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HomePosts Tagged "FMC India"
Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Fungicides, India, Inputs

These specialised fungicides are tailored to assist Indian fruit and vegetable farmers to effectively manage crop diseases.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, has launched two new innovative products, VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides, designed to protect fruits and vegetable crops from destructive fungi diseases right from the beginning of the crop cycle.

VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides mark a significant advancement in FMC India’s mission to provide farmers innovative solutions that increase the productivity and resilience of their land. These specialized products are tailored to assist Indian fruit and vegetable farmers to effectively manage crop diseases, prevent yield losses and preserve desired quality.

VELZO® fungicide is registered for use in grapes, tomato, and potato crops. It is expected to provide unmatched early protection from Oomycete fungus that causes blight and downy mildew diseases, enabling plants to grow in a healthier manner and to be more productive.

VELZO® fungicide offers dual-mode, multisite action against fungal pathogens, making it a highly effective tool for managing disease resistance. With its unrivaled efficacy, long-lasting control, and consistent results, Velzo® fungicide is expected to help farmers achieve higher yields and obtain the best prices for their high-quality produce.

COSUIT® fungicide caters to important commercial crops like grapes, paddy, tomato, chilli and tea. It is a specialized solution for effective protection against fungal diseases. COSUIT® fungicide is an advanced formulation that releases higher bio-available copper, offering strong contact action for broad-spectrum and quick disease control. COSUIT® fungicide delivers better and longer duration control of fungal diseases and plays an important role in disease resistance management.

Ravi Annavarapu, FMC India President, said, “At FMC India, we are committed to revolutionising agriculture by addressing growers’ challenges through advanced solutions. Our innovations, VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides, exemplify that commitment – both products are superior formulations that offer broad-spectrum disease control. FMC India continues to innovate and excel, providing farmers with tools that enhance their productivity and contribute to a more balanced agricultural ecosystem. We are confident that VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides will redefine crop solutions within India’s agricultural landscape.”

The launch of VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides further underpins FMC India’s efforts toward advancing agricultural sciences, consistently pushing boundaries to address the evolving challenges faced by farmers. The company says it will continue to promote the use of innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that complement its world-class synthetic solutions.

These specialised fungicides are tailored to assist

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Industry Reports / Analysis, IT

 In the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming industry is steadily taking root through joint ventures between global agri-tech players and local companies. Let’s explore further.

The Asia-Pacific Precision market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4 per cent to reach $2.62 billion by 2026, according to a report by Markets and Markets. The increasing use of cloud-based technology, the growing adoption rate of modern farming techniques to enhance productivity and growing food demand are the major factors driving the precision agriculture market. The growing need to increase food production in the available agricultural land and government initiatives to increase the usage of modern technologies in agriculture are propelling the market growth. However, the requirement of high initial investment and lack of awareness among the farmers are becoming obstacles to growth. The silver lining, though, is that in the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming industry is steadily taking root through joint ventures between global agri-tech players and local companies. Let’s explore further.

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology from the US and Trimble, a global technology company delivering solutions from the US on April 1 announced the closing of their joint venture (JV) transaction. The JV, known as PTx Trimble, combines Trimble’s precision agriculture business and AGCO’s JCA Technologies to form a new company that will better serve farmers with factory fit and retrofit applications in the mixed-fleet precision agriculture market.

The formation of PTx Trimble enhances AGCO’s comprehensive technology offering around guidance, autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability. Both these companies have a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region.

PTx will serve farmers around the world including Asia Pacific region through three go-to-market approaches. Specialised precision ag dealers will help farmers retrofit almost any make or vintage of equipment they already own with the latest technologies. PTx will also expand its relationships with more than 100 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners that can integrate products from the PTx portfolio directly at the factory.

The strategic alignment of these brands will facilitate the rapid growth of AGCO’s technology transformation and will support the future development and distribution of next-generation ag technologies for farmers and OEMs in the region.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company in March 2024, has launched its innovative precision agriculture platform Arc Farm Intelligence in India. It is aimed at encouraging smarter agricultural practices for farmers, advisers and channel partners. By combining real-time data and predictive modelling, Arc farm intelligence assists farmers in monitoring field conditions and pest pressure. Farmers can then ensure precise application of the recommended crop care products to optimise yield and achieve higher returns on investment.

Satyukt, a leading global Ag-tech company from India at the forefront of harnessing satellite data, advanced technology, and machine learning, and ASSOCHAM UP-UK and GNET have forged a strategic alliance in India poised to revolutionise precision farming using Sat2Farm technology in March 2024.  This collaboration extends to agribusinesses and researchers, who leverage integrated data to gain valuable insights into regional agricultural trends, enabling strategic resource allocation and fostering sustainable growth across the agricultural value chain of Uttar Pradesh.

In February 2024, Satyukt and Zuari FarmHub entered into a strategic alliance to redefine the landscape of precision farming through Satyukt’s APIs. Leveraging the power of the Application Programming Interface (API), Satyukt will provide access to farm management solutions to farmers and other stakeholders associated with Zuari FarmHub.

Besides, we see many companies joining hands with other regional and global firms in the precision agriculture space to provide farmers with cutting-edge tools for decision-making and automation. This integration of advanced technology enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of farming practices, driving further adoption among tech-savvy farmers.

The scalability, accessibility, and data integration capabilities of cloud-based precision farming software provide farmers with essential tools to optimise their operations, enhance productivity, and promote sustainability. Leveraging the power of cloud technology, farmers can access real-time insights into their operations, empowering them to make data-driven decisions that drive efficiency and effectiveness.

In the Asia-Pacific region, rising investment in the adoption of precision farming technologies such as drones, automated harvesting systems and driverless tractors are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the precision agriculture market players. The growing use of real-time and multimodal systems in the agricultural field is expected to support the growth of the precision farming market in the future.

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

 In the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies

The digital platform simplifies smart farming by using predictive modelling based on real-time data.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, has launched its innovative precision agriculture platform Arc™ farm intelligence in India. The new offering is aimed at encouraging smarter agricultural practices for farmers, advisers and channel partners.

By combining real-time data and predictive modelling, Arc™ farm intelligence assists farmers in monitoring field conditions and pest pressure. Farmers can then ensure precise application of the recommended crop care products to optimize yield and achieve higher returns on investment.

Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India and South-West Asia said, “Farmers encounter numerous challenges in the field on a daily basis while navigating today’s complex and evolving agricultural landscape. Arc™ farm intelligence, a one-stop solution for farmers, will support them in making informed decisions based on real-time field insights for more effective and efficient crop care, thus providing them with enhanced precision, productivity and profitability. We are confident that farmers will gain a significant advantage and stay ahead with these technology-driven services.”

The platform, available through a new app, will not only provide in-depth insights into FMC’s leading product portfolio, but also enable farmers to participate in several digital initiatives and contests throughout the year to win attractive rewards.

The Arc™ farm intelligence app will also provide farmers easy access to FMC India’s boom spray service. Available at their fingertips, farmers can easily schedule a spray and pay using an integrated payment gateway on the app. Farmers can better plan their spray calendar with ten days’ advance weather forecast and make informed crop-care decisions. Additionally, farmers across India can access doorstep delivery of FMC’s leading products via the app, as it is directly linked to FMC’s brand store on Amazon.

Farmers can now access the Arc™ farm intelligence platform by downloading the app on their mobile devices from iOS and Android app stores. The multi-lingual app is available in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Marathi languages.

The digital platform simplifies smart farming by

Agro Universities, Bee keeping, Company News

 Participants were trained about the intricate process of honeybee pollination and its profound impact on crop yields and quality.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, has successfully completed its final training program in Sitarganj, in collaboration with the prestigious G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT). The initiative is a part of FMC’s flagship project Madhu Shakti that aims to develop entrepreneurship among rural women through beekeeping.

Organized at the GBPUAT’s campus in Pant Nagar, Uttarakhand the weeklong training program was attended by more than 40 participants, including a select group of 38 women farmers from various villages of Uttarakhand. Featuring a well-structured curriculum comprising theoretical sessions on beekeeping fundamentals, interactive workshops, and hands-on practical activities. Participants were trained about the intricate process of honeybee pollination and its profound impact on crop yields and quality. Practical skills, such as relocating natural colonies to bee boxes, were also a focal point. Beyond technical and practical skills, the program placed a significant emphasis on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among the participants.   

 Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India said, “It gives us immense joy to see how project Madhu Shakti is progressing in its second year with relentless support from our partners, GB Pant University.  At FMC, our mission is to foster women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural practices in the rural Uttarakhand region through this project. The completion of this training program in beekeeping is a significant step towards empowering women farmers and leaving a positive mark on the agricultural landscape in the region. Our team’s unwavering commitment highlights our vision for a future that is inclusive as well as sustainable for rural communities in Uttarakhand.”

At the end of the week, all trainees were provided with bee colonies and the requisite kits for bee rearing. As certified master trainers, the women trained in the session are also responsible for imparting their acquired knowledge to others, further fostering entrepreneurship opportunities among rural women in the region.

With the training completed, GBPUAT will now focus on encouraging farmers to increase bee colonies on their farms and optimize their product yields. The university will conduct periodic visits to the designated region, ensuring that every master trainer monitors and leads in disseminating the acquired knowledge to fellow farmers. Additionally, the university will work with FMC India to develop a detailed protocol for the application of crop protection products for selected crops. 

Madhu Shakti is a three-year long initiative launched in May 2022 in collaboration with the GBPAUT. The project is in its third year and progressing successfully in three selected locations: Almora, Kotabagh, and Sitarganj.

 Participants were trained about the intricate process

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Award, Company News, India

Rynaxypyr®️ Active was registered for use in India in 2008 and is today available in more than 120 countries. 

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, and its industry-leading insect control technology Rynaxypyr®️ active has been recognised as one of the best brands in agriculture at the Best Brands Conclave 2023. Organised by The Economic Times (ET) Edge, part of India’s leading media group The Times Group, the recognition is testament to the significant impact FMC’s Rynaxypyr®️ active has made in India’s agriculture industry.

Rynaxypyr® active insect control delivers broad-spectrum control of insect pests such as armyworms, loopers, silverleaf whitefly nymphs, leafminer larvae and more. It is the driving force behind India’s two leading crop protection product brands, Coragen® insecticide and Ferterra® insecticide. Through these flagship brands, Rynaxypyr® active provides superior crop protection across 16 major crops in the country. For over a decade, it has served farmers with an unmatched efficacy and remains the most trusted choice for millions of farmers in India. 

 Ravi Annavarapu, President of FMC India, and South-West Asia, expressed, “We are delighted to have been felicitated for Rynaxypyr® active as one of the best brands in agriculture. This not only brings the contribution of the Rynaxypyr® active brand to the fore but underscores the importance of innovative crop protection solutions for the sustainable growth of agriculture. We are committed to partnering with and equipping farmers with advanced, scientifically proven, and sustainable crop solutions, contributing to the enhancement of their productivity and profitability.”

Rynaxypyr® active by FMC emerged as one of the best brands after a rigorous evaluation of more than 120 companies across 10 different industries. Their profiles were analysed independently based on their sales turnover, market size, brand recall, customer reviews, contribution to the industry and overall market influence.  

The ET Edge Best Brands accolade further reinforces Rynaxypyr® active as the industry’s leading ingredient for long-lasting and fast-acting protection against targeted pests. It was registered for use in India in 2008 and is today available in more than 120 countries. 

FMC has one of the strongest research and development pipelines and remains committed to delivering innovation excellence in the crop protection space within the agriculture industry.  By supporting farmers with sustainable technologies, FMC is contributing to a safe, secure, and sustainable food supply, with minimal impact on the planet. 

Rynaxypyr®️ Active was registered for use in

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

The program educated medical fraternity to recognize and treat symptoms of agrochemical poisoning effectively.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, concluded a safety awareness program for the farming community in Akola district on using agrochemicals in a safe and judicious manner, in partnership with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The program educated Doctors in the district to recognize symptoms of agrochemical poisoning and treat chemical exposed patients effectively. 

The safety awareness program covered 7,500 farmers and 80 Doctors. The program saw participation from senior Maharashtra government officials, the district health officer, and Dr. Jay Shah from the FMC Poison Control Center.  The workshop was aimed at preparing the medical community in rural Maharashtra, which has experienced a steady stream of reports of exposure cases in recent years. This was done by teaching local physicians the fundamentals of treating accidental pesticide exposure. 

FMC India started the awareness program in 2020 in Akola district to promote the adoption of safe agricultural practices and prevent accidental cases of agrochemical poisoning amongst the farming community. This year, the workshop was attended by more than 75 doctors operating across Akola, including the District Agriculture Officer and the District Health Officer with their respective teams.  

 Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India said, “FMC India has always demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of India’s farming community. Through this safety awareness program, we want to improve farmers’ awareness and knowledge of using agrochemicals in a safe manner, while preventing accidental poisoning. Every year, FMC provides more than a million farmers in India with training on the responsible and safe use of pesticides. We believed it was appropriate to provide local physicians with the same training in order to assist them in detecting and treating any cases of pesticide exposure. We will steadily scale up the program to reach the wider farming community in the state.”

FMC India has a track record in supporting the farming community through initiatives and outreach programs like Project Samarth (Safe Water Initiative), UGAM (promotion of good soil health practices), and Project Madhushakti (collaboration with GB Pant University to develop entrepreneurship among rural women through beekeeping). 

The program educated medical fraternity to recognize

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, India

This marks a significant stride forward in FMC India’s mission to transform agriculture and address the evolving needs of farmers with biological solutions.

FMC India, a pioneer in agricultural sciences, today announced the launch of its latest product, ENTAZIA TM biofungicide, a revolutionary biological crop protection product formulated with Bacillus subtilis. This cutting-edge solution provides farmers with a powerful and sustainable tool to protect their crops from fungi while maintaining environmental integrity.

ENTAZIATM biofungicide marks a significant stride forward in FMC India’s mission to transform agriculture and address the evolving needs of farmers with biological solutions. This innovative product leverages the natural capabilities of Bacillus subtilis to control bacterial leaf blight, one of the most serious diseases of rice. By activating the crop’s defense system against plant pathogens, ENTAZIATM biofungicide acts to prevent and control bacterial leaf blight, while staying harmless to natural predators and parasites.

The biological product promotes natural pest defense by utilizing the naturally occurring Bacillus subtilis to establish a robust line of defense against bacterial leaf blight. By fostering a healthy plant microbiome, it bolsters plants’ resilience to stress factors and contributes to overall growth and vigor. ENTAZIATM biofungicide can be applied in an integrated pest management program with FMC’s biostimulants and synthetic fungicides for additional plant benefits.

“FMC takes pride in delivering a crop protection solution that embodies our dedication to sustainable agriculture. ENTAZIATM biofungicide exemplifies our resolve to provide farmers with tools that not only ensure their productivity but also contribute to a greener, more balanced agricultural ecosystem,” said Ravi Annavarapu, FMC India President. “FMC India remains steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, and we are confident that this new product will contribute to the advancement and development of biological solutions within India’s agricultural landscape.”

ENTAZIATM biofungicide’s launch underscores FMC India’s reputation as a thought leader in agricultural sciences, consistently pushing boundaries to address the evolving challenges faced by farmers. The company says it will continue to promote the use of innovative, safe and sustainable solutions which complement its world-class synthetic solutions.

This marks a significant stride forward in

Company News, India, Sustainability

The stewardship campaign reached 6,000 farmers and industry stakeholders across 14 states in the country through a large number of on-the-ground meetings

FMC India, a leading agricultural sciences company, marked the recent World Environment Day with a product stewardship campaign to promote safe and judicious consumption of crop protection products, amongst stakeholders.

The stewardship campaign reached 6,000 farmers and industry stakeholders across 14 states in the country through a large number of on-the-ground meetings. In addition, the company also adopted virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance knowledge retention through immersive learning for agricultural scientists and students at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, according to the company statement.

Elaborating on the stewardship initiative, Ravi Annavarapu, President, of FMC India said, “FMC is fully committed towards safety and welfare of the Indian farming community. The adoption of technology-driven solutions in agriculture has become critical for ensuring crop protection and food security. India’s G20 Presidency theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ signifies collective efforts for achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. We concur with the idea of collaborative growth for responsible and responsive development in agriculture. Having successfully facilitated this training with PAU, we look to continue fostering the next generation of agriculture leaders who embrace and harness the potential of emerging technologies.”

Esley Ng, APAC Stewardship Lead, FMC Corporation said, “This innovative approach revolutionises learning. As we aspire to achieve maximum impact in enhancing stewardship initiatives, starting with the current generation of agricultural talents like those from PAU and building on the fundamentals of safe and judicious consumption of crop protection products will go a long way.”

The stewardship campaign reached 6,000 farmers and

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Company News, India

New Galaxy® NXT herbicide features dual mode of action technology to control grasses and broadleaf weeds in soybean crops.

FMC, a leading agricultural sciences company, announced the launch of drone spray services in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. The company also launched Galaxy® NXT, a novel herbicide for soybean crops, one of the most cultivated crops in the state.

The new herbicide and drone spray service were launched in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, in the presence of Mark Douglas, President and Chief Executive Officer of FMC Corporation and Pramod Thota, President of the FMC Asia Pacific region. A live demonstration of self-propelled boom spray services, which are expected to be introduced throughout the country in the next three months, was also conducted successfully in farmers’ fields.

Approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the government body responsible for the regulation of air transport services in India, the drone service is expected to improve farm productivity while reducing the need for manual labour. Agricultural unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow more control over spray uniformity and coverage, as well as improve the precision with which crop protection products like FMC’s premium and farmer-trusted brands Coragen® insect control and Benevia® insecticide are applied. Each spray drone can treat three to four acres in about 15 minutes, making the spraying job easier and more efficient. Using UAVs will also protect farmers from climatic risks like dehydration and heat stroke. FMC India has also been running customized training programs for farmers, advocating optimal use of input resources across crops grown in India. The spray services are available via the FMC India Farmer App in regional languages for ease of accessibility.

“FMC’s move is in line with the Indian government’s inclusive reforms to onboard drone and other spray services to modernize agriculture in the country,” said Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India. “Adoption of technology is critical to ensure crop protection and food security. India is at the forefront of innovating food systems, and this progress is best displayed in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which is market-driven, tech-positive and farmer-centric. Madhya Pradesh, one of the first states where FMC has introduced spray services, demonstrates our commitment to providing access and training to promote rural entrepreneurship. At the same time, we are pleased to offer innovative solutions for production of soybean ahead of the kharif season and will continue to contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector in Madhya Pradesh.” Annavarapu also added, “Through the launch of spray services to enable farmers in Madhya Pradesh to use our range of insecticides on various crops and the launch of a new product Galaxy® NXT herbicide for soybean growers, we are well equipped to meet the requirements of our partners and we will continue to localize and customize our services across the spectrum.”

New Galaxy® NXT herbicide features dual mode

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Bee keeping, Company News, India

To encourage women farmers towards entrepreneurship and generate sustainable income through bee keeping.

To enhance the ecosystem of beekeeping in Uttarakhand, FMC India, a leading global agricultural sciences company, in collaboration with GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT) organized a day long workshop to observe World Bee Day. The initiative was part of FMC’s flagship program, Project Madhushakti which was launched in 2022. The objective is to encourage women farmers towards entrepreneurship, generate sustainable income and raise the living standards of the rural families in Uttarakhand, while simultaneously support biodiversity and higher crop productivity.

The workshop was hosted by Department of Entomology and Honeybee Research & Training Centre of the university. It witnessed participation from bee rearing agents across the state of Uttarakhand, followed by their felicitation along with students and department research heads. Scientists and industry experts addressed students to help them inculcate knowledge and skill around apiculture. The collaborative workshop hosted at the university was attended by dignitaries like Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice Chancellor, GBPUAT, Raju Kapoor, Director, Public & Industry Affairs, FMC India, Dr AS Nain, Director of Research, GBPUAT, Dr. Renu and Dr. Pramod Mall, Head, Department of Entomology, GBPUAT.

Project Madhushakti is a first-of-its-kind innovative sustainable development initiative in India. Spanning three years, the project is planned for the rural areas of Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range, with abundant source of natural herbs and flora useful for honey production. The project, now in its second year, will train 750 women farmers as beekeepers. More than 8,000 people from over 20 villages are expected to directly benefit via an increase of up to 30 per cent productivity in various fruits and other crops through good pollination.

The day-long program was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, an academic-management leader and a world-renowned scientist in the field of animal biotechnology. Dr Singh underlined the importance of honeybee not only for providing valuable natural super food honey but also products such as propolis, royal jelly, venom and wax. He also informed the audiences that honeybees can support enhancing crop productivity of different cross-pollinated crops ranging from 15 to 200 per cent.

Dr AS Nain, Director for Research, GBPUAT said, “We take pride in our association with FMC India. In a biodiversity rich state like Uttarakhand, the potential of beekeeping remains untapped which is developing with Project Madhushakti. Scientific beekeeping will harness the potential of Uttarakhand hills and generate employment and additional income for poor farmers. We will continue to provide training and learning opportunities in collaboration with FMC to establish bee keeping as a lucrative field for women entrepreneurs.”

Speaking at the occasion, Raju Kapoor, Director, Public & Industry Affairs, FMC India said, “Bee rearing is at the cusp of change in our country with India’s National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. FMC is grateful to be contributing through a project with the scalability and impact of Madhushakti. We will continue to work towards the enhancement of women’s skills. The lecture sessions through our partnership with GB Pant University delivered by highly experienced scientists and bee fostering agents will impart immersive knowledge and training to the women farmers that can be passed within their community. We look forward to expanding our reach and benefiting more farmers through these offerings.”

To encourage women farmers towards entrepreneurship and

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, India

Company plans to extend the services to farmers across the country before the next Kharif season commences.

FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, announced that it has launched drone spray services for farmers in India. Approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the government body responsible for the regulation of air transport services in India, the drone service is expected to improve farm productivity while reducing the need for manual labour. FMC’s drone spray service can be accessed through the FMC India farmer app, which supports seven regional Indian languages. The service is currently available in Andhra Pradesh and will be available in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra by month-end.

Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India said, “As technology continues to evolve in the agriculture sector, drones are expected to constitute 2 per cent of the total agricultural machinery spend in the country by the end of year 2030. In this pilot phase, FMC will leverage our deep global knowledge and expertise in drone application for the benefit of the Indian farming community. We plan to maximize our reach among Indian farmers in the selected states during the first three months, and thereafter extend the services to farmers across the country before the next Kharif season commences.”

Agricultural unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow more control over spray uniformity and coverage, as well as improves the precision with which crop protection products like FMC’s premium and farmer-trusted brands Coragen® insecticide and Benevia® insecticide are applied.

Annavarapu added, “Our efforts have always been directed toward providing innovative solutions to farmers so they can increase yields in a sustainable manner. We will provide access to drone technology, training, and financing to promote rural entrepreneurship. Additionally, government focus on modernizing agriculture with technology, while developing requisite skills like drone operations, will ensure widespread uptake of precision agriculture.”

Company plans to extend the services to

Agro chems – Chemicals, India, Opinions

 By Raju Kapoor, Director, Public & Industry Affairs, FMC India

India’s agrochemical industry has consistently clocked a double-digit CAGR of 16 per cent over the last five years against the global CAGR of 3 per cent. 2022 was a fruitful year too, clipping a 23 per cent growth, despite the hot summer and delayed monsoons. Factors such as increased crop production, healthy reservoir levels and an improvement in farm income all contributed to industry growth. With farmers learning more about improving their yields exponentially through agrochemicals, the market is set to continue its double-digit growth into 2023. Research firm Crisil predicts a growth rate of 15-17 per cent this year, as the sector is poised to solve two behemoth challenges – food and nutritional security to alleviate hunger and restoration of ecological balance in our lands. Let’s look at some of the factors sustaining the momentum.

Supply chain disruptions

The import/export game is changing tides in the sector. The Chinese government’s environmental clampdown has led to the closure of approximately 35 per cent small agrochemical manufacturing industries. When coupled with the US-China trade war, countries are adopting a ‘de-risk China’ strategy where India emerges as an   alternate and viable global sourcing point for agrochemicals. We can expect exports to remain one of the key contributors with a share of over 50 per cent in the industry’s total revenue in 2023.

Roll out of new crops 

While we are one of the largest producers of agrochemicals in the world, our farmlands use only 340 gms of pesticide per hectare, resulting in a crop loss of Rs 2 lakh crore per annum because of pest attacks. For example, Phalaris minor (gehunsa), a dangerous rabi weed that attacks wheat crops, can lead to 15-40 per cent crop loss if left unattended. With weeds consistently building better resistance against crop solutions, farmers will find it increasingly harder to produce good yields. Often, it’s the financial constraints that restrain our farmers from using pesticides. However, as food prices peak globally, farmers are expected to benefit from the surplus and spend on this heretofore low priority area.

Another aspect that will augur good growth of the sector is the government’s thrust for crop diversification. According to the Economic Survey 2022, our existing cropping pattern is skewed towards growing sugarcane, paddy, or wheat, which has resulted in the depletion of groundwater resources at an alarming rate in many parts of the country. Today, the regions that grow these crops face high to extremely high-water stress levels. With agriculture using 90 per cent of the groundwater table, the water crisis that we face is ushering in the cultivation of new crops. To promote sustainable agriculture, replenish the diminishing groundwater table, reduce import dependency, and help farmers get higher incomes, the government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of pulses, oilseeds, horticulture crops, and millets.

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

 By Raju Kapoor, Director, Public & Industry

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India, Inputs

It aims to fight white grub, thrips and aphids in groundnut; grey weevil, mealy bug, jassids, whitefly, thrips and aphids in cotton; and termite and early shoot borer in sugarcane crop. 

Hyderabad based FMC India, an agricultural sciences company has announced its portfolio expansion with three new products in support of Indian farmers to achieve better yields through good quality produce and an improved soil profile.

Commenting at the launch event, Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India, said, “FMC India has served Indian farmers for more than three decades, and we are committed to enabling their prosperity, while contributing to the sustainability of Indian agriculture.”

Talstar® Plus insecticide is a novel broad-spectrum premix that provides protection against sucking and chewing pests which are a big pain point for Indian farmers of groundnut, cotton and sugarcane crops. The product gives farmers a superior tool to fight white grub, thrips and aphids in groundnut; grey weevil, mealy bug, jassids, whitefly, thrips and aphids in cotton; and termite and early shoot borer in sugarcane crop. 

Petra® Biosolution is a new generation customized solution powered by reactive carbon technology to improve the physical and biological properties of soil. It provides crops with the much-needed head start by mobilizing the applied phosphorus in the soil. Fortified with organic matter, Petra® Biosolution acts as a source of food for soil microbes, while facilitating nutrient uptake, improving soil texture and enhancing soil fertility. It is easy to use, suitable for majority of crops, and creates a solid foundation for healthy soil, root and plants.

Cazbo® crop nutrition, a specialty micronutrient solution, effectively nourishes crops by supplementing essential elements like calcium, zinc and boron, and working to correct multiple deficiencies and related disorders in most crops. It provides better efficiency compared to traditional calcium solutions when utilized in appropriate dosage and at the right stage of the crop growth cycle. Cazbo® crop nutrition promises to contribute significantly to improved fruit quality and storage potential of the crop.

FMC India has also partnered with Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (Hyderabad) on a Model Village Program to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

It aims to fight white grub, thrips

Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, launched the third year of its safety awareness and stewardship campaign around pesticide use for the farming community in the Indian district of Akola, in partnership with the agriculture department of the Maharashtra state government. This campaign builds on an initiative which FMC India started in Akola in 2020, to promote the adoption of safe agricultural practices aimed at preventing accidental cases of poisoning amongst the farming community.
Elaborating on the awareness campaign, Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India, said, “FMC is heavily invested in the welfare of the farming community in India. As such, we have been training farmers on safe and sustainable agricultural practices over many years. Our campaign in 2021 reached 7,500 farmers in the different villages throughout Akola, and we firmly believe that this year’s campaign will scale up to new levels and reach an even wider farmer community to improve their awareness and knowledge.”
As part of the campaign, FMC India collaborates with the government’s agriculture department, health department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (agricultural extension centers in India) to organise farmer meetings and education sessions about the proper usage of pesticides in different crop seasons and crop varieties. Mobile vans are mobilised on a mass scale to ensure education sessions are offered to a large number of villages and farmers throughout Akola.
This year’s campaign was launched in the presence of Akola District CEO Saurabh Katiyar, Akola District Zila Parishad President Pratibhatai Bhojane, Additional CEO Dr Saurabh Pawar, Akola District Superintendent of Agriculture Aaarif Shah, former Zila Parishad President Pushpatai Ingale, Akola District Agriculture Development Officer Muralidhar Ingale, District Quality Controller Milind Janjal, along with FMC India’s Area Marketing Manager Hiraman Mandal.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, launched