons of carbon from the air per acre of farmland per year while replenishing nutrients in the soil.

The new round of capital will help

Animal Health, Poultry

The company has recently introduced, BAFASAL+G, a feed additive that prevents and eliminates salmonella on the poultry farm

Proteon Pharmaceuticals India – a subsidiary of Proteon Pharmaceuticals SA Poland, will focus on the development of bacteriophages as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in the poultry industry. It is engaged in the development of precision biology for microbiome protection to improve animal and human health and eliminating the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

 

Elaborating on Proteon Pharmaceuticals product development strategy, Dr Ramdas Kambale – Director- (Sales – Asia Pacific) said, “Antibiotics usage in chicken is a big concern for food safety and it is really important to take this forward to stop or minimise the usage of antibiotics and look seriously the bacteriophages as its clear-cut alternative.” 

 

He also added that the growing population needs to be fed with a proper protein diet which can be achieved by chicken meat being easily and safely available for sustainable consumption. 

 

Proteon Pharmaceuticals India had recently introduced, BAFASAL+G, a feed additive that prevents and eliminates salmonella on the poultry farm while keeping the microflora in the gut intact. 

 

Proteon uses precision biology for microbiome protection to improve animal and human health, increasing environmental sustainability and eliminating the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

The company has recently introduced, BAFASAL+G, a

AgroPolicy, Trade

The MoU was signed recently at Nagpur

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur.

The MoU envisages promoting export by focussing on the creation of product-specific clusters along with the development of technologies by APEDA and ICAR-CCRI with a focus on efficient and precision farming.

 

The collaboration with two institutes of repute would focus on diversifying the export basket, destinations and boosting high-value agricultural products exports through establishing Brand India globally. Market development and traceability in citrus include strengthening forward and backward linkages, branding and marketing, the establishment of a market intelligence cell, the MoU states.

 

The MoU states that product development work consists of field digitisation, efficient quality control measures (Sanitary and Phytosanitary), development of organic farms. APEDA and ICAR-CCRI would also organise capacity building for farmers, entrepreneurs, exporters and other stakeholders to promote agri-businesses and exports.

 

The MoU was signed recently at Nagpur in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India and Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, aimed at promotion and handholding of farmers producer organisations and farmer producer companies and linking them with international markets.

 

According to MoU, APEDA and ICAR-CCRI would collaborate on developing climate-resilient agriculture, promoting GAP certification, blockchain technologies and shaping business models around the needs of the farmers. The development of export protocols for citrus, especially the sea transport for long-distance markets would be undertaken. The MoU also aims at pursuing collaborative activities that enhance technology transfer and technical expertise of the university and strengthening existing laboratory facilities for testing as per the requirement of importing countries and for obtaining NABL accreditation and APEDA recognition.

The MoU was signed recently at NagpurThe

Acquaculture, Agro Universities

The institute will provide the brood seed of ’ICAR-CIFA-GI Scampi’ to the selected hatcheries for brood raising and seed production in the upcoming season

The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha developed a selectively bred, genetically improved and fast-growing strain of giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium

rosenbergii registered as ’CIFA-GI Scampi.’ The institute provided the improved seeds to the three commercial hatcheries for brooder development and further dissemination to the farmers through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held recently.

 

As per the MoU, the institute shall provide the brood seed of ’ICAR-CIFA-GI Scampi’ to the selected hatcheries for brood raising and seed production in the upcoming season.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saroj Kumar Swain, Director, ICAR-CIFA stated that it is 0065pected that the selected Scampi Hatcheries will produce large quantities of improved seed ’’ICAR-CIFA-GI Scampi’ for supply to the farmers across the country which, in turn, help in higher production and income for the farmers.

 

Dr Bindu R Pillai, Head of Department, Aquaculture Production and Environment Division & Principal Investigator, PMMSY Scampi Project and her team were also present during the occasion.

The institute will provide the brood seed

Agro chems – Chemicals

HELM Agro will soon fill another biological regional sales representative role to support the northeast

HELM Agro has recently announced a new biologicals sales team, promoting two internal employees and hiring three new regional sales managers. Establishing a boots-on-the-ground sales presence is the next step in a recent partnership with Alltech Crop Science. As of October 1, 2021, HELM Agro exclusively markets, sells and distributes Alltech Crop Science’s biological products in the US.

Josh Louder is the marketing manager for biologicals and speciality products for HELM Agro. He previously served as HELM Agro’s southern regional sales manager. Louder has years of experience working for Koch Agronomic Services and Syngenta in sales roles through the south and upper Midwest.

Leading the biologicals sales team is Patrick Murphy, who previously served as HELM Agro’s west sales representative for the last year. He’s been a licensed pest control advisor (PCA) in California for over 37 years and brings biologicals expertise from his tenure in the industry. Murphy will continue to support southern California and Arizona.

“It’s inspiring to see our growing sales team’s passion for biologicals, innovation and customer support,” says David Schumacher, President, HELM Agro. “This team is perfectly poised to help bring these truly unique biological products to market and help growers fully realise their crops’ genetic potential.”

HELM Agro will soon fill another biological regional sales representative role to support the northeast.

HELM Agro will soon fill another biological

Agrotech, Institutions

Discussions were outlined on the importance of geographical indications of ’Mankurad Mango for the state of Goa

The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa recently organised a technical seminar on ’Recent Advances in Mango Production, Processing and Marketing Opportunities.’

 

The seminar was jointly organised with the Goa State Council for Science & Technology (GSCS&T) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under the Gramya Vikas Nidhi.

 

In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest, Dr Tariq Thomas, Secretary, DST& WM, Government of Goa appreciated the efforts initiated for successfully getting GI registration of ’Mankurad’ Mango.

 

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa outlined the importance of geographical indications of ’Mankurad mango for the state of Goa.

 

The main objective of the seminar was to give impetus for seeking the Geographical Indication (GI) Registration for ’Mankurad mango. The seminar registered participation by 45 mango farmers along with the senior officials of GSCS&T; State Agricultural Department and the institute’s staff members.

Discussions were outlined on the importance of

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, R&D

Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR visits Digha Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi

Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR recently visited the Digha Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala.

 

During his interaction with the institute’s scientists and staff members, Dr Jena emphasised a range of research activities like value-chain marketing of the marine catch and their socio-economic status, exploring the marine cage culture of important food fishes and collaboration with the ICAR-CIFRI on biology and stock status of Hilsa shad from the marine environment.

 

The DDG also released three monographs titled ’Sciaenidae Fishes of North-East Coast of India’, ’Elasmobranch Species of the North-East Coast of India – I’ and ’Elasmobranch Species of the North-East Coast of India – II’ during the occasion.

Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Dairy

Union Minister of State Dr L Murugan initiates scheme for farmers in dairy, aquaculture and agri sectors

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr L Murugan recently visited the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Union Government’s ongoing Public Outreach Programme.

 

Union MoS said that the district has a huge potential for milk production besides having the biggest fish production source and if exploited, it can change the socio-economic condition of the local population.

 

On the occasion, stalls were erected by some departments at Shirmal, Shopian showcasing their performance and ongoing activities. The minister inspected all the stalls and interacted with the staff and the visitors at these stalls and distributed various certificates among the beneficiaries who had established dairy units, cow units, sheep units in their respective areas. The minister also gave away one ambulance provided by Animal Husbandry Department Shopian, milk machines and genset, tractors, poultry and milk vans, sheep units under integrated sheep Development scheme and sheep units under Tribal Sub Plan, shearing machines and milk transportation vehicles as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. 

 

Dr Murugan said that the youth of the district should come forward and avail of the schemes like PMMSY and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes to earn their livelihood in a decent manner.

 

He further said that the Apple Town Shopian is famous for its apple production besides a good milk production increasing on each passing day. He said that the PM’s mission is to uplift the weaker sections of the society to enable them to earn their livelihood in a better way.

 

Dr Murugan also released a booklet ’A guide to important prevalent sheep diseases and their treatment’ that shall help the farmers to get their livestock population better treated besides other related information.

 

Union Minister of State Dr L Murugan