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Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India, Inputs, Seeds

For the nine months ended on December 31, 2024, the Company registered sales of Rs 1,19,732.9 million, as compared to Rs. 1,04,075.1 million for the corresponding period of the previous year.

BASF India Limited, registered sales of Rs. 37,586.7 million for the third quarter, which ended on December 31, 2024, as compared to Rs. 33,262.6 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, representing an increase of 13 per cent.

The Company reported Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 1,377.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 1,874.0 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

For the nine months ended on December 31, 2024, the Company registered sales of Rs. 1,19,732.9 million, as compared to Rs. 1,04,075.1 million for the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of 15%. Profit before tax (before exceptional items) stood at Rs. 5,918.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, compared to Profit Before Tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 5,395.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 for the corresponding period of the previous year. Profit after tax (after exceptional items) stood at Rs. 4,521.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to Profit after tax (after exceptional items) of Rs. 4,018.4 million reported in the corresponding period of the previous year.

“Despite the challenging market condition in Q3, the Company reported revenue growth in Agricultural Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Materials, Surface Technologies and Chemicals segments, largely driven by higher volumes. However, this growth was impacted by higher input costs,” said Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India Limited.

For the nine months ended on December

Company News, Finance, India, Poultry, Trade

This move will enhance IPA’s supply chain efficiency, expand its market footprint, and drive innovation in poultry and animal nutrition solutions.

Indian Poultry Alliance (IPA), a subsidiary of the Allana Group announced that company has acquired Kwality Animal Feeds Pvt. Ltd. for Rs 300 crore with an additional Rs 200 crore investment in the company for further expansion. This acquisition strengthens IPA’s market leadership and aligns with its strategic vision to drive consolidation and growth in Indian poultry industry.

The acquisition brings to IPA long-standing partnerships of Kwality with major food service providers and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). This move will enhance IPA’s supply chain efficiency, expand its market footprint, and drive innovation in poultry and animal nutrition solutions.

“This acquisition further strengthens our poultry value chain, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and market reach. Leveraging our deep expertise and world-class infrastructure, we are investing in advanced technologies, automation, and precision breeding to drive productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Our commitment to responsible waste management and ethical sourcing will set new industry benchmarks, delivering lasting value to both partners and consumers”, said Moiz Chunawalla, Managing Director, Indian Poultry Alliance (Allana Group).

“As part of its expansion strategy, IPA will invest Rs 2000 crores over the next three years to scale up to 7 manufacturing units, integrate advanced technology, and strengthen cold chain logistics and distribution networks. This investment will also fuel our expansion into key metropolitan markets and strengthen our export strategy, with three more acquisitions planned this year,” he added.

Sanjeev Despande and Ajit Lokur, Director and Managing Director & Co-Founder, Kwality Animal Feeds Pvt. Ltd., commented, “When we founded Kwality Animal Feeds 42 years ago, our vision was to provide top-tier poultry nutrition and solutions. Joining IPA ensures that vision continues to flourish with enhanced resources and expertise. We are excited about the new growth opportunities this collaboration will bring.”

Kwality Animal Feeds, which Founded in 1983, has built a strong reputation for its high-quality animal feed, live chicken, and processed chicken products. With a fully integrated business model spanning feed mills, soya processing, breeding farms, hatcheries, broiler integration, and value-added poultry products, the company enjoys significant market presence, particularly in West and South India.

This move will enhance IPA’s supply chain

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Finance, India, Seeds

Q3 FY25 gross profit stood at Rs. 89 crores, an increasing from Rs. 72 crores in Q3 FY24.

Best Agrolife Limited, India’s leading agrochemicals manufacturer, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31st, 2024, in the Board meeting held on 14th February, 2025.

Q3 FY25 Revenue from Operations declined by 13 per cent YoY to Rs 274 crores in Q3 FY25 compared to Rs. 315 crores in Q3 FY24. This decline was primarily due to the recent cyclonic conditions in southern India, which severely impacted the chilli crop, a key contributor to the region’s agricultural economy. Frequent rainfall during the season disrupted several crucial pest control sprays, exacerbating the situation.

Q3 FY25 gross profit stood at Rs. 89 crores, an increasing from Rs. 72 crores in Q3 FY24. The gross profit margin stood at 32 per cent with an improvement of 900 Bps as compared to last year showcasing the impact of higher braded sales contribution.

Q3 FY25 EBITDA (excluding other income) was at Rs. -6 crore compared to Rs. 19 crores in Q3 FY24. The EBITDA margin stood at -2 per cent with a decrease of 800 Bps on YoY basis, mainly due to higher fixed costs associated with investments in sales teams and a loss of Rs. 11 crores resulting from foreign currency fluctuations. Q3 FY25 Loss stood at Rs. 24 crores compared to Rs. 7 crores in Q3 FY24.

Commenting on the result and overall update on the Q3 FY25, Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd. said, ″As we reflect on the current state of the agrochemical industry, this season has been challenging climatically and demand wise. Recent cyclonic conditions in southern India have affected the agricultural landscape, particularly in key states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The disrupted weather patterns, delayed monsoons, and extended rainfall impacted the crop cycles, delaying and causing reduction in agrochemical consumption. Overall, we observed unfavourable market conditions, such as the drop in prices of key crops like chillies and tomatoes, making it difficult for farmers to invest in crop protection products. The quarter was further impacted by the strengthening of USD leading to incurring a foreign currency loss.

This combination of reduced demand and strained market sentiment created a challenging operating environment for the company. The revenue from operations stood at Rs 274 crores, a dip of -13 per cent (Q3FY24). We have experienced a weaker Q3 with PAT of -24 crores as compared to -7 crores in Q3FY24. The widening of the quarterly loss was primarily due to a weaker revenue from operations. We continue to see positivity in our strategy of shift towards a business-to-consumer (B2C) model, increasing the contribution of branded sales to 72 per cent in 9 months of FY25. The company’s branded business improved due to introduction of new products and witnessed a volume increase. Despite the volume growth, we saw a 20 per cent reduction in product prices impacting our overall revenue. Our institutional business saw a reduction by Rs72 crores in line with our movement to B2C segment, but the corresponding expected increase in the branded sales was impacted by the reduced demand and price erosion despite a healthy volume growth.

While these results are below our expectation, we view them as an opportunity to fine tune our operations for better margins by reducing costs, optimizing operations and building efficiencies. We remain focused on stabilizing our financial performance in the upcoming quarters. We intend to bring down costs as a percentage of sales and be better equipped to navigate the current and future challenges. Our focus on IP generation, technical R&D, new formulation research and development of innovative products will continue with renewed zeal. ″

Q3 FY25 gross profit stood at Rs.

Agribusiness, Animal Husbandry, Company News, Finance, India, Live Stock, Oilseeds, Poultry

The growth was driven by stellar performances in Vegetable Oil business, Animal Feed business and Poultry business.

Godrej Agrovet has reported robust growth in profitability in Q3 FY25. Although topline growth remained modest, EBITDA margins surged significantly, improving by 200 basis points compared to Q3 FY24.

 Commenting on the financial results Q3 FY25, B S Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited, said, “Vegetable Oil business delivered strong growth in profitability in Q3 FY25 driven by higher realisations in respect of end products coupled with an improved Oil Extraction Ratio (OER) compared to same period previous year. Animal Feed business also witnessed a remarkable improvement in segment margins due to favourable commodity positions. While overall volumes grew marginally as compared to Q3 FY24, sequential volume surged by 10 per cent. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the cattle, broiler, and layer feed segments. In Poultry business, while live bird volumes decreased in line with our strategy to focus on branded business, branded volumes improved marginally resulting in decline in topline. Profitability improved significantly due to higher realizations in the live bird segment compared to Q3 FY24.”

Astec’s EBITDA losses improved sequentially in Q3 FY25, narrowing from Rs 18 Crore in Q2 FY25 to Rs 4 Crore. This was due to higher CDMO volumes but offset by lower realisations in the key Enterprise products. EBITDA losses also narrowed y-o-y from Rs 17 Crore in Q3 FY24 to Rs 4 Crore in Q3 FY25. We expect to see improvement in performance in the coming quarters. In Domestic Crop Protection business lower sales volumes in in-license category negatively impacted segment revenue and margins during Q3 FY25. This decline was primarily attributed to localized extreme weather events in key markets and subdued crop prices.


Q3 (₹ Crore)		Excluding non-recurring itemsExcluding non-recurring items & Astec
Q3 FY25Q3 FY24Y-o-Y ChangeQ3 FY25Q3 FY24Y-o-Y Change
Revenues2,4502,3454.5%2,3552,2942.7%
Earnings before interest, tax and Depreciation (EBITDA)
229
171
34.0%
233
188
23.7%
EBITDA Margin (%)9.3%7.3%9.9%8.2%
Profit before Tax & Share of Profit of Equity Accounted Investees
138
93
48.5%
163
125
30.4%
PBT Margin (%)5.6%3.9%6.9%5.4%
Profit after tax (PAT)998517.0%12410913.8%
PAT Margin (%)4.0%3.6%5.2%4.7%

The growth was driven by stellar performances

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Animal Health, Company News, India, Live Stock, R&D

 Argo Rid, helps in healing of lesions due to parasitic attachment (Argulus Spot) on the fishes in addition to boosting their immune system.

Godrej Agrovet Limited announced that the company has launched Argo Rid, a fish lice controller. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), the product helps in healing of lesions due to parasitic attachment (Argulus Spot) on the fishes in addition to boosting their immune system thereby aiding enabling aqua farmers take better care of their fish’s health.

Argulus infections have long plagued the Aquaculture industry, affected nearly 48 percent of Indian aquaculture ponds and caused an estimated annual loss of USD 62.5 million. ArgoRid addresses this challenge through its farmer-friendly, easy-to-use formulation, making it accessible to both small-scale and large commercial fish farmers who can seamlessly integrate it into their existing feeding practices.

Commenting on the launch, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we are committed to offering research-driven solutions that enhance farm efficiency and uplift farming families while maintaining sustainability. Hence in our quest to contribute to nation’s Blue Revolution, we delighted to empower fish farmers with a reliable, easy-to-use, and effective tool to combat one of the industry’s biggest challenges. Leveraging the technical expertise of ICAR-CIFE and our distribution reach, we certainly believe that such public-private partnerships will play a critical role in driving meaningful advancements in the industry and strengthen the position of our country’s Fisheries sector on the global map.”

Dr. Mohammad Aklakur, Scientist, ICAR-CIFE also shared his views on the product. “The introduction of ArgoRid is a breakthrough from a scientific perspective because it proves that nutraceuticals can be effective treatments in controlling fish lice infestations. Its formulation not only eliminates fish lice but also enhances immunity, promotes wound healing, and improves overall fish health. Developed through extensive research at ICAR-CIFE, ArgoRid provides a scalable and effective solution to one of the industry’s major challenges.”

 Argo Rid, helps in healing of lesions

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, India, Institutions, Schemes - Banks, Supply Chain, Warehousing

The proceeds of the transaction will be used to provide post-harvest liquidity to farmers, FPOs and small agri-enterprises and to bring them under the formal banking channel.

GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has provided two partial guarantees to HSBC India for Rs 2.5 billion (USD 30 million) loan facility extended by HSBC India to Arya.ag India’s leading grain commerce platform.

The proceeds of the transaction will be used to provide post-harvest liquidity to farmers, farmer producing organisations (FPOs) and small agri-enterprises, to bring them under the formal banking channel, which, in turn will help the farmers to unlock greater value for their crops.

This is GuarantCo’s first transaction in the agricultural sector in India, with a strong focus on financial inclusion and climate resilience sources. Arya.ag supports the financial inclusion of farmers by offering farmgate-level storage, instant finance against commodity, and market linkages for seamless commerce. This allows farmers, FPOs and agri-enterprises to avoid distress sales immediately post-harvest when prices are at their lowest, by storing commodities until off-season when prices appreciate to often generate 20-30 percent higher returns.

GuarantCo’s Impact team assessed the project as aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 Zero Hunger (Double the productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers) and SDG 15 Life on Land (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss).

GuarantCo will provide partial credit guarantees for two separate loan facilities from HSBC India to Arya.ag’s integrated commerce platform Aryatech, and its fintech arm Aryadhan. Arya has also been supported by a Technical Assistance grant from the PIDG Trust.

Nishant Kumar, Managing Director, Asia Investments at GuarantCo and Head of Coverage – Asia at PIDG said: “We are delighted to join hands with HSBC India for the first time to support Arya in developing the marketplace infrastructure for India’s crucial agricultural sector. Arya is a unique and innovative company that has the power to unlock the potential of underserved farmers by expanding storage, finance and commerce markets, to ultimately increase their revenues.

“The transaction is expected to provide added market transformation value as replication of Arya’s integrated value chain would enhance the resilience of the domestic post-harvest market. GuarantCo, through the Private Infrastructure Development Group, continues to seek out opportunities to increase economic impact and empower lower-income communities to deliver against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in alignment with the PIDG 2030 strategy.”

Sonali Shahpurwala, MD and Head- Inclusive Banking Unit, HSBC India, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with GuarantCo and Arya on this significant transaction that supports the agriculture sector, a primary driver for India’s economy. This loan underscores our commitment to provide financial solutions that empower businesses like Arya to enhance infrastructure, drive sustainable growth and create a lasting impact.”

Anand Chandra, Co-Founder and COO of Arya.ag, said, “Partnering with GuarantCo and HSBC India expands our ability to connect farmers, FPOs, and agri-enterprises to vital resources while driving trust and transparency through technology. GuarantCo’s support underscores the transformative power of our integrated model that drives secure storage, accessible financing, and transparent market linkages beyond traditional reach shaping a more efficient and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.”

The proceeds of the transaction will be

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, India, Trade

 This is amongst the largest acquisitions of Crystal, which shall boost its EBITDA by 20% while bolstering its leadership in the rice herbicide market.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, a pioneer in agricultural innovation, announced the global acquisition of the active ingredient Ethoxysulfuron from Bayer AG for sales in certain Asian countries. This acquisition mark Crystal’s 13th strategic transaction and second acquisition from Bayer after the acquisition of Indian Cotton, Pearl Millet and Mustard seed portfolio in 2021.

Backed by International Finance Corporation (IFC), Crystal Crop is an R&D-based crop solution company delivering advanced, farmer-centric solutions for over 4 decades. This is amongst the largest acquisitions of Crystal, which shall boost its EBITDA by 20 per cent while bolstering its leadership in the rice herbicide market.

The transaction brings the trusted Sunrice trademark and the mixture product containing Ethoxysulfuron, along with all registrations. Ethoxysulfuron is known for effectively controlling broad-leaved weeds and sedges in rice and cereal crops, making it a key addition to Crystal’s portfolio. The acquisition aligns with Crystal’s mission of providing cost-effective, sustainable solutions by manufacturing the product locally, resulting in enhanced cost synergies and accessibility for farmers in India, South Asia, and South-East Asia (including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan).

Commenting on the acquisition, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Limited, said: “This acquisition is a testament to our focus on strengthening our portfolio with solutions that truly make a difference to farmers’ lives. With this transaction, we are taking a step forward in empowering farmers with advanced weed management solutions. By leveraging our strong distribution network and manufacturing capabilities, we will ensure that these solutions reach farmers efficiently across India, South Asia, and South-East Asia.”

Crystal’s understanding of the rice ecosystem makes this acquisition a natural fit, enhancing its ability to support farmers with comprehensive solutions from seed to harvest. The company’s growing presence in South Asia and South-East Asia through its partnerships and acquisitions strengthens its position as a leader in the agricultural solutions market.

Crystal Crop Protection has built a reputation for driving inorganic growth through strategic acquisitions. This transaction follows the acquisition of I&B Seeds earlier in the year 2024, marking its consistent efforts to diversify and expand its offerings in crop protection, seeds, and farm mechanization. Over the years, Crystal has acquired brands from leading global players like Syngenta, FMC, Bayer, BASF and Dow-Corteva continually reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

 This is amongst the largest acquisitions of

Agribusiness, India, Live Stock, Opinions, Poultry

 By Amit Saraogi, Managing Director, Anmol Feeds Pvt Ltd

Urbanisation, increased wages, and consumer preferences for high-protein diets are all predicted to contribute to the 9 per cent growth in the Indian poultry industry in 2025. A rapidly growing sector of the Indian agricultural economy, the poultry industry provides the nation with affordable, high-quality protein.

The global poultry market is expected to surpass $420 billion by 2025, with India contributing nearly 6 per cent. The growth is driven by increasing per capita meat and egg consumption, urbanisation, and a growing middle class.

In India’s varied food consumption pattern, chicken and eggs have become important staples assisting in closing nutritional disparities in both rural and urban populations. In addition to reflecting shifting dietary habits, this increase in poultry consumption also reflects the economic and social forces that have shaped contemporary India.

Owing to their high protein content, eggs and chicken have become staples in everyday diets in rural India. High-quality protein sources are in high demand as a result of the middle class’s ascent and growing health consciousness. Owing to its lean protein advantages and versatility, chicken in particular has emerged as a popular option among urban consumers. Precooked and ready-to-eat chicken items are becoming more and more popular in the urban market, which further shows a trend towards convenience.

According to CareEdge Ratings, the Indian poultry market is expected to rise by 8–10 per cent in 2025 due to urbanisation, rising incomes, and customer preferences for foods high in protein. A rapidly expanding segment of the Indian agricultural economy, the poultry business offers the country high-quality, reasonably priced protein. Breeding and genetic selection are the first steps in the poultry value chain, producing birds that are best suited for producing eggs or meat.

Globally, the poultry industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5 per cent from 2024 to 2034. India is projected to outpace this with a CAGR of 6.2 per cent, fuelled by technology developments, the usage of camera-based weighing systems, the adoption of organic poultry methods, the use of artificial intelligence, rising investments, and strategic alliances and acquisitions are some of the major trends anticipated throughout the projected period.

India’s changing poultry consumption landscape is influenced by a number of economic factors, including growing incomes, urbanisation, health consciousness, price competition, technological developments, government backing, organised retail expansion, and export prospects. Together, these elements have made poultry a staple of the Indian diet, mirroring the nation’s larger socioeconomic shifts and trends. The poultry sector in India is expected to see steady growth and development as long as these factors continue to affect consumer behaviour.

Given that poultry is typically less expensive than other meats, a wider range of people can afford it. Poultry’s appeal has been aided by its affordability when compared to fish and red meat. Economies of scale brought about by developments in poultry farming have lowered production costs and, as a result, retail pricing. As a result, poultry is now even more affordable. Poultry output and quality have greatly grown with the use of contemporary farming techniques, such as improved breeding methods, effective feed utilisation, and cutting-edge disease control strategies. Poultry goods are now more widely available and consumed because of advancements in cold chain logistics and distribution networks, which guarantee that they arrive at consumers’ locations cheaper and in better condition.

According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, the Indian Poultry Feed Market was valued at $3.27 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.21 per cent through 2030.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Amit Saraogi, Managing Director, Anmol Feeds

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Pesticides, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, India

 The programme has started from Haryana, will cover over 5,000 acres of demonstrations across different villages, showcasing the benefits of drone technology.

Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), a key player in the agrochemical industry, through its CSR arm, IIL Foundation, has teamed up with General Aeronautics, a leader in drone-based agricultural solutions, to demonstrate and train drone spray technology to the farmers. The programme has started from Haryana, will cover over 5,000 acres of demonstrations across different villages, showcasing the benefits of drone technology for crop protection directly to farmers in their fields.

The collaboration between IIL and General Aeronautics is designed to provide farmers with hands-on experience and live demonstrations of drone spray technology. This initiative will make it easier for farmers to embrace this innovative approach, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and progressive farming strategies.

Drone technology for spray of crop protection products is gaining traction in India, spurred by government initiatives and increased interest from both public and private sectors. Drones offer a smart farming solution that addresses crucial agricultural challenges like labour shortages and inadequacy in traditional spraying methods. The government’s push towards precision farming have further accelerated this shift, positioning drones as a game-changer in modern agriculture.

Efficient application of crop protection products is essential for maximizing yield and maintaining healthy crops. Conventional spraying methods often lead to uneven distribution, wastage, health hazard to the spraying person and environmental concerns. Drones equipped with sensors and AI-driven analytics provide precise application, reducing chemical use and preventing issues like runoff and soil compaction. This targeted approach not only conserves resources but also ensures crops receive the necessary protection, leading to better yields and more sustainable farming practices.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides (India) Limited said, “To ensure farmers stay updated with technological advancements, IIL Foundation has initiated a Drone Spray Awareness and Education Program in Haryana, reaching over 10,000 farmers. Through demonstrations across 5,000 acres, the program highlights the benefits of drone technology, such as precise spraying, reduced water consumption, and eco-friendly practices. IIL Foundation plans to soon expand this initiative to other states, promoting efficient and sustainable farming methods nationwide.”

Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer, Insecticides (India) Limited mentioned “Our partnership with General Aeronautics is an important step towards integrating advanced drone spray technology into the lives of farmers. By offering practical training in their own fields, we’re enabling them to see the real-world benefits of precision agriculture. Our goal is to promote sustainable and competent farming practices that directly contribute to the well-being of the agricultural community.”

 The programme has started from Haryana, will

Agribusiness, Allied Industry, Biofuel industry, Carbon Farming, India, Sustainability

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is a voluntary scheme that is applicable for the bioeconomy and circular economy for various sectors. 

Epsilon Carbon, a global leader in manufacturing of high-quality Carbon Black, announced that its Karnataka, India manufacturing plant receives the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus certification.

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is a voluntary scheme that is applicable for the bioeconomy and circular economy for various sectors.  All kinds of biomass, waste and residues, non-biological renewables, and recycled carbon materials can be certified under ISCC PLUS.

This certification recognises Epsilon’s remarkable strides in building sustainable, traceable, and climate-friendly supply chains. Few key achievements include generating 11 per cent of energy from waste recovery processes, a 10 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity, a 3.3 per cent reduction in energy intensity compared to FY 2022-23, a 6 per cent reduction in water use intensity, and implementing a waste heat recovery plant that has contributed to a 15.7 per cent reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 14 per cent reduction in Scope 2 emissions. These efforts reflect Epsilon Carbon’s comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, and energy recovery, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while solidifying the company’s role as a trusted provider of sustainable and circular raw materials to its customers.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon said “With increasing demand from both domestic & international customers for sustainable products, this ISCC PLUS certification for Epsilon Carbon gives us an opportunity to support our customers better. Epsilon’s focus on sustainability and circularity, and innovations toward a net-zero carbon emissions world, will provide sustainable products to the industry, further fulfilling our commitment to sustainability and circularity”.

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India, R&D

With the grant-in-aid from CFCL over a period of 5 years, TERI will carry out end-to-end research, and products will be jointly developed to provide biological solutions as a complement to chemical agri-inputs.

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) signed an Agreement for research today, to establish the “CFCL-TERI Centre of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Agriculture Solutions.” The Agreement was signed by Abhay Baijal, Managing Director, CFCL and Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI.

The Agreement for Research focuses on advancing biogenic innovations to develop efficacious and eco-safe products for crop nutrition and crop protection in order to achieve sustainability in agriculture. With the grant-in-aid from CFCL over a period of 5 years, TERI will carry out end-to-end research, and products will be jointly developed to provide biological solutions as a complement to chemical agri-inputs.

The joint initiative of CFCL and TERI aims to address the pressing challenges in the Indian agriculture sector, such as stagnating agricultural productivity, soil health degradation, poor nutrient use efficiency, reduced response (resistance) to chemicals and negative impact of excessive synthetic inputs on environment and human health, by developing innovative biogenic solutions, such as nano biotechnology based alternative fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants, and biological control agents and biopesticides which would have no negative impact on environment and human health and provide improved benefit to cost ratio to farmers.

Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, emphasized the significance of this initiative, saying, “The ever-increasing population poses food-security challenges, and by 2050 the world needs to increase food production by 70 percent. Traditional chemicals alone cannot increase food production and protect crops from pathogens. The Indian Government under the PM PRANAAM scheme is continuously promoting alternative fertilisers and biogenic agri-inputs. TERI is one of the pioneers in this arena, and in collaboration with robust industry partners like CFCL, holds the potential to bring cutting-edge biological solutions to the market to address multiple issues related to food security, human health, and impact on environment and climate.”

Abhay Baijal, Managing Director, CFCL, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “The success of Uttam Superrhiza and encouraging response of Uttam Pranaam Bio-Phosphorous led us to establish this joint Centre of Excellence (CoE) to promote sustainability through bio-based agricultural solutions in India. This initiative strengthens our long-term partnership with TERI to develop sustainable agriculture bio-solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment. The Centre of Excellence aligns closely with the Government of India’s BioE3 initiative which aims to promote bio-manufacturing industries. By leveraging TERI’s research capabilities and CFCL’s market expertise, it aims to create innovative, eco-friendly agricultural solutions that enhance soil and environmental health, address climate resilience, and support food security.”

With the grant-in-aid from CFCL over a

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Interaction

In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Aravindha Krishnamachari, Managing Director, Tex Biosciences shares the company’s plans and goals for the coming years. Edited excerpts;

Tex Biosciences, a family-owned organisation promoted by its Founder R P Krishnamachari, began its operations in leather and textile markets in 1979. The company has witnessed phenomenal growth and has a strong and diversified presence in animal feed, leather, water treatment, wastewater treatment, pulp & paper, textiles and detergent industries. Now the company is a major player in India and abroad for the manufacturing of animal feed additives for poultry, piggery and aqua market. Having two state-of-the-art plants in Tamil Nadu and registering its products in over 22 countries, it is also offering Contract Manufacturing Services. In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Aravindha Krishnamachari, Managing Director, Tex Biosciences shares the company’s plans and goals for the coming years. Edited excerpts;

What have been the main growth drivers for Tex Biosciences in the last financial year? And how much increment in average turnover has the company seen during this period?

Animal Feed and Contract Manufacturing have been the main growth drives for Tex Biosciences in the last financial year. We grew at 7.6 per cent to achieve a turnover of Rs 71.08 crore in 2023-24.

What infrastructure and strategies do you have in place to boost the industry developments and partnerships for this year and the coming years?

 Tex Biosciences undertook a Rs 32 crore ($4 million) expansion programme to increase production capacities and improve capabilities. The expansion programme began in January 2021 and was completed by February 2024. The company added to its facility’s multiple large-scale fermenters and downstream processing equipment. We also created product and market specific blenders and packing units to service our contract manufacturing customers. Our strategy is to have a strong and large manufacturing capacity to be able to effectively service the industrial biotech market and embark on more contract manufacturing projects.

In which segment do you see promising supply requirements that will shape the company’s growth trajectory in the coming years? How do you strategise to stay on top of disruptions in the global supply chain?

Tex Biosciences sees good market potential in the feed and food industry. Our FAMI Qs, ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 certifications serve us in good stead to be able to serve the feed and food market. Antimicrobial peptides in both feed and food have good market potential and we see more companies looking at natural ways to improve feed and food nutrition and preservation.

Fermentation is both an Art and Science. Higher capacities allow us to compete with Chinese manufacturers and achieve economies of scale through large upstream and downstream equipment. Multiple fermenters housed in separate enclosures allow us to run multiple projects at the same time.

Indian biotech companies especially the ones that operate in industrial biotech sectors have to be risk taking and invest into large capacities. This allows us to run regular productions at lower cost and frees up time and capacities to run new trials and process/product optimisation. Tex Biosciences has been following this and is committed to continuously investing into large fermenter upstream and downstream capacities and embarking on new product development and process improvements.

In terms of product diversification to meet consumer needs and ensure expansion, what are the highlights in the company’s R&D sector in the coming 2-3 years?

Our R&D has been very active in discovering biotech solutions to problems faced in the animal feed industry. We have also expanded our product range into wastewater treatment and pulp and paper industries. Some of the notable contributions from our R&D team include Probiotics based solution to reduce ammonia smell in animal and aquaculture farming; Antimicrobial peptide solutions to reduce pathogen related diseases in animal and aquaculture farming; Using enzymes, probiotics and biotech components for bioremediation of wastewater and biotech solution for deinking of paper and reducing chemical usage.

To read more click on :https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Aravindha Krishnamachari,

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India

Company posted Revenue from Operations at Rs. 746.6 Crore in Q2 FY25.

Best Agrolife Limited, amongst India’s leading agrochemicals manufacturers, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half year ended September 30th, 2024, in the Board meeting held on 18th October, 2024.

 Company’s Q2 FY25 Revenue from Operations declined by 8 per cent YoY to Rs. 746.6 crore in Q2 FY25 compared to Rs. 811.2 crore in Q2 FY24 due to lesser sprays on account of continuous rains and a strategic higher focus on branded sales. Branded sales contributed 65 per cent to the overall revenue as compared to 63 per cent in Q2FY24. Q2 FY25 EBITDA was at Rs. 147.1 crore compared to Rs. 144.1 crore in Q2 FY24. EBITDA margin stood at 19.7 per cent with an increase of 193 Bps on YoY basis, mainly on account of stability in raw material prices & higher sales of branded products. Company’s Q2 FY25 PAT stood at Rs. 94.7 crore compared to Rs. 94.9 crore in Q2 FY24. As on September 30, 2024, the Net Debt to equity has improved to 0.59 as compared to 0.90 as on 31st March 2024.

Commenting on the result and overall update on the Q2 FY25, Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd. said, “We are pleased to announce that Best Agrolife Ltd. has delivered a strong performance in Q2 FY25, capitalising on favourable market conditions and executing our strategic shift toward branded sales. Our commitment to enhancing brand visibility and expanding our market presence has yielded positive results, contributing significantly to both top-line and bottom-line growth.”

During H1 FY25, we secured three key patents for our innovative formulations, reinforcing our leadership in the crop protection segment. Our branded products continued to perform exceptionally well across regions, driving overall revenue growth. As a result of these efforts, we saw a substantial improvement in profitability, with our margins expanding from 26 per cent to 34 per cent year-on-year.

Due to our effective working capital management, we have seen a significant improvement in cash flow from operating activities, rising from Rs 5 crores in H1FY24 to Rs 125 crores in H1FY25, reflecting our ongoing focus on optimizing financial performance.

A notable achievement has been the effective management of sales returns-a challenge we faced in the previous fiscal year. By optimizing our supply chain to better align with channel demand, we successfully reduced sales returns, which are expected to remain significantly lower than last year.

“Looking ahead, we are excited about our strong product pipeline for Q3 and Q4 FY25. In the upcoming quarter, we plan to launch our patented herbicide ‘Shot Down’ alongside a new insecticide. Additionally, two more cutting-edge insecticides are slated for release in Q4, further strengthening our product portfolio and market competitiveness. As we move forward, Best Agrolife remains committed to leveraging innovation, expanding brand presence, and maintaining financial discipline to drive sustainable growth in the coming quarters.”

Business Highlights

The Company was granted a patent for its novel ternary pesticide formulation that integrates Isoprothiolane, Pymetrozine, and Trifloxystrobin; as well as one for its fungicide formulation that combines Trifloxystrobin and Valifenalate.

Best Agrolife received a patent for innovative insecticide formulation ‘Nemagen’ that combines Chlorantraniliprole, Novaluron, and Emamectin Benzoate.

The Company received regulatory approval for Nemagen, an insecticide formulation called to target resistant pests causing major crop damage.

Company posted Revenue from Operations at Rs.

Agro Universities, Company News, India

Empowering MSMEs and agricultural entrepreneurs through business management and capacity building training.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, announced the launch of the second cohort of the Yara Leadership Academy (YLA) in India. Building on the tremendous success of its first cohort, YLA Cohort 2 aims to improve the leadership and business management abilities of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture industry with Unifiers Social Ventures Private Limited and Connected Technologies LLP as key partners.

YLA was introduced in 2022 and its first cohort was tested in Kenya and India. As a result, a strong network of about 1,000 agro dealers was established throughout the two countries. 500 MSMEs and their affiliates completed the program successfully in India alone, with an emphasis on encouraging female leaders and youth involvement. Driven by the encouraging responses from stakeholders, Yara has raised its investment in agribusiness capacity building by a substantial margin. The second cohort of the Yara Leadership Academy now includes participants from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, alongside continued efforts in Western Uttar Pradesh. This year, the program aims to graduate 700 applicants from over 70 districts across these regions.

The 15-week comprehensive Yara Leadership Academy curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, such as business management, agronomic knowledge, and regenerative agricultural practices. The program contains courses on business establishment, budgeting, growth mindset, product quality, customer service, and other crucial areas of business operations. The program offers participants both digital access via tablets and in-person networking sessions. Through practical tasks and exercises, these modules foster cross-learning and enable participants to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge to their respective enterprises. A team of 15 coaches supports the 700 candidates on the ground, ensuring they not only complete the program but also effectively apply their new knowledge to their businesses.

Notably, this year has seen a significant increase in female participation, with the ratio of female participants rising from 22 per cent to an impressive 28.3%. Yara is also extending its vision beyond retailers to include Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Independent Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Bihar, a special group of women from Babrala Self-Help Groups, young girl learners, and participants from Bayer BLF Centres.

Speaking on the initiative, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “At Yara, we envision a future where Indian agriculture is not only productive but also sustainable, resilient, and equitable. Achieving this vision requires more than just providing premium inputs, it demands empowering and upskilling all individuals who form the very backbone of the industry, and that includes actively encouraging and supporting the vital contributions of women in agriculture. The Yara Leadership Academy is our commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks to build thriving businesses and drive positive change across the entire agricultural landscape.”

Empowering MSMEs and agricultural entrepreneurs through business