Connect with:
Tuesday / April 1. 2025

logo
mobile-logo
HomePosts Tagged "Director"
Agbiologicals, Agro Universities, India, R&D

The focus of the collaboration would be on formulating a biopesticide derived from a potent indigenous microbial strain identified by CSIR-IIIM.

In a significant step toward fostering industry-academia collaboration, the CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/S HAPICO Industries Private Limited to jointly develop novel biopesticides.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, and Mr. Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director, HAPICO Industries, in the presence of Dr Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist & Head, FMB Division; Dr Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, FMB; and Dr Love Sharma, Scientist, RMBD&IST.

This strategic partnership aims to address the detrimental impact of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment. Given the rich biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants, the collaboration seeks to harness their potential for developing innovative and sustainable biopesticide solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zabeer Ahmed reaffirmed the commitment of CSIR-IIIM to the translational and sustainable approach in biopesticide development and providing industrial interface to the technologies emanating from the collaboration, ensuring direct benefits for farmers across the country. He also expressed confidence in achieving the project objectives within the stipulated timeline. CSIR-IIIM, with its advanced fermentation and microbial technology infrastructure, has been actively engaged in research pursuits and development of agricultural solutions, including plant growth-promoting products, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), enzymes and biocontrol formulations.

Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director, HAPICO Industries, highlighted the collaboration as a strategic initiative to expand the company’s product portfolio and contribute to sectoral growth. “By leveraging CSIR-IIIM’s scientific expertise, HAPICO aims to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that align with the evolving market demands,” he stated.

Elaborating on the technical aspects, Dr Asha Chaubey, Head, FMB Division, emphasized that the focus of the collaboration would be on formulating a biopesticide derived from a potent indigenous microbial strain identified by CSIR-IIIM.

The agreement signing ceremony was jointly organized by the RMBD&IST and FMB Divisions, under the overall supervision of Er Abdul Rahim, Head, RMBD&IST Division, and under the patronage of the Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.

The focus of the collaboration would be

Agribiotechnology, India, R&D, Textile industry

Currently, 16000 acres are under HDPS cultivation in Maharashtra, with nearly 6664 farmers participating through PPP in the special project on cotton initiative involving CICR, 10 private seed companies.

 India has about 12 million hectares under cotton cultivation and yet it lags behind in average yield with countries like the US, Brazil, and Australia that leverage biotechnology and precision agronomy. Maharashtra, a key cotton-producing state with an area of 4 million ha, has been particularly struggling with stagnant productivity, prompting experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to push for science-driven solutions.

At the ICAR National Workshop on Cotton Yield Improvement through HDPS in Nagpur, organized by the ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) with support from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and the National Seed Association of India (NSAI), experts stressed the need for adopting the High-Density Planting System (HDPS). This agronomic method increases plant population per acre while enabling mechanization, reducing labour dependency, improving yields and profitability for farmers.

“HDPS is a crucial step towards transforming India’s cotton sector. By enabling higher plant density in low productivity shallow to medium soils and enabling mechanization, it increases yields while reducing labour dependency. The government’s financial incentives reflect a strong push for modernizing cotton farming,” said Dr Y G Prasad, Director, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur.

Currently, 16000 acres are under HDPS cultivation in Maharashtra, with nearly 6664 farmers participating through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the special project on cotton initiative involving CICR, 10 private seed companies, and the Union Ministries of Agriculture and Textiles. The central government’s Rs 16,000 per hectare incentive has further encouraged adoption. HDPS boosts productivity by 30-50 per cent per acre, facilitates mechanized harvesting, and integrates modern tools like pneumatic planters, boom sprayers, and mechanical pickers.

Farmers in Maharashtra are also advocating for next-generation cotton varieties, widely used in countries like the US, Australia, and Brazil. As pest resistance evolves, experts warn that India should embrace newer technologies to make cotton cultivation internationally competitive.

“While Bt cotton has sustained productivity, changing pest dynamics demand innovation. The global cotton industry has embraced advanced technologies in cotton pest management, and Indian farmers deserve the same opportunities,” said Dr M Ramasami, Chairman, Rasi Seeds.

Technical Textile Mission (MTTM) of Maharashtra aims to strengthen the state’s cotton value chain, with 30-40 lakh cotton farmers expected to play a crucial role in supplying raw materials for this initiative. Experts emphasized that increasing cotton productivity is critical not just for agriculture but also for India’s textile industry, which has faced raw material shortages since the pandemic.

“HDPS is key to making cotton farming resilient and future-ready. By integrating mechanization and optimizing inputs, it will drive both economic and environmental sustainability,” said Dr C D Mayee, former Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB).

The workshop also saw discussions on two years of HDPS trial data compiled in a CICR booklet. Scientists from CICR, CIRCOT, collaborating with the private sector, presented insights on productivity improvements, pest management, and mechanization. Experts also explored ways to enhance fibre quality, improve ginning processes, and keep India’s cotton industry globally competitive.

With continued government investment and industry collaboration, experts agreed that HDPS, backed by scientific advancements, is crucial to ensuring a more productive, sustainable, and globally competitive future for India’s cotton sector.

Currently, 16000 acres are under HDPS cultivation

Agro Universities, Animal Health, India, R&D

Experts believe that this recognition will pave the way for more focused research, ultimately leading to better breeding practices and improved productivity.

The Bundelkhandi goat, a vital yet previously unclassified breed from the Bundelkhand region of Central India, has been officially recognised as a new breed by ICAR – National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal. The formal recognition was announced during a ceremonial event organised at the National Agricultural Science Centre

For years, the Bundelkhandi goat has played a crucial role in the rural economy of the Bundelkhand region, renowned for its hardiness and adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. Despite its significance, the breed had remained unclassified until now. The official recognition marks a major milestone in its conservation and development, opening up new research opportunities and improving livelihoods for local goat farmers.

The successful registration is the result of the dedicated efforts of the breed conservation team at ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, under the leadership of Dr Pankaj Kaushal, Director, ICAR-IGFRI.

Experts believe that this recognition will pave the way for more focused research, ultimately leading to better breeding practices and improved productivity. The Bundelkhandi goat’s classification as an official breed is expected to help enhance the livelihoods of goat farmers in the region, who rely on these animals for meat production along with some milk.

The ICAR’s decision to grant the Bundelkhandi goat breed status underscores the growing importance of preserving indigenous livestock breeds and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in rural India.

Experts believe that this recognition will pave

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, Live Stock

The service is designed to provide essential information on sea and boat safety, hygienic fish handling practices, and value-added fish products directly to the mobile phones of fishermen.

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Kochi, in partnership with the Reliance Foundation, launched a voice message service to support the fishing community. The service is designed to provide essential information on sea and boat safety, hygienic fish handling practices, and value-added fish products directly to the mobile phones of fishermen. Leveraging the expertise of ICAR-CIFT scientists, these voice messages will be offered free of charge through the Reliance Foundation. Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, inaugurated the programme.

Nafas K. Nasar, Cluster Manager, Reliance Foundation, highlighted that the service will reach approximately 60,000 fishermen across six coastal districts of Kerala. The program coordinated by the Extension, Information, and Statistics Division of ICAR-CIFT aims to ensure timely and reliable updates for the fishing community. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering fishermen with essential knowledge to enhance safety and improve their livelihoods.

The service is designed to provide essential

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, India, Live Stock

The programme managed to grow hatchery-reared mud crab instars (2 g) to marketable size (over 500 g) in just 165 days.

The mud crab aquaculture programme at ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture has achieved a significant milestone by successfully farming mud crabs in earthen ponds. The programme managed to grow hatchery-reared mud crab instars (2 g) to marketable size (over 500 g) in just 165 days. A total production of 70 kg was recorded, with an average body weight of 720 g. The survival rate was 45 per cent, which is considered relatively high for mud crabs, with a rearing density of 300 crabs per acre.

Dr Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the growing importance of mud crab farming to meet the future demand and the role of mud crab farming in the diversification of brackishwater aquaculture to ensure the sustainability of this sector in India.

ICAR-CIBA demonstrated Mud crab farming under the scheduled caste special programme with coastal communities of Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. A harvest-cum-field day was also organised at the demonstration site.

The programme managed to grow hatchery-reared mud

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Animal Health, India, R&D

First initiative in the country to use drone technology for marine mammal research, providing a significant boost to marine mammal conservation efforts. 

ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, has carried out a drone-based survey to study marine mammal fishery interaction. This is the first initiative in the country to use drone technology for marine mammal research, providing a significant boost to marine mammal conservation efforts.  The study was carried out under the Marine Mammal Stock Assessment in India (MMSAI) project funded by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Traditional survey methods often face constraints related to time, costs, and difficulties in monitoring elusive marine species across vast oceanic areas. In contrast, drones provide a more efficient, non-invasive, and cost-effective solution for collecting comprehensive data.

Dr George Ninan, Director, CIFT, stated that the innovative approach is expected to provide crucial data on the behavioral aspects, development of scientific mitigation measures, and conservation of protected marine species.

The research team consists of Dr. Prajith K.K, Paras Nath Jha, Dr. Dhiju Das P. H., Dr. Rithin Joseph, Hrishikesh P. and Shri. Immanuel Shaji successfully identified a pod of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa Sp.) from off Kochi. These dolphins are listed as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.

First initiative in the country to use

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Animal Health, Collaborations, Company News, India, Live Stock

The VNN vaccine developed by CIBA can prevent vertical transmission of the disease to the offsprings and prevent mortality in fingerlings.

Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading vaccine manufacturer, has announced partnership with Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai, an Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institute for the commercial development of a recombinant monovalent viral nervous necrosis vaccine for finfish developed by CIBA.

IIL ventured into aqua business in October 2022 by launching products for aquaculture health market dealing with pond management and fish or shrimp gut management and subsequently announced commercial development of fish vaccines with ICAR’s CIFE, Mumbai and CIFA, Bhubaneswar. India is the 3rd largest fish producer in the global sphere and more than 65 per cent of India’s fish is through Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture. The main constraint to aquaculture globally, however, is disease with an estimate that 20 per cent of all cultured aquatic animals are lost because of infectious diseases, amounting to >10 billion USD in losses annually on a global scale.

Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) or viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) is an acute viral disease affecting several species of marine, brackishwater and freshwater fishes. The disease causes up to 100 per cent mortality in larval and early juvenile stages. Adult fish when infected, is asymptomatic, but can transmit the virus to the offspring through eggs and gonadal fluids.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “IIL is the first in India to get to fish vaccines. We are covering different kind of fishes (fresh water, brackish water, etc.) and culture conditions (pond, cage culture, etc.) and are aware of the challenges associated with being the first, having been in similar situations for many other livestock vaccines. We are working at multiple fronts in defining pathways for commercial development of fish vaccines in India”.

Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited added “IIL as a leading “One Health” organization is committed to developing vaccines for different fish pathogens with a long-term strategic objective of reducing use of antibiotics in aquaculture there by antimicrobial resistance in environment”.

Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA said “viral nervous necrosis is a major threat for brackishwater aquaculture. The VNN vaccine developed by CIBA can prevent vertical transmission of the disease to the offsprings and prevent mortality in fingerlings. The vaccine can play a significant role in controlling the loss due to VNN in India and other Asian countries”.

Aquaculture in India suffers economic losses due to infections caused by several bacterial, viral, fungal, and other aetiological agents. Currently these infections are being managed by anti-infectives and other conventional measures with varying degree of success. With the rising concern pertaining on anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and chemical free food products both at global and domestic platforms, there is a growing need for better control measures against these infections. Currently there is no fish vaccines available in India on a commercial scale to prevent aquaculture infections.

The VNN vaccine developed by CIBA can

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

The technology not only adds value to kinnow waste but also presents a sustainable opportunity for businesses in the nutraceutical and food industries.

ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, successfully licensed its groundbreaking technology, titled ‘Process for Extraction of Hesperidin from Immature Dropped Kinnows,’ to M/s BNK Foods, Uttarakhand. The licensing agreement was officially signed between Dr Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, and Akash Joshi, Director of M/s BNK Foods.

Dr. Kotwaliwale lauded the licensing agreement as a major step in bridging agricultural research with industry, expressing confidence that M/s BNK Foods will effectively use the technology to produce high-quality hesperidin, driving economic growth and health benefits.

This innovative process, developed by Dr Manju Bala, Dr. Deepika Goswami, Dr, Mridula D., Dr. R.K. Vishwakarma & Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale at ICAR-CIPHET, offers an efficient method to extract hesperidin, a valuable bioflavonoid with numerous health benefits, from immature dropped kinnows. The technology not only adds value to kinnow waste but also presents a sustainable opportunity for businesses in the nutraceutical and food industries. This agreement highlights ICAR-CIPHET’s commitment to transform agricultural practices and promoting economic development.

The technology not only adds value to

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy

To facilitate the widespread adoption of technology, the budget should also incentivise the private sector participation in building a robust agricultural innovation ecosystem.

The Union Budget 2024-25 is on the horizon, and with it comes a wave of anticipation for allocations and reforms from India’s agrarian community. There are numerous existing schemes for agriculture sector, but their efficiency needs to improve. Agri industry is looking forward to positive changes in policy and financial support for R& D in agri- technology in upcoming budget.

Raju Kapoor, Director, Industry & Public Affairs, FMC India shared his views on upcoming Union budget which will be presented in parliament on July 23.

“The agricultural sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy has been through a challenging year. With monsoon playing truant, agricultural growth has diminished from 4.7 per cent last year to 1.4 per cent, which further added to the rural distress. This budget presents a crucial opportunity to address these concerns and propel the sector towards a brighter future. The government must prioritise agriculture and rural India, focusing on making farmers more resilient while simultaneously mitigating food inflation that disproportionately affects society’s underprivileged segments.

Firstly, the budget must acknowledge the stark reality of food inflation, aggravated by stock restrictions on essential commodities such as pulses, wheat, and rice. This disproportionately affects the most vulnerable sections of society, demanding immediate attention. Similarly, the import dependence on pulses and oilseeds, the government’s commitment to providing free rations under the Annapurna Yojana, and climate change further necessitate a robust domestic production system supported by developing an innovation ecosystem.

The government should prioritise R&D investments aligned with national priorities, focusing on developing climate-resilient crop varieties, microbial products, and sustainable farming practices. To facilitate the widespread adoption of technology, the budget should also incentivize the private sector participation in building a robust agricultural innovation ecosystem. Tax incentives for R&D investments by the private sector can encourage the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, GST on agricultural inputs, such as agrochemicals, should be brought under the GST Council’s purview and potentially lowered to 12% maximum to ease the financial burden on farmers.

The Kisan Samridhi Yojana should be strengthened to empower farmers with greater financial support and its utilization at farmers’ hands should be linked to the use of advanced agricultural inputs. Kisan Samruddhi coupons that could be used to purchase agricultural inputs would enhance productivity. This will ensure timely access to essential resources and subsequent financial support to the farmers. We expect that the budget should have adequate resources for capacity-building initiatives, and should incentivize the investments by private companies to train farmer groups, particularly women, creating awareness and adoption of modern growing practices.  Easy access to adequate and affordable credit will further empower farmers to be able to adopt these technologies and enhance their livelihoods.

Extending the PLI scheme for production and export of latest innovation crop protection chemicals in India will provide long term dividend to India. Similarly, aligned to the theme of making India the Global Drone Hub, expanding the PLI scheme for building the agri-drone component manufacturing ecosystem will go a long way.      

In a nutshell, we envisage that this budget is focused on agriculture, which will further lay the foundation for a strong, sustainable, and prosperous future for Indian farmers and the nation.”

To facilitate the widespread adoption of technology,

Company News, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade

Odisha’s Horticulture Directorate and APEDA collaborated with Palladium as a technical partner to boost farmers’ incomes by exploring new export avenues for fresh produce.

Palladium, under the Promotion & Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) Project, has achieved a significant milestone by supporting the Mahila Kisan Farmer Producer Company (MKFPCL) from Rayagada in exporting 9.5 Quintals of Amrapalli mangoes from Odisha to London. This is an all-women farmer producer company promoted by PRADAN under the Agricultural Production Cluster scheme of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Odisha. This landmark export has resulted in a remarkable 40 per cent increase in price realisation for more than 1900 women farmers involved.

“We didn’t anticipate that mangoes from our FPO would reach global markets. Through this linkage, we have learned that the demand for mangoes in international markets is high. By adopting best packaging practices, gaining access to storage infrastructure, and using quality packaging materials, we believe we can establish sustainable market linkages through export” said Gita Nimhala, Board of Director, MKFPCL, Bankili, Rayagada.

Celebrating this milestone, Biswajit Behera, Director, Palladium India also added “By focusing on women-led FPOs, we are tapping into a transformative potential within the agriculture sector. By enabling these women farmers to access international markets, we are not only ensuring higher price realizations but also setting the stage for a new revolution in agriculture. Women farmers, when given the right opportunities, can drive significant economic and social change. This initiative is a testament to the power of inclusivity and empowerment in driving sustainable development.”

In another noteworthy achievement under the PSFPO project, Palladium successfully facilitated the export of 7.5 quintals of premium mango varieties, including Amrapali, Mallika, Chousa, Himsagar, Baiganpali, and Latsundari. These mangoes were showcased at the prestigious Indian Mango Festival (Indian Hamba) in Doha, Qatar, from May 30 to June 8, 2024. 

Palladium, engaged as the Technical Support Unit under the Directorate of Horticulture Odisha, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is actively exploring new export avenues for fresh produce from the state. This initiative not only promises to boost farmers’ incomes but also enhances their market reach, both domestically and globally.

“Palladium, under the PSFPO project, strives to provide holistic support to Odisha’s FPOs. Key initiatives include organizing field visits for exporters, sending mango samples to exporters, and coordinating with the FPOs after receiving indents from exporters. Palladium also educates, sensitizes, and supports farmers on procuring, processing techniques, grading and sorting, packaging and cargo shipment of mangoes, thereby ensuring adherence to international quality standards and proper post-harvest management practices to maintain the quality of produce. While PSFPO provides end-to-end support to facilitate export of fresh produce from the state through FPOs, the ultimate goal is to guide the FPOs in these endeavours, ensuring they become familiar with the processes. Through these comprehensive efforts, Palladium not only connects Odisha FPOs with highly remunerative international markets helping farmers achieve better prices through value addition at farm level, but also promotes social inclusiveness by engaging women farmers and socio-economically marginalized farming communities, alongside private sector players”, said Debarati Ghatak, Private Sector Engagement specialist, PSFPO.

Odisha's Horticulture Directorate and APEDA collaborated with

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India

The exhibit delves into the many superpowers of millets, showcasing their diverse varieties, cultivation methods, and culinary uses.

In collaboration with India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Google Arts & Culture launched a new digital exhibit, “Millets: Seeds of Change,” celebrating the rich history and growing international importance of millets, of which India is the world’s largest producer. The digital exhibition highlights the history of millets from ancient grains to modern-day superfoods, as well as their nutritional benefits, contribution to global climate resilience, and potential to address global food security challenges.

The exhibit delves into the many superpowers of millets, showcasing their diverse varieties, cultivation methods, and culinary uses. It features simple and delicious millet recipes from celebrated chefs like award-winner Chef Thomas Zacharias, who is leading a millet revival movement. Interactive elements like quizzes and crosswords allow visitors to test their knowledge and engage with the content in a fun and informative way.

Launching the exhibit at Krishi Bhavan, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated: “When India spearheaded the UNGA resolution to declare 2023 the International Year of Millets, we did so with the objective of sharing our agricultural practices and experiences with the world. We were gratified to see ‘Shree Anna’, which holds immense potential for multiplier impact – including offering India’s small farmers a doorway to prosperity – receiving interest during the global G20 Summit. Our hope and ambition are that the conversations that have been generated over the past year translate into the advantages of millets spreading farther and wider. I thank Google Arts & Culture for supporting us in this endeavour with a dedicated digital exhibit.”

Amit Sood, Director, Google Arts & Culture remarked on the collaboration: “Google Arts & Culture is dedicated to leveraging technology, offering global audiences an interactive way to engage with cultural and historical treasures that shape our world. We are proud to have worked with India’s Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to celebrate one such prime example from the ancient world that is capable of transformative impact – for the world of today and of tomorrow. Given its long-standing versatility in addressing multiple nutritional and sustainability challenges, it is little surprise that millets are witnessing a global resurgence. We are glad to lend our technology and platform to support the growing popularity of this food group.”

The exhibit delves into the many superpowers

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India, R&D

The partnership will focus on creating next-generation workflows for emerging applications such as Polar Pesticides, PFAS, and Antibiotics.

Agilent Technologies, a pioneer in analytical laboratory solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG) to co-develop advanced analytical workflows and address critical gaps in emerging food safety protocols.

As India cements its position as a key global player in food production and exports, there is an increasing need to focus on the quality of food products and adherence to domestic and international safety regulations. The country’s status as one of the leading producers and exporters of cereals, spices, fruits and vegetables, and seafood underscores this necessity.

The collaboration between Agilent and NRCG will leverage Agilent’s global expertise in food safety solutions alongside NRCG’s extensive experience in analytical workflow development. This synergy aims to expedite the creation of cutting-edge workflows targeting PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), polar pesticides, antibiotics, and other emerging applications, ensuring that Indian food products meet stringent regulatory standards.

The partnership will focus on creating next-generation workflows for emerging applications such as Polar Pesticides, PFAS, and Antibiotics. These innovative workflows will enhance food safety practices and contribute to India’s sustainable reputation as a reliable food producer and exporter.

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, said: “ICAR-NRCG is delighted to announce its collaboration with Agilent Technologies, which aims to improve the nation’s food safety capabilities with a sustainable approach. In 2012, NRCG published its first GC-MS/MS based multi residue testing procedure for simultaneous analysis of 375 food contaminants using an Agilent GC-MS/MS system, which provided the most comprehensive scope of residue monitoring those days. Since then, the process has progressed with the development and implementation of a variety of analytical methodologies for the benefit of stakeholders in the food sector.”

“The country’s growing demand for food analysis is the focus of this public-private partnership. Laboratories that meet the requirements of regulatory bodies, such as FSSAI, APEDA, EIC, and Commodity Boards will receive significant support from this strategic collaboration. As I look ahead, there are exciting opportunities and important responsibilities on the horizon,” he added.

Agilent and NRCG will collaborate to enhance existing food safety workflows, ensuring robust testing and compliance with regulatory requirements. The partnership aims to advocate for the adoption of new regulations in the country. Agilent and NRCG will contribute to shaping food safety standards by actively participating in policy discussions. Agilent and NRCG will publish methods and articles related to emerging regulations. These resources will provide valuable insights to the scientific community and promote best practices.

Technical personnel from both organizations and the industry will benefit from joint workshops and skill development programs. These initiatives will foster knowledge exchange and empower professionals to implement advanced analytical techniques. Agilent and NRCG will organize webinars and panel discussions to share expertise, discuss challenges, and explore solutions related to food safety.

Speaking about the partnership, Dr Samir Vyas, Country General Manager of Agilent in India said, “This strategic partnership not only aims at bolstering the supply chain with safe and nutritious foods but also seeks to boost India’s growth trajectory in global exports through technological advancements. By fostering skill development among technical personnel via training sessions and workshops, Agilent, together with NRCG, is committed to setting new benchmarks in food safety standards.”

The partnership will focus on creating next-generation

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, R&D

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing solution by enabling the rapid visual detection of L. garvieae within just 40 minutes.

In a significant stride towards combating the devastating impact of Lactococcus garvieae, ICAR- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal clinched its patent for a pioneering diagnostic solution. The patented technology, titled ‘Composition, Protocol, and Diagnostic Kit for Identification of Bacterial Pathogen Lactococcus garvieae’ was led by Dr Neetu Shahi, Senior Scientist, and the team of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal.

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal, emphasised the urgent need for such innovative detection methods to safeguard global aquaculture industries from the burgeoning threat posed by this pathogen.

L. garvieae, recognised globally as a formidable threat to marine and freshwater aquaculture, has inflicted colossal economic losses running into millions of dollars. This bacterium, initially identified in the 1980s from bovine mastitis samples in the United Kingdom, wreaks havoc by causing hemorrhagic septicemia and meningoencephalitis in over 60 fish species. With crop losses ranging from 20 to 60% upon infection detection, the impact on fish production is staggering. Moreover, surviving fish become asymptomatic carriers, further perpetuating the spread of the disease. The outbreak of “Warm Water Lactococcosis”, ascribed to L. garvieae, intensifies during warmer months, posing a dire threat to rainbow trout farming. Compounding the challenge are factors such as climate change, antibiotic resistance, and the lack of rapid diagnostic tools. Traditional identification methods are time-consuming and often prone to misidentification, exacerbating the spread of the pathogen.

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing solution by enabling the rapid visual detection of L. garvieae within just 40 minutes. Leveraging specific concentrations and compositions of oligonucleotides, the diagnostic kit facilitates swift, accurate, and cost-effective detection by discerning color changes in the reactants.

This is the second patent granted to the directorate under the leadership of the present director.

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing

Agro Universities, India, R&D, Sustainability

Decentralised biochar production technology will be an affordable and viable option for farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to solve the issues around crop residues in a sustainable manner.

As global concerns over sustainable agriculture and climate change intensify, the use of biochar for soil amendment is increasingly gaining popularity because of its inherent properties that enrich the soil with nutrients and sequester carbon dioxide. These properties position biochar as a key player in agriculture’s shift towards net-zero emissions and in preventing soil degradation.

A recent study by ICRISAT scientists explores the design of an affordable, farm-level operable kiln for biochar production aimed at supporting smallholder farmers. The research paper also examines the properties of the biochar produced to better understand its applicability.

In her congratulatory remarks to the study’s authors, Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, underscored the significance of integrated solutions in accelerating our collective journey towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Biochar production not only solves the issue of managing crop residues, but its application in soil health, wastewater treatment and carbon farming opens up enormous opportunities to move towards a cleaner and greener future,” Dr Hughes shared.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, India produces over 500 million tons of agricultural residues annually, with about one fourth being burned (2017-2018). The incineration of these residues causes several health and environmental concerns. However, converting these residues into biochar presents a viable alternative, offering not just a method for managing this waste, but also the potential for additional revenue or cost savings for farmers. 

Dr ML Jat, Director, Global Research Program – Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT emphasized the importance of adopting a decentralized approach to ensure that the process benefits the farmers.

“This low-cost, decentralized biochar production technology will be an affordable and viable option for farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to solve the issues around crop residues in a sustainable manner. Moreover, this technology also aligns well with government incentives for voluntary carbon markets and environmental initiatives like the ‘Mission Life-Lifestyle for the Environment program,'” Dr Jat noted.

The characteristics of biochar significantly depend on the type of crop residue used. In this study, two types of feedstocks—pigeonpea and maize stalk—were used to draw a comparison between the ICRISAT-designed pyrolysis kiln and a lab-scale muffle furnace.

The study also examined the physical and chemical attributes of biochar derived from the two feedstocks, using high-end imaging and analytical technologies such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA).

Research reveals that biochar created in the portable kiln at 400°C exhibits a quality comparable to that produced in the muffle furnace. Further analysis shows that the biochar derived from pigeonpea and maize stalks contains total carbon percentages of 48.9 per cent and 41.9 per cent, respectively. Within these totals, the proportion of stable carbon stands at approximately 98.6 per cent for pigeonpea stalk biochar and 94.4 per cent for maize stalk biochar.

“Organic waste management methods like composting and mulching are efficient, yet thermochemical techniques, such as pyrolysis, offer distinct advantages, including quicker processing times and higher efficiency, particularly with dry residues,” Dr Gajanan Sawargaonkar, Senior Scientist, ICRISAT, and one of the study’s authors, remarked. 

Dr Sawargaonkar also highlighted that the data produced in the study will significantly contribute to the development of a holistic set of practices aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture.

Decentralised biochar production technology will be an