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HomePosts Tagged "CEO and Founder"
Agbiologicals, Biofertilizers, Fungicides, Herbicides, Opinions, World

By Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder, Bionema Group, Wales, United Kingdom

The agricultural landscape is profoundly transforming as the global drive toward sustainability accelerates. The sector’s projected growth to a staggering $1.2 trillion by 2034 signals immense economic potential and underscores a significant shift toward environmentally responsible farming practices. With the agricultural biologicals market forecasted to surge from $16.7 billion in 2024 to $31.8 billion by 2029 (Markets and Markets, 2024), alongside significant expansions in agrochemicals and organic food markets, we are on the brink of a revolution in how food is grown, protected, and consumed.

Unprecedented Growth in Agricultural Biologicals

The global agricultural biological market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5 per cent, reaching $31.8 billion by 2029. Agricultural biologicals—including biopesticides, biofertilisers, and biostimulants—are essential to sustainable farming practices. These products enhance crop protection, improve nutrient efficiency, and restore soil health while avoiding the environmental damage associated with synthetic chemicals.

Several key factors are driving this shift:

•Consumer Demand for Organic Produce: Globally, consumers increasingly seek natural, chemical-free products, pushing farmers to adopt biological alternatives.

•Stricter Regulations: Governments in Europe, North America, and other regions are implementing stricter controls on chemical inputs, speeding up the transition to biologicals.

•Environmental Awareness: The adverse effects of chemical-intensive farming on ecosystems are becoming more apparent. Biologicals offer a sustainable solution with minimal environmental harm.

Regional Drivers of Growth

The Asia-Pacific region is set to be a significant growth engine for agricultural biologicals. Countries like India and China, with vast agricultural sectors and growing populations, are increasingly focusing on sustainable farming practices. Thanks to its stringent regulatory environment, Europe continues to play a leading role, mainly through the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims for a 50 per cent reduction in pesticide use by 2030.

The U.S. market is expanding rapidly in North America due to increased investment in biological research and innovation. Latin America, especially Brazil, is emerging as a critical player in biologicals, driven by its leadership in organic farming and alternatives to agrochemicals.

Agrochemicals: A Market in Transition

Despite the rise of biologicals, the agrochemicals market is expected to grow from $365.6 billion in 2024 to $491.69 billion by 2032 (Market Research Future, 2024). However, the narrative surrounding agrochemicals is shifting. Farmers are increasingly adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine biologicals with synthetic chemicals, balancing yield targets with environmental sustainability.

Agrochemicals will still play a role in global food production, but their use will increasingly be complemented by biological solutions to reduce environmental impact. This hybrid approach is critical in regions where fully transitioning to biological methods is not feasible due to scale, cost, or other constraints.

Organic Food: A Powerhouse Market

The global organic food market is forecasted to rise from $228.35 billion in 2024 to $658.38 billion by 2034 (Precedence Research, 2024). This reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences toward healthier, environmentally friendly food choices.

Organic farming emphasises sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health, making agricultural biologicals a natural fit for this market. Biopesticides, biofertilisers, and biostimulants are at the core of organic farming systems, replacing chemical inputs with natural solutions aligned with organic certification principles. Countries like Germany, the U.S., and France lead this trend, with robust organic farming sectors and consumers willing to pay premiums for organic products.

Regulatory frameworks shaping the market

The regulatory landscape is pivotal to the growth of agricultural biologicals. In the European Union, the regulatory framework has become increasingly favourable for biologicals, particularly with the implementation of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy, which promote sustainable food systems and aim to reduce pesticide use significantly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also streamlined the biopesticide registration process, encouraging faster adoption.

In Brazil, one of the world’s largest agricultural markets, regulatory reforms have accelerated the approval of biological products. The country’s leadership in organic farming and favourable policy environment make it a key player in driving biological adoption in Latin America. Similarly, India has introduced initiatives through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its Farm Science Centres (KVKs) network to promote biological products.

However, challenges remain, particularly in harmonising regulations across regions. Global regulatory collaboration is necessary to establish consistent standards, reduce registration bottlenecks, and foster innovation.

Key trends driving growth

1.Innovations in Microbial Technology: Microbial research advances enable the development of highly effective biological products that target specific pests, improve nutrient uptake, and enhance plant resilience. Innovations in formulation technologies, such as encapsulation and controlled-release systems, are improving the stability and efficacy of biologicals, making them more viable for large-scale farming.

2.Consumer Awareness and Organic Certification: As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, demand for organic and sustainably produced food is rising. This shift drives the need for biological inputs that meet organic certification standards, further boosting the adoption of biological solutions.

3.Climate-Smart Agriculture: Agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural biologicals, particularly soil microbes, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and reducing the carbon footprint of farming practices.

Despite rapid growth, the agricultural biologicals market faces several challenges:

•Regulatory Hurdles: Fragmented regulatory environments across regions slow the approval process for new biological products. Harmonising regulations will be vital in accelerating innovation and adoption.

•Farmer Education and Confidence: Many farmers remain sceptical of biological products due to a lack of knowledge or previous experiences with ineffective or ingenuine products. Education and field demonstrations are essential for building farmer confidence and ensuring widespread adoption.

• Supply Chain and Scalability: The infrastructure needed to produce, store, and distribute biological products at scale is still developing. Investments in supply chain logistics, cold storage, and distribution networks will be critical to meeting future demand.

The Future of Sustainable Agriculture

The $1.2 trillion surge in the agricultural biologicals, agrochemicals, and organic food markets reflects more than just economic growth—it signals a global commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable, eco-friendly industry. As the world grapples with climate change, food security, and environmental degradation, the rise of agricultural biologicals offers a pathway to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Innovations in microbial technology, growing consumer demand for organic products, and favourable regulatory frameworks are positioning agricultural biologicals as a cornerstone of global food production. By investing in these sustainable solutions today, we are laying the foundation for a future where agriculture feeds the world and preserves the planet for generations to come.

Agriculture is no longer just about yields; it’s about balancing productivity with responsibility. As the agricultural biological sector evolves, it is poised to create a future where farming is both economically viable and ecologically sound.

By Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder,

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Horticulture, India, Start ups, Sustainability

Project Unnati will collaborate closely with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Mango Board, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), and various horticulture departments across different districts.

Coca-Cola India, in collaboration with Gram Unnati, is excited to announce the launch of “Project Mango Unnati,” with an aim to revolutionise sustainable mango cultivation initiative, focusing on the Alphonso and Totapuri varieties in Karnataka. Project Unnati will collaborate closely with state horticulture agencies such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Mango Board, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), and various horticulture departments across different districts.

Project Mango Unnati will promote ‘Sustainable Agricultural Practices’ to enhance mango yields and farmer incomes by improving the quality, size, and shelf life of the fruit. This would help farmers achieve better market prices. The project will also demonstrate and facilitate the adoption of rejuvenation techniques for old and senile orchards and high-density plantation (HDP) practices.

Project Mango Unnati will also emphasise on sustainable agriculture through micro irrigation, integrated pest management (IPM), and water conservation techniques such as mulching and rainwater harvesting. Through this initiative farmers will receive training in safe and modern agricultural practices to ensure sustainable farming.

The project will provide crop advisory services, including climate forecasting and crop alert systems, to equip farmers with climate-smart techniques besides enhancing the traceability and sustainability of the crop that will help farmers achieve better returns for their produce. Special training modules have been designed to empower female farmers, promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector.

Commenting on the launch of the project, Aneesh Jain, CEO and Founder, Gram Unnati, said, “Gram Unnati is proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on this transformative project that underscores our commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. By adopting modern practices and focusing on quality, we aim to significantly enhance the livelihoods of mango farmers in Karnataka. Together, we will drive sustainable growth and innovation in mango farming, benefiting farmers and the environment alike.”

“Farmers are the backbone of India’s horticulture system. With Project Mango Unnati, we aim to elevate the livelihoods of these farmers with advanced horticulture solutions, empowering them to significantly increase their incomes. This aligns with the Government of India’s vision for Atma Nirbhar Bharat, making the agrarian economy self-reliant”, said, Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director- CSR and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.

Project Unnati will collaborate closely with Krishi

Agrotech, Award, Company News, Drones, India, Start ups

 This global recognition highlights Garuda Aerospace’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to developing cutting-edge drone technologies. 

India’s leading drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace, is honoured to be recognised as the winner at the international TiE50 Award 2024 for its leading innovation and technology in the drone industry. This global recognition highlights Garuda Aerospace’s exceptional achievements, its pioneering spirit and its commitment to developing cutting-edge drone technologies.  The win positions India as a key player in the global drone industry.

The highly competitive annual award attracted participation from thousands of promising startups across the world. Garuda Aerospace emerged victorious post a rigorous selection process involving multiple rounds. Marking its 14th year, the TiE50 awards have been a hallmark of identifying and honoring the most impactful and disruptive technology-enabled startups.

Garuda Aerospace will be felicitated at the grand stage with the TiE50 winner trophy at the TiEcon 2024. TiEcon is a premier global tech conference designed for leading entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and investors.

Elated on the win, Agnishwar Jayprakash, CEO and Founder, Garuda Aerospace said, “We are honored to be recognized as a TiE50 Award Winner. This award is a validation of our team’s hard work and unwavering dedication. Garuda Aerospace is proud to represent India at an international level and position India as a global drone hub. We are committed to pushing the boundaries with continuous research and innovation, thereby contributing to the advancement of drone technology worldwide.”  

Backed by MS Dhoni, Garuda Aerospace is shaping the future of drone ecosystem in the country. Recently, the company secured orders of high-tech quadcopter drones from ISRO. Garuda Aerospace also dominates the drone market with 55 per cent market share in agri drone category and 25 per cent market share across all drones in India.

 This global recognition highlights Garuda Aerospace's pioneering

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, E-commerce, Start ups

Project rolled out in 60 villages of Bulandshahr with plans to scale up pan India in 24 to 36 months.

In a bid to boost market linkages to Indian farmers, Gram Unnati, India’s first integrated agri solutions company has tied up with Common Services Centre (CSC) E-Governance Services India Limited, to establish a digital platform that empowers smallholder farmers to market their produce efficiently. CSCs are internet enabled access points, which provide last mile access to various e-governance services through digital connectivity.

The pilot project has been initiated in 60 villages of Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. Farmers residing in these villages can notify the nearest CSC VLE (Village Level Entrepreneur) about the quality and quantity of their agricultural produce. Gram Unnati will then engage with the farmer, inspect produce quality, offer fair selling prices, and take possession of the goods. Payments to the farmers will be processed instantly and in full directly into their bank accounts. Based on the learning of this pilot, in the next 6-12 months, this initiative will be rolled out across the district and in 24 to 36 months across the country.

Commenting on the association, Aneesh Jain, CEO and Founder, Gram Unnati, said, “This initiative by Gram Unnati promises several benefits for farmers, including a 15 per cent to 20 per cent increase in net price realisation due to savings on transportation and trader commissions, fair weighment of produce, transparent payment processing directly into farmers’ accounts within an agreed timeframe, along with advisory support on crop planning and management to enhance quality, productivity, and in turn better price realisation. Gram Unnati’s deep penetration and knowledge and the digital platform offered by CSC will be a game changer for farmers in getting a higher yield for their produce through a right market linkage program.”

Kuldeep Meena, Chief Development Officer of Bulandshahr District, Uttar Pradesh, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative and said, “The farmers stand to gain extensively through this joint initiative by CSC & Gram Unnati as market linkage is the need of the hour. This initiative will facilitate and accelerate this process, catering to farmers’ needs through last-mile delivery. Not only will farmers get easy access to markets at the village level, but they will also receive fair prices for their produce.”

The primary objective of this initiative is to provide vegetable farmers access to markets at the village level, ensure prompt and full payments directly into farmers’ bank accounts, and offer timely advisory services in case of pest or disease issues.

Project rolled out in 60 villages of