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AgroPolicy

The Centre also advised that the price to distributors by the manufacturers and refiners also needs to be reduced immediately so that the price drop is not diluted in any way

The Department of Food and Public Distribution in a meeting on July 6, 2022, has directed leading Edible Oil Associations to ensure reduction in the MRP of edible oils by Rs 15 with immediate effect.

The Centre also advised that the price to distributors by the manufacturers and refiners also needs to be reduced immediately so that the price drop is not diluted in any way. It was also impressed upon that whenever a reduction in price to distributors is made by the manufactures/refiners, the benefit should be passed on to the consumers by the industry and the Department may be kept informed on regular basis. Some companies which have not reduced their prices and their MRP is higher than other brands have also been advised to reduce their prices.

During the meeting it was discussed that the international prices of imported edible oils are on a downward trend which is a very positive picture in the edible oil scenario and, therefore, the domestic edible oil industry needs to ensure that the prices in the domestic market also drop commensurately.

It may be recalled that in May 2022, the Department had convened a meeting with the leading edible oil associations and according to sources, the MRP of Fortune Refined Sunflower Oil 1 litre pack had been decreased to Rs 210 from Rs 220 and MRP of Soyabean (Fortune) and Kachi Ghani oil 1 litre pack from Rs 205 to Rs 195. The reduction in oil prices came in the wake of Central Government reducing the import duty on edible oils making them cheaper. 

The Department is continuously monitoring the prices and availability situation of edible oil in the country and it is imperative that the benefit of reduced duty structure on edible oils and the continuous significant drop in prices at the international market be immediately passed on to the end consumers without fail.

The Centre also advised that the price

Animal Health

First India Animal Health Summit 2022 was held at NASC Complex, New Delhi on July 6, 2022

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said that there is need to strengthen the cooperative movement in the livestock sector. While inaugurating first India Animal Health Summit 2022, he called for greater use of Ayurveda for ensuring better animal health.

First India Animal Health Summit 2022 was held at NASC Complex, New Delhi on July 6, 2022, understanding the significance of animal health towards the broader objective of the country’s food and nutrition security, rural incomes and prosperity and overall economic development.

Rupala was the chief guest at the inaugural function of ‘India Animal Health Summit 2022’ organised by Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) and the Agriculture Today Group. He said that by ensuring good animal health, veterinarians are playing a very significant role.

Speaking on the occasion, Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying said that animal health is a very major component of One Health and there is need to ensure even more respect for veterinarians in the community at large. He said that the department is taking initiatives to address animal pandemic preparedness.

The two-day event will host a plethora of panel discussions ranging from topics such as Animal Health policy initiatives to Business environment & investment opportunities in the Animal Health sector.

First India Animal Health Summit 2022 was held at NASC

Trade

The five day show saw massive footfalls of more than 50000 B2B visitors making this one of the largest trade shows of the country

High-quality agricultural, food, and beverage products from Indian and international players were on display at the recent iteration of the AAHAR Food and Hospitality trade show. Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), as one of the co-associates of the Government of India’s Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), marked attendance like never before.

FIFI International pavilion itself had participation from over 100 businesses, representing over 1750 brands from more than 100 countries topped with 6 country pavilions. The five day show saw massive footfalls of more than 50000 B2B visitors making this one of the largest trade shows of the country.

Amit Lohani, Founder Director, FIFI said, “We are thrilled to see that the sector has re-engineered itself and we are proud to be a part of this fraternity. This segment stood tall during the global pandemic and is now emerging as a market leader for others to learn from. We also appreciate the support we have received from the senior administration of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and applaud participation from international community members. This says India is shining and that we are here to grow with the India story.”

The five-day event saw attendance from various luminaries. FIFI pavilion was inaugurated by the CEO of FSSAI Arun Singhal, who was accompanied by his colleagues Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, and Director Imports Dr Amit Sharma.

The five day show saw massive footfalls

Agro chems – Fertilizers, North America

USDA will make available $250 million through a new grant programme this summer to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertiliser production to supply American farmers

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing it will support additional fertiliser production for American farmers to address rising costs, including the impact of Putin’s price hike on farmers, and spur competition.

USDA will make available $250 million through a new grant programme this summer to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertiliser production to supply American farmers. Additionally, to address growing competition concerns in the agricultural supply chain, USDA will launch a public inquiry seeking information regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertiliser, and retail markets.

“Recent supply chain disruptions from the global pandemic to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine have shown just how important it is to invest in this crucial link in the agricultural supply chain here at home,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Fertiliser prices have more than doubled since last year due to many factors including Putin’s price hike, a limited supply of the relevant minerals and high energy costs, high global demand and agricultural commodity prices, reliance on fertiliser imports, and lack of competition in the fertiliser industry.

The new programme will support fertiliser production that is:

  • Independent;
  • Made in America;
  • Innovative;
  • Sustainable;
  • Farmer-focused

Secretary Vilsack said, “As I talk to farmers, ranchers and agriculture and food companies about the recent market challenges, I hear significant concerns about whether large companies along the supply chain are taking advantage of the situation by increasing profits—not just responding to supply and demand or passing along the costs.”

USDA will make available $250 million through

Agrotech

The facility will have demonstration units for mushroom production, food processing & value-addition and poultry production

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) inaugurated the Technology Demonstration Facility at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khordha, Odisha on March 10, 2022. Ajaya Kumar Dash, Head, KVK, Khordha briefed about the new facility. The facility will have demonstration units for mushroom production, food processing & value-addition and poultry production. It will also be used for imparting the skill training to the farmers and farm women.

The DG was accompanied by Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science); Dr BP Mohanty, ADG (Inland Fisheries), ICAR along with Dr SK Swain, Director, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar and other Senior Officials of ICAR-CIFA and KVK, Khordha.

While interacting with the farmers and farm women in the Exhibition organised at the KVK, Khordha, Dr Mohapatra urged the KVK for facilitating the Self-Help Groups to improve their marketing skills and organise them to form as collectives like Farmers’ Producers’ Organisations to scale-up their operations. Underlining the Government of India’s target of creating 10,000 FPOs by 2025, the Director General emphasised that the KVKs would play a key role in mobilising the farmers and providing technical support.

During his interaction with the Scientists and Staff Members of ICAR-CIFA, he urged for focusing on the outreach & effective communication of the scientific research to the stakeholders and reorienting the research priorities for bringing out innovations that can enhance the farmers’ income.

The facility will have demonstration units for

Agrotech, R&D

The key objective of the tripartite MoU signed by the Ministry of Ayush, ICAR and CSIR is to draw cognizance to the traditional agricultural practices of India

Ministry of Ayush has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for Inter-Ministerial co-operation for the promotion and facilitation of research and development, validation, and deployment of agri-technologies related to medicinal plants and their value-added products of benefit to humans, plants and animals. The MoU was signed by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General, ICAR and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and Dr Shekhar C Mande, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR in the presence of senior officials from the three organizations in New Delhi.

The key objective of the tripartite MoU signed by the Ministry of Ayush, ICAR and CSIR is to draw cognizance to the traditional agricultural practices of India, and take up joint R&D pursuits for validating and deploying these interventions for facilitating socio-economic growth in the country.

On this occasion, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush drew attention to valuable traditional knowledge in the form of Vrikshayurved, Mrigayurved, etc., stating that the cooperation will be instrumental in validating these traditional sciences and practices towards integrative agriculture for the benefit of not only humans, but also plants and animals.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General, ICAR and Secretary, DARE stated that the cooperation being signed by ICAR, Ayush and CSIR is a historical milestone towards reaffirming the mandates of the three organisations to the national goals on food & agriculture. The effort will focus on specific joint activities by the three Parties in the said areas to make a significant impact to the lives of Indians.

The key objective of the tripartite MoU

Trade, Uncategorized

The export of products under APEDA ambit increased from $15,974 million in April-January 2020-21 to $19,709 million during the period

India’s exports of Agricultural and Processed Food products have rose by more than 23 per cent in terms of US dollars in the first ten months of the current fiscal (April-January, 2021-22) compared to the same period of the previous year.

The export of products under APEDA ambit increased from $15,974 million in April-January 2020-21 to $19,709 million during the period.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has fixed the target for exports under APEDA basket products at $23,713 million in 2021-22.

The export of rice was the top forex earner at $7696 million during April-January 2021-22, growing 13 per cent over the corresponding period in 2020-21 when it touched $6,793 million.

The export of wheat recorded a huge surge at $1742 million during April-January 2021-22, growing 387 per cent over the corresponding period in 2020-21 when it touched $358 million, while other cereals registered a growth of 66 per cent by fetching $869 million during April-January 2021-22 over the corresponding period in 2020-21 when it touched $527 million.

The significant rise in agri-exports is seen as a testimony of the government’s commitment to increase farmers’ income through giving thrust on boosting exports of agricultural and processed food products of the country.

Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, said, “We are also promoting exports of Geographical Indication registered products along with those unique from the north-eastern and hilly states.”

ProductsExports (April-January) 2021-22 in $ millionExports (April-January) 2020-21 in $ millionGrowth (%)
Rice7696679313
Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products3408300513
Cereal Preparations and Miscellaneous Processed Items2956259914
Other Cereals86952765
Cashew38334511
Wheat1742358387
Fruits & Vegetables1207103716
Miscellaneous processed items1448131010
Total19,70915,97423
     
Agricultural and processed food products exports (April-January), 2021-22 vs 2020-21

The export of products under APEDA ambit

Uncategorized

Istem was launched in the UK market in 2021 and has already been awarded a 3-star Superior Taste Award by the Brussels International Taste Institute

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds has been nominated for a prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Award for the second consecutive edition of the industry’s premier event, spotlighting the company’s leadership and innovation in high-demand segments, from tomato to water melon, sweet pepper to sweet corn. Syngenta’s unique Istem cauliflower is shortlisted – two years after YOOM tomato won the gold award.

Istem is high-yielding and appeals to consumers with its sweet, nutty curds individually held on top of tender, succulent stems. Eaten whole there is no food waste. It is quick to prepare, and can be eaten raw or cooked, from baking to barbecuing, steaming to stir-frying. It’s also a healthy choice – high in fiber and immune-boosting vitamin C.

Istem was launched in the UK market in 2021 and has already been awarded a 3-star Superior Taste Award by the Brussels International Taste Institute.

Lotfi Bani, Istem project manager in Europe commented, “We have the capability to use agile, science-based agronomic solutions to create sustainable crops, while anticipating consumer preferences and market trends. The Istem exemplifies this. It not only cuts food waste, it also offers consumers a great-tasting, healthy, convenient choice.” 

Istem has a bright future. Extensive trials are planned in 2022 across Europe, Africa, Middle East, North America and Australasia, preparing for it to launch in new markets very soon.

When growers were coming under pressure from the devastating new Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), Syngenta fast-tracked its research to respond to this threat. Its teams’ speed and precision brought growers disease-resistant varieties such as Lansor and Barosor. Both varieties allow farmers to maximise marketable produce, even when ToBRFV is present. Syngenta has also bred spinach varieties to resist foliar disease Stemphylium.

Istem was launched in the UK market

Environment

The deadline to apply for this grant cycle is March 30, 2022, at 5 pm EDT

The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger through sustainable agricultural development, has announced the launch of its new grant application cycle on the theme of “Climate Action Within the Context of Agriculture” for non-profit organisations with grant proposals between $20,000 – $300,000 and located anywhere across the globe.

In alignment with the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) on “Climate Action” and AGCO’s purpose to deliver “farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed our world,” the Foundation is accepting grant applications on climate action in agriculture. The AAF grant application platform, through its community investment software partner, Benevity, is running the application cycle from February 21 to March 30. This programme strengthens AAF commitment to its strategic focus areas and AGCO’s Farmer-First strategy while addressing global trends on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The Foundation’s first grant application cycle for 2022 seeks new project proposals from non-profits that combine various sustainable methods to tackle the specific climate change-related challenges of today’s farming communities. 

Grant eligible non-profit organisations must focus on climate action in the agricultural context that also aligns with any of the AAF thematic focus areas such as Nutrition & Sustainable Food Systems, Agricultural Education, Research and Innovation, and Farmer Community Development. The aim is to implement projects that promote sustainable climate solutions for farmers and the agricultural sector to benefit economies while also strengthening community development. 

The deadline to apply for this grant cycle is March 30, 2022, at 5 pm EDT. 

The deadline to apply for this grant

Agrotech, Start ups

The company aims to nurture innovation by blending start-up ingenuity with our expertise to deliver transformative solutions in the food and agri space

YES Bank, one of the fastest growing banks in India has announced the launch of an annual start-up enabler programme ‘Yes Bank Agri Infinity’ on February 14, 2022. The programme seeks to co-develop digital financial solutions for the food and agriculture ecosystem by mentoring entrepreneurial ventures in the sector. Starting from February 14, 2022 to March 31, 2022, the programme will last up to six months.

Yes Bank Agri Infinity is an Agri-Fin-tech enabler programme, tailor-made for co-evolving and accelerating innovative, tech enabled, digital financial solutions in the Indian food and agri domain.

Through this programme, the company aims to nurture innovation by blending start-up ingenuity with our expertise to deliver transformative solutions in the food and agri space.

Programme highlights:

  • Access to YES BANK’s digital banking infrastructure and robust customer network
  • Mentoring by senior banking professionals on credit scoring models, risk assessment and risk mitigation
  • Opportunity to work with Bankers to design and prototype innovative digital financial solutions
  • Project Partnership for piloting new innovative solutions
  • Strategic Support in investment pitch and fund-raising advisory
  • Analysis of start-up’s current digital financial solutions/cash & transaction management and Hands-on advice on implementation of financial solutions from a banking perspective
  • Equity infusion in select start-ups with matching value propositions

“As part of the Agri-Fin-tech enabler programme, early as well as growth-stage start-ups interested in exploring tech-enabled financial innovations in the Agri space are invited to apply with their proposals,” Yes Bank said in a statement.

The company aims to nurture innovation by

Finance

Year-over-year sales grew 25 per cent organically

FMC Corporation has recently reported a record of fourth quarter 2021 results with revenue of $1.41 billion, an increase of 23 per cent versus fourth quarter 2020, driven by strong demand and pricing actions. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, year-over-year sales grew 25 per cent organically. On a GAAP basis, the company reported earnings of $1.52 per diluted share in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.38 per diluted share in the fourth quarter 2020. Adjusted earnings were $2.16 per diluted share, an increase of 52 per cent versus fourth quarter 2020, and 16 cents above the midpoint of guidance.

“Our financial performance reflects the strength of our synthetic and biological portfolios, a healthy demand environment as well as accelerating price increases. Revenue growth was particularly robust in North America and Latin America,” said Mark Douglas, FMC president and chief executive officer.

Fourth quarter revenue growth was driven by 21 per cent contribution from volume and 4 per cent contribution from price with a 2 per cent currency headwind. FMC achieved higher pricing in all regions, with the highest benefit in the quarter coming from North America and Latin America. 

In Asia, revenue was down 3 per cent compared to fourth quarter 2020, primarily due to weather challenges in several countries, including China. This offset solid growth in Australia and India, as well as broad-based pricing actions in the region.

Year-over-year sales grew 25 per cent organicallyFMC

R&D

The MoU is aimed to facilitate a close cooperation in the research and academic activities between both the organisations

The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra for facilitating the Students’ Training and Research on February 4, 2022.

Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur and Dr VM Bhale, Vice-Chancellor, Dr PDKV, Akola signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective organisations.

The MoU is aimed to facilitate a close cooperation in the research and academic activities between both the organisations and open a new chapter for research and development of the citriculture through the collaboration and linkages.

The MoU is aimed to facilitate a

Agro chems – Fertilizers

The Company was first recognised for this achievement in 2019.

The International Fertiliser Association (IFA) has confirmed PhosAgro’s status as an Industry Stewardship Champion for its responsible and sustainable approach to production. The Company was first recognised for this achievement in 2019.

The IFA’s Industry Stewardship Champion label is granted to companies that are IFA Protect & Sustain certified and actively participate in all IFA benchmarks on Safety Performance, Environmental Performance, and Energy Efficiency & CO2 Emissions. This Award highlights their commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and the use of the best available techniques in the areas of energy efficiency and resource conservation, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection, and it attests to the fact that industry champions have best corporate policies in place in these areas.

“Ensuring industrial safety, safeguarding occupational health and creating comfortable working conditions for our employees remain priorities for the Company,” said Andrey Guryev, CEO of PhosAgro, commenting on the IFA decision.

The Company was first recognised for this

Agrotech, Uncategorized

Retailers can now plan, forecast, and monitor profit margins, while improving customer retention with one platform

GROWERS, a North Carolina-based agriculture technology company, has announced that after a year of testing, its flagship product GROWERS Rally is available for commercial use. GROWERS Rally was created to help ag retail stay relevant in today’s competitive sales environment. Sellers can access a single view of the customer, forecast future sales, organise farm and product information, and make informed, meaningful recommendations.

“GROWERS Rally is built around the needs of agriculture retailers and their farmer customers. The need for close collaboration between farmers and ag retailers has never been more important. Based on our experience in this market, we found that most existing solutions only partially address those needs or are too cumbersome,” said Steven Valencsin, CEO, GROWERS.

GROWERS Rally is for every level of the Ag retail organisation. Front line sellers get helpful information such as universal pricing and product lists, view historical sales, easily apply manufacturer rebate programs, and the ability to quickly and easily send product and price quotes directly to customers via text message or email.

Andi D’Agostino, VP of Product, GROWERS said, “The goal of the GROWERS Rally team is to accommodate but decrease the complexity our users navigate every day as frontline sellers, managers, and retail support staff. If we really understand their needs, we can remove busy-work and create insights so that they can focus on what only they can do, build a strong business.”

Retailers can now plan, forecast, and monitor