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HomePosts Tagged "Guntur"
Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced over 46 innovative rice seed varieties, boosting resilience and productivity, further reinforcing the role of biotechnology in agricultural sustainability.

Calling the Andhra Pradesh growth story in agriculture and allied sector as exemplary, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.80 per cent, experts attributed most of this success to the widespread adoption of biotechnology which has boosted agricultural productivity. At a workshop held at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Guntur, researchers, experts, and industry leaders discussed advancements in genetic engineering, molecular breeding, and biotechnological innovations for sustainable agriculture.

The workshop was jointly organised by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Lam, Guntur, and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi, with support from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

Water availability will be a major concern for the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh, along with frequent cyclones and flooding. In rice, the largest grown crop, bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae is a challenge. To combat these challenges, researchers from ANGRAU and ICAR National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Delhi, have developed MTU 1232, a high-yielding, flood-tolerant rice variety. Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced over 46 innovative rice seed varieties, boosting resilience and productivity, further reinforcing the role of biotechnology in agricultural sustainability.

Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi, Vice Chancellor, ANGRAU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to agricultural research, citing MTU 1232 as a testament to biotechnology’s impact. “ANGRAU has led the development of resilient seed varieties using biotech tools like MTU 1232 developed using the Sub1A gene, withstands flash floods for 10-14 days and stagnant flooding up to 50 cm for over a month. With an 80 per cent survival rate and yields of 3,792 kg/ha under severe floods and 6,000 kg/ha in normal conditions, it is a game-changer for flood-prone regions,” she said.

Biotechnology’s success extends beyond rice to other crops.  Andhra Pradesh has been a leader in the adoption of Bt Cotton, with 4,73,345 farmers cultivating it in 2023–24. An ICAR-CICR study found Bt cotton increased yields by 3-4 quintals per acre while reducing pesticide use. Such advancements support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

 Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, FSII and Co-founder, AGVAYA, emphasized the role of biotechnology in tackling agricultural challenges. “Biotechnology offers both Transgenic and Non-transgenic solutions. With changing climate conditions and rising productivity demands, biotech innovations are crucial. Bt cotton exemplifies how genetically modified crops boost yields, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods. Other crops of Andhra Pradesh like Maize, Rice, Chilli, Vegetables, Pulses and Oilseeds can get a big boost with the help of biotechnology” he said.

Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, BCIL, highlighted biotechnology’s transformative impact. “The success of Bt cotton underscores its benefits for farmers. Since the introduction of genetically engineered crops in 1996, yields have improved across maize, soybean, cotton, and canola. Gene editing since 2012 has further accelerated crop improvement, offering faster, more precise solutions. Combined with precision agriculture, these innovations can drive the next wave of progress. These technologies undergo rigorous testing and stringent regulatory studies before they are approved. Farmers and consumers are encouraged to adopt them on a large scale as they are absolutely safe,” she said.

The workshop covered genome editing, pest and disease resistance, soil health, and the economic benefits of biotechnology for smallholder farmers. Experts stressed the importance of investment, policy support, and farmer education to unlock biotechnology’s full potential.

Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced

Company News, India, Oilseeds, Sustainability

The company has already acquired 75 acres of land in Nallajerla Mandal for setting up its greenfield integrated Oil Palm Processing complex.

3F Oil Palm, one of India’s leading oil palm companies, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) for the sustainable development of farmers in the state with a significant investment of Rs 550 Crores in Oil Palm cultivation. The MoU was signed by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Sanjay Goenka, Managing Director and CEO, of 3F Oil Palm.

This landmark investment reaffirms 3F Oil Palm’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering local communities, and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices in the Oil Palm industry.

During the MoU signing, Kakani Govardhan Reddy, State Agriculture Minister, and Gudivada Amarnath, Minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment, and Information Technology, were also present.

3F Oil Palm was the first company to commence operations in the state and has since developed more than 25,000 hectares of plantations, bringing together more than 50,000 farming families. 

The strategic partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the development of the region as it will help empower existing Oil Palm farmers as well as bring in new prospective farmers into the fold of Oil Palm cultivation. 3F Oil Palm will invest in nursery activities, area expansion, crop maintenance, farmer services, fresh fruit bunches (FFB) collection and handling, R&D facilities, and a green field integrated palm oil processing complex in Ayyavaram village, Nallajerla Mandal, East Godavari.

Due to 3F Oil Palm’s continued investment in the Oil Palm plantation space, the company has been allotted an additional 24 zones in the five districts of Tirupati, Chittoor, Guntur, Nandyal and Krishna with a potential area of over 1,00,000 Ha.

A senior state government official, said: “Palm oil cultivation in Andhra Pradesh stands as a beacon of economic empowerment, contributing over 85 per cent of India’s production. It is a vital engine of growth, helps in reducing import dependency, creating jobs, and fostering prosperity in rural communities. This sector not only fuels GDP but also elevates the lives of farmers by way of increased farmer income. We are positive that this groundbreaking project will revolutionise the oil palm cultivation landscape of the state.”

Sanjay Goenka, Managing Director and CEO, 3F Oil Palm, said, “We are enthusiastic to embark on this transformative journey with the farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Our milestone investment of Rs. 550 crore not only signifies our confidence in the potential of the region but also our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. Together, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. We are particularly elated as this MoU reaffirms the state government’s trust in our ability to deliver on our promise, to empower our farmers to make India self-reliant in Edible Oils.”

3F Oil Palm currently operates in the states of Karnataka, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh, other than Andhra Pradesh, with a cultivation area spread over more than 55,000 hectares and five processing units.

The company has already acquired 75 acres

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

Its unique composition provides prophylactic, curative, and eradicative actions, effectively targeting a wide spectrum of crop diseases such as Sheath blight, Powdery Mildew, Scab, and Alternaria

Best Agrolife Limited (BAL), a leading player in the agrochemical industry, unveiled BAL’s latest breakthrough, the fungicide ‘Tricolor’, and facilitated an engaging platform for more than 600 dealers in Kurnool and 1250 dealers in Guntur. The occasion highlighted BAL’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and pioneering agrochemical solutions.

‘Tricolor’, the latest innovation from BAL, was introduced among dealers, with all the benefits and uses. Comprising a potent blend of Trifloxystrobin 10 per cent + Difenoconazole 12.5 per cent + Sulphur 3 per cent SC, this cutting-edge fungicide offers comprehensive disease control measures. Its unique composition provides prophylactic, curative, and eradicative actions, effectively targeting a wide spectrum of crop diseases such as Sheath blight, Powdery Mildew, Scab, and Alternaria. The synergistic integration of the three active ingredients ensures enhanced efficacy, contributing to healthier crops of Rice, Tomato, Grapes, Chilli, Wheat, Mango, and Apple. 

Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife, speaking at the launch, expressed his enthusiasm for Tricolor and its potential impact on farmers and the agricultural community. He stated, “Tricolor will play a pivotal role in elevating agricultural productivity and fostering the well-being of the farming community, not only in Andhra Pradesh but across India. Tricolor is an exceptionally potent fungicide with its comprehensive approach and a blend of Trifloxystrobin, Difenoconazole, and Sulphur. It addresses the multifaceted challenges faced in cultivating key crops within the region, promising higher yields and healthier produce.”

SBVR Prasad, Executive Director, Best Agrolife, highlighted the company’s vision, stating, “We are committed to providing farmer-needed products and conducting crop pest surveys to deliver the most favourable and beneficial products. What sets us apart is our competitive pricing with multinational companies as we aim to reach every farmer across the country. We look forward to prioritising the needs of our farmers and ensuring their success.”

Its unique composition provides prophylactic, curative, and

Agro Universities, R&D

The MoU was signed for leasing out 44.9 acre of ANGRAU to ICAR-DGR for the establishment of the Regional Research Station of ICAR-DGR at Ananthpur, Andhra Pradesh

The ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (DGR), Junagadh, Gujarat signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the form of LEASE DEED with the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Dr CS Praharaj, Director, ICAR-DGR, Junagadh and Dr Yella Reddy, Comptroller of ANGRAU, Guntur signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective organisations in the presence of Dr A Vishnuvardhan Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, ANGRAU, Guntur.

Dr Girdhar Krishna, Registrar; Dr Yella Reddy, Comptroller and Dr (Smt) Neeraja T, Dean, Community Sciences represented the ANGRAU, Guntur side. Dr CS Praharaj, Director, ICAR-DGR; Dr Harish G, Nodal Officer, RRS, ICAR-DGR, RRS, Ananthapur; Dr Ajay BC, Incharge and Dr Rajanna GA, Scientist, RRS, ICAR-DGR, Ananthapur represented the ICAR-DGR.

The MoU was signed for leasing out 44.9 acre of ANGRAU to ICAR-DGR for the establishment of the Regional Research Station of ICAR-DGR at Ananthpur, Andhra Pradesh for 99 Years to conduct the groundnut related research and extension.

The MoU was signed for leasing out