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NIMAXXA™ bionematicide is the first seed treatment in soybeans to contain three unique biological strains.

UPL Corp, a provider of comprehensive and sustainable agricultural solutions announces U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration of NIMAXXA™ bionematicide, the only triple-strain bionematicide seed treatment for season-long nematode protection in soybeans and corn. It is effective against the most damaging nematodes, including soybean cyst nematode (SCN), root knot nematode (RKN) and reniform nematode.

NIMAXXA bionematicide uses a combination of three biological strains, including two that function as bionematicides and root colonizers to control nematode eggs and juveniles. Because NIMAXXA bionematicide colonizes along the roots, it forms a barrier of protection that grows as roots grow to prevent nematodes from burrowing into roots, feeding on plant tissue and laying eggs. The third unique biological strain delivers biostimulant activity to stimulate root growth and help plants remain resilient throughout the season.

“Nematodes are a costly, unseen pest in soybeans. SCN is responsible for nearly $1.5 billion in lost yield each year across North America. To make matters worse, varietal resistance is faltering,” said Chris Nowlan, UPL Corp, North America Marketing Lead. “But with the unique protection that NIMAXXA bionematicide offers, growers will have peace of mind that their seed investment is protected against nematodes, even when there are changes in soil or weather conditions.”

In extensive testing and trials, NIMAXXA bionematicide has demonstrated its effectiveness against nematodes is not compromised by variability in soil types or weather conditions. As a result, growers experience consistent nematode control across field locations. In addition, NIMAXXA bionematicide comes in an easy-to-add formulation and has no known mixing issues with current seed treatment products, making it easier to integrate into customized seed treatment packages to meet the needs of each field.

NIMAXXA™ bionematicide is the first seed treatment

Acquaculture, Agbiologicals, Agri Genomics, Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Dairy, Digital Technologies, Drones, India, Poultry, R&D

Policy reforms such as expansion of the National Agricultural Market (eNAM), reforms to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana along with use of drones, robotic harvesters, Agri biologicals for sustainable agriculture and IoT devices to monitor and manage crops with real-time data on soil conditions and crop health emerged as some of the major trends that impacted the agriculture sector in 2024.

Overall, 2024 proved to be a pivotal year for agriculture sector in terms of reviving agriculture supply chain through blockchain technology and encouraging practices like no-till cultivation, Agriculture carbon credits and crop rotation as a part of regenerative farming, thereby attracting investments, collaborations and much more! As we move approach 2025, Agrospectrum brings to you the Top 24 major developments in India that made global headlines in 2024-

1.India Needs GEd to Usher in A New Agri Revolution – Agro Spectrum India

 2.“The agri drone ecosystem is estimated to be between 3000 Cr and 4000 Cr for the coming year” – Agro Spectrum India

3.CAN P3 APPROACH Bolster VEGETABLE SUPPLY CHAIN? – Agro Spectrum India

4.Emerging trends in the agriculture sector in India in 2024 – Agro Spectrum India

5.Setting Sights on Self-sufficiency in Fertiliser Production – Agro Spectrum India

6. FSII welcomes govt’s call to expedite the approval of Herbicide Tolerant Bt Cotton seed varieties – Agro Spectrum India

7.Why India must capitalise on Innovative Biological Crop Protection Tech  – Agro Spectrum India

8.India’s fish production at record 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2023 – Agro Spectrum India

9.Why India’s Seed Industry is a Blueprint for Growth – Agro Spectrum India

10.How sustainable Palm Oil cultivation can keep the FMCG product prices in check – Agro Spectrum India

11. Dhanuka Agritech signs letter of intent to set up JV with Spain-based biotech Kimitec – Agro Spectrum India

12. MK Agrotech and M11 Industries launch Oil Palm Plantation Programme in Odisha – Agro Spectrum India

13. India ranks 3rd in egg production and 8th in meat production in the world – Agro Spectrum India

14. Syngenta launches Incipio & Simodis for paddy and vegetable farmers in India – Agro Spectrum India

15.FMC Corporation to receive USD 1 Mn for damages arising from patent infringement in China – Agro Spectrum India

16. ADAMA reaches a major milestone with innovative new active ingredient Gilboa™ – Agro Spectrum India

17.ICRISAT Secures Its First Industrial Design Grant for Its Solar-Powered Water Hyacinth Harvester – Agro Spectrum India

18. Collective Actions to Advance Working Conditions for Sugarcane Workers in India – Agro Spectrum India

19.Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) sets its footprints in Europe – Agro Spectrum India

20.Allana Group launches Indian Poultry Alliance at Poultry India 2024 – Agro Spectrum India

21.UPL, CH4 Global partners for distribution of methane-reducing feed supplement for cattle in India – Agro Spectrum India

22.Seeds are the foundation of India’s food security and nutrition: FSII – Agro Spectrum India

23.AgCare Technologies launches online marketplace to digitise farm input supply chain – Agro Spectrum India

24. C-CAMP and MSSRF inks pact to launch RAIN programme to boost rural agricultural innovation – Agro Spectrum India

Policy reforms such as expansion of the

Acquaculture, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

In order to prevent overfishing and preserve marine biodiversity, India has been arguing for stricter World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations to control subsidies for high seas fishing. India, a significant fishing country, has expressed worries about the environmental effects of unregulated subsidies that support unsustainable fishing methods, especially in regions outside of its borders

India wants stronger laws against subsidies that encourage overfishing, especially in areas where fish populations are already in danger. In order to keep the world’s fishery resources from collapsing, it emphasizes how urgent it is to preserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing methods.

India has advocated for regulations that strike a balance between protecting marine resources and the fishing-dependent economies of poor nations. In order to prevent having a disproportionately negative effect on the fishing sectors of less developed countries, it promotes flexibility in subsidy regulations.

With increased worries over practices that result in overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the WTO has been negotiating a comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies. India’s stance supports international initiatives to eradicate detrimental subsidies and promote collaboration in order to fairly address overfishing.

Since fisheries subsidies frequently encourage fleets to fish in unsustainable ways, contributing to the depletion of marine resources, the topic has been a major topic of contention at the WTO. The necessity of tackling this issue through multilateral institutions like the WTO, which may aid in reducing detrimental subsidies and promoting more sustainable fishing methods globally, has come to light more and more in recent years. India’s stance highlights its desire to preserve marine biodiversity while also making sure that new regulations don’t negatively impact small-scale and developing-country fisheries’ ability to make a living. This position aligns with its more comprehensive strategy for international trade and environmental sustainability.

An Indian paper submitted to the WTO highlights the glaring difference, pointing out that it only offers a meager $35 per fisher annually, whereas certain European governments provide subsidies as high as $76,000 per fisher annually. India requested stringent rules for high seas fishing subsidies during WTO talks, adding that previous subsidisers should get the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies’ approval before providing further subsidies. These statements were made by India during the current Geneva meetings of the Negotiating Group on Rules (Fisheries subsidies). It has emphasized the necessity for a 25-year embargo on subsidies at current levels and argued for strict sanctions on historical fisheries subsidisers who fish in remote waters. Countries like Indonesia have supported these demands.

The General Council, which meets periodically every two years to carry out WTO functions, is the highest-level decision-making body of the WTO in Geneva. It has the power to act on behalf of the Ministerial Conference (MC) and is composed of representatives from each of the member nations, typically ambassadors or trade ministers. In its document, Designing Disciplines For the Overcapacity and Overfishing Pillar – A Case for Intensity-based Subsidies Approach, which was discussed at the WTO General Council meeting in Geneva on December 16–17, India also called for the adoption of a “per capita distribution of subsidies” criteria to address concerns about overfishing and capacity under the WTO framework.

In order to conserve marine resources, India also supports ongoing participation in multilateral environmental agreements like the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where more coordinated international action is required. India’s position reflects its difficult balancing act between the demands of developing countries, economic justice, and environmental sustainability. India is expected to continue to speak out in favor of stricter, more inclusive regulations that promote sustainable fisheries management and give poor nations the means to sustain their fishing businesses in a just and equitable manner as the talks go on. Since it will influence the course of international fisheries policy for years to come, India’s leadership in this field is essential.

In order to prevent overfishing and preserve

Agribusiness, Allied Industry, Collaborations, Environment, Horticulture, Inputs, Sustainability

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, the Union Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, stressed the importance of promoting traditional agricultural and horticultural varieties while speaking at a Multi-Stakeholder Convention on “Reviving Agro-Biodiversity in Rainfed Areas through Traditional Varieties for Climate-Resilient Agriculture” in New Delhi. According to him, his Ministry is eager to promote traditional varieties through a number of horticultural and agricultural programs, including NFSM, Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs), NMNF, and Seed Development projects

Dr Chaturvedi explained the value of traditional types by stating that they have special qualities including superior flavor, aroma, color, cooking quality, and nutritional content, among others. In addition to citing some examples, he recommended that these kinds be cultivated in clusters and marketed for high price realization because some purchasers adore such qualities.

The National Rainfed Areas Authority (NRAA), according to Dr. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, was created to assist rainfed areas by examining the various forms of investments made by various states and programs. In order to ensure that the quantity of investment is smaller than their needs and vulnerability, the goal is to encourage states to increase their investment in these areas.

A number of experts, including as Dr. K.S. Varaprasad, the former director of ICAR-IIOR, emphasized the importance of identifying traditional varieties. Approximately 50 per cent of the country is rainfed, and farmers rely on informal seed systems to meet 60 per cent of their seed needs. For the benefit of the farmers, released and traditional types can coexist. Gyanendra Singh, Director of ICAR-NBPGR, and Dr. KS Varaprasad talked about the value of in-situ conservation and called for more government policies to support the usage of these kinds for preservation.

State leaders, seed saviors, and champion farmers from ten states—including Tamil Nadu and Odisha—displayed the native seeds and discussed their successes and failures in preserving traditional cultivars. The significance of formalizing community-managed seed systems, the necessity of government assistance with infrastructure and MSP, and the participation of grassroots organizations in seed conservation initiatives were all underlined in the panel discussions.

Since traditional varieties are vanishing and agriculture is becoming more susceptible in the face of climate change, the workshop sought to spark conversations and policy discourse on rainfed areas. Every stakeholder acknowledges the significance of using traditional varieties to preserve them. Examples of how states are assisting in the revival and mainstreaming of variety come from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Odisha. It is necessary to create a plan of action and suggestions to present to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is also feasible to promote traditional types in natural farming projects and connect them to the market. We can expand on the tactics the GoI has used to promote millets. With this objective, NRAA will carry on with its consultation process.

The Workshop emphasized the vital role that traditional varieties play in maintaining rainfed agriculture, which is used by 61 per cent of Indian farmers on 50 per cent of the country’s land. Informal seed networks, such as farmer-to-farmer exchanges and community-managed seed banks, are crucial in rainfed areas, which are characterized by difficult circumstances including low soil fertility and climate variability. These systems provide almost half of India’s seed needs, highlighting the importance of preserving and advancing them.

This Multi-Stakeholder Convention was held in New Delhi by the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) in association with the Revitalizing Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN) and Watershed Support Services & Activities Network (WASSAN).

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, the Union Secretary of

Trade

In an effort to lower pulse costs, India has extended the duty-free import period for yellow peas till February 2025. In 2017, the yellow pea tax was first imposed. The main suppliers of pulses to India are Canada, Russia, Myanmar, Australia, and a few African nations. India’s demand exceeds local supply despite expanded production

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has officially announced that it has extended the period for duty-free imports of yellow peas by two months, until February 2025.

The central government permitted duty-free imports of yellow peas in early December 2023 until March 2024. This was then extended to April, June, October, and December. It was one of the measures taken by New Delhi to lower the prices of the pulse basket as a whole.

According to reports, the 50 per cent duty on yellow peas was first imposed in November 2017. Yellow peas are mostly imported by India from Russia and Canada.

India is a major producer and user of pulses, and it imports some of them to help satisfy its needs.

Chana, Masur, urad, Kabuli chana, and tur pulses constitute a staple diet of the people of India.

India is a major producer of pulses, but imports have increased since its output has not kept up with demand. In addition to a few African nations, the imports come from Australia, Russia, Canada, and Myanmar. India’s output of pulses grew from 16.3 million tonnes in 2015–16 to 24.5 million tonnes in 2023–24, while consumption also increased over same time.

In an effort to lower pulse costs,

Collaborations, R&D, Sustainability

ICRISAT was granted its first industrial design in India for a Solar-Powered Water Hyacinth Harvester developed by a team of scientists. The harvester is simple, affordable, and can be efficiently managed by semi-skilled or unskilled personnel

The solar-powered equipment, designed and fabricated in-house, is an affordable solution priced at under Rs 200,000, making it ideal for rural farming communities that cannot afford sophisticated machinery costing 10 times as much. It offers substantial benefits, including 50–60 per cent savings in cost, time, and labor, while prioritizing using clean energy.

Water hyacinth infestations in rural ponds disrupt ecosystems, harm fisheries, and block canals. Their rapid growth and long-lasting seeds make eradication difficult. Just 8–10 plants can proliferate into over 600,000 plants within 6–8 months.

Dr Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim of ICRISAT, commended the team behind the mechanical harvester, stating, “Water hyacinth infestation is a global environmental challenge. This cost-effective harvester reflects ICRISAT’s dedication to creating environment-friendly solutions tailored to the needs of rural communities that are also technologically and economically sustainable.”

ICRISAT’s harvester, categorized as agricultural machinery, was developed as part of the project “Sustainable Valorisation of Water Hyacinth Biomass through Aerobic Composting as a Rural Enterprise—A Waste to Wealth Initiative,” supported by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, India.

“Local stakeholders, especially women self-help groups (SHGs), can play a key role in converting biomass into compost, fish feed, or handmade paper. These women-led enterprises can generate alternative livelihoods and boost inland fisheries, creating significant socio-economic and environmental impacts,” said Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha.

Dr Aviraj Datta, the project’s principal investigator, led the development of the harvester, ably supported by ICRISAT staff Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Dr Ramesh Singh, Mr Hari Om Singh, Mr Santhosh Kumar Raja, Mr Yogesh Kumar, and Mr Jinith Mahajhan. The ICRISAT Intellectual Property (IP) office facilitated the evaluation and filing of the application with the Design Registry, India, ensuring due diligence throughout the process.

ICRISAT was granted its first industrial design

Floriculture, Fruits, Horticulture, Oilseeds, Trade, Vegetables

The horticulture hub’s success has revolutionized the local economy and cemented Andhra Pradesh’s standing as a pioneer in contemporary horticultural techniques

In the Chittoor region, Kuppam has developed into a flourishing horticultural center that has raised the bar for agricultural innovation and greatly improved the lifestyles of farmers. Through the use of cutting-edge Israeli technology, the Kuppam Horticulture Hub has brought in contemporary farming methods. Agriculture in the area has been transformed by these creative techniques.

The center was officially opened by then-Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on January 2, 2019, with the goal of establishing Kuppam as a horticultural model. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Pedda Bangarunatham hamlet in Kuppam mandal, which covers 22.8 acres, is dedicated to the production of flowers and vegetables using innovative methods like as drip irrigation, polyhouses, and grafting.

The center ensures greater production and profitability by helping farmers produce high-quality crops with few resources. A wide range of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, such as marigolds, tomatoes, and capsicums, are supported by the climate. The center improves skills by providing training on contemporary agricultural methods to farmers, officials, and students.

The hub has greatly increased local farmers’ revenue by promoting market access and offering novel techniques.

The Kuppam Horticulture Hub’s success has revolutionized the local economy and cemented Andhra Pradesh’s standing as a pioneer in contemporary horticultural techniques.

The Kuppam Horticulture Hub received the Skoch Award on November 30, 2024, in recognition of its exceptional agricultural accomplishments. Kuppam distinguished itself among India’s 57 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) by demonstrating exceptional performance in growing vegetables and flowers with contemporary technologies.

The hub has received praise from farmers for having a noticeable effect on their earnings and abilities. According to local farmer Ramesh Naidu, “we struggled with low yields and lack of market access earlier.” He told TNIE, “My tomato crop yield has tripled and I’ve been able to sell the produce at a better price thanks to the hub’s training programs and hybrid seeds.” Lakshmi Devi, another farmer, described how growing marigolds in polyhouses had increased her family’s financial security.

“The returns are more than I could have ever dreamed of, and the quality of the flowers has improved,” she remarked.

Over 2,605 farmers have benefited from 43 training sessions that the hub has organized since 2018. Nearly 6,000 officials and students from different institutions have also visited the center, learning about contemporary horticultural techniques. In addition to directly helping thousands of farmers, the hub has produced 1.94 crore non-grafted plants and over 64 lakh grafted plants, bringing in a sizable sum of money.

Experts in agriculture from both India and overseas have visited the hub. State officials from Kerala, Haryana, and Mizoram have commended the center’s work and intend to implement its methods in their own states.

The State government’s dedication to supporting horticulture growers is demonstrated via the Horticulture Hub. The center seeks to assist farmers in overcoming obstacles like unfavorable weather and pests by offering state-of-the-art training and resources, guaranteeing sustainable growth, stated Chittoor District Collector Sumit Kumar.

The horticulture hub's success has revolutionized the

Environment, Sustainability

Researchers have discovered a stunning new type of fish in the Red Sea’s depths that has a distinctively gloomy expression. Known as the “grumpy dwarfgoby,” this small predator, which is under two millimeters in size, is distinguished by its threatening face and prominent fangs. The Red Sea’s already abundant marine biodiversity has another intriguing addition with this discovery

One of the study’s researchers, Lucía Pombo-Ayora, emphasized the fish’s remarkable characteristics. “It is probably a formidable predator in its small world. It’s adorable but frightening with its big canines and sulky face,” she said. The vivid red hue of the fish acts as camouflage against the coralline algae that predominates on its reef home. The grumpy dwarfgoby feeds on invertebrates with its keen teeth, preferring the shelter of narrow crevices.

According to the study, which was published in ZooKeys, the species was initially discovered off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Farasan Banks. Later, it was observed close to Thuwal in the middle Red Sea. After careful examination, the grumpy dwarfgoby was determined to be a unique member of the Sueviota genus, after first being confused with the fiery dwarfgoby, a species discovered in 1972.

One of the study’s authors, Viktor Nunes Peinemann, stated, “The discovery of unique species like this highlights the untapped biodiversity of the Red Sea.” “But it also highlights a concerning fact—environmental changes may cause extinctions before certain species are even recorded.”

Since its creation in 1988, the Sueviota genus has grown to comprise eight recognized species throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The genus is well-known for traits like basal pelvic membranes and lengthened pelvic rays, yet its evolutionary diversity never ceases to astound scientists.

In addition to improving our knowledge of marine ecosystems, this discovery highlights how urgent conservation efforts are given the current environmental problems. The sullen dwarfgoby is a striking reminder of the seas’ hidden treasures and the importance of preserving them.

Researchers have discovered a stunning new type

Carbon Farming, Climate, Collaborations, Environment, Institutions, Sustainability

Banking on collaborations to better understand farmers’ readiness to participate in carbon markets, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) recently conducted a series of capacity-building activities in Thailand and Vietnam, including Training of Trainers (ToT) and enumerator workshops, as part of its ongoing projects to accelerate methane reductions in rice farming

Rice farming, a vital agricultural activity across Asia, is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane—a potent but short-lived climate pollutant. To address this challenge, promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among farmers is critical to reduce methane emissions in farming.

However, socio-technical challenges and a lack of incentives have historically hindered the adoption of CSA practices by rice farmers. IRRI and partners USAID and CCC aim to address these barriers by promoting the development of rice carbon markets, which can attract public and private investments to support low-emissions rice farming.

To assess the viability of rice carbon markets, IRRI’s socio-economics and policy analysis team collaborates with leading academic institutions in the region, such as KSU in Thailand and the IPSARD in Vietnam, to co-design and conduct empirical studies evaluating the willingness of rice farmers to adopt methane-reducing practices. These studies examine rice farmers’ awareness and perception of CSA technologies, their willingness to accept incentives for adopting them, interest in participating in rice carbon markets, along with baseline data such as their existing rice farming practices, productivity, and income.

The trainings imparted by IRRI are integral part of two major projects being implemented by IRRI and partners, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), aimed at generating actionable evidence and accelerating methane reductions in rice production systems. These projects, dubbed as the USAID-Methane Accelerator for Southeast Asia (MASEA) and CCAC- Accelerating Methane Reductions in Rice Production Systems through Market-based Mechanisms (AMR), respectively, are oriented towards supporting the design and implementation of carbon markets for low-emission rice farming in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The training in particular was designed to help tailor-fitting the study to local contexts. During the sessions, the participants received guidance on tailoring survey instruments to reflect country-specific farming practices and scenarios. This customization ensures more accurate data relevant to the unique conditions of each study locale.

A key feature of the training also includes the introduction of a Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) survey tool, facilitated through the Android-based Survey Solutions application. The tool streamlines data collection and processing, reducing the time and effort required for data encoding and cleaning.

As part of the session objectives, participants were also introduced to the concept of carbon markets and their potential to incentivize sustainable farming practices. The training design also covered lectures on CSA practices such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), direct-seeded rice (DSR), rice straw management, and the “One Must Do, Five Reductions” (1M5R) technique. Mock surveys were conducted to help trainers and enumerators familiarize themselves with the questionnaire and refine strategies for engaging with farmers effectively.

Through initiatives like MASEA and AMR, IRRI is taking significant steps toward mitigating the environmental impact of rice farming while ensuring sustainable agricultural development in Southeast Asia.

Banking on collaborations to better understand farmers’

Uncategorized

The govt intends to empower rural India by modernizing agricultural support systems and increasing financial inclusion, with a target of 2 lakh cooperatives. Additionally, the program will open up new doors for women, kids, and farmers nationwide

10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) and Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies were inaugurated in New Delhi by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. Prominent dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal and Murlidhar Mohol, and Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Rajiv Ranjan Singh.

Amit Shah congratulated Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on their birth anniversaries during his introductory comments. He described Malviya as a cornerstone of the Indian freedom struggle, dedicated to the country’s independence, traditions, and values. Shah highlighted Vajpayee’s visionary leadership, which significantly impacted the evolution of contemporary India. Among Vajpayee’s achievements were the creation of a ministry for tribal affairs, the advancement of India’s nuclear arsenal, and ground-breaking infrastructure projects like the Golden Quadrilateral highways and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Shah also commemorated the anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari’s death in recognition of his role as a freedom fighter and his significant input into the drafting of India’s Constitution.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s centennial was celebrated with the opening of 10,000 new MPACS. Shah underlined that this significant occasion pays tribute to Vajpayee’s legacy, especially his contribution to the passage of the 97th Amendment to the Constitution, which fortified the cooperative sector. Additionally, he disclosed that these PACS were registered in a record 86 days following the creation of a standard operating procedure.

Shah emphasized the government’s goal of establishing cooperatives in every Panchayat and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the guiding idea of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity via Cooperation). The initiative’s goal is to reinforce the three-tier cooperative system, which forms the basis for rural development, by creating 2 lakh new PACS.

Shah stated that the registration of these PACS was made possible in large part by NABARD, NDDB, and NFDB. Additionally, he emphasized how computerization has modernized PACS and allowed them to be integrated with 32 crucial tasks, including as water management, fertilizer delivery, and storage. They are now more relevant and functional in rural regions because to this technical advancement. A comprehensive training curriculum has been established to facilitate this shift by giving PACS workers and members the necessary skills. Shah encouraged district cooperative registrars to make sure the training program is implemented effectively so that cooperative societies may become more capable.

The govt intends to empower rural India

Allied Industry, Company News, Sugar industry

Though authorized bottlers purchase less than 1 per cent of the total volume of sugar produced in Maharashtra, Coca Cola is committed to driving progress, maximizing the influence and impacting in the region to the extent possible through partnering with critical stakeholders such as suppliers, NGOs, peer companies and local communities

This year, Coca Cola refreshed and expanded its collaboration with Solidaridad in India—which began in the state of Uttar Pradesh in 2016 and Maharashtra in 2022—to introduce new health and safety and working condition measures at farms that supply the Maharashtra mills with which the Coca-Cola system contracts. These measures include access to clean water, sanitation, shaded rest areas, ergonomic scythes, feminine hygiene products, and grievance mechanisms. We are also working with our partners to implement training for mill management and labor brokers to improve worker recruitment and labor conditions.

Additionally, Coca Cola has further advanced a multi-year effort to help establish the Coalition for Responsible Sugar in India (CRSI), a multi-stakeholder group focused on driving improvements in working conditions and sustainable farming for the Indian sugarcane sector. In January 2025, CRSI is expected to participate in the launch of a project to support migrant sugarcane farm workers at their districts of origin in advance of their migration to certain districts of Maharashtra. The project will aim to establish migration centers that provide pre-departure onboarding, worker rights education, first aid, health and safety training (including women’s health), links to government programs, and training for entrepreneurship, as well as improved access to grievance mechanisms.

While noticeable progress has been made, it is believed that more work is needed, and Coca Cola remains committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to drive positive change and create meaningful impacts on the ground in India.

Though authorized bottlers purchase less than 1

Agribusiness, India, R&D, Sustainability

Dhanuka Agritech, a leader in agricultural innovation, was honored to support the sugarcane category at the prestigious 3-day Millionaire Farmers of India (MFOI) event. This landmark event brought together the brightest minds and hardworking hands of the agricultural community, celebrating their dedication and achievements

At the event, Dhanuka Agritech candidly showcased its innovative agricultural solutions to a wide and diverse audience of farmers, experts, and stakeholders from across India. The highlight of the event was recognizing an award-winning farmer from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, for excelling in the Sugarcane category with Dhanuka’s unique offerings. His remarkable contributions to the sector have set a benchmark of excellence and innovation in farming practices.

The Millionaire Farmers of India (MFOI) Awards is a prestigious event that brings together farmers, agricultural innovators, and leaders from around the world to shape the future of farming. India’s economy and strength are built on the hard work of its farmers, though their efforts are often overlooked. This event aimed to recognize farmers who have transformed agriculture through innovation, resilience, and sustainable practices.

“We are deeply honored to be part of this celebration of the resilience and ingenuity of India’s farmers. At Dhanuka, our core mission is to equip farmers with cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance productivity but also foster long-term sustainability. The achievements of the award-winning farmer stand as a powerful example of how innovation can transform agriculture. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him and all the other awardees, whose exceptional contributions inspire us all.” said Chairman Emeritus Dr. R.G Agarwal – Dhanuka Agritech Ltd.

Dhanuka Agritech takes pride in being a partner in the journey of Indian farmers, striving to create a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture. The company applauds the farming community and extends its support for their continued success in achieving their milestones in the times ahead.

Dhanuka Agritech, a leader in agricultural innovation,

Agbiologicals, Agribiotechnology, Biofertilizers, India, Inputs

Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), a leading company in the crop protection and nutrition sector, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BioPrime Agro Solutions Pvt. Limited, Pune, a research-based biological solutions firm. This alliance brings Relieve, BioPrime’s exclusive biological product, to the Indian market, furthering efforts to provide sustainable solutions for Indian agriculture

Relieve is a unique innovative pure concentrate seaweed and botanical extract-based product. This patented biological formulation is developed with advanced biotechnology, designed to improve crop health and boost yield. Relieve will also help the crops to mitigate the damage caused by abiotic stresses such as drought, heat and salinity. By making this product accessible to Indian farmers, IIL is stepping up its commitment to offering modern and eco-friendly farming solutions.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director, IIL, stated, “Our association with BioPrime is a significant step in our mission to provide farmers with practical and nature-based solutions. Relieve stands out because it offers farmers a reliable way to enhance crop performance without compromising environmental balance as it is totally safe biological product. This product will empower farmers to strengthen their yields sustainably, which is crucial in today’s agricultural landscape where efficiency and environmental care go hand in hand.”

Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer, IIL, added, “Relieve reflects the next generation of agricultural solutions—biological, environmentally responsible, and focused on improving overall farm productivity. As we roll out this innovative product across India, we would offer farmers with a unique tool to increase resilience against stress, improve plant health, and enhance productivity, all while keeping sustainability at the core of their operations. Across agro climatic zones, it has demonstrated early flowering, ensuring early harvest. Our national wide trails and demonstrations have also given us a confidence that Relieve is going to be a farmer preferred product in the late vegetative stage of the crop, as it provides rapid support in converting fruits from flowers.”

Coming together of IIL & BioPrime highlights the synergy between the two companies to deliver advanced biological solutions for the markets. Said Dr. Renuka Diwan, Chief Executive Officer, BioPrime. “We are confident that this strategic partnership will accelerate the innovation & deliver high value to farmers by minimizing the risk associated with abiotic stress & limiting yields. With Relieve, we have taken the first step with IIL to drive mutual growth by combining our cutting-edge biological products & IIL’s extensive reach & expertise in the market. This collaboration is the stepping stone towards creating more product opportunities for Indian & global markets.”

This collaboration marks a key development in IIL’s strategy to provide the Indian farmers with solutions that will help the to enhance agricultural productivity through partnerships that deliver forward-looking products to the Indian market.

Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), a leading company

Agrotech, Company News, Drones, Funding, Investments, IT

India’s fastest-growing drone start-up, Garuda Aerospace today announces that the company has been granted a total of 20 patents. Further solidifying the company’s position is the inclusion of 6 international patents.

The patents granted to Garuda Aerospace cover a range of agriculture drone solutions spanning mapping, surveying, spraying, inspections, crop health monitoring, field surveillance, yield monitoring, seed dropping and more.

The other patents granted to Garuda Aerospace beyond agriculture include underwater drones for inspection, health Inspection drones, miniature radar system drones for surveillance and detection of drones, surveillance drones for identifying suspicious behaviour, monitoring crowded events, medicare delivery drones, etc.

Committed to research and development in the drone-tech sector, the patents received strengthen Garuda Aerospace’s position in the global market. This development also enables Garuda Aerospace to expand its operations into developed countries, especially those with stringent standards and regulatory requirements.

A pioneer in drone technology, Garuda Aerospace secured its maiden patent in 2020 and has since maintained a robust intellectual property portfolio, achieving the highest number of patent filings between 2022 and 2024. Specialising in ‘Smart Drones’ that seamlessly integrate hardware, software, and data elements with AI, Garuda Aerospace focuses on developing innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by various industries. By deeply understanding the root causes of these challenges, Garuda Aerospace empowers businesses with cutting-edge technologies that drive efficiency and productivity.

Speaking on the development, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “These patents are a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to research and development. These advancements will not only solidify Garuda Aerospace’s position as a global leader in drone technology but also significantly strengthen our country’s position as a global hub. We are committed to driving future innovation through our robust pipeline of patent applications. We are poised to capitalise on the burgeoning market and drive India’s emergence as the world’s drone hub, especially as we prepare for our IPO.”

With the continued support of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, who recently renewed his role as a brand ambassador and increased his investment in the company, Garuda Aerospace remains committed to shaping the future of drone technology and contributing to India’s economic growth. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Garuda Aerospace is dedicated to developing affordable, indigenous drone solutions for various sectors. The company continues to drive innovation, creating cutting-edge technologies to make India a global drone hub.

India’s fastest-growing drone start-up, Garuda Aerospace today