AgroSpectrum July 2024

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AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com 4 MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications South Region: Apoorva Mahajan (Manager–Strategy & Partnerships), “NITON”, No. 11/3, Block “C”, Second Floor, Palace Road, Bangalore, Karnataka- 560052 5 Mobile-91-7724025888 E-mail: [email protected] West Region: Mumbai : Mandar More (Regional Business Manager- West) 1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra-400703. Mobile: +919870009281 [email protected] Pune : Vrushti Kothari (Assistant Manager – Startup Ecosystem) Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Pune-411045 , Mobile: +91-7798935660, E-mail: [email protected] North Region: Anupam Chatterjee (Regional Business Manager- North) 103-104, Rohit House 3, Tolstoy Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001. Tel. No: +91 11 4354 2737 І Mobile: + +91 9899815169 E-mail: [email protected] Nagpur: Manisha Boratkar 402, Govind Apartments, Shankar Nagar Square, Nagpur 440010. Tel. No: +91-712-2555 249 INTERNATIONAL: Singapore MM Activ Singapore Pte. Ltd. Saradha Mani, General Manager #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094, Tel: +65-63369142 І Fax:+65-63369145 І E-mail: [email protected] Disclaimer: Views expressed in the published articles are personal opinions of the contributors. Agro Spectrum does not necessarily claim to support these views. Readers are advised to make proper enquires before entering into any commitment in relations to advertisements appearing in this publication. The Printer, Publisher, Editor and Owner of the magazine will not be liable for any consequences. Contents and advertisements in Agro Spectrum are purely for information purposes and the Publisher & Editor of Agro Spectrum give no warranty and accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information provided therein. Readers must undertake research and take professional advice before acting on any information provided in Agro Spectrum. Rovensa Next and Limaru ink distribution agreement for orange oil-based biocides Scan the QR Code Bayer to deliver ten blockbusters in ten years Scan the QR Code Syensqo and Agtech Innovation partner to drive open innovation in agricultural technologies Scan the QR Code Pairwise develops first seedless Blackberry using CRISPR technology Scan the QR Code TOP STORIES www.agrospectrumindia.com Volume 05 | Issue 5 | July 2024 Publisher & Managing Editor Ravindra Boratkar Advisor Dr C D Mayee Former Chairman, ASRB-ICAR Chief Editor Dr Milind Kokje [email protected] Advisor - Content Vijay Thombre Editor Narayan Kulkarni [email protected] Executive Editor Dr Manbeena Chawla [email protected] Associate Executive Editor Dipti Barve [email protected] Assistant Editor Nitesh Pillai [email protected] Assistant Editor (Digital) Shraddha Warde, [email protected] Correspondent: APAC Hithaishi C. Bhaskar [email protected] Social Media Communication Poonam Bhosale [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Manasee Kurlekar [email protected] General Manager - Strategy & Marketing Ankit Kankar [email protected] Asst. General ManagerHR and Admin Asmita Thakar [email protected] Subscription Ganesh Rajput ganesh.rajput @agrospectrumindia.com Circulation and Media Enquiry Sudam Walekar [email protected] Issue Design MEDIA VISION Cover Design Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. Product & Marketing: Ankit Kankar email: [email protected] Printed and published by Ravindra Boratkar on behalf of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt Ltd Printed at Girish Printers,, 150,153 Shaniwar Peth, Near Amruteshwar Mandir, Pune 411030. Phone - +91 9225541400. Reprinted for private circulation Published from Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Near Bank of Baroda, Baner Road, Pune- 411045. Tel. No: +91 20 2729 1769 www.agrospectrumindia.com

AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com 5 Letter from Publisher Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor, MD, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd. Dear Readers, An article published on Tata Cornell Institute’s website in May 2022 says the adoption of genome editing (GEd) for crop improvement has the potential to bring India into the epicentre of international trade in agricultural products. It explained the potential of the new technology of GEd - which is a bit different from genetic modification (GM) - that India can (and should) exploit for its agricultural development through crop improvement and also making the country a global seed hub. Major advantages of gene-editing technology for crop improvement include reduced breeding time, precise trait modification without linkage drag, and the creation of novel genetic variations with substantially enhanced traits. These benefits will enable the seed industry to develop and deploy superior crop varieties and hybrids on a fast track for the benefit of farmers and the country. As a result, it can enhance food security and improve farmers' livelihoods. We have covered an article with inputs from industry leaders on how India's seed sector can effectively reach a milestone in the development, adoption, and commercialisation of new varieties of gene-edited crops with government support and subsidies for gene-editing technology, accessible through centralised platforms, formulation of a comprehensive seed strategy. Technological developments, regulatory frameworks, and changing consumer tastes are shaping India's biological crop protection business. Farmers are increasingly turning to biological solutions as practical alternatives, driven by a focus on sustainability. As part of India's agricultural innovation effort, our team has covered a story about how biological crop protection has become a model for environmentally responsible farming. Adverse weather events pose a formidable threat to agricultural sustainability and food security. In light of this scenario, an expert piece delves deeper into how agricultural biotechnology has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering impactful solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, crop resilience, and ensure food security for the nation. On the other hand, India has embarked upon an ambitious energy transition journey with a target of 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2070. To attain the ambitious Renewable Energy targets and to achieve self-reliance in the energy sector domestically available Renewable Energy alternatives must be optimally utilised. One such alternative is modern bioenergy. MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, the parent organisation of AgroSpectrum, in association with The Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) is organising a 3-day India Bio Energy & Tech Expo, 2024 in New Delhi from September 2. I take this opportunity to invite all to be part of the expo and contribute to India's Net Zero Target of 2070. I am sure you will find this edition a great read. Thanks & Regards, Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor

India Needs GEd to Usher in A New Agri Revolution Genome editing technology has the potential to offer solutions to address various problems the Indian agriculture sector is facing – from climate change and disease pressure to high input cost and declining income of farmers. Rapidly increasing population is intensifying the gravity of the problems. Precise genetic modifications, leading to the development of superior crop varieties with improved traits in a short time frame is a solution in sight. In 2022, the Indian government exempted certain gene-edited plants from stringent biosafety regulations. SDN-1 and SDN-2 plants are thus freed from the cumbersome and time-consuming regulations currently imposed on the commercialisation of genetically modified transgenic crops. With this exemption, India's seed sector is making good efforts for enhancing crop productivity, nutritional value, and sustainability. However, for the development of gene-edited crops in India, seed industry requires infrastructure support, clear Intellectual Property Rights policies, investment in R&D and policy for technology licensing. Strengthening partnerships among academia, seed industry and government agencies will pave the way towards development of gene-edited crops in India. 6 CONTENT CONTENT COVER 16 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

CONTENT 7 CONTENT 43 48 Why India must capitalise on Innovative Biological Crop Protection Tech IFGE, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications to host 3-day India Bio Energy & Tech Expo, 2024 in New Delhi from Sept 2 REGULARS 46 20 Enhancing Crop Resilience in the Face of Climate Crisis Future of GEd tech in Indian Agriculture Dr Venkatram Vasantavada, Director, The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and MD & CEO, SeedWorks International K C Bansal, Adjunct Professor, The Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6190, Australia; Former Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR), New Delhi; Former Secretary, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India GM CROPS BIOPESTICIDES EVENT REPORT AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Your Views ...................................................... 08 Editorial............................................................ 09 Policy News .................................................... 10 Finance News................................................. 12 Startup News.................................................. 14 Asia News ....................................................... 50 People News................................................... 52 Academic News............................................. 54 Technology News.......................................... 56 Agri-Inputs News ........................................... 58 Supply chain News........................................ 60 Let's Talk Agri ................................................. 62

TOP VIDEO TOP NEWS Scan the QR Code Atul Kharate, COO, Indian Oil Adani Ventures Ltd – IAV Biogas talks about the future of biofuel industry in India Interesting article on agri-insurance market The article “How Indian Agri Insurance Companies are Disrupting the Global Market” by Anuj Kumbhat, Co-Founder & CEO, WRMS published in AgroSpectrum June 24 issue is very interesting and useful for the players in agri- insurance market in India. Deven Wajahat, Mumbai Informative interview on latest agri technologies The interview of Dr Dinesh Kumar Chauhan, CEO, Agribusiness and Innovation Platform, ICRISAT published in AGS June 24 issue provides the useful information about latest innovations in agriculture sector. Nimrat Badal, Delhi Focus on Asia -pacific region AgroSpectrum should publish a special issue on the Asian countries like China, Vietnam which are leading agriculture sector by highlighting the agri industry activities, market analysis and R&D programmes in Asia-pacific region. It will help the Indian companies in business strategy planning. Julia Thomson, Bangalore Feedback 8 YOUR VIEWS Volume 5 Issue 04 June 2024 150 Offsetting Extreme Weather Impact with TECH DRIVEN INSURANCE - Why Focus on Renewable Energy is Crucial for Indian Agri 31 “Sustainability is not an option; it is the only way forward” 37 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Major ingredient players unite to support sustainable farming Australia’s NSW to modernize rice sector exporting to strengthen viability in rice industry Koppert Global and Fresh Energy Forge Partnership for pest control in Horticulture Syngenta and InstaDeep collaborate to accelerate crops seeds trait research using AI Large Language Models

POLICY NEWS AGRO EDIT 9 From Strength to Strength A favourable prediction of southwest monsoon offers a major relief on the rural front, to the newly formed government at the Centre. Rainfall is most likely to be above normal over most parts of the country and well distributed. A good monsoon is helpful for not only Kharif crops but also favourable for Rabi crops in the form of adequate residual moisture in the soil. This must be a major relief to the new Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The new government has come to power on the backdrop of food inflation in the previous year that naturally affected agri exports too. Statista reports that annual change in food inflation in 2023-24 was 7.7 per cent. To control prices in the domestic market, the export of wheat, rice, sugar and onion was stopped. As a result, agri export declined 8 per cent in 2023-24, from $53 billion in 2022-23 to $49 billion. The gross value added grew at 1.4 per cent in 2023-24 due to below-normal rainfall in 2023. To reduce dependency on rainfall, more area needs to be brought under irrigation. Only nearly 55 per cent of the gross sown area of 210 million hectare has irrigation access, as of 2022-23. The problem is aggravating with groundwater depletion as 17 per cent of groundwater blocks are overexploited and 5 per cent and 14 per cent are at critical and semi-critical stages respectively (as of 2021). Water scarcity and dependence on rain along with adverse weather events pose a major threat to the agri sector. Unpredictable adverse weather has become a regular challenge for farmers as sudden unseasonal heavy rains destroy the harvest. In various other ways, like very high temperatures in summer, is also affecting the agri sector. However, there are no definite and reliable solutions in sight to overcome the problem. Diversification of crops may be one way to overcome the problems of water scarcity and weather impacts. India's staple food crop production is so high that the space to store them is inadequate. On the other hand, we import two-thirds of our edible oils at a very high cost of $20 billion as we are not self-sufficient in oilseed production. Diversification would help in achieving self-reliance in oilseeds also. One more task is to transform the food-growing farmer into an energy-supporting farmer. Besides diversification of crops, effective use of agri waste will play a key role in this. While farmers in India have adopted mechanisation, the need now is to adopt new technologies that are available in every stage of farming activity. In the seed sector, the technology is moving from genetically modified (GM) to Gene Edited (GEd). Drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also gaining ground. From seeds to post-harvest storages, logistics, everywhere, new available technologies will have to be leveraged to expand and improve infrastructure, with a focus on reducing food wastage. It is good that over 7,000 startups are playing a key role in helping farmers in varied ways from crucial adverse weather-related news, and marketing to cattle management. Similar techdriven support will further improve the situation of farmers. One neglected area that needs urgent attention is agri-workforce skilling. It is not that nothing is happening in Indian agriculture. Considering the huge area under agriculture and various problems it is facing and the number of people depending on it, there are challenges galore. What is needed is a big push to expedite steps. Madhya Pradesh (MP) has shown how agriculture can progress during the tenure of Chouhan as Chief Minister. Foodgrain production in the state doubled in a decade growing at 9.2 per cent compounded annually. The Agri sector accounts for 47 per cent of the GSDP. Of every Rs 100 earned by the state, agriculture’s share grew from Rs 34 in 2010-11 to Rs 48 in 2021-22. Thus, going by MP’s agri sector performance over a decade one can say that Chouhan’s induction as agriculture minister is the right man in the right place to meet all challenges head-on. Dr Milind Kokje, Chief Editor [email protected] AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

10 POLICY NEWS YOUR VIEWS In a significant stride for India's fresh fruit export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples, comprising 8.7 metric tonnes (650 boxes) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The MD 2 pineapple, also known as "Golden Ripe" or "Super Sweet," has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry, with significant cultivation in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR CCARI) provided essential technical support for post-harvest management and development of sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple produced in the Sindhudurg district of the Konkan region in Maharashtra. A private firm successfully grew this variety on 200 acres in partnership with local farmers, ensuring optimal quality and yield. The harvested pineapples were meticulously graded, sorted, packed, and stored in Panvel, Navi Mumbai. Agri Ministry inks MoU to convert 10,000 FPOs into CSCs The Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is keeping close watch on the market price of wheat. In addition, suitable interventions, as warranted, shall be undertaken to ensure that there is no hoarding by unscrupulous elements and the price remains stable. During Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2024, the Department reported production of 112 million metric tonnes (MMT) of wheat. Food Corporation of India (FCI) has procured approximately 266 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat till June 11, 2024 during RMS 2024. After meeting the requirement for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other Welfare Schemes, which is approximately 184 LMT, sufficient stock of wheat will be available to undertake market interventions, as and when required. Centre keeps close watch over market price of wheat APEDA facilitates first consignment of MD 2 Pineapples to UAE An MoU between Common Services Centers Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV), one of the mission mode projects of the Digital India Programme and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare was signed to convert Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) registered under ‘Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs scheme’ into CSCs and help them to deliver citizencentric services. As per MoU, 10,000 FPOs will be converted into CSCs. CSC SPV will enable them to provide the services that are available on the Digital Seva Portal. Training and Capacity Building of FPOs will be done by CSCs. This initiative will give a new dimension to the movement of rural development and digital empowerment of the country. There will be an immense increase in agriculture related services of CSC. It will also help FPOs to become a nodal centre for providing various services like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS), Crop Insurance Scheme (PMFBY) and fertiliser and seed inputs. The CSC has always strived to improve the lives of people in rural areas through various initiatives. Farmers and agriculture are an integral part of this initiative. AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

POLICY NEWS POLICY NEWS 11 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com DD Kisan launches AI anchors - AI Krish and AI Bhoomi Second Advance estimates 352.23 MT of horticulture production in 2023-24 Doordarshan achieved another milestone as after 9 years of immense success, DD Kisan has come with a new look and a new style among the farmers of India on May 26, 2024, where the presentation of the channel is going to be in a new avatar. In this era of ‘Artificial Intelligence’, Doordarshan Kisan has become the first government TV channel of the country. Doordarshan Kisan has launched two AI anchors (AI Krish and AI Bhoomi). These news anchors are a computer, which are exactly like a human, or rather, these can work like a human. They can read news 24 hours and 365 days without stopping or getting tired. The farmer viewers will be able to see these anchors in all the states of the country from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and from Gujarat to Arunachal. These AI anchors will provide every necessary information about agricultural research happening in the country and global level, trends in agriculture mandis, changes in the weather or any other information of government schemes. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of area and production of various horticultural crops. The horticulture production in the country in 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates) is estimated to be about 352.23 million tonnes (MT), a decrease of about 32.51 lakh tonnes (0.91 per cent) over 2022-23 (Final Estimates). Increase in production of fruits, honey, flowers, plantation crops, spices and aromatics and medicinal plants is seen over 2023-24 (Final Estimates) whereas decrease in vegetables. The production of fruits is expected to reach 112.63 million tonnes, mainly due to increases in production of banana, lime/lemon, mango, guava and grapes. On the other hand, production of apple and pomegranate are expected to decrease as compared to 2022- 23. Production of vegetables is envisaged to be around 204.96 million tonnes. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released Third Advance Estimates of major agricultural crops for the year 2023-24. From the last agricultural year, the summer season has been segregated from Rabi season and incorporated in the Third Advance Estimates. Hence, this Advance Estimates of area, production and yield includes Kharif, Rabi & Summer season. Total foodgrain production is estimated at 3288.52 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), which is slightly lower than foodgrain production of 2022-23 while higher by 211.00 LMT from average foodgrain production of last 5 years (2018-19 to 2022-23) of 3077.52 LMT. Total rice production is estimated at 1367.00 LMT as compared to 1357.55 LMT in 2022-23, showing an increase of 9.45 LMT. Production of wheat is estimated at 1129.25 LMT which is higher by 23.71 LMT from previous year’s wheat production. Production of tur is estimated at 33.85 LMT which is marginally higher by 0.73 LMT from last year’s production of 33.12 LMT. Agri Ministry puts total foodgrain production estimates at 3288.52 LMT for FY 2023-24

12 FINANCE NEWS YOUR VIEWS Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL), one of India’s leading producers of industrial chemicals and fertilisers, announced its consolidated results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. During Q4 2024, DFPCL posted net profit of Rs 220 crore compared to Rs 257 crore in Q4 FY 2023, reflecting a decline of 14.7 per cent. On a QoQ basis, DFPCL’s Q4 PAT registered 262.8 per cent growth as PAT in Q3 FY24 stood at Rs 61 crore. In Q4 FY24, DFPCL has reported Operating Revenue of Rs 2,086 crore as compared to Operating Revenue of Rs 2,796 crore in Q3 FY23. The company’s Operating Revenue stood at Rs 1,853 crore in Q3 FY24. For the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024, DFPCL has posted net profit of Rs 457 crore as compared to Rs 1,221 crore for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023, reflecting a drop of 62.5 per cent. During FY 2024, the company posted Operating Revenue of Rs 8,676 crore as compared to Rs 11,301 crore resulting in a de-growth of 23.2 per cent. DFPCL posts net profit of Rs 457 Cr in FY 24, reflecting a drop of 62.5% Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), one of India’s leading crop protection and nutrition companies, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended March 31, 2024. Company’s revenue from operations stood at Rs 273 crore in Q4FY24 compared to Rs 302 crore in Q4FY23. Company has reported Rs 8 crore Profit After Tax (PAT) in Q4FY24 as against a loss of Rs (29) crore in Q4FY23. EBITDA stood at Rs 9 crore in Q4FY24 as against Rs 28 crore in Q4FY23. Company’s Net Revenues for FY24 stood at Rs 1,966 crore vs Rs 1,801 crore in FY23. Company’s B2C business revenue grew by 11 per cent leading to higher profitability. Strong growth of 27 per cent in value added product portfolio of ‘Maharatna’, which constitutes 59 per cent of B2C revenue in FY24. Company’s PAT for FY24 was at Rs 102 crore, registering a growth of 62 per cent; PAT margins expanded by 170 bps in FY24 marking a strong recovery in a challenging industry environment. Shree Renuka Sugars posts Rs 11,367.4 crore revenue in FY24, registering 25% growth over last year Insecticides (India)’s Net Profit crosses Rs 100 Cr in FY24 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Shree Renuka Sugars Limited – one of India’s largest sugar and green energy (ethanol and renewable power) producer and a subsidiary of Wilmar Sugar and Energy Pte Ltd (formerly known as Wilmar Sugar Holdings Pte Ltd) Singapore – has reported its financial performance for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2024. In FY24, the company posted 25 per cent growth in revenue from Rs 9,106.5 crore to Rs 11,367.4 crore. Company’s EBITDA for the year stood at Rs 756.0 crore, an increase of 5 per cent over the last year of Rs 719.6 crore. In FY24, the company strategically invested Rs 345.0 crore in Anamika to derisk the business geographically. Company’s Profit Before Tax Loss for the year widened to negative Rs 461.8 crore vs negative Rs 179.6 crore over the last year. In FY24, the company’s standalone revenue went up by 25 per cent from Rs 8,686.2 crore to Rs 10,898.1 crore. Company’s EBITDA for FY24 was sustained at last year’s levels – Rs 719.5 crore.

FINANCE NEWS POLICY NEWS 13 Dhanuka Agritech, one of the leading agri input companies in India, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The company recorded revenues of Rs 1758.54 crore for the period ended March 31, 2024, an increase of 3.4 per cent over the previous year of Rs 1700.22 crore. Company has posted Net Profit of Rs 239.09 crore in FY24 compared to Rs 233.51 crore in FY23 registering growth of 2.4 per cent. The company recently launched several products which will revolutionise the agricultural sector of the country. The products include LaNevo, MYCORe SUPER and Purge. Company mentioned that despite the year 2023 recording below-average rainfall (820 mm compared to the usual 868.6 mm) due to El Nino, prevailing volatile and challenging market conditions, the company performed reasonably well. Its new product offerings have received encouraging responses from the farming community. Praj Industries (Praj), announced its audited financial results for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2024. In Q4 FY24, company’s income from operations stood at Rs 1,018.56 crore (Q4 FY23: Rs 1,003.99 crore; Q3 FY24: Rs 828.63 crore). Company’s PBT is at Rs 123.02 crore (Q4 FY23: Rs 112.81 crore; Q3 FY24: Rs 91.92 crore). Company posted PAT of Rs 91.94 crore in Q4FY24 (Q4 FY23: Rs 88.12 crore; Q3 FY24: Rs 70.41 crore). Company’s order intake during the quarter Rs 924.0 crore. In FY 24 the company's income from operations stood at Rs 3,466.28 crore (FY23: Rs 3,528.04 crore). Company has posted PBT of Rs 377.46 crore in FY24 (FY23: Rs 318.73 crore). Company reported PAT of Rs 283.39 crore in FY24 (FY23: Rs 239.82 crore). The consolidated order backlog as on March 31, 2024 stood at Rs 3,855.0 crore (FY23 order backlog at Rs 3,414.0 crore). Company has successfully commissioned commercial scale CBG plants based on press mud and rice straw in FY 24. With this Praj now has proven commercial scale CBG projects operating on three key feedstocks namely- spent wash, press mud and rice straw. Praj Industries posts Rs 3,466.28 Cr revenue in FY24 Best Agrolife Limited, amongst India’s leading agrochemicals manufacturers, announced its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2024. Company’s Revenue from Operations declined by 46.68 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 135.39 crore in Q4 FY24 compared to Rs 253.91 crore in Q4 FY23, due to an unexpected seasonal failure, of Q3 and Q4 of FY24 as against normal seasonal conditions in same period last year, leading to lower-than-expected sales coupled with surge in sales returns. Q4 FY24 EBITDA (excluding Other Income) was a loss of Rs 67.10 crore against a profit of Rs 7.14 crore in Q4 FY23. Q4 FY24 PAT stood at a loss of Rs 72.49 crore against a loss of Rs 8.41 crore in Q4 FY23, caused by price erosion and company’s investments in brand building. Company’s Revenue from Operations grew by 7.31 per cent to Rs 1,873.32 crore in FY24 compared to Rs 1,745.68 crore in FY23. This is mainly due to significant growth in branded sales as compared to the previous corresponding period. Dhanuka Agritech FY24 net profit up by 2.4% to Rs 239.09 Cr Best Agrolife posts revenue Rs 1,873 Cr in FY2024 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

14 STARTUP NEWS YOUR VIEWS Fyllo secures $4M funding led by IndiaQuotient, SIDBI Ventures Agritech startup Fyllo has raised $4 million in a fresh funding round led by IndiaQuotient and SIDBI Ventures. Existing investors Triveni Trusts, IAN, and KIAORA participated in the round. Fyllo will use the funds to expand into new geographies and crops and develop more precision agriculture products. Global warming has led to significant climate change. It has reduced soil health and random attacks of diseases and pests have made agriculture uncertain. Through its precision agriculture platform, Fyllo has developed AI-based prediction models that can suggest good agri processes to farmers that bring about consistency in farm produce and quality. Company mentioned that it is seeing a surge in the adoption of precision agriculture. Farmers are using mobile phones to make 90 per cent of their decisions. With this funding, it would like to work even more closely with farmers, build new and better products, and expand its reach to farmers and other geographies. Superplum raises $15M in Series A funding round Agritech startup, Superplum, revolutionising the fresh fruit supply chain has raised $15 million in its Series A funding round to expand its business. The funding round was led by the company’s incoming chairman, Erik Ragatz, former Partner and current Senior Advisor of Hellman & Friedman. Ragatz joins a group of existing investors, including Mark Siegel, Dan Rose, Steve Jurvetson, Rick Kimball, Binny Bansal, and Kabir Misra. Apart from selling through Amazon Fresh, Zepto, Swiggy, and Blinkit, the startup also sells its products through major retail chains like Spar, Metro, Lulu, Modern Bazaar, More, and Trent, as well as hundreds of neighbourhood stores in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. The startup recently began marketing its branded, traceable products globally. With a worldclass supply chain, Superplum sees significant opportunities for premium Indian mangos, litchis, and other tropical fruits. Coromandel International increases stake in Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Agriculture solutions provider Coromandel International is acquiring an additional 7 per cent stake in Dhaksha Unmanned Systems for Rs 150 crore taking its shareholding in the Chennaibased drone maker to 58 per cent. The proceeds from the fund-raise will help Dhaksha strengthen research and development efforts, cater to servicing large orders and meeting working capital needs, Coromandel said on the acquisition through subsidiary Coromandel Technology. The investment in Dhaksha aligns with Coromandel’s vision of diversifying in technology spaces and promoting technology adoption across various spheres. Coromandel has been associated with Dhaksha from its startup stage, supporting the company on talent acquisition, R&D and scaling up production. Dhaksha has strengthened its technological capabilities in the past year, investing in research activities to develop new products and applications. AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

STARTUP NEWS POLICY NEWS 15 U.S. Soybean Export Council’s Pitch2Fork spotlights startups leading in protein innovation Right to Protein powered by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted its second Pitch2Fork program in Dubai, UAE. With a focus on innovations in the protein industry, this platform provided a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs across Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan to pitch their rising businesses to a panel of investors. Shortlisted companies that leveraged this unique opportunity included Gladful, Hello Tempayy, Poulta, and WeGro. Hello Tempayy, an innovative Indian startup reshaping tempeh production was awarded the Pitch2Fork 2024 trophy for ‘Protein Startup of the Year.’ With their user-friendly and flavourful offerings, Hello Tempayy is expanding the array of soyabased protein options available to consumers in India. While South Asia ranks as the fastestgrowing region in the world, it is challenged with meeting the rapidly growing demand for protein. Eeki plans to invest Rs 700 Cr to enhance domestic and global presence Drone Destination reports robust financial performance for FY23-24 Drone Destination India’s leading Drone-asa-Service provider and the largest Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) certified Drone Pilot Training company, announced its financial results for FY 23-24. The company has posted revenue of Rs 32.62 crore in FY 23-24. The company’s EBIDTA stood at Rs 13. 86 crore with margin of 41 per cent. The company reported Rs 9.48 crore Profit Before Tax (PBT) with margin of 29 per cent. Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at Rs 7.08 crore in FY23-24. Company mentioned that over the past year, its revenue has grown 2.7x to Rs 32.26 crore and its PAT has grown 2.76x to Rs 7.08 crore. The company continues to maintain a leadership position for Drone Training in India, and is proud to be part of the Namo Drone Didi scheme, having trained the highest number of Drone Didis in the country. Drone Destination won and successfully executed its first independent drone survey project for Government of Andhra Pradesh Land Records Department. It also forayed into Agri Drone Services in collaboration with IFFCO and executed over 28,000 Drone Demonstrations under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Eeki, a pioneering agritech startup cultivating nutritious vegetables in a sustainable manner, plans to invest Rs 700 crore over the next two years to scale up operations and enhance its domestic and global presence. The immediate expansion will take the company from Rajasthan and Haryana to Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and internationally into Oman. Eeki will also commence exports of vegetables to international markets including UAE, Singapore and Europe. Eeki’s technology produces 180 tonnes a year per acre, which is 18 times more than traditional farming. Eeki is the largest independent controlled environment farming company which will scale to 800 acres in the next two years. Eeki previously secured a Series A funding of $6.5 million from institutional investors including General Catalyst and Avaana Capital positioning the company to achieve its growth objectives. Eeki is already profitable and aims to achieve a revenue of $100 million in the next two years.

16 COVER YUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com The adoption of genome editing (GEd) for crop improvement has the potential to bring India into the epicenter of international trade in agricultural products, said an article published on Tata Cornell Institute’s website in May 2022. It explained the potential of the new technology of GEd - which differs little from genetic medication (GM) - that India can (and should) exploit for its agricultural development through crop improvement and also making the country a global seed hub. This is achievable since GEd can introduce desirable traits into crops. They include improved plant architecture, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrient use efficiency, which significantly can boost yield and reduce losses. An immensely promising new technology which can overcome the limitations of Genetic Engineering (GE) approach is set to revolutionise the global agriculture sector. “It offers multifaceted mechanisms for targeted and precise changes in the plant genome through targeted mutagenesis; gene knock-out and knockin; stacking; and modulation of translation,” said a research paper published in aBIOTECH in 2020. This innovative technology is also amenable to multiplexing thus providing opportunity for improvement of complex traits namely yield, input use efficiency, quality, climate resilience, photosynthetic efficiency at a rapid pace. As a result, it can enhance food security and improve farmers' livelihoods. Major advantages of gene-editing technology for crop improvement include reduced breeding time, precise trait modification without linkage drag, and the creation of novel genetic variations with substantially enhanced traits. These benefits will enable the seed industry to develop and deploy superior crop varieties and hybrids on a fast track for the benefit of farmers and the country. But considering the people’s apprehensions towards the gene related technologies for crop improvement it is crucial to understand the Genome editing technology has the potential to offer solutions to address various problems the Indian agriculture sector is facing – from climate change and disease pressure to high input cost and declining income of farmers. Rapidly increasing population is intensifying the gravity of the problems. Precise genetic modifications, leading to the development of superior crop varieties with improved traits in a short time frame is a solution in sight. In 2022, the Indian government exempted certain gene-edited plants from stringent biosafety regulations. SDN-1 and SDN-2 plants are thus freed from the cumbersome and time-consuming regulations currently imposed on the commercialisation of genetically modified transgenic crops. With this exemption, India's seed sector is making good efforts for enhancing crop productivity, nutritional value, and sustainability. However, for the development of gene-edited crops in India, seed industry requires infrastructure support, clear Intellectual Property Rights policies, investment in R&D and policy for technology licensing. Strengthening partnerships among academia, seed industry and government agencies will pave the way towards development of gene-edited crops in India. India Needs GEd to Usher in A New Agri Revolution

POLICY NEWS COVER 17 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com difference between GM and GEd so that the people will be able to make informed decisions. Though they appear to be the same, GM and GEd differ technically. GEd technology is a step ahead or a step apart from the GM technology. GM introduces novel configurations of genetic materials typically derived from other organisms. But GEd modifies existing material in ways that can yield beneficials outcomes. So, the main difference is that in GEd no genetic material is derived from other organisms and introduced. To look into it more technically, editing through Site Directed Nucleases (SDN)-1 and SDN-2 categories of nucleases either completely obliterate the need for integration or provide an easy way out for segregation of foreign DNA. That may help reduce the worry of those apprehensive of GM wherein genetic material from other organisms is mixed with our seeds. It will help overcome the safety apprehension of transgenic plants. GEd can help tailor elite crop varieties to withstand severe environmental conditions by making allelic changes similar to resistant and resilient wild relatives of the crop. Recognising its potential to improve the agriculture sector, the Indian government in January 2023 relaxed SDN-1 and SDN-2 mediated genome edited plants from an exhaustive biosafety and environmental safety assessment process defined in rules 1989 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 which is for genetically engineered organisms. That freed SDN-1 and SDN-2 from elaborate regulations as is the case with GM crops, making it the tool of choice for breeders. The move was the initial first step to encourage research and innovation which is essential to exploit the technology. Research is expected to help in gene discovery, functional genomics and product development, all ultimately leading to crop improvement. The exemption has encouraged considerable investment in research. Several labs have shown promising outcomes and are stepping up their research further ahead to advance stages. This is expected to enable commercialisation of the new products. The simplicity and economics of the process allows it to be adopted for smaller crops, promoting regional agricultural development. This is unlike genetic modification that are expensive to deregulate and hence are adopted for crop improvements in global crops. This technology can also reduce reliance on chemical inputs, such as herbicides and fertilisers, contributing to more eco-friendly farming practices. By enhancing crop resilience and performance, gene-editing supports the goal of doubling farmers’ income, a key objective of Indian agricultural policy. But, besides the benefit to individual farmers in his/her income, GEd is also beneficial to other parts of the agri sector. It holds substantial promise for the growth of the seed sector in India. By utilising various techniques of gene editing, the plant breeders can precisely modify crop genomes to enhance desirable traits such as yield, pest resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional content. These advancements can significantly improve agricultural productivity and sustainability, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and food security. Gene-editing is an advantageous tool for plant breeding as it allows for the rapid inclusion of desirable features and development of new crop varieties compared to traditional breeding methods that require multiple generations, thereby accelerating the introduction of improved seeds to the market. It not only facilitates newer varieties to be produced quickly by cutting down on time, labour and costs compared to genetic modification but also will aid to develop high yielding, nutrient rich, disease resistant, herbicide tolerant and other abiotic stress tolerant varieties of crops and can significantly reduce input costs of farmers. Scientists are planting a CRISPR/Cas9-modified rice variety in test fields across India after a recent relaxation of regulations on gene-edited crops. The shift allows field trials of crops developed through gene-editing processes SDN-1 and SDN-2, which alter plant traits by making edits in the gene without adding any new genetic material. An Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) will oversee the progress of the crops and will certify that geneedited crops are free of foreign DNA before their commercial release. Current status of Gene-editing tech A type of gene editing, known as CRISPR, is anticipated to accelerate the product development pipeline for seed companies and reduce costs, compared to the development of transgenic plants. With seed companies now poised to leverage gene editing technology to develop new varieties, there is likely to be a spurt of technology licensing activities. Both public and private sector organisations in India have been engaged in the research and development of gene-edited crops even in the absence of a regulatory policy that would support

18 COVER YUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com their release for commercial use. Indian public sector research laboratories are already using gene editing to develop a number of improved crop varieties, including nutritionally improved oil seeds; rice and maize that can tolerate drought stress; beta carotene-rich banana; high oleic and low linoleic acid ground nuts; blast-resistant rice; high-yielding rice that is nitrogen- and water use-efficient; low-phytate rice; anthracnose-resistant pepper; and biotic and abiotic stress-tolerant tomato. These advances reflect a surge in scientific research and innovation in plant genome editing. Public sector research laboratories nationwide are actively engaged in initiatives to address agricultural challenges and enhance crop resilience through cutting-edge genetic technologies. Private companies are also collaborating with research institutes for developing new crop varieties. The adoption of genome editing for crop improvement has the potential to bring India into the epicenter of international trade in agricultural products. It will also provide great opportunities for the government to push toward making India a global seed hub. While speaking about the status of gene editing technology in the Indian agriculture sector, Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India said, “Public sector has taken a lead in bringing forth gene edited crops. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is in the process of field evaluation of gene edited rice varieties that are high yielding and drought tolerant. Vitamin A-enhanced banana and improved mustard are also in the pipeline. Globally, many gene edited crops are being cultivated or tested including tomato, salad greens, corn, wheat, rice, etc. Indian seed companies are also in the process of developing improved crops using gene editing in vegetables and row crops. The apprehension regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection and enforcement remains as a deterrent for the industry.” Private seed industry players in India have also started the R & D process for developing new varieties of crops using gene -editing technology. “We are currently in the exploratory stage and our major target crops for the application of Geneediting technology would be Rice, Cotton and Mustard for yield and other economically important traits,” said Dr M Ramasami, Founder, Rasi Seeds, about the latest progress of gene-edited crops. Gurmukh Roopra, CEO, Namdhari's Group elaborated on the potential and use of Gene-editing tech in India. He said, “We are committed to exploring a comprehensive range of breeding tools and technologies. Our focus is on identifying those that can effectively mitigate the growing challenges faced by farmers and contribute positively to the overall agricultural ecosystem. Crucially, we ensure all such tools adhere to the established regulatory and compliance frameworks.” Challenges in adoption & commercialisation Globally, the United States and China are leading in genome editing research, with significant studies focusing on major crops like rice, tomato, maize, and wheat. In India, genome editing research is limited and concentrated on a few crops. Several countries have accepted selective gene edited crops and non-GMOs on account of absence of any foreign DNA. Gene edited high GABA tomatoes in Japan and high oleic acid soybean in the USA have already been commercialised in the very shortest possible time span. China, the leader in wheat production, has granted approval for gene edited wheat varieties with enhanced resistance to disease. In India, the government has given its guidelines for release of Gene-edited crops falling under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories with minimal regulatory requirements, this will enable for the adoption of Gene-editing technology for crop improvement in India. However, there are few constraints, which include the lack of comprehensive genomic and functional genomic information of crops, difficulties in technology licensing and lack of clarity about the Intellectual Property (IP) Protection of Gene-editing derived products. The adoption and commercialisation of geneedited seeds in India require a multi-faceted approach involving several key inputs such as awareness campaigns about gene-edited crops for farmers, consumers and industry stakeholders, access to high-quality genomic data and bioinformatics resources. Way forward The way forward of adoption and commercialisation of gene editing is, of course, filled with challenges. “We need to build on our science-based regulations for gene editing that provide clarity on various steps in the process of development and jurisdiction of the various regulatory bodies,” pointed out Raghavan

“Clear IPR policies are needed to protect innovations in geneediting while ensuring fair access and benefit-sharing. This will encourage investment in the development of new crop varieties. Strengthening partnerships between academia, industry, government agencies, and international organisations will facilitate knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and coordinated efforts in advancing gene-editing technologies.” Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India “Independent and robust studies demonstrating the efficacy and benefits of new technologies and tools have demonstrably facilitated faster adoption in numerous countries. Government fostering innovation through targeted incentives and a supportive framework is another crucial element. This ensures the continued development of promising technologies that can ultimately address national challenges like food security and safety.” Gurmukh Roopra, CEO, Namdhari's Group “The lack of a clear IP policy for seeds acts as a deterrent to R&D investment by the seed industry. Formulating a comprehensive seed strategy, including clear guidelines on patents and Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA), is essential to encourage investment and innovation in genome editing technologies in the Indian agriculture sector.” -Dr M Ramasami, Founder, Rasi Seeds POLICY NEWS COVER 19 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Sampathkumar. He added, “Public education campaigns are needed to inform farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders about the technology as an extension of plant breeding, its benefits and the safety of edited crops. Building trust and dispelling myths about gene-editing will be essential for widespread adoption.” Investment in infrastructure for geneediting research and development is necessary. This includes state-of-the-art laboratories, and greenhouses. Additionally, access to high-quality genomic data and bioinformatics resources is important for effective gene-editing. This includes financial incentives for startups and small companies engaged in gene-editing research. The public sector has taken the lead in editing key crops in India and can continue to provide support to small and medium enterprises of the seed sector. Raghavan Sampathkumar also added that clear IPR policies are needed to protect innovations in gene-editing while ensuring fair access and benefit-sharing. This will encourage investment in the development of new crop varieties. Strengthening partnerships between academia, industry, government agencies, and international organisations will facilitate knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and coordinated efforts in advancing gene-editing technologies. While emphasising the need of formulating seed strategy for R&D and investment in gene-editing technology in India, Dr M Ramasami said, “While genome editing technology is freely available to academic institutions for research and development purposes, its licensing for commercial use poses significant challenges. Government support and subsidies for accessing this technology through centralised platforms could facilitate broader adaptation and innovation in the industry. The lack of a clear IP policy for seeds acts as a deterrent to R&D investment by the seed industry. Formulating a comprehensive seed strategy, including clear guidelines on patents and Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA), is essential to encourage investment and innovation in genome editing technologies in Indian agriculture sector.” Gurmukh Roopra opined that public perception plays a pivotal role in shaping policy landscapes. Independent and robust studies demonstrating the efficacy and benefits of new technologies and tools have demonstrably facilitated faster adoption in numerous countries. India's seed sector can effectively reach a milestone in the development, adoption, and commercialisation of new varieties of gene-edited crops with government support and subsidies for gene-editing technology accessible through centralised platforms, formulation of a comprehensive seed strategy, including clear guidelines on patents and the PVPA. India can achieve the leading position in the global market with the help of access to high-quality genomic data and bioinformatics resources, financial incentives for startups and small companies engaged in geneediting research. All these steps are required along with the necessary pace. Otherwise, the world will go ahead with the GEd and missing the GEd bus may cost Indian agriculture a heavy price. Dipti Barve [email protected]

K C BANSAL, Adjunct Professor, The Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6190, Australia; Former Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR), New Delhi; Former Secretary, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India Future of GEd tech in Indian Agriculture It has been projected that to meet the future food requirements in India, we need to increase our food production from the current level of 330 MT to 520 MT by 2050. Increasing crop yields remains a primary objective and high-yielding varieties of staple crops such as rice, wheat, maize, millets, pulses, and oilseeds are constantly developed to meet the growing demand for food. However, since the 1990s, the average annual increases in yields of major crops have decreased as compared to the 1960s. Also, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) analysis, average crop productivity levels of staple food crops and fruits and vegetables are significantly less in India than in the USA and China. Furthermore, frequent occurrence of extreme weather events like floods, cyclones, droughts, heat waves, etc. is adversely impacting Indian agriculture. The number of such events have increased over the past five decades from 50 in 1971-1980 to more than 100 during 2011-2020. In light of these crucial developments, let's take a closer look at gene editing (GEd) technology adoption in agriculture in the country. 20 COVER YOUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Plant breeding is absolutely necessary for improving food and nutritional security globally. It has been shown that more than 50 per cent of crop productivity gains so far are attributed to improved crop varieties. Hence, it is important that efforts are made to significantly improve the genetics of crops to further increase yield and its stability across environments, and to overcome the adverse impact of dwindling natural resources

POLICY NEWS COVER 21 Genome editing can contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource use efficiency and developing crops that produce higher yields with fewer inputs, reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. Essentially, genome-edited crops need to be developed with traits like efficient nutrient uptake, and enhanced nitrogen, water and radiation use efficiency for optimising resource utilisation. Geneediting technology has been successfully used to significantly increase oil content in a yellow-seeded variety of Camelina sativa, a close relative of canola (Brassica napus). This opens us possibilities to engineer Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and other indigenous oilseed crops to increase domestic edible oil production and reduce our import dependency. AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com and emerging pests and diseases on crop production. In this context, it is paramount that we harness the full potential of CRISPR-based genome editing for genetically improving crops for increasing productivity and adaptation to the fast-changing climate. Globally, application of gene editing is all set to play a pivotal role in ushering the next revolution in agriculture. Enabling policy environment and science-driven regulatory framework already in place in several countries worldwide, including India have facilitated addressing global challenges related to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture through the use of CRISPR-based genome editing. On March 30, 2022, the Government of India announced exemption of the genome edited plants falling under the categories of SDN-1 and SDN-2, which are free of exogenous introduced DNA, from the provisions of the Rules, 1989 (Rules 7-11) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. CRISPR-mediated genome editing is a revolutionary and powerful technology that allows precise modifications in native genes of plants significantly speeding up the process of developing new crop varieties with desirable traits. Thus, genome editing holds tremendous promise and potential to revolutionise crop breeding by accelerating genetic improvement of crops and transforming agriculture to be more productive, sustainable and resilient to the challenges posed by adverse weather events. While several genome-edited crops with improved traits such as high-oleic soybean in USA, tomato with increased gammaaminobutyric acid and high-starch maize in Japan, pungency-free mustard green in USA, fungal resistant wheat in China, and reduced browning banana for the Philippines have already been approved or commercialised, concerted efforts are needed for transforming the Indian agriculture to make it a climate smart and sustainable system as the most viable option for adoption by farmers by 2030 using genome-edited supplemented plant breeding. Importantly, two rice events developed by Indian researchers, one with higher water use efficiency, and the other with higher grain yield are undergoing All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) field trials under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with encouraging results. More network projects are in progress with recent funding by the Government of India to the tune of Rs 500 crore to apply genome editing to a range of crops, which includes 24 field crops and 15 horticultural crops, and allied sectors. Future of Genome Editing Crop breeding efforts need to be strengthened by deploying genome editing tools for developing climate resilient varieties with inbuilt tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, and flooding to help mitigate yield losses and stabilise agricultural production under adverse environmental conditions. Genome editing has shown promise in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in paddy. Emphasis to be given on developing crop varieties with reduced GHG emissions. Not only methane emission from paddy fields, reducing nitrous oxide emission from the nitrogenfertilised agricultural soils need to be paid immediate attention. Nitrous oxide is much more potent than methane or CO2 in deriving a rise in temperature. Also, applying genome editing for early maturity traits will enable crops to thrive in variable climatic conditions. Additionally, climate resilience can be achieved by developing CO2- responsive crops to sustain higher productivity under a CO2-rich, warmer climate by multiplex

22 YOUR VIEWS COVER AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com gene editing. Knocking out genes to reduce stomatal density for maintaining photosynthesis and enhancing water conservation in rice has been demonstrated by researchers. Moreover, recent demonstration of achieving a key step in the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in rice by genome editing will boost the confidence of researchers to develop crops for capturing atmospheric CO2 more efficiently. Genome editing can contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource use efficiency and developing crops that produce higher yields with fewer inputs, reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. Essentially, genomeedited crops need to be developed with traits like efficient nutrient uptake, and enhanced nitrogen, water and radiation use efficiency for optimising resource utilisation. Another avenue of future research is to reduce our reliance on synthetic nitrogenous fertilisers by engineering crops such as cereals, oilseeds and millets, and non-leguminous crops including fruit and vegetable crops to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Towards achieving this goal, recent progress reported in the production of biofilms in the soil bacteria by certain chemicals produced by the genome-edited plants is a wonderful example to successfully fix atmospheric nitrogen to sustain soil fertility. More recently, gene-editing technology has been successfully used to significantly increase oil content in a yellow-seeded variety of Camelina sativa, a close relative of canola (Brassica napus). Enhancing nutritional quality of staple crops through gene editing is gaining importance to address malnutrition and dietary deficiencies. Emphasis needs to be placed on developing biofortified varieties rich in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin A, and protein, particularly in staple crops consumed widely by the population. More protein rich foods are needed today in the light of the recent survey, which shows that more than 80 per cent Indians suffer protein deficiency. In this regard, we need to hasten developing genome-edited pulses with increased productivity and enhanced protection from diseases and insect pests. This opens us possibilities to engineer Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and other indigenous oilseed crops to increase domestic edible oil production and reduce our import dependency. Enhancing nutritional quality of staple crops through gene editing is gaining importance to address malnutrition and dietary deficiencies. Emphasis needs to be placed on developing biofortified varieties rich in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin A, and protein, particularly in staple crops consumed widely by the population. More protein rich foods are needed today in the light of the recent survey, which shows that more than 80 per cent Indians suffer protein deficiency. In this regard, we need to hasten developing genome-edited pulses with increased productivity and enhanced protection from diseases and insect pests. Additionally, improving traits such as texture, taste, and shelf life is critical to meet consumer preferences and enhance market competitiveness. This is particularly relevant for export-oriented crops such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. Recent advancements in genome editing allows edits in multiple genes simultaneously (multiplex editing) or large-scale chromosome engineering for genetically improving some key quantitative agronomic traits including photosynthesis, plant architecture and yield. Sustainable & Resilient Agriculture CRISPR-mediated plant genome editing represents a powerful tool offering opportunities to address global food security challenges while promoting sustainable and resilient agriculture. Continued research and development are crucial to harnessing the full potential of this technology and requires trained personnel, adequate infrastructure and institutional support. More importantly, investment in genome editing for research, as well as, capacity building, tailored to the country’s needs, will be essential for building climate resilience, minimising the negative impact of agriculture on environment, protecting soil health, conserving water, curtailing the use of synthetic fertilisers and other agrochemicals, promoting long-term sustainability of agricultural production, enhancing rural livelihoods, ensuring well-being of small-holder farmers and promoting inclusive economic growth.

THEMINISTRY in action of Agriculture, Agrifood and FORESTRY

Production and processing of agricultural products Economic development, business competitiveness, environmental and regional performance, risk protection, economic organisation, quality signs SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL, FOOD AND FORESTRY SECTORS AND RURAL AREAS THE CORE TASKS OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, AGRIFOOD AND FORESTRY Sustainable management of forests and their products Multifunctional forest management, sector competitiveness, adding value to wood, prevention of fire, restoration of mountain land CONTENTS AGRIFOOD FRANCE’S LEADING INDUSTRIAL SECTOR P.4 A MINISTRY COMMITTED TO COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE P.6 THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY 2014-2020 A REFORMED, FAIRER CAP BETTER FOR JOBS AND LIVESTOCK FARMING P.7 MAKING AGROECOLOGY A FORCE FOR FRANCE P.8 MANAGING FORESTSSUSTAINABLY FOR A COMPETITIVE WOOD SECTOR P.10 PUBLIC POLICY ON FOOD MAKING OUR MODEL FOR FOOD A STRENGTH FOR THE FUTURE P.12 SANITARY SAFETY FROM FIELD TO FORK P.14 ADDING VALUE TO PRODUCTS P.15 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & TRAINING A 100% NATURAL FUTURE P.16 HIGHER EDUCATION IN AGRICULTURAL, VETERINARY & LANDSCAPE SCIENCES P.17 A MINISTRY CLOSE TO USERS USER SERVICES, ONLINE PROCEDURES P.18 SOCIAL PROGRESS IMPROVING PROTECTION FOR FARMERS P.19 Document produced by the delegation for information and communication. February 2016. Photos © Thinkstock, except p. 11 © Xavier Remongin/Min.agri.fr

3 FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY; ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGRICULTURAL TRAINING & RESEARCH Five statutory tasks  Training (generalist, technical and vocational, initial and continuous)  Participation in energising and developing the regions  Contributions to integration in school, society and work  Contributions to the development of agriculture, experimentation and innovation  Participation in international cooperation Policy on horses, equestrian businesses and racing Economic development of the sector, regional integration, oversight of racing Rural development and dynamism Development focuses for agriculture, relations with non-profit associations Employment legislation and social protection in farming Policy on food The safety of food for health, hygienic production and processing conditions; combating food waste, improvement of the market offering in food; promotion of the French sanitary system Protection of plant health Plant health, national biological surveillance (including woodland health); balanced use of inputs; plant breeding resources Animal health and protection Definition and oversight of regulatory controls (land and aquatic livestock health; feedstuffs; animal welfare); livestock identification and traceability; veterinary pharmacy; surveillance FR 01-001-001 CE Leadership and management of all agricultural training Public technical training and education in agriculture; private agricultural training; higher agricultural and veterinary education Leadership and definition of policy on research

4 agrifood: FRANCE’S LEADING INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AN industrial SOLUTION smart food Nine industrial solutions for nine high-priority markets:  regaining competitiveness in the meat trades;  opening up the market in functional foodstuffs;  making a mark in the packaging of the future;  becoming the leader for sustainable refrigeration;  guaranteeing food & beverage quality and safety;  integrating digital tools;  building an industry of global reference in enzymes and proteins;  adopting a structured approach to go out and conquer global markets. New schemes to help enterprises become more competitive  A tax measure allowing extra depreciation allowances for productive assets.  Measures to reduce social charges in the “responsibility pact”, notably the tax credit for competitiveness and employment (CICE).  Tax credits for research and innovation (CIR/CII).  Introduction of the investment programme for the future (PIA) via the agricultural and agrifood projects for the future (P3A) programme promoted by FranceAgrimer with funding of €150m.  BpiFrance’s thematic call for projects relating to functional and custom foods, with funding of €20m.  Calls for projects from the official environmental and energy saving agency (ADEME). 16,220 168.9 57.2 AGRIFOOD GENERATES FRANCE’S THIRD LARGEST TRADE SURPLUS – €9.1 BILLION IN 2014 – AFTER THE AVIATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES in 2013, excluding craft commerce in 2014

5 BEVERAGES, WINES AND SPIRITS ARE FRANCE’S BIGGEST EXPORT PRODUCTS 5.6% OF THE WORLD’S AGRIFOOD EXPORTS COME FROM FRANCE The agrifood sector contract covers 720,000 employees and over 72,000 establishments (agrifood manufacturing, cooperatives and craft food retailers). This action plan, which is shared between central government, regional authorities and the sector itself, is structured around five themes:  jobs;  finance and innovation;  the green challenge;  exports, quality and promoting the French food model;  in-sector relations. A SECTOR THAT IS RECRUITING Agrifood sector actors have increased the commitments they gave in the sector contract in 2013 under a new agreement for the development of agrifood sector skills and jobs unveiled in October 2015. NEW TARGETS FOR THE PERIOD 2014-2016:  RECRUITMENT OF 100,000EMPLOYEES ON PERMANENT CONTRACT (+10,000), INCLUDING 50% UNDER-30s AND 5.5% OVER-50s;  RECRUITMENT OF 170,000 YOUNG PEOPLE ON PROFESSIONALISATION AND APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS (+20,000). Alongside this, by supporting training programmes the food industry jobs charter, which has been renewed for 2015-2016 with total funding of €15m, helps develop employment, contributes to anticipation and assistance for economic change and enhances the sector’s attractiveness. 434,700 EMPLOYEES in 2013 not including craft commerce

6 A MINISTRY COMMITTED TO COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE Farming and forestry can contribute between 20 and 60% to potential mitigation of GHG emissions over the period to 2030. Preservation of farmland and pastures can save 8-10 million tonnes of CO2. Changes to farming methods can save 12-15 million tonnes of CO2 through livestock farming (covers for slurry pits, biogas flares, methanisation, feed), fertiliser use (precise input dosage, organic nitrogen), and carbon storage in soils (soil cover, simpler working of the soil, longer crop rotations). In order to respond to the issues posed by climate and food security, the 4 per 1,000 initiative was launched by Stéphane Le Foll during COP21 and is part of the Lima-Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) organised by the Ministry. The 4/1,000 Initiative: soils for food security and climate: If the quantity of carbon held in the soil can be increased by 0.4% every year, the annual increase of CO2 in the atmosphere can be halted.  4p1000.org the Paris agreement * 196 “parties” signed the Paris Agreement (195 countries and the European Union). * A historic agreement: after the disappointment of Copenhagen in December 2009, it is the first binding global agreement on the climate. * A universal agreement: the 196 parties undertook to confront climate change as well as bringing the commitments given by the major emerging nations closer to those of the developed world. * An agreement for the long term intended to stand the test of time. Only the contributions will be updated regularly. The commitments given by countries will be renegotiated every five years on the basis of an evaluation of the thencurrent status of the collective effort. * An ambitious agreement: the parties are bound to revise their commitments upwards in order to be able to keep rises in global temperatures well below 2°C and to seek to limit rises to 1.5°C. * The Paris Agreement encourages countries to reduce their emissions and to conserve and expand their carbon sinks, including the agriculture and forestry sectors.

THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY 2014-2020, A REFORMED, FAIRER CAP, BETTER FOR JOBS AND LIVESTOCK FARMING A priority: defending livestock farming using levers to focus support more effectively one BILLION EUROS REDIRECTED TO LIVESTOCK FARMING OVER THE PERIOD TO 2019 SUPPORTFROM A PROTECTED BUDGET FOR FRANCE €9.1bn a year over the period 2014-2020 (compared with €9.3bn in 2013), which means €64bn for French farmers over the next seven years. HELPINGFARMING SYSTEMS THROUGH THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION ▶ A doubling of the budget for agroenvironmental measures. ▶ A doubling of the budget for organic production. ENCOURAGINGYOUNG PEOPLE TO SET UP IN FARMINGS ▶ 1% of 1st pillar support – €75m – for direct support to 10,000 new farmers. ▶ Another €25m from the 2nd pillar for the scheme to support new entrants. REDUCING DISPARITIES BETWEEN FARMERS BY LEAVING HISTORICAL REFERENCES BEHIND Staged convergence of support payments, reaching 70% in 2019, with a 30% cap on individual losses linked to convergence. INTRODUCTION OF A PLAN FOR FARM COMPETITIVENESS AND ADAPTATION This plan will target livestock housing in particular. ▶ At least €200m a year from the EU, the French government and those local authorities wishing to contribute. ▶ This will double the current funding envelope. IMPROVING RISK PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENTS The necessary funds will be taken from the 1st pillar. SUPPORTING ACTIVITY AND EMPLOYMENT ON ALL FARMS ▶ Extra support payments for the first 52 hectares. ▶ Gradual implementation over the period 2015-2018 up to an envelope equal to 20% of 1st pillar support. IMPROVING SUPPORTFOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION THROUGH COUPLED SUPPORT PAYMENTS An increase in “coupled support” from 10% to 15% of the 1st pillar budget, going to animal production as a priority: ▶ maintenance of the budget for current livestock support payments; ▶ introduction of a dairy cow premium; ▶ Plus 2% – €150m – for the development of fodder selfsufficiency on farms through support for plant protein production (lucerne, protein crops, etc.). All of which means an extra €250m for the benefit of livestock farming. ENHANCINGSUPPORT FOR FARMING IN LESS FAVOURED AREAS ▶ A 15% increase in the compensatory allowance for permanent natural handicaps (ICHN) from 2014. ▶ Simplification through inclusion of an amount equivalent to the agrienvironment grassland premium (PHAE) in the ICHN allowance from 2015 on. ▶ Eligibility granted to milk producers in all geographical areas. All of which means an additional envelope of €300m every year at the end of the period, reaching €1.1bn a year. 7

8 MAKING AGROECOLOGY A FORCEFOR FRANCE FARMERS ADOPTING AND APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF AGROECOLOGY ARE COMBINING ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL HIGH PERFORMANCE. The 12 keys to agroecology: Training for farmers Agroecology means developing and rolling out new crop and livestock farming methods. With the “Teaching to Produce Differently” action plan, agricultural training and education has equipped itself with the means to prepare farmers for a more sustainable, more effective approach to production. Developing and leading collective projects It is essential to stop looking at each field separately and to see a farm as a whole, adopting a holistic approach in which activities are mutually complementary and imbalances offset each other. In this way, agroecology draws all its strength from a collective approach and shared projects. Something now accomplished with the creation of the Economic And Environmental Interest Grouping (EEIG). Fostering natural mechanisms that combat the enemies of crops Phytosanitary products (pesticides) help protect agricultural production. The purpose of the Ecophyto plan is to reduce their use. They can be backed or replaced by natural mechanisms. Rather than eradicating pests, biocontrol helps manage the balances between them. Advising farmers The importance of assistance to farmers provided by development actors and networks is crucial to change in French farming. Those actors need to move towards agroecology in order to provide farmers with effective advice for the transition. The agroecology diagnostic tool for holdings has been provided to achieve exactly that.

9 Assisting transition French agriculture is governed by EU regulations and supported by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In 2015 a new CAP framework was defined at EU level for the following five years. Working within EU rules, France has set out to make use of the available room for manoeuvre to focus the various support schemes on benefiting agroecology projects for farming in France. Involving and mobilising sectors and regions If the transition to agroecology on French farms is to be successful, it will require implementation of collective projects involving farmers and others in their regions, plus the development of synergies between farmers. The agroecology transition must be extended beyond agriculture by organisations present in the regions, local government authorities in particular. Selecting the right seed An appropriate choice of crops for the prevailing climatic conditions, the soil and the needs of the first agrarian communities enabled farming to develop. French farming systems and the wide variety of crops testify to a constant concern to identify species and varieties ever more precisely suited to the demands and constraints of production. That is the goal of the Sustainable Agriculture and Seeds plan. Encouraging organic farming Organic agriculture is a mode of production protective of the environment that helps maintain water quality, soil fertility and biodiversity. It is fully part of the agroecology project for France. Reducing the use of veterinary antibiotics Antibiotics are currently used to treat bacterial infections in both human and veterinary medicine. The purpose of the Ecoantibio plan is to combat inappropriate use on livestock in order to reduce the risk of resistance to antibiotics. Enriching the soil Conserving soil carbon content and restoring or improving degraded farmland soil are issues key to meeting the threefold challenge posed by food security, the adaptation of food systems and populations to climate disruption and the mitigation of anthropic emissions. Such is the issue underlying the 4 per 1,000 Initiative. Encouraging beekeeping Beekeeping is an essential component of agriculture because a third of everything we eat would not exist if bees were to disappear. France has everything it needs to be a great beekeeping nation if action is taken simultaneously to ensure good health for these peerless pollinators, the biodiversity essential for their environment and an effective structure for the beekeeping sector. Using tree to improve production Putting nature’s resources to the best possible use without abusing them means adopting agroforestry, enabling the cohabitation on farmland of the usual forms of production (crops, livestock) with trees. By using all available space and resources, this range of farming techniques can improve farmland yields and thereby farm productivity.

10 31% of metropolitan France EUROPE’S3RD LARGEST AREA OF WOODLAND 16 million hectares in metropolitan France 8.5 million hectares in France’s overseas territories MANAGING FORESTSSUSTAINABLY FOR A COMPETITIVEWOOD SECTOR 138 TREE SPECIES Deciduous trees, of which three species predominate (oak, beech and chestnut) account for two-thirds of all stands. 3 CATEGORIES OF OWNER Central government, local government authorities and private owners (the majority: 74% of all woodland). SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENTWOOD MATERIALENERGY

11 A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES  Affirmation of a new sector dynamic.  Application of public and private funding to build a competitive market offering.  Use of immediately available and structurally effective levers obedient to a coherent policy for integrated sector development and enterprise support.  Undertaking structural changes in the sector without delay, via the Strategic Wood Sector Committee of the National Industrial Council, to enable development of more competitive market supply. Economic, Environmental and Forestry Interest Groupings make it easier for willing woodland owners to act collectively THE STRATEGIC FORESTRY AND WOOD FUND finances projects for investment, research, development and innovation and will provide support for the policy focuses of the future national programme for forestry and wood. THE FORESTRY-WOOD SECTOR REPRESENTS TURNOVER OF 60 BILLION EUROS AND MORE THAN 440,000 JOBS

12 PUBLIC POLICY ON FOOD Social justice Providing access for all to sufficient quantities of high-quality food, notably by facilitating food donation. Fostering social integration or reintegration based around food. Improving the quality of the market offering in food for everybody. Combating food waste Encouraging supermarkets to donate food products to charities. Acting to educate young people in combating waste using appropriate teaching materials. Conducting an awareness-raising campaign via social media. Acting to combat food waste in hospitals and medico-social facilities. Mobilising all actors in the food supply chain around a national anti-waste pact. Supporting local programmes and initiatives. Dietary education for the young Educating children for an appropriate and diversified diet. Ensuring ongoing improvement in children’s dietary choices. Recreating the links with the origins of the foods people eat, restoring the perceived value of foodstuffs. Providing educational teams with appropriate teaching materials. Rooting institutional catering in its region and prioritising local procurement Facilitating projects that encourage local procurement of high-quality products for institutional catering. Provision of all forms of available financial support at national and EU levels to match each stage in the building of local projects relevant to local procurement. Supporting deployment of regional food projects. MAKING OUR MODEL FOR FOOD A STRENGTH FOR THE FUTURE four PRIORITY FOCUSES FOR ACTION

food donations TWO TOOLS TO MAKE FOOD DONATIONS EASIER: an information document listing all the ways food can be donated to non-profit associations and setting out the relevant tax incentives, plus – in order to facilitate contacts with donors – an online map of associations officially approved to receive donations.  aidealimentairepna.cartographie.pro TAX REBATES FOR DONATIONS FROM THE INDUSTRY: “Following on from milk in 2013 and eggs in 2014, we have worked to ensure the availability of this option for fruit, vegetables and potatoes in order to enhance the incentives for farmers to donate their products. Helping the community’s most disadvantaged members is an essential demonstration of solidarity at a time when every year four million people use food banks either occasionally or regularly.” Stéphane le Foll, Minister of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry 13 THE 6WASTE-BUSTING ACTIONS 1 “Manger c’est bien, jeter ça craint” (Love Food, Hate Waste): the public commits to mobilising those around them by promoting a web campaign to reduce food waste. 2 Supermarket chains and processors undertake to sell just the right quantities. 3 Non-profit associations undertake to expand food collection and redistribution. 4 Institutional caterers undertake to link up producers with buyers by creating online platforms. 5The national wholesale markets undertake to recover unsold foodstuffs and recycle them via food banks. 6 Municipal authorities undertake to facilitate collection of foodstuffs. FOOD WASTE The ministry has set up a national pact to combat food waste. A national steering committee bringing together all actors in the food supply chain (farming and industry unions, interbranch bodies, agricultural and agrifood federations, retailers, caterers and restaurants) has put forward concrete measures. “A fruit for playtime” is a programme 76%-funded by the European Union for the distribution of fruit to children at primary and secondary levels. Starting with the 2015-2016 school year the programme will move on to supporting purchases of fruit and vegetables. The attractiveness of the scheme has been enhanced for both local government and suppliers by introducing flat-rate funding and teaching support measures.

14 in production working with growers, fishermen and livestock farmers IN PROCESSING working with cooperatives, dairy manufacturers, slaughterhouses and manufacturers of meatand fish-based products and feedstuffs IN RETAIL DISTRIBUTION transport, warehousing, institutional catering and restaurants, plus retail outlets AT NATIONAL BORDERs for imported and exported livestock, plants and foodstuffs WHERE ARE CHECKS CARRIED OUT? Checks on farms On farms, checks on crop health, use of plant protection products and compliance with regulations. On livestock farms, identification of the animals, their diet and the use of veterinary medication, application of animal welfare rules and efforts to combat livestock diseases, with help from sanitary veterinarians. Checks at France’s borders Foodstuffs and products of animal origin, live animals, plants and plant products from countries outside the European Union on arrival in ports and airports. A document check (sanitary certificates) and a visual inspection (appearance, presence of parasites, temperature) plus laboratory testing where necessary. If the results of the checks are unfavourable the products are destroyed or entry denied. Checks on slaughterhouses Constant inspections are carried out in slaughterhouses on the following: food safety for health and hygiene; animal protection and welfare; traceability; absence of contaminants. Checks on premises Inspections are carried out in the premises of food manufacturers, restaurants and markets to verify food hygiene, the integrity of the cold chain, cleaning procedures and staff training. food safety from field to fork France’s sanitary safety system is among the world’s most effective 4,800 government officials and 14,000 officially approved sanitary veterinarians work in this area with 30 national reference laboratories

An official guarantee for the consumer A GUARANTEE GU OF ORIGIN OF A GUARANTEE OF SUPERIOR QUALITY GUARANTEE GUARA D TRADITIONAL RECIPE A GUARAN A GUARANTEEOF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL MENTAL AND ANIMAL WELFARE COMPLIANCE A collective, voluntary programme for producers Maintenance of economic activity in rural areas, especially in mountain regions Strict, government-validated production conditions Regular checks by independent, governmentapproved organisations OFFICIAL QUALITY AND ORIGIN SIGNS HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL VALUe THE GENERAL AGRICULTURAL COMPETITION Environmental certificates, introduced in February 2012, are a tool to help achieve the goal of combining ecological and economic high performance in the agroecology project for France. They take account of criteria relating to biodiversity, phytosanitary strategy, water management and fertiliser use. The High Environmental Value (HVE) logo was created to allow farmers and growers (including many winegrowers) adopting this environmental programme to enhance the value of their high-quality products for consumers and wholesalers. The logo can be placed on finished products containing at least 95% of base materials derived from HVE holdings. GH ENVIR Since 1870 the general agricultural competition has highlighted what is best in the production of French farms. It is the only such competition to be conducted under the aegis of the French ministry of agriculture. 25 categories of locally-based products 6,000 tasters 3quality levels, gold, silver and bronze medals 15 ADDING VALUETO PRODUCTS

16 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & TRAINING Agricultural,forestry, aquacultural and seafood production The processing and marketing of the resulting products Agrifood manufacturing and farming-related industries Animal and plant health and protection, hygiene, food quality and safety Planning, development, management, protection for rural areas, woodland, water, natural habitats and landscape Services for the public and local regions COURSES IN MANY DIFFERENT SECTORS 80% find work THE OUTCOME OF A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WITH LOCAL ROOTS AND AT THE HEART OF THE LIVING WORLD “TEACHING TO PRODUCE DIFFERENTLY” Agricultural holdings and technical training units in agricultural training schools are places of innovation not only in techniques but also in teaching methods, with the purpose of passing on agroecology knowhow to trainees and the farming profession. FUTURE 100% NATURE More than 460,000 pupils, students, apprentices and interns in continuous training 813 public and private establishments across the whole of France 190 public-sector agricultural holdings 34technical training units 18,000 hectares under crops The core tasks of agricultural vocational training  Provision of general, technical and vocational training, both initial and continuous.  Contributions to the school, social and occupational integration of both young people and adults.  Participation in regional dynamism and development.  Contributions to activities for agricultural and agrifood development, experimentation and innovation.  Participation in international cooperation programmes, notably encouraging exchanges and the hosting of pupils, apprentices, students, interns and teaching staff.

17 HIGHER EDUCATION The core tasks of higher education in the agricultural, veterinary and landscape sciences  Dispensing training and contributing to environmental education, notably by participating in the dissemination of scientific and technical information. Promoting diversity in recruitment and contributing to social and vocational integration.  Participation in policy on scientific development by conducting research, innovation and engineering programmes and helping to monitor emerging scientific and technical developments.  Assisting in the implementation of international scientific, technical and educational cooperation and contributing to the building of a European area of higher education and research as well as to the attractiveness of France itself.  Supporting technical agricultural teaching, notably by providing initial and continuous training for staff. International cooperation International cooperation is deeply rooted in the day-to-day activities of all establishments in the form of exchange programmes enabling part of the student’s course to be completed abroad, study trips, company internships, interdisciplinary projects and development education programmes. OVER 30GEOGRAPHICAL NETWORKS OVER 3.000 MINISTRY-FUNDED STAYS ABROAD 20 16,000 students A range of courses at levels from high school + 3 to + 8 years OENOLOGISTS DOCTORATES VETERINARIANs VOCATIONAL DEGREES PUBLIC SERVICE EXECUTIVES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS MASTERS DEGREES ENGINEERS establishments ACROSS THE WHOLE OF FRANCE FINDING EMPLOYMENT 88% 98 joint research units (UMR) RESEARCH 35 joint technology units (UMT) 29 joint technology networks (RMT) 32 standalone research units 25 technical institutes 985 senior scientific staff employed in research units 702 doctoral students, including 400 at the ABIES doctoral school AGRICULTURAL VETERINARYLANDSCAPE SCIENCES

18 A MINISTRYCLOSE TO USERS USER SERVICES,ONLINE PROCEDURES CONTACTING THE MINISTRY BY EMAIL This has been possible since November 2015 for making applications on line, sending official documents and asking questions, with the same guarantees as registered postal mail. agriculture.gouv.fr/contactfaq DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF FARM COMMITMENT TO AGROECOLOGY PRACTICES This agricultural development tool is aimed at helping farmers look at their holding’s performance, methods and approaches, as well as estimating their degree of engagement in agroecology. Provided free of charge on the Internet, it has been designed by the ministry with ACTA.  diagagroeco.org INTERNET AND THE REGIONAL FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY DIRECTORATES (DRAAF) mooc Online education in agroecology is now available to all: farmers & growers, researchers, students and consumers. Available free of charge, this new approach to learning has been put on line on the FUN (France Université Numérique – France digital university) platform. It has four main sections: the emergence of agroecology, the different approaches, its applications (agroforestry or using trees in farming, combined cropping, conservation agriculture) and a final section devoted to the sharing of experience. TelePac mobile This is a smartphone app developed by the ministry in conjunction with ASP. Running in Android, it allows you to keep track of your CAP payments and mail.  play.google.com/store/apps ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR AGRICULTURAL TRAINING Sirena is the overhauled information system on agricultural training courses, enabling students to register on line.  chlorofil.fr/sirena sanitary safety in restaurants Transparency for the outcomes of official food safety inspections in the commercial catering sector is currently being rolled out following a trial phase in Paris and Avignon over the period July-December 2015.  agriculture.gouv.fr/transparence MESDEMARCHES.AGRICULTURE.GOUV.FR All ministry procedures can be accessed on line. The website has answers to the most straightforward questions from users on issues relating to agriculture, agrifood, forestry and agricultural training and provides the necessary documents to complete formalities over the Internet or on paper. For those working in the industry, private pet owners, parents of students and owners of woodland, it provides a guarantee of rapid access to reliable information and rapid completion of official procedures.  mesdemarches.agriculture.gouv.fr DRAAF websites now have new ergonomics with reinforced functions for editorial management and network leadership. agriculture.gouv.fr/reforme-territoriale-la-nouvelle-carte-des-draaf

19 THE AGRICULTURAL MUTUAL SOCIAL INSURANCE FUND (MSA) An enhanced one-stop service The social security finance law of 2014 strengthened the unique role of the MSA by entrusting it with complete responsibility for the management of the obligatory basic social welfare scheme covering sickness and occupational accidents. The formalities for individuals hitherto privately insured will now be simpler. All insured persons will be managed entirely by the MSA and they will have a single contact for all basic welfare claims. Upgraded agricultural retirement pensions The legislation of 20 January 2014 guaranteeing the future viability and fairness of the pension system introduced a catch-up plan for retired farmers, guaranteeing a minimum pension equal to 75% of the minimum wage for a full quota of qualifying years. The plan will be rolled out over three years. Illness and accident Since January 2014 heads of holding and their staff and family helpers can receive daily allowances for illness or a non-occupational accident. The flat rate contribution of €200 paid by the head of holding also covers, where applicable, all other family members working on the farm. The allowance, which is paid after a seven-day waiting period, is around €21 for the first 28 days and €28 from the 29th day. PAYING OUT NEARLY €27.5 BILLION IN BENEFITS TO €5.6 MILLION BENEFICIARIES, THE MSA IS THE SECOND LARGEST WELFARE SCHEME IN FRANCE. IT COVERS THE ENTIRE FARMING POPULATION, BOTH SALARIED AND NONSALARIED. SOCIAL PROGRESS IMPROVING PROTECTION FOR FARMERS A GUARANTEE OF A RETIREMENT PENSION EQUAL TO 75% OF THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR A FULL QUOTA OF QUALIFYING YEARS 238,000 BENEFICIARIES SINCE 2015 Guaranteed minimum pension for farmers in % 70.8% 2013 73% 2015 74% 2016 75% 2017

AGRIFOOD GENERATES FRANCE’S THIRD LARGEST TRADE SURPLUS WITH €9.1 BILLION IN 2014 AFTER THE AVIATION AND THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES agriculture.gouv.fr alimentation.gouv.fr agripicture.fr twitter.com/Min_Agriculture facebook.com/Alimagri minagri-infographies.tumblr.com minagriculture.tumblr.com farming france france ACCOUNTS FOR19% OF EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, more than germany 15% and Italy 10% 40%of france’s LAND AREA IS NATURAL ENVIRONMENTs (FOREST, MOORLAND, ROCK, ETC.) 922,000people WORK ON FARMS IN FRANCE 63%people OR 581,000 ARE FARMERS 23% FEWER THAN 13 YEARS AGO of HEADS and joint HEADS OF HOLDING ¼ARE WOMen WOMEN REPRESENT 32% OF THE PERMANENT AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE WOODLAND COVERS 17 million hectares OR NEARLY 31% OF METROPOLITAN FRANCE 54%of france’s land area is FARMLAND THE MAJOR FIELD CROPS (CEREALS, OILSEED, PROTEIN CROPS, BEET, ETC.) REPRESENT A LITTLE OVER 40% OF UTILISED AGRICULTURAL AREA 16.5% Are CEREAL CROPS WHEAT ACCOUNTS FOR 53% OF CEREAL PRODUCTION FRANCE IS THE WORLD’S FIFTH BIGGEST PRODUCER AFTER CHINA, INDIA, RUSSIA AND THE USA France the Eu’s biggest CATTLE HERD 19 million hEAD OF CATTLE INCLUDING 3.7 m DAIRY COWS POULTRY 14% milk 36% CATTLE 22% PIGS 13% VEAL CALVES 6% EGGS 4% SHEEP & GOATS 3% other 3% THE MAIN TYPES OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION BEVERAGES, WINES, AND SPIRITS ARE FRANCE’S BIGGEST EXPORT PRODUCTS 5.6% OF THE WORLD’S AGRIFOOD EXPORTS COME FROM FRANCE FOLLOW THE MINISTRY’S ACTIVITIES Source: Agreste Graphagri France has 474,000 agricultural holdings

BIOPESTICIDES POLICY NEWS 43 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com Experts at US-based research based management consulting firm TechSciResearch predict that the country's biological crop protection market will expand from its current valuation of $80.48 million at a CAGR of 6.38 per cent. To shed further light on the matter, Dr Chandan Kumar, Associate Professor, Livestock Production Management, Head Pasture and Forage Research Division, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU) Mathura, said, "Biological crop protection tools such as biopesticides provide an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides". Biopesticides are great because they are non-toxic, effective against certain pests, biodegradable, and require very little application. In addition to killing off undesirable pests, chemical pesticides kill off beneficial species that plants need, like bacteria that fix nitrogen and algae that aid plants in drawing nutrients from the air, water, and soil. Farmers benefit from higher productivity, while the environment suffers as a result of their pollution. Nevertheless, biopesticides are safe, effective, and biodegradable. Technological advancements Innovative biological solutions adapted to India's varied agro-climatic circumstances have been accelerated by developments in microbiology and biotechnology. The range of biological instruments accessible to farmers has greatly increased, including biocontrol agents, biofertilisers, and biopesticides. Improving crop yields with minimal environmental impact has been made possible through the optimisation of biological interventions through the integration of digital technology like remote sensing and precision agriculture. “Biological crop protection methods are developed with the use of biotechnology. The development of pest-and disease-resistant genetically modified (GM) crops is a direct result of India's investments in biotech research. These crops encourage the use of biological remedies by reducing the demand for chemical pesticides,” said Aman Sharma, Managing Director, Sai Bio Organics. Farmers can now track their soil, crops, and other environmental factors with the help of technology. Precision agriculture is a data-driven strategy that aids in the early detection of pest and disease outbreaks, enabling the timely application of biological control measures. Satellites and drones, which use remote sensing technology, give farmers up-to-the-minute data on the state of their crops and the prevalence of pests. Because of this, they are able to control diseases and pests by taking preventative actions, such as using biological agents. How counterfeiting impacts Fake goods, no matter how subtle, impede the development of any industry. To prevent their products from being imitated, several companies include proper markings like barcodes, serial Why India must capitalise on Innovative Biological Crop Protection Tech As part of India's agricultural innovation effort, biological crop protection has become a model for environmentally responsible farming. Technological developments, regulatory frameworks, and changing consumer tastes are shaping India's biological crop protection business. People's aversion to chemical pesticides has boosted the expansion of India's biological crop protection industry. Farmers are increasingly turning to biological solutions as practical alternatives, driven by a focus on sustainability. Let's dig deeper to unearth the market’s growth potential and the projections for the future.

44 BIOPESTICIDES YOUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com numbers, batch numbers, etc. Additionally, these businesses actively engage in a number of marketing efforts and commercials aimed at raising consumer awareness of these counterfeit goods and teaching people to recognise low-quality materials. Elaborating further, Sharma added, “Biological crop protection remedies that are not authentic frequently do not work as well as the real thing. Crop losses owing to insufficient pest or disease control could cause farmers to lose money if they invest in these inefficient treatments. The whole biological crop protection sector takes a hit when counterfeit products are present. Market expansion could be stunted if farmers learn the hard way that using fake or low-quality items makes them wary of using real biological treatments.” Indian businesses may have a plethora of countermeasures in place to foil fraudulent biological crop protection technologies by the year 2024. There has been a lot of talk about companies pouring resources into R&D to create new biological crop protection technologies that are effective, safe, and easy to spot as fake. To keep ahead of counterfeiters and improve their products constantly, companies are aiming to keep their competitive advantage in the market. Not only these counterfeited biopesticides are to the grade, but there are also unregulated organic biological products floating around the market that have not been registered by the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), which is just adding insult to injury. A large portion of the biopesticide industry in India is dominated by so-called "organic" products, despite the fact that they have not been subjected to the bio-efficacy and bio-safety trials that are required by the CIBRC. There is more to the damage these items cause than simply financial losses. Because of its heavy reliance on agricultural exports, India runs the danger of damaging its international reputation due to the use of ineffective biopesticides. According to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), numerous nations have recently rejected shipments of agricultural items like rice, chilies, and grapes because they were found to contain contaminated biopesticides. “The number of businesses using supply chain traceability tools to monitor the flow of goods from factories to consumers has increased this year. Businesses can keep quality control in place and decrease the likelihood of counterfeit items reaching consumers by making sure everyone in the supply chain is accountable and transparent,” said Lokesh Makam, CEO & MD, Barrix Agro Sciences Pvt Ltd. Essential tweaks Additional trials and research are necessary to turn the biological crop protection sector into a thriving enterprise and expand its scope. For biological crop protection measures to be as effective as possible, ongoing trials and research should concentrate on developing formulations that are crop-and area-specific. “Biopesticides will not be able to completely replace chemical pesticides, even in the not-toodistant future. These goods likewise cannot be commercialised in the same way as other agriproducts, from a business perspective. There is no way to standardise these yields nationwide because they are live products with a great deal of diversity and unpredictability. Therefore, research utilising a diversity of samples taken from various sections of the country is highly necessary,” observed Dr Kumar. Addressing the locationspecific difficulty is the primary challenge that the majority of researchers have when studying these organic compounds. Since chemical crop protection solutions are applicable in all seasons and on all crops, it is relatively easy to validate their efficacy using chemical studies. However, with biological crop protection measures, the situation is completely different, and what works well in one area may not work at all in another. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides have the upper hand when it becomes very difficult to carve out one standard product for everyone. Biomanufacturing and Bio-foundry During her Interim Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a groundbreaking programme - Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry. Biodegradable polymers, bioplastics, biopharmaceuticals, and bioagriinputs are some of the eco-friendly raw material alternatives that it seeks to supply. The present paradigm in manufacturing is based on consumption, whereas this new paradigm is built on regeneration. Bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry refer to cutting-edge technologies that combine biological and manufacturing processes to produce longterm benefits for a wide range of sectors. These ideas are a subset of synthetic biology, a more

“The whole biological crop protection sector takes a hit when counterfeit products are present. Market expansion could be stunted if farmers learn the hard way that using fake or low-quality items makes them wary of using real biological treatments.” Aman Sharma, Managing Director, Sai Bio Organics “Biopesticides will not be able to completely replace chemical pesticides, even in the not-too-distant future. These goods likewise cannot be commercialised in the same way as other agri-products, from a business perspective.” Dr Chandan Kumar, Associate Professor, Livestock Production Management, Head Pasture and Forage Research Division, DUVASU, Mathura “The number of businesses using supply chain traceability tools to monitor the flow of goods from factories to consumers has increased this year. Businesses can keep quality control in place and decrease the likelihood of counterfeit items reaching consumers by making sure everyone in the supply chain is accountable and transparent.” Lokesh Makam, CEO & MD, Barrix Agro Sciences BIOPESTICIDES POLICY NEWS 45 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com general discipline that integrates physics, biology, chemistry, and computer science. Lauding the government's initiative, Sharma said, “To control pests and diseases biologically, this government backed initiative will make it easier to create and produce beneficial microbes on a big scale. By controlling pest populations in crops with biocontrol agents like predatory insects, nematodes, and microbial antagonists, we can lessen our reliance on synthetic pesticides and their negative effects on the environment. Seeds can be protected from soil-borne pests and diseases with biological therapies made possible by biomanufacturing technology. The use of these treatments has the potential to improve crop tolerance to environmental stresses and increase yields by boosting seed germination, seedling vigour, and early crop establishment.” The term "bio-manufacturing" refers to a wide range of processes that have the capacity to produce bio-based goods. These processes have the ability to facilitate the efficient utilisation of resources in a scalable and cost-effective manner, while also reducing the impact on the environment. Through the intensification of research, innovation, and entrepreneurial endeavours, the new scheme will provide a framework that will empower Indian institutions, startups, and industries to engage in transformative innovations. Additionally, it will boost the capability of domestic bio-manufacturing by enabling synergy between science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. Way forward A number of initiatives, incentives, and laws have been implemented by the Indian government in order to encourage the utilisation of biological crop protection technologies. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) are two examples of programmes that provide financial incentives to farmers in order to encourage them to adopt organic farming practices, which may include the use of biological inputs. The market for biological crop protection in India has been experiencing expansion regarding the size of the market, the variety of products available, and the amount of investment activity. Through the introduction of new products, the formation of strategic partnerships, and investments in manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, domestic and multinational businesses are increasing their presence in the Indian market. Biological crop protection in India is facing a number of obstacles, including low awareness among farmers, limited supply of quality goods, and regulatory hurdles. These challenges are notwithstanding the positive developments that have been observed. As a result of addressing these difficulties, industry actors will have the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and promote sustainable growth within the sector. Taking into consideration these tendencies and dynamics, it is quite probable that the market for biological crop protection in India continues to expand and develop in the coming years. This growth and development was driven by a number of factors, including regulatory backing, technology breakthroughs, market demand, and customer preferences. Nitin Konde

DR VENKATRAM VASANTAVADA, Director, The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and MD & CEO, SeedWorks International Enhancing Crop Resilience in the Face of Climate Crisis Climate change poses a formidable threat to agricultural sustainability and food security. As we navigate these uncertain conditions, it is evident that in the challenges faced by our agricultural systems lies an opportunity for bringing innovative technologies in seed, including biotechnology, to play a pivotal role in adaptation and resilience. 46 GM CROPS YOUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com I ndia, with its massive population of 1.4 billion, faces a constant challenge in ensuring food and nutritional security. This tightrope walk is further complicated by environmental concerns and the looming threat of climate change. In this scenario, agricultural biotechnology emerges as a beacon of hope, offering impactful solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, improve crop resilience, and ensure food security for the nation. Genetic modification (GM) allows introduction of beneficial traits in a crop from unrelated plants, its being used for crop improvement globally, and many GM plants have been approved for commercial cultivation worldwide. In India, genetically modified (GM) Bt-cotton has been cultivated since 2002, transforming cotton production by increasing yields significantly. Prior to its adoption, India’s cotton production was 14 million bales in 2000. With the adoption of Bt-cotton, production tripled to 39.8 million bales by 2014, turning India from a cottonimporting country into a leading exporter. This transformation highlights the immense potential of biotechnology in India's agriculture sector. The commercialisation of Bt cotton has significantly benefited Indian farmers. As climate change poses challenges to agriculture, biotechnology can help develop crops that are more resilient to changing climatic conditions, such as drought-and heattolerant varieties. Agricultural biotechnology offers better alternatives to pest control methods, including the development of genetically modified crops that produce their own insecticides or are resistant to specific pests, reducing the need for external chemical interventions. However, in the current scenario it is important that regulatory mechanisms related to GM crops research are streamlined to enable faster development of crops resilient to climate change. In discussions about GM crops, it is crucial to consider India’s goals of reducing massive imports of edible oil, saving significant foreign exchange, increasing productivity, and raising farmer incomes. For instance, the Government of India has argued in the Supreme Court that adopting GM mustard could reduce edible oil imports and make it cheaper for consumers. Recognising the cultural, social, and nutritional significance of mustard for India is important in this context. GM mustard and Bt-brinjal are two more GM crops that are ready to be introduced to Indian farmers for cultivation, but they are currently mired in legal and regulatory battles. Both the improved crops can enhance productivity and sustainability. Translating these research initiatives into products requires enabling policies and understanding among key stakeholders, including scientists, agriculture officials, industry, and consumers. The Indian seed sector sees technology as a key to a resilient agriculture sector. Technology,

POLICY NEWS GM CROPS 47 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com particularly in seeds, holds great potential to provide sustainable, profitable, and affordable solutions for a wide array of challenges, including climate change. However, to maximise the benefits, it is important to establish an open, unbiased, science-based, predictable and enabling policy environment. Climate change has already impacted agricultural productivity and food security in India. Heatwaves have caused a 4.5 per cent decrease in wheat yield across India, with some areas experiencing up to a 15 per cent drop. Rising global temperatures, coupled with increasingly severe and unpredictable weather patterns, have been exacerbated by the greenhouse warming effect, contributing to the occurrence of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Heatwaves, insufficient rainfall, and changes in monsoon patterns have collectively resulted in significant water stress in agricultural fields, leading to reduced crop yields. Rising temperatures can lead to a combination of heat and water stress in crops, affecting their growth and development. Furthermore, stress during critical stages of crop growth can reduce yields and quality. India is close to reaching a tipping point where groundwater levels will plummet, according to a 2023 UN Water report. The northern parts of the country have lost 95 per cent of their groundwater between 2002 and 2022, and some areas in the Indo-Gangetic basin have already passed the groundwater depletion tipping point. India is the world’s largest consumer of groundwater, using about a quarter of the world’s total. This highlights the urgent need to prioritise the development of water use efficient and drought-resistant crop varieties. Plant breeders in both the private and public sectors have dedicated their efforts to development of varieties and hybrids capable of withstanding drought stress across various crops. Since drought is a complex trait impacted by heat, water and salinity, the process of addressing it has been gradual, though there have been notable successes in breeding drought-tolerant crops. Examples include conventional breeding programmes at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute in Karnal have produced rice, wheat, and Indian mustard varieties resilient to salt and alkali soils. Additionally, maize hybrids with heightened drought tolerance have been developed, along with endeavors to integrate salt tolerance into wheat from wild relatives. Notably, drought tolerance has been prioritised as a selection trait in the generation of new maize and wheat germplasm by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT). Genetic modification and gene editing technologies offer a precise and swifter route to producing drought-tolerant crops compared to conventional breeding. Presently, GM varieties of wheat, soybean and maize for drought tolerance, as well as gene-edited heat tolerant wheat, have been developed and/or approved in many countries. The seed industry in India has been a key driver of technological advancements in agriculture, with significant contributions to the sector’s growth and development. This sector has witnessed a steady increase in investments in research and development and exploring advanced technologies, reflecting a strong commitment to exploring innovations. Furthermore, the private seed sector has introduced a wide range of high-yielding hybrid seeds, GM crops, and biofortified varieties, catering to the diverse needs of Indian farmers and consumers. These technological interventions have led to notable improvements in crop yields, quality, and resilience, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture practices. All these efforts collectively empower farmers, particularly smallholders, to enhance their productivity and profitability, driving overall agricultural growth in India. The Indian seed industry has been proactively working towards innovative solutions for climate resilience and associated challenges in agriculture. Streamlined regulations and policies would smoothen the path towards yielding more from every drop and every acre sustainably. In the current scenario, climate change poses a formidable threat to both agricultural sustainability and food security. As we navigate these uncertain conditions, it is evident that in the challenges faced by our agricultural systems lies an opportunity for bringing innovative technologies in seed, including biotechnology, to play a pivotal role in adaptation and resilience. By enhancing the genetic makeup of crops, we can bolster their ability to withstand prolonged periods of drought and other climatic stresses. This is the time for policymakers, researchers, and the seed industry to come together to promote these sustainable technology solutions to farmers and make the agri-food system climate-resilient.

48 EVENT REPORT YOUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com The Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) and MM Activ SciTech Communications, the parent organisation of AgroSpectrum are jointly organising India Bio Energy & Tech Expo, 2024: An International Conference & Exhibition on Bioenergy and Technologies at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), Dwarka, New Delhi from September 2-4, 2024. As a precursor to this Expo, a panel discussion on the theme “Shaping the Future Bioeconomy Way” was held at MCCIA in Pune on June 3. Sanjay Ganjoo, Director General, IFGE highlighted some of the major government initiatives in the bioenergy sector and pointed out some of the challenges and opportunities before the sectors. Atul Mulay, Chairman, Bioenergy Committee of IFGE and President, Bioenergy, Praj Industries Ltd, who moderated the discussion said, “India has saved Rs 80,000 crore through Ethanol Blended Petrol 20 (EBP20) programme out of which Rs 75,000 crore has been utilised for farmers welfare scheme, rural economy, and employment creation. In addition to this, the EBP20 programme has reduced 150 lakh metric tonnes of carbon emission. Government declared an investment plan of Rs 2 lakh crore in the Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) programme for the development of CBG plants across the country. Government is aiming to increase sustainable Aviation fuel and green hydrogen by 2030 which creates new opportunities for the bioenergy industry.” While emphasising on the increasing requirement of green fuel, Atul Kharate, COO, Indian Oil Adani Ventures Limited - IAV Biogas IFGE, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications to host 3-day India Bio Energy & Tech Expo, 2024 in New Delhi from Sept 2 Seen in picture from L-R Dr Pramod Chaudhari, President, IFGE and Executive Chairman, Praj Industries addressing the gathering while Sanjay Ganjoo, Director General, IFGE, Y B Ramakrishna, Chairperson, IFGE CBG Producer Forum, Dr Reji Mathai, Director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Ravindra Boratkar, Founder Member, IFGE & Managing Director, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications look on.

The highlights of India Bio Energy & Tech Expo, 2024 include India CBG & Tech Expo, India Biomass & Tech Expo, India Ethanol & Tech Expo, India Biodiesel & Tech Expo, India Waste to Energy & Tech Expo, and India BioMobility & Tech Expo, which will be held simultaneously.” Ravindra Boratkar, Founder Member, IFGE & Managing Director, MM Activ SciTech Communications EVENT REPORT POLICY NEWS 49 AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com said, “The demand of green fuel such as biodiesel, CBG, ethanol is increasing across the country. Considering this scenario, we need to triple our efforts for the development of the bioenergy sector.” Experts also discussed the current status of the sugar industry and role of circular bioeconomy to the growth of the sugar industry in India. While speaking about the growth opportunities for the sugar industry Dr Kakasaheb Konde, Head, Professor & Technical Adviser, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune said, “A lot of resources are available in the sugar industry for developing new, valueadded products from molasses and bagasse. The sugar industry needs to diversify its product portfolio into different value-added products. Bioeconomy will help to serve in this aspect.” The panelists also highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the biomass supply chain. Experts discussed the need for developing infrastructure for biomass procurement and transportation in rural areas. Sharing the challenges in the biomass supply chain in the country, Tushar Lowalekar, Founding Member and Chief Business Officer, Biofuel Circle said, “In India, the supply chain of biomass is unorganised. Farmers need support in equipment, procurement and transport. There is a huge need to develop an infrastructure for the biomass supply chain. Financial support from government and private firms will play a vital role in the development of the biomass supply chain”. Lowalekar also added that use of technology will surely help in making the biomass supply chain stronger. Briefing about the latest trends in the bioenergy sector, Dr Pramod Chaudhari, President, IFGE and Executive Chairman, Praj Industries said, “India Bio Energy & Tech Expo, 2024 will be focused on bioenergy and the technologies involved in the sector as it is picking pace in terms of combating environmental externalities. This expo is a timely initiative of IFGE for shaping the bioenergy sector of India”. Y B Ramakrishna, Chairperson, IFGE CBG Producer Forum, Former Chairman, Working Group on Biofuel, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasised the need of in-situ management of agriculture residue to mitigate supply chain challenges. “Private industry should develop sustainable models for the management of crop residue in rural areas. There is a need to scale up new technologies for conversion of feedstock into value added products. Also, the validation of by-products from agri-waste is also important for the growth of the sector”, said Ramakrishna. Talking about opportunities for the bioenergy sector in the automotive industry, Dr Reji Mathai, Director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) said that the automotive industry and players in the bioenergy sector should come together to bring out new solutions in the sector. In his closing remarks Ravindra Boratkar, Founder Member, IFGE & Managing Director, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications spoke about the highlights of the Expo which includes India CBG & Tech Expo, India Biomass & Tech Expo, India Ethanol & Tech Expo, India Biodiesel & Tech Expo, India Waste to Energy & Tech Expo, and India Bio-Mobility & Tech Expo. Boratkar also thanked all those who supported the event and those who played a role in the curtain raiser function. Dipti Barve [email protected]

50 ASIA NEWS YOUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | JULY 2024 | www.agrospectrumindia.com BASF extends partnership to develop agricultural nutrition segment in China BASF Agricultural Solutions and Anhui Huaheng Biotechnology (AHB) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly explore and develop the agriculture nutrition segment in China. The collaboration will utilise BASF’s comprehensive expertise in agricultural solutions and AHB’s strength in synthetic biology to promote sustainable agriculture in China. Under the agreement, both parties will work together to develop biostimulant products that can help to increase crop yield, improve crop quality, and enhance crop resilience. In addition, the jointly established Plant Nutrition Application R&D Institute will serve as innovation hub for the two companies providing support in new product development, formulation development, biomeasurement experiments, and field trials. Moreover, both parties will collaborate closely in various fields, such as research on mode of action and digital farming. With decarbonisation a growing priority for the agricultural industry, Frontier Agriculture has announced investments in CCm Technologies - including its novel fertiliser product that will provide farmers with a more sustainable input solution while helping to reduce Scope 3 emissions. UK-based CCm Technologies is an innovative environmental technology company which combines captured carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with recycled nutrients from other agricultural waste, such as livestock manure and digestates, to produce organo-mineral fertiliser. Its flagship product, CCm Growth, contains nitrogen, phosphate and potash, but due to the inclusion of natural organic material, it also holds valuable fibre to help deliver organic matter and carbon back to the soil to improve soil health and sustainability. Frontier’s investment in CCm Technologies comes after a period of collaboration to put CCm Growth to the test, with 2024 marking the third year of trials undertaken in its 3D Thinking research programme. Frontier invests in CCm Technologies and carbon negative fertiliser Australia honey and edible apiculture products gain access to Vietnam market Australia’s honey industry is set to flourish with new market access for the export of honey and edible apiculture products to Vietnam. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt welcomed this outcome in a meeting with Vietnam’s Minister Le Minh Hoan, held in the margins of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. Australia’s honey industry is a huge contributor to the Australian economy – exports to Vietnam will further contribute to this $14 billion per year industry. “Rising incomes and a growing food manufacturing sector are expected to drive strong growth in consumption of agricultural products in Vietnam over the next decade and our worldrenowned honey and apiculture products will now enjoy a seat at the table,” mentioned Minister Watt.