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HomePosts Tagged "Bengaluru"
Agro Universities, India, R&D

The developed dispenser has an edge over the existing dispensers as they aid in scaling down the cost due to the extended field efficacy of the lure and the lower pheromone load.

A novel dispenser with a controlled release rate of pheromone for trapping insect pests was developed by scientists from ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru (an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India). The developed product has an edge over the existing dispensers as they aid in scaling down the cost due to the extended field efficacy of the lure and the lower pheromone load.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ICAR-NBAIR and JNCASR with Krishi Vikas Sahakari Samiti Ltd. (KVSSL), Haryana, to transfer the technology.

The event was facilitated by Dr S.N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR, and Dr G.U. Kulkarni, President, JNCASR and other officials from ICAR-NBAIR and JNCASR.

The developed dispenser has an edge over

Horticulture, India, R&D

The Association of People with Disability, Bosch and the Department of Women and Child Development, Govt of Karnataka have jointly collaborated on the project

An Inclusive Sustainable Horticulture Centre was inaugurated for the residents of the Correctional Institutions Complex, Bengaluru. A facility that houses individuals with diverse abandonment, forced labour, and similar unfortunate circumstances, the Correctional Institutions Complex has seven homes in total and over 400 residents.

The horticulture project is the result of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between The Association of People with Disability (APD), the Department of Women and Child Development, the Government of Karnataka and Bosch Global Software Technologies in March this year. Situated inside the Government Institutions Complex, Dept. of Women and Child Development, near KIDWAI Hospital, the centre aims to provide a holistic multidimensional program through the project that includes setting up of an inclusive and sustainable horticulture centre which would assist in providing skill training, therapy, environmental education and wet waste management services to all residents.

As a strategic partner and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donor for the co-creation of the Inclusive Sustainable Horticulture Centre, Bosch provided inputs for the expansion of the project scope to include eco-therapy services for People with Intellectual Disabilities, an environmental education program for children and an in-campus wet-waste management

The Association of People with Disability will execute the initiative, providing essential professional skills, personnel, technical resources and expertise on the ground.

The Association of People with Disability, Bosch

AgroPolicy, India, Interaction

From left to right – Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman, MM Activ and Dr KG Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India showcasing the preparedness of 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 at Bangalore Palace.

The event will feature engaging sessions, coffee tastings, competitions, panel discussions, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge coffee products and services.

Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India will inaugurate the four-day 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 organised by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Government of Karnataka, and the coffee industry on September 25, 2023, at the iconic Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru.

Speaking to media as a preview of the preparations for the upcoming 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 Dr K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO & Secretary of the Coffee Board of India, said “This prestigious occasion will unfold in the renowned Bangalore Palace, covering an impressive 30,000 sqm area. It is poised to be a global rendezvous for coffee enthusiasts, industry leaders, experts, and aficionados.”

He further said “the World Coffee Conference 2023 is expected to draw participants from over 80 countries, including 2400+ Delegates, 117 Speakers, 208 Exhibitors, 10,000+ visitors, and 300+ B2B meetings. The participants profile includes ICO Member Country Representatives, Coffee Growers, Coffee Roasters, Coffee Curers, Farm to Cup Coffee Industry, HORECA, Café Owners, Coffee Nations, Policy Makers, Start-Ups, R&D, and students.”

Dr Jagadeesha, who personally guided members of the media at the venue said “A dome-shaped structure has been designed that has Coffee Museum and showcase of the Western Ghats coffee plantation, serving as an enticing attraction for all the participants, particularly to create awareness of unique feature of shade-grown coffees of India to visiting global participants. This unique structure will illustrate the journey of a coffee bean from its source to the cup, showcasing various coffee varieties from India, utilising the natural plants sourced from this region of India.”

Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman, MM Activ, said “The event will feature engaging sessions, coffee tastings, competitions, panel discussions, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge coffee products and services. In line with India’s commitment to the global coffee industry, this event enhances awareness, fosters partnerships, and celebrates the world of coffee.” 

From left to right – Jagdish Patankar,

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, India, R&D

The new facilities include Spawn Incubation and Capacity Development Center (Rs 114 lakhs), a Plant Health Clinic (Rs 108 lakhs) equipped to diagnose plant pests and diseases, an Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre (Rs. 12 lakhs) and a Centre of Excellence on Kamalam Fruit (Rs 536.72 lakhs).

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, witnessed the inauguration of several new buildings and facilities. The event was graced by the presence of Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, marking a significant step forward for the horticultural sector in India.

Several key facilities were inaugurated at ICAR-IIHR, including a Post-Graduation Dining Facility (Rs. 42.83 lakhs), a Spawn Incubation and Capacity Development Center (Rs. 114 lakhs), a Plant Health Clinic (Rs. 108 lakhs) equipped to diagnose plant pests and diseases, an Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre (Rs. 12 lakhs) and a Centre of Excellence on Kamalam Fruit (Rs. 536.72 lakhs), and the IIHR Fruit Plant Mall (Nursery). These facilities mark significant strides in advancing horticulture research and practice at ICAR-IIHR.

The inauguration also included the HAL-ICAR-IIHR Seed Production Centre, supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with an investment of Rs. 2.53 crores under corporate social responsibility, as well as the Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association (KEFA).

During the inauguration, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Director of ICAR-IIHR, welcomed the guests and provided a comprehensive account of the institute’s activities and accomplishments. Dr V. B. Patel, ADG – Fruits & Plantation Crops, conveyed his best wishes to ICAR-IIHR, which is set to celebrate its foundation day on 5th September 2023. He wished the institute many more laurels in the future.

During the occasion, Zopui Consultancy in Mizoram and Wealth Capital Services in Hyderabad signed MoUs for the technology transfer of Ready to Serve (RTS) Beverages from Kamalam.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, during his address, highlighted the significance of these facilities. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Himanshu Pathak was felicitated by ICAR-IIHR and by the farmers, reaffirming his pivotal role in advancing horticulture in India. Dr Pathak expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, emphasising the vital role of research and innovation in agriculture.

The new facilities include Spawn Incubation and

E-commerce, India, Sustainability

This year’s rubber expo will be the largest rubber trade show ever held in the Asia-Pacific region

The 11th India Rubber Expo (IRE) will be held in Mumbai from March 20 to 23, 2024, and it will be organised by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).

According to reports, this year’s rubber expo will be the largest rubber trade show ever held in the Asia-Pacific region.

The rubber expo aims to present the most recent technological developments in the rubber industry, bring together rubber traders under one roof, increase the number of exhibitors, and evaluate the state of the market at the moment.

More than 450 exhibitors, including homegrown and global players from more than 30 nations, are supposed to take part in the exhibition. Roadshows will be held in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad to promote this expo.

“We are well aware that rubber, as an essential component in most sectors, has immense growth potential in India,” stated Vishnu Bhimrajka, Chief Convener of IRE 2024. Keeping this in mind, an event of this magnitude will provide the ideal occasion to investigate novel products, technologies, and innovations that may contribute to the industry’s expansion.

Ramesh Kejriwal, Leader of AIRIA and Co-Convener of Fury 2024, said, “Similar to each year, this time as well, we are expecting interest from probably the greatest elastic merchants from across Asia. This is an opportunity for newcomers to connect with established players, promote their brand, and exchange ideas. IRE’s ultimate objective is to “pave the way for collective action to achieve ambitious goals by facilitating collaboration between entities and facilitating collaboration.”

Due to its highly diversified application in industries like automobiles, railways, defence, energy and infrastructure, mining, transportation, agriculture and food products, textiles, paper and printing, construction, machinery and equipment, and healthcare, the rubber industry, which generates approximately Rs12,000 crore in revenue, is poised for rapid expansion.

This year's rubber expo will be the

Agrotech, Company News, Horticulture, India, Packaging & Labelling, Start ups, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Superplum has now announced eco-friendly packaging with zero plastic for their farm-fresh grapes

Superplum, a Noida-based startup, is providing consumers with safe-to-eat grapes that are tested for pesticides. Farm practices and growing methods are analysed before harvesting, and grapes are then tested by NABL-accredited labs to ensure food safety.

Superplum is committed to promoting transparency with customers by allowing them to view these pesticide test reports by scanning the QR code on their packaging. This gives customers information about where their grapes were grown and which farmer produced them and even offers them the opportunity to reward the farmer with a bonus payment. 

In an effort to improve sustainability, Superplum has now announced eco-friendly packaging with zero plastic for their farm-fresh grapes. With Indians consuming grapes in millions of plastic packs, this small change can help reduce our ecological footprint. Consumers will not only eat healthier, but they can also help contribute positively to the environment.

Superplum’s fresh grapes in their all-new eco-friendly packaging are now available online and in Delhi, NCR and Bengaluru stores.

The fresh produce industry in India has been long plagued by high levels of pesticides in grapes. While India has become one of the world’s largest table grape exporters by following global standards for pesticide residues, most Indian consumers have to consume grapes with high contaminant levels in their own country.

Superplum has now announced eco-friendly packaging with

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Horticulture, India, R&D, Sustainability

CoE for Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) to be set up at Bengaluru, Mango and Vegetables at Jaipur (Odisha) & Vegetables and Flowers at South Goa

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are being established in various States through Bilateral Cooperation or Research Institutes. These CoEs serve as demonstration and training centres for the latest technologies in the field of horticulture. These CoEs also serve as a source of planting material for fruits and vegetable seedlings for protected cultivation and are used for transfer of technology and knowhow in diverse areas, viz., Post-Harvest management, Irrigation and Fertigation, Plant protection, Introduction of New Varieties, Pollination etc.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has approved 49 CoEs till now, out of which the following 3 CoEs have been approved.

CoE for Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) by Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, Karnataka at Experimental Station, Hirehalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

CoE for Mango and Vegetables under Indo-Israel Action Plan at Panikoili, Jajpur District, Odisha.

CoE for Vegetables and Flowers under Indo-Israel Action Plan at Govt. Agricultural Farm, Codar, Khandepar, Ponda, South Goa, Goa.

CoE for Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) at Bengaluru, Karnataka Centre is to develop the latest production technology as per the international standard & off-season production and demonstration these technologies for high-yield production. The Centre will aim to achieve self-sustenance in Kamlam fruit production, value addition and enhance the economic development of the farming community.

CoE for Mango and Vegetables at Jajpur, Odisha Centre is to generate knowledge in nursery management, cultivation practices, and production of high quality & large quantities of planting material for mango and vegetable crops. The Centre will also focus on the demonstration of new varieties, Israeli Agro technology in irrigation, fertigation & Plant protection technologies along with precision Agriculture and post-harvest management technology. The Centre will prepare a training model based on the focused areas such as irrigation, fertigation, nursery, canopy & value chain for the benefit of farmers.

CoE for Vegetables and Flowers at Ponda, Goa Centre will focus on the demonstration of a Hi-tech nursery management system with advanced production technology through automated irrigation and fertigation system for the production of disease-free and healthy vegetable seedlings of improved varieties of vegetables and flowers suitable for Goa. The Centre will also strengthen infrastructure for the promotion of pre & post-harvest management of quality products and develop protocols/guidelines tailored to the local conditions in the CoE & farmer’s field as well.

CoE for Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) to be

AgroPolicy, Environment, Horticulture, India, Sustainability

Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kamalam Fruit to be set up at IIHR, Bengaluru 

In India, the cultivation of Kamalam or Dragon Fruit is fast picking up and farmers of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Nagaland have taken up its cultivation. Presently, the total area under cultivation of Dragon Fruit in India is more than 3,000 ha. which is not able to meet the domestic demand, hence the majority of the dragon fruits available in the Indian market are imported from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a roadmap is being prepared for the cultivation of this crop in the identified potential area to increase the production of exotic and niche area fruits including Kamalam. The target for area expansion under MIDH for Kamalam is 50,000 ha. in 5 years. The cultivation of this fruit has started recently and a plantation of this healthy fruit is established at ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port-Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and IIHR, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Under MIDH, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has approved a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kamalam Fruit to be established by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, Karnataka at Hirehalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka to focus on production, post-harvest and value addition of Kamalam.

The Centre will work for the development of the latest production technology as per the international standard & off-season production and demonstration of these technologies for high-yield production. The Centre will aim to achieve self-sustenance in Kamalam fruit production, value addition and enhance the economic development of the farming community.

In India, Kamalam import started in 2017 with a quantity of 327 tonnes, which has increased sharply to 9,162 tonnes in 2019 and the estimated import for 2020 and 2021 is about 11,916 and 15,491 tonnes, respectively. The projected import value was about Rupees 100 crores for 2021. Dragon fruit provides a fast return with economic production in the first year after planting and full production is attained in 3-4 years. The life expectancy of the crop is about 20 years. The average economic yield after 2 years of planting is 10 tonnes per acre. At present, the market rate is Rs 100 per kg of fruit, so the revenue generated by selling fruits per year is Rs 10,00,000. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) is 2.58.

Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kamalam Fruit

Company News, India

Store offers wide range of ‘residue-free and safe-for-consumption’ fresh produce

Simpli Namdhari’s, India’s only-vegetarian omnichannel retailer operating eight supermarkets across Bengaluru in Karnataka, opens a new store in Yelahanka. The store in the northern part of Bengaluru offers a complete grocery experience and customer service.

The new store is designed using natural elements combining greens and browns to compliment the fresh, exotic and extensive product range on offer. It is approximately 5,000 sq ft in size and offers a wide range of residue-free and safe-for-consumption fresh produce, everyday grocery items, personal care and household items, an extensive assortment of dairy items along with gourmet products from around the world. 

The store also boasts a ‘Simpli Good Food’ café where one can enjoy healthy salads, cold-pressed juices and other short eats.

Store offers wide range of ‘residue-free and

India, Live Stock

The AQCS will be equipped with online clearance System for imports of livestock products and livestock in due course and be a game changer for local economy

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently celebrated National Milk Day in Bengaluru, Karnataka and on the occasion unveiled Animal Quarantine Certification Services (AQCS) as part of the celebrations in Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru. The station has been completed recently and was inaugurated by Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal husbandry & Dairying, Government of India on National Milk Day in the presence of Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

AQCS, Bangalore was initiated in August 2009 and the station has been functioning from the airport satellite office at Alpha 3, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Since its inception, the station has seen a substantial increase in its workload and movement of Livestock and Livestock products has increased manifold. However, in the absence of Quarantine facility, the import of Live animals like Horses, Cattles, Sheep, Goats, etc. was not allowed into Bengaluru. 

This station will facilitate regions in the country especially the Southern States to import and export of livestock and livestock products and boost to the trade. The AQCS will be equipped with online clearance System for imports of livestock products and livestock in due course and be a game changer for local economy.

The AQCS will be equipped with online

Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Company News, India, Start ups

GPSR Arya will also priorities projects that focus on managing stubble by using it as biofuel.

Bengaluru based GPS Renewables (GPSR), a bioenergy technology firm, has launched ARYA, a climate infrastructure platform focused on sustainable biofuels and industrial decarbonization projects. Founded with an aim to help India achieve its Net Zero target, Arya will incubate, develop, and operate climate-positive projects, with GPS Renewables as the execution partner.

GPSR Arya will also prioritise projects that focus on managing stubble by using it as biofuel. Every year, Punjab and Haryana generate 27 million tonnes of paddy straw of which 75 per cent is non-basmati variety. This majority straw is rich in silica and not suitable for cattle feed and this is a primary driver for stubble burning. For the last several years, stubble burning has been one of the primary reasons for air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. Using non-basmati paddy straw as a source for biofuel will reduce the stubble burning and encourage its use as a valuable resource.

Commenting on the new launch, Mohit Gupta, COO of GPSR Arya said, “There is an urgent need to reduce India’s dependence on oil imports, and biofuels can play a significant role in this effort. At GPS Renewables, we are focused on building solutions that can accelerate climate-positive projects. GPSR Arya is a step in that direction. Arya will invest in projects which have a clear GHG mitigation potential. For the first set of projects under execution, we are setting up two Paddy Straw to CBG (compressed biogas) plants in the state of Haryana. We plan to introduce many more similar initiatives that can help India transition towards net zero emissions”

Nipun OS, Chief Sustainability Officer, GPS Renewables, said, “Corporate clients and industries are working on their decarbonisation plans but they need a credible partner with climate technology capability in assisting them to choose the right emission mitigation strategies to net zero. For industrial decarbonization, replacement of fossil fuels, including natural gas, is an important aspect and ARYA is working with clients to enable this transition.”

GPS Arya will cater to the following types of projects:

  • BioCNG / CBG (compressed biogas) projects based on feedstocks such as MSW (Municipal solid waste), paddy straw, press mud cake and bagasse (residues from sugarcane production).
  • 1G ethanol and biorefinery projects based on damaged grains (and other non-food competing feedstocks)
  • 2G ethanol projects based on agro residues.
  • Industrial decarbonisation projects.

GPSR Arya will also priorities projects that

Agro Universities, Animal Health, India, Live Stock, R&D

Improvised gas collection device detects the leakage and blockage of halters and canisters and monitored in real time gas collection.

The ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru commercialized a patent applied technology ‘An Improved Device for Collection and Measurement of Enteric Methane Emission in Ruminants’ to InayatUllah Engineering Works (IEW), Bengaluru on 28th July 2022.

 Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Director, ICAR-NIANP, Bengaluru and InyatUllah Shariff, CEO M/s InayatUllah Engineering Works (IEW) signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on behalf of their respective Organizations for the licensing to manufacture and sell the improvised gas collection device.

SF6 technique consider the exhale of methane and sulfur hexafluoride gases from the rumen with an identical probability of interception by a breath sampler located near the nasal cavity. One of those two gases is purposeful tracer SF6, which has a known release rate; while the release of other gas (methane) is under investigation. Thus, the concentration ratio of those gases in breath sample, accumulated over a feeding cycle can be equated to the ratio of their release rates. The SF6 assembly include gas collection vessel, halters, and gas chromatography.

 Gas collection vessel is one of the important and integral components used for the collection and accumulation of 24 hr breath gas sample. The minimum duration of gas collection in SF6 is 5-6 days; however, practically it takes about 12-15 days for the collection of minimum 5-6 successful samples. Therefore, only 40-50% of the gas collection is successful and remaining 50-60% unsuccessful collection is attributed to the leakage and blockage of halter components, breakage, leakage, and blockage of canisters. This uncertainty leads to the huge time loss, manpower wastage, prolonging of the study duration, gas losses etc.

 Keeping the above demerits of the existing assembly in view, ICAR-NIANP has developed the improvised gas collection device which detect the leakage and blockage of halters and canisters and monitored in real time gas collection. The advantages of using the improvised gas collection device are a) 100% successful gas collection, b) No breakage of the gas collection canisters, c) Detect immediate gas leakage and blockage from the assembly, d) Monitor real time gas collection, e) Avoid the unnecessary prolonging of animal experimentation, f) Save manpower, feed cost and additional gaseous in GC and g) Ensures uniform N2 dilution.

Improvised gas collection device detects the leakage

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, R&D

The COE will facilitate the production of quality planting material, training and demonstrations to the farmers and the other stakeholders using automated sowing machines and assembly lines.

Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister  inaugurated the two State-of-the-Art Facilities – Centre of Excellence (COE) for Protected Cultivation on Horticultural Crops and Business Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Support through Technology in Horticulture (BESST-HORT) at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru.

The COE will facilitate the production of quality planting material, training and demonstrations to the farmers and the other stakeholders using automated sowing machines, assembly lines and hi-tech greenhouses demonstrations in protected cultivation and the BESST-HORT would provide technical handholding, mentoring & other support to the Agri-Start-Ups and onsite & virtual training.

Tomar applauded the progress made by the Institute and the Council’s other Horticultural Institutes. He also said that the COE would smoothen the production of quality planting material, train and demonstrate farmers and other stake holders using automated sowing machines.

The COE will facilitate the production of

Agrotech, Finance, Start ups

Hydenmet plans to capture a majority of the small and marginal farmers segment

Bengaluru-based start up Hydenmet, has raised $150k from angel investors through ah! Ventures Angel platform.

Hydenmet was incorporated in 2019 and won the state of Bihar as their customer in August 2019 when they developed a mobile application called ‘Indravajra’ for detection and early warning of lightning and dangerous thunderstorms.

Hydenmet plans to capture a majority of the small and marginal farmers segment, which has been ignored by all largest agritech players by creating a unique per acre per year pricing model for a range of support services offered to farmers working with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Hydenmet has 3-year contracts signed with over 25 FPOs covering 50,000 acres of cultivation spread over 3 states since 2021 February. Of the 100 million acres of cultivation in India by small & marginal farmers, even if Hydenmet gets 5 per cent in the next few years, they can see revenues of Rs 2000 crores per year.

Hydenmet plans to capture a majority of