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Wednesday / April 16. 2025

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Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Company News, India, Sustainability

Biomass Incorporator (Modified Mould Board Plough with Clod Crusher) simultaneously performs the function of mould board plough along with breaking big soil clods.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, inked a pact with Rajarh Agricultural Works, Mullanpur (Ludhiana) for the commercialisation of Biomass Incorporator. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, and Gurdeep Singh signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. Dr Mahesh Kumar, ADR (Agri Engineering); Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing & IPR Cell; Dr Mahesh Kumar Narang, Head, Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering; Dr. Rohinish Khurana, Professor and Dr. Aseem Verma, Scientist, Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering were also present on the occasion. Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt congratulated the Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering for the commercialisation of the technology.

Dr. Aseem Verma shared that PAU has been granted a patent for this machine by the Controller of Patents, Government of India. He added that Biomass Incorporator (Modified Mould Board Plough with Clod Crusher) simultaneously performs the function of mould board plough along with breaking big soil clods. This reduces the number of secondary tillage machinery operations needed for seedbed preparation. It can also be used to incorporate chopped green manure/biomass into the soil for improvement in soil health. The machine can be operated with 50 and above hp tractors. The field capacity of the machine is about 0.70 acres/h at a forward speed of 3.5 km/h. The soil pulverization index with the machine is 9.0-9.7 mm whereas for conventional mould board plough, it is 20.7-21.10 mm. The mixing index or bury efficiency (for green manuring) is 94.9-98.8 per cent.

Dr Khushdeep Dharni stated that PAU is striving hard to disseminate the outcome of its research to relevant stakeholders at the ground level. Technologies developed by PAU are quite popular and are being spread across the country through the process of commercialization.

Biomass Incorporator (Modified Mould Board Plough with

Agro Universities, India, R&D, Sustainable Energy

The agreement grants non-exclusive rights to the firm for implementing this sustainable energy solution across India.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with a Sunam-based firm (District Sangrur) for the commercialization of PAU Fixed Dome Type Family-Size Biogas Plant technology, with a capacity ranging from 1m³/day to 25m³/day. The agreement grants non-exclusive rights to the firm for implementing this sustainable energy solution across India.

The MoA was signed by Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, and Manjeet Singh, representing their respective organizations. Dr. Dhatt congratulated Dr. Sarbjit Singh Sooch for successfully commercialising this cost-effective and eco-friendly biogas technology.

Explaining the innovation, Dr. Sooch stated that the PAU Fixed Dome Type Biogas Plant is a brick masonry structure, making it durable, easy to construct, and suitable for all regions of the country. Unlike conventional floating drum biogas plants, this model is 60-70 per cent more cost-effective and requires significantly lower maintenance. Additionally, the digested slurry from the plant serves as a high-quality organic manure, enriching soil fertility.

Dr Sooch further shared that to date, over 60,000 such biogas plants have been installed in Punjab, validating its effectiveness. PAU’s excellence in promoting sustainable energy solutions was recognized with the “Best Centre Award-2024” under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Energy in Agriculture and Agro-based Industries.

Dr. Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing & IPR Cell, PAU, shared that PAU has signed 14 MoAs for the commercialization of this innovative technology. He emphasized PAU’s dedication to developing and disseminating energy-efficient solutions, ensuring that scientific advancements reach farmers, entrepreneurs, and industries to promote sustainable agriculture and renewable energy adoption.

The agreement grants non-exclusive rights to the

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Collaborations, Company News, Horticulture, India, Start ups, Trade

These MoUs aim to bolster the export and value addition of Odisha’s fresh fruits and vegetables, empowering local farmers with better market access, fair pricing, and global recognition.

In a groundbreaking move to advance Odisha’s position in agricultural exports, Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha in collaboration with Palladium Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., signed 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with private sector exporters at the prestigious Krushi Odisha 2025. The ceremony took place in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, Principal Secretary (Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment) Arabinda Padhee, Director of Agriculture Prem Chand Chaudhury, Director of Horticulture Sri Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, and Director of Fisheries Ramashish Hazra.

This milestone agreement aims to bolster the export and value addition of Odisha’s fresh fruits and vegetables, empowering local farmers with better market access, fair pricing, and global recognition. The MoUs mark a significant stride in Odisha’s journey to establish itself as a leader in agricultural and horticultural exports, aligning with the state’s strategic vision for sustainable growth.

With nearly 10,000 participants, including farmers, women-led self-help groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), exporters, students, and agri-entrepreneurs, Krushi Odisha 2025 serves as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and innovation. Featuring 13 technical sessions, farmer-scientist interactions, and over 200 stalls showcasing advanced technology and products, the event underscores Odisha’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector.

The event spotlighted the launch of the Amala Utkala crop information booklet, developed by the Directorate of Horticulture with Palladium as the Technical Support Unit. This booklet offers a comprehensive overview of Odisha’s crops, detailing varieties, production statistics, and market linkages, empowering farmers with critical insights for informed decisions and export opportunities. The event also celebrated sustainable farming by felicitating progressive farmers, SHGs, and FPOs from all 30 districts of Odisha. Key sessions on ‘Developing Organic Commodity Value Chains: An Opportunity for FPOs,’ and ‘Promoting climate resilient Horticulture through ag-tech adoption and innovation’ organized by the Directorate and Palladium Consulting India, highlighted adoption of climate-smart practices for sustainability, market-led organic production systems, emphasizing FPOs and women farmers. Experts shared valuable insights on supply chain efficiency, export potential, agri-entrepreneurship and role of ag-tech in development of sustainable food systems.

Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, IAS, Director of Horticulture, said, “Odisha is on a transformative path to position itself as a leader in agricultural exports. Our collaboration with exporters supported by Technical support Unit led by Palladium and the signing of these MoUs reflects our dedication to empowering farmers, enhancing value addition, and ensuring remunerative market access for our produce on a global scale.”

Biswajit Behera, Associate Director, Palladium Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., said, “At Palladium, we are committed to creating sustainable value chains and enabling inclusive economic growth. Through these MoUs and our partnership with the Government of Odisha, we aim to unlock the state’s agricultural potential, provide farmers with global market opportunities, and strengthen Odisha’s position in the export ecosystem.”

These MoUs aim to bolster the export

AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about the processes and opportunities in the export market.

NABARD, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Palladium organized a strategy workshop in Mayurbhanj of Odisha for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on exporting fresh vegetables from Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts in north zone of the state. Facilitated by Palladium as Technical Support Unit (TSU) to the Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the event aimed to enhance the export potential of fresh vegetables from the region.

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about the processes and opportunities in the export market, with a specific goal of exporting okra, bitter gourd, and long beans to Dubai within the next six months, as per the demand. In last three months, for the first time, eight FPOs exported over 86 quintals of mangoes and fresh vegetables to seven countries in the Middle East and Europe – United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Qatar and UAE.

Many esteemed speakers, including exporters, representatives from NABARD, APEDA, State and district officials from the department and Palladium graced the event. The inaugural session included opening remarks and special addresses from dignitaries, followed by informative sessions led by Dr. Sudhanshu K.K. Mishra (CGM NABARD), APEDA’s Regional Head, Sitakanta Mandal, Palladium’s Associate Director, Biswajit Behera and representatives from export houses. The workshop saw an active interaction of representatives from FPOs with other stakeholders.  Mahila Pragati Farmer Producer Company Limited, a successful FPO from Rayagada, presented its success story and the plan for diversifying into other commodities for export. The all women FPO with over 1900 members has recently been exporting mangoes and fresh vegetables.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Sudhanshu K.K Mishra, CGM NABARD, said “Three areas are key to boost export in the state – strengthening supply to meet market demand, adherence to international quality standards, and role of packaging. The markets are demanding, and only good quality produce will fetch remunerative prices. NABARD along with APEDA, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Palladium, will focus on the value-chain development in fruits and vegetables to increase export of fresh produce from the state.”

Biswajit Behera, Associate Director, Palladium said, “Facilitating export of fresh produce from Odisha is one of the key focus areas of the state government as it is facilitating cold-chain facilities across the state to boost export from the state. Palladium is working closely with the FPOs in the state to make the farmers market-ready and the FPOs supply ready”. He further added, “Palladium is facilitating multiple stakeholder consultations to develop concrete action plans and roadmap for export. Moreover, the team is working with the Government, APEDA, NABARD and exporters to identify and bridge the gaps in exporting fresh produce from the state.”

Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Manager APEDA said, “Production planning, infrastructure support and training and handholding FPOs is crucial for strengthening supply of fresh produce from FPOs to international markets. To achieve this, we need to adopt a collaborative approach with the key stakeholders. Our next focus would be to conduct a state-level export sensitization workshop to provide technical handholding to FPOs in Odisha on export process and potential.”

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about

Agrotech

Aditya Sekhri, Associate Director, Strategy & Business Development, Fratelli Wines

The post-pandemic sale of wine has soared and companies are also making the best of it by rolling out new and improved promotional events to rope in newer client bases.  To learn more about the market realities of the Indian wine industry and its business roadmap for the future, AgroSpectrum had an exclusive one-on-one with Aditya Sekhri, Associate Director, Strategy& Business Development, Fratelli Wines Pvt Ltd. Edited excerpts;

What changes would you single out when drawing parallels between the history of India’s wine exports and the present day?

Since it was first established, the export of Indian wines has been a fruitful channel that has successfully brought us into the world arena. Despite the fact that the volume of Indian wine exports is still relatively low in comparison to the sales of domestic wines or imported wines in India, the category has been growing steadily post-COVID and will continue to be a major focus area for all domestic wine producers to make the brands recognised globally. In India, sales of domestic wines or imported wines make up the majority of the market.

Do you feel that the increased focus toward wellness is helping the domestic alcoholic beverages market?

The consumers of today, across all segments of the liquor industry, are a lot more health conscious than they were probably 10 years ago. Given that wine is perceived as a drink that has certain positive effects on one’s health, I believe that the consumption of wine in India should only continue to rise. It is important to educate new wine consumers, despite the fact that this particular factor is only projected to play a supporting role in the anticipated expansion of the wine business.

Could you comment on the rising popularity of Indian wines abroad?

It is heartening to observe the growing popularity of Indian wines in other countries. I believe Indian wines are being exported to somewhere around 20 nations, and I see both the overall volume and this number growing at a good rate year over year (YoY). When it comes to Fratelli, the majority of our exports originate from varieties such as Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay.

How does India fare in comparison to other global wine producers?

India has already come a long way, and the gap between us and other global powerhouses is getting smaller every year. However, certain factors, such as more uniform taxation policies across the country and technological improvements on the viticulture side, will enable us to reduce the gap even further.

Is the Indian wine industry leveraging technological knowhow to produce high-quality wines, at par with international brands?

The numerous accolades received by local producers in the past 10 years is a validation of many of the efforts made to make Indian wines equivalent in terms of quality to global powerhouses. In light of this, we at Fratelli are making more use of technology and working harder than ever before, both in the vineyards and in the winemaking facilities, to ensure that we continue to advance and establish new standards for ourselves each year.

What are your expectations from the current government?

The nation’s many stated policies need to become more standardised and competitive in their dealings with the country’s various domestic wine producers.

By Nitin Konde

Aditya Sekhri, Associate Director, Strategy & Business