Connect with:
Sunday / December 22. 2024

logo
mobile-logo
HomePosts Tagged "India" (Page 3)
Company News, India, Sustainability

Deliberations during the National Conference focused on the theme “India – An Emerging Global Food Hub: Role of Sustainable Crop Protection Solutions

CropLife India; the association of leading domestic and Multinational R&D-driven crop science companies; organised a National Conference on the occasion of its 43rd AGM. The conference witnessed the congregation of two Agriculture Ministers from the key States of Andhra Pradesh and Haryana; senior Government officials, experts, academia and industry leaders. YES BANK was the Knowledge Partner for the event.

CropLife India believes that the State Governments will play an imminent role in paving a “Public-Private Pathway” for capacity building and awareness creation

India now stands as the 2nd largest exporter of agrochemicals globally, after China, making it a key participant in the global crop protection industry.

Deliberations during the National Conference focused on the theme “India – An Emerging Global Food Hub: Role of Sustainable Crop Protection Solutions”. The focus of the Inaugural Session was “The Rise of Indian Agriculture – World’s Emerging Food Basket & the Role of States”. Plenary Session I focussed on “Women driving the growth of Indian Agriculture” and Plenary Session II dwelled on “Innovations for the New-Age Farmers.” The Valedictory Session deliberated on “Role of Agrochemicals in the growth of Indian Agriculture.”

During his inaugural address Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture Government of Andhra Pradesh shared that, “The State Government is committed towards Farmers’ education for enhanced use of new technology in agriculture; which has led to multiple novel initiatives viz. ‘E-KYC Know Your Crop’ aims to provide farmers with essential digital resources. The State is considering implementing the State Minimum Support Price Act to further bolster inclusive agricultural practices.”

J. P. Dalal, Minister of Agriculture Government of Haryana said, “Farmers of Haryana are being encouraged to take up crop diversification and produce as per the market demands. Asia’s largest market, spanning over 550 acres, is under construction in Ganaur in Haryana and will be better than the markets in developed countries like Spain and France. The market would provide farmers with facilities for grading, packaging and sorting at the block and tehsil levels, thus helping in export quality products to the international market.”

Dr. K. C. Ravi, Chairman, of CropLife India said, “As India emerges as a Global Food hub, the need for a predictable, stable and science-based policy and regulatory regime for the proper growth of the crop protection sector is imperative. This would promote innovation and new product introduction to address the current and upcoming challenges faced by farmers; while paving the way with introduction of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Drones.”

The crop protection industry has been making an immense contribution to Indian Agriculture in the last 77 years and is committed to continuing the same. CropLife India members are not only committed to bringing the latest and safer innovations but are equally committed to educating farmers on their safe and responsible use. CropLife and its member companies would like to continue to contribute to creating a science-based, pragmatic and stable regulatory environment.

CropLife members continue to work closely with farmers, the scientific community and policymakers to address current as well as future challenges. However, the cost of research has gone up and it is estimated that the cost of discovery and development of a new active ingredient is around INR 2000 crores. If Indian agriculture must flourish, be more competitive, quality quality-driven and reduce wastages as well as losses to enable our farmers to be more successful, it is absolutely essential that a progressive policy environment is in place that fosters innovations.

Deliberations during the National Conference focused on

Horticulture, North America, Supply Chain, Trade

Removal of additional retaliatory duties and additional rates for the import of US apples, walnuts and almonds will not result in any negative impact on domestic producers

With the decision to resolve six outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) disputes between the US and India through Mutually Agreed Solutions in June 2023, India has withdrawn additional duties on eight US-origin products, including apples, walnuts and almonds vide notification number 53/2023 (Custom).

Additional duties of 20 per cent each on apples and walnuts and Rs 20 per kg on Almonds were imposed on the US’s products in 2019 over and above the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty as a retaliation to the US’s state protectionist measure of increasing tariffs on certain steel and Aluminium products. These additional duties imposed by India on US-origin products have been withdrawn as the US agreed to provide market access to Steel and Aluminium products under the exclusion process. There is no reduction on the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty on apples, walnuts and almonds, which still applies to all imported products, including US-origin products, at 50 per cent, 100 per cent and Rs 100 per kg, respectively.

Further, DGFT, vide its notification number 05/ 2023 dated 8 May 2023, made an amendment in import policy for Apples under ITC (HS) 08081000 by applying MIP (Minimum Import Price) of Rs 50 per Kg for imports from all countries except Bhutan. Therefore, this MIP will also apply to apples from the US and other countries (excluding Bhutan). This measure would protect against the dumping of low-quality apples and from any predatory pricing in the Indian market.

This measure will not result in any negative impact on domestic apple, walnut and almond producers. Rather, it will result in competition in the premium market segment of apples, walnuts and almonds, thereby ensuring better quality at competitive prices for our Indian consumers. Thus, the US apples, walnuts and almonds would compete on the same level playing field as all other countries.

The market share of the US apples dwindled as other countries benefited from the imposition of additional retaliatory duties on the US apple and walnut imports. This is evident in the increase of apple imports from countries besides the US, from $ 160 million in FY 2018-19 to $ 290 million in FY 2022-23. Turkey, Italy, Chile, Iran, and New Zealand emerged as prominent apple exporters to India, effectively acquiring the market share once held by the US. Similarly, in the case of walnuts, the imports increased from $ 35.11 million in FY 2018-19 to $ 53.95 million in FY 2022-23, and Chile and UAE became the largest exporters to India. In the last three years, the import of almonds has been about 233 thousand MT, while domestic production is only 11 thousand MT, and India is highly dependent on imports. Therefore, the removal of additional duties will now ensure fair competition among the countries which are exporting these products to India.     

Removal of additional retaliatory duties and additional

Agrotech, Company News, World

Reklemel active was discovered and developed by Corteva and is the result of more than a decade of research and investment

Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic organisms found in soil that feed on the roots of plants. Because they are notoriously difficult for farmers to identify and control, plant-parasitic nematodes represent a significant constraint to the delivery of global food security, causing damage estimated at or exceeding $80 billion per year.

To address this significant, global challenge, Corteva has launched Reklemel active, a new nematicide to help protect a wide variety of food and row crops from plant-parasitic nematode damage without disrupting the healthy balance of beneficial organisms in the soil. Reklemel active was discovered and developed by Corteva and is the result of more than a decade of research and investment.

“The future of global farming – and our ability to feed a growing population – rests on innovation. Reklemel demonstrates how Corteva deploys innovation to help farmers meet critical challenges to feed the world,” said Robert King, Executive Vice President, of Crop Protection Business, Corteva Agriscience.

Reklemel received a Reduced Risk designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the product’s ability to selectively target plant-parasitic nematodes, its lower use rates than older nematicides, and its highly favourable environmental and toxicological profile as compared to alternatives. Reklemel is one of the first new active ingredients to be registered under EPA’s updated policy incorporating Endangered Species Act assessments into the pesticide registration process.

Reklemel also received the National Association of Manufacturers’ Sustainability and the Circular Economy Award in recognition that it, through lower use rates, enables the potential to avoid more than 500M Kg of CO2 – equivalent emissions over the next five years.2

Salibro nematicide with Reklemel active will be available in the United States, India and Mexico beginning in late 2023, and is currently available for sale in Canada and Australia. Additional registrations are planned globally, including in the European Union, subject to regulatory approvals.

Reklemel is the latest advance brought to market by Corteva to help farmers increase yields, meet climate and other challenges, and ultimately strengthen global food security. Corteva invests nearly $4 million every single day in research and development. In 2022, the company launched more than 180 new crop protection products globally and advanced nine new active ingredients in its R&D pipeline.

Reklemel active was discovered and developed by

Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, India

Introducing Cosayr and Lapidos, insecticides formulated through ADAMA’s fully backward integrated production

ADAMA Ltd. a leading global crop protection company announced the launch of Cosayr and Lapidos in India, its first insecticides containing the active ingredient Chlorantraniliprole (CTPR), benefiting from its new in-house production.

ADAMA India has launched Lapidos and Cosayr insecticides for paddy and sugar cane growers, offering effective defence against various pests and ensuring improved yields and crop quality. Lapidos is a GR formulation designed for broad application providing crop protection at the early growth stage. Cosayr is a foliar solution that combats stem borer and leaf folders that attack rice paddy crops, responsible for significant yearly crop losses.

“ADAMA has recognised CTPR as an important active ingredient for its future insecticide portfolio, part of our ‘Core Leap’ strategy,” said Walter Costa, VP of Marketing and Product Strategy at ADAMA. “The significance of this active ingredient for ADAMA is also evident in the strong cost position having fully backward integrated manufacturing capabilities. We are happy to add these important products to our offering in India and look forward to developing and providing more products based on CTPR.” 

“We take great pride in introducing Cosayr and Lapidos to Indian farmers, a testament to our commitment to delivering solutions and enhancing agricultural productivity,” said Sahin Ozkan, ADAMA India General Manager. “CTPR is becoming a significant ingredient in our portfolio in India to meet farmers’ needs, delivering on our promise to provide a comprehensive range of crop protection solutions.”

Introducing Cosayr and Lapidos, insecticides formulated through ADAMA's

Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation

Thai shipping line Regional Container Lines (RCL) has decided to enhance its service and connect major ports in Southeast Asia, India and Gulf countries

India’s maritime connectivity is set to receive a significant boost, as the Thai shipping line Regional Container Lines (RCL) has decided to enhance its service and connect major ports in Southeast Asia, India, and Gulf countries. The RCL route will now include Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port, starting from Cai Mep Port in Vietnam with stops at Laem Chabang in Thailand, Port Klang in Malaysia, Nhava Sheva in Mumbai, Jebel Ali near Dubai, and Sohar in Oman, in addition to the Saudi port.

The service will be extended from the current 35-day period to a 42-day period.

Although RCL currently deploys one vessel in this cargo service, it is possible that more vessels could be added to this route in the future, according to an analyst.

The new shipping route will greatly benefit India as it seeks to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asian and Gulf nations. This route will connect India with both regions and help boost trade in the post-Covid era.

Towards the end of this year, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) plans to launch a liner service that will connect Mundra and Nhava Sheva in India with Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Islamic Port. This move is likely to result in a significant increase in economic transactions between India and the Gulf nations.

Following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE, New Delhi is now eager to proceed with the proposed free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as soon as possible. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are set to become members of the BRICS bloc next year. India is already working to enhance trade with these nations using its own currency, the rupee.

India has maritime borders with several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. As a result, it is important for New Delhi to improve its maritime transport capabilities. Increasing cargo handling capacity by 300 per cent at ports by 2047 is a goal for India, and connecting with important hubs will help achieve this.

Thai shipping line Regional Container Lines (RCL)

Agrotech, Climate, Company News, Finance, Start ups, World

CH4 Global will meet the growing global demand for enteric methane mitigation solutions in animal agriculture

CH4 Global, Inc., a climate tech company on the path to radically reducing GHG emissions in animal agriculture, announced it has raised $29 million in Series B funding. The company will use the funds to build and validate the CH4 Global EcoPark, an aquaculture and production facility that will make CH4 Global’s signature product, Methane Tamer, at scale.

This round, led by DCVC, DCVC Bio, and Cleveland Avenue – with participation from other investors with a strong interest in climate change – brings the total raised to date to nearly $47 million. It also underscores market demand for safe, viable solutions to vastly reduce enteric methane from ruminant livestock.

When added to cattle feed, Methane Tamer—which uses red seaweed (Asparagopsis)—reduces the animal’s methane emissions by up to 90% while also reducing the feed energy lost to methane emissions. With the development of its CH4 Global EcoPark, the company is poised for expansion in key markets and with key partners throughout all six inhabitable continents.

This is a key development in the fight against climate change. The 1.5 billion cows on the planet produce more than 150 million tons of methane annually — the largest single source of methane globally. At more than 12 billion tons CO2-e per year (at an average of 100 kg methane/cow), this is a larger GHG output than from the US, the EU, and India combined. Moreover, the UN cites methane as over 80 times more impactful than CO2 on global warming over the next 20 years.

“We are receiving massive interest from governments, food producers and farmers of all sizes, fueling our sense of urgency that we must act now to avoid a climate tipping point. The pressure is on with new regulations and the desire to produce at a measurably lower impact. What we’ve developed at CH4 Global is what we call a CH4 Global EcoPark, which enables low-cost growth and processing of Asparagosis.” said Steve Meller, PhD, co-founder and CEO, of CH4 Global. “We are formulating our unique feed supplement product, Methane Tamer, to meet the specific needs of each cattle market segment, starting with feedlot operations, beef and dairy, as well as for grazing dairies. Eventually, we will also formulate for remote and generally unattended cattle around the world.”

“CH4 Global’s secret sauce is its product, plain and simple: the feed additive it has expertly formulated stands apart from other seaweed-based offerings,” said John Hamer PhD, Managing Partner at DCVC Bio and a member of the CH4 Global board of directors. “DCVC Bio is thrilled to back Steve and his exceptional team: they are ready to scale up a critical solution to climate change.”

CH4 Global will meet the growing global

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Supply Chain, Trade

According to reports from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), exports of 143,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice have been permitted to Bhutan, Mauritius, and Singapore

India has exempted Singapore from the ban on rice exports due to their close strategic partnership, according to the Union Ministry of External Affairs.

According to reports from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), exports of 143,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice have been permitted to Bhutan, Mauritius, and Singapore. This adds two more countries to the exemption list. The breakdown is as follows: 79,000 tonnes to Bhutan, 14,000 tonnes to Mauritius, and 50,000 tonnes to Singapore.

Reports indicate that more than 40 nations rely on India for more than half of their rice imports. Countries in certain regions of Africa and South Asia import over 80% of their rice from India.

This is the first exemption to the rice export ban announced by the MEA..

Singapore is one of India’s closest allies in Southeast Asia, with trade ties that exceed $30 billion.

Singapore maintains strong ties with China, its largest investor and trade partner.

According to reports from the Directorate General

Agri Genomics, AgroPolicy, SAARC, Textile industry

This is the second GM plant introduced in the country, following Bt brinjal in 2014

Bangladesh has introduced two types of genetically modified (GM) cotton to increase crop yields and reduce the need for imports.

This is the second GM crop introduced in the country, following Bt brinjal in 2014.

During a seminar held at the Cotton Development Board office in Dhaka, Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Agriculture Minister stated that the introduction of Bt and hybrid varieties could help meet around 20 per cent of the domestic cotton demand, which amounts to approximately 1.5 million bales.

Spinning and weaving industries need an additional 85 lakh bales of cotton to produce yarn and fabrics for export-oriented garment factories.

According to local media, domestic growers can only supply two lakh bales of cotton. As a result, Bangladesh imports a significant amount of cotton from countries such as India, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Central Asian countries, spending around Tk 33,000 crore annually.

The production cost of Bt cotton is 12-15 per cent lower than local varieties, with an average yield of 4,500 kg per hectare, 15-20 per cent higher.

This is the second GM plant introduced

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

SAARC, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

The supply had been halted briefly due to India’s imposition of a 40 per cent export tax on onions

Nepalese traders have resumed importing onions from India to meet the high demand for the vegetable during the upcoming festival season. The supply had been halted briefly due to India’s imposition of a 40 per cent export tax on onions, which is in effect until December 31.

 India is the world’s largest exporter of onions, and the tax was put in place to limit overseas sales and prevent a potential price increase. The new tariff had a significant impact on Nepal, as traders in the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market, the country’s largest wholesale market for agricultural products, reported a sudden shortage of onions. Nepal relies on India for 99 per cent of its onion supply.

The supply had been halted briefly due

Foodgrains, Singapore, Supply Chain, Trade

According to Singapore, the ban on rice imports from India only affects non-basmati rice, which accounts for 17 per cent of the total rice imports

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is in talks with Indian authorities to
obtain an exemption from the ban on exporting non-basmati white rice.

In a statement to the media, the SFA announced that their Rice Stockpile
Scheme has ensured a stable supply of rice and there is enough for everyone as
long as they purchase what they need.

Importers under the Rice Stockpile Scheme must keep inventory equal to
double their monthly imports to ensure sufficient rice supply in the market

The statement said that they regularly review inventory buffers and are
willing to work closely with the industry to make any necessary adjustments.

According to Singapore, the ban on rice imports from India only affects
non-basmati rice, which accounts for 17 per cent of the total rice imports.

The Singapore Government acknowledges that while supply disruptions may
occur, they will take measures to minimize the impact on food supply.

The agency encourages consumers to switch to other types of rice or sources
of carbohydrates in case of disruption.

According to Singapore, the ban on rice

India, SAARC, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

As per the records, each kilogram of exported tomatoes was priced at Nrs. 12 which amounts to about 8.036 million Nepali rupees ($60,486.42)

Within two weeks Nepal has exported 6,69,680 kg of tomatoes to India via three border points, according to records at the customs office along the border.

Till 18th of August a total of 6, 69,680 (Six lakhs Sixty-nine thousand and six hundred eighty) kilograms of tomatoes has been exported to India from Nepal as per the records of customs offices at Birgunj, Mechi Customs in Kakarbhitta and Bhairahawa.

The number only includes those exported in large quantities and by paying the official taxes after India resumed import of tomatoes from Nepal starting 4th August. Huge volumes of tomatoes might have been exported to India from Nepal by small businesses and farmers themselves which haven’t been recorded in either of the customs offices.

As per the records, each kilogram of exported tomatoes was priced at Nrs. 12 which amounts to about 8.036 million Nepali rupees ($60,486.42).

The Birgunj customs office had the highest export volume, with 637,680 kilograms of tomatoes passing through out of the three customs points on the border with India.

Mechi Customs in Kakarbhitta exported 25,000 kilograms of tomatoes to India, while Bhairahawa Customs exported 7,000 kilograms.

India began importing tomatoes from Nepal after prices skyrocketed to 200 INR per kilogram. Following the lifting of import embargoes, tomatoes were exported at a price of 10 Nrs per kilogram. By the third week of August, the price had increased twelvefold.

As per the records, each kilogram of

AgroPolicy, Cold Storage, India, Supply Chain

The Center of Excellence (CoE) will provide community cooling centres, a model pack-house, a solutions development lab, and a demonstration facility

K T Rama Rao, the Minister of IT and Industries of Telangana called for ideas to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable cooling systems. He inaugurated the Telangana Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain, the first of its kind in India, at the GMR Innovex Campus Hyderabad. The centre’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient refrigeration for food and vaccine supply chains nationwide.

The first phase of the project will focus on cold chains for food and health after harvest. Phase Two will add electronics and a data centre. The CoE will have cutting-edge technology and act as a one-stop-shop for any issues relating to the nation’s cold chain ecology. The University of Birmingham and industry partners like Carrier are supporting the effort. “It will develop and demonstrate cooling technologies and solutions that meet the State’s needs and could be scaled up with global reach,” he added.


The Center of Excellence (CoE) will provide community cooling centres, a model pack-house, a solutions development lab, and a demonstration facility. It aims to improve the lives of farmers in Telangana by addressing the lack of cold storage facilities which prevents many farmers from selling perishable goods. The CoE will develop strategies to protect perishable food and improve the quality of items. It will also offer upskilling and training courses for farmers, regional agribusinesses, agri-startups and entrepreneurs, equipment technicians, and researchers, using a hub and spoke concept.

The Center of Excellence (CoE) will provide

AgroPolicy, Sugar industry, Supply Chain

At the end of July 2023, India has a sugar stock of about 108 LMT, which is sufficient to meet domestic demand for the remaining months of the current SS 2022-23.

The government of India has been successfully maintaining stable retail prices of sugar in the country. Though international sugar prices have touched the highest level in a decade in April-May 2023, domestic prices of sugar have nominal inflation of about 3 per cent, which is commensurate with the hike in Fair & Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane.

At the end of July 2023, India has a sugar stock of about 108 LMT, which is sufficient to meet domestic demand for the remaining months of the current SS 2022-23 and also for optimum stock of about 62 LMT at the end of the season. Thus, enough sugar is available for domestic consumers at reasonable prices throughout the year.

In addition, the interests of sugarcane farmers are being addressed by ensuring Fair & Remunerative prices as well as their timely payments by sugar mills. 99.9 per cent of cane dues of sugarcane farmers for the sugar seasons up to 2021-22 have already been cleared by sugar mills. Even for the current sugar season 2022-23, with payments of more than ₹ 1.05 lakh crores, about 93 per cent of cane dues payments have already been cleared as of date.

International sugar prices are almost 50 per cent higher than those in India. The average retail price of sugar in the country is about ₹ 43 per kg and is likely to remain in range bound only. It can be seen from the chart below that there has been less than 2 per cent annual inflation in the country in sugar prices in the last 10 years. Domestic prices have been kept stable with little increase as a result of pragmatic government policy interventions.

Timely government interventions have brought the sugar sector out of the crisis. Strong fundamentals of the sugar sector and more than sufficient production of sugarcane and sugar in the country have ensured that sugar remains within easy access to each & every Indian consumer.

During the current Sugar Season (Oct-Sep) 2022-23, India is estimated to have produced of 330 LMT sugar after the diversion of about 43 LMT for ethanol production. Thus, total sucrose production in the country would be about 373 LMT which is the second highest in the last 5 years. Further, there has been a considerable increase in the production of sugar during the last 10 years; however, the consumption has not increased in the same proportion; thereby, ensuring the availability of sufficient stock for any unforeseen event.

At the end of July 2023, India