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HomePosts Tagged "food security"
Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Environment, R&D, Sustainability

Seed output from Zambia will supply 6.4 million Sub-Saharan African smallholders with high-yielding maize seeds in 2025, and up to 10 million by 2030 / The facility supports Bayer’s growth strategy to double the Crop Science Division’s business in Africa by 2030 / Investment supports the local economy through jobs and community initiatives

Bayer today announced the opening of a new maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia. Through the 32-million-euro facility alongside further investments in organization and the grower network, Bayer triples its existing capacity for high-quality maize seed production in the country in 2025. This capacity ultimately converts into annual maize consumption of approximately 30 million people in the region. The seed output is expected to further increase in the coming years. The high-yielding seeds will reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa this year and up to 10 million by 2030. To date, the investment is the second largest private investment by a German company in Zambia.

“Millions of people around the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from severe food insecurity. Ending hunger is central to our mission at Bayer. With our new seed facility in Zambia, we want to make a meaningful contribution to that crucial goal,” said Chief Executive Officer Bill Anderson, who inaugurated the site alongside his excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia.

Facility to Benefit Smallholder Farmers Who Are Essential to Food Security

Despite its vast arable land and significant agricultural potential, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, one in five people on the continent face food and nutrition insecurity. Key reasons for this include limited agronomic knowledge and access to modern technology. With its new site, Bayer is helping to address these challenges by increasing both the quantity and especially the quality of available certified seeds, offering higher yields and enhanced resilience to climate and disease. Alongside stewardship and agronomic training, these conventional hybrid maize seeds empower farmers in Zambia and neighboring countries to produce more food more efficiently, thereby increasing their productivity and contributing to food security.

This particularly accounts for smallholder farmers, who on average cultivate crops on less than 10 hectares and produce up to 70 percent of the food consumed on the continent. “Enhanced productivity not only increases food security, but it makes a tremendous difference for the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, their families, and even their communities,” said Debra Mallowah, Head for Bayer’s Crop Science Division in Africa. By addressing up to 10 million smallholder farmers, the investment significantly helps to advance Bayer’s goal of reaching 21.5 million smallholders in Africa and 100 million globally by 2030.

Investment Is an Important Pillar for Bayer’s Growth Strategy in Africa

While addressing food security challenges in the region and supporting smallholder farmers, the investment also represents a significant business opportunity for Bayer. Africa is one of the fastest-growing markets with substantial agricultural potential. The demand for Bayer’s Dekalb brand hybrids has shown considerable growth over the years, surpassing supply. As such, the site is a key component of Bayer’s growth strategy for Africa, with the aspiration of doubling the Crop Science Division’s business on the continent by 2030.

To this end, another 35 million euros until 2028 are earmarked for further expansion of the seed production network across Sub-Saharan Africa. Bayer’s expertise in maize seed breeding and production holds particular potential because it is a staple food crop in Africa; for instance, in Zambia, a maize meal known as “nshima,” constitutes a significant part of the daily diet, providing 60 per cent of caloric needs.

Bayer to Support the Economy and Local Communities in the Kabwe Area

The new facility is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in the region by creating jobs and business opportunities. Bayer plans to employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers and contractors at the site. Additionally, approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs will be generated through Bayer’s field operations and those of contract growers to produce the seeds.

Bayer is committed to being an active member of the communities it operates in. As such, two initiatives to support the communities around Kabwe are underway. The neighborhood next to the new facility will benefit from improved water accessibility and storage through a revived borehole for water supply, a new tank, and pipes, funded by Bayer.

As a life science company, Bayer is also supporting the local healthcare system. Currently, residents living near the site must travel up to 20 kilometers to access the nearest health facility, disproportionately affecting women and children. Based on a Public Private Partnership model in collaboration with Zambia’s Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Kabwe, the NGO Project Concern Zambia, and the local community, Bayer will fund the establishment of a new health center, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to more than 10,000 residents, including Bayer employees and their dependents.

“The new facility will help us improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and support communities in numerous countries on the African continent. It’s also a great business opportunity for Bayer. We can’t wait to ramp up production,” concluded Bill Anderson.

Seed output from Zambia will supply 6.4

Vegetables, World

Observance helps highlight the potato’s importance for global agriculture, economic development, food security and nutrition

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed the UN’s decision to designate 30 May as International Day of Potato, an opportunity to raise awareness of a crop regularly consumed by billions of people and global importance for food security and nutrition.

The annual observance was championed by Peru, which submitted a proposal for adoption to the UN General Assembly based on an FAO Conference Resolution of July 7, 2023. The impetus for the Day, which builds upon the International Year of Potato that was observed in 2008, originates from the need to emphasise the significant role of the potato in tackling prevalent global issues, such as food insecurity, poverty and environmental threats.

“This International Day will shed light on the significant value of the potato – nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural.  It will also highlight the contribution of the potato to global food security, poverty reduction and the livelihoods of millions while emphasising the key role of Indigenous Peoples knowledge and practices,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol.

The Day “will allow us to draw attention to the importance of this ancestral crop in sustaining efforts to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty; as well as to encourage agricultural development, food security, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functions,” Víctor García Toma, Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations told the General Assembly.

Observance helps highlight the potato’s importance for

Live Stock, Sustainability, World

To recognise and celebrate the vital contributions these animals make to livelihoods, food security, and nutrition

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) officially launched the International Year of Camelids 2024 at its Rome headquarters, to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions these animals make to livelihoods, food security and nutrition.

Camelids, including Bactrian camels, dromedary camels, and wild camels, as well as South American camelids such as domesticated llamas and alpacas, and wild vicuñas and guanacos, play a pivotal role in diverse ecosystems. They are particularly important in desert and mountain regions, where they form an integral part of the livelihoods and traditional practices of indigenous communities.

At the launch event, QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General underscored the cultural and environmental importance of camelids.

“Even in the most extreme climatic conditions, they produce milk, meat, fibre and organic fertiliser, and provide transport, boosting food security, nutrition, and livelihoods while helping to conserve fragile ecosystems. Camelids also build resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis – particularly in mountains and drylands and can contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems,” he said.

“The International Year of Camelids is a great opportunity to highlight and value the economic, social and cultural importance of camelids around the globe – especially highly vulnerable communities.”

Camelids, vital for millions of households in over 90 countries, originated in America 45 million years ago. Serving as working animals, they support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in South America’s Andean highlands, as well as the deserts of Africa and Asia. Bactrian camels and dromedaries, for example, known as “ships of the desert,” are crucial for nomadic life in drylands.

The Year seeks to raise global awareness of the multifaceted role of camelids not only as sources of fibre, milk, and meat but also as resilient and sustainable contributors to local economies. In challenging environments, camelids are indispensable for their ability to endure harsh conditions and provide crucial support to communities.

To recognise and celebrate the vital contributions

AgroPolicy, Sustainability, Trade

Shobha Karandlaje interacts with the Brazilian delegation led by Carlos Favaro

Shobha Karandlaje Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare interacted with the Brazilian delegation led by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply Carlos Favaro. At the outset, Shobha Karandlaje extended a warm welcome to Carlos Favaro.

MoS Shobha Karandlaje showed gratitude for supporting the Indian Presidency during the G20 Agriculture Working Group Meetings and expressed regret for the Minister’s absence and inability to attend the G20 Agriculture Minister’s Meeting at Hyderabad. She expressed happiness that the visit would further strengthen India-Brazil’s rapidly growing cooperation in the agriculture sector. She said that both countries have a flourishing bilateral agriculture trade, and further cooperation can be strengthened in food processing, agro-industry, and agricultural research and development.

Shobha Karandlaje further said that the demand for avocados is growing in India, which provides an opportunity for India to import avocados from Brazil. She assured that India will extend its full support to Brazil for a successful G20 Presidency. She also expressed happiness that Brazil is establishing a task force, the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, which aligns with the India Presidency’s Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition align with this task force.

Carlos Favaro emphasised that Brazil and India face similar challenges in the agricultural sector, and hence, both countries can find standard solutions to mitigate these challenges. The fight against hunger is a paramount focus for Brazil, and they expressed a desire to collaborate with India through technology transfer, knowledge sharing and cooperative efforts with India to fight hunger.

Brazil anticipates receiving India’s specific interests and demands, which can be addressed at the institutional level by both countries. The promotion of bilateral trade was highlighted by Brazil’s willingness to open its market to various agricultural products and expedite Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) related negotiations to facilitate trade.Brazil’s delegation extended an official invitation to India for the forthcoming 2024 G20 presidency.

Shobha Karandlaje interacts with the Brazilian delegation

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India

In September, the delegation visited the Department of Food & Public Distribution in New Delhi to learn about fortified rice

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) facilitated a crucial learning visit for a high-level Nigerian delegation to India. India’s rice fortification journey inspired the delegation of government officials from ministries, health, food security and education departments, food regulatory bodies, and the private sector to advocate for mandatory integration of fortified rice in Nigeria’s food-based social safety networks.

This is one of the many delegations on fortified rice that the Government of India has hosted in partnership with WFP.

“This visit provided insights into India’s rice fortification. India’s approach involves strong government leadership that supports public delivery systems such as the Targeted Public Distribution System and other welfare schemes,” said John Uruakpa, Director of the Federal Ministry of Health, Government of Nigeria, who led the delegation.

“It was a pleasure to host the Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN) South-South Learning Visit to India. WFP has been partnering with governments at national and state levels, providing technical support, developing pilots, and engaging in social behaviour change campaigns to mainstream fortification in national programmes,” said Elisabeth Faure, Representative and Country Director for WFP in India. “We are confident that the learnings will be adapted to the Nigerian context with support from government, agencies, and companies in India.

In September, the delegation visited the Department of Food & Public Distribution in New Delhi to learn about fortified rice. They met India’s Food Safety Standards Authority and travelled to Odisha to understand the implementation of rice fortification programmes.

In September, the delegation visited the Department

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Supply Chain, Trade

It has been noticed that despite restrictions on certain varieties, rice exports have been high during the current year

To check the domestic prices and to ensure domestic food security, the Government has been taking measures to restrict the export of rice from India. The export of non-basmati white rice was prohibited on 20th July 2023.

It has been noticed that despite restrictions on certain varieties, rice exports have been high during the current year. Up to 17th August 2023, total exports of rice (other than broken rice, export of which is prohibited) were 7.33 MMT compared to 6.37 MMT during the corresponding period of the previous year, registering an increase of 15.06 per cent. There has been a spurt in the export of parboiled rice and Basmati rice; both of these varieties did not have any restrictions on exports. While the export of parboiled rice has grown by 21.18 per cent (3.29 MMT during the current year compared to 2.72 MMT during the previous year), the export of Basmati rice has increased by 9.35 per cent (1.86 MMT during the current year compared to 1.70 MMT during the previous year). Export of non-basmati white rice, which had an export duty of 20 per cent since 9th September 2022 and has been prohibited w.e.f. 20th July 2023, has also registered an increase of 4.36 per cent (1.97 MMT compared to 1.89 MMT during the previous year). On the other hand, as per the third Advanced Estimate of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, during the Rabi Season 2022-23, the production was only 158.95 LMT against 184.71 LMT during the Rabi Season of 2021-22 i.e., there was a decline of 13.84 per cent.

Internationally, due to strong demand from Asian buyers, production disruptions registered in 2022/23 in some major producing countries like Thailand, and fears of possible adverse effects of the onset of El Nino, international rice prices have also been rising continuously since last year. The FAO Rice Price Index reached 129.7 points in July 2023; its highest value since September 2011, registering an increase of 19.7 per cent over last year’s levels. As the prices of Indian rice are still cheaper than the international prices, there has been a strong demand for Indian rice, resulting in record exports during 2021-22 and 2022-23. 

The Government has received credible field reports regarding misclassification and illegal export of non-basmati white rice, the export of which has been prohibited with effect from 20th July 2023. It has been reported that non-basmati white rice is being exported under the HS codes of parboiled rice and Basmati rice.

It has been noticed that despite restrictions

Company News, Foodgrains, People, Sustainability, World

Partnership plans to come to life through several activations focusing on food security and support for smallholder farmers across the globe

International advocacy organisation Global Citizen and the PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, announced a year-long partnership and campaign focused on alleviating world hunger and promoting economic empowerment by tapping the enormous potential of rural, small-scale farming communities. The initiative seeks to provide a platform for smallholder farmers to work alongside world leaders and advocate for delivering on commitments targeting the nexus of the food and climate crises. 

The multi-faceted partnership plans to come to life through some activations focusing on food security and support for smallholder farmers across the globe, highlighting the importance in six countries: Egypt, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, Thailand and Turkey:

The campaign will urge the private sector and philanthropists to unlock new commitments that match the scale and ambition of PepsiCo’s global Food for Good platform and support the livelihoods of farming communities in the developing world. Together, the two organisations will reaffirm PepsiCo’s $100 million commitment to the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge and call on the broader participation of its private sector peers and business leaders. As a global food and beverage company, regenerative agriculture is crucial to PepsiCo’s business with the company sourcing 25 crops from more than 7 million acres in 60 countries.

C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Philanthropy for PepsiCo said, “Our partnership with Global Citizen builds on the history of collaboration between PepsiCo Foundation and local partners through programs including ‘She Feeds the World’ and ‘Agrovita’ to advance food security through gender-conscious community engagement. We’re focused on strengthening the role of small-scale women producers through sustainable and regenerative agriculture training and economic support and by improving linkages, including within the PepsiCo supply chain, to ensure sustainable and stable incomes for the farmer community. These efforts support our PepsiCo Positive commitment to Positive Agriculture and contribute to our goal to improve the livelihoods of more than 250,000 people in our agricultural supply chain and support 5 million female farmers and members of their communities by 2025.” 

Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer of Global Citizen said, “We’re happy to work with the PepsiCo Foundation to help rural farmers and their communities by sharing their stories through Global Citizen’s advocacy campaigns. These farmers, especially women, are very important for local food systems, but they often face poverty and vulnerability during crises.” 

Partnership plans to come to life through

Company News, Foodgrains, Sustainability, World

A dedicated food security programme for producing and importing countries in Africa, India, and Latin America

UPL Ltd. a global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions will support a renewed commitment to strengthening developing world food production, storage, and supply chains with a ‘food security’ programme.

The agreement was reached at the inaugural Earthna Summit in Doha, Qatar, with the governments of Zambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia alongside the Commonwealth Secretariat. The sessions were also attended by representatives from Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, AGRA, United Nations Development Programme, CGIAR, Chatham House, EMBRAPA, and the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak.

The Summit aimed to build new sustainability pathways for hot and arid environments as part of global efforts to address the moderate or severe food insecurity faced by one-in-four people globally. The summit sought to align South-South efforts and create a dedicated food security programme for producing and importing countries in Africa, India, and Latin America.

UPL contributed to the creation of this ‘food security’ programme through the open plenary session and closed-door technical discussions, in which experts agreed to explore a new working methodology for food security. This included ensuring the development of farmer resilience, capacity building and creating demonstration plots for climate-resilient crops.

Jai Shroff, Group CEO of UPL Ltd., said, “Our contention is clear: no one has food security until everyone has food security. And the key to security is farmer resilience. The results of our discussions in Doha show that there is a new urgency to address food security and new energy among developing world nations to agree on approaches that will deliver real results. We look forward to announcing our roadmap with Earthna and to developing initial projects across Africa as part of our Reimagining Sustainability mission and OpenAg commitment to collaboration.”

Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earth, said, “It is essential that the global community works together to encourage and enable self-sufficiency at national and international levels. I am delighted that at the Earthna Summit 2023, heads of state, QF’s Earthna and other partners have come together and committed to a new collaborative approach to enhance food security. I am confident that this programme will lead to lasting and impactful action, and make a significant contribution to these countries’ fight against climate change.”

A technical white paper will be prepared for the launch of pilot programmes in Zambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

A dedicated food security programme for producing

Agrotech, Company News

To offer easily accessible, mobile agriculture insurance products to thousands of smaller farmers

Under a strategic partnership, Lexasure’s digital insurance offering for farmers, Flourish, will be integrated with the AgriON app, providing easy access to purchase and manage agricultural insurance to provide farmers with greater resiliency against adverse events. The launch of Flourish with the AgriON app is planned for the first quarter of 2023.

AgriON promotes financial inclusion for Indonesia’s farmers through a mobile fintech platform that includes a digital bank account, digital loans for seeds, fertiliser, and farming tools, automated payments, and tools to benchmark yield, sales, and productivity. Currently, more than 4,000 farmers are registered with the AgriON platform in Indonesia, which is expected to grow to 20,000 by the end of 2023.

“AgriON is doing groundbreaking work by bringing a suite of digital banking and management tools to smaller farmers across Indonesia, a sector that has historically been unbanked or underbanked without access to credit or high-quality inputs to drive productivity,” said Ian Lim, Founder & CEO of Lexasure Financial Group.

“For this reason, they make an ideal channel partner for Lexasure’s Flourish digital insurance offering for farmers, enabling producers to achieve resiliency and have a solid foundation for productivity growth and investment. Our shared goal is to leverage digital tools to create scalable, cost-effective fintech products that are adapted to the needs of customers in Southeast Asia and promote food security for the region.”

Insurance products that will be available on the platform will include crop insurance, livestock & bloodstock (Equine Insurance), and agriculture machinery and equipment insurance, provided through licensed insurers in Indonesia. 

In addition to financial solutions, AgriON enables the traceability and sustainability of farmers’ products using digital technology, thereby empowering farmers to maximise the yield and value of their products when using sustainable farming practices.

“Digital insurers are now fully aware that the digital transformation of the insurance industry is well underway,” Lim added. “We will continue to pursue innovative partnerships to help our clients digitise the entire insurance value chain and reach underserved populations across the region.”

To offer easily accessible, mobile agriculture insurance

Award, India, Sustainability

Honouring Patra’s 33-year dedicated career in Soil Science Research and Education

Ashok Kumar Patra, former Director of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research-Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-IISS), Bhopal received  the Glinka World Soil Prize 2022 for his 33-year dedicated career in Soil Science Research and Education. The Glinka World Soil Prize is named after Konstantin Glinka, an eminent Russian soil scientist known for his work on the geographical distribution of soils. The prize honours distinguished individuals or organisations that promote sustainable soil management and the protection of soil resources, which have a direct impact on people’s well-being. This year’s seventh Glinka Prize is awarded to Ashok Kumar Patra, described as ‘an outstanding soil scientist and a strong advocate of sustainable soil management in India and worldwide’. Throughout his career spanning thirty-three years of research, education, and extension, he has contributed to over 350 publications and participated in various national and international events. He has made significant contributions to the improvement of food and nutritional security through integrated nutrient management and has addressed the emerging challenges of soil resource, sustainable management and biodiversity while uplifting the research standards of the Institute (ICAR-IISS) to the global level.

Patra comes from a farming family and has dedicated much of his career to improving soil nutrient management in his home country, India.He was instrumental in developing the Mridaparikshak Mini Soil Laboratory, which has provided soil testing and fertiliser recommendations to millions of Indian farmers. His research has been critical in understanding nutrient cycling, the effect of long-term fertiliser applications on India’s major soils thus leading to improved nitrogen management and reduced inputs, with a clear focus on sustainable fertiliser management.

In his capacity as Director of ICAR-IISS, a Member of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (FAO/GSP), President of Indian Society of Soil Science and Fellow of national academies, he has contributed to the development of numerous documents, guidelines and standard operating procedures at national and international levels. In addition, he has worked to generate public interest in soil science through awareness campaigns, demonstrations and exhibitions of soil technologies, presentations on radio and television programs, and writing blogs and journal articles. Under his leadership, ICAR-IISS received the King Bhumibol World Soil Day award in 2020.

Patra has a distinguished record of leadership, having led numerous projects to advance sustainable soil management. These include the development of rapid composting techniques, GIS-based soil fertility maps, and the use of soil spectroscopy to generate large databases of soil information needed for decision making. During his term as Director of ICAR – IISS, he expanded the network by opening new cooperating centres in various projects, and guided hundreds of students, research scholars, young scientists and large farming community. In all his work and engagements, Patra’s continuously strives to identify and remove barriers and create favourable socio-economic and institutional conditions to promote sustainable soil management.    

The Glinka World Soil Prize, launched in 2016, rewards eligible candidates who contribute to raise awareness and bring possible solutions to confront acute problems of soil degradation. It encourages and recognises field-oriented work directly contributing to preserve soils and increase food security. 

Former winners of the Glinka World Soil Prize include Instituto Geografico Augustin kingCodazzi (IGAC from Colombia) in 2016, Argentine No Till Farmers Association (Aapresid from Argentina) in 2017, Rattan Lal (USA) in 2018, Xu Minggang (China) in 2019, in 2020 Luca Montanarella (JRC/European Commission), and in 2021 Lydie-Stella Koutika (The Republic of the Congo).

Honouring Patra’s 33-year dedicated career in Soil

Live Stock, Sustainability

To invest $1.4 billion to help smallholder farmers 

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation echoed African Leaders Call for countries to rapidly scale-up finance for climate adaptation and pledged to invest $1.4 billion to help smallholder farmers address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change. The announcement was made by Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

“The effects of climate change have already been devastating, and every moment the world delays action, more people suffer, and the solutions become more complex and costly,” said Suzman. “Our commitment will help smallholder farmers adapt today and build resilience for the future. It is essential for this climate summit to produce bold commitments that address immediate and long-term needs. Leaders must listen to the voices of African farmers and governments to understand their priorities and respond with urgency.”

The foundation’s commitment will fund immediate action and long-term initiatives over four years to help smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia build resilience and food security. Funding will focus on spurring African-led innovation to build a pipeline of climate-smart agriculture projects, new applications of digital technologies, climate-smart innovations for smallholder livestock farming, and support for women smallholder farmers to capitalise on their untapped potential.

“Women in rural Africa are the backbone of their food systems, but they have never had equal access to the resources they need to reach their full potential or build resilience to looming climate threats,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “As the climate crisis accelerates, women’s vital role in their economies is too important to overlook. With the right financing and marketing support, women smallholder farmers could earn more in a day than they currently earn in a month, ultimately transforming these regional food systems and unlocking a healthier, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for families and communities across the continent.”

“The climate crisis is causing enormous harm every day as it jeopardises entire regions of people and economies,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “More funding is necessary to ensure agricultural and technological innovations are widely available to vulnerable communities, helping them to adapt to climate change, save lives and increase economic growth.”

To invest $1.4 billion to help smallholder

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Environment, India, Sustainability

Initiative to help farmers adopt best practices in soil nutrition, climate-resilient farming

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced that it would fund the farm efficiency initiative of Smartchem Technologies Limited (STL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers And Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL), through a $30 million loan facility with a tenor of 5 years. This is ADB’s first agribusiness ‘Blue Loan’, and the first such blue loan in India in the agribusiness sector across institutions. The loan will be used to finance capital expenditure as well as research and development of enhanced-efficiency speciality fertilisers.

STL was chosen as a suitable candidate for Asian Development Bank (ADB) support because of its leading market position in the enhanced efficiency specialised fertilisers (EESF) segment, with advanced technical capability and satisfactory financial performance. Growth potential from the enhancement of fertiliser production capacity to provide quality inputs.

Actions to encourage the application of EESFs, which will support the sustainable transformation of agriculture in India while improving its resilience to climate change.

ADB has also given approval for a technical assistance grant of $5,00,000 for building capacity for Soil Nutrition Management among Smallholder Farmers and Climate Resilience in India. The said grant is in addition to financing of $30 Million (“Blue loan”).

Enhanced-efficiency speciality fertilisers have shown increased output while reducing the need for fertiliser application rate and also reduces environmental impact and supports Nutrient uptake efficiencies and thus delivers better productivity leading to improved food security.

Initiative to help farmers adopt best practices

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, India, Sustainability

To enhance crop and soil specific fertiliser systems and improvements to nutrient use efficiency, balanced soil nutrition

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $30 million loan with Smartchem Technologies Limited (STL) to finance capital expenditure and research and development of enhanced-efficiency specialty fertilisers as well as investments to promote energy efficiency, health, and safety.

In addition, an accompanying technical assistance grant will focus on improving the climate resilience of up to 4,000 smallholder farmers through building their soil management and financial literacy skills.

“ADB’s financial assistance will help us to further improve our enhanced efficiency specialty fertiliser business including applied R&D and grass-root farmer training initiatives. It is encouraging to have our efforts towards crop and soil specific fertiliser systems and improvements to nutrient use efficiency and balanced soil nutrition, validated by international partners like ADB,” said STL Chairman and Managing Director S C Mehta. “We will continue to strive to deliver our vision of raising the yield and quality of Indian agriculture to the global best. We look forward to growing this partnership with ADB.”  

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

To enhance crop and soil specific fertiliser

India, Seeds

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has donated Rs 20 lakh to the Benefit Sharing Fund of Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The donation was made at the ninth session of the governing body of the ITPGRFA in New Delhi.

Commenting on the development, Dr Arvind Kapur, vice chairman, FSII said, “Today, we would like to make a donation of Rs 20 lakh as an addition to the other financial contributions regularly made by the seed sector globally. However, I would like to highlight that the non-financial contributions of the seed sector towards food security are in no way comparable to this donation.”

Elaborating on the significance of the treaty, Dr Ajai Rana, vice chairman, FSII said, “The treaty is of particular importance for the FSII members as it provides a fair and simple mechanism for access and benefit sharing of germplasm, critical to breed varieties adapted to the local needs of Indian farmers. Every day, the seed sector across the world is working to provide farmers with the varieties that can help them make a decent living out of their hard work.” The ITPGRFA is a specialised international regime designed to facilitate the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture i.e., germplasm. It is harmonised with international regimes that support conservation, sustainable use and fair and equitable benefit sharing for all organisms, specifically the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing.

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII)