Gram Unnati ties up with CSC to create villagelevel digital marketplace for farmers

In a bid to boost market linkages to Indian farmers, Gram Unnati, India’s first integrated agri solutions company has tied up with Common Services Centre (CSC) E-Governance Services India Limited, to establish a digital platform that empowers smallholder farmers to market their produce efficiently.

Cropin, AWS collaborate to address global hunger and food insecurity

Bengaluru-based Cropin Technology, a global Agtech leader enabling intelligent agriculture and Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on enabling Cropin to build a solution to address the pressing issue of global hunger and food insecurity.

UPL Corp leads $1.75 Mn investment in biological ag-tech innovators

UPL Corporation Ltd. (UPL Corp), a global provider of holistic and sustainable agricultural solutions, and Radicle Growth, a company-building platform investing in early-stage agriculture and food technologies, announced SOLASTA Bio as the winner of ‘the Radicle Natural Plant Protection (NPP) Challenge by UPL’, securing a $1 million investment, with the runner-up Impetus Ag, receiving a $750,000 investment.

Syngenta AG posts $19,196 Mn consolidated sales in FY 2023

Syngenta AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Syngenta Group, published its 2023 full year results.

Fisheries Dept integrates KCC Fisheries scheme onto JanSamarth Portal

In a bid to revolutionise access to credit facilities for fishers, fish farmers, among others, across the nation, the Department of Fisheries recently inaugurated the integration of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal.

DAFW releases First Advance Estimates of horticultural crops for 2023-24

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DAFW) has released the First Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of various horticultural crops compiled on the basis of information received from States/ UTs and other governmental source agencies.

Why India's Push for Renewable Energy is Imperative

India's renewable energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift, fuelled by a plethora of factors that promise a sustainable and energy-secure future. India's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity, coupled with supportive government policies and technological advancements, is propelling this paradigm shift. Let's delve into the status, emerging trends, government support, challenges, and the way forward in India's renewable energy landscape.

How Silkworm Pupae Are Key to a Sustainable Agri Industry

Silkworms have a fascinating dual identity - they are not just producers of luxurious fibres but also providers of nutritious sustenance. For centuries, various regions across Asia, including North East India, have embraced silkworms as a delicacy, appreciating their culinary versatility and rich nutritional content. In states like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, silkworms have ingrained themselves into local cuisine and culture, consumed in myriad forms - roasted, boiled, fried, or as a key ingredient in traditional dishes.

Is Organic the Answer to India's Agri Sustainability?

Agriculture began around 10,000 years ago and marked the beginning of civilisation. It shaped the evolution of human societies, bringing food for sustenance, cotton for clothing and a host of commodities to trade in. Despite millennia of experience, however, agriculture continues to throw challenges. The old ones of weather and pests persist, even as some brand-new challenges have emerged. On the one hand, there's a growing population projected to increase by nearly two billion by 2050 from the present eight billion and on the other, shrinking farmlands. In India alone, cropland has shrunk by 69 million hectares between 2016 and 2022. The challenge to feed more while the cultivable land reduces is obvious. Issues related to the vagaries of weather and pests have been exacerbated by climate change. To top this, agriculture is a huge greenhouse gas emitter, accounting for 30 per cent of total emissions globally. Hence, lowering the carbon footprint of farming is imperative.

"Streamlined and simplified regulatory framework for drone operations will encourage easier compliance"

Marut Drones’ recent acquisition of a utility patent for its direct seeding drone device, developed in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University PJTSAU), marks a significant stride in agricultural innovation. This patent recognises Marut’s pioneering multi- nozzle aerial seed dispensing technology, validated by PJTSAU for its efficacy in augmenting rice production. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, delves into the pivotal role his company plays in sustainable agriculture, disease eradication, and facilitating last-mile medical delivery.

"Strengthening of IPR, a scientific regulatory system, market-based pricing and policy harmonisation is crucial for seed industry"

As of 2023, the Indian seed market is valued at 3,914.36 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR) of 7.41 per cent by 2029. Initial Public Offerings IPOs) from the seed business, which has recently captured the interest of investors, are something that Indian investors are eagerly anticipating. Foreign Direct Investment for the development and production of seeds and planting materials is allowed by the government. Leading seed firms are combining cutting-edge digital technology, lending a further boost to the market to mitigate the effects of pests, climate, and other external factors on farming. The agricultural sector is poised for a prosperous future because of the convergence of data science, artificial intelligence tools, cutting-edge phenomic analysis, and genetic sequencing. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco, discusses key developments and challenges of this sector.

From Traditional to Tech-Driven: APAC Precision Farming Market Ripe for Growth

The Asia-Pacific Precision market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4 per cent to reach $2.62 billion by 2026, according to a report by Markets and Markets. The increasing use of cloud-based technology, the growing adoption rate of modern farming techniques to enhance productivity and growing food demand are the major factors driving the precision agriculture market. The growing need to increase food production in the available agricultural land and government initiatives to increase the usage of modern technologies in agriculture are propelling the market growth. However, the requirement of high initial investment and lack of awareness among the farmers are becoming obstacles to growth. The silver lining, though, is that in the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming industry is steadily taking root through joint ventures between global agri-tech players and local companies. Let’s explore further.

CIBA launches geospatial mapping project for sustainable aquaculture

The government of Maharashtra has allocated funding for a project titled ‘Geospatial mapping of potential zones for expanding responsible aquaculture in Maharashtra’ led by the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai.

CSMIA air cargo operations soar 12% YoY in 2023

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) experienced an 87 per cent year-overyear (YoY) surge in e-commerce shipments during the 2023 festive season.

India climbs to 38th place on World Bank's Logistics Performance Index 2023

According to the World Bank's 'Logistics Performance Index Report (2023): Connecting to Compete 2023,' India has climbed to the 38th position out of 139 countries.

Global fisheries management body prioritises sustainable practices

A newly established global fisheries management body convened its inaugural meeting, addressing key agenda items such as the implementation of best practices for effective fisheries resource management and enhancements to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) methodology for assessing the status and health of marine fish stocks worldwide.

NITI Aayog unveils GROW report and portal for agroforestry, wasteland restoration

Professor Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, unveiled the Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) report and portal at NITI Aayog.

INI Farms and LuLu Group forge direct farm-to-retail alliance

In a significant development for the Indian Fruit and Vegetable (F&V)/horticulture sector, INI Farms, a part of the AgroStar group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LuLu Group International, to establish a direct farm-toretail partnership for the Indian Cavendish Bananas.

Centre unveils LMS, Helpline 14447, Krishi Rakshak and SARTHI portals

Arjun Munda, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Tribal Affairs, inaugurated several initiatives in Delhi aimed at assisting farmers.

Rise of Carbon Farming in India

Carbon farming that gives financial incentives is likely to be embraced by farmers in India where a large number of smallholder farmers are low-income earners. If the policy gradually shifts away from the subsidy-anchored posture, the rate of adoption will increase significantly.

How 'Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market' Will Benefit India?

The country's living environment is being harmed by modern Indian agriculture, which not only releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere but also pollutes the air and depletes water supplies. Moreover, an uneven and overabundance of fertilizer application may lower agricultural output and ultimately jeopardize the nation's food security. Thankfully, carbon farming has the potential to address each of these issues. Given its large agricultural area and ample potential for environmental enhancement, India is expected to emerge as the primary hub for carbon farming credits in the coming years.

"Future of Indian biostimulants appears promising, offering a sustainable and vibrant agricultural landscape"

In the face of challenging climatic conditions and evolving global markets, 'Combine', the only biostimulant shown to have an ameliorating effect on all enzymatic activities, has been empowering grape farmers across the nation for the past 25 years. This product, from Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), ensures exceptional grape quality, acting as a shield against unfavourable conditions and underscoring its pivotal role in integrated disease management. In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Rajavelu N.K, CEO of Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet Ltd, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities for biostimulants in India and beyond. Edited excerpts:

"The tractor industry's 2024 performance outlook is positive"

With renowned brands like Case IH and New Holland, CNH Industrial, a global leader in equipment and services, provides comprehensive agriculture solutions, including machinery, implements, and digital technologies. CNH has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge technology to farmers nationwide. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, CNH recently showcased agricultural machinery, including balers, combine harvesters, and tractors, at its Greater Noida facility. Narinder Mittal, Country Manager & Managing Director, Agriculture Business – CNH Industrial India & SAARC, shares insights on India’s farm mechanisation industry with AgroSpectrum. Edited excerpts;

Networking platforms for women offer opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and knowledge exchange

In the ever-evolving world of agribusiness, women entrepreneurs are taking charge, driving innovation, and reshaping the sector.

As women actively participate, their empowerment becomes integral to realising India's agritech evolution

In India's ever-changing agritech landscape, today women are positioned to revolutionise the nation's traditional agricultural practices.

Overcoming traditional stereotypes, women are now active in critical aspects of agritech

While there’s a stronger emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in various agribusiness areas, there’s ample room to improve the inclusivity of the women workforce in skill development and adoption of labour-saving technologies for new or modified tool solutions, testing of product prototypes and finalisation of products for the market.

Empowerment without equal access to vital resources isn't possible

On International Women’s Day, it is pertinent to explore the burgeoning opportunities for women in agribusiness in 2024, a sector pivotal to India’s economy and undergoing a transformative phase of feminisation.

Stark disparity in land ownership hampers women's ability to expand and invest in agribusiness ventures

In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the agricultural landscape of India, with an increasing number of women making their mark in the traditionally male-dominated sector.

India's Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Gaining Attention

The voluntary carbon credit market in India’s agriculture sector is gradually gaining momentum, although it remains relatively nascent compared to other industries. This makes it an exciting field with substantial opportunities for growth. The value and recognition of agricultural projects within the carbon market, like those in other sectors, vary based on factors such as project scale, certification standards, associated co-benefits and market demand. The government recently launched the Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market in the agriculture sector.’ This framework is expected to simplify the process of entering domestic and international carbon markets for companies and support larger-scale projects.

"India presents vast opportunities for driving growth through innovative technologies to enhance productivity"

Plasma Water Solutions India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Plasma Water Solutions Inc, USA, has established a robust service network through authorised partners. Currently, validation demo sites are operational in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, with plans for expansion into other regions. In conversation with AgroSpectrum, Pragya Kalia, Managing Director of Plasma Water Solutions India Pvt Ltd delves into how the company aims to catalyse growth in the agriculture sector by leveraging innovative technologies. Here are some edited excerpts: