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HomePosts Tagged "BASF"
Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, R&D, Sustainability, World

It offers an effective value-in-use solution for agricultural plastics exposed to intense UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

BASF launched Tinuvin® NOR® 211 AR to support film producers and converters globally in navigating the challenging landscape of plasticulture – the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications. This new high-performance heat and light stabilizer protects and prolongs the lifespan of agricultural plastics that require resistance to high levels of inorganic chemicals like sulfur and chlorine. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR offers an effective value-in-use solution for agricultural plastics exposed to intense UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

The advancements in plasticulture, heavily influenced by polyethylene (PE) grades, have led to a growing trend in downgauging and a greater emphasis on the use of plastic materials. Downgauging involves reducing the thickness of plastic films while maintaining their performance, made possible by incorporating new polymer grades to enhance the mechanical properties of PE materials. At the same time, converters are investing in new equipment to increase the number of layers in their films thereby improving performance and durability. This transition to thinner and more durable films is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural plastics as it helps to reduce plastic waste, enhances production efficiency and facilitates practices like recycling and upcycling.

Tinuvin NOR 211 AR is a unique stabilization system that can be used in plasticulture, even in intensive horticulture, regardless of the application region’s severity of UV radiation, heat, and chemicals that are present. This new product solution is the best option when downgauging is required, especially in the presence of high levels of sulfur and chlorine. With the increasing use of inorganic chemicals in agriculture due to the adoption of “Integrated Pest Management” and “Organic Farming” practices, the need for effective stabilization of agricultural films is crucial.

“Tinuvin NOR 211 AR additive solution addresses a broad variety of challenges for agricultural plastics, including sustainability requirements, increased chemical exposure, longer use durations and downgauging trends,” said Dr. Bettina Sobotka, Head of Global Marketing and Development for Plastic Additives at BASF. “BASF’s NOR HALS solutions improve stabilization by moving beyond solutions based on secondary and methylated HALS. Through collaboration with agricultural plastic producers as well as farmers, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, creating solutions that will ultimately lead to improved crop yield.”

BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in the expansion of its NOR® platform. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR, part of the VALERAS® portfolio, utilizes renewable electricity in production and optimizes product form to reduce energy consumption and emissions. It also improves material dosing precision, minimizes dust exposure, and promotes water and aquatic organism protection, leading to a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly workflow. 

It offers an effective value-in-use solution for

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Oilseeds, R&D, Sustainability, World

Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards (SuCCESS) code the first global standard that certifies castor oil and its derivatives – such as bio-based polyurethane.

 BASF together with the world’s first castor bean program ‘Pragati’ (Pragati), introduces certified traceability for bio-based solutions in footwear. Pragati was established with the unified sustainability code SuCCESS (Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards) that sets a standard for certified sustainable castor oil.

“The footwear segment has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable solutions at BASF. With the availability of certified traceable bio-based polyurethane solutions, we are well-positioned to serve the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions for the footwear business in Asia,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

The demand for sustainable footwear solutions has been growing steadily in tandem with consumer awareness. Footwear brands and manufacturers have a clear goal to enhance the sustainability aspects of their products without compromising on cost, performance or quality. Bio-based solutions offer enhanced sustainability by reducing fossil resource consumption. Additionally, castor oil is derived from the seeds of the non-edible castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). As it can grow in arid or semi-arid regions, it requires less water as well. The dried beans also have a long shelf life.

“Meanwhile, we are looking to extend the use of this bio-based solution to other segment applications as well,” added Postlethwaite.

Pragati was launched in May 2016 in Gujarat, India as the region produces about 70% of the world’s supply of castor beans. Over 7,000 hectares of generally semi-arid land are now farmed according to the SuCCESS sustainability code since its introduction in the region. More than 7,000 farmers have been trained, audited, and certified. Over 74,500 tons of certified castor seeds have been cultivated, and year 7 yield is 36% higher than the yield published by the local government for this region.

Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, North America

Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide has been approved by the EPA to provide plant health benefits, such as helping to improve turf stress tolerance.

BASF is introducing Aramax™ Intrinsic® brand fungicide, a dual-active fungicide that delivers broad-spectrum control of 26 cool- and warm-season turf diseases, like snow mold, large patch, brown patch and dollar spot on golf course fairways.

Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide combines the strength of two powerful active ingredients, pyraclostrobin and triticonazole, for long-lasting residual disease control up to 28 days.

“Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide adds to our strong portfolio of fungicides at a value price on fairways when compared to our Honor Intrinsic and Navicon Intrinsic brand fungicides,” said Jeff Vannoy, Senior Product Manager, Turf Solutions for BASF. “We are also equally excited to be entering the snow mold and large patch markets for the very first time and can’t wait for customers to see the outstanding results.”

In addition to providing excellent disease control, Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide has been approved by the EPA to provide plant health benefits, such as helping to improve turf stress tolerance and help enhance growth efficiency, resulting in healthier playing surfaces all season long.

Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide has been approved

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy, World

BMB ammonia derivatives portfolio with significantly lower product carbon footprint versus conventional ammonia derivatives.

With its first biomass-balanced (BMB) ammonia and urea products, BASF now offers BMB options within its ammonia value chain. The wide range of products includes ammonia anhydrous BMBcertTM, ammonia solution 24.5 per cent BMBcertTM, urea prills BMBcertTM, urea solution 40 per cent BMBcertTM, and urea solution 45 per cent BMBcertTM.

BASF applies a biomass balance approach to replace fossil resources at the beginning of the production process with certified biowaste raw materials which are attributed to the products. The mass balanced products are certified according to ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS standards. In addition, BASF is using electricity from renewable sources for the manufacturing of the ammonia and urea products, further reducing their production-related emissions.

These measures lower the product carbon footprint (PCF) of these products by at least 80 per cent versus the average PCF of conventional fossil ammonia derivatives* without compromising on quality and performance. The certified BMBcertTM products enable customers to reduce their scope 3 emissions as well as the product carbon footprint of their products.

“BASF was the first company to develop both an industrial ammonia as well as an industrial urea process. Today, we are the first company that offers such biomass balanced options as part of the regular ammonia and urea portfolio. With this portfolio we meet the rising request in industry and help our customers reach their sustainability targets”, said Dr Jens Aßmann, Vice President Business Management Ammonia Value Chain and Operations Amino Resins at BASF.

The BMB ammonia derivative portfolio is a further step on the sustainability roadmap of BASF’s Monomers division which was announced last year. This envisages developing at least one circular or lower PCF option for every major product line by 2025. The division’s sustainable offerings are an essential part of BASF’s path to climate neutrality and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

BMB ammonia derivatives portfolio with significantly lower

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, India, Inputs

 In line with Asia Pacific strategy, BASF is developing solutions specifically for local market needs.

 Piercing and sucking pests pose a significant threat to agricultural crops in India, causing extensive damage amounting to 35 to 40% loss in the productivity and yield of the produce. Farmers in India can now manage this challenge with Efficon®, a new BASF insecticide launched today. Efficon is powered by BASF’s new active ingredient, Axalion® in a specialised formulation.

With its unique mode of action, Efficon Insecticide is among the first compounds in the market introduced under the new IRAC group 36 which represents a totally new class of insecticides (Group 36 — pyridazine) which has no known cross-resistance with existing products in the market, making it a superior insecticide resistance management tool.

Efficon Insecticide was first launched in Australia in 2023. India is one of the earliest countries in the world to obtain this new novel chemistry that will help support farmers manage tough sucking pests.

In line with Asia Pacific strategy, BASF is developing solutions specifically for local market needs. “At BASF, everything we do we do for the love of farming. We are dedicated to listening and working alongside farmers to understand their needs, so that we apply our expertise to help them successfully face the enormous challenge of protecting crops from pests and boosting productivity, supporting the biggest job on earth,” said Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions, Asia Pacific.

A valuable aspect of Efficon Insecticide is its unique mode of action. It is highly effective on multiple life stages of target pests like Aphids, Jassids and White flies. Upon application, Efficon quickly stops insects from feeding and plant injury. It provides long lasting residual control due to its systemic properties.

Due to its systemic properties, Efficon provides long lasting residual control even to the new crop growth. “This innovation reaffirms BASF’s commitment to help farmers across boundaries in managing a variety of existing sucking pests. Efficon will help Indian farmers in effective and long duration protection against insect pests in wide variety of crops like cotton and vegetables. Efficon is also highly compatible with non-target organisms and beneficial insects, including pollinators, when applied according to label instructions,” said Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director Agricultural Solutions, BASF India.

“This milestone with Efficon supports our goal of developing an insecticide portfolio that helps farmers worldwide. BASF is committed to helping Indian industry and agriculture maximize their potential. Indian growers deserve access to advanced solutions to help them achieve better yields managing resistance with innovations in sucking pests,” said Dr Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “We are convinced that by providing farmers with effective and sustainable solutions, we can support them to meet the growing demand for food while reducing the impact on the environment, “he added.

 In line with Asia Pacific strategy, BASF

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Company News, Europe, Foodgrains, R&D, Sustainability

BASF and IRRI to study multiple options to enhance climate smart farming and improve carbon intensity in rice systems.

BASF and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have entered into a scientific collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice production. Running by the name “OPTIMA Rice” (Optimizing Management for Reduction of GHG in Rice), the collaboration with IRRI supports BASF’s commitment to enable the reduction of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions by 30 percent per ton of crop produced by 2030. The joint effort is planned for multiple rice seasons in the Philippines and will take place in Laguna, where both organizations maintain research centers for rice.

Rice is one of the five most widely produced cereal crops globally and is consumed by about three billion people every day. Although it is grown all over the world, Asia accounts for the largest share of its production. However, because of its geographic expansion and typical manner of wetland cultivation, worldwide paddy rice production contributes about 10 percent of total GHG emissions from the agricultural sector, mainly coming from continuously flooded wetland rice fields. Due to this large carbon footprint, it is estimated that rice production has the greatest potential within agricultural crop production to reduce GHG emissions.

BASF and IRRI therefore plan to explore multiple topics related to climate smart farming in rice. These include direct-seeded rice varieties, nitrogen stabilizers, nutrient and residue management, novel chemistry tailor-made for rice farmers, and water-saving technologies such as alternate wetting and drying management (AWD). In addition, IRRI has begun further improvements to its ecophysiological model ORYZA, to include new computation algorithms for estimating GHG emissions, for application to the project. BASF will use its AgBalance™ tool to estimate the GHG emission intensity and will work with IRRI on field tests of their products to obtain high-quality agronomic and GHG data. Both BASF and IRRI aim to further develop and apply models for improving scientific understanding on climate mitigation and adaptation options for rice in the Philippines and other rice growing areas in Asia. Ultimately, both BASF and IRRI aim to support farmers growing rice in de-carbonizing their production systems.

BASF and IRRI to study multiple options

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Europe, Seeds

All new 18 varieties feature Axant™ Flex herbicide tolerance technology, cotton’s first quad-stacked herbicide trait.

BASF is further expanding its FiberMax® and Stoneville® cotton seed industry-leading portfolio with the addition of four new varieties for the 2024 growing season. With these strong additions, the FiberMax and Stoneville cotton seed portfolio includes a total of 18 varieties. All new varieties feature Axant™ Flex herbicide tolerance technology, cotton’s first quad-stacked herbicide trait.

“The addition of these new FiberMax and Stoneville varieties provides growers numerous versatile options to support high-yield potential, excellent fiber quality and strong insect and weed control,” said Bryan Perry, Head of Seeds and Traits for BASF. “We understand a successful season starts with a high-performing seed, and we are excited to share these new varieties with growers to help provide a strong foundation for their cotton acres.”

Powered by a proprietary new germplasm from BASF, Axant Flex Technology includes outstanding weed control and is bred to include native traits that help control yield-robbing pests, like root-knot nematodes and reniform nematodes as well as tolerance to other diseases such as verticillium wilt and bacterial blight.

BASF is committed to ongoing investments in the cotton industry to best meet the needs of its growers doing the Biggest Job on Earth. FiberMax and Stoneville cotton are regularly enhanced with trait development to ensure cotton growers can effectively manage their crops and get the most out of every acre.

Individual results may vary. Information provided is based on experience with tests, trials, or practices as well as general observations. BASF does not guarantee the results noted above and grower is solely responsible for farming management practices and decisions, including, without limitation, selecting seed best suitable for the intended growth and use under grower’s local conditions.

Availability of cotton seed containing the Axant Flex Technology for the 2024 growing season and beyond is subject to many factors, and such seed may not be available in all cotton-growing areas. Commercial sales of cotton seed containing the Axant Flex Technology will be subject to contractual terms and conditions and stewardship obligations, which may include among other requirements restrictions on where the crop resulting from such seed may be sold, transferred and/or exported.

All new 18 varieties feature Axant™ Flex

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Company News, Seeds, World

Flo Rite Pro 02 has been developed by BASF specifically to maximize seed flow, optimizing singulation, seed spacing and plant population to help increase yield potential.

BASF Agricultural Solutions is introducing the next level of seed coating with Flo Rite Pro 02 plantability polymer. Flo Rite Pro 02 uses advanced polymer-based technology to combine adhesion properties with exceptional seed flow helping to provide maximum yield potential.

Seed singulation and uniform spacing are critical to yield, and with the size of today’s planters, seeds are required to travel long distances at high speeds to achieve uniform spacing. Flo Rite Pro 02 has been developed by BASF specifically to maximize seed flow, optimizing singulation, seed spacing and plant population to help increase yield potential.

Flo Rite products are compatible with major fungicides, insecticides, nematicides and can be easily blended with any Color Coat product by BASF. In addition, the visual appearance of Flo Rite Pro 02 on corn is glossier and shinier than the industry standard.

Flo Rite Pro 02 was specifically developed for stewarding Clothianidin products, with dry flowability improved across all Clothianidin rates. Dust levels on corn averaged less than 0.2 grams of dust per 100,000 seed.

Flo Rite Pro 02 has been developed

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Seeds

xarvio SeedSelect utilises an algorithm that considers influential topographic and soil attributes and their impact on soybean growth and development.

BASF is introducing xarvio® SeedSelect, a novel seed variety placement technology based on an algorithm derived from plot trial field research, local topographic and soil attributes, and variety-specific yield building characteristics. Using advanced data and analysis methods, xarvio SeedSelect evaluates soybean varieties based on how they build yield, which provides a foundational understanding of what field characteristics will best support growth and matches them to growers’ fields based on those characteristics. Soybean success starts with understanding a field’s environment, and that means much more than weather.

“We have conducted trials across multiple fields with a lot of variability to isolate and understand the influence of subfield environments,” said Greg Ury, BASF Agronomist “We look at how a variety interacts with multiple attributes such as organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC), slope, and other factors that contribute to yield. This helps guide us in placement and management so we can make sure varieties are in fields where they belong and diminish the impact of unpredictable weather.”

With xarvio SeedSelect, retail seed professionals can confidently recommend the best seed for every acre.  “Seed selection is the most important factor in soybean yield and selecting the correct variety can be a complex and time-consuming process,” said Amy Pawlick, Digital Farming Manager for BASF. “With xarvio SeedSelect, retailers gain access to prescriptive variety selection and field placement, endeavoring to confidently improve growers’ yield potential from the very first year.”

xarvio SeedSelect utilises an algorithm that considers influential topographic and soil attributes and their impact on soybean growth and development. When customer field data is paired with information about an individual variety’s yield-building characteristics, the algorithm recommends the best Xitavo soybean seed varieties for a specific field’s characteristics. The outcome is an increased probability of successful product placement and performance.

xarvio SeedSelect is available as part of xarvio FIELD MANAGER, an advanced crop optimization platform that helps agricultural retailers deliver unrivaled service and value to customers, through timely, field-specific agronomic recommendations. xarvio FIELD MANAGER supports retailers and growers throughout the entire season, from planning to harvest. xarvio SeedSelect and xarvio FIELD MANAGER will enhance retailers’ ability to visualize crop and product performance across a range of indicators, such as biomass maps, crop phenology staging and satellite imaging.

xarvio SeedSelect utilises an algorithm that considers

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Company News, World

Strengthening the portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products.

BASF invests a high double-digit million euro amount in a new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products at its Ludwigshafen site. The plant will manufacture products that bring value to farmers including biological fungicides and biological seed treatment. BASF also plans to utilize the plant to produce the main building block of Inscalis®, a novel insecticide derived from a fungal strain. Commissioning is planned for the second half of 2025. The plant will employ 30 people in production, logistics, engineering and maintenance.

The plant will use microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials such as glucose into the desired products – a process known as fermentation.

“We see a growing demand for biological crop protection products. This investment is an important step in building an even stronger and more competitive portfolio in this area,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “In addition, fermentation is a very flexible technology that will allow us to bring more innovative biotechnology-derived products to the market in the future.”

“For production at our Ludwigshafen site, this development is another step in the transition to innovative manufacturing processes with lower energy intensity based on renewable raw materials,” said Christian Aucoin, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The site offers excellent synergies due to its good infrastructure, the integration into an existing high-performance production organization and the proximity of research units such as White Biotechnology.”

Strengthening the portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based

Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, World

MyCarbonFootprint calculates the CO2 emissions, the product carbon footprint and the share of renewable raw materials according to the respective customer’s purchasing portfolio at BASF.

BASF has released a new digital application designed to help customers gain a better overview of the sustainability status of the product portfolio they purchase from BASF. It also helps customers identify the best BASF solutions to reach their sustainability targets with regard to CO2 reduction and/or use of renewable raw materials. The app called “MyCarbonFootprint” contains data on over 700 selected large volume BASF products, including pharma ingredients, amino resins, butanediol and derivatives, acids, polyalcohols, acetylenics, carbonyl derivatives and amines. It is initially available to certain BASF customers who purchase products included in MyCarbonFootprint. Currently, more than 50 customers are already using the app.

Customized overview for each customer                                                   

MyCarbonFootprint informs customers about the individual cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) of the BASF products they purchase.2 The app furthermore indicates the share of renewable raw materials used in the manufacture of these products. The data is presented in a customized way for each customer: Depending on the purchased quantities of a selected product, MyCarbonFootprint calculates the CO2 emissions, the product carbon footprint and the share of renewable raw materials according to the respective customer’s purchasing portfolio at BASF.

Optimizing the carbon footprint and renewable raw material share

With the help of MyCarbonFootprint, customers can determine how adjustments in their purchasing portfolio affect their sustainability status in terms of CO2 emissions and the use of renewable raw materials.

For example, MyCarbonFootprint calculates the potential reduction in CO2 emissions when a product variant with a lower carbon footprint is selected instead of the previously purchased product. MyCarbonFootprint also shows BASF customers various alternatives to increase the proportion of renewable raw materials in the value chain by choosing a suitable product variant.

“We developed MyCarbonFootprint to create the transparency that our customers need to pursue their CO2 emission reduction goals and to select the best sustainable product variants from the BASF portfolio to achieve their desired sustainability positioning,” explains Niels Möller, Global Strategic Marketing, Operating Division Intermediates, BASF. A team lead by Möller invented the innovative IT tool and developed it to market maturity.

BASF portfolio offers various sustainable product variants

MyCarbonFootprint provides an overview of the various sustainable product variants from the BASF portfolio. BASF customers can for example reduce their CO2 emissions by using BASF’s low-PCF products. These products have a significantly reduced product carbon footprint based on a specific customer request or compared to a reference value. The low-PCF portfolio includes, among others, bio-based or biomass balanced products (BMB), which can help customers achieve CO2 emission reductions compared with fossil standard products. In some cases, BASF additionally offers net-zero products, which have a PCF of zero or less than zero.3

Switching to BMB products is also an easier way for customers to increase the share of renewable raw materials in the value chain. In the BMB approach, BASF feeds renewable raw materials into its Verbund in the very first steps of chemical production. A corresponding share of these raw materials is then attributed to specific sales products by means of a certified mass balance method. Certification of BASF’s biomass balanced products is carried out according to recognized standards like REDcert2 or ISCC PLUS4. Being identical in quality and properties to fossil standard products, biomass balanced products are “drop-in” solutions. Customers can use them without having to adapt their existing manufacturing processes.

MyCarbonFootprint calculates the CO2 emissions, the product

Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Europe, Sustainability

The certified additives thus contribute to sustainable development by saving fossil resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing the use of renewable feedstock.

BASF has announced the launch of the industry’s first biomass balance offerings for plastic additives. The initial offerings, including Irganox® 1010 BMBcert™ and Irganox® 1076 FD BMBcert™, are certified by TÜV Nord for mass balance according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS). These industry-first solutions support the use of renewable feedstock to replace fossil feedstock and help BASF’s customers meet their sustainability targets.

The BMBcert offerings contribute to a reduction in fossil feedstock demand. At the beginning of the value chain, fossil-based raw material is replaced by ISCC certified bio-based feedstock, and a corresponding amount is attributed to the product according to a mass balance approach. Via the attribution of these sustainably sourced renewable feedstocks, the product’s cradle-to-gate carbon footprint is significantly reduced by up to 60 percent, compared to the global average product carbon footprint of conventional grades.

The certified additives thus contribute to sustainable development by saving fossil resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing the use of renewable feedstock. This unique solution enables customers to differentiate their products from the competition and helps them achieve their sustainability goals; all without compromising on performance and quality.

Irganox® 1010 BMBcert™ and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert are drop-in replacements for Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1076. These BMBcert offerings are identical to the conventional grades in performance, quality, and product stewardship and regulatory aspects. As a result, customers do not need to requalify the new additives or reformulate their products.

“By leveraging BASF’s highly integrated global production network of interconnected sites and plants, we are able to produce these industry-first, low carbon footprint, drop-in solutions with the same performance characteristics,” said Joerg Bentlage, Head of Global Product Management, Plastic Additives, BASF. “As we advance our own journey to a more circular economy, we aim to drive a sustainable transformation towards renewable feedstock within the industries we serve through innovative and strategic customer partnerships.”

Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert will initially be produced at BASF’s site in Kaisten, Switzerland, with additional availability of Irganox 1010 FF BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert from McIntosh, USA in early 2024.

The certified additives thus contribute to sustainable

Company News, Textile industry, World

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe with the Certified Sustainable FiberMax program

Farmers across the globe are working to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainably grown cotton. Truly sustainable sourcing of natural fibres can be complex and challenging, which is why BASF Agricultural Solutions brought together a global delegation of farmers from Europe and the United States to ensure their voices are heard and supported.

The event, aptly named ‘United for the Biggest Job on Earth’, was held at the United Nations headquarters and featured various farmers from Greece and the United States, as well as leadership from BASF Agricultural Solutions North America and Europe. Also in attendance were sustainable fashion and agriculture media.

“BASF is dedicated to creating a better future for cotton production and the cotton textile industry,” said Ray Daniels, Seed Sustainability Manager at BASF. “We understand that cotton farmers are the cornerstone of sustainable production, which is why we are giving them an international platform to share their ideas on how agriculture must meet the needs of present and future generations through profitability, environmental health and social and economic equity.”

While sustainable farming sounds new, the principles are not. Farmers across cotton-producing regions in the United States and Europe have leveraged these practices to help reduce soil erosion and improve soil health while reducing excess nitrogen use. The renewed focus on these practices by the textile industry provides farmers with an opportunity to demonstrate their inherent sustainable nature publicly in this global workshop.

“We really appreciated the opportunity to attend this event and have our voices heard,” said Texas cotton growers, Randy and Pat Smith. “Consumers aren’t always aware of the effort growers like us put into regenerative agriculture practices, and we want to continue to share our story and gain their support.”

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe with the Certified Sustainable FiberMax program. Both provide field-level traceability for cotton, as well as a way for farmers to track and measure the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production.

“Agriculture is so central to our lives, but many do not consider the powerful impact it can have,” said Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, Vice-President, BASF Agricultural Solutions EMEA & CIS. “It’s also an industry undergoing a time of unprecedented change. Farmers have an increasingly difficult yet important role of balancing the need for increased productivity, environmental protection, and value to society.”

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with

Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

IoTechWorld and Pix4D collaboratively orchestrated ‘India’s largest Workshop for Crop Health Monitoring using drones,’ with Cody Sokkappa of Pix4D Japan as the lead instructor

Drone manufacturer IoTechWorld Avigation said it has joined hands with Switzerland-based company Pix4D which specialises in photogrammetry software technology to jointly offer precision farming solutions in the country.

Commenting upon the tie-up between the two companies, Deepak Bhardwaj, Co-Founder and Director, of IoTechWorld Avigation said, “We are witnessing an agri-drone revolution in the country and gradually we are moving towards precision farming. Our association is to foster awareness about drone-enabled crop health monitoring.”

Underlining the objective of the association, Anoop Upadhyay, Co-Founder and Director, of IoTechWorld Avigation said, “Initially our approach involves the creation of awareness among Industry, Researchers, and Academia. Subsequently, we will create awareness among farmers as well.”

Expressing the rationale behind the association, Mitul Arora, Business Development Lead – India & South Asia, Pix4D said, “Everyone needs a customized and one-stop solution. IoTechWorld has drone technology and multi-spectral sensors by the name Sequoia and now they will have our photogrammetry technology too. So, through this association, a one-stop solution will be provided to all, and this will be beneficial for the govt research institutes, crop insurance and other associated specialised tasks.”

India is undergoing a tremendous transformation in the agriculture sector and adoption of technology is happening at an unprecedented level. This opens a huge opportunity and this association is expected to enable faster and deeper integration of technology in various spheres of agriculture.

IoTechWorld is the manufacturer of India’s 1st DGCA Type certified agri-drone ‘AGRIBOT’ and is the pioneer in this segment.

Whereas, Switzerland-headquartered Pix4D is recognized for its Pix4Dfields Software, a cutting-edge solution designed for advanced agricultural mapping. The software processes RGB and multispectral data for aerial crop analysis and digital farming. Pix4D has offices in 7 countries across multiple continents meeting the requirements of these as well as neighboring countries.
IoTechWorld and Pix4D collaboratively orchestrated ‘India’s largest Workshop for Crop Health Monitoring using drones,’ with Cody Sokkappa of Pix4D Japan as the lead instructor. The event drew approximately 70 attendees, predominantly comprised of scientists from governmental institutions. Additionally, a cohort of researchers from esteemed crop protection firms, including Syngenta and BASF, also took part in the workshop.

IoTechWorld and Pix4D collaboratively orchestrated ‘India’s largest