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HomePosts Tagged "Chief Executive Officer"
Foodgrains, India, Interaction, Seeds

Ajay Bhuwalka, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Monk Private Limited shared his views on the millet sector in India in an exclusive conversation with AgroSpectrum.

How would you envisage the future of millets in India?

Millets are an ancient grain of India and was a staple grain before the green revolution. Most rural parts of the country still consume millets as their staple.  We are very confident that millets will definitely find their way back into urban kitchens due to its immense health benefits. Post COVID, the consciousness of all people to lead a healthy lifestyle has gone up significantly. Thus, we are very confident that millet’s popularity will again touch new heights in coming years as people are getting more aware of their benefits.

With good transport facilities, strong marketing network and easy payment system, farmers will definitely be going to opt for millet cultivation. As we have mixers and table size coconut oil extractors at home, in the same way, technology to remove husk of millet at home will definitely increase the demand for millets.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM). How will this development enhance the nexus of millets in the domestic and international market?

The IYOM announcement has given a lot of boosts in not only creating awareness about the importance and benefits of millets but also considerably improved the demand of millets across all channels both offline and online. Many startups have mushroomed to take advantage of this opportunity and thus further creating the market for millets especially in the urban spaces. The government promotional activities such as B2B meet and expos being conducted across the country and even abroad has undoubtedly helped to create national and international awareness and demand. Workshops conducted to spread the health benefits of millets bring new customers. Even at the grassroots level, functions conducted by the agriculture department by distributing seeds to spread the benefits of millets have encouraged new millet farmers.

Agriculture universities are conducting both online and off line programmes to spread awareness about business opportunities that millets provide to institutions and also to individuals. All these activities expect to bring new millet cultivators, new consumers, new traders and they will create an entire new ecosystem for millets and its production.

What steps should be taken to enhance awareness about millets and their benefits across the country?

There are numerous points of view on this topic, but my one and only request is for a national advertising campaign led by celebrities that will run for two years and be distributed in as many different media outlets and languages as possible. The campaign that Amitabh Bachchan ran to raise awareness about polio is an example of a campaign that is comparable. All brands will be able to reap the benefits of this, as it will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the millet sector.

What are the major challenges that hampering the growth of millets industry in India?

There are a number of obstacles that are looming over the millets sector, includes Lack of awareness among customers, Inconsistent and fragmented supply of millets, Lack of trust among farmers, Shorter shelf life after primary processing, Inefficient agricultural practices and processing of millets, which ultimately results in an increase in costs.

The planting of minor millet presents a significant challenge. As the crop has to be planted in a very specific manner. The soil pattern and moisture levels should be appropriate. Even if a great number of newly educated farmers have come up to take on the challenge of farming minor millets, these seeds will not sprout unless the appropriate amount of moisture and soil type is available.

The Government of India has launched many key initiatives such as National Food Security (NFS) Act covering ‘coarse grains’, Millets made part of the National Food Security Mission etc. As per you, are these initiatives aligned rightly to enhance millet’s growth both in India and abroad?

I really feel these steps will take the industry in the right direction. Apart from these, I feel that there is still scope for rolling out some small initiatives such as –

·        Making sure that millet seeds are easily available and the required sowing equipment system is readily accessible.

·        Enhancing warehouse facilities

·        Relaxation in export policy so that farmers and traders can benefit

·        Spreading more awareness about millets so that young generation get attractive towards this lucrative industry.

Millets are mostly a part of the low external input sustainable agriculture (LEISA), investments in millet production systems in India usually remain lower than those for fine cereals – i.e. paddy and wheat. How can this perception be removed?

This impression of millet will undoubtedly shift if the demand from the urban population develops, as they would consume millets for the purpose of bettering their health and warding off diseases that are associated with lifestyle choices. Additionally, there is a powerful demand for technological innovation of a high quality in order to harvest millets without causing damage to fodder.

                                                                                                                                           By Nitin Konde

Ajay Bhuwalka, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Monk

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Finance, Inputs, Seeds, World

In the agricultural business (Crop Science), sales decreased by 3.6 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 3.986 billion euros.

The Bayer Group has reported third-quarter sales that were level with the prior-year period on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis (Fx & portfolio adj.), while earnings declined. In the agricultural business (Crop Science), sales decreased by 3.6 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 3.986 billion euros. Sales of glyphosate-based herbicides declined by 19.1 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) as purchasing patterns normalised and volumes decreased as a result, while a significant acreage reduction for corn in Latin America contributed to a similar decline in global sales of the Corn Seed & Traits business (Fx & portfolio adj. 19.3 percent). These negative effects were partially offset by substantially increased fungicide and insecticide sales, with growth rates of 13.1 percent and 9.5 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.), respectively.

EBITDA before special items at Crop Science increased to 35 million euros (Q3 2023: minus 24 million euros), mainly due to lower provisions for the Group-wide short-term incentive (STI) program and a decrease in the cost of goods sold. Earnings were negatively impacted by the slight decline in sales. There was a positive currency effect of 32 million euros (Q3 2023: 121 million euros).

“The development of the agricultural market has been weaker than anticipated, especially in Latin America, and the company also continues to face pricing pressure in the crop protection business, he said. Bayer is therefore lowering its 2024 targets for Crop Science. For 2025, Bayer is cautious on the agricultural market environment. Additional regulatory challenges and generic pricing pressures are set to put pressure on the crop protection business”, said Bill Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Bayer.

In the agricultural business (Crop Science), sales

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

The centre will provide world-class skill development, followed by on-job training opportunities for rural youth and women.

VEDIC-Mahindra Skill Development Centre was inaugurated today at the Ordnance Factory in Ambajhari, in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways. Established as a collaborative effort between VDIA (Vidharbha Defence Industries Association), Yantra India Ltd., and Mahindra Tractors, the centre will address the challenges faced by rural youth and promoting skill development in the Vidharbha region.

The event also witnessed the presence of Dinesh Rai, Founder Chairman, Alliance of Indian MSMEs (AIM) & Former Secretary, MSME, GOI, Gurudutt Ray, officiating Chairman & Managing Director, Yantra India Ltd., Mr. Nachiket Kodkani, Sr. VP – Mfg., CME, SCPC & Quality, Mahindra Tractors, Kapil Chandrayan, Consultant NSDC, Vipin Itankar, IAS, District Collector Nagpur and Mr. Dilip V. Gondnale, Chairman, VEDIC (Vidharbha Engineering Design & Innovation Centre) along with other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Wagh, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Tractors said, “At Mahindra, we believe that by providing world-class skill development, we can create numerous opportunities for rural youth and women, enabling them to build successful careers and address the challenges of rural India, while contributing to the nation’s growth. The inauguration of the Skill Development Centre, ‘VEDIC-Mahindra SDC’ in Nagpur, is a testament to that objective and a major milestone in Mahindra Tractors’ continued thrust toward transforming lives and strengthening communities.”

As Mahindra Tractors celebrates 60 years of leadership in the domestic market and a milestone of 40 lakh tractors sold, the establishment of this centre underscores the company’s commitment to rural prosperity across the country through youth empowerment. This initiative aligns with Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on skill development as a national priority to leverage India’s unique demographic dividend.

Through VEDIC-Mahindra SDC, Mahindra Tractors will bring unmatched industry expertise in tractor and farm machinery, together with a commitment to excellence in skill development. The centre is particularly focused on skilling rural youth from the Vidarbha region, paving the way for multiple potential career opportunities across the ecosystem, including sales and service roles at dealership locations and assembly roles at manufacturing plants.

Mahindra Tractors has curated a unique curriculum covering skill development across tractor service, sales, and assembly, delivered by the best trainers in this field. Students will also have access to the most modern technical equipment and hands-on experience in various aspects of tractor-related skills.

The centre will provide world-class skill development,

Company News, People, World

Manish brings to the role extensive leadership in pre-harvest and post-harvest industries, business operations, sales, marketing, and delivering strategic projects at national, regional, and international levels

UPL Ltd. and DECCO WW, part of the UPL Group of companies, responsible for developing and distributing its portfolio of post-harvest solutions, announced the appointment of Manish Sirohi as the Chief Executive Officer of DECCO WW.

Manish brings to the role extensive leadership in pre-harvest and post-harvest industries, business operations, sales, marketing, and delivering strategic projects at national, regional, and international levels. Manish joined UPL in 2004 and has held various positions across different markets, most recently serving as Global Commercial Head of DECCO WW. In this role, Manish was instrumental in unleashing new business value and driving double-digit top-line and bottom-line growth in 2023 despite the challenging industry environment.

Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO of UPL said, “Post-harvest solutions are a core part of our business and a crucial component of our sustainable future. These solutions are not just about preserving foods; they’re about sustaining livelihoods, ensuring food security, and minimising waste in an increasingly demanding world with a rapidly growing population. Manish has an impressive 20-year history with UPL, and is the natural choice to lead DECCO WW into its new phase of growth to become the post-harvest global leader.”

Manish brings to the role extensive leadership

Agrotech, Company News, IT, North America

Sentera will commercialise the technology by identifying a go-to-market partner, building on its prior and ongoing collaborations with some of the most highly respected inputs and machinery providers.

Sentera, the industry-leading provider of ag analytics,has announced the launch of its Aerial Weed Scout technology, a precision weed control solution that reduces post-emergent herbicide application by up to 70 per cent with no adverse impact on outcomes.

Aerial WeedScout is the first turnkey, selective herbicide application solution that delivers the performance, affordability, and ease-of-use necessary to achieve broad adoption. Advanced high-resolution imaging and deep learning technologies allow users to detect weeds sooner with higher accuracy compared to competing technologies. Application equipment can move through fields at normal operating speed, and upfront costs are a fraction of those required by on-machine solutions.

Sentera precision weed detection maps are used to automatically generate a machine prescription so that herbicide is applied only where it’s needed to achieve weed control. The prescription is tailored to machine characteristics, allowing operation across sprayer fleets of mixed brand and configurations.

“After over five years of focused development, we are excited to bring this technology to market,” said Brian Wenngatz, chief executive officer, Sentera. “We’ve lowered costs and reduced time to go from imaging to spraying at scale. We look forward to transforming how the industry approaches weed control.”

In instrumented field trials, Sentera’s Aerial WeedScout technology has demonstrated considerable cost savings and weed control efficacy that matches standard broadcast application protocols. All major sprayer equipment brands are supported, including the most advanced nozzle-by-nozzle-capable systems.

Following technology validation, Sentera will commercialize the technology by identifying a go-to-market partner, building on its prior and ongoing collaborations with some of the most highly-respected inputs and machinery providers.

“We have developed a highly accurate solution that can be implemented at scale without burdensome equipment investment. Taking this to market in a way that allows it to make maximum positive impact for our partners and the growers we serve is too big for us to take on alone,” said Wenngatz. “We’ll be working to identify a suitable commercial partner to help bring this to market. It’s important that we realize a shared vision for lower application costs, better yields, and improved soil sustainability.”

Sentera is pleased to announce that Hobart Beeghly and Anthony Osborne, longtime Bayer Crop Science and Monsanto senior leaders, have been engaged to advise Sentera on the path ahead for Aerial WeedScout. Sentera is excited to leverage Hobart and Anthony’s extensive agricultural experience in go-to-market, technology, product development, and extensive network across the industry.

Sentera will commercialise the technology by identifying

Company News, Environment, India, Start ups, Sustainability

The support offered by the accelerator programme includes financial readiness, innovation potential and market reach to the startups.

Kochi-based agritech start up, Farmers Fresh Zone, the only start-up from India to be recognized for FAO and Seed’s SDG Agrifood accelerator programme for innovators, to receive tailor-made help. Farmers FZ model focuses on bringing in fresh food to the plates and also on lowering carbon emissions. Farmers Fresh Zone (Farmers FZ), a, was one among the 12 agri-food start-ups selected across the world by Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations.

For the first time, UN hosted the SDG Agrifood accelerator programme and Farmer’s Fresh Zone stood out for its unique module and practices which are scalable at any part of the world. Farmers Fresh Zone was one of the three start-ups to be part of the panel discussion happened in the event. While six were invited to present their unique SDGs, a total of 12 were selected for the programme. 

Under this programme, Farmers FZ will receive grands and other funds to make the necessary changes needed for each market, thus helping them widen their reach and making their business global. The support offered by the accelerator includes financial readiness, innovation potential and market reach. The core objective of the programme is to help agrifood startups to scale while conforming to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Farmers Fresh Zone business model contributes majorly towards SDG 1, SDG 2 and SDG 12 along with others.

Sharing more details, Pradeep P S, Chief Executive Officer, AgriTech D2C & FAAS (Farm to fork as SaaS), said, “India is the second largest country in agriculture production and we, at Farmers Fresh Zone, are super proud to represent as the only one from India at a global forum. The event was at Rome, Italy aiming to attain the UN sustainable development goals. Being recognized as a leader of sustainability in the agriculture sector is no mere feat. I am extremely elated that our sincere thoughts and efforts to bring down carbon emissions have garnered attention. We presented our model before an august audience in the event. Participation at UN function in Rome also opened roads to network with global names in this sector.”

The support offered by the accelerator programme

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Floriculture, R&D

Discussions were held on the creation of facilities with an aim to make the village clusters a model for the rest of the state in terms of orchid introductions, propagation, cultivation

A Consultative Meet on the Creation of the Orchid Centre in Mizoram was held. The meet was followed by visits and discussions with prospective orchid farmers at Aizawl, Aibawk and Maubuang.

The meet was jointly organised by MzSRLM and NRCO.

During the inaugural session, H. Lalchhandami, Chief Executive Officer, MzSRLM, Rural Development Department, Aizawl briefed about the outline of the vision and mission of MzSRLM and their specific goals pertaining to orchid centre development cum functionalities for sustainable livelihood of grass-root commune through orchid cultivation and viable commerce out of it.

Dr S. P. Das, Director, ICAR-NRCO, through a message, conveyed the holistic principles of sustainable orchid promotion in enhancing rural livelihood in Mizoram.

A team of NRCO scientists comprised of Dr L. C. De and Dr D. Saha along with officials of MzSRLM, Aizawl, interacted with all administrative officials of Aibawk block in the presence of Esther Leihang, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Aibawk and C. Vanlalhruaii, Block Mission Manager, Aibawk and discussed block and village level perspective regarding the commercial level of orchid production system in deriving economic resilience for the community.

Discussions were also held on the creation of facilities with an aim to make the village clusters a model for the rest of the state in terms of orchid introductions, propagation, cultivation and viable commerce out of this venture.

The team came up with a road map coupled with an initial recommendation in the presence of all concerned officials and stakeholders.

Lalchhandami expressed her eagerness to see the state of Mizoram being a sensible hub of viable orchid cultivation-cum-commerce in due course of time including some efforts in conserving natural orchid species of the state.

Discussions were held on the creation of

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Environment, Seeds, Sustainability

As part of the company’s efforts to advance sustainable innovation, 90 per cent of new crop protection products and all new seed products now meet Corteva’s sustainability criteria.

Corteva Agriscience has released its 2022 Sustainability and ESG Report, providing an update on the commitments the company has made to address some of today’s most pressing environmental, economic and social challenges. The report details the company’s goals to help the world’s farmers be more productive and resilient, preserve biodiversity, reduce the climate impact of its operations and increase inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) within its workforce.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business,” said Chuck Magro, Chief Executive Officer, Corteva Agriscience. “We are working to solve complex food and energy security challenges while preserving the long-term health and viability of farmland and other natural resources.”

As part of the company’s efforts to advance sustainable innovation, 90 percent of new crop protection products and all new seed products now meet Corteva’s sustainability criteria, which are aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Additional sustainability efforts in 2022 include the purchase of Stoller Group and Symborg to position Corteva as one of the largest biological plant health companies in the world; receiving seven-year amended Environmental Protection Agency registrations for Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® herbicides; and the introduction of Sosdia™ Stress, a biostimulant that enhances crop resilience against stressors like drought, excessive heat or sunlight.

“Our Research and Development teams are focused on developing sustainable solutions that increase productivity and profitability potential while improving resilience to increasing weed, insect, disease, and extreme weather pressures and protecting our natural resources,” said Sam Eathington, Chief Technology and Chief Digital Officer, Corteva Agriscience. “Our innovation engine is delivering solutions that give farmers more options to improve yield potential and minimize inputs to build whole-farm systems that are strong and stable.”

Corteva is also making progress towards its Inclusion Diversity & Equity (ID&E) goals while continuing to build on its winning culture, including increasing the number of women in management roles by six percent and being named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies in 2022.

As part of the company's efforts to

Company News, Environment, North America, Sustainability

As part of the company’s efforts to advance sustainable innovation, 90 per cent of new crop protection products and all new seed products now meet Corteva’s sustainability criteria.

Corteva Agriscience has released its 2022 Sustainability and ESG Report, providing an update on the commitments the company has made to address some of today’s most pressing environmental, economic and social challenges. The report details the company’s goals to help the world’s farmers be more productive and resilient, preserve biodiversity, reduce the climate impact of its operations and increase inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) within its workforce.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business,” said Chuck Magro, Chief Executive Officer, Corteva Agriscience. “We are working to solve complex food and energy security challenges while preserving the long-term health and viability of farmland and other natural resources.”

As part of the company’s efforts to advance sustainable innovation, 90 per cent of new crop protection products and all new seed products now meet Corteva’s sustainability criteria, which are aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Additional sustainability efforts in 2022 include the purchase of Stoller Group and Symborg to position Corteva as one of the largest biological plant health companies in the world; receiving seven-year amended Environmental Protection Agency registrations for Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® herbicides; and the introduction of Sosdia™ Stress, a biostimulant that enhances crop resilience against stressors like drought, excessive heat or sunlight.

“Our Research and Development teams are focused on developing sustainable solutions that increase productivity and profitability potential while improving resilience to increasing weed, insect, disease, and extreme weather pressures and protecting our natural resources,” said Sam Eathington, Chief Technology and Chief Digital Officer, Corteva Agriscience. “Our innovation engine is delivering solutions that give farmers more options to improve yield potential and minimize inputs to build whole-farm systems that are strong and stable.”

Corteva is also making progress towards its Inclusion Diversity & Equity (ID&E) goals while continuing to build on its winning culture, including increasing the number of women in management roles by six percent and being named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies in 2022.

As part of the company's efforts to