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HomePosts Tagged "Co-Founder"
Agribusiness, E-commerce, India, Opinions, Trade

 By Bilal Khimji, Co-Founder, TradeBridge

The global B2B e-commerce in the agriculture market was valued at $6.90 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4 per cent from 2022 to 2030. Polaris Market Research & Consulting, Inc noted that factors such as increased penetration of the internet along with the growing usage of mobile phones and the benefits of these platforms are driving the B2B e-commerce in agriculture market growth. According to Tracxn Technologies report there are over 712 companies in India in B2B Farm Produce E-Commerce space as on September 12, 2024. Over 1389 mandis of 23 states and four union territories have been integrated into the National Agriculture Market (eNAM), a platform that was launched in 2016 and has over 1.77 crore registered farmers, 2.53 lakh registered traders and 3510 FPOs onboarded as on February 11, 2024.

The agricultural sector is the backbone of the global economy, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and overall economic growth. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global food market is expected to reach a staggering $8 trillion by 2030. This immense growth presents a wealth of opportunities, particularly for trade, supply-chain, Agri-Tech and B2B trade platforms. While there are a growing number of players in the market for perishable commodities, no one has been able to crack the code for non-perishable agricultural commodities yet.

Challenge: Fragmented Mandis Hinder Efficiency

India’s traditional agricultural market relies on a network of mandis, which while crucial, suffer from inefficiencies:

Multiple Intermediaries: Layers of middlemen chip away at farmer profits and inflate consumer prices.

Limited Transparency: Opaque pricing leaves farmers vulnerable to exploitation.

Restricted Market Reach: Local mandis limit farmers’ access to broader markets and potentially better pricing.

Poor Infrastructure: Lack of proper storage facilities leads to spoilage and reduces profits.

Limited Information Access: Farmers lack real-time data on market trends, hindering informed decision-making.

These inefficiencies have a domino effect.

Reduced Farmer Income: Intermediary commissions deplete profits, discouraging investment in better practices and hindering overall agricultural productivity.

Higher Consumer Prices: Supply chain inefficiencies lead to higher costs for fresh produce.

Post-Harvest Losses: Inadequate infrastructure and handling practices cause significant losses, impacting food security.

Opportunity: Non-Perishables and B2B Platforms

Unlike perishable goods, non-perishables like dried fruits, spices, cereals, and oilseeds offer greater flexibility in storage and transportation, opening doors for international trade. B2B platforms can revolutionise this market by:

Streamlining Trade: Replacing complex networks with direct connections between buyers and sellers increases transparency and simplifies transactions.

Enhanced Market Access: Platforms connect businesses with a wider pool of potential partners, both locally and globally, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete internationally.

Improved Price Discovery: By aggregating data on supply, demand, and market trends, platforms provide valuable insights for both buyers and sellers, leading to fairer pricing for farmers and competitive prices for buyers.

Reduced Transaction Costs: Eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and automating processes leads to significant cost reductions for businesses, boosting profitability for all parties.

Increased Farmer Empowerment: By removing middlemen, B2B platforms allow farmers to sell at their own pricing, increasing their profit margins.

Power of Technology: Transforming Supply Chains

Technology is fueling the rise of B2B trade platforms. Some key advancements include:

Blockchain Technology: Ensures secure and transparent tracking of products throughout the supply chain, fostering trust, reducing fraud, and enabling efficient logistics management.

Big Data Analytics: Provides valuable insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and production patterns, enabling better demand forecasting, inventory management, and risk mitigation strategies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automates tasks like order processing, logistics planning, and credit risk assessment, increasing efficiency, streamlining processes, and minimising human error.

Beyond Technology: Importance of Distribution

Effective distribution is crucial. A robust network of warehouses, transportation facilities, and logistics providers ensures timely delivery of non-perishable goods. Platforms that can seamlessly integrate with existing networks or develop their own efficient systems will have a significant competitive edge.

Niche of Efficiency: Perishables vs Non-Perishables

B2B platforms need to differentiate between perishables and non-perishables. Perishables, like fruits and vegetables, have short shelf lives and require specialised cold-chain management. Non-perishables require a different approach. B2B platforms focusing on non-perishables can carve out a niche by offering:

Standardised Quality Assessments: Ensure consistent product quality for buyers.

Flexible Warehousing Options: Cater to the specific storage needs of various non-perishable commodities.

Efficient Transportation Solutions: Designed for longer shelf-life products.

Why the Lag?

Despite its potential, the non-perishable B2B trade space remains underutilised. Fragmented supply chains and an opaque environment due to intermediaries hinder direct interaction between buyers and sellers.

To read more click on:https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Bilal Khimji, Co-Founder, TradeBridgeThe global B2B

Agrotech, Animal Health, India, Opinions

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm

Protein hydrolysates offer multiple benefits for animal growth & immunity boosting, plant nutrition and protection, including nutrient supply, biostimulation, crop protection, soil health improvement, and support for organic farming practices. Their versatility and eco-friendly properties make them valuable tools for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.

Protein hydrolysates are essentially proteins that have been broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids through the process of hydrolysis. This process involves the use of water and enzymes or acids to break the peptide bonds between amino acids, resulting in smaller protein fragments.

The hydrolysis process breaks down proteins into smaller fragments. Smaller peptides and amino acids are absorbed more quickly by the body compared to intact proteins, leading to faster delivery of amino acids to muscles and other tissues for growth, repair, and other physiological processes. Protein hydrolysates often exhibit unique functional properties, such as improved solubility, emulsifying properties, and stability, which can make them suitable for use in various animal feed applications. Hydrolyzing proteins can sometimes reduce their allergenic potential by breaking down allergenic epitopes, making them safer for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities.

The source of protein significantly impacts the quality of protein hydrolysates in several ways, including their nutritional profile, functional properties, digestibility, and potential applications.

Protein hydrolysates serve as a valuable source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids in animal feeds especially aquaculture feeds. They provide nutrients necessary for growth, development, and overall health. They also enhance nutrient absorption and utilisation, leading to better growth rates and feed efficiency. Hydrolyzed proteins can enhance the palatability of fish, shrimp and crustacean feeds, making them more attractive to these aquatic animals. This can encourage increased feed intake, which is essential for promoting growth and maximising production. Protein hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides that may have stress-reducing effects on shrimp and other crustaceans. By including hydrolyzed proteins in feeds, aquaculture producers can potentially improve the resilience and survival rates of their livestock during periods of environmental stress or disease challenges. Some protein hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides that have immunomodulatory effects, helping to support the immune system of salmon, trout, and other fish species. Strengthening the fish’s immune defences can enhance disease resistance and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in aquaculture operations.

To read more click on:https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, LoopwormProtein hydrolysates

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Digital Technologies, Finance, India, Start ups

Unnati will extend channel financing solutions in collaboration with its NBFC partners including its subsidiary Ora Finance to over 76,000 channel partners across India associated with IFFCO.

Unnati Agri, an agriculture supply chain and financial services startup, announced one of its kind collaborations with IFFCO, the largest agriculture company in India. This strategic tie-up aims to provide channel financing solutions to the various segments of channel partners of IFFCO, empowering them to enhance their business operations and meet the needs of their farmer customers effectively.

Under this partnership, Unnati will extend channel financing solutions in collaboration with its NBFC partners including its subsidiary Ora Finance to over 76,000 channel partners across India associated with IFFCO. These channel partners will now have access to credit facilities that they can utilize to increase their business potential. By availing of this credit facility, they can procure larger quantities of stock from IFFCO, enabling them to deliver the right quality products to their farmer customers at the right time.

Ashok Prasad, Co-Founder, Unnati said, “At Unnati, our focus has always been to provide the best digitally enabled services to the farmers across the country. This is exactly why we are absolutely thrilled to join hands with IFFCO to provide channel financing solutions to their extensive network of channel partners. The new tie-up will empower these partners to unlock their full potential and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector in India.”

The credit facility offered through this collaboration is completely digital and designed to provide easy access to short-term credit for the customers of IFFCO. This digital platform ensures a seamless and efficient way for channel partners to apply for and manage the credit facility, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork.

Ranjeesh Pandey, Chief Marketing Manager of IFFCO, expressed his excitement about this collaboration by stating, “We at IFFCO are working on a mission mode to support farmers and channel partners to adopt new innovative technology-based Fertilizer I.e.Nano Urea and Nano DAP, Sagarika and other new bio products which will support in reducing chemical fertilizers in farming and will also increase and improve the productivity of farmers. The credit facility provided by Unnati through its NBFC partners will support in implementing the Nano Fertilizer game-changer technology in Agriculture. It will not only enable retailers and IFFCO Channel partners to expand their business in the Nano Fertilizer and speciality Fertilizer sector of IFFCO but will also help us to meet the growing demands of farmers about Nano Fertilizer. We feel that such opportunities are good for the farmers and will support technology infusion in our agriculture sector. Initially it has been decided to start in UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.

Unnati will extend channel financing solutions in

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, India, IT, Opinions

 By Amit Sinha, Co-founder, Unnati Agri

India’s agriculture industry is on the cusp of a major technological transformation, which is a pivotal moment after decades of growth. The sector has been witnessing robust growth with an average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent over the last six years. Emerging developments include accurate crop forecasting, sensor technology, robotics, etc., which heralds a paradigm shift in how agriculture is used and managed. Several emerging trends are set to reshape the practices and management of agriculture in India in the coming year of 2024.  Let’s delve into these transformative developments.

Technology adoption is escalating, with precision farming, drones, and IoT devices gaining prominence for improved crop monitoring, management, and resource utilization. The aim is to increase yields, save costs and improve business processes to make agriculture more efficient while increasing income. In this context, AgriTech emerges as a catalyst, bringing transformative and sustainable shifts in farming practices. The primary objective is not only to enhance the quality and quantity of crops, optimize livestock management but also to strive towards achieving a sustainable future.

Sustainable Agriculture

 In India, a growing emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices demonstrates a dedication to environmental conservation. This change aims to reduce agriculture’s environmental effect, fostering a more climate-conscious and sustainable approach within the farming sector. One of the most prominent trends in sustainable farming is the use of regenerative agriculture practices. This strategy emphasizes the significance of soil health and advocates the adoption of soil organic matter-building practices.

Government initiative

 The active implementation of diverse government schemes and initiatives, with a specific focus on elevating farmers’ income, improving irrigation facilities, and enhancing overall agricultural productivity, stands out as a pivotal pathway for fostering the growth of agriculture.

Moreover, regarding market linkages, it is evident that technology platforms consistently act as facilitators, strengthening the connections between farmers and markets. This leads to an improved system that guarantees better prices for agricultural produce, consequently contributing to the overall economic prosperity of farmers.

Another observable trend is diversification, wherein farmers are venturing into cultivating new crops and engaging in additional activities such as dairy, poultry, and aquaculture. This will not only enable them to to establish multiple income sources but also enhances the resilience of their farms.

Agri-Fintech

Last but certainly not least is the rise of Agri-Fintech. The agricultural sector is witnessing an increasing adoption of financial technology, providing farmers with enhanced access to credit, insurance, and various financial services.

In 2024, developments in Indian agriculture will lead to a paradigm shift toward a more technologically advanced, sustainable, and resilient sector. This transformation not only tackles current difficulties, but also creates the groundwork for a future-ready agricultural sector capable of meeting the increasing demands of a growing population while encouraging environmental care.

Technological revolution in agri sector

The future of agriculture in India is on the brink of a technological revolution, with several advancements poised to transform the sector. As per an EY report, agri-tech startups in India have the potential to reach a market worth $24 billion by 2025.

Agricultural technology aims to make fieldwork more efficient and convenient. Every year, many innovations, sometimes breakthrough technologies, appear in agriculture. With the modernization and expansion of the agricultural industry, it is increasingly important for agricultural consultants, food manufacturers and industrial managers to stay abreast of the latest technological standard. Numerous technologies are contributing to increased efficiency within the agricultural ecosystem.

In this dynamic landscape, precision agriculture is positioned to thrive. This growth is fueled by the widespread adoption of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time crop monitoring. Simultaneously, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors will provide invaluable data on soil health and environmental conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play pivotal roles, offering predictive analytics for optimized crop management and image recognition for early detection of potential issues.

Blockchain tech

Blockchain technology is expected to contribute to transparency in the agricultural supply chain, ensuring fair compensation for farmers and providing consumers with information about the origins of their food. Biotechnology may introduce genetically modified crops with enhanced resistance to pests and adverse weather conditions. The deployment of autonomous vehicles and robotics is set to revolutionize farm operations, resulting in reduced labor costs and improved overall efficiency.

Mobile applications that facilitate direct connections between farmers and buyers, coupled with features such as weather forecasting, empower farmers by providing them with crucial information. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, addresses sustainability concerns, while water management technologies like drip irrigation optimize resource utilization.

Government initiatives, combined with the widespread adoption of data analytics and farm management software, are crucial components propelling this technological revolution. The overarching goal is to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Indian agriculture.

 By Amit Sinha, Co-founder, Unnati AgriIndia’s agriculture

Agribusiness, Finance, Funding, Horticulture, India, Start ups

The funds will be utilised to drive Vegrow’s reach across India and fortify its global network.

Vegrow, a B2B fruit marketplace, has raised $46 million in primary and secondary funding. The new funding round was led by GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund. The round saw participation from existing investor Prosus Ventures, and continued support from Matrix Partners India, Elevation Capital, and Lightspeed. The funds will be utilised to drive Vegrow’s reach across India and fortify its global network, mentioned the company.

Prosus Ventures believes Vegrow operates in an attractive sector and is creating a superior demand and supply experience. The founding team has demonstrated strong execution capabilities and a focused approach to profitability. Buoyed by the future growth outlook, Prosus Ventures has increased its ownership in the company. It looks forward to the next phase of growth.

Vegrow has established a presence in the fruits segment in India, a large, unorganised market poised for tech-led disruption due to its fragmented and localised operational structure. It is characterized by the involvement of multiple intermediaries facilitating transactions. Vegrow’s advantage is the depth of its multi-channel demand stack and its use of technology for demand-supply matchmaking.

The company said that it maximises farmers’ income by accurately grading produce and efficiently matching it with the most suitable demand channel. This creates a virtuous cycle, attracting more farmers through competitive pricing as well as more buyers who seek consistency in both price and quality.

Praneeth Kumar, Co-founder, Vegrow said, “The company’s strategy marks a significant advancement in the efficiency and reliability of the fruit ecosystem. Over the past year, Vegrow has experienced a remarkable fivefold increase in revenue and achieved operational profitability.”

“At Vegrow, we distinguish ourselves from conventional operations, by creating an organizational ethos centered on agility and experimentation. Through the extensive utilization of data and technology, we provide valuable insights and optimize supply chain challenges, such as reducing perishable inventory wastage to only one-fourth of industry average, and consistently achieving industry-leading profit margins,” said Vegrow Co-founder, Mrudhukar Batchu.

The funds will be utilised to drive

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Animal Health, Live Stock, Opinions

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm

Though the cost of producing and processing insect protein is now higher than that of more conventional sources, such as fishmeal, the business is expected to grow and economies of scale could eventually result in lower costs. Efforts are being made to address potential obstacles and hurdles in order to optimize the use of insect protein in aquaculture feeds.

Insects serve as a natural and highly nutritious food source for numerous fish species, primarily in their native habitats. In the unspoiled ecosystems of rivers, ponds, lakes, and other aquatic realms, fish extensively depend on a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic insects as a substantial component of their dietary intake.

The spotlight has increasingly shifted towards insect protein as a sustainable and environmentally friendly substitute for traditional protein sources in the context of farmed aquaculture and ornamental fish nourishment. This approach yields several prospective advantages, encompassing heightened feed efficiency, diminished environmental repercussions, and mitigation of competition for conventional protein resources such as fishmeal, krill meal, shrimp meal, and squid meal.

Insects, including silkworm pupae, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets, are teeming with protein, rendering them an outstanding nutritional source for aquaculture species. Insect protein offers a well-rounded amino acid profile, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients that cater to a diverse range of aquaculture species. For juvenile fish, insects play a pivotal role in fostering growth and survival, providing a high-energy food source that facilitates rapid development and progression. In essence, the incorporation of insect protein in fish diets stands as an ecologically responsible and nutritionally sound approach, offering promising prospects for the aquaculture and ornamental fish industries.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, LoopwormThough the

Allied Industry, Company News, India

This groundbreaking move solidifies Zetta Farms’ position as a front-runner in the global tea market.

 Zetta Farms, a distinguished player in the agricultural industry, has taken a significant stride forward with the announcement of an operational partnership for 10 years with the renowned Bokahola Tea Co. Pvt Ltd. For 2 gardens encompassing 6000 acres and its associated tea factories under the Assam Tea Corporation Limited umbrella. These gardens were leased to Bokahola Tea Pvt Ltd by Assam Tea Corporation Limited. This groundbreaking move solidifies Zetta Farms’ position as a front-runner in the global tea market, poised to produce an impressive 35 Lakh (3.5 million) kilograms of tea annually.

The Operational partnership of Bokahola Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd and the Zetta Farms family reflects a shared commitment to excellence and sustainable development within the tea industry. This strategic partnership not only amplifies Zetta Farms’ production capacity but also underscores its dedication to the well-being of local communities and the advancement of the farming sector. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the tea cultivators, Zetta Farms has invested significantly in the development of critical infrastructure, creating a transformative ripple effect across the region.

The initiatives undertaken by Zetta Farms extend beyond production enhancements, as the company has initiated the establishment of modern school infrastructure, aiming to provide children in the farming community with access to quality education. Moreover, by addressing fundamental issues such as accessibility to water and supplies, Zetta Farms is revolutionizing the daily lives of the local population, saving valuable time and energy that can now be channelled into more productive endeavors.

“At Zetta Farms, our mission extends far beyond business expansion. Our recent collaboration with Bokahola Tea Co. Pvt Ltd serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering positive, sustainable change,” stated Rituraj Sharma, Co-Founder, Zetta Farms. “We are proud to invest in infrastructure that not only enhances tea production but also empowers the local community through education and improved living conditions. By blending tradition with innovation, we are prepared to create a thriving and inclusive future for all stakeholders involved.”

Prabhat Bejbaruah, the Managing Director of Bokahola Tea Co Pvt Ltd, expressed optimism about the collaboration, citing the dynamic expertise of key personnel such as Rituraj Sharma, Chetan Joshi, and Vishnu Upadhyay, contributing to a promising trajectory for both entities.

This significant milestone marks a defining moment in Zetta Farms’ ongoing journey to redefine the tea industry, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development. Zetta Farms looks forward to embarking on this new chapter, continuing to deliver exceptional tea products to consumers worldwide while fostering the growth and prosperity of the tea-producing regions.

This groundbreaking move solidifies Zetta Farms' position

Agrotech, Cold Storage, India, Logistics, Opinions, Packaging & Labelling, Supply Chain, Vegetables

By Ashok Prasad, Co-Founder, Unnati Agri

Amid the vast expanse of India’s agricultural landscape and its global stature as a key agricultural hub, the country has been grappling with substantial post-harvest losses. Boasting significant contributions to global outputs of jute, pulses, and milk, alongside securing the second spot in cultivating commodities like wheat, rice, and cotton, India’s agricultural feats shine bright. However, these accomplishments are cast under a shadow by the notable wastage that unfolds between harvest and consumption. In this era, defined by transformative technology, it’s only fitting to explore the potential of innovative strategies to tackle this pressing issue.

According to a recent study endorsed by the Indian government, the span between harvesting and consumption results in the loss of a significant 5-13 per cent of fruits and vegetables, along with approximately 3-7 per cent of crops encompassing oil seeds, and spices. This struggle is underscored by reports indicating that, despite a notable 23 per cent increase in grain production between fiscal year 2015 and 2023, the reduction in post-harvest losses for the same duration remains marginal, standing at less than one per cent. Amid the current scenario, the role of technological advancements becomes pivotal. Leveraging innovations in domains such as cold storage, transportation logistics, and precision farming, these technological strides can optimise supply chains, curtail spoilage, and elevate preservation methods. By efficiently managing surplus yields and minimising losses, these solutions hold the potential to safeguard food security, bolster the livelihoods of farmers, and foster a more ecologically balanced agricultural landscape.

There is an urgent need to embrace some path-breaking technologies which can be listed as follows:

Innovative Storage Solutions

Within the realm of agriculture, a persistent challenge has been managing post-harvest losses, particularly when it comes to preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables. As agricultural products make their journey from fields to marketplaces, significant wastage can occur due to suboptimal storage practices. However, a promising shift is underway, driven by the emergence of inventive storage solutions. These solutions leverage cutting-edge technologies to create carefully controlled environments that effectively prolong the freshness and viability of perishable produce. By closely monitoring factors like temperature, humidity, and gas composition, these storage techniques considerably curtail losses that typically arise during the transportation and storage phases. This shift carries profound implications for sustainable agriculture, reducing unnecessary food waste, bolstering food security and streamlining the overall supply chain.

Extracting Bioactive Ingredients from Fruits and Vegetables

When talking about technological developments, the crucial process of isolating bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables has undergone a major evolution. This intricate procedure involves unlocking and concentrating the beneficial elements concealed within these natural resources, which have long been revered for their potential health advantages. Leveraging cutting-edge extraction methods, both researchers and industries can capture and amplify these bioactive components, crafting a diverse array of products that cater to a variety of health and wellness requirements. The integration of these extracts in dietary enhancements, functional consumables, beverages, and skincare formulations has paved the way for a more wholesome and ecologically conscious future, where nature’s essence is transformed into potent wellness-boosting solutions.

To read more click on : https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

By Ashok Prasad, Co-Founder, Unnati AgriAmid the

Agrotech, India, Opinions, Poultry

By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-founder, Loopworm

Global meat consumption is growing exponentially because of rapid urbanisation and population growth. This surge is driven not only by increasing numbers but also by changing lifestyles, particularly in developing countries. Poultry birds known for their white meat, contribute significantly to the overall meat supply. To meet the escalating demand for meat and its products, the advent of the biotechnology revolution presents a multitude of opportunities in the poultry industry. Biotechnology is no longer limited to merely enhancing farming practices; it now encompasses a broad range of transformative impacts on poultry production and the food systems that support it.

Agri-biotechnology, a branch of science that encompasses the application of various biotechnological tools and techniques to the agricultural sector, has emerged as a powerful force in revolutionising farming practices. This field encompasses a wide range of approaches and technologies, including alternative farming techniques, precision agriculture, genetic engineering, molecular markers, system biology, and other biotechnologies.

At its core, agri-biotechnology aims to harness the potential of these tools and techniques to develop crops and animals with improved traits and characteristics. These advancements are designed to address critical challenges faced by farmers and the agricultural industry. Examples of such challenges include combating pests and diseases, increasing crop yields, and enhancing the nutritional value of agricultural products.

Agri-biotechnology has the potential to address many of the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. It has the potential to revolutionise poultry in numerous ways. It can be used to develop genetically modified crops that can be used as feed for poultry. These crops can be designed to contain high levels of specific nutrients, such as protein, that are important for poultry growth and health. Researchers all across the globe are now working on alternative ingredients and nutrients for poultry too, which is indirectly supported via agri-biotechnology in other organisms. Overall, these alternative protein sources provide an opportunity for poultry producers to diversify their feed sources and reduce their reliance on traditional protein sources.

Alternative protein sources for poultry include  

1. Insects: Insects such as silkworm pupae, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets are becoming popular alternative protein sources for poultry feed. They are a sustainable protein source and can be easily raised on organic waste.

2. Algae: Algae is a rich source of protein and can be used as a feed supplement for poultry. It can be grown in large quantities and is a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.

3. Single-cell protein: Single-cell protein is produced from microbial fermentation and is a great alternative to traditional protein sources. It is rich in essential amino acids and can be produced quickly and in large quantities.

4. Plant-based protein: Plant-based proteins can be used as an alternative protein source in poultry feed. They are a vegan alternative to animal protein sources.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-founder, LoopwormGlobal meat

Agrotech, Company News, Environment, Nature, North America, R&D

The integration of Biome Makers’ BeCrop® technology into Regen Ag Lab’s repertoire of services represents a transformative leap forward in the field of soil analysis.

Regen Ag Lab announces a significant milestone in its partnership with Biome Makers, as the company proudly breaks ground on its state-of-the-art laboratory to accept BeCrop® samples. With the licensing of Biome Makers’ cutting-edge BeCrop® technology, Regen Ag Lab offers customers an unparalleled level of insight into their soil ecosystems, including crucial factors such as nutrient cycling and mobilization, disease risk assessment, and biodiversity assessment.

The integration of BeCrop® technology into Regen Ag Lab’s repertoire of services represents a transformative leap forward in the field of soil analysis. Moreover, Regen Ag Lab is committed to ensuring that farmers and industry professionals have convenient access to cutting-edge testing services. In line with this commitment, Regen Ag Lab is expanding its physical presence to accommodate the surge in demand for our new offerings. This expansion will include additional laboratory space, advanced equipment, and an expert team of scientists dedicated to delivering accurate and timely results.

“Our partnership with Biome Makers has been nothing short of transformative,” said Lance Gunderson, Owner, Regen Ag Lab. “Together, we are reshaping the landscape of biological soil analysis by unlocking the immense potential of the soil microbiome. The opening of our lab for BeCrop® testing signifies a significant step forward in our joint mission to provide farmers and agronomists with invaluable insights that drive sustainable, regenerative agriculture.”

Regen Ag Lab and Biome Makers invite farmers, agronomists, and agricultural stakeholders to take advantage of this ground-breaking partnership. “By harnessing the power of BeCrop® technology, we can work together to unlock the true potential of your soil and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future in soil health and agriculture,” said Adrian Ferrero, co-founder, and CEO at Biome Makers.

The integration of Biome Makers’ BeCrop® technology

Agrotech, Bee keeping, India, Interaction, Opinions

 By Rohan Rehani, Co-founder, Moonshine Meadery

Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey.  To draw parallels, just like beer is made by fermenting barley, and wine is made by fermenting  grapes, Mead is made by fermenting honey. 

Mankind has consumed meads for much longer than we’ve consumed beers or wines – predominantly because both barley and grapes require agrarian practices, which would have  been missing from the lives of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. 

Interestingly, meads have existed in every culture independently of each other. Unlike a lot of  ‘technologies’ of the ancient world, the knowledge of honey fermentation was discovered  independently by most civilizations. There have been traces of mead found in ancient Chinese  pottery dating back to 7000 BC and in the tomb of King Tut in Egypt. The ancient Greeks knew it as Ambrosia – the nectar of the gods. The Vikings drank it before battle, and mead (Tej) is still widely consumed in Ethiopia. Circling back to our subcontinent, meads have been mentioned in Rigveda. 

The word Mead itself is a derivative of the Sanskrit word – Madhu. 

Meads in contemporary India 

World over, meads have started to see a resurgence with meaderies being established at a frenetic pace worldwide. In 2017, meads were the fastest-growing craft alcoholic sector in the American markets. 

In India, a change in regulations to the Wine Policy of the state of Maharashtra in 2017 allowed the fermentation of honey (earlier reserved only for fruits and grapes) into mead. In 2018, the first commercial bottled meads were released in India by Moonshine Meadery.

Interestingly, world over, most meads are made like wines – 10- 13% alc, still, and packaged in  a wine bottle. In India, Moonshine made their meads at 6.5% alc, carbonated and packaged in a  quintessential beer bottle, firmly positioning their meads as a competitor to beer, rather than wine. 

Over the last few years, other meaderies – Cerana, NoLabel, and Stump, have also launched their offerings with similar packaging and alcohol content, further establishing meads in India as uniquely different from the wine-like meads the rest of the world currently consumes.

While Cerana and Hill Zill wines have both launched higher alcohol by volume (ABV) meads in recent years – Yule  Spice and Arka respectively – packaged in a wine bottle, more than 99 per cent of all meads sold in India are competing with the beer and Ready To Drink segments. 

The reasons for this are quite clear – the consumption of wines in India is a fraction of the  consumption of beer. Adding to this fact is that the taxation structure on meads in the initial days was very different, and a lot more than the taxation on grape and fruit wines, making  competing in that category further difficult. Furthermore, the Indian subcontinent has warm and tropical climes. Chilled and carbonated beverages which can quench the thirst of heat will always do very well. One can further see this trend in the increase in wine cooler sales in India. 

Positioned as it is against beers, Meads in India is a rapidly growing market, taking volume  away from commercial beers. 

For decades, the commercial beer industry has done a disservice to Indian consumers by  offering only 1 style of beer. Each brand innovated within very narrow confines of what is  possible to brew, and generation after generation of Indians have ‘acquired’ the taste for a  bitter, rather flavorless beverage. 

Contrast that to what are the non-alcoholic beverages we’ve consumed over the decades – from  sherbets whose ingredients change from region to region, nimbu paani with chaat masala, and  more recently carbonated colas. 

There’s one common trend that emerges – we like flavourful beverages.  And yet, when it came to beers, we were told – ‘aadat lag jayegi – it’s an acquired taste. 

Which is why when the Craft Beer revolution came to India in the early 2010’s, it changed the  perception of beer for a lot of us. I personally went from disliking beer, to enjoying the occasional Belgian wit and even some of the previously unapproachable styles like IPAs. 

Today, the consumption patterns in a microbrewery speak volumes. 

~35 per cent of the production and consumption are wheat beers, which are slightly sweeter, more  flavourful and are less bitter. The next ~35 per cent are ciders and meads, and the balance ~30 per cent comprises all the other styles of beers. 

Once again, non-bitter and flavourful beverages rule the roost. 

Consumer markets are filled with examples of brands that shook up the status quo by  innovating for a market that’s been ready for innovation.

Bira is a great example of this – back in 2014, in a world full of bitter lagers, Bira’s wheat beers made quite a splash!

This is why in 2019, when Kingfisher launched its first wheat beer, some of us further rejoiced.  It’s a sign of positive change for the consumers when the largest player in the industry releases something new to capture market share they’re losing to craft players. 

All of this bodes well for the mead industry – we’re all producing meads which are flavourful,  gluten-free and made with natural ingredients. 

The consumer’s choices are evolving in response to what’s available to the consumer, and meads are well positioned to be the beverage of choice for a large number of consumers who want to have a flavourful beverage, without feeling bloated. 

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Rohan Rehani, Co-founder, Moonshine MeaderyMead is

Agrotech, Environment, India, Opinions

By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm 

The conversion of agri-waste and by-products to new valuable commodities undoubtedly requires novel technologies, also including biological technologies, which must be at the same time economically, socially, and environmentally viable and sustainable. To that end, insects have been gaining a lot of momentum as a promising biotechnological solution for upcycling leftover biomasses from agri and food production systems. However, the variety of these by-products constitutes a major technological problem for processing. Let’s explore the feasibility of this interesting development in value creation in the agriculture sector.

Till now, insects have been largely considered a pest or nuisance as they attack our crops and also infest in our granaries. But if we change the perspective and look at it from a different angle, insects are natural feeders on the crop leaves and stems, which are by-products of our agriculture production system, often getting burnt as stubble post harvesting, or being mulched into the same lands, or the most problematic of all, being dumped into landfills. 

Thus, these little creatures can be farmed on these by-products. Now, it appears a little less obvious on the use of these insects if they are mass produced in an industrial farming system. Several insect species naturally develop on organic wastes and via the incorporation of nutrients into their bodies, can be used to reduce the amount of waste material, while at the same time generating a more homogeneous and more valuable biomass. As a matter of fact, insects are a good source of useful compounds, being rich in protein, fat, chitin, and micronutrients. These biomolecules can be used for different purposes, namely for feed/food ingredients, cosmetics, pharma, bioplastics, and others, actually upgrading the value of the starting waste. 

A Historic Serendipity 

Had we found no use of Mulberry silkworms, they would have been considered as a pest for mulberry crops. But interestingly, a sudden discovery around 2000 years ago in China, with a silkworm cocoon falling in the tea of a person sipping it, led to the discovery of silk – one of the most priced commodities for the textile industry. To make it more efficient, people started looking into other applications of silkworm and its by-products, as a result of which silkworm proteins are now being explored as a natural source of bio-active peptides, and have witnessed biopharma applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing, as well as bio-materials application in textile coating, food processing applications and much more. Ultimately, genetics for strain improvement, more productive farming systems, preservation technologies for silkworm eggs, led to the further growth of the sericulture industry. Similarly, honey production and its applications in food, ayurveda, and biopharma industry led to the massive growth of bee-farming or apiculture. 

Thus, instead of looking at cockroaches and other insects as a nuisance, we can look at them as an efficient and profitable mechanism to treat waste. For instance, the palm industry suffers from Palm Weevil larvae infestation, but we still have no proper technology to deal with the crop residues of the highest edible oil producing plant. Maybe, Palm Weevil larvae, cultivated in a controlled industrial system, is the answer. Similarly, there are multiple insects which selectively feed on different crop residues, and luckily in our attempts to optimise pest management, we have already identified these insects, and studied them in great depths to understand their morphology and physiology. It’s now important to use our engineering skills to transform the science into a technology for mass producing these insects on agri and food by-products. 

Insects Turn Food Source 

As per the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the United Nations (UN), ‘Insects are the future of Food & Feed’. Notably, they are a dense source of nutrition, with 30-70 per cent protein and 20-40 per cent fats on a dry matter basis. Insects form part of the natural diet of birds and fish within their natural habitats. Poultry and aquaculture forms an integral part of the modern agriculture systems, primarily for the protein it provides. Alternative ingredients to produce formulated feeds at affordable prices and higher volumes are the need of the hour, due to the rising demand of animal-based food and feed worldwide of late. 

Global fishmeal (Fish Protein concentrate) production is today estimated to be at 4.5 million tonnes, whereas the projected demand is 6.5 million tonnes by 2030. 97 per cent soya is used in animal nutrition, which is limited in its production by arable land and portable water availability, along with other climatic and abiotic factors. Similarly, feed oil or fats are over-dependent on plant-based sources like Palm, Rapeseed, Cottonseed, etc. Thus, to sustain the growing poultry, aquaculture and pet food demand across India and the world, it is imperative that alternative ingredients are used along with traditional ingredients to bridge the volume gap, and also bring functional benefits for farmed animals. And this is exactly where farmed insects can be processed into high-quality proteins and fats for the animal nutrition industry in particular, among other sectors. 

To read more click on: HTTPs://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm The conversion

Agrotech, Opinions

By Amit Sinha, Co-Founder, Unnati

Agriculture, as we all know, is crucial to our sustenance, as it forms the foundation of our lives. Today, we cannot fathom an existence without agriculture, the primary source of our food, and given the growing population, the food requirements are only increasing further. India, a majorly agrarian economy and an emerging market, is among the top four food-producing countries in the world. However, despite over half of the country’s population being involved in agriculture, the sector was one of the slowest in technology adoption compared to others.

Today, with technology being an integral part of the agri ecosystem and agritech startups bringing innovative solutions, the agriculture sector has registered impressive growth in a short period. But for agri retailers, the scenario isn’t quite the same since they are plagued with challenges, and as is the case with most issues in the modern world, technology can be a game-changer. Here’s how.

The gap in supply chain integration

Agri retailers make up a vital cog in the agricultural ecosystem. They are the primary source of supply for farmers in terms of seeds, nutrients, equipment, and crop protection products, among others, so when retailers face challenges, it impacts the entire ecosystem. Today, there is skyrocketing demand for consistently high-quality food, alongside the growing demand for overall food production.

However, this poses challenges for supply chain integration, creating inefficiencies. Lack of storage space, improper care and negligent post-harvest management are some of the factors coming into play to create discrepancies in supply chain integration. With technologies like AI, ML, IoT, and Data Analytics, we can automate and digitise processes to make them more efficient and bridge the gaps while ensuring quality control.

Increasing competition and gaining a wider reach

In recent years, agri retailers have witnessed cut-throat competition in the market from both online and offline players in the segment. Besides, internet proliferation is at an all-time high, especially in non-metros and rural regions, and farmers are now becoming more tech-savvy with increased awareness. They compare products from multiple retailers before purchasing. This means that agri-retailers will have to innovate, increase their reach, and gain more knowledge about complex products to stay ahead and thrive in the competitive market.

To help increase their reach and network and solve these challenges at the grassroots level, agri-tech startups are offering innovative, tech-powered solutions. For instance, right from helping retailers take their business online to expanding their network of customers, farmers, and wholesale markets, data-driven analysis and AI-powered tools used by agri-tech startups are offering strong market linkages to agri retailers.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

E-Magazine

By Amit Sinha, Co-Founder, UnnatiAgriculture, as we