CATEGORIES

Dr YS Parmar University, Rajat IG Biotech partners to market clean planting material

Dr YS Parmar University, based in Himachal Pradesh, has joined forces with Rajat IG Biotech to launch a collaborative project with the goal of producing and marketing clean planting material for the agricultural industry.

Israeli scientists develop droughtresistant, climate adaptable tomato

Israeli researchers Shai Torgeman and Professor Dani Zamir from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, have made significant strides in developing a new drough-tresistant tomato variety that could help mitigate the destructive impact of climate change.

How biomass briquettes can green the cement manufacturing process

India’s cement production capacity is expected to reach 550 MT by 2025. The cement demand is estimated to touch 419.92 MT by FY 2027 driven by the expanding demand of different sectors, i.e., housing, commercial construction, and industrial construction. Given that the cement industry heavily relies on fossil fuels for production, there is an urgent need to transition to sustainable, green, and renewable fuel options, such as biofuels, to transform the cement industry into a low-carbon emitting industry. The use of biofuels in the cement industry can offer a range of benefits for farmers, including additional revenue streams, waste reduction, improved soil health, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Why the world needs regenerative agriculture

India is one of the major players in the global agricultural market. With the unstable food security landscape and the burden of feeding the growing population, the stress on the agricultural systems is increasing. This is leading to the emergence of issues like soil degradation and loss of crops and biodiversity. International scientists and industry reports suggest that at the current pace, only 50 years of harvest remain to feed the world population. In such a scenario, regenerative agriculture that prioritises ecological functions will be effective in building the resilience of agroecosystems.

Asia's Growing Appetite for Feed Additives

India and China are currently the top feed additives exporters worldwide, while Russia is a relatively new market for Asian feed additive suppliers. However, feed additive exports from Asia to Russia have increased significantly over the past year, as the country is highly dependent on the Asian market due to western sanctions. This trend is expected to continue in the long term, making Asia a permanent feed additives market for Russia if suppliers can consistently meet their demand.

Rise of Biostimulants in APAC

The demand for high-quality agricultural products and organic produce is on the rise in Asia Pacific (APAC), particularly in China, India, and Japan, leading to an increased need for biostimulants to improve productivity and yield. These countries have a competitive and growing agriculture sector, and show a high rate of consumption for biostimulants. The biostimulant industry in the APAC region has the potential to grow further with favourable government policies, increased awareness among farmer communities, and most importantly, the availability of better infrastructure and R&D facilities for product manufacturing.

"Biostimulants are set to become an integral part of India's agriculture system"

Biostadt India, one of the world's largest companies in seaweed-based plant biostimulants, with multiple brands under its umbrella was started in 1987 as Biostadt Agri-sciences under the leadership of Juzar S. Khorakiwala. With a presence in over 20 countries, Biostadt India is a diversified agrochemical organisation with an annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore. The company has gained a solid reputation in the agrochemical industry, with a focus on developing crop healthcare products that utilise biological means of plant protection and to increase farm productivity. One of their flagship products, Biozyme, is the world's largest selling plant growth stimulant. In an interview with AgroSpectrum Juzar S. Khorakiwala, Chairman & Managing Director, Biostadt India Limited, shared his views about the future prospects of the biostimulant industry in India. Edited excerpts;

"Maharashtra fisheries have a wide scope for regional economic development that underlines the need for the Aqua Chamber of Commerce"

Maharashtra is one of the major marine fish producing states in India. It has a 720 kms long coastal line spread all over the 7 maritime districts namely Thane, Palghar, Mumbai city, Mumbai suburban, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. The continental shelf area upto 40 fathoms i.e. 55,529 sq kms (50 per cent of the total continental shelf) is being exploited.

Zero Cow Factory secures 4M in seed funding

Zero Cow Factory, a biotechnology company that produces India’s first animal-free protein and dairy products using bioengineered microbes and precision fermentation, has announced raising $4 million (Rs 32 crore) in a seed round.

BASF Group's prelim figures show 13.4% drop in sales in Ol FY2Zs

Germany-based BASF has released preliminary figures for the first quarter of 2023.

Syngenta AG posts 19% sales growth in FY2022

Syngenta AG, a subsidiary of Syngenta group, has published its financial report for FY 2022.

ADAMA posts 16% sales growth in FY2022

ADAMA Ltd., an agrochemical major based in Israel, has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and 12-month period ending December 31, 2022.

Civil Aviation Ministry disburses Rs 30 Cr under PLI Scheme for drones

The Ministry of Civil Aviation disbursed Rs 30 crore to beneficiaries during the fiscal year 202223 under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drones and Drone Components.

It's Go Time For Plant-Based Meat Industry

The plant-based food sector presents an incredible opportunity to India for the long term by effectively and efficiently utilising natural resources and adding value through processing. It can cater towards the populations living and working in cities as well as those in rural settings, who increasingly have access to cold chains and supermarkets. It can leverage the unique strengths and qualities of its indigenous crops.

How Plant-Based Meat Is Driving India's Shift Towards Sustainable Protein

India, the most populous country in the world, is eating more meat than at any other time in history.

Budget 2023 & Impact on Agriculture Some Reflections

The Union Budget 2023-24, presented by the Finance Minister has many positive announcements for agriculture in general and a budget allotment of Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The budget is an important instrument used by governments to shape public policy, economic growth and desired public responses to a country’s needs.

The scope of regenerative agriculture in India

India became a signatory to the Paris Agreement in 2015, reiterating its determination to achieve sustainable development. Taking this resolve further, the Union Budget 2023 proclaimed India’s mission of reaching net zero emissions by 2070.

What's Driving Plant-Based Meat Sector in APAC

Plant-based meat was first developed in Asia and now, plant-based seafood is in demand in the region. According to a recent report by the Good Food Institute APAC, consumers in Asia are increasingly changing their dietary habits to include plant-based seafood due to concerns about heavy pollution in the ocean. Plant-based seafood or alternative seafood is emerging as a new source of food in Asia.

How Dairy Industry Can Scale New Heights in 2023

In recent years, technology-driven products, services, improved and solutions have substantially the dairy business in India.

Effective steps can be taken to reduce post-harvest losses with the help of biotech: PM

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology inaugurating the mega science exhibition ‘Pride of India’, at the 108th ISC by cutting the ribbon at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University on January 3, along with dignitaries (from l-R) Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Dr Vijay laxmi Saxena, President General of the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), Calcutta and Ravindra Boratkar, Managing Director, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications; Publisher & Managing Editor, BioSpectrum.

"Cultivate quality millets with optimal use of pesticides to take to international platform"

Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (centre) along with the dignitaries at the launch of fourth edition of 'Millets & organics – International Trade Fair 2023', January 20, Bengaluru.

3 Transformative Factors of Indian Agrochem Market

India’s agrochemical industry has consistently clocked a double-digit CAGR of 16 per cent over the last five years against the global CAGR of 3 per cent.

"Greater awareness among farmers about benefits of oilseeds production is vital"

The bulk of edible oil consumed in India is imported thereby imposing a huge burden on the industry to reduce its heavy dependence on imports. While the government is working towards solving this import dependency, the Indian edible oil industry is also stepping up to this challenge. In this regard, AgroSpectrum interacted with Gokaran Singh Pawar, General Manager - Sales & Operations, M K Agrotech, who spoke at length about the status of the Indian edible oil industry and the company's growth plans. Sunpure edible oil brand is a part of Srirangapatna, Karnataka-based MK Agrotech. The company is present in key markets across India, namely, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa and Kerala.

Adopting Eco-Friendly Alt Biodegradable Packaging

Agriculture-based industries generate a huge amount of waste from different agricultural activities. About one-third of the total food produced globally per year for consumption remains unconsumed and therefore gets wasted as stated by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Food waste is one of the most difficult tasks the world is facing currently. Yet, just as any negative scenario can be turned into a positive with innovative endeavours, so too can this agri waste be put to good use. Let's explore how the packaging industry can leverage this apparent waste.

"We need to focus on creating value-added products from crop residue"

Founded in 2018, Craste purchases crop residues from farmers and recycles them to make packaging materials and engineered boards for furniture. Operating under the company name, FUMA Labs Private Limited, the startup repurposes crop waste into moulded packaging, paper products, packaging and particle boards, helping farmers earn additional revenue. Craste has received several grants such as BIRAC SOCH Award, Biotech Ignition Grant (BIRAC), and AB InBev Grant, among others. The startup is also building packaging solutions using crop residue. It has developed a patent-pending technology, Fumasolv, to extract Lignin from crop residue to develop packaging solutions. The startup operates on the B2B model and sells its boards and packaging materials to businesses. It also works on research and development to create custom-made packaging solutions for its clients. AgroSpectrum interacted with Shubham Singh, Founder, FUMA Labs to learn more about the potential of agri -waste in allied industries.

A Midas Touch For Agri Waste

Human endeavours have scaled new heights in all spheres of 'civilisational' comforts and scientific advancement, including growing resilient and high-yielding crops. Agricultural activity has reached the zenith of modern food cultivation potential. Yet, one common thread of these endeavours is the sheer volume of waste generated. Agriculture and allied industries, too, are bogged down by this. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) statistics show that annually India generates about 500 million tonnes of agricultural and agro-industrial leftovers. According to a recent media report, between 16 and 17 million metric tonnes (MMT) of grains are lost each year due to inefficient food management systems. Unscientific grain harvesting and storage practices are mostly to blame for this problem. The same holds true for the massive wastage of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products every year due to antiquated storage, transport and distribution methods. However, numerous initiatives are now being taken to minimise and convert this agricultural waste into various types of products and services. As things are changing for the better, although at a slow pace, let's take this up with a few industry insiders who can shine some light on this pressing issue.

Agriculture is Prime Focus

According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, the performance of the agriculture and allied sector has been buoyant over the past several years, with private investment in agriculture increasing to 9.3 per cent in 2020-21.

DigITech Push for Agro Growth

Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman seems to be trying to give a digital and technological push to the agriculture sector by proposing to build digital public infrastructure for agriculture and set up Agriculture Accelerator Fund for innovating and affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers.

Do Contract Farming Advantages Outweigh Concerns?

Contractual agreements between the farmers and agribusiness companies have gained immense momentum in many developing countries including India. Besides ensuring economies of scale, contract farming facilitates access to technology, capital and quality inputs for the farmers. Consequently, the arrangements hold much significance given that agriculture accounts for 16 per cent share in India’s GDP against its 4 per cent share in world GDP and 55 per cent of the country’s population is dependent on it. However, there are a number of business and legal challenges plaguing the commercial agreements between the sponsoring companies and the farmers. Enforceability of contracts by either party is a worrisome aspect that calls for immediate attention from the various stakeholders. The centre announced the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act 2018 with a view to address such discrepancies. The primary purpose was to legi$mate contract farming in India which has been largely based on the provisions of Indian Contract Act 1872. AgroSpectrum India digs deeper into the contract farming landscape to uncover the complexities and benefits.

Govt Intervention In Rice Exports: A Bane Or Boon?

As a temporary measure, in September, 2022, India banned export of broken rice and imposed a 20 per cent export duty on non-Basmati rice except for parboiled rice to boost domestic supplies amid a fall in area under paddy crop in the current kharif season. AgroSpectrum spoke to the industry leaders on pros and cons of this action, which the government has undertaken for food security concerns of the country keeping in line with the achievement of SDGs (Goal 2: Zero hunger).