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HomePosts Tagged "sugarcane"
AgroPolicy, Allied Industry, Finance, Schemes - Govt, Sugar industry

The government of Uttar Pradesh is considering raising the price of sugarcane this year. The state’s Advisory Committee has given its approval for a potential increase, which is likely to be between Rs 10 and Rs 15 per quintal. A definitive conclusion on this matter will be reached shortly by the state cabinet, as reported by Navbharat Times

In January 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government increased the State Advisory Price (SAP) for all types of sugarcane by Rs 20 per quintal. The SAP for early maturing varieties rose from Rs 350 to Rs 370 per quintal, for common varieties from Rs 340 to Rs 360, and for late maturing varieties from Rs 335 to Rs 355 per quintal.

Farmer groups have shown frustration with the relatively modest price increases over the past few years. Although the government raised the price by Rs 20 per quintal for the 2023-24 period, farmers contend that such increments are inadequate and should be implemented each year to reflect growing production expenses.

Conversely, sugar mill operators have opposed any price increases. They claim that despite making regular payments and running their mills for the entire season, this year has seen a lower recovery rate of sugar from the cane. Mill owners caution that rising costs could hinder their ability to make prompt payments and emphasize that sustaining mill operations under these conditions will become progressively more difficult.

Recently, as the anticipated rise in the State Advised Price (SAP) for the 2024-25 season approaches, the UP Sugar Mills Association (UPSMA) has voiced worries about a decrease in sugar recovery, which will result in higher production expenses. In a letter addressed to UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the association pointed out the reduction in recovery. The decline in sugar recovery compared to last year has risen notably to around 0.84%, which has considerably increased production costs.

Mill operators are also appealing to the government to raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar. The MSP for sugar, maintained at Rs 31 per kg since February 2019, has not been adjusted. Nonetheless, industry organizations have requested a hike due to escalating production expenses and the financial strain on sugar mills.

The government of Uttar Pradesh is considering

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, India

Sindica will be sold primarily in India, but the Company has undertaken market development studies in other countries as well.

Atul Ltd (Atul) is in the process of launching its novel and patented formulation, Sindica, a post-emergence herbicide with outstanding efficacy against major weeds on the sugarcane crop. This unique formulation is a combination of 2,4-D Sodium, Metribuzin and Chlorimuron ethyl. It has rapid action and a long-lasting protection against key weeds, such as broadleaf weeds, grasses and sedges, with no adverse impact on the crop or on the soil.

Sindica will further strengthen the position of Atul in the crop protection retail sector in India. The Company plans to utilise its existing production capacity for the manufacturing of Sindica; the capacity will be increased in the near future aligning with the growth of the Crop-Protection Retail business and the expansion of Sindica and other products.

Sindica will be sold primarily in India, but the Company has undertaken market development studies in other countries as well.

Founded in 1947, Atul Ltd (Atul) is a leading integrated chemical company in India with an annual revenue of about Rs. 5,000 crores. The Company manufactures about 900 products and 400 formulations. The production facilities of Atul and its associate, joint venture and subsidiary entities are at Ambernath, Ankleshwar, Jodhpur, Panoli, Tarapur and Valsad in India and Somerset in the UK. It has established subsidiary companies in Brazil, China, Ireland, the UAE, the UK and the USA to serve its customers better and enhance the breadth and depth of its business. While it has followed the B2B model since inception, it is now also into B2C products and is endeavouring to grow them in and outside India.

The Crop Protection-Retail business of Atul has a presence across the country and provides crop care solutions for major crops, such as cotton, paddy, soybean, sugarcane, wheat and a range of fruits and vegetables. Its product portfolio comprises ~ 50 brands, including the best-selling brands like Zura, Salix, Cyno, Rymix, Loxo, Rhyzo and Amsac.

Sindica will be sold primarily in India,

Company News, R&D, World

Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient in the HRAC/WSSA Group 28 and the first new herbicide with a novel mode of action in the industry

FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, announced Dodhylex active (pronounced DOH’-deh-leks) as the global brand name for tetflupyrolimet, a new mode of action herbicide effective on the most challenging grass weeds in rice.

“The global brand will ensure growers around the world recognise this novel mode of action in the newest herbicide products FMC expects to begin launching in 2025,” said Diane Allemang, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Growers worldwide will have the confidence that products powered by Dodhylex active contain FMC’s patented active ingredient that’s backed by seven years of research, development and field testing.”

The Dodhylex name is derived from the site of action – dihydroorotate dehydrogenase – combined with the flexibility of use in both transplanted and direct-seeded rice and the herbicide’s ability to block the nutrients needed for the weed to survive.

“Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient in the HRAC/WSSA Group 28 and the first new herbicide with a novel mode of action in the industry in over three decades,” said Seva Rostovtsev, vice president and chief technology officer. “This new mode of action herbicide was discovered at the FMC Stine Research Centre and is a testament to FMC’s commitment to innovation and our disciplined approach to advancing the most promising new molecules. The molecule is a significant advancement for the agriculture industry as it will help combat resistant weeds.”

Studies show Dodhylex actively provides season-long control of important grass weeds in the rice market, as well as key broadleaf weeds and sedges. FMC is also testing Dodhylex active in other crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean and corn. 

Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient

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

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, R&D

The project involves the evaluation of elite sugarcane clones in the various sugar mills located in different zones of the country

ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, and the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), New Delhi signed an MoU and launched a project in the Institute premises, for the identification of location-specific & climate- resilient varieties with high yield & quality potential for both tropical and sub-tropical regions of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Jhunjhunwala, President of ISMA said that the project, to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.7.5 crores, will help in identifying varieties with better yields that would benefit the farmers. Mentioning that investment in R&D in the sugarcane sector is very minimal in the country, he felt that this and similar projects would help the Indian sugar industry in meeting the sugar and energy needs of the country.

Delivering the Presidential address, Dr. G.Hemaprabha, Director, ICAR-SBI said that it is for the first time a project of this magnitude is being taken up by the Institute with the support of ISMA. The project involves the evaluation of elite sugarcane clones in the various sugar mills located in different zones of the country with the objective to achieve a cane yield of 100 tonnes/ha and a sugar recovery of about 11.5 per cent. The evaluation trials in the identified sugar factories will be conducted for five-six years wherein 40-50 superior clones will be tested for their yield and quality potential, she added.

Over 150 scientists and staff of ICAR-SBI participated in the MoU exchange ceremony.

The project involves the evaluation of elite

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Oilseeds, Pulses

The production of wheat and rice is estimated to increase by 5 and 6 metric tonnes respectively

The food grain production of India in 2023 is estimated to reach a record 330.5 million tonnes from 315.6 MT with a record production of wheat, rice, maize, oilseeds and sugarcane, according to the third advance estimate of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The production of wheat during 2023 is estimated at 112.7 metric tonnes, up by 5 metric tonnes from a year ago. The production of rice is estimated at 135.5 metric tonnes which is increased by 6 metric tonnes as compared to the previous year. 

The production of maize during 2023 is estimated at 35.9 metric tonnes, which is up by 2.1 metric tonnes from the previous year.

The production of nutri and coarse cereals is estimated at 54.7 metric tonnes, 3.6 metric tonnes higher than the previous year’s production. Production of sugarcane is estimated at 494.2 metric tonnes, 54.8 metric tonnes higher than the previous year. Production of pulses is estimated at 27.5 metric tonnes in 2023.  

The production of soybean and mustard is estimated at 14.9 metric tonnes and 12.4 metric tonnes respectively, which is increased by 1.9 metric tonnes and 0.5 metric tonnes respectively than the last year’s production. The oilseeds production of India during 2023 is estimated at 40.9 metric tonnes. Cotton production is estimated at 34.3 million bales (170 kg each).

The production of wheat and rice is

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India, Sugar industry

It is used as a pre, early post, and post-emergent herbicide to control weeds in sugarcane

Best Agrolife Limited a prominent Indian agrochemical company, announced that it had been granted a patent for its invention titled ‘Synergistic Herbicidal Composition of Triazine and Sulfonylurea Herbicides with Phenoxyacetic Herbicide’ for a term of 20 years. This new patent is a combination of Ametryn+2 and 4D+Halosulfuron methyl. It is used as a pre, early post, and post-emergent herbicide to control weeds in sugarcane.
 

“Sugarcane is of paramount importance to Indian agriculture and economy. India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar, as well as the second-largest exporter of sugar. Unfortunately, due to the lack of efficient and safer herbicides, the country experiences a total loss of around 25 million tonnes of cane yield annually (equivalent to 2.5 million tonnes of sugar) valued at approximately Rs 1500 crores. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for more sustainable herbicides to control even the toughest weeds at all stages,” explained Vimal Alawadhi, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd.
 

“Conventional herbicides could control weeds at certain growth stages by targeting only the leaf part of weeds and not the root. Furthermore, issues such as residue, volatility, and quick regrowth of weeds have been long-standing problems for sugarcane growers. With this new patent, we will be able to provide sugarcane growers with a more effective, efficient, and sustainable solution for all the aforementioned weed-related problems,” he added.
 

Halosulfuron-methyl, a sulfonylurea herbicide, can be absorbed by leaves and transferred to the underground parts of the plant, allowing it to kill both the overground leaves and the underground roots. In contrast, Ametryn is a triazine selective systemic herbicide for controlling annual grass weeds like crabgrass and green bristle grass and part of broad-leaf weeds in sugarcane fields. The halosulfuron-methyl and Ametryn mixture can kill grass weeds, broad-leaf weeds, and other stubborn weeds in pre, early, post, and post-emergent stages, resulting in improved sugarcane yield with high sugar content.

It is used as a pre, early

India, R&D

The new facility will come up on 1.25 acre land at total cost of about Rs 5 Cr

Dr T R Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR lays the foundation stone of the new building of ICAR-IISR, Lucknow Biological Control Centre at Pravaranagar (Maharashtra). 

The proposed building and facilities of Biological Control Centre is constructed on about 1.25 acre land with the total cost of about Rs 5 crore, which is sanctioned by the Government of Maharashtra under RKVY scheme.

A Discussion on the ongoing research projects and experiments in the sugarcane fields and the research work and outreach activities of the centre for the benefit of sugarcane farmers of the Maharashtra also took place. 

Dr T R Sharma said that in view of the increasing demand for sugar and ethanol in the country, sugarcane farmers need to obtain high production of sugarcane by using modern technology developed and advocated by the ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institute. Dr Sharma also advocated the use of bio agents for the management of pests and diseases in sugarcane.

The new facility will come up on

AgroPolicy, Sugar industry

To increase income of farmers, Government has increased FRP by more than 34% in past 8 years.

Keeping in view interest of sugarcane farmers (Ganna Kisan), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2022-23 (October – September) at Rs. 305/qtl for a basic recovery rate of 10.25 per cent, providing a premium of Rs 3.05/qtl for each 0.1 per cent increase in recovery over and above 10.25 per cent, & reduction in FRP by Rs. 3.05/qtl for every 0.1% decrease in recovery. However, the Government with a view to protect interest of sugarcane farmers has also decided that there shall not be any deduction in case of sugar mills where recovery is below 9.5 per cent. Such farmers will get Rs 282.125/qtl for sugarcane in ensuing sugar season 2022-23 in place of Rs. 275.50/qtl in current sugar season 2021-22. FRP of sugarcane is fixed to ensure a guaranteed price to sugarcane growers. Government has increased FRP by more than 34% in past 8 years.

The A2 + FL cost of production of sugarcane (i.e actual paid out cost plus imputed value of family labour) for the sugar season 2022-23 is Rs 162/qtl. This FRP of Rs. 305/qtl at a recovery rate of 10.25 per cent is higher by 88.3 per cent over cost of production, thereby ensuring the promise of giving the farmers a return of more than 50 per cent over their cost. The FRP for sugar season 2022-23 is 2.6 per cent higher than current sugar season 2021-22.

Decision will benefit 5 crore sugarcane farmers (Ganna Kisan) and their dependents, as well as 5 lakh workers employed in the sugar mills and related ancillary activities. 9 years back, FRP was only Rs 210/ qtl in sugar season 2013-14 & only about 2397 LMT of sugarcane was purchased by sugar mills. Farmers were getting only about Rs. 51,000 cr from sale of sugarcane to sugar mills. However, in past 8 years Government has increased FRP by more than 34 per cent. In the current sugar season 2021-22, about 3,530 lakh tons of sugarcane of worth Rs. 1,15,196 crores was purchased by sugar mills, which is at all-time high.

To increase income of farmers, Government has

Allied Industry, Company News

The new herbicide provides a new level of broad-spectrum weed control in the critical growth stage of sugarcane, ensuring strong establishment of the crop for a better yield

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, announced the launch of Austral herbicide, a new pre-emergent herbicide for sugarcane crop. Austral herbicide provides a new level of broad-spectrum weed control in the critical growth stage of sugarcane, ensuring strong establishment of the crop for a better yield.

Austral herbicide’s unique dual mode of action offers a weed free condition during the critical crop-weed competition period in sugarcane. This innovative proprietary product solution forms a layer of protection on top of the soil, inhibiting weeds to germinate during the critical crop growth phase, resulting in higher numbers of healthy tillers and thereby higher yields in sugarcane.

FMC India President Ravi Annavarapu said, “At FMC, we are driven by a strong R&D pipeline, committed to bring the latest global technologies and introduce novel and sustainable solutions to address Indian farmers’ challenges. The introduction of Austral herbicide for sugarcane farmers is a testimony to our commitment of enabling better yield through technology-driven, scientific solutions. We are confident that Austral herbicide will help sugarcane farmers improve their income through effective weed protection for a superior harvest.”

Austral herbicide will be available in 500g and 1kg packs at leading retail stores across the country for the coming season. 

The new herbicide provides a new level

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Bamboo industry, R&D, Sugar industry

The novel apparatus complements bud chip technology for sugarcane propagation under direct planting and nursery raising methods

A patent for sugarcane bud chipping apparatus has been granted to the Punjab Agricultural University for its novel bud chipping technology for sugarcane, bamboo, etc. developed by Dr Jasvir Singh Gill, Assistant Agronomist, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, PAU. The university filed a patent for this innovation in 2014. This novel apparatus complements bud chip technology for sugarcane propagation under direct planting and nursery raising methods, potentially reducing the sugarcane seed rate requirement by 98 per cent.

Sarvjit Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab and Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Extension Education; Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement); Dr Gursahib Singh, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization and Bioenergy); Dr PPS Pannu, Additional Director of Research (Natural Resources and Plant Health Management); Dr MS Bhullar, Head, Department of Agronomy and Dr Mahesh Narang, Head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering congratulated the inventor Mr Jasvir Singh Gill for getting the patent which is a testimony to his dedication and hard work.

The novel apparatus complements bud chip technology

Agrotech, Environment, Sustainability, Water

The tie-up will help bolster India’s agri-output with the power of micro-irrigation

AgriBazaar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rivulis, a global leader in micro-irrigation products and solutions. As part of the collaboration, agribazaar will enable the farmers on its platform to deploy Rivulis’ best-in-class field irrigation management products and solutions to increase their lands’ yield output effectively.

In the first phase of the partnership, agribazaar will facilitate purchasing and installing Rivulis’ drip irrigation systems for the sugarcane farmers on its platforms. Eventually, the services will be offered to all the farmers – over 3,00,000 – currently registered on the agribazaar platform.

agribazaar will leverage agribhumi, its remote sensing engine, to determine the exact condition of the farmland and ensure the use of irrigated water in a uniform manner. It will assess the need of individual farmers based on their land topography, soil conditions, crop selection and weather forecasting. The platform will also provide in-depth field state analytics with the agriculture weather forecast, vegetation indices, and stages of plant growth, among other vital factors.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Kaushal Jaiswal, MD, Rivulis India, Richard Klapholz, CEO, Rivulis Israel, and Eran Ossmy, President, Drip Products Division. Amit Mundawala, Co-founder and MD and Amith Agarwal, CEO & Co-founder represented agribazaar.

The tie-up will help bolster India’s agri-output

Allied Industry, Sugar industry

Sugarfed Haryana will grant Rs 7.5 crore to the collaborating agencies in the first year

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University’s (HAU) has signed an MoU with International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) to develop organic fertiliser from sugarcane distillery fly ash and spent wash. The end-product will be rich in potassium and phosphorus. 

The MoU was signed in the presence of Vice-Chancellor BR Kamboj, Research Director SK Sehrawat and HR Director MS Sidhpuria on behalf of HAU, along with Yashpal Sehrawat, Country Director and Consultant Sai Dass from IFDC India. 

Kamboj, Vice-chancellor mentioned that Sugarfed Haryana will grant Rs 7.5 crore to the collaborating agencies in the first year.

Sugarfed Haryana will grant Rs 7.5 crore