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HomePosts Tagged "Gujarat"
Agro chems – Chemicals, India, Speciality Chemicals

Field efficacy studies have underscored the safety and positive impact of Ray Nano Science & Research Centre’s Nano Urea, positioning it as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative

In a momentous achievement for the agricultural sector, India has firmly established itself as a global leader in Nano Agri Inputs, encompassing Nano fertilisers and Nano micro-nutrients, heralding a transformative era in sustainable farming practices. The notable progress in nanotechnology-driven agricultural solutions has catapulted India to the forefront of innovation, providing groundbreaking solutions that reduce dependence on conventional bulk fertilisers like Urea, promoting self-reliance, and mitigating environmental impact without compromising crop yield, thereby ensuring food security. Additionally, these advancements significantly alleviate the government’s expenditure on subsidies.

Beyond established fertiliser companies, pivotal contributors to India’s ascendancy in this domain include innovative start-ups such as Ray Nano Science & Research Centre, focusing primarily on Nano technology-driven research. Actively engaged in developing avant-garde products leveraging nanotechnology for agricultural benefits, they have played a key role in shaping India’s leadership.

With a commitment to innovation and technological progress, the organisation has successfully introduced Nano Urea, utilising its patented Green Technology, and initiated operations at its fully automated nano urea plant in Mogar, Gujarat, a mere five months after receiving Fertiliser Control Order permission.

Field efficacy studies have underscored the safety and positive impact of Ray Nano Science & Research Centre’s Nano Urea, positioning it as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative. This product not only enhances crop productivity but also ensures the well-being of users and the surrounding environment.

Field efficacy studies have underscored the safety

India, Nature, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

The plant is anticipated to produce an average of 953 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, helping to avoid approximately 783,855 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and SAEL Industries Limited, through its subsidiary SAEL Solar P4 Private Limited, have signed a loan of up to 12.23 billion Indian rupees (about $147 million equivalent) for the development of a 400-megawatt (MW) greenfield solar power plant in Gujarat, India, to support the country’s ongoing transition toward clean energy and low-carbon growth.

The financing package comprises 12.23 billion Indian rupees from ADB and a parallel loan of up to 6.11 billion Indian rupees underwritten by Tata Capital. ADB led the structuring of the financing package as well as the mobilisation of domestic private capital.

“The private sector must play a pivotal role in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy generation, particularly in Asia and the Pacific region, which contributes over half of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the region’s climate bank, ADB provides long-term local currency financing to stimulate private sector investment in clean energy,” said Suzanne Gaboury, ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations. “ADB’s partnership with SAEL supports the Government of India’s objective of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030.”

SAEL Solar P4 Private Limited will build and operate the solar powerplant, situated within the Khavda Ultra Mega Solar Park in Gujarat, India. The electricity generated by the solar plant will be supplied to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, the state-owned power distribution company, through a 25-year purchase agreement. The plant is anticipated to produce an average of 953 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, helping to avoid approximately 783,855 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. SAEL and ADB have previously partnered in a biomass power generation project that uses agricultural residue.

The plant is anticipated to produce an

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, India

This plant can synthesise a variety of agro intermediates for the global supply of several agro-actives

Jubilant Ingrevia Limited today announced the commissioning of its state-of-the-art multipurpose agro intermediate plant to produce value-added derivatives at its manufacturing facility at Bharuch, Gujarat. The plant aims to cater to the growing demand for agro intermediates across the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Jain, CEO & Managing Director, of Jubilant Ingrevia Limited said, “We are delighted with the commissioning of our new multipurpose agro intermediate plant. This aligns with our key strategy to shift structurally towards value-added agrochemicals business. Our deep expertise in offering solutions to our global customers using multistep chemistries has led us to become a partner of choice for our global agrochemical customers, including innovators.

The inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility demonstrates our commitment to expand our business towards more value-added agro intermediates.” This plant can synthesise a variety of agro intermediates for the global supply of several agro actives.

The Company has developed cost-competitive value-added products by using captive raw materials based on its completely backward integrated Pyridine capability, where it holds a global leadership position. Jubilant Ingrevia Limited continues to remain committed towards the introduction of key agro intermediates with a focus on ESG aspects, helping its strategic partners to address their journey towards carbon footprint reduction. The Company is already synthesising several agro intermediates in its facility at Bharuch, Gujarat and this new plant will help in expanding its presence further in the agrochemicals space.

This plant can synthesise a variety of

AgroPolicy, Dairy, India

The new headquarters building will be a 100 per cent green building

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation laid the foundation stone of the headquarters of National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) Limited in Gandhinagar, Gujarat and addressed the e-Market Awards 2023 ceremony. Many dignitaries including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Choudhary, IFFCO Chairman Dilip Sanghani, NDDB Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah and NCDFI Chairman Dr Mangal Rai were present on the occasion.

In his address, Amit Shah said that the dairy and especially the cooperative dairy sector in our country has achieved multi-dimensional goals. He said that if the cooperative sector does not do milk trading, then milk production remains limited to a middleman and the milk user. But suppose the cooperative sector cooperatively trades milk. In that case, many dimensions are integrated into it, because the aim is not to make profit only and it has multidimensional benefits to the society, agriculture, villages, milk producers and ultimately the country. He said India has experienced this success story in the last 50 years.

The Minister of Cooperation said that today India has reached first place in the world’s milk production with a 24 per cent share. He said that if a cooperative dairy is to be run, then many institutions will have to be formed to nurture it and NCDFI will do this work. In a way, NCDFI is doing the work of guiding all dairies. Shah said that White Revolution started in the village ‘Vasi’ and now the headquarters of NCDFI is going to be built in the same Anand district in an area of about 7000 square meters. It will be built at an expense of about Rs 32 crore and will be operated through a solar power plant. He said that the new headquarters building will be a 100 per cent green building.

The new headquarters building will be a

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers

The development and operational commencement of agro-biological production facility is scheduled for mid-2025.

IPL Biologicals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government for setting up a Rs 400 crore bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide facility in Gujarat according to the statement by company.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel. The development and operational commencement of IPL Biologicals’ agro-biological production facility is scheduled for mid-2025. IPL Biologicals envisions the MoU with the Gujarat Government to develop a new facility as a significant contributor to sustainable agriculture. The major focus of the first phase of production will be on the company’s agriculture products, followed by probiotics and enzyme products. The project shall be on reducing chemical usage in the agribusiness sector and providing safe food production to the world, the release added.

“As we embark on this transformative journey with the Gujarat government for the establishment of a new bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide production facility in Gujarat, we are driven by a profound commitment to redefine the future of agriculture. Our vision goes beyond traditional boundaries, encapsulating a holistic approach towards sustainable farming practices. Our commitment to Global Standard Manufacturing is a testament to our aspiration to produce high-quality products that meet and exceed global standards. This manufacturing unit will be a fully automated, state-of-the-art facility, probably the best in the world and it will not only contribute to the local economy, but also elevate India’s standing in the global arena of biotechnology,” said Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals.

The development and operational commencement of agro-biological

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

The new plant will be the company’s third Indian facility for active ingredients in agrochemicals.

 Tokyo-based agrochemical manufacturer, Sumitomo Chemical plans to develop its new agrochemical plant in the western part of Gujarat. The Japanese company will obtain about 50 acres of land in the western state of Gujarat and aim to complete construction around 2027. The initial investment is expected to be over 5 billion yen ($35 million). The total amount will exceed several tens of billions of yen in the mid- to long-term as the plant gradually expands.

The new plant will be the company’s third Indian facility for active ingredients in agrochemicals. If the entire site is utilised, the company’s annual production capacity is expected to increase 80 per cent in India.

The company’s agrochemical business in India generated sales of about $430 million in the fiscal year ended March 2023. The Company aims to achieve a sales volume of $500 million by fiscal 2025.

The new plant will be the company's

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

This strategic collaboration aims to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector

Arete Group, a renowned business conglomerate, announced a significant transaction involving the acquisition of 35 acres of prime industrial land by Silox India Private Limited at PIP (Payal Industrial Park) in Dahej Gujarat. Silox India is a leading manufacturer of inorganic chemicals headquartered in Belgium. This strategic collaboration aims to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector.

PIP, developed and promoted by Arete Group, stands as India’s largest privately integrated industrial park, strategically located within the Gujarat PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region). Approved by the Government of Gujarat, PIP offers world-class infrastructure and facilities, creating an ideal environment for manufacturing plants and large-scale industries. The park, sprawling over 3,500 acres, has been meticulously planned by engineering and construction giant CH2M Hill, catering to the specific requirements of water-intensive and polluting industries.

The facilities at PIP, including water access, an effluent treatment plant, and environmentally friendly plans, align perfectly with Silox’s commitment to sustainability. The collaborative environment at PIP is expected to enhance Silox India’s capacity by 30-40 per cent compared to its current capabilities, fostering growth and innovation.

Prakash Raman, MD of Silox India Private Limited, shared his perspective on the partnership: “As a manufacturer of inorganic chemicals, our collaboration with PIP signifies a strategic move towards achieving our growth objectives. The facilities offered by PIP, coupled with its environmentally conscious approach, provide us with a collaborative environment to thrive. We anticipate that this partnership will not only enhance our production capacity but also contribute to the overall success of both Silox India and PIP.”

This strategic collaboration aims to foster growth,

AgroPolicy, Dairy, India, Live Stock, R&D

Rahuri Semen station in Maharashtra tops the list of 55 players with 97 per cent score in the Evaluation report by Central Monitoring Unit followed by 95 per cent for Animal Breeding Centre, Salon In U.P

The government of India has put the NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) owned Rahuri Semen Station in Maharashtra as India’s numbero Uno on parameters ranging from quality and animal genetics to health and safety protocols, with its other semen station getting an “A” ranking, the Company said here.

 A Technical Audit report of 55 Semen Station across the country for 2022-23 by the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) was submitted to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of India earlier this month where Rahuri was given a marking of 97 followed by 95 for Animal Breeding Centre Salon, a NDS station, in Utter Pradesh.

 The CMU report accorded a total of nine semen stations a score of 90 and above under Grade A. The other seven include the two NDS stations – Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala, Bidaj in Gujarat and Alamadhi Semen station in Tamil Nadu; Karnataka Govt’s station at SLBTC Hessarghetta; Kerala Government’s station at Dhoni; Bihar Govt’s station at Purnea (Under NDS), BAIF’s station at Uralikanchan and BSSRC Hisar.

Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, of NDDB, who is also the Chairman of NDS said “It is a proud moment for all of us and this will spur us to do more for the service of the dairy farmers. Credit for this goes to the dedication of the teams of Veterinary experts and scientists who are working to enhance the productivity of the milch animals and propagation of the genetics of the indigenous breeds. 

“The semen stations run by NDDB Dairy Services are amongst the best professionally managed semen stations not only in India but also in the world. These stations adhere strictly to the quality protocols and have in place stringent bio-security measures to produce disease-free semen. The evaluation report of CMU and the scores received by our stations revalidate our processes and expertise,” he said. 

 The NDS stations have close to 1800 high genetic merit bulls of 35 breeds and together sold over 5.2 crore doses during the evaluation period 2022-23. These stations are also actively involved in In vivo and Invitro embryo production and transfers.

Rahuri Semen station in Maharashtra tops the

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

PIP, the industrial park arm of Arete Group, has emerged as an ultimate destination for establishing Chemicals industries such as Agrochemicals, pesticides, speciality chemicals, inorganic chemicals

Arete Group, a Gujarat-based leading business conglomerate and Industrial park developer has onboarded Gharda Chemicals Limited, a prominent player in the chemical manufacturing industry, by selling 38 acres of prime industrial land at its Industrial Park project PIP (Payal Industrial Park) in Dahej, Gujarat. With a total investment commitment of INR 600 crores, Gharda Chemicals Limited is set to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility at this site.

PIP, the industrial park arm of Arete Group, has emerged as an ultimate destination for establishing Chemicals industries such as Agrochemicals, pesticides, specialty chemicals, inorganic chemicals, dyes & pigments chlor-alkali and other such chemical industries today in India.

Situated in Dahej, Gujarat, PIP spans an expansive area of 3,500 acres dedicated to large-scale industrial development, logistics parks, and utilities. Developed within the Gujarat PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region) as declared by the Government of India under the PCPIR Policy 2007, PIP is strategically surrounded by fast-growing industrial projects within Gujarat PCPIR. The park has received government approval and boasts world-class infrastructure facilities.

With plans of establishing a greenfield project at PIP Gharda Chemicals Limited gains access to, proximity to essential vendors, and the opportunity to be a part of a thriving industrial cluster. By situating itself within an ideal hub for water-intensive and chemical-related industries, Gharda Chemicals Limited secures a significant competitive edge in the Indian market.

“We are excited to welcome Gharda Chemicals Limited to PIP,” said Siraj Saiyed, Director of Arete Group. “On-boarding Gharda Chemicals Limited into our Park reflects our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and enabling a conducive ecosystem for businesses to excel. We believe that Gharda Chemicals’ presence will not only benefit their operations but also contribute to the overall industrial growth in the region.” He further added.

The upcoming chemical manufacturing facility at PIP will specialise in the production of API and agrochemicals-based formulations, further reinforcing Gharda Chemicals Limited’s commitment to delivering high-quality chemical products. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the development of the Agrochemical industry in Gujarat. Both parties anticipate a fruitful collaboration that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the sector.

PIP, the industrial park arm of Arete

AgroPolicy, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

The new Next-Gen Container terminal will cater to future trade demand from Northern, Western and Central India, connecting the regions to global markets.

A concession agreement signed between Deendayal Port Authority and DP World in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World; Rizwan Soomar, DP World, CEO & MD, Middle East, North Africa and India, Sanjay Mehta, IFS, Chairperson and other senior officials of the ministry in New Delhi.

This state-of-the-art container terminal at Tuna-Tekra will cater to future trade demand from Northern, Western and Central India, connecting the regions to global markets. The project involves the construction of a mega-container terminal at Tuna-Tekra near the existing Deendayal Port, at a cost of Rs 4,243.64 crores ($510 million) through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Once completed the terminal will have an annual capacity of 2.19 million TEUs, and will include a 1,100m berth capable of handling next-generation vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs.

The Container Terminal is expected to transform the economic landscape of Kutch, with creation of several ancillary services like warehousing, etc. and also result in creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities to hundreds of people.

In addition to increasing the business potential of Kandla, the project will boost the economy and generate employment. The container terminal will be fully compliant with the green port guidelines ensuring sustainability in port operations by adopting best practices of port environment management contributing towards the long-term sustainability goals set out by the Government of India.

Container Terminal Highlights:

• Annual capacity of 2.19 million TEU

• 1,100m berth to handle next-generation vessels

• Fully compliant with the green port guidelines

• The terminal will connect Northern, Western and Central India with Global market

• The project aligns with India’s Vision 2047 to quadruple port handling capacity

• The terminal will be a part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline complementing PM Gati Shakti

The new Next-Gen Container terminal will cater

AgroPolicy, Biofuel industry, India

Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20 per cent DME

Methanol is a low-carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas. It is the best pathway for meeting India’s commitment to COP 21.

NITI Aayog’s ‘Methanol Economy’ programme is aimed at reducing India’s oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol. 

Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, methanol can replace both these fuels in the transport sector (road, rail and marine), energy sector (comprising DG sets, boilers, process heating modules, tractors and commercial vehicles) and retail cooking (replacing LPG [partially], kerosene and wood charcoal). The blending of 15 per cent methanol in gasoline can result in at least a 15 per cent reduction in the import of gasoline/crude oil. In addition, this would bring down GHG emissions by 20 per cent in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality.

The methanol Economy will also create close to 5 million jobs through methanol production/application and distribution services. Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20 per cent DME (Di-methyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) in LPG. This will help the consumer in saving between Rs 50-100 per cylinder.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified 20 per cent DME blending with LPG, and a notification for M-15, M-85 and M-100 blends has been issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. Test standards and plans for the M-15 blend are being evolved in consultation with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the Automotive Research Association of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. In the railway sector, RDSO is working towards blending methanol in the range of 5-20 per cent through direct fuel injection in locomotives.

On 5 October 2018, Assam Petrochemicals launched Asia’s first canister-based methanol cooking fuel programme. This initiative is an extension of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of reducing the import of crude oil and striving towards the provision of a clean, cost-effective and pollution-free cooking medium. Methanol stoves can result in at least 20% savings for households. After the success of the pilot, the methanol cooking programme was scaled up to 1,00,000 households in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Manipur.

Five methanol plants based on high ash coal, five DME plants, and one natural gas-based methanol production plant with a capacity of 20 MMT/annum, in a joint venture with Israel, have been planned to be set up. Three boats and seven cargo vessels are being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Inland Waterways Authority of India to use methanol as a marine fuel.

Thermax Ltd has successfully developed a 5 KW methanol-based reformer on a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). This module is being tested to replace DG sets in mobile towers. For direct electricity generation, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd has converted a 5 KW generator set to run on 100% methanol. Kirloskar is working towards converting generator sets of 150-300 KVA/KW capacity, in collaboration with Dor Chemicals, Israel.

Under R&D, work is in progress to set up coal-to-methanol plants in the country using indigenous technology, which is being developed by BHEL (Hyderabad and Trichy), Thermax, and IIT Delhi. Thermax and IIT Delhi are working on a TPD demonstration plant, while BHEL Hyderabad and Trichy are working on 1 TPD and 40 TPD demonstration plants, respectively. 

An R&D project has also been sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology to IISc Bengaluru and Praj Industries Pune for the production of methanol from biomass. Phase-I of the production of syngas from biomass was demonstrated in January 2019.

Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, Company News, India

Gandhidham plant which will be set up at cost of Rs 350 Crore will send 2 lakh nano urea bottles of 500 ml each across the country.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah performed the Bhumi Pujan and laid the foundation stone of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Gandhidham, Gujarat, today. On this occasion, several dignitaries including Chairman, IFFCO, Shri Dileep Sanghani, were also present.

In his address, Amit Shah said that the upcoming plant at Gandhidham would produce more than IFFCO’s existing plant producing 3 million tonnes of DAP. Union Minister of Cooperation said that liquid fertilizer is going to give multi-dimensional benefits to the country’s economy and agriculture sector. Spraying of Nano DAP (liquid) will not pollute the land, which will further ease the natural farming, increase soil fertility along agricultural production and will promote the land conservation.

Union Minister of Cooperation said that IFFCO DAP (liquid) does not go inside the ground, but remains on the top of the crop, due to which not only the benefits of DAP become available to the crop, but the land is also preserved. DAP (Liquid) will not pollute water, increase production, keep price affordable, reduce government subsidy burden and reduce imports to make India self-sufficient in the field of urea and DAP.

Union Minister of Cooperation said that IFFCO has not borrowed a single rupee from the bank for the plant which will be set up in Gandhidham at a cost of about Rs. 350 crores on 70 acres, IFFCO has 100 percent equity in it. He said that IFFCO’s equity means 4 crore farmers’ equity as IFFCO’s money goes back to the farmer through PACS and rest through cooperative societies. He said that from this plant 2 lakh nano urea bottles of 500 ml each would be sent across the country and the world, which would reduce the import of 60 million bags of urea and India would become self-relaint in the field of fertilizer. He said that this would also save fertilizer subsidy of about Rs 10,000 crore, which would come back to the farmers, it will also save foreign exchange of about Rs. 3,500 crores.

Gandhidham plant which will be set up

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Trade

The government is taking steps to control inflation and meet the demand and check the prices of tomatoes in India

Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister (FM) informed the Parliament that the government is importing tomatoes from Nepal due to a record-high spike in prices in the country.

The minister said that the government is taking steps to control inflation and meet the demand and check the prices of tomatoes in India, it has decided to import them from its neighbour, Nepal. Sitharaman was participating in a debate on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. As per her, the government has removed import restrictions and the first lot of tomatoes from Nepal will reach Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow this week.

Sitharaman also said that through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and other cooperative societies, the government has been procuring tomatoes from Maharashtra and Karnataka. These tomatoes are then distributed in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan at subsidised rates. The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. has distributed 8.84 lakh kg of tomatoes in the aforementioned states. The finance minister added that the wholesale prices of tomatoes in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are already coming down.

Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Tamil Nadu are the major tomato-producing states in the country. These states account for 91 per cent of the total production of the country, said FM.

The government is taking steps to control

Agrotech, Dairy, Live Stock, R&D

Laxmi is from a high genetic merit IVF embryo having the potential for the production of 35-40 kg milk a day.

NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) announced the birth of the first female calf ‘Laxmi’, under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India’s Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme through IVF Embryo Transplant (ABIP-IVF-ET). The programme targets establishing two lakh pregnancies through the transplant of IVF embryos of high genetic merit to enhance the milk yield for dairy farmers.

The results of nine months of hard ground work which started with the transplant of IVF embryos in September 2022, have started coming in. Since the news of more births only seems to pour in, with 13 healthy female births confirmed to date. Laxmi is the first female calf born from the surrogate transplanted with an IVF embryo at Rajarambapu Patil Cooperative Milk Union Ltd., Islampur (Sangli), in Maharashtra. More than 250 births are expected in due course from cows and buffaloes whose pregnancies through IVF embryo transplants have been confirmed.

“Laxmi is from a high genetic merit IVF embryo having a potential for production of 35-40 kg milk a day, which is nearly double the average of the existing cattle owned by dairy farmers in this area,” said an exuberant Sushil Dilip Khot, the dairy farmer beneficiary who has just expanded his herd with the birth of Laxmi.

Meenesh Shah, NDDB & NDS Chairman, shared that the journey has not been easy. “When we initially started, the success rate with IVF embryo transplant was as low as 9 per cent, which today has reached, in some cases, up to 46 per cent. The success depends on the proper selection of the surrogates & its management, and there is still a lot of work required in the area.”

NDDB’s wholly owned subsidiary, NDS is one of the service providers identified by the DAHD, Government of India, for the execution of the programme. NDS last year kicked off the implementation on September 22 from Islampur in Maharashtra, said a Company spokesperson.

The NDS team have been working relentlessly for over a year and has already scaled the programme to 15 milk unions in six states, i.e. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Since September 2022, the team so far has transferred 1,436 embryos, out of which 1,211 have been examined for pregnancies. During the current financial year, embryo transplant activity will be scaled up, and another 3,000 IVF embryo pregnancies are expected to be established.

The choice of breed of the embryo to be transplanted lies with the farmer, and the gender-sorted IVF embryos of about 6 indigenous cattle and 1 buffalo breed have been used to ensure that 90 per cent of calves born are female. As the calves will have none of the characteristics of the surrogate, the potential of producing milk goes up to 15-20 kgs from Gir and Sahiwal breeds of cows and 20 kgs from the Murrah buffalo breed, the NDS spokesperson said.

Laxmi is from a high genetic merit