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Company News

The AGCO 3D Product Advisor sets new standards in digital product visualisation while reducing complexity, increasing farm productivity, and generating sustainability impacts

AGCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, infrastructure and precision ag technology, has recently received the Red Dot: Best of the Best award in the “Interaction and UX” category with its digital design concept, the AGCO 3D Product Advisor.

“This award is a tremendous honour that recognises one of the innovative, industry-leading solutions that AGCO offers to the world’s farmers,” said Eric Hansotia, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO Corporation. “Creating digital solutions that maximise value while improving long-term sustainability is core to our farmer-first strategy.”

Developed in collaboration with farmers around the world, the AGCO 3D Product Advisor sets new standards in digital product visualisation while reducing complexity, increasing farm productivity, and generating sustainability impacts. Unity Technologies and Infosys Consulting were key partners in developing this solution.

The AGCO 3D Product Advisor sets new

Agrotech

The consultation was attended by more than 140 participants from diverse stakeholders including different state governments, state agriculture universities, ICAR, agritech start-ups, agri industry

The Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Government of India in association with the World Economic Forum (WEF), India organised a one-day stakeholder consultation on Public Private Partnership in Digital Agriculture on July 11, 2022.

It was chaired by Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. Ahuja referred to the Union Budget speech for 2022-23 which reads out a policy vision on “Delivery of digital and hi-tech services to farmers with involvement of public sector research and extension institutions along with private agri-tech player and stakeholders of agri value chain”.

Subsequently, Rajeev Chawla, Chief Knowledge Officer (A&FW) shared insights on the conceptual framework on Public Private Partnership for Digital Agriculture. He also shared pertinent points on data sharing, technology validation and need of a sandbox.

From state perspective, Ajit Kesari, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture, Madhya Pradesh also shared his views on digital agriculture and its potential stressing the need for a framework for bringing technology into agriculture.

The consultation was attended by more than 140 participants from diverse stakeholders including different state governments, state agriculture universities, ICAR, agritech start-ups, agri industry, banks, think tank, civil society, and farmer organisations.

The consultation was attended by more than

Agrotech, Finance

Total funding amount is $17 million which will be used to fund commercialisation and continued development the technology

Hico Capital, a subsidiary of SK networks based in US, has invested in a US AgTech startup. SK networks has announced on June 30(CDT) that the company will invest $4 million, via Hico Capital, its US investment subsidiary, in the Series A round for tractor automation solution provider, Sabanto (based in Chicago, Illinois, USA). Total funding amount is $17 million which will be used to fund commercialisation and continued development the technology.

Sabanto is a startup offering an automation solution for farming tractors and differentiates itself from competitors by delivering an automation solution deployable in conventional tractors currently in operation. In addition, as the solution is offered as an open platform, it is compatible with most of the tractor brands.

Hico Capital has made its investment decision based on the considerable growth potential of AgTech industry as well as Sabanto’s differentiated technologies. The US agriculture industry faces a series of challenges including aging farmers, shortage of labour, and rising costs, which have prompted the government and the market to consider automation technology as a possible solution.

Samuel Kim, Managing Director at Hico Capital commented, “The AgTech industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States, and Sabanto’s automation tech offerings will not only boost the operational efficiency of tractors but also contribute to the sustainability in agriculture.”

Total funding amount is $17 million which will be

R&D

The acquisition adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to FMC’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline

FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company. The acquisition adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to FMC’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline, underscoring FMC’s role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions.

BioPhero has pioneered a highly efficient yeast fermentation process for manufacturing pheromones at significantly lower costs and with fewer production steps compared to competitors’ traditional chemical synthesis methods. Lower costs expand the pheromone addressable market from today’s focus on specialty fruit and vegetables to now include the large row crop market. FMC expects pheromones and pheromone-based products to contribute approximately $1 billion in revenue at above company-average EBITDA margin by 2030.

Mark Douglas, FMC president and chief executive officer, said, “BioPhero is a pioneer in the production of pheromones through a unique, highly efficient bio processing method—a game-changer in pheromone manufacturing technology. FMC’s broad market access, leadership position in the high-value insecticide market, formulation know-how and application expertise provide significant opportunities to bring sustainably advantaged pheromone technology to more agricultural markets around the world. We look forward to adding an extensive pheromone platform to our biologicals business and welcoming the BioPhero team to FMC.”

Pheromones can be used in an integrated pest management program to control the buildup of insect populations in farmers’ fields by disrupting the insect mating process, reducing overall egg-laying by adults and decreasing the next generation of the target insect population.

The acquisition adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone

Agrotech, Finance

The investment is the first transaction for 57 Stars Direct Impact Fund and the second investment for 57 Stars Global Innovation Fund 2

57 Stars LLC, an independent global alternative investment firm targeting high-growth sectors driven by technological innovation, has announced that it has led a $40 million investment in WayCool Foods & Products Private Limited, India’s leading food and agri-tech platform. The investment is the first transaction for 57 Stars Direct Impact Fund and the second investment for 57 Stars Global Innovation Fund 2.

WayCool provides farmers with cohesive solutions, potentially increasing their income by up to 30 per cent while reducing food waste by up to 70 per cent.

57 Stars’ investment exemplifies the firm’s commitment to sustainable development and its dedicated impact investing strategy, which seeks to deliver compelling financial returns alongside meaningful positive social and/or environmental impacts.

Chinna Pardhasaradhi, CFO, WayCool, said “We are happy to partner with 57 Stars in the next phase of our journey. This investment illustrates the continuing confidence of mature global investors in fundamentally sound businesses delivering lasting impact.”

The investment is the first transaction for

Agrotech

The new partnership will promote Evonik’s agribusiness capabilities and help to leverage its innovation in the area through better connections to the regional agribusiness ecosystem

Evonik has recently entered into a technological cooperation agreement with the AgTech Garage innovation centre in the Piracicaba Technology Park, in the state of Sao Paolo. The new partnership will promote Evonik’s agribusiness capabilities and help to leverage its innovation in the area through better connections to the regional agribusiness ecosystem.

“We are committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the South American agricultural market. This partnership with AgTech Garage will help us to strongly connect with large companies and startups to promote and develop new technologies for the agricultural industry through open innovation”, said Diego Abreu, Global Marketing Head of Evonik Interface & Performance’s agricultural market segment.

AgTech Garage is one of the world’s main innovation hubs specialising in agrobusiness, promoting initiatives that connects startups, producers, investors, academics, scientists, and other stakeholders to develop technological solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, competitive, and socially inclusive agribusiness across the entire value chain. With established partnerships and the support of leading companies, AgTech Garage’s network provides an innovation dynamic: open, connected, collaborative and agile.

The new partnership will promote Evonik's agribusiness

Environment, Supply Chain

The two companies said the partnership would allow hemp farmers to take advantage of PanXchange’s deep knowledge of commodity trading

PanXchange, the industry market structure solution and benchmark price provider for US hemp, and the Washington DC-based National Industrial Hemp Council of America announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will support the growth of financial incentives for carbon sequestration for the US industrial hemp market.

Julie Lerner, founder, and CEO of PanXchange commented, “Partnering with a strong hemp membership and advocacy organisation like NIHC will help grow industrial hemp markets and related climate-smart agricultural practices across the supply chain.”

The two companies said the partnership would allow hemp farmers to take advantage of PanXchange’s deep knowledge of commodity trading and the potential impact of implementing climate-smart practices specifically for hemp growing and processing.

PanXchange is rolling out a transparent carbon program that provides farmers a viable path toward financial rewards for implementing regenerative agricultural practices. Moreover, Lerner explains that the PanXchange program gives farmers full ownership of the carbon credits earned and full agency to market the credits directly to buyers through its online trade platform.

The company already has 31,000 acres of croplands committed to the program for the 2023 crop year.

“Carbon sequestration and the voluntary carbon market are part of hemp’s renaissance and will be an important part of North American agriculture. This partnership will be a value-add for American farmers who choose to grow hemp.  Producers and the companies using these raw goods will also benefit alongside American consumers who will ultimately fulfill the promise of hemp’s potential to power our climate-smart economy,” said Patrick Atagi, President and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council of America.

The two companies said the partnership would

Agrotech, Company News

The exclusive license and supply agreement will allow UPL to commercialise a new biocontrol technology from Agrauxine in the United States

UPL, a global leader in sustainable agriculture solutions, has recently announced a strategic collaboration with Agrauxine by Lesaffre, a subsidiary of Lesaffre company specializing in biological crop solutions. The exclusive license and supply agreement will allow UPL to commercialise a new biocontrol technology from Agrauxine in the United States.

The collaboration with Agrauxine broadens the biological offerings that NPP will deliver in the United States. A new biocontrol technology from the collaboration is awaiting US EPA registration, expected later in 2022.

Agrauxine by Lesaffre is a business unit of Lesaffre, a key global player in fermentation for more than a century. Based in France, Agrauxine develops, manufactures and commercialises biosolutions from selected natural strains of fungi, bacteria and yeast microorganisms.

“Agrauxine is a recognised global innovator in the development of sustainable solutions derived from microorganisms that address critical challenges of growers,” says Jim Petta, Natural Plant Protection Head, North America. “This partnership is a natural for us, and it’s a collaboration that will strengthen our BioSolutions product pipeline to deliver enhanced value for US growers.”

Says Hugo Bony, CEO, Agrauxine by Lesaffre, “We have strong ambitions for growth in the U.S. market. We’re looking forward to our partnership with UPL to deliver this new biocontrol technology derived from microorganisms that will help growers overcome crop stresses during germination, emergence and early plant growth.”

The exclusive license and supply agreement will

AgroPolicy, Interaction

The two countries agreed to expeditiously finalise a new MoU for agricultural cooperation so that rapid progress can be made on various bilateral agricultural issues

The visiting Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Nepal, Mahendra Rai Yadav, held a meeting with the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar on June 8, 2022. During the meeting, Tomar assured all possible cooperation from India’s side to Nepal. Also, the two countries agreed to expeditiously finalise a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for agricultural cooperation so that rapid progress can be made on various bilateral agricultural issues.

Tomar spoke of strengthening cooperation with Nepal in all fields including agriculture and informed that India has made great progress in the field of research and development in agriculture and allied sectors. Tomar said that Nepal can learn from the Indian agricultural system, whenever required.

The Nepalese Minister requested the agriculture minister Tomar to extend cooperation in the field of agriculture technology, Murrah buffalo breed, resolution of quarantine issues at border points and supply of animal vaccines etc. Tomar assured the Nepal delegation of early resolution of the issues raised by them.

The two countries agreed to expeditiously finalise

Environment

The company plans increase the initiative to 100,000 acres of spring Maize

Gram Unnati, India’s first integrated agri-tech solutions company, worked closely with multiple stakeholders to help farmers in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand save 4,000 liters per acre by bringing climate-compatible agriculture to over 5,000 acres of farmland.

In what may become a lesson in climate compatible agriculture to millions of Indian farmers, Gram Unnati worked closely with the local district administration, local maize processors, input companies, and lead farmers in a short span of 18 months prompting 2,000 farmers to switch to climate-compatible crops that are commercially viable as well. 

Commenting on the success of the project, Aneesh Jain, CEO and Founder, Gram Unnati, said, “The success of the project comes at a time when we are dealing with acute water shortage across the world. According to the United Nations, by 2050 more than five billion people could be affected by water scarcity. India, which constitutes 16 per cent of the total world population, has access to a meagre 4 per cent of the world’s water resources. The success of our pilot project in Uttarakhand will impact other farmers to shift towards climate compatible crops without having an impact on yield and returns.” 

“Gram Unnati intends to scale up this intervention to 100,000 acres of Spring Maize in the next five years. Not only would this reduce dependency on groundwater resources, but it will also help in making agriculture more remunerative for the farmers and more sustainable for the environment,” Jain added. 

The company plans increase the initiative to

Agrotech, Cold Storage, R&D

ICAR-DOGR, Maharashtra has signed the Technology License Agreement of “Controlled Onion Storage Structure Technology” with Kala Biotech Private Limited through AgrInnovate India Limited

The ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra has signed the Technology License Agreement of “Controlled Onion Storage Structure Technology” with Kala Biotech Private Limited through AgrInnovate India Limited, New Delhi on June 2, 2022.

The Tripartite Technology License Agreement was signed by ICAR-DOGR, Pune, with M/s. Kala Biotech Private Limited and Agrinnovate India, New Delhi.

Dr Major Singh, Director, ICAR-DOGR, Pune and Manoj Phutane, Managing Director, M/s. Kala Biotech Private Limited signed the Agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Dr Singh stated that the innovative storage technology will prove as an important intervention for the Onion price stabilisation. He underlined the development of the technology in the Public Private Partnership Mode between the ICAR-DOGR, Pune and Kala Biotech Private Limited.

Dr Singh accentuated that the traditional Onion Storage Technologies are naturally ventilated, small scale and unable to control the losses during the adverse climatic conditions. The modern Controlled Onion Storage Structure will be worthy to store the Onion in bulk quantities and with minimum losses for the storage period of 4 to 6 Months.

ICAR-DOGR, Maharashtra has signed the Technology License Agreement of “Controlled

R&D

The demand and importance for precision agriculture is growing significantly in EU countries

ABACO Group, Europe’s leading player in software solutions for land resource management and control with a primary focus on precision agriculture and environmental sustainability, partnered with MarketsandMarkets, a revenue impact and advisory firm, to better understand and expand its geographic reach across Europe and Latin America. The demand and importance for precision agriculture is growing significantly in EU countries. MarketsandMarkets leveraged its Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, to help ABACO assess the adoption rate and market potential for their agricultural technologies in the target countries.

Key findings –

  • Europe holds 27 per cent of the global precision agriculture market i.e., $2.1 billion currently and is predicted to be valued at $4.2 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 14 per cent.
  • The crop monitoring market in Europe is expected to hold 29 per cent of the total market share by 2026, reaching a value of $1.5 billion and estimated to grow at 16.4 per cent CAGR over the next five years.
  • The GIS market in Europe is currently valued at $2.6 billion and is projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 12.6 per cent by 2026. MarketsandMarkets expert analysts helped ABACO with the competitive benchmarking

Antonio Samaritani, CEO, ABACO Group said, “It is very important for us to have a constantly updated view of what is happening globally in the industry. The technological landscape is evolving very quickly, and it is vital that we understand these changes before they take place so that we can accompany our customers on this evolutionary path and bring our expertise outside of Europe. The growth in the market for precision agriculture has opened new vistas for ABACO, because of which we could partner with MarketsandMarkets to fund a worldwide market study on adoption rate and market potential.”

The demand and importance for precision agriculture

Agrotech

The technology uses organic materials such as wastewater as input and offers a dual benefit of bioelectricity generation and waste management

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati  has recently developed a bio-electrochemical device, Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) that can generate green energy by treating wastewater.

The use of organic material such as wastewater in MFC makes it an eco-friendly device that offers a dual benefit of bioelectricity generation and waste management. This research was supported by a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

The research was led by Prof Mihir Kumar Purkait along with his PhD student Mukesh Sharma, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati. They developed a bio-electrochemical device that converts chemical energy contained in organic substrates into electrical energy through microbes.

Commending the work of the research team. Prof T G Sitharam, Director IIT Guwahati, said, “This development has provided an excellent sustainable energy source along with treating several wastewaters. After scaling the process, it can be used as a source of clean energy using municipal wastewater and other such areas economically.”

Explaining the long-term impact of the research Prof Mihir Kumar Purkait, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “Further implementation of this process may provide an excellent alternative to several costlier renewable energy extraction processes. The conducted study reveals that the prepared CEMs are cheaper and perform better as compared to the several reported membranes, assisting in the separation of charges and potential development.”

The present research of IIT Guwahati is dedicated to synthesising several novel high-performance Cation Exchange Membranes (CEMs) comprising a polymeric blend of several high-end polymers doped with Cellulose Acetate (CA) and other modifiers like Graphene Oxide (GO) to obtain membranes with high Ion Exchange Capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity.

The technology uses organic materials such as

Agrotech

Adani Defence & Aerospace has acquired strategic stake in digital led leading agri-drone solution provider General Aeronautics

Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into definitive agreements for acquiring 50 per cent equity stake in agricultural drone start up – General Aeronautics. 
 General Aeronautics, a Bangalore based start-up specialises in developing robotic drones to offer tech enabled crop protection services, crop health monitoring, precision farming and yield monitoring using artificial intelligence and data analytics while working very closely with the farmers and agricultural chemical companies. General Aeronautics also has the presence of some reputed venture capital firms like Mela Ventures, founded by former Mindtree founders.

“The cross-industry application of drones is nearly limitless and continues to make great strides. It offers countries like ours the opportunity to leapfrog generations of infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, agriculture and defence advancements and break several process barriers. When combined with next generation imaging technologies, longer battery life, edge based artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, the possibilities are endless. The partnership between General Aeronautics and Adani Defence & Aerospace fuses our military and civilian objectives by integrating several capabilities Adani Group’s military UAV capabilities with the capabilities of General Aeronautics thereby providing us with a platform with far reaching possibilities” said Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace.

The acquisition aligns to the objectives of Adani Defence & Aerospace in providing a platform to startups and MSMEs for rapid growth and scalability of innovative technologies.

Adani Defence & Aerospace has acquired strategic