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HomePosts Tagged "Ajai Rana"
AgroPolicy, India, Opinions, Seeds

  FSII emphasises the urgent need for a comprehensive, balanced, and forward-looking national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops, as recommended by the Supreme Court.

The recent launch of 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crop varieties by Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicates a significant advancement in Indian agriculture. These innovative crops, engineered to thrive even under challenging climatic conditions such as droughts, are poised to significantly boost farmers’ productivity within the next three years, thereby strengthening the nation’s food and nutrition security.

 While commenting on release of high-yielding seed varieties by Government, Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD, Savannah Seeds said, “The seed industry enthusiastically applauds this initiative and emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive, balanced, and forward-looking national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops, as recommended by the Honourable Supreme Court. Such a policy is crucial for fully realizing the transformative potential of biotechnology in agriculture, ensuring that Indian farmers can harness these innovations for sustainable growth and enhanced food security. The time has come for a unified national GM policy to streamline regulatory processes, encourage innovation, and drive progress in agricultural biotechnology for the greater good of the nation.”

  FSII emphasises the urgent need for a

AgroPolicy, India, R&D, Seeds

The review of agricultural research will ensure high productivity and development of climate-resilient varieties, which is a crucial step forward for seed industry.

 Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) & CEO & MD Savannah Seeds shared his views on the Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The seed industry welcomes the budget 2024-2025, which has allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture and allied sectors, marking an increase from the Rs 1.25 lakh crore allocated in 2023. This budget has rightfully kept farmers at its core, identifying agriculture and its allied sectors as a top priority among the nine key focus areas. The emphasis on Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture highlights a strategic direction to strengthen the sector.

The push towards agricultural research in India is a significant concern for the seed industry. The finance minister has addressed this concern by announcing a comprehensive review of the agricultural research setup. This review will ensure high productivity and development of climate-resilient varieties, which is a crucial step forward for our industry.

Moreover, the announcement of the release of 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops is a monumental step. This landmark initiative will address the detrimental effects of droughts and floods on agriculture, safeguarding farmers from crop losses and ensuring food security and stable incomes. Introducing these resilient crop varieties will support farmers through innovative agricultural practices.

India’s agriculture sector has recently emphasised the need to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses. In 2022-23, the country imported 165 million metric tonnes of edible oils. The announcement of a mission for pulses and oilseeds is a strategic move towards achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), potentially saving India substantial amounts in import costs and strengthening domestic production.

The launch of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aims to significantly boost rural connectivity, thereby fostering rural prosperity and attracting substantial capital, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in the agriculture sector. The government’s steadfast commitment to facilitating the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture, in collaboration with states, will modernise the sector and enhance its efficiency. Integrating the details of 6 crore farmers and their lands into centralized farmer and land registries will streamline agricultural management and support systems.

However, cotton should have also been included in this mission. A dedicated cotton technology mission is crucial to address the challenges faced by the cotton sector. Additionally, the budget missed providing tax benefits for the seed industry on research investments. Restoring the 200 per cent IT deduction that the industry has been advocating for would have been beneficial & is a miss in the budget.

The budget 2024-2025 reflects a comprehensive and progressive approach to strengthening India’s agriculture sector. The Federation of Seed Industry of India applauds these initiatives and looks forward to contributing to the nation’s agricultural advancement.

The review of agricultural research will ensure

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Foodgrains, India, Seeds

 Field trials of this technology have been undertaken over past three years in Chhattisgarh.

At a program attended by over 1000 farmers from across the region at Bemetara, Savannah Seeds launched its groundbreaking FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution to the Indian market in collaboration with ADAMA India, a leading global crop protection company on Saturday. Specifically designed for direct-seeded rice (DSR), FullPage brings together SmartRice® genetics, SQUAD™ seed treatment, the FullPage unique IMI herbicide tolerance trait, and ADAMA’s Vezir® herbicide. As a comprehensive rice cropping system, FullPage is poised to reshape rice cultivation in India.

A new technological solution launched promises to be a panacea for age-old problem of rice growers in Chhattisgarh grappling with wild rice. The FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution will save farmers up to Rs 6000 per acre and enhance their yields by 25-40 per cent. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25-30 per cent. This is a boon for farmers of over 60 lakh hectares in the state who use Direct Seeding of Rice or DSR method of planting paddy.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of FSII and Managing Director and CEO of Savannah Seeds said, “The FullPage® cropping solution will bring about a revolution in rice cultivation by addressing the critical issue of weed management. It not only enhances farmers’ incomes but also conserves water, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, thus safeguarding our environment for future generations.”

Despite being among the top rice producing states, rice farmers in Chhattisgarh face a significant challenge from wild rice, which grows alongside regular rice and is almost indistinguishable until the kernels begin to bud. This wild variety can reduce yields by 25 to 30 percent. Herbicides are not a viable solution because they also harm regular rice, making manual weeding the only effective method. Manual weeding is labour-intensive and costly, ranging from Rs 6000 to Rs 10000 per acre.

“FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution offers an innovative solution to this problem eliminating the need for manual weeding and saving farmers ’money while increasing yields. This technology has been successfully demonstrated in Chhattisgarh over the past three years and is now commercially launched in the state,” informed Rana.

This cutting-edge solution offers a comprehensive four-pronged advantage. Engineered specifically for DSR, FullPage® integrates smart genetics to optimize crop performance. With its SQUAD seed treatment, FullPage® guarantees uniform germination, promoting robust initial growth and plant vigor. Unlike conventional methods, FullPage® technology eliminates the risk of phytotoxicity to the crop, ensuring uninterrupted growth and maximum yield potential.

Traditional DSR practices often struggle with weed management and inconsistent germination, leading to lower yields. To address this challenge in rice farming, the FullPage® Rice Cropping solution integrates ADAMA’s Vezir® herbicide that controls weeds like weedy/red/feral rice and barnyard grass in Imazethapyr-tolerant hybrid rice. It gives growers reliable, broad-spectrum grass and broadleaf weed control.

“We’re thrilled to partner with RiceTec in introducing the FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution to India. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions for rice farmers, tailored to their needs,” said Sahin Ozkan, CEO of ADAMA India.

 He further explained, “FullPage® not only tackles weed management challenges but also promotes sustainability, aligning with the most advanced agricultural practices in the world. With its advanced technology and benefits like reduced groundwater usage and increased yields, FullPage® offers a new approach to rice cultivation. We’re dedicated to supporting the adoption of FullPage® among Indian farmers.”

FullPage® is a total-package rice cropping system that is fully supported by a team of technical service representatives to make a positive impact on today’s farmers. The Savannah team has conducted nearly 500 demonstrations, reaching more than 17,000 farmers through field visits and demonstrations. Farmers quickly recognized the benefits of the FullPage system, favoring direct seeding over transplanting.

 Field trials of this technology have been

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, India, Interaction, Seeds

The experts highlighted the opportunities and challenges in effectively leveraging intellectual property to drive innovation and competitiveness in the seed and biotechnology sectors in India.

The agriculture sector in India is seeing a tremendous shift as it rapidly adopts new technology and innovations. A strong environment for intellectual property rights (IPR) is essential for India to fulfil its goals of becoming a “viksit” by 2047 and maintain its current pace of progress towards Amrit Kaal. Distinguished experts from the seed industry emphasised the importance of a strong intellectual property rights (IPR) environment and effective enforcement at a national conference called “Innovate, Protect, Prosper: Role of Intellectual Property Protection in taking India’s Seed Sector to the Next Level,” which was organised by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) on May 3 2024.

The experts highlighted the opportunities and challenges in effectively leveraging intellectual property to drive innovation and competitiveness in the seed and biotechnology sectors in India. In order to boost innovation and competition in India’s seed and biotechnology industries, the experts discussed the pros and cons of utilising intellectual property. Improving IP protection and enforcement processes, especially in the seed and biotech industries, easing the process of knowledge transfer and licensing agreements, understanding and complying with complicated regulatory frameworks, and raising stakeholder awareness and ability are all obstacles.

“The acceleration of new innovations and technologies needed for faster growth of agriculture depends on an enabling environment for intellectual property rights protection,” stated Dr Raj S. Paroda, Founder and Chairman of the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS). Innovators are encouraged to do better, invest, and create when they are convinced that their rights will be protected. Spending on breeding new, high-yielding types and hybrids that can withstand both natural and artificial challenges is one good example. The good news is that PPVFRA has given India a one-of-a-kind intellectual property framework that safeguards the interests of both plant breeders and farmers.

Many countries have learned the hard way that they need to strike a balance when it comes to intellectual property rights. Encouraging innovation and investment requires robust IP protection. Innovation may be accelerated and complex problems can be tackled with the help of collaborative research efforts, public-private partnerships, and open innovation frameworks.

India takes a progressive approach towards PVP learning from global best practices in intellectual property rights (IPR) for seeds and agricultural biotechnology. “We must also remember the rights of farmers as custodians of traditional varieties and the need for benefit sharing,” according to Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), who emphasised the significance of IP learning for the Indian seed industry. An effective intellectual property rights framework will do two things: encourage innovation and guarantee access to technology.

“For the common good of all parties involved, including farmers, conferences like this one are essential in raising seed and biotech industry and regulatory sector IP protection awareness, as well as in fostering discussion and cooperation among stakeholders regarding IP protection strategies, regulatory hurdles, and the trajectory of technology transfer in agriculture going forward.” “Additionally,” Dr Mohapatra stated.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of the FSII and Managing Director and CEO of Savannah Seeds, made the following statement regarding the importance of a well-rounded intellectual property rights (IPR) environment for the seed industry: “There needs to be a multi-faceted and collaborative approach towards building an effective policy and regulatory framework around IPR particularly in the seed industry. To achieve this goal, we must reform our laws, strengthen our institutions, include our stakeholders, and work together internationally to spur innovation that will allow us to address our most critical issues.”

Rana reiterated the need for improved internal intellectual property rights protection and enforcement and pushed for more public-private partnerships to boost R&D initiatives.

India can overcome the challenges it is facing in its seed and biotechnology sectors by developing a sophisticated IP strategy that draws on international best practices and insights. This approach can foster innovation, promote technology transfer, and overcome other obstacles.

By Nitin Konde

The experts highlighted the opportunities and challenges

Agrotech, Foodgrains, India, Interaction, Seeds, Sustainability

Experts opined at a conference “DSR for Sustainable & Profitable Rice Production” organised by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) in New Delhi.

 Direct-seeded rice (DSR) has the potential to bring a reduction in water consumption, cut methane emissions, minimize soil erosion, reduce manual labour, and provide better crop residue management in rice cultivation in India. DSR is a result-oriented and successful method for sustainable rice cultivation in India. The success of DSR lies with the farmers’ confidence. Farmers need confidence that they will get better yield, their plants will establish well, and effectively manage weeds, pests and diseases, experts opined at a conference “DSR for Sustainable & Profitable Rice Production” organised by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) at The Park Hotel, New Delhi today.

Rice is India’s leading foodgrain crop and is a staple food for the 1.4 billion population of the country. Grown in a variety of agro-climatic zones, according to industry estimates, rice is responsible for 50 per cent of crop-related methane emissions and approximately 40 percent of water consumption in agriculture, leading to depleting groundwater levels, soil degradation due to water runoff, and intensive manual labour in traditional and transplanted rice cultivation.

To successfully drive this transition from transplanted puddled rice to DSR with minimum fear and risk, allowing farmers to experience first-hand convenience and an equivalent or higher return on investment would require the agri input industry to closely work with the Central and state governments, plant breeders, farm machinery industry and farmers.

Speaking on the research and development in the field of DSR techniques, Dr AK Singh, Director, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), said, “Ongoing research and development efforts in the field of agriculture aim to improve DSR techniques, develop new varieties, and address any challenges associated with its adoption, ensuring continuous improvement and sustainability. In essence, Direct Seeded Rice in India represents a shift towards more sustainable, resource-efficient, and economically viable rice cultivation practices. As the agricultural landscape evolves, DSR will play a crucial role in meeting the demand of a growing population while addressing environmental and economic challenges.”

“Farmers need to adopt appropriate practices, such as selecting suitable rice varieties and managing weeds effectively, to maximize the benefits of this cultivation method. DSR eliminates the labour-intensive process of rice transplantation, saving on labour costs. Since DSR reduces the duration of flooded fields compared to traditional rice cultivation, it contributes to lower methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas associated with flooded rice fields, leading to climate change and global warming,” Dr Singh added.

Speakers during the inaugural session discussed how remunerative is DSR for farmers as compared to traditional and transplanted rice cultivation, challenges in the adoption of DSR, training and capacity building of farmers, developing an ecosystem to encourage DSR adoption and synergies between Central and state government policies.

Addressing the conference, Ajai Rana, Chairman, FSII and Managing Director & CEO, Savannah Seeds, said, “The industry sees DSR as a technological advancement in rice cultivation. Direct seeding through machinery and drones, has the potential to further enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on manual labour, aligning with the modernization trends in Indian agriculture. The shift toward DSR creates opportunities for agribusinesses involved in the production and distribution of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and farm machinery. As more farmers adopt DSR, the demand for suitable inputs and equipment is likely to increase.”

“With a growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, the industry recognizes DSR as a practice that contributes to resource conservation. The reduced water usage and lower methane emissions align with global sustainability goals, making DSR an attractive option for environmentally conscious stakeholders. The reduced need for water and seedling nurseries contributes to overall cost reduction in terms of inputs and resources. This is particularly crucial in regions facing water scarcity. DSR is a win-win situation for the farmers. While reducing costs, DSR provides better yields which results in better incomes for farmers.” Rana added.

The benefits of DSR are well known as it is resource efficient, environment and soil friendly, has higher yields and less manpower requirement due to the shift from flooded to direct seeding system which leads to variation in water, tillage, nutrients, the crop faces challenges of weeds, pest and diseases attacks, and lodging.

The majority of rice farmers constantly struggle with issues of water availability and cultivation costs. Rice is a staple food and has good export potential. At the same time, this rice is resource-intensive and has a severe impact on the environment. DSR promises to address these challenges however this requires the support of government policies and procurement systems to encourage farmers to switch from traditional rice cultivation methods to DSR.

Ultimately, industry players evaluate the economic viability of DSR both for farmers and the broader agricultural value chain. The potential for increased yields reduced input costs, and improved sustainability positions DSR as a valuable component of the agricultural landscape in India.

By Nitin Konde

Experts opined at a conference “DSR for

AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

FSII appreciates the GST rationalisations on seeds raw materials and services, and Atmanirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyan.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim Union Budget for forthcoming financial year (2024-25) in the parliament.FM announced schemes and special programmes for the various sectors of agriculture.

While sharing the post-budget reaction on behalf of Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) Ajai Rana, Chairman, FSII, CEO and Managing Director, Savannah Seeds Pvt Ltd said that having steered the economy to a glorious path in the last one decade with progressive reforms in agriculture, it is heartening to see the Finance Minister spell out the vision for making India Viksit by 2047 that relies on continued momentum on advances made so far. The Seed Industry is particularly happy to see the emphasis given on oilseeds and the imperative to make the sector self-reliant in this interim Budget.

We welcome the Finance Minister’s announcement on Atmanirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyan with a focused strategy on achieving self-reliance in oilseeds, such as mustard, groundnut, soyabean, sesame and sunflower. This is a timely and effective step that shall augment our aspirations to become self-reliant in this critical sector. As India continues to make rapid strides towards being a world leader, it is vital that we embrace globally approved technologies. The industry applauds Government’s focus on high yielding varieties of seeds, adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition and crop insurance.

The Rs 1 lakh crore R&D corpus allocation for 50 years with low or nil interest is a visionary move guided by Hon PM’s focus on Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigya & Jai Anusandhan.

The focus on reform, perform and transform has been evident in the Government’s work in the last one decade. We sincerely hope in the Full Budget after the new government, we shall see the spirit reflected in aspirations of the seeds industry by way of GST rationalizations on seeds raw materials and services, deductions on R&D expenses, progressive environment for enabling more investments in the sector.

FSII appreciates the GST rationalisations on seeds

Agrotech, India, People, Seeds

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company as Vice Chairman.

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), the prominent industry association of R&D based seed companies in India, is delighted to announce the successful leadership transition with Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds Private Limited, assuming the role of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. FSII held its Annual General Meeting on 25 Sep 2023, which marked the occasion of the new leadership team formally taking over the mantle.

 Rajvir Rathi, Head – Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability IBSL and Lead – Traits Licensing Business, Bayer CropScience Limited and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited, assumed the roles of Vice Chairmen. Dr Venkatram Vasantavada, MD & CEO, SeedWorks International Private Limited, took charge as the Finance Director. 

The new leadership team expressed their profound gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the founding and former Board members who, since its inception, have been instrumental in shaping FSII into a respected industry association at the forefront of India’s seed sector.

FSII’s rich legacy, built upon the vision and relentless dedication of these early pioneers, has led to its establishment as a pioneering industry association for the Indian seed sector. Over the years, FSII has achieved remarkable growth, recognition, and respect within the industry, primarily due to the tireless commitment of those who have steered its course.

Under the guidance of the newly appointed leadership, FSII is now poised to take its mission to the next level. With a renewed focus on becoming a ‘knowledge-driven’ federation of research-based seed companies in India, FSII aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian seed sector. The organization envisions a future where innovative research, sustainable practices, and knowledge-sharing will drive the industry to new heights.

“On behalf of the new leadership team, we acknowledge the great efforts of our founding and former leadership who have brought FSII to what it is today as the voice of Indian seed sector. FSII is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future, leading the way towards a knowledge-driven and prosperous Indian seed sector. Our commitment is unwavering, and we are determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors. As we embark on this exciting journey of leadership continuity and renewed focus, we invite all the industry stakeholders, partners, and collaborators to join hands with us in shaping the future of the Indian seed sector. Together, we can collectively contribute to the growth, sustainability, and prosperity of this most important industry.” said Ajai Rana on the occasion.

FSII’s leadership transition represents a vital step on the continuum of progress, ensuring that the organization remains relevant, dynamic, and influential in the years to come. The new team is dedicated to preserving the values and vision of FSII while simultaneously adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.

Focusing on strategic stakeholder engagement and targeted policy advocacy, FSII is all set to bolster its collaboration with Central and State governments, various Ministries, departments, and statutory bodies to ensure that policy and regulatory frameworks are holistic and conducive to the growth of the seed industry and aligned with nation’s Amrit Kaal aspirations.

This leadership transition not only ensures that FSII remains agile and expands its sphere of influence in the ever-evolving Indian seed industry but also places a strong emphasis on fostering enhanced collaboration and communication with key stakeholders.

FSII will actively seek collaboration and partnerships with industry players, research institutions, academia, scientific fraternity, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and knowledge exchange within the sector. FSII committed to disseminating industry insights and promoting best practices among its members and stakeholders.

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, Interaction

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was addressing the knowledge sharing session ‘Harnessing Agriculture’s Potential- 2035’, organised by FICCI.

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India said that it is imperative to adopt technology and create infrastructure to build a resilient agriculture sector in India.

Addressing the knowledge sharing session ‘Harnessing Agriculture’s Potential- 2035’, organised by FICCI, Kumar stated that earlier the government had a production centric approach in the agriculture sector but now we focus on the entire value chain. Every country across the world is embracing newer technology, following innovative ways to build a strong agriculture value chain. “By adopting these measures along with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can make Indian agriculture sector more robust, resilient, climate smart to match the global standards,” he added.

To promote infrastructure in the agriculture sector, Kumar said that the government introduced agriculture infrastructure fund scheme. “Till date, close to Rs 30,000 crore has been disbursed for these projects and this in turn has brought in investments around Rs 50,500 crore. This is going to change the landscape of the agriculture sector in the country as it is through infrastructure only that we can address the other inefficiencies in the supply chain,” he added.

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, YARA South Asia said, “The agri-channels who have been in this space for over 50 years are the original start-ups of Indian agriculture- they believed in the future of Indian agriculture and committed themselves to making India self-sufficient by serving farmers with right agri inputs and technology support. Channel partners must be recognized for providing the last-mile connectivity from lab to land.”

Siraj Hussain, Advisor, FICCI and Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt of India said, “FICCI is thrilled to have partnered with Yara India for this knowledge-sharing event, ‘Harnessing Agriculture’s Potential – 2035’. This partnership opens doors to explore needs of input dealers and channel partners.”

Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds Pvt Ltd said that we can improve our farm production by utilizing high-quality seeds, proper crop nutrition, and efficient mechanization in the farming process.

Kaushal Jaiswal, Co-Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee and MD, Rivulis Irrigation India Pvt Ltd said with so much potential in the agriculture sector, it becomes imperative that the Agri channel partners are suitably identified, supported and handheld so as to mainstream them for the long run. 

Deepak Verma, Domain Lead- Agriculture, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) said that ONDC brings all technology providers on one platform to provide unified solutions to the end user.

Arvind Chaudhary, Director General, Fertilizer Association of India said that there is a need to create awareness about balance use of fertilizers in farming.

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry