“The worst of the industry downturn is behind us,” Dobhal noted, expressing confidence in the sector’s recovery. UPL-SAS aims to address challenges like pest outbreaks, water scarcity, and the dynamic impacts of climate change by leveraging bio-solutions, mechanization, and artificial intelligence (AI).

UPL-SAS’s multi-pronged strategy includes developing innovative crop protection solutions, expanding bioinsecticides and biofungicides, and harnessing AI for precise, localized solutions. Dobhal underscored the importance of tailoring approaches to India’s diverse agricultural landscape, where 80-85% of farmers are smallholders.

“Climate change and agriculture are evolving rapidly. Solutions that worked four years ago may not be effective in the future,” he said. The company’s strategy involves solving farmers’ problems at a granular level rather than focusing solely on product sales.

A key component of this strategy is the Nurture Digital platform, which offers farmers crop advisory services, insurance, and machinery information. Dobhal described it as a tool that “effectively connects with farmers 24×7,” especially in small landholding ecosystems where access to technology is crucial.

UPL-SAS advocates for a mix of chemical and bio-based solutions to protect crops while maintaining ecosystem health. “We cannot go entirely chemical or bio. A mixed strategy is essential,” Dobhal explained.

Breaking from traditional rivalries, UPL-SAS promotes an “open Ag philosophy,” prioritizing collaboration with emerging agri-tech talents. “Rather than seeing others as competition, we embrace new talent in technology, products, and supply chain optimization,” Dobhal said.

UPL-SAS remains dedicated to solving global agriculture’s biggest challenge: food security. The company’s goal is to boost farm productivity, improve crop quality, and ensure a stable food supply both domestically and internationally.

With over five decades in India and a strong local brand, UPL-SAS is confident about expanding its presence. “We have to feed 7 billion people globally,” Dobhal concluded, highlighting the vital role of innovation in securing the future of agriculture.

The post UPL-SAS Eyes Tech and Climate Solutions for Growth after $200 Million Investment appeared first on Agro & Food Processing.

The jackfruit tree, common in tropical regions like India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China, bears the largest tree-born fruit in the world, sometimes weighing as much as 100 pounds. Known for its versatility, the ripe jackfruit offers a sweet flavour similar to a mix of banana and pineapple, while the unripe version mimics the texture of shredded meat. This quality makes it an ideal substitute for pulled pork, taco fillings, and BBQ-smothered chicken.

Food companies are increasingly incorporating jackfruit into their product lines. The Jackfruit Company, a leading player in this niche, secured $5 million in Series B funding this October to expand its range of packaged jackfruit products, including BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Tikka Masala flavors. Earlier in 2023, the company partnered with Smashburger to introduce a jackfruit patty in select locations across New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. Karana, another jackfruit-based food startup, offers ground meat alternatives, potstickers, burgers, and sausages.

The rising popularity of jackfruit coincides with a growing backlash against highly processed vegan products. Unlike many plant-based options, jackfruit can be purchased in whole or canned form, appealing to consumers seeking more natural meat substitutes.

Beyond its culinary appeal, jackfruit offers significant sustainability benefits. The jackfruit tree’s robust root system helps prevent soil erosion, while the plant itself sequesters carbon. Resilient to pests, diseases, and drought, the crop thrives in high temperatures and can produce hundreds of fruits over its decades-long lifespan. Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, highlighted these advantages, calling jackfruit an “easy-to-grow” option that supports sustainable agriculture.

The crop also provides economic opportunities for farmers in the Global South. The Jackfruit Company, for example, collaborates with over 1,500 small-scale farmers, enhancing income streams and promoting crop diversity.

As the demand for sustainable, natural, and meat-free alternatives continues to rise, jackfruit is poised to remain a key ingredient in the evolving plant-based food market.

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The company’s Agri Business Division CEO, S. Ganesh Kumar, outlined the vision to deepen ITC’s presence across states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Bihar, where it is already engaged in cultivating 20 crops through its FPO network.

Scaling MAARS for Farmer Empowerment

A key element of ITC’s strategy is the expansion of its MAARS (Metamarket for Advanced Agriculture Rural Services) platform. This “phygital” initiative integrates physical and digital services to support farmers with weather forecasts, mandi price updates, seed and fertilizer supplies, soil testing services, and access to credit.

Through MAARS, ITC is utilizing cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), AgTech solutions, and e-marketplaces, to enhance agricultural practices. The platform also helps farmers adopt climate-smart practices, including soil rejuvenation, water conservation, and crop rotation.

“We aim to provide farmers with localized and predictive solutions that improve productivity and economic outcomes,” Ganesh said.

Expanding Agri Sourcing Beyond Staples

While ITC’s traditional focus has been on crops like wheat, paddy, maize, and soy, the company is diversifying into fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, green peas, and leafy greens. This cluster-based sourcing approach aims to address evolving consumer demands while providing farmers with opportunities to expand their crop portfolios.

Ganesh highlighted that ITC’s longstanding relationships with agricultural institutes have enabled the introduction of high-quality seeds and resilient crop varieties to local farmers, further enhancing yields and profitability.

Building on ITC’s Agri Legacy

ITC has been a pioneer in engaging with farmers directly through initiatives like the e-Choupal network, which laid the foundation for its present-day operations. Over 1,600 FPOs currently collaborate with ITC, covering approximately 1.7 million farmers. The company’s revenue from its Agri Business division reached ₹16,124 crore in FY24, accounting for nearly 20% of total revenue.

Ganesh emphasized the “win-win” nature of ITC’s efforts, citing the success of brands like Aashirvaad, which sources wheat directly from farmers. Similar demand-driven value chains now support ITC’s other brands, including Bingo, Sunfeast, and B Natural.

Data-Driven Agricultural Future

As ITC collects hyper-local data through satellite imagery and AI-driven analytics, it aims to provide even sharper insights into soil conditions, pest control, and weather impacts. The predictive capabilities of this data will allow ITC to offer highly localized recommendations, further empowering farmers to optimize yields.

“Our ambition is to strengthen farmers’ economic activities by integrating technology and science, fostering better productivity, and ensuring sustainable growth,” Ganesh concluded.

This initiative, part of ITC’s NextGen Agri Vision, is expected to create transformative changes in India’s agricultural landscape, positioning the company as a leader in farmer-centric innovations.

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The Numbers Behind the Crisis

Nearly 40% of India’s agricultural land suffers from severe nutrient deficiencies, with a 23% drop in soil organic carbon over two decades. The misuse of nitrogenous fertilizers has disrupted the NPK ratio to 7:2.8:1—far from the ideal 4:2:1—weakening soil fertility. Additionally, nearly 97 million hectares, or 29.3% of land, face desertification. Erosion alone costs India ₹50,000 crore annually in lost topsoil.

Farmers at the Forefront

Farmers like Ramesh in Madhya Pradesh struggle with declining yields despite adopting modern techniques. His soybean yield dropped from 15 to 11 quintals per hectare over four years, as soil tests revealed depleted organic carbon and micronutrient levels. This story reflects a widespread issue across intensive farming regions.

Impacts on Food Security and Economy

India’s growing population, projected to reach 1.7 billion by 2050, will require 350 million tonnes of food grains annually. However, poor soil health could reduce agricultural productivity by 20-30%, jeopardizing both food security and farmer livelihoods.

Government Efforts for Soil Restoration

The Indian government has launched initiatives to combat soil degradation:

• Soil Health Card Scheme (2015): Over 28 crore cards have guided farmers toward balanced fertilizer use, reducing costs by 10-25% and improving yields by 5-6%.
• Fertilizer Subsidies: Allocations of ₹1.64 trillion for FY 2024-25 emphasize efficiency, with nano-fertilizer trials showing promise in reducing nitrogen use by 20%.
• NMSA and Organic Farming: Under programs like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, over 40 lakh hectares are now under organic farming, benefiting thousands of farmers.

The Path Ahead

While government schemes set the foundation, private sector involvement is essential to develop sustainable solutions like bio-fertilizers and regenerative farming technologies. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, scientists, and industries are vital to reversing soil degradation.

On World Soil Day 2024, let’s recognize that restoring soil health is not just about agriculture—it’s about securing India’s future. By protecting this vital resource, we can ensure prosperity, food security, and environmental sustainability for generations to come.

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Adding zinc to the mix made a big difference. Spraying a tiny amount of nano-zinc oxide increased wheat yield by 3.7–4.5% and helped plants absorb nitrogen better. While nano-urea reduced the amount of fertilizer needed, it still couldn’t replace traditional fertilizers for large-scale farming. The study also confirmed that sticking to recommended fertilizer levels is critical for good harvests.

For nano-urea to work effectively, more trials are needed in different farming conditions across India. Farmers will need training to use it properly, and fertilizer companies should improve its formula to make it more effective. India needs to increase wheat production by 46% by 2050 to meet growing demand. Combining nano-urea with traditional fertilizers and other improvements like zinc sprays could be a step forward. This approach will help balance better harvests, lower costs for farmers, and protect the environment.

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The report, titled “MSMEs Facing Challenges in Doing Business,” emphasizes the need for innovative banking solutions to ensure transparency in loan approvals and reduce borrowing costs for MSMEs.

Key Findings and Recommendations

1.    Financial Access: The study proposes the introduction of MSME-specific bonds and mutual funds to enhance credit availability.

2.    The expansion of small finance banks (SFBs) is recommended to support informal micro-enterprises, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to financial resources remains limited.

3.    Taxation and Compliance – Simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and a reduction in corporate income tax rates for MSMEs, from 25% to 15%, are suggested to ease compliance burdens.

A gap in coordination between state and central governments has been identified as a barrier to the effective implementation of MSME-focused government schemes. The report calls for better synergy to ensure these initiatives achieve their intended impact.

The report underscores the importance of formalizing micro and small enterprises to help India meet its developmental aspirations. Formalization is seen as a key driver for achieving the country’s Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision by 2047.

The study highlights that MSMEs are a critical component of India’s economy, and their empowerment is essential for the nation to transition into a developed economy by 2047. ASSOCHAM’s president noted that the strategic recommendations outlined in the report could guide policymakers in making informed decisions to strengthen the MSME sector.

By fostering innovation in financing, simplifying regulations, and formalizing enterprises, the study envisions a robust roadmap for MSMEs to unlock their full potential, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

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Sudhakar Rao Desai, CEO of Emami Agrotech and president of IVPA, highlighted the significant negative impact that the prolonged suspension has had on India’s agricultural ecosystem, which comprises various stakeholders crucial to the country’s agri-economy. Desai emphasised that futures trading has historically facilitated better price discovery and crop planning, thus benefitting farmers and other market participants.

According to the study conducted by Sarthak Gaurav, Professor of Economics at IIT Bombay, the suspension of agricultural commodity derivatives has not effectively curbed price increases, nor has it significantly reduced market volatility. The study, which analyzed both secondary and primary data from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, found that despite the suspension, the prices of suspended and non-suspended commodities remained high. Additionally, the analysis concluded that the role of commodity derivatives in price discovery and risk hedging remains critical, and the suspension has adversely impacted these processes.

Gaurav’s findings also suggest that the suspension has undermined market trust and disrupted decades of effort to deepen agricultural commodity derivative markets. He stated that regulatory risks, such as sudden suspensions, are counterproductive and hinder the effective functioning of India’s agricultural value chains.

In light of these findings, the IVPA urges regulatory authorities to lift the suspension on oilseeds commodity derivative contracts to ensure better risk management, price realization, and overall stability for the agriculture sector.

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Buffer Stock Utilization and Affordable Distribution

To directly impact retail markets, the government has converted part of its buffer stock of pulses into Bharat Dal, made available to consumers at affordable prices. Similarly, under the Bharat brand, rice and atta are distributed at subsidized rates. In the case of onions, calibrated releases from the buffer at Rs. 35/kg through stationary retail outlets and mobile vans in high-consumption centers have helped moderate prices and ensured availability.

Stable Import Policy to Augment Supply

To maintain adequate domestic availability, the import of Tur and Urad has been categorized as free until March 31, 2025, ensuring uninterrupted supply. Additionally, zero duty on Masur (lentils) and duty-free import of Desi Chana have been permitted till the same date. These measures have played a significant role in ensuring a steady flow of pulses into the market, avoiding price spikes.

Farmer Support Through Assured Procurement

The government, through NAFED and NCCF, has implemented the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) under PM-AASHA to safeguard farmers. As of November 22, 2024, 10.66 lakh farmers have registered for assured procurement of Tur and Urad. Additional support through seed distribution, outreach programs, and awareness campaigns has also strengthened this initiative.

Positive Kharif Crop Outlook

The Kharif season’s crop condition is favourable, with harvesting completed for short-duration crops like moong and urad, while the harvesting of Tur has just commenced. Good weather conditions have contributed to maintaining steady supply chains, which are expected to further stabilize prices in the coming months.

Impact and Outlook

The government’s strategic interventions—buffer stock management, import policy adjustments, and farmer-centric programs—have effectively stabilized prices and ensured the affordability of essential commodities. With continued efforts, the retail market for pulses and other staples is likely to remain balanced, benefitting both consumers and producers alike.

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He noted the success of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-led by India and France, with over 100 member countries promoting renewable energy, particularly in emerging economies. Goyal also urged France’s aviation sector to tap into India’s growing market, citing plans to increase airport numbers from 125 to 200 by 2029 and a significant aircraft demand projected to reach 2,000 planes.

The Minister stressed opportunities for India-France collaboration in defense manufacturing, electric vehicles, and digital technology, including AI, quantum tech, and cybersecurity. Bilateral trade between the nations reached $15 billion in FY24, but Goyal called for expanded economic engagement, noting France’s significant role as India’s 11th largest foreign investor.

Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of strategic ties, Goyal highlighted shared democratic values and frameworks like the Horizon 2047 roadmap for Indo-Pacific cooperation. The Minister also invited France to partner in India’s infrastructure development, including industrial cities and urban ecosystems.

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Over the next two years, NMNF will establish 15,000 clusters across willing Gram Panchayats, covering 7.5 lakh hectares and benefiting 1 crore farmers. The initiative will focus on reducing input costs, rejuvenating soil health, and enhancing resilience to climate risks while providing nutritious food. Key components include setting up 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) for natural farming inputs and establishing 2,000 Model Demonstration Farms for farmer training.

Additionally, 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained in practices like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit preparation, supported by 30,000 Krishi Sakhis and community resource persons (CRPs). The scheme also introduces simplified certification, common branding, and convergence with marketing platforms like APMCs and Haats to enhance market access for natural farming produce.

Real-time monitoring will be conducted through an online portal, and students will be engaged via academic courses and RAWE programs. By fostering sustainable practices, NMNF aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on chemical inputs, improve biodiversity, and ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

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