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Agribusiness, Cold Storage, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Vegetables

According to Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India the all-India average retail prices as on 14th November, 2024 was Rs.52.35 per kg which is 22.4 per cent lower than Rs.67.50 per kg on 14th October, 2024

The retail prices of tomato are on the decline with the fall in mandi prices. During the same period, the modal prices at Azadpur mandi declined by almost 50 per cent, from Rs.5,883 per quintal to Rs.2,969 per quintal with the increase in tomato arrivals. Similar decline in mandi prices are reported from benchmark markets such as Pimpalgaon, Madanapalle and Kolar.

The total annual production of tomato, as per third advance estimate of Department of Agriculture is 213.20 lakh tonnes in 2023-24; a 4 per cent increase over 204.25 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. Even though tomato is produced throughout the year, there is seasonality in the producing areas and the quantum of production. Adverse weather condition and slight logistics disruptions have significant impact on prices due to high susceptibility of tomato crop and high perishability of the fruit. The surge in tomato prices during October, 2024 was on account of excessive and prolonged rains in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The general seasonality in tomato production across various regions of India showed that October and November are main sowing period in major producing states. Continuous availability of tomato in the market, however, is ensured because of the short duration for cultivation of the crop and multiple picking of the fruits.

Even though the arrivals have subsided at major tomato centres in Madanappale and Kolar, prices have come down on account of seasonal arrivals from pockets in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat that have been filling the gaps in supply across the nation. As on date, the weather has also been favourable for the crop and also for maintaining a good flow across the supply chain form the fields to the consumers.

According to Department of Consumer Affairs, Government

Agribusiness, Finance, Funding, Investments

The company achieved a notable 226 per cent revenue growth over the previous quarter, reflecting strong market momentum.

Kisaan Parivar Industries Limited has released its financial results for the quarter and six-month period ending September 30, 2024, demonstrating remarkable growth and strong financial performance. For the current quarter, the company reported an impressive turnover of Rs. 240 Lakhs, contributing to a benchmark turnover of Rs. 346 Lakhs for the first half of the fiscal year. The company achieved a notable 226 per cent revenue growth over the previous quarter, reflecting strong market momentum. Gross profit before tax rose to Rs. 168.18 Lakhs for the six months ended September 30, 2024, while earnings per share increased to Rs. 1.43, underscoring the company’s profitability and shareholder value.

Rajani Nanavath, Managing Director of Kisaan Parivar Industries, expressed pride in the company’s accomplishments, emphasizing how the dedication to quality and excellence has enhanced brand value and customer trust. The company has announced plans to split its shares, a move aimed at improving accessibility for retail investors and positively impacting market perception by making shares more affordable for a wider range of small investors. Additionally, in response to the growth in business volume and strong investor sentiment, the company proposes to infuse additional capital to strengthen its resources, supporting ongoing business expansion.

Kisaan Parivar Industries remains committed to maintaining strict quality controls and effective production management to ensure sustainable growth and profitability. Nanavath expressed appreciation for the trust and support of the investors, noting that it boosts the company’s morale and competitive drive. Looking ahead, the company is exploring partnerships with leading NBFCs and Fintech firms to accelerate its growth and extend further benefits to the farmer community, reinforcing its mission to contribute positively to agriculture.

The company achieved a notable 226 per

Agribusiness, Collaborations, India, Vegetables

The government had procured 4.7 lakh tons of rabi onion for the price stabilization buffer this year, and started the release from 5th September, 2024 through retail sale at Rs.35 per kg and also through bulk sales in major mandis across the country

The government has decided to upscale the onion disposal in order to address temporary constraint in onion supply observed in certain markets in the past 2/3 days owing to festival season and closure mandis. NAFED has indented two more rakes for Delhi-NCR and one for Guwahati this week. Similarly, dispatch through road transport would also be upscaled to ensure availability of onions in the market. The availability of onions would be further accentuated by more supplies from NCCF, both through rail and road transport. Additionally, the government has also decided to offload onions kept in cold storage at Sonipat to meet the requirements of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal, J&K, Delhi etc. The government is alive to the market developments and keeping close watch to take ameliorative action to stabilise the onion prices.

As per the assessment of Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, actual kharif sown area this year was 3.82 lakh hectare which is 34% higher than 2.85 lakh hectare sown last year. Sowing progress of late kharif onion is also reported to be normal with coverage of 1.28 lakh hectare till first week of November.

Earlier, 1,600 MT of onion transported by Kanda Express and arrived at Kishanganj Station in Delhi on 20th October, 2024, and another shipment of 840 MT of onion by rail rake to Delhi arrived on 30th October, 2024. Bulk shipment of onions has also been sent to Chennai and Guwahati in recent past. On 23rd October, 2024, 840 MT of onion had been dispatched from Nashik by rail rake which arrived at Chennai on 26th October 2024. A shipment of 840 MT onion by rail rake arrived at Changsari Station in Guwahati on 5th November, 2024 which was distributed in various district of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and other NE States.

Retail prices of tomato are on the decline with the fall in mandis prices. At Azadpur mandi, the weekly average price is down by 27% to Rs.4,000 per quintal and at Pimpalgaon the weekly average price is down by 35% to Rs.2,250 per quintal. In Madanapalle the weekly average price is down by 26% to Rs.2,860 per quintal amidst a 20% increase in total weekly arrivals. In Kolar the weekly average price is down by 27% to Rs.2,250 per quintal.

The all-India average retail prices of potato are stable during last three months at about Rs.37 per kg. The weekly average mandi prices of Rs.1,860 per quintal at Agra has been down by 15% during last week. As per the market intelligence inputs, overall Potato acreage is expected to increase by 16% this year with expected 10% increase in Punjab and Farrukhabad region in UP. In Madhya Pradesh, 80% sowing is completed and sowing area in Indore and Shajapur are reported to be up by 8% other areas like Ujjain region is at par with last year. In West Bengal, the sowing is yet to begin, but the sowing intentions according to the seed sales is reported to be higher than last year.

The government had procured 4.7 lakh tons

AgroPolicy, Finance, Microfinance

The allied activities receive only 10 per cent of the total agricultural credit while they contribute lion’s share of 40 per cent to the agricultural output

Department of Financial Services (DFS) reviewed the progress of credit disbursement to agri-allied activities such as animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries with Public Sector Banks (PSBs), NABARD and State/ UT Level Bankers’ Committee. Representatives of State Governments / UTs, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Department of Fisheries also participated in the discussions.

Government urged PSBs to take all necessary steps to ensure that respective targets are met during the current financial year, and stressed on the State Governments to facilitate banks in improving flow of credit to these sectors.

Experts underscored the importance of the allied sector in driving agricultural growth and its employment potential in rural area and highlighted the trend of regional disparity in credit disbursement in allied activities. The Government therefore directed banks to conduct regional level assessment/meetings to ensure disbursement of credit in all areas as all regions have huge potential in allied activities. NABARD is supposed to play a pivotal role in this regard, in terms of coordination with state line departments and LDMs in identification of fish farmers and providing them benefit of KCC scheme.

Government of India’s focus on seamless access to affordable credit to allied sector was brought to light and all stakeholders have been urged to take all necessary steps to increase credit flow to the sector.

The allied activities receive only 10 per

Agribusiness, Digital Technologies, Drones, Farm Mechanisation, Finance, Industry Reports / Analysis, Investments, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting, Opinions, Supply Chain

Market Growth for Agricultural Equipment Finance Market is supposed to accelerate at the rate of 6 per cent during the forecast period, growth contributed by APAC being 48%

Agricultural equipment plays a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and productivity in farming operations. However, as equipment depreciates over time, the need for replacement arises. The replacement time frame varies depending on the equipment’s usage and risk of obsolescence. For instance, forklifts and tractors require regular maintenance and may need to be replaced more frequently than other equipment. In some countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, replacement policies and emission regulations are less stringent, leading to longer equipment usage. Advanced agricultural equipment is increasingly being adopted to enhance crop productivity. Equipment finance companies provide customized solutions to help agri-businesses manage the high investment costs. The global agricultural equipment finance market is witnessing continuous innovation, driven by the demand for more efficient and effective farming solutions. Small- and mid-sized farmers are seeking advanced equipment to gain a competitive edge. The high initial investment required for upgrading agricultural equipment presents a challenge, but the long-term benefits, including increased automation, output, and productivity, make it a worthwhile investment.

The global agricultural equipment finance market size is estimated to grow by USD 182.8 billion from 2024-2028. Quick and easy access to credit is driving market growth, with a trend towards replacement of outdated agricultural equipment with advanced equipment. However, turbulent economic and political environment poses a challenge. Key market players include Adani Group, AGCO Corp., Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Argo Tractors SpA, Barclays PLC, BlackRock Inc., BNP Paribas SA, Citigroup Inc., Deere and Co., ICICI Bank Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd., IndusInd Bank Ltd., JPMorgan Chase and Co., Key Corp., Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Rabobank Group, State Bank of India, The Capital Group Companies Inc., and Wells Fargo and Co.

The sector is experiencing significant trends that are shaping the industry. Credit scoring is becoming more important for finance companies to assess borrower risk. Fintech integration is streamlining the loan application process. Eco-friendly equipment is a growing focus, with demand for irrigation and planting equipment. Farm size influences financing options, with loans, leases, and lines of credit available for small, medium, and large farms. Investment in agriculture and food production demand continue to drive the market.

The Agricultural Equipment Finance Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of farm mechanization and the adoption of advanced technologies like precision agriculture and drones in large-scale farming. Online finance platforms are revolutionizing the industry by providing quick loan approvals and real-time information transparency, making it easier for farmers to acquire the necessary equipment for their agricultural enterprise. Unsecured loans and alternative finance options are also becoming popular, especially among small-scale farmers. Farm loan waivers and equipment rental are other financing solutions that are gaining traction in the market. The demand for agricultural machinery such as tractors, combines, harvesters, planters, utility vehicles, and other equipment is on the rise, leading to an increased need for equipment finance. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and other finance companies are playing a crucial role in facilitating equipment acquisition for farmers. Blockchain technology is expected to further disrupt the market by providing secure and transparent transactions. Overall, the Agricultural Equipment Finance Market is poised to witness growth in the coming years.

Market Growth for Agricultural Equipment Finance Market

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Finance, World

FMC Corporation confirms full-year outlook adjusted for expected sale of GSS business

FMC Corporation reported third quarter 2024 revenue of $1.07 billion, an increase of 9 percent versus third quarter 2023 and up 12 per cent organically. On a GAAP basis, the company reported net income of $0.52 per diluted share in the third quarter, up from a net loss of $0.03 per diluted share in the third quarter 2023 driven by higher sales and lower costs from restructuring actions as well as a lower effective tax provision. Adjusted earnings were $0.69 per diluted share, an increase of 57 per cent versus third quarter of 2023.

Third Quarter Adjusted EPS versus Prior-Year Quarter
Adjusted EBITDA+25 cents
Interest Expense+4 cents
Depreciation & Amortization+2 cents
Minority Interest-1 cent
Taxes+3 cents
Rounding-1 cent
“We delivered revenue and earnings growth as market conditions improved although at varying rates across the regions,” said Pierre Brondeau, FMC chairman and chief executive officer. “Strong volume growth in Latin America and North America more than offset lower pricing, particularly in Brazil and Argentina which accounted for two-thirds of the total company price decline. Despite suboptimal market conditions, we saw increased demand for new products, specifically fluindapyr-based fungicide products, which confirms the strength of FMC’s innovation pipeline.”

Revenue growth in the quarter of 9 per cent was driven by a 17 per cent increase in volume, with some North America second half orders occurring earlier than expected due to improved channel inventory levels. Price was lower by 5 per cent, driven primarily by Latin America due to challenging market conditions in Brazil and Argentina including delayed rains and elevated channel inventory. In addition, the bankruptcy of a large customer led FMC to offer additional incentives to replace lost volumes and maintain market share. Sales in Asia declined 10 per cent (down 12 per cent organically) due to volume declines, mainly in India, as well as lower pricing. In Latin America, revenue improved 8 per cent year-over-year (up 15 per cent organically).
FMC RevenueQ3 2024
Total Revenue Change (GAAP)9%
Less FX Impact(3)%
Organic1 Revenue Change (Non-GAAP)12%

Third quarter adjusted EBITDA was $201 million, an increase of 15 per cent versus the prior-year period and above the top-end of our guidance range. Higher sales volume, FX tailwinds and above-target restructuring benefits more than offset lower pricing and the recognition of unabsorbed fixed costs from lower manufacturing activity in prior periods.

Full-Year 2024 Outlook
The company is confirming its full-year 2024 outlook for sales and EBITDA and updating its outlook for adjusted EPS. The midpoints for sales and EBITDA are adjusted for the imminent sale of the GSS business, which is expected to close in early November. Full-year revenue guidance has tightened to be in the range of $4.33 billion to $4.44 billion, representing a 2 per cent decrease at the midpoint versus 2023. Mid-single digit volume growth is expected to be more than offset by price and, to a lesser extent, FX headwinds. Full-year adjusted EBITDA range has been narrowed and is expected to be $885 million to $915 million, an 8 percent decline at the midpoint versus prior year. The range for 2024 adjusted earnings per share is updated to be $3.16 to $3.52 per diluted share, representing a decrease of 12 percent year-over-year. The tax rate range is narrowed to 13 to 15 percent, a 150 bps reduction versus prior guidance at the midpoint. The company is maintaining its full-year free cash flow guidance range of $400 million to $500 million.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

The fourth quarter outlook has been adjusted to reflect the imminent sale of the GSS business ($20 million loss in revenue and $10 million loss in EBITDA) and outperformance in Q3. Fourth quarter revenue is now expected to be in the range of $1.30 billion to $1.41 billion, a 19 per cent increase at the midpoint compared to fourth quarter 2023. Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to be in the range of $321 million to $351 million, representing a 32 per cent increase at the midpoint versus fourth quarter 2023. FMC now expects adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $1.47 to $1.83 in the fourth quarter, which represents an improvement of 54 per cent at the midpoint versus fourth quarter 2023.

FMC Corporation confirms full-year outlook adjusted for

Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy, Interaction, Investments, Schemes - Govt, Schemes - NABARD

The regional conference held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, highlighted the importance of operationalizing SNA-SPARSH, for fostering growth, and supporting farmers across all regions of Northern States

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare held a regional conference at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to conduct a midterm review of agricultural schemes implemented by Northern States. Key officials from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Delhi gathered to evaluate progress and address challenges in the effective implementation of these schemes. During the meeting, Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi urged states to expedite the execution of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) by ensuring timely fund allocation and addressing issues related to state contributions and Single Nodal Account (SNA) balances.

The initiative focused on improving implementation of major schemes, including Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana, where non-performing states were encouraged to enhance their efforts in the remaining months of the fiscal year. Dr. Chaturvedi also advised states to finalize the RKVY annual action plan for FY 2025-26 by December to enable timely release of the first installment by April, aiming to reduce previous delays in fund utilization. A comprehensive review of key initiatives took place, covering the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Mission for enhancing credit access, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for risk mitigation and expanded crop insurance, and the Digital Agriculture Mission for advancing data-driven agriculture. The conference highlighted the need for digital integration in crop surveys and the alignment of state land records with the Agristack to streamline operations under PM KISAN.

The meeting also discussed high-priority topics, including the National Edible Oils Mission, NABL accreditation for laboratories under the Insecticides Act, and the efficient use of the Krishi Nivesh Portal and Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to foster sector growth.

Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (IC, Oilseeds & Credit), set the agenda for the review and welcomed delegates from the agriculture departments of Northern States, as well as representatives from allied departments including Tribal Affairs, NABARD, and Cooperation.

Senior officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, including Additional Secretaries Ms. Manindar Kaur, Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda, Mr. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Ms. Shubha Thakur, and Joint Secretaries Mr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Mr. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Ms. Perin Devi, Mr. Muktanand Agrawal, Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Mr. Binod Kumar, Mr. Priya Ranjan, and Mr. Purna Chandra Kishan, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, and the Department of Financial Services.were the other key attendees of the conference.

The regional conference held at Krishi Bhawan,

Agrotech, Company News, World

Two collaborations – with IBM Research and with US biotech Maxygen – brought their respective pioneering approaches in data-based prediction modelling

Syngenta Group, one of the world’s leading global agriculture technology companies, announced important collaborations following the launch of its innovation accelerator platform Shoots by Syngenta in 2023. These collaborations, which connect expertise across industries and sectors, are aimed at making possible novel solutions to agricultural challenges more quickly and efficiently.

Two collaborations – with IBM Research and with US biotech Maxygen – brought their respective pioneering approaches in data-based prediction modelling, and in the directed evolution of proteins more commonly leveraged in the pharmaceutical industry, together with Syngenta’s world-leading agricultural research and proprietary data sets.

“Helping growers sustainably feed a rapidly growing human population requires a strong collaboration focus, not just across agriculture but across industries,” said Gusui Wu, Global Head of Seeds Research. “Collaboration is at the heart of how our scientists approach innovation every day. It is embedded in our scientific culture, and we are continually seeking out different technologies, solutions, and partners to help us better serve farmers.”

Two collaborations – with IBM Research and

Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability

The B Corp movement is a global movement of people using business as a force for good

Cropin Technology, the global Agtech leader enabling intelligent agriculture announced that it has become a Certified B Corporation (B Corp) for its unwavering commitment to social and environmental progress and redefining sustainable food systems worldwide. The certification is the result of a meticulous assessment of Cropin’s decade-long impact on transforming the agriculture landscape, empowering farmers, and reshaping agribusiness models through its cutting-edge Agtech solutions. The B Corp movement is a global movement of people using business as a Force for Good.

As a prominent B Corp in the Agtech industry, Cropin stands among businesses at the forefront of a global shift for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. The B Corp certification highlights its commitment to excellence across a spectrum of vital areas – governance, employee well-being, community/customer empowerment, environmental impact and a legal commitment to stakeholder governance. It reaffirms Cropin’s substantial strides in making agriculture predictable, traceable, and inherently sustainable, bringing value to all stakeholders in the food systems. This encompasses the empowerment of farmers, contributing to substantial progress in the lives of underserved communities. This certification further underscores Cropin’s significant role in leading the global ‘Ag-intelligence’ movement by;

●      Cropin positively impacts millions worldwide, including women farmers in emerging markets

●      Agri-climate tech solutions deployed  across 103 countries

●      Introduced the world’s first industry cloud for agriculture, driven by a Crop Knowledge Graph encompassing 500 crops and 10,000 crop varieties

●      Built intelligence over 200 million acres of farmland

●      Reimagining agriculture through digitalisation, data, and intelligence for agribusinesses, development agencies, and government stakeholders

The B Corp movement is a global

Climate, Company News, India

The company has also delineated its vision to go operationally climate-impact neutral by 2040

Innoterra, a Swiss Indian tech-driven agri-food platform, has released its 2023 Stakeholder Impact Report that elaborates on the company’s commitment to a sustainable future for both the planet and people. In the report, the company has also delineated its vision to go operationally climate-impact neutral by 2040.

Innoterra, a leader in sustainable agriculture, aims to transform India’s food ecosystem, generating value for emerging economies. Around a decade ago, Innoterra set out to leverage technology to create integrated agri-food businesses in India. Today, Innoterra’s B2B marketplace, Farmlink, connects food system participants, empowering farmers and enabling direct sales for retailers. Operating on a demand-driven model, this open-architecture marketplace facilitates direct sales. Innoterra also has deep experience in working with banana cultivators to grow export-quality bananas has helped in creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.

In a dynamic year marked by the intensifying impacts of climate change on agriculture, Innoterra has consistently worked towards its ESG focus areas and delivered results. The report sums up the achievements of the year, while also sharing the vision and a comprehensive roadmap to achieve operational Net Zero by 2040 that includes R&D, farmer-centric capacity building, local sourcing strategies and investment in cutting-edge digital tools.

The company has also delineated its vision

Bee keeping, Finance, Floriculture, World

The project will focus on enhancing the marketability of honey products by providing access to certification and forward market linkages

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BASA Foundation are collaborating to foster environmentally conscious agriculture and apiculture processes. As part of a recently launched initiative, the two organisations will uplift local honey producers and create opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to sell and market honey-related products. By investing in apiculture – which is focused on increasing the local bee population – the Bank is playing a key role in safeguarding our nation’s agriculture sector, as bees are an essential part of the agricultural cycle. Understanding and protecting pollinators is key to supporting healthy ecosystems and sustainable agriculture. The project will also boost nutrition status by adding honey and honey-based products to people’s diets. The Bank will contribute BDT 29 million to implement this joint project, and in doing so, will help to enhance food hygiene and safety; promote job and value creation; increase sustainable mechanisation; safeguard pollination; promote sustainable agriculture; and empower local actors with end-to-end support.

This initiative between Standard Chartered and BASA Foundation focuses on three core goals. The first is to teach approximately 800 honey farmers – both new and old – about honey production, processing essentials, and maintenance of hygiene parameters. The second aim is to build income generation capacity for all beneficiaries via the provision of mechanisation support and quality management tools. Finally, the project will focus on enhancing the marketability of honey products by providing access to certification and forward market linkages. Beyond these goals, the project will also provide individuals with beekeeping boxes, comb foundation sheet machines, honey extractors, honey processing machines, and food-grade containers for storage and preservation. Branding and marketing support will also be extended to all participants.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, “Apiculture investment not only fosters the growth of honeybee populations but also cultivates a flourishing impact on our nation’s agriculture sector by enhancing crop pollination, biodiversity, and overall agricultural productivity. We are also excited to uplift 800 beekeepers and apiculture entrepreneurs and provide them with new opportunities to innovate and improve their livelihoods. Standard Chartered is proud to partner with BASA Foundation to promote sustainable practices that safeguard our food systems while simultaneously contributing to broader goals of environmental conservation and ecological harmony.”

The project will focus on enhancing the

Agrotech, Company News, Investments

The company aims to expand and diversify its B2B brand, Fasal Fresh, procuring sustainably grown, fully traceable, and high-quality produce from its extensive network of growers covering 75,000+ acres of Farmland enabled by Fasal’s IoT-crop intelligence technology

TDK Corporation announced that TDK Ventures, Inc. has invested in India’s full-stack agriculture pioneer Fasal, in an INR 100cr round co-led by British International Investments to foster its innovative full-stack horticulture optimisation solution and bring it to market. Fasal’s solution has already been proven to improve crop yield and reduce operational costs at an affordable price to the individual farmer. This financing round provides further ammunition to Fasal in its mission to transform the Indian agriculture industry with its full-stack platform anchored on top of its patented IoT-crop intelligence technology and expand further to Southeast Asia markets.

Since the commercialisation of its technology, Fasal has worked with horticulture farmers spanning more than 75,000+ acres growing crops like grapes, pomegranates, bananas, apples, chilli, cardamom, etc. by enabling them to grow more and grow better with its patented IoT-crop intelligence technology. Fasal’s farmers have reduced irrigation water consumption by 82.8 billion litres, pesticide reduction by 127,426 kgs, curbed GHG emissions by 54,965 MT, and increased their yields and quality by up to 30 per cent with the help of technology. Fasal has gone deeper into the value chain by building technology to predict the exact harvesting time, yield, and tentative quality and is utilising this intelligence to bring this sustainably grown, traceable, and high-quality produce to the consumers via its B2B brand ‘Fasal Fresh’.

The company highlights that its technology platform has a traceable supply of over half a billion USD worth of produce, connecting seamlessly with demand across various consumption markets in the supply chain, ensuring 10x more efficient procurement thereby reducing wastages significantly. This technology platform empowers the company to synchronise supply with the most appropriate demand directly at the farm gate before the harvest itself.

The company aims to expand and diversify

Agro Universities, India, People

Raghunathan Narayanan is the co-founder of The Catalyst Group

Raghunathan Narayanan, Co-founder of The Catalyst Group, has been elected Ashoka Senior Fellow 2023 for his transformative approach to empowering smallholder farmers in India, with a primary focus on the 3Fold model and the Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (PIE).

“Traditionally, smallholder farmers were considered as beneficiaries of the public system or savers of the world because when India went through a famine, they worked to produce food for the whole country. However, they remained there without much progress. The way we see it, while they grow food, they are also entrepreneurs,” said Raghunathan.

Recognising the immense potential of agriculture for job creation in India, Raghunathan and his team at Vrutti Livelihood Impact Partners (Catalyst Group) built an entrepreneurial approach to smallholder farming based on learnings from an impact assessment of agricultural interventions in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal areas. By 2009, the first Agriculture Enterprise Facilitation Centre was established, conducting a pilot with 250 farmers.

This led to self-organisation and collaboration among farmers, such as producing bio-pesticides and engaging in initial processing like millet processing for higher incomes. The success prompted scaling to other agroecological zones, with the schemes of five state governments and philanthropic donors aiding in expansion to larger farmer organisations, refining selection criteria, and expanding services. This evolved into the ‘3Fold idea and model,’ integrating farm advisory, input services, financing, and marketing, with technology as an accelerator.

Raghunathan Narayanan is the co-founder of The

R&D, Sustainability, World

The data shows the urgent need for improvement, as well as the potential for shared learning

“The state of food systems worldwide in the countdown to 2030”, published today by The Food Systems Countdown to 2030 Initiative (FSCI), provides the first science-based monitoring to guide decision-makers as they seek the wholesale transformation of the global agriculture and food systems. This transformation is needed urgently both to reduce the environmental impact of these systems and to mitigate the impact of climate change on them. The overarching objective is that all people – especially the most vulnerable – have equitable access to healthy diets through sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems.

The UN Food Systems Summit catalysed agriculture and food system action, though policymakers often lack the data required to drive critical decisions. The FSCI is filling that gap, having identified an indicator framework composed of 50 indicators that monitor agriculture and food systems at a global level, using existing data to enable immediate action. Repurposing existing data, rather than carrying out time-consuming new research, means policymakers have quick access to relevant information.

Following this first global baseline, the FSCI will track agriculture and food systems annually until 2030, updating the framework as needed where new indicators or better data emerge.

Agriculture and food systems play a vital role in meeting all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet the SDGs are insufficient to monitor these systems. The FSCI fills this gap.

Agriculture and food systems transformation is essential if countries are going to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions. Yet this is still an emerging conversation: agriculture and food systems only played a small part in climate negotiations at COP27. They featured more strongly at the recent COP28 where over 150 countries signed the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action and committed to incorporate agriculture and food systems into their climate plans by 2025 – very encouraging progress.

The data shows the urgent need for