AgroSpectrum Magazine - AgroSpectrum India March 2025

In this issue

Unleashing Untapped Potential of Makhana Farming
By announcing the establishment of the Makhana Board and the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar, the Union Budget 2025 has made a significant contribution to the development of India's agricultural economy, especially for high-value commodities like Makhana (foxnuts). By increasing farmer incomes, improving value addition, and offering institutional
assistance, this will fortify the industry. In addition to lowering post-harvest losses, expanding financial assistance for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs will provide improved processing, storage, and value-chain growth.
By utilising cutting-edge trading platforms, effective price discovery, and strong supply chains, Bihar can propel both internal and international markets, as India's Makhana exports are increasing by 30 per cent annually. To propel the prosperity
of Makhana farmers and advance India's standing as a leading supplier of Makhana in international markets, the cover story discusses how the combined efforts of policy makers, industry partners, and farmer cooperatives would be crucial.

Goa launches 'Goa State Amrit kaal Agriculture Policy 2025'

Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa launched ‘Goa State Amrit Kaal Agriculture Policy 2025’ aimed at transforming the agriculture sector of Goa, integrating women farmers and youth in agriculture through targeted programmes and incentives.

1 min

Centre revises MIS Guidelines

To encourage more States for implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), the Government has revised the MIS Guidelines in the provisions such as making MIS a component of the integrated scheme of PM-AASHA.

1 min

Centre approves continuation of PM-AASHA Scheme till 2025-26

The Government of India approved the continuation of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 202526.

1 min

Govt adds 10 new commodities to e-NAM Platform to boost agricultural trade

In response to the continuous demand from farmers, traders and other stakeholders for inclusion of more agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has decided to further expand the scope of trade under e-NAM.

1 min

Centre permits export of 1 MT of sugar for the 2024-25 season

With the aim to stabilise domestic prices and support the sugar industry, the government of India has permitted the export of 1 million tonnes (MT) of sugar for the 2024-25 season ending in September.

1 min

India's agri sector recorded a growth rate of 3.5% in Q2 FY 2024-25: Economic Survey

India’s agricultural sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years, marked by consistent growth rates, which can be largely attributed to various government initiatives to enhance productivity, promote crop diversification, and increase farmers’ income, states the Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament.

1 min

National Seeds Corporation declares final Dividend of Rs 35.30 Cr for FY 2023-24

National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has announced the declaration of final Dividend of Rs 35.30 crore for the Financial Year 2023-24, representing 5 per cent of its net worth, in compliance with Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) guidelines.

1 min

DFPCL records 39% growth in consolidated revenues, reaching Rs 2,579 Cr in Q3 FY25

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL), one of India’s leading producers of industrial & mining chemicals and fertilisers, announced its results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

1 min

Bayer CropScience posts Rs 10,569 Mn revenue from operations in Q3 FY 2024-25

Bayer CropScience Limited (BCSL) announced its unaudited results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024. In the third quarter (Q3) of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, BCSL earned Revenue from Operations of Rs 10,569 million, as compared to Rs 9,549 million in the corresponding period of FY 2023-24.

1 min

Insecticides (India) Ltd reports 42% YoY growth in PAT for Q3 FY25

Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), one of India’s leading crop protection and nutrition companies, has announced its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.

1 min

UPL reports Rs 10,907 Cr revenue in Q3 FY25

UPL Ltd. reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.

1 min

Coromandel International posts Rs 7,038 Cr total income in Q3 FY25

Coromandel International Limited India’s leading agri solutions provider has reported the financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

1 min

Hatsun Agro acquires Milk Mantra for Rs 233 Cr

Milk Mantra, situated in Bhubaneswar, will become a fully-owned subsidiary of HAP upon the acquisition, according to the filing by HAP.

1 min

Fisheries sector gets highest ever budgetary support of Rs 2,703.67 Cr in Budget 2025-26

The Union Budget, 2025-26, proposed the highest ever total annual budgetary support of Rs 2,703.67 crore for the fisheries sector.

1 min

Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurates dairy, livestock initiatives in Odisha

Droupadi Murmu, President of India, virtually inaugurated a series of impactful initiatives in the dairy and livestock sector in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.

1 min

CIFT and Reliance Foundation launch Voice Message Service for Kerala fishers

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Kochi, in partnership with the Reliance Foundation, launched a voice message service to support the fishing community.

1 min

India registers growth in fish output to 184.02 LT in FY 23: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey highlights that in the fiscal year FY24, the value of agri-food exports, which includes processed food exports, reached $46.44 billion, constituting roughly 11.7 per cent of India’s total exports.

1 min

Godrej Agrovet reports robust growth in profitability in Q3 FY25

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.

1 min

DroneAcharya Aerial announces strategic merger with AVPL International

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations has entered into a term sheet agreement for a strategic merger with AVPL International.

1 min

DeHaat acquires Olam Agri backed AgriCentral to expand digital farmer services

Leading AgTech platform DeHaat, announced the acquisition of Olam Agri owned AgriCentral, one of the largest farm advisory platforms in India through a Business Transfer Agreement (BTA) in an all-cash deal.

1 min

Walmart announces new R&D initiatives with Indian Startups to strengthen supply chain protection

The largest omnichannel retailer in the world, Walmart, announced significant partnerships with startups in India to serve the company’s sourcing and supply chain activities in the United States.

1 min

John Deere selects 6 companies for its 2025 Startup Collaborator program

Deere & Company announced the names of 6 companies chosen for its 2025 Startup Collaborator program.

1 min

General Aeronautics closes Series A+ funding round led by Fowler Westrup India

Bangalore-based General Aeronautics (GA), a pioneering drone technology company specialising in precision spraying and agriculture, has successfully raised an undisclosed amount in its Series A+ funding round led by Fowler Westrup India.

1 min

DPIIT and JKEDI sign MoU to strengthen startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) formally signed the MoU marking a significant step toward strengthening startup support systems in J&K.

1 min

Syzygy Plasmonics and Lotte Chemical unlock Ammonia as a Hydrogen Carrier in Asia

The world’s largest all-electric ammonia cracking system has been commissioned and tested by Syzygy Plasmonics and Lotte Chemical in Ulsan, South Korea with logistical support from Sumitomo Corporation of America and Sumitomo Corporation Korea.

1 min

NParks launches Singapore's most extensive coral reef restoration effort

Singapore’s The National Parks Board (NParks) has launched the 100K Corals Initiative, which aims to plant 100,000 corals in Singapore’s waters over the next 10 years and beyond.

1 min

XAG and Chia Tai develop smart agriculture solutions to enhance capabilities of Thai farmers

A comprehensive suite of smart agriculture solutions, including autonomous drones, autopilot consoles, and a smart fertigation system, were showcased by XAG at the 10th Chia Tai Fair.

1 min

Unleashing Untapped Potential of Makhana Farming

By announcing the establishment of the Makhana Board and the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar, the Union Budget 2025 has made a significant contribution to the development of India's agricultural economy, especially for high-value commodities like Makhana (foxnuts). By increasing farmer incomes, improving value addition, and offering institutional assistance, this will fortify the industry. In addition to lowering post-harvest losses, expanding financial assistance for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs will provide improved processing, storage, and value-chain growth. By utilising cutting-edge trading platforms, effective price discovery, and strong supply chains, Bihar can propel both internal and international markets, as India's Makhana exports are increasing by 30 per cent annually. To propel the prosperity of Makhana farmers and advance India's standing as a leading supplier of Makhana in international markets, the cover story discusses how the combined efforts of policy makers, industry partners, and farmer cooperatives would be crucial.

7 mins

Growth-focused, Fiscally Responsible and Inclusive

Budget 2025-26 placed by the Finance Minister amidst the global uncertainty unleashed by the likely global tariff war leading to the compression of global trade after the change of power in the USA.

7 mins

Structural Transformation of Indian Agriculture

Union Budget 2025-26 which was presented on February 1, 2025 has focused on structural and medium to long term issues in the agriculture sector. These reforms can ensure that the agro sector remains a major engine of growth, raising real farm income over time while ensuring food and nutrition security. The aim of these measures is to make agriculture an attractive and productive sector to work on and remove disguised unemployment and minimise rural to urban migration. This article focuses on understanding the implications of the agro announcements.

4 mins

Elevating & Acknowledging Women's Role in Agripreneurship

International Women's Day (IWD) observed each year on March 8 is the biggest women-focused fundraising day of the year.

10+ mins

How Significant is IndoEmirate Partnership for Food Security & Agriculture?

As the world's second-largest food producer, India's abundant arable land, advanced food processing capabilities, and investments in modern supply chain infrastructure position it as a reliable partner for the UAE's food security ambitions.

7 mins

"Achieving self-reliance in pulse production requires a multi-pronged approach"

The United Nations General Assembly has designated February 10 as World Pulses Day to recognise the importance of pulse crops like chickpeas, dry beans and lentils as a global food.

6 mins

NABS confers Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr R S Paroda Renowned agricultural scientist

Dr Rajendra Singh Paroda has been conferred with the prestigious Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Biological Sciences (NABS).

1 min

Praj Industries appoints Ashish Gaikwad as Managing DirectorDesignate

Pune based Praj Industries, a global leader in bioeconomy solutions, announced the appointment of Ashish Gaikwad as Managing DirectorDesignate, effective February 3, 2025.

1 min

Centre confers Padma Shri to geneticist and plant breeder Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal

The government of India conferred Padma Shri award to Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal for his contributions to agriculture in the fields of science and engineering.

1 min

PAU transfers paddy straw-based biogas plant tech to Atmos Power

Providing relevant solutions to address energy security issues, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) signed an agreement for Paddy Straw based Biogas Plant with Atmos Power Private Limited, a company hailing from Gujarat.

1 min

IIT Bombay identifies bacteria that cleans up toxic pollutants in soil

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have been studying bacteria that feed on toxic chemicals and pollutants as a solution for the ever-increasing pollution of our natural resources.

1 min

IGFRI developed Bundelkhandi goat receives official breed recognition

The Bundelkhandi goat, a vital yet previously unclassified breed from the Bundelkhand region of Central India, has been officially recognised as a new breed by ICAR – National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal.

1 min

TERI and CFCL launch 'New Crop Protection Facility' in Gurugram

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) launched the ‘New Crop Protection Facility at TERI GRAM’, recently in Gurugram, Haryana.

1 min

PAU incubated startup gains global recognition for innovation of sustainable tiles crafted from agri residue

A startup incubated under the Punjab AgriBusiness Incubator (PABI) has garnered international acclaim for its pioneering innovation of insulating tiles crafted from agricultural residue.

1 min

ICRISAT-ITEC launch series of International Training Programmes

ICRISAT launched the first in a series of international training programmes on January 20, 2025 to equip decision-makers with tools to scale climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems.

1 min

Matix Fertilisers commissions floating solar power plant at Panagarh in West Bengal

Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals has commissioned a 1 MW floating solar power plant at its Panagarh facility in West Bengal with an investment of Rs 4 crore.

1 min

Dhanuka acquires distribution rights of Iprovalicarb and Triadinenol fungicides from Bayer AG

Dhanuka Agritech Limited, has successfully concluded its Rs 165 crore strategic acquisition deal for international rights to foray into global markets and distribution of two prominent fungicides, Iprovalicarb and Triadinenol from Bayer AG.

1 min

BASF to launch a novel rice insecticide Prexio Active for APAC markets

BASF has started the registration for Prexio Active, a new insecticide active ingredient designed specifically to manage all four rice hopper species.

1 min

CSE and NCDEX partner to explore opportunities in derivatives and commodities trading

National Commodities & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), India’s leading agri commodity derivatives exchange, and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Sri Lanka’s flagship stock exchange, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Colombo, to foster collaboration in assisting in establishing a comprehensive framework for derivatives and commodities to be traded in Sri Lanka.

1 min

Mahindra sells 26,305 tractors in India in January 2025

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, announced its tractor sales numbers for January 2025.

1 min

Rallis India records revenue of Rs 522 Cr with PAT of Rs 11 Cr in Q3 FY25

Rallis India Limited (A TATA Enterprise) a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.

1 min

Coromandel International opens advanced soil and leaf testing laboratory in Kakinada

Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri-inputs company, has inaugurated an advanced Soil and Leaf Testing Laboratory at its plant in Kakinada.

1 min

MeitY & IIT Indore unveil AI-driven Centre of Excellence

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and IIT Indore have launched AgriHub, an AI-driven Centre of Excellence (CoE), to foster technological innovation, startup incubation, and industry collaboration in agritech.

1 min

Godrej Agrovet in collaboration with CIFE launches fish lice controller

Godrej Agrovet Limited 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.

1 min

TERI and BEE to set up Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition in Hyderabad

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), was signed in Hyderabad, for setting up a Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition (CoEET) in the TERI’s Institute of Energy Transition (IoET) at its campus in Hyderabad.

1 min

Dr. Reddy's & Dr. Reddy's Foundation launch soil testing resource centre in Hyderabad

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Dr. Reddy’s Foundation inaugurated a unique soil testing resource centre in Hyderabad.

1 min

Biovet gets CDSCO license for BIOLUMPIVAXIN for Lumpy Skin Disease

Bharat Biotech group company Biovet, an innovative animal health vaccine producer based in Mallur, Karnataka, has announced that its Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine for dairy cattle and buffaloes, BIOLUMPIVAXIN, the world’s safest and first-ever Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine, has received a license from the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO).

1 min

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AgroSpectrum Magazine Description:

Agrospectrum is a B2B digital media platform catering to all sub-sectors and verticals of the agro business – from food grains to inputs, machinery, live-stock, fisheries to agro tourism. It regularly updates on latest news on Agri—business and analytical & informative articles targeted at agro industry and business leadership, key decision makers; R&D, policy makers, academia and farmers’ community leaders. The portal is devoted to agriculture related business and not farming activity. It neither informs nor guides the farmers on direct farming, but handles allied and peripheral areas of agriculture related activity called agriculture business.