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4 AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Volume 02  |  Issue 12  |  February 2022

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AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com AGRO EDIT 5

A Hazy Blueprint

Setting up a strong supply chain infrastructure during the Rajiv Gandhi regime had shown that it
for agri products, promoting startups for could be done by launching a technology mission.
agri and rural enterprise and paving way for An equally important plan is to promote chemical-
digital ecosystem and technological fillip are the free natural farming. It is very important from the
three key points in Finance Minister Niramala sustainable agriculture perspective. The budget
Sitharaman’s budget speech that could take the envisages promoting chemical-free natural farming
agriculture sector to the next level. throughout the country, beginning with a 5 km
corridor along the river Ganga in the first stage.
Creation of supply chain infrastructure is
very crucial for the agro producers. The goods Six river linking projects, encouraging states
transportation aspect in the ‘PM Gati Shakti’ scheme to revise syllabi of agriculture universities to
with components like Multimodal Logistic Parks, make them more contemporary, and providing a
Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), one comprehensive package with the states’ participation
station-one product, railways developing new for farmers to adopt suitable varieties of fruits and
products and efficient logistics services for small vegetables and to use appropriate production and
farmers, will remove a major roadblock in faster harvesting techniques are also important proposals
movement of agri produce from farm to fork. This the finance minister has suggested. River linking is
will help, not only the farmers, but the country as important from the agriculture angle. One of them,
well, as faster transportation of agri products will Ken-Betwa project, will help irrigate 9.08 lakh
considerably reduce food wastage, avoiding wastage hectare farm land. However, it is surprising that the
of natural resources like water and soil health. allocation on such an important project has been
reduced from Rs 4,300 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 1,400
On the technological front, promoting the use crore for the next year.
of Kisan Drones for crop assessment, land records
digitisation and spraying of insecticides will pave For the other five river link projects, Draft
the way for further modernisation. A PPP-based Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are ready. On
proposed scheme for delivery of digital and hi-tech reaching a consensus among beneficiary states the
services to farmers will expedite the process of government has planned to provide support for
modernisation. implementation.

In agri-tech space, startups have been acting as However, the budget is silent on the financial
growth drivers with an estimated 1400 agri startups details of how much the government intends to
operating across India. The finance minister has allocate in the next financial year as its contribution
acknowledged their contribution in the growth of as a support. In fact, there is utter silence regarding
the sector by announcing a fund creation scheme financial allocations for various proposals made in
and tax concessions to promote them. A blended the budget. It does not mention how much is set
capital fund will be facilitated to finance startups aside to promote oilseeds production, for chemical
relevant to the farm produce value chain. As a result, free natural farming, for blended capital funds for
some more startups in agri areas can be expected. startups, and for developing the digital ecosystem.
In case of the existing 3-year tax incentive scheme,
the period of incorporation to avail the benefit has In the absence of such important details, which
been extended by a year to March 31, 2023. This, no must be an integral part of the budget speech,
doubt, will give relief to several existing startups. the finance minister’s budget proposals remain
largely incoherent, without providing specifics of
On the periphery of these three important steps allocations.
are some other initiatives and proposals, including
increasing domestic oilseeds production to minimise Dr. Milind Kokje,
reliance on import. The Congress government Chief Editor

[email protected]

6 CONTENT AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

CONTENT

COVER STORY 23

Why foodgrain exports
continue to falter

Despite presenting a very vibrant and colourful picture, India food grain exports
failed to hit the right spot at the international market. The unscientific use of
pesticides in food grain leads to rejection of the product in the international
market, adding to the burden of farmers. Several countries have strict norms
regarding the permissible amount of pesticides in food grain. Apart from that,
there are still various gaps that need to be filled when it comes to domestic
utilisation of excessively produced food crops and managing pesticide residue.
Let’s get to the bottom of this ongoing ‘pain point’ in Indian agriculture.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com CONTENT 7

CONTENT

16 SPEAKING WITH 28 Startups to propel Food
Crop Processing

"Indian farmers should 30 Millet - The ‘Forgotten’
follow international Cash Crop
quality standards to make
farming profitable" SPEAKING WITH

NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR, 33 "Food Processing is
Union Minister, Agriculture bogged by challenges,
& Farmers Welfare, which hamper farm-to-fork
Government of India transition"

19 Amith Agarwal,

Founder & CEO,
AgriBazaar

35

BUDGET 2022-23 Will Standards
accelerate the scale-up
Promising or Placid? of Nutrient Enriched
Crops in India?
The agri sector got its fair share from this
year's budget 2022-23. Union Finance Ravinder Grover,
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a decisive
step to promote the sector with farmer- Programme Lead- Commercialisation
friendly measures, which, until last year was of Biofortified Crops, Harvest Plus
mired with farmers’ agitation.
37 12th
REGULARS Agrovision

Private investment in
agri sector will help
to sustain itself in
the long run: Tomar

Editorial.......................................05 Livestock news.........................13 Academic News........................44
Your Views.................................08 Startups News..........................15 Agri-Inputs news.......................46
Policy News...............................09 People News..............................41 Supply chain news...................48
Finance News............................11 Technology News.....................42 Lets talk agri..............................50

8 YOUR VIEWS AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

TOP VIDEO

Dr Suvarna
Chandrappagari,
Chief Executive,
National Fisheries
Development
Board (NFDB) talks
about the potential
of fisheries sector
in Vidarbha region

Scan the QR Sachin Suri, Feedback
Code  Chairman
Scan the QR Cropdata Informative article on farm
Code  informs about mechanisation
Scan the QR importance of
Code  customised The article by Hemant Sikka, President,
services in Mahindra & Mahindra Farm Equipment
agritech sector Sector on future of farm mechanisation
industry in India published in
Shashikant AgroSpectrum January 22 issue is very
Chaudhary, informative and useful for famers as well
serial as agripreneurs.
entrepreneur &
Agritech startups Suvrat Kalshettiwar, Nagpur
mentor speaks
about the role Interesting article on plant-
of agritech in based meat industry
the growth of
agriculture The article by Amod Salgaonkar on
potential of plant based meat industry
is very interesting read. The information
about plant based meat is very useful for
budding entrepreneurs and also for better
option for vegetarian consumers.

Mruganka Dahibhate, Pune

Issue on sustainability

AgroSpectrum should cover sustainability
in agriculture on broader level.
Considering the increasing ill -effects
of emission in agriculture and its allied
industries, it has become crucial issue to
make it more sustainable for better future.

Sushant Chamke, Mumbai

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com POLICY NEWS 9

Agri Minister inaugurates ‘Heartfulness
Tree Conservation Centre’ in Hyderabad

Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has department, NGOs, and other plantation bodies
inaugurated “Heartfulness Tree Conservation that are involved with afforestation in India. The
Centre”, a modern tissue culture laboratory at Kanha Heartfulness Tree Conservation Centre has a 5,000
Shanti Vanam in Nandigama mandal of Rangareddy sq ft facility with 10,000 cleanroom technology, 15,
district. The laboratory helps to propagate the 00,000 annual sapling production capacity with
critically endangered plant and tree species in the finest equipment and infrastructure with the
the country. While Heartfulness Institute aims at tissue culture processes being overseen by a team
growing the plantlets at the Ashram, a good share of experts from India and Israel with more experts
will also be given off across the country to the forestry joining the team in the next three months.

Centre issues Govt rationalises
guidelines for import duties on
restructuring under edible oils
SDF Rules 1983
In a bid to reign in the continuous rise in
To facilitate rehabilitation of financially weak but the cooking oil prices since the past one
economically viable sugar mills that have availed year, the basic duty on crude palm oil,
loans under the Sugar Development Fund (SDF) crude soyabean oil and crude sunflower oil
Act, 1982, the Department of Food and Public has been cut from 2.5 per cent to nil by the
Distribution issued guidelines for restructuring Government of India. The agri-cess on these
of SDF Loans under Rule 26 of the SDF Rules oils has been brought down from 20 per
1983 on January 3, 2022. These guidelines are cent to 7.5 per cent for crude palm oil and
uniformly applicable for SDF loans availed by 5 per cent for crude soyabean oil and crude
all types of concerns, including co-operative sunflower oil. Consequent to the above
societies, private limited companies and public reduction, the total duty is now 7.5 per cent
limited companies. The outstanding amount of for crude palm oil and 5 per cent for crude
default of SDF loans is Rs 3068.31 crore (as on soyabean oil and crude sunflower oil. The
November 30, 2021) which include Rs 1249.21 basic duty on RBD palmolein oil has been
crore as Principal amount, Rs 1071.30 crore as slashed to 12.5 per cent from 17.5 per cent
interest and Rs 747.80 crore as additional interest recently. The basic duty on refined soyabean
due to default. The guidelines have provision and refined sunflower oil has been slashed
for two years moratorium and then five years of to 17.5 per cent from the current 32.5 per
repayment which is expected to provide big relief cent. Post reduction, the effective duty on
to financially weak sugar mills which have availed crude palm oil will be 8.25 per cent, crude
SDF loans. Waiver of additional interest in full soyabean oil and crude sunflower oil will be
will be given to the eligible sugar factories. 5.5 per cent each.

10 P O L I C Y N E W S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

APEDA boosts CCEA grants approval for
MSP of Copra for 2022 season
honey export to
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
newer countries given its approval for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of
Copra for 2022 season. The entire decision was made after
The Agricultural and Processed paying heed to the recommendations of
Food Products Export the Commission for Agricultural Costs
Development Authority and Prices (CACP) which makes it
(APEDA) has been giving thrust sure that the minimum of 50 per
on boosting exports through cent, as margin of profit .The MSP
ensuring quality production for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of
and market expansion to newer milling copra has been increased
countries. India at present is to Rs 10,590 per quintal for 2022
wholly dependent on the US season from Rs 10,335 per quintal
to export its natural honey in 2021 and the MSP for ball copra has
which accounts for more than been increased to Rs 11,000 per quintal
80 per cent of the exports. The for 2022 season from Rs 10,600 per quintal in 2021. All
Government of India approved of it will make a return of 51.85 per cent for milling copra and
the allocation of Rs 500 crore 57.73 per cent for ball copra over the all India weighted average
for the National Beekeeping cost of production.
and Honey Mission (NBHM)
for three years (2020-21 to PM lays foundation stone
2022-23). APEDA is also of ‘Banas Dairy Sankul’
facilitating honey producers in Varanasi
in accessing export markets
besides availing government The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has laid the foundation
assistance under different stone of ‘Banas Dairy Sankul’ at the UP State Industrial
schemes, quality certification Development Authority Food Park, Karkhiyaon, Varanasi.
and lab testing. The body is Spread across 30 acres of land, Banas Dairy will be built at a
also working to mitigate the cost of about Rs 475 crore and will have a facility for processing
exporters’ challenges which can 5 lakh litre of milk per day. The Prime Minister also launched
be higher freight cost, limited a portal and logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment
availability of containers in Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian
peak honey export season, Standards (BIS) with the help of National Dairy Development
higher nuclear magnetic Board (NDDB). The entire development projects worth over Rs
resonance test costs and 1500 crore which has the aim to further enhance the 360-degree
inadequate export incentives. transformation of Varanasi. Stressing more on the BIS, which
In India, North East Region has issued a unified system for the country. An integrated
and Maharashtra are the major logo featuring Kamdhenu cows has also been launched for
players in honey production. certification. Wherein, the visibility of the logo will assure the
Around 50 per cent of the purity and the credibility of India’s milk products.
honey produced in India is
consumed domestically and
the rest is exported across the
globe.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com F I N A N C E N E W S 11

UPL raises second tranche of $700M SLL

UPL Limited a global leader of crop protection and April 2021. Of the $1.45 billion, the debt
products and sustainable agricultural maturity for $1.25 billion gets extended by two
solutions has raised a second
tranche of $700 million years to FY 2026 (against FY2024 earlier).
sustainability linked loan (SLL) In 2021, the company was ranked
on December 31, 2021, with a as the highest performing top tier,
reduction of interest cost by global crop protection company
35bps and an opportunity for amongst its peers by Sustainalytics
a further reduction of 5bps on for the second year running. UPL
achievement of sustainability is on a mission to re-imagine
indicators agreed with the sustainability across everything it
banks. The first tranche of does – developing and distributing
$750 million was raised in March solutions that secure its future whilst

safeguarding the environment.

Sonalika crosses Startup Samhitha
1 lakh sale mark in raises $1.5M in
9 months of FY’22 seed fund

Carrying forward the strong momentum built India Samhitha Crop Care Clinics, an agri tech
throughout FY '21, Sonalika Tractors has breached startup offering precision farming advisory,
past 1 lakh tractor sales mark in just 9 months (April- has raised $1.5 million in a seed round led by
Dec’21) of FY '22, thereby charting the path to a new TechStar Group and participated by Quadrant
paradigm in 2022. Meanwhile, Sonalika has also Resource and angel investors. The company
entered the coveted club of 25,000+ export tractor plans to leverage these funds to accelerate advisor
sales in 9 months, a unique feat which remains onboarding and team expansion. The funds will
a distant dream for many companies globally. further boost Samhitha’s plan to solve market
Sonalika has further extended its lead in exports with linkage challenges for the farmers and amplify
3,432 tractor sales and 31.2 per cent market share their profitability. While Samhitha is focused
in December 2021. Cumulatively, Sonalika has sold exclusively on citrus growers in Telangana
1,05,250 tractors in Apr-Dec 2021. Year after year, and Andhra Pradesh currently, the company
Sonalika Tractors has been fast forwarding its sales plans to expand its advisory services across the
performance of crossing 1 lakh tractors mark. The nation. Triumvir Law was the legal counsel for
company has been manoeuvring through toughest of the transaction who helped structure the same.
COVID-19 waves while addressing farmer’s critical Samhitha has pioneered a Digital Tree Health
requirements with superior technology powered Audit System (DTHAS), a unique method of
tractors and implements. recording, analysing, and interpreting the health
of individual trees in a farm through data,
telemetry devices, and Citron app.

12 F I N A N C E N E W S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

NABARD projects AgroStar raises
Rs 18k Cr credit $70M in Series D
potential in agri sector funding
for Assam in FY22
AgroStar has raised $70 million in its Series
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural D funding round from Evolvence, global asset
Development (NABARD) has projected a credit manager Schroders Capital, Hero Enterprise,
potential of Rs 36,292 crore for the state of Assam and UK’s development finance institution
for the financial year 2022-23. NABARD launched CDC. The round also saw participation
the State Focus Paper from existing investors Aavishkaar Capital,
for the financial year Accel, Bertelsmann, Chiratae Ventures, and
2022-23 which is Rabo Frontier Ventures. AgroStar is now
the consolidation doubling down on its omnichannel strategy to
of exploitable provide a seamless experience to its farmers
district wise realistic across various touch points both digital
potential, both in and physical. It is planning to utilise the
physical and financial funds to strengthen its tech platform, hire
terms in the state of senior talent, expand into new categories,
Assam. Focusing on geographies and scale to over 5,000 AgroStar
the priority sector and to ensure integrated and branded retail stores to fuel its omnichannel
sustainable rural prosperity in the state. NABARD strategy. It is also expanding its services
has projected a credit potential of Rs 36,292 crore to provide meaningful market linkage
for the state of Assam for the financial year 2022- value additions for its large and growing
23 in the State Credit Seminar held on December farmer base and it will look at acquisition
8, 2021. Of the total projected credit potential, as opportunities in this area.
much as Rs 18755 crore (52 per cent) is towards
Agriculture and Allied activities, Rs 12952 crore (36
per cent) is towards MSME sector, Rs 1388 crore
for Informal Credit – SHGs / JLGs and Rs 3197
crore for housing, education and other sectors.

Govt launches Rs 3.44 Cr Fisheries Startup
Grand Challenge

The Department of Fisheries, Government of each to 10 shortlisted startups for translating their
India in association with Startup India, Ministry ‘Idea to PoC’. In the final round, a grant up to Rs
of Commerce and Industry recently launched the 20 lakh (General category) and Rs 30 lakh (SC/
“Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge.” The themes ST/Women) will be provided to the winners for
have been identified for submission of problem transforming their ideas into effective pilots which
statements under the Fisheries Start-up Grand would further translate into commercialisation.
Challenge: Design and develop technology/solutions
for enhancing productivity so that the fishers and
fish farmers can achieve better price realisation. The
challenge is expected to foster startup culture within
the sector and to establish a strong foundation of the
entrepreneurial model, the Department of Fisheries
has earmarked funds to the tune of Rs 3.44 crore
for the challenge. The selected 12 winners of the
challenge will be awarded a cash grant of Rs 2 lakh

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com L I V E S TO C K N E W S 13

NDDB signs MoU with Assam

for dairy development

The Government of Assam recently signed an MoU with
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for dairy
development in the state. The Union Minister Rupala
along with the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa
Sarma also unveiled the foundation stone for Purabi dairy
expansion project under Assam Agribusiness & Rural
Transformation Project. Under the MoU, a joint venture
worth Rs 2,000 crore would be set up between the state
government and NDDB in Assam. This venture will bring
a white revolution in the state and its aims to create milk
processing capacities to handle and add value to over
10 lakh litres of milk every day.This MoU will bring in a
significant change in the dairy sector as well as rural Assam.

Aquaconnect wins PerkinElmer India,
FICCI’s ‘Most Everest Instruments
Innovative AgTech partners for dairy
Startup Award’ testing solutions

Aquaconnect, India’s pioneer PerkinElmer Inc, a global leader committed to
full-stack aquaculture platform, innovating for a healthier world, has announced
emerged as a winner in the a collaboration with Everest Instrument as its
‘Most Innovative Agtech award’ head dairy solutions distributor in India. Everest
category in the fourth edition Instruments is a leading, advanced automation,
of FICCI Summit and Awards digital solution, and device provider for the Indian
for Agri Startups, held recently. dairy industry. The collaboration is aimed at helping
The latest edition felicitated organisations across the large, in-country supply
high-impact innovations in the chain leverage innovative technologies designed to
Indian Agri and allied value meet regulatory and consumer demands, like the
chains. Aquaconnect works recently announced PerkinElmer IndiScope FT-IR
with fish and shrimp farmers to improve farm raw milk analyser. PerkinElmer India mentioned
productivity, financial access, and market linkage that the partnership will help both the companies
through intelligent technology solutions. Since to assist India’s dairy industry as it looks to meet
its inception, Aquaconnect has been working to growing regulations and ever-evolving consumer
navigate the challenges in the aquaculture value demands more effectively and efficiently. The
chain through an integrated tech-driven approach. new IndiScope analyser, for example, developed
The startup is helping connect aquaculture farmers in India and available globally, establishes key
with stakeholders in the value chain, such as quality indicators and detects adulterants right at
feed producers, farm equipment manufacturers, milk collection points in just 30 seconds.
banks, insurers, importers, processors, exporters,
and certifying bodies. Aquaconnect has assisted
over 60,000 farmers through its unique AI &
GIS-powered advisory platform. Aquaconnect’s
data-enabled fintech solutions aim to bring
transparency for BFSI stakeholders to engage
with aquaculture farming communities efficiently.

14 L I V E S TO C K N E W S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Cargill expands poultry NERCRMS
products with AI-driven
innovations sets up poultry

Cargill is assembling a portfolio of AI-driven innovations rearing units in
through proprietary development and strategic partnerships
to go beyond nutrition and help customers optimise their North East

operations with actionable insights. Cargill has North Eastern Region
added two new products to its portfolio of AI- Community Resource
driven innovations- Galleon and Birdoo which Management Society
offers poultry producer actionable insights. (NERCRMS), a registered
Cargill’s patent-pending Galleon tool enables society under the aegis of
broiler producers to decide how changes such North Eastern Council (NEC)
as in raw materials, diet, additives, vaccine and Ministry of Development
programmes, and farm management practises of North Eastern Region
influence the microbiome of their flock. Galleon (MDoNER), Government of
India, has launched a project
can help producers improve the flock’s performance named Setting up of Poultry
for economic benefit by means including but not limited Hatchery and Rearing units
to switching feed and additives or improving management under NERCORMP Phase
practises. It further pinpoints reasons why different farms with III. The approved cost of the
the same inputs, like feed management and antibiotic regimens, project is Rs 998 lakh and the
have different performance results. Cargill has teamed up with NEC’s share is Rs 998 lakh. The
digital technology enablement firm, Knex, to develop ‘Birdoo’, a project is located at Changlang,
first-of-its-kind technology that leverages proprietary computer Longding and Tirap districts
visioning and artificial intelligence that combines hands-free, of Arunachal Pradesh and
real-time flock insights with predictive modelling data. Churachandpur and Chandel
district of Manipur. The project
ICAR-CIBA unveils whole aims to reduce the import of
genome of Indian White Shrimp chicken meat from outside
and to motivate the people of
The scientists of the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater rural areas towards scientific
Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai have recently sequenced and poultry farming and hatchery
assembled the whole genome of Indian White Shrimp (Penaeus through imparting training
indicus) on their own. This is a significant achievement for India and exposure. The output of
in decoding the whole genome of the native species of shrimp, the project will be to establish
one of the world’s most important seafood commodities. The poultry farms and hatchery
scientists’ team involved in shrimp genome assembly included units and their successful
Dr MS Shekhar, Dr Vinaya Kumar Katneni, Dr Ashok Kumar operations. The outcome would
Jangam and Dr KK Vijayan. The Indian shrimp industry be gainful employment of the
contributes about 11 per cent share of the global production rural poor thereby increasing
(759,906 tonnes valued at $4 billion in 2020) amongst the income.
shrimp producing countries. The future genetic improvement
programmes with focus on P indicus would benefit aquaculture
with increased productivity and sustainability across Asia and
the other geographical locations where this shrimp species is
predominantly found.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com S TA RT U P N E W S 15

NAFED deploys AgNext Omnivore
traceability tech to map
Arunachal’s 60q organic kiwis launches OmniX

AgNext Technologies has partnered with NAFED in a first-of- Bio to support
its-kind initiative to digitise quality assessment for Arunachal
Pradesh’s organic kiwis. These organic kiwis were launched in agrifood life
New Delhi by Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board
(APAMB) along with NAFED as the sciences
marketing partner, under the national
‘One District One Product’ scheme. startups
This is the first time in India, an AI-
based technology is being used for Omnivore has launched OmniX
rapid quality assessment of organic Bio initiative to back early stage
kiwi. Through its quality monitoring agrifood life science startups.
platform ‘Qualix’, AgNext also enabled The programme will support
deep-tech based comprehensive traceability. Using QR code Indian entrepreneurs who
mapping, the end-consumers can trace all the steps in the supply are working in agricultural
chain down to the origin. Till date, over 6000 kgs of kiwi has been biotechnology, novel farming
assessed and moved through AgNext’s ‘Qualix’ platform, with systems, bioenergy and
proven benefits for the farmers, NAFED and the end-consumers. biomaterials, as well as
The impact of facilitating quality-based and traceability-enabled innovative foods, including
trade for kiwis will not only improve domestic demand but also alternative protein. Agrifood
help in boosting export potential of the fruit. life sciences can play a critical
role in tackling both climate
46 startups recognised at mitigation (reducing India’s
National Startup Awards 2021 GHG emissions) and climate
adaptation (securing a future
The National Startup Awards 2021 was recently held where 46 for India’s farmers), as well as
startups were felicitated. During the ceremony, the results of the other agricultural sustainability
National Startup Awards (NSA) 2021 were declared. The second challenges. OmniX Bio will
edition of the awards invited applications across 15 sectors provide venture funding,
and 49 sub-sectors. The sectors included agriculture, animal mentorship from global
husbandry, drinking water, education and skill development, agrifood life sciences leaders,
energy, enterprise technology, environment, fintech, food institutional partnerships,
processing, health and wellness, industry 4.0, security, space and business development
and transport and travel.Six special categories were also support to access domestic and
introduced to recognise exceptional startups contributing to the export sales channels. While
good of society. The 2021 edition of the awards also recognised all members of the Omnivore
exceptional startups innovating solutions to promote Indian team will support OmniX Bio,
languages and to complement national efforts to combat the a PhD life scientist will join
COVID-19 pandemic. The startups which bagged recognition in the investment team in 2022
to oversee the initiative and
the agri sector are Shapos Services for help develop the agrifood life
Farmer Engagement & Education, sciences ecosystem across India.
Agrirain Agro Industries India
for irrigation, Zentron Labs for
post-harvest, Athreya Global
Solutions for productivity and
Vesatogo Innovations for post-
harvest.

16 S P E A K I N G W I T H AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

"Indian farmers should
follow international
quality standards
to make farming
profitable"

NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR,

Union Minister, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,
Government of India

As per the data by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics
(DGCI&S), exports of agricultural and processed food products under Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) basket rose to $20,674
million (Rs 153,050 crore) during 2020-21, from $17,321 million (Rs 83,484 crore) in 2011-
12. Non-Basmati Rice has emerged as India’s top export item among the many agricultural
and processed food product exports under APEDA basket, contributing close to one fourth
of the total exports in 2020-21. On the other side, the food grain export industry is struggling
with issues such as rejection of food grain consignments by 27 European countries due to
pesticide residue. Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,
Government of India shares his views on new technologies and government’s strategies to
mitigate various issues of the agriculture sector with AgroSpectrum.

Recently, the government has released technology.
standard operating procedures Last year India faced severe locust attacks
(SOPs) for the use of drones in the
farm sector, including for spraying in many states. With the help of helicopters, we
pesticides as well as other soil and tried to spray the pesticides on damaged crops
crop nutrients. What is the future but we realised that use of drone technology
strategy of the government about will definitely resolve this issue. After seeking
usage of drone technology in agri- essential permissions from the civil aviation
allied industry? ministry and other concerned ministries, we are
ready to use drone technology for the agriculture
The Government of India is committed to sector.
the use of technology in the agriculture sector.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Under the Digital Agriculture Mission,
Modi, we are trying to use the technology in we are planning to use drone technology for
various sub-sectors of agriculture. The Centre crop analysis, analysis of damaged crops due
has transferred more than Rs 1,60,000 crore to natural calamities and also for agricultural
in the accounts of 11.5 crore farmers under the research. We are also planning to use drone
PM Kisan Samman scheme by using digital technology, for getting digital records of
agricultural lands for farmers at one place.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com S P E A K I N G W I T H 17

Farmers will not only get information about last two years. Farmer Producer Organisations
their loan status but also about the updated (FPOs) are playing a vital role in the growth
information of government schemes for the of small-scale farmers. FPOs are helping
farmers. Government officials can also cross farmers in processing their produce near farm
verify the information about the number of gates. Government has started Kisan Rail with
farmers who received the benefits of various climate and temperature - controlled containers
schemes for farmers under Digital Agriculture for perishable agri produce such as fruits to
Mission (DAM).Till date we have connected overcome the food loss in transportation.
4.5 crore farmers through DAM. We aimed to
connect 6 crore farmers to DAM in the next five Government has provided Rs 16 crore funds
years. for interest subsidy for farmers. Infrastructure
facilities such as warehousing have been
Karnataka State Government has already developed in villages, so that farmers will get
submitted a project on ‘Use of drone technology better prices for their produce. Centre has
for land records’ to the agriculture ministry. provided 1 lakh crore fund for agri-infrastructure,
After completing all necessary discussions and Rs 15,000 crore for animal husbandry, Rs
obtaining permission from concerned ministries, 20,000 crore for fish farming and Rs10,000
we are planning to implement drone technology crore for agri-food processing industry. Besides
for land records in other states also. this, Centre has also provided Rs 4,000 crore
for herbal farming and Rs 5,000 crore for the
How do you foresee the future of beekeeping industry.
the agri industry in India in the next
five years? It has sanctioned various projects for the
agriculture sector which will benefit the farmer
Centre is giving preference to agri industry in at large level. Gradually, farmers are connecting
order to make agriculture and agri-allied industry to FPOs for better agri-inputs and better price for
more profitable. Centre has released various their produce. New generations of farmers will
schemes to help farmers and agripreneurs in the definitely take farming to a new level with the

18 S P E A K I N G W I T H AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

help of new technologies and innovations. The preference to cash crops to get better prices
future of agriculture and agri-industry is bright in the market. FPOs will help the farmers
as technology is making a difference in aspects of in getting good quality agri-inputs, effective
agriculture. use of latest technologies and innovations in
farming. Thus FPOs will help the farmers to
The government has announced that maintain the quality of the farm produce as
it is planning to issue globally valid per international standards through the use
certification to organic farmers so that of latest agri-technologies at moderate rates.
they can take their products abroad. Small–scale farmers need proper training on
What steps will be taken by the usage of chemical pesticides and fertilisers for
Ministry of Agriculture for the growth maintaining the quality of farm produce. When
of organic farmers? farmers will come together in clusters under
FPOs, it will be convenient and easy to conduct
Government is trying to focus on organic training sessions.
farming considering increasing demand for
organic agri produce in the domestic and In this way, when farmers will be aware of
international market. We have made essential good farming practices and ill effects of chemical
changes in the rules and regulations related to fertilisers, pesticides on the quality of their farm
the organic farming certification process in order produce, it definitely makes an impact on export
to make it transparent and less complicated. If of food crops.
needed we will decentralise the process of organic
farming certification. We have identified the As per government’s Fourth Advance
states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Estimates for 2020-21, total food
Jharkhand, Orissa, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, grain production in the country is
Sikkim and Andaman Nicobar which have the estimated at record 308.65 million
tribal blocks and never used chemical fertilisers tonnes which is higher by 11.14
and pesticides till date for crops. We have also million tonnes than the production
requested the state governments to analyse such of food grain during 2019-20. The
areas where chemical fertilizers and pesticides production during 2020-21 is higher
have not been used for years and certify them as by 29.77 million tonnes than the
‘Organic farming land’. So that we can announce previous five years’ (2015-16 to 2019-
such states as ‘Organic States’. We will arrange 20) average production of food grains.
training sessions for scientific practices of organic In such a situation, what will be the
farming for the farmers in these states in order to strategy of the government to make
get better prices for their farm produce. food crop production more profitable?

Recently, Basmati rice export The Agriculture ministry is trying to make
consignments from Punjab and food crop production more profitable in various
Haryana had been rejected by 27 ways. We are trying to coordinate with the
European countries due to pesticide Consumer Affairs Ministry, Commence Ministry
residue in crops. What measures and APEDA for better utilisation of surplus
is the agriculture ministry taking to production. We will focus more on processing of
mitigate this issue? food crops to increase the profitability of farmers.

Indian farmers should follow the What is the future strategy of the
international quality standards for food crops government about conducting field
if they want to make farming profitable. I think trials of Genetically Modified (GM)
FPO is the biggest step to mitigate this issue. crops in India?
The Agriculture ministry has already started
the process of making 10,000 FPOs across the It will be too early to comment on GM crop
country. Small-scale farmers should connect trials in India. In the future the government will
with FPOs for best quality agri-inputs and good definitely come up with the decision on GM crop
farming practices. Farmers should also give trials.

Dipti Barve

[email protected]

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com B U D G E T 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 19

Promising or Placid?

The agri sector got its fair share from this year's budget 2022-23. Union

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a decisive step to promote the

sector with farmer-friendly measures, which, until last year was mired with

farmers’ agitation. paddy in Kharif 2021-22 will cover 1,208 lakh
metric tonnes of wheat and paddy from 163 lakh
Keeping an eye on the state elections farmers, and Rs 2.37 lakh crore direct payment
and the farmer’s agitation that ended of minimum support price (MSP) value to their
recently, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union accounts. Besides, a new scheme will be launched
Finance Minister (FM) took a balanced in PPP mode under which farmers will be
approach while presenting her budget speech. provided with digital and hi-tech services. There
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be noted will be involvement of public sector research and
that the healthcare sector didn’t receive much extension institutions along with private agri-
attention, unlike the agri sector. Though agri tech players and stakeholders of the agri-value
experts have given mixed opinions, overall it is a chain.
win-win situation for the farmers as there was a
push on technology to enhance farmers' income. According to Ramesh Doraiswami, Manging
Director and Chief Executive Officer, National
One of the initiatives announced was with Bulk Handling Corporation (NBHC), the budget
regard to the procurement of wheat in Rabi
2021-22 and the estimated procurement of

20 B U D G E T 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

priority on stimulating growth and employment The budget priority on
through a substantial infra-led capital investment stimulating growth and
of Rs7.5 lakh crore are commendable. employment through a
substantial infra-led capital
Rajiv Gandhi, Chief Executive Officer & investment of Rs.7.5 lakh
Manging Director, Hester Biosciences opines , crores are commendable
“The Union Budget 2022-23 is very progressive, - Ramesh Doraiswami, MD &
focussing on – farmers, agriculture productivity CEO, National Bulk Handling
along with the incorporation of digital technology Corporation (NBHC)
with various segments, uplifting and supporting
small enterprises and boosting infrastructure in The Union Budget 2022-23 is
the country.” very progressive, focussing
on – farmers, agriculture
Encouraging new Agri Startups A fund with productivity along with
blended capital, raised under the co-investment the incorporation of digital
model was announced which will be facilitated technology
through NABARD. The fund will aim to finance - Rajiv Gandhi, CEO & MD,
startups for agriculture and rural enterprise, Hester Biosciences
relevant to the farm produce value chain. The
activities for these startups will include, inter The move shall provide much-
alia, machinery for farmers on a rental basis needed seed capital in the
at farm level, and technology including IT- agriculture & rural space
based support for FPOs. According to Shardul - Shardul Sheth, Co-Founder
Sheth, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and CEO, AgroStar
AgroStar, the move shall provide much-needed
seed capital in the agriculture and rural space. The funding of startups
Tech boostTechnology was one of the major focus through NABARD, the focus
areas in the farming sector. The use of ‘Kisan on 'Drone Shakti' for farmers,
Drones’ will be promoted for crop assessment, climate action is a good
digitisation of land records, spraying of step that will solve the core
insecticides, and nutrients. problem of improvement of
farm productivity
He explains that the expansion of technology - Amit Sinha, Co-Founder,
focus from just tractors and agri-machinery to Unnati
‘Kisan Drones’ for crop assessment, digitisation
of land records, spraying of insecticides and This will undoubtedly provide
nutrients shows increasing interest in the a boost to the agriculture
application of IoT to the sector. industry and the input industry
as well
According to Amit Sinha, Co-Founder, Unnati, - Rajesh Aggarwal, MD,
the funding of startups through NABARD, the Insecticide India
focus on 'Drone Shakti' for farmers, climate action
is a good step that will solve the core problem “This will undoubtedly provide a boost to the
of improvement of farm productivity and help agriculture industry and the input industry as
improve farm incomes significantly. well,” says Rajesh Aggarwal, Insecticide India.
Says Taranjeet Singh Bhamra, Chief Executive
Officer & Founder, AgNext Technologies, “The
government’s dedicated focus to increasing
investment in agriculture and the agri-tech sector
will allow for all-inclusive development that will
benefit farmers as well as agribusinesses.”

Linking of rivers

Another important aspect of the budget
was the linking of certain rivers to boost agri
prospects in regions facing water scarcity. The
FM announced the implementation of the

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com B U D G E T 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 21

Ken-Betwa Link Project for an estimated cost The government’s dedicated
of Rs 44,605 crore which will provide irrigation focus to increasing
benefits to 9.08 lakh hectares of farmers’ lands. investment in agriculture and
The government has allocated Rs 4,300 crore the agri-tech sector will allow
in RE 2021-22 and Rs 1,400 crore in 2022- for all-inclusive development
23. The budget has further reiterated the draft that will benefit farmers as
Detailed Project Report (DPR) of five river well as agribusinesses
links- Damanganga-Pinjal, Par-Tapi-Narmada, - Taranjeet Singh Bhamra,
Godavari-Krishna, Krishna-Pennar and Pennar- CEO & Founder, AgNext
Cauvery, that has been finalised. Balram Yadav, Technologies
MD, Godrej Agrovet mentions that the river
interlinking projects, Ken-Betwa link will River interlinking projects
improve farming and livelihood facilities for will improve farming and
farmers and the local population. livelihood facilities for farmers
and the local population.
Poultry, dairy and fisheries sector - Balram Yadav, MD, Godrej
Agrovet
Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary for the Department
of Animal Husbandry & Dairy, government of The budget for livestock
India said, “In 2022-23, the budget for livestock indicates the government's
has been increased by 40 per cent, and central commitment to the growth of
sector schemes have been increased by 48 per livestock and dairy farmers.
cent, indicating the government's commitment to - Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary,
the growth of livestock and dairy farmers. Department of Animal
Husbandry & Dairy
He further mentions, “An increase of 20 per
cent in the budget in 2022-23 for Rashtriya Gokul Duty reduction on certain
Mission and National Programme for Dairy inputs required for shrimp
Development will increase the productivity of the aquaculture to promote
indigenous bovine population and quality milk its exports is a welcome
production, benefitting eight crore dairy farmers.” move as it will further boost
entrepreneurial mindset and
Amit Saraogi, Manging Director, Anmol Feeds, help in job creation.
Chairman for Livestock Taskforce, CII for Eastern - Amit Saraogi, MD, Anmol
Regional Council, opines, "Duty reduction on Feeds, Chairman for Livestock
certain inputs required for shrimp aquaculture to Taskforce, CII for Eastern
promote its exports is a welcome move as it will Regional Council
further boost entrepreneurial mindset and help
in job creation. Lowering the production cost of The support towards branding
shrimp hatchery and feed will promote growth in millet products nationally and
the sector. Like announcements made for wheat internationally is a timely and
and paddy farmers, MSP needed to be fixed for welcome move
the poultry sector as well." - Devroop Dhar, Co-founder &
MD, Primus Partners
Support for millet products
benefits of millets, it is expected that the use
The budget provided for post-harvest value of millets would go up tremendously. This is
addition, enhancing domestic consumption, the right time to ensure India continues its
and branding millet products nationally and leadership position as a producer of millets.”
internationally.
Echoing the same views, Pravesh Sharma,
Says Devroop Dhar, Co-Founder and Director – Samunnati Agro mentions, “It is great
Manging Director, Primus Partners, “The support that 2023 has been declared the International
towards branding millet products nationally and Year of Millets, as this crop is currently not
internationally is a timely and welcome move. considered in the government schemes and
With the UN declaring 2023 as the year of millets producers are largely small and marginal farmers
and with the known health and nutritional that too mostly in rain-fed regions.”

Scheme for oilseed production - A
comprehensive scheme for boosting domestic

22 B U D G E T 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

oilseeds production was announced. To It is great that 2023 has been
reduce dependence on the import of oilseeds, declared the International
a rationalised and comprehensive scheme to Year of Millets, as this crop
increase domestic production of oilseeds will be is currently not considered in
implemented. the government schemes and
producers are largely small
According to Ram Kaundinya, Director and marginal farmers that too
General, Federation of Seed Industry of India mostly in rain-fed regions.
(FSII) the thrust on millets and increasing the - Pravesh Sharma,
domestic production of oilseeds is a welcome Director, Samunnati Agro
move. However, he added, “It would have been
in the fitness of things if the government had said The thrust on millets and
that modern science and biotech would be used increasing the domestic
to boost oilseeds production in the country.” production of oilseeds is a
welcome move
Chemical-free Natural Farming - Ram Kaundinya, Director
General, Federation of Seed
The budget also focussed on natural farming Industry of India (FSII)
devoid of any chemical use. Chemical-free
Natural Farming will be promoted throughout The chemical-free natural
the country, with a focus on farmers’ lands in farming will not only boost the
5-km wide corridors along river Ganga, at the production and consumption
first stage. of organic produce, it will also,
in the long term, replenish
Says Gaurav Manchanda, Founder & Manging our farmlands and incentivise
Director, The Organic World, the chemical- farmers to take up organic
free natural farming will not only boost the farming.
production and consumption of organic produce, - Gaurav Manchanda,
it will also, in the long term, replenish our Founder & MD,
farmlands and incentivise farmers to take up The Organic World
organic farming.”
There was no announcement
Mixed views regarding the industry’s
growth
Some experts gave a mixed view of the - Vimal Alawadhi,
recently held Budget. Vimal Alawadhi, Manging MD, Best Agrolife
Director, Best Agrolife being critical of the budget
says, “Though we expected various measures for The contribution of the
the Indian agrochemical industry, there was no farming sector in GDP is very
announcement regarding the industry’s growth. less hence we need to bring in
Similarly, the farm sector was also eagerly more value addition.
waiting for the reforms to reduce the cost of - Bimal Kothari,
farm inputs and modern technologies required Vice-chairman, IPGA
for increasing the farmer’s income and pushing
up the agriculture sector’s growth beyond 3.9 It was quite anticipated that the major focus
per cent. In line with the government’s focus of the budget will be on the agri sector. How
on modern-day agriculture, we will continue technologies like using drones for cultivation
educating the farmers about the judicious use of reaches the marginal farmers in remote locations,
safe agrochemicals.” the affordability of the drones, implementation of
certain measures to boost the farmer community,
Bimal Kothari, Vice-Chairman, IPGA need to be looked into. Agriculture, with its allied
mentions, “Measures announced for startups in sectors, being the largest livelihood provider in
the budget will encourage Agri-tech although this India, all the initiatives announced in the budget
is at a very initial stage as there is still a lot that will be helpful for farmers in the long run.
needs to be done. The contribution of the farming
sector in GDP is very less hence we need to bring Sanjiv Das
in more value addition”. [email protected]

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com C O V E R S TO RY 23

Why foodgrain exports

continue to falter

Despite presenting a very vibrant and colourful picture, India food grain
exports failed to hit the right spot at the international market. The
unscientific use of pesticides in food grain leads to rejection of the product
in the international market, adding to the burden of farmers. Several
countries have strict norms regarding the permissible amount of pesticides
in food grain. Apart from that, there are still various gaps that need to be
filled when it comes to domestic utilisation of excessively produced food
crops and managing pesticide residue. Let’s get to the bottom of this
ongoing ‘pain point’ in Indian agriculture.

24 C O V E R S TO RY AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Every year, when winter sets in, Delhi’s growth. Furthermore, other products like tea,
air pollution peaks with the Air Quality rubber, corn, etc. have performed well in the
Index (AQI) often plunging to the foreign markets. The Indian government is trying
‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ categories. to strengthen exports of items unique to local
A major reason behind the spike in Delhi’s air Indian states and one can expect positive results
pollution is stubble burning by farmers in Punjab very soon.
and Haryana, which has increased to about 42
per cent. Smart procurement system works

Elaborating further on the quality of the food Procurement is driven by two major aspects:
grain produced in India, Sandeep Sabharwal, Funds and Quantity, but with the underlying
CEO, SLCM Group stated, " It is important to understanding of agreed Quality. If one can get
note that many countries in the western world a mutually agreeable price for the commodity,
have Genetically Modified (GM) Crops available they can buy as much quantity as they want.
abundantly in the market and although they However, the devil is in the details. These prices
may result in cost-cutting and better profits, are driven by the demand-supply curve, which
the price of the exchange is seen in increasing is local as well as international. So one can say
health issues among the consumers. Although that if the prices are exorbitantly high, the trader
the comparison is not suitable due to multiple hesitates to buy and if they are reasonably low,
variables in the equation, it is safe to say that the seller isn’t willing to make the trade. For
the quality of indigenous food grain produced instance, if a crop yield suffers in a certain state
in India is at par with global standards. The due to unsuitable weather or any other reason,
aforementioned pesticide problem is primarily a the supply reduces, and demand increases. Now,
result of lack of knowledge and awareness among if one has a good amount of yield in holding,
the farmers. Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) is this can be managed, otherwise, it increases the
fixed for fertilisers and yet, the farmers continue prices. Procurement is primarily about meeting
to spray them even 10 days before harvesting. at a mid-point for the price and quantity.
Combine this with the unauthorised use of
certain fertilisers for higher yield and you have Extending his views on the subject, Sabharwal
the reason for food grain rejection in exports." said, "With respect to quantity, procurement
could face multiple barriers like the right
Painting a similar picture, Dr Prashant discovery of Quality, Transportation, and storage.
Zade, Chairman, A S Agri and Aqua LLP said, After agreeing on the trade, the quantity has
"Farmers have not been getting a fair price for to be tested for Quality and then, shifted from
their crop. And a huge part of the country’s the point of origin to the loading point in a
population is unable to access the quality food tangible frame of time. The time for this varies
grains may be due to price, availability and on multiple factors like capacity and capability
inaccessibility. For the want of better prices of Quality Testing, Capability of handling and
(market stability), most of the food grains are transportation, and finally, the capability of
stocked leading to degradation of its nutritive and financing the Quantity throughput. All these
quality parameters thereby leading to wastage factors if not managed properly can, eventually,
of available produce. Grading of food grains, become a procurement issue."
value addition is not being carried out as a result
food grains do not occupy the top market and The adoption of an agri-technology platform
procurers are not able to get competitive prices is inarguably the most effective way to enhance
for the same." agricultural productivity and efficiency of
the field staff by digitising the various field
According to the stats shared by SLCM Group, operations and constantly improving farming
in terms of profits, exports have fared well in practices based on the ground-truth intelligence
FY22 with better access to the EU, USA, SEA, that provide actionable insights. As a result,
and UAE markets. From April to November farming companies can provide procuring
2021, farm produce exports had a net worth companies with a near-accurate estimate of the
of nearly $29.5 billion. In the same period, harvest quantity and quality, and monitor the
non-basmati rice, sugar, and meat dominated cultivation closely to ensure the end result is as
the foreign exchange rates at over 40 per cent close as possible to the agreed figures. Procuring

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com C O V E R S TO RY 25

companies can also remotely monitor the growth process without any setbacks or delays.
and the health of the crop from time to time While further enlarging on the company's
through satellite monitoring. Subsequently, this
prevents the procuring companies from incurring product profile, CropIn stated that their Web-
heavy losses after the purchase has been made. and mobile-based applications digitise every
activity that goes into producing and distributing
International markets protect the interests the produce, thereby bringing about transparency
of their consumers by way of strict import and accountability in the entire process. While
regulations on the quality of the agri-food SmartFarm helps agribusinesses to achieve
product. Each country has its own specifications, higher farm productivity, SmartWare ensures
and exporting organisations strive to comply minimal wastage during the produce’s movement
with them to get the clearance for trade. While along the supply chain. Being a cloud-based
at one end it empowers the consumers to know platform, CropIn allows key players within the
about the product they consume in much detail, agribusinesses to view farm and supply-chain
at the other end it enables food producers to activities in real-time and derive actionable
establish a rapport with the consumer through insights that encourage efficient and dynamic
the transparency of processes. business operations.

As per CropIn, companies that procure Enhancing profitable quotient of
agri-commodities from one country to export food grain crop
to another can establish a system that allows
farming companies to monitor crop cultivation Primarily, the discovery of quality in a
and ensure that farming practices adhere to the consistent and scalable way is the bottleneck
compliance stipulated for trade. Digital farm to be addressed in food grain crop production.
management systems such as CropIn’s enable To date, quality assessment has been based
the field staff to capture farm data for each on physical inspection backed by testing in a
activity, which can be extracted as customised laboratory. Although it gets the assurance from a
reports to provide evidence of compliance with reliable quality assessment body, issues such as
import/export regulations along with vital the shortage of skilled people for conducting the
information from lab reports and quality control test and the time consumed for the entire process
processes. The infusion of technology to achieve cannot be ignored.
transparency and traceability in the cultivation
process has empowered organisations involved "Fortunately, I am able to say that the
in procuring and exporting to proceed with the investments done by companies in the recent past
in this arena have started yielding results. Taking

26 C O V E R S TO RY AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

our own example, we have invested the last 6 "Farmers have not been getting
years in developing an AI, ML digital application a fair price for their crop. And
for testing commodities like wheat with the use a huge part of the country’s
of a smart mobile phone only. This was launched population is unable to access
as a Beta version “Agri Reach” in November. the quality food grains may be
Today, the test results generated by Agri Reach due to price, availability and
are 85 per cent accurate in comparison to NABL inaccessibility. For the want of
laboratory testing. Such applications have the better prices (market stability),
ability to give test results in under 90 seconds as most of the food grains are
compared to physical testing which takes 4 to 5 stocked leading to degradation
hours including sample transportation from the of its nutritive and quality parameters thereby
field that needs at least one working day. Such leading to wastage of available produce. Grading
applications address all issues like scalability, of food grains, value addition is not being carried
testing accuracy, short turnaround time and out as a result food grains do not occupy the
remove the need for redundant instrumentation top market and procurers are not able to get
and apparatus," stated Sabharwal. competitive prices for the same."

"Awareness of issues in quality testing Dr Prashant Zade,
deserves a separate spotlight. A lot of companies Chairman, A S Agri and Aqua LLP
are developing newer ways of testing, but
with the same bottleneck of getting newer "It is important to note that
equipment, hardware, etc. This reflects a myopic many countries in the western
perspective as you are not addressing issues such world have Genetically
as skills required to operate new equipment, Modified (GM) Crops available
infrastructure requirements such as electricity, abundantly in the market and
static office space, etc. Also, it does not take into although they may result in
account the requirement of easy mobility as crops cost-cutting & better profits, the
are in a constant state of transit from production price of the exchange is seen in
to consumption," he added. increasing health issues among
the consumers. Although
Elaborating on the topic, Dr Zade said, " So the comparison is not suitable due to multiple
as to gain good profits there should be diversified variables in the equation, it is safe to say that
farming rather than monocropping which is best the quality of indigenous food grain produced
for getting good returns and maintaining a healthy in India is at par with global standards. The
state of the soil. Switching to the indigenous aforementioned pesticide problem is primarily
pulses along with cereals can boost the profits in a result of lack of knowledge and awareness
today's market which believes-Eat-Right-Stay- among the farmers. Maximum Residue Limit
Healthy. Switching to more sustainable and GAP (MRL) is fixed for fertilisers and yet, the farmers
(Good Agricultural Practices), complemented continue to spray them even 10 days before
with organic resources and bio inputs such as harvesting. Combine this with the unauthorised
biofertilisers, biopesticides and bio insecticides use of certain fertilisers for higher yield and
will automatically lead to good quality food grains you have the reason for food grain rejection in
which are residue and toxic free." exports."
Sandeep Sabharwal, CEO, SLCM Group
Holistic and integrated approach should be
followed while carrying out crop production Lack of tech adoption
at a large scale. Storage system facilitated
with a network of cold storage chains and Compared to western countries, Indian
good transportation facilities must be there farmers use very less technology while cultivating
to maintain the crop in prime condition for food grain crops. As per Ministry of Agriculture,
as long as possible. While maintaining all the in India, around 34.5 per cent are marginal
above paraphernalia, one needs to also focus on farmers having land around 1-2 ha. So, they can’t
sustaining grading standards as per the national afford usage of higher advanced machinery for
and international market and that is the key carrying out précised agriculture. Apart from it,
requisite for ensuring profitability. due to climate change and vagaries of nature,
there has been difficulty in increasing crop
production.

Mostly, India practices resource-intensive
farming, which depletes natural resources such

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com C O V E R S TO RY 27

as groundwater, soil quality, etc. at a rapid pace. of beneficial soil organisms. Frequent residue
With the absence of technology to monitor and burning leads to complete loss of microbial
control such issues, the profits in the food grain population and reduces levels of N and C in the
trade are bound to take a hit. top 0-15 cm soil profile, which is important for
crop root development.
However, India realises the losses and has, in
fact, taken the initial steps in the right direction. Apart from that, burning the crop residue
The central government has recently decided to causes a massive amount of air pollution which
provide 100 per cent funding-oriented support could be easily witnessed in the Delhi NCR region
up to Rs 10 lakh agriculture training institutes every year as the winter sets in. While stubble
and Krishi Vigyan Kendras for drone purchase burning is an important factor, it is not the only
and use in agriculture. The ministry has issued factor that contributes to rising air pollution
specific SOPs for operations, guidelines, and in Delhi. Vehicles and industrial emissions are
training to use such drones also contributors to worsening air quality in the
national capital.
Furthermore, the government is working on
improving the use and efficiency of the National In order to minimise or stop the stubble
Agriculture Market (e-NAM), which would act burning activities, the state and the central
as a trading platform for farmers to get the government has been working very closely to
best price for their agri commodities. Such a map a plan which is best suited for both the
positive approach towards technology infusion in environment and farmers. One such way is the
agriculture will act as a catalyst in improving the usage of Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machines.
opportunities and profit returns for the farmers It is a tractor-operated machine developed
through data and digitisation. by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
in collaboration with Australian Centre for
Managing food grain crop's residue International Agricultural Research (ACIAR),
for in-situ management of paddy stubble
Food grain crop residues are primarily used (straw). After harvesting the paddy field using
as bedding material for animals, livestock feed, a combined harvester fitted with Super-SMS
soil mulching, biogas generation, bio-manure/ (Straw Management System) equipment, which
compost, thatching for rural homes, mushroom chops and evenly spreads the stubble in the
cultivation, biomass energy production, fuel for field, farmers can directly sow wheat seeds using
domestic and industrial use, etc. However, a Happy Seeder with the stubble’s organic value
large portion of crop residue is burnt ‘on-farm’ added to the soil.
primarily to clean the field for sowing the next
crop. The problem of ‘on-farm’ burning of crop Another alternative to resolve this issue
residues is intensifying in recent years due to is Pusa bio-decomposer and it is being highly
shortage of human labour, high cost of removing recommended by the current Chief Minister of
the crop residue from the field and mechanised Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal. The Bio-Decomposer
harvesting of crops. As per available estimates, or the microbial solution has the property of
burning of crop residues is predominant in four decomposing the crop residue and turning it
states, namely, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh & into manure when sprayed in the fields. The
West Bengal. decomposers are in the form of capsules made by
extracting fungi strains, which can produce the
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, essential enzymes for the degradation process.
It is estimated that burning one tonne of rice Eventually these fungi strains help the paddy
straw accounts for loss of 5.5 kg Nitrogen, 2.3 kg straw to decompose at a faster pace than the
Phosphorus, 25 kg Potassium and 1.2 kg Sulphur usual rate. The ‘Bio-Decomposer’ capsules are
besides, organic carbon. Generally crop residues first used to prepare a liquid solution, which is
of different crops contain 80 per cent of Nitrogen then sprayed in fields. All these ‘problems’ have
(N), 25 per cent of Phosphorus (P), 50 per cent effective and scientific solutions. However, only
of Sulphur (S) and 20 per cent of Potassium(K). a ground level conscientious implementation
If the crop residue is incorporated or retained will determine how our produce fares in the next
in the soil itself, it gets enriched, particularly major export bid.
with organic C and N. Heat from burning
residues elevates soil temperature causing death Nitin Konde

28 S TA RT U P S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Startups to propel
Food Crop Processing

In the last few years food grain production in India has quadrupled and there has, thus, been
a substantial increase in available food-grain per capita. Yet, the food grain export industry
is struggling with issues such as rejection of consignments by 27 European countries
due to pesticide residue. Crop yields in India are still just 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the
best sustainable crop yields achievable in the farms of developed and other developing
countries. Clearly, it is time for change. India needs to respond to long-standing issues and
challenges to make food grain production more profitable. In such a situation agri-tech
startups play a very crucial role to validate the quality of food grains. However, the million
dollar question is: 'How, exactly, can startups make food grain production profitable?

Asignificant part of our agricultural be harvested can go a long way in strengthening
growth evolves through application our capacities. Another crucial intervention
of new technologies. The use of in procurement is building and strengthening
innovative technology is necessary networks so we can buy directly from the
to meet the forecasted demand in a sustainable farmers. FPOs can become the aggregators and
manner and move Indian agriculture along the assist in smooth and seamless flow of produce
path of growth. from farm to processor. Some levels of processing
can be made possible right at the farm gates such
Strengthening food crop processing as like grading and sorting and some amount of
sieving, improving returns for the farmers.”
Food crops form an essential part of the
diet of humans. During their production, He added, “Though grading and sorting can
harvesting, post-harvest handling and storage, easily be moved to the farm gates, FPOS may
strategies are needed and technologies must be find secondary levels of processing challenging.
applied to ensure the food safety of food crops This is where startups can play a crucial role.
destined either for consumption as minimally- By enabling a farm level processing units and
processed products or for use as components in systems, startups can create capabilities within
manufactured food products. Cumulative effects the farm community with ease and empower
of technology over the next decade will change them with better returns. These interventions can
the face of agriculture. start with specific commodities and with success
grow wider and deeper.”
Stating the steps to strengthen food crop
processing and procurement, Validating food grain quality
Anand Chandra, Executive
Director & Co-Founder, In the current grain-handling scenario, grain
Arya.ag, said, “Farmer type and quality are identified manually by visual
Producer Organisations inspection which is tedious and not accurate.
(FPOs) play an essential role in There is a need for the growth of an accurate and
the overall development of the objective system for quality determination of
food grains. Many agri-tech startups are working
farming community. They help in towards introducing new technologies for grain
developing capabilities of farmers by building type identification and analysis of rice quality (i.e.,
knowledge and skills. Involving FPOs in the Basmati, Boiled and Delhi) and grade (i.e., grade
distribution of key insights such as which 1, grade 2, and grade 3) using Neural Networks.
fungible goods to produce and how they must

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com S TA RT U P S 29

Navneet Ravikar, Chairman & Managing of crops grown, fertilisers and inputs in each crop,
Director, Leads Connect quantities grown and sent to mandis, etc.
Services, said, “Farmers, in
general, need to understand the Arya.ag
quality of the food grains. For
this, agri-tech startups should be Another startup that is bridging the gap in
promoted so that we can increase the post-harvest-agri transactions is Arya. India’s
the testing of the product and largest integrated grain commerce platform,
Arya.ag, has recently announced the close of its
compare it with export quality standards.” Series C round, having raised $60 million in a
He added, “Currently, we are working on mix of equity and debt.

getting the yield estimation done in line with the The startup connects sellers and buyers of
government initiatives. The plan is to test at least agri produce, providing complete assurance on
4 samples per gram panchayat to understand quantity, quality and payments. The platform
their quality. By doing this, we can categorise eliminates distress sales of farmers’ produce by
the food grains per gram panchayat. So, if a enabling farmgate storage and seamless finance
buyer wants a particular quality of grains, then options, offering farmers the freedom of when
he can directly connect with the gram panchayat and whom to sell to.
providing it. Technology sits at the core of
making agriculture profitable. We use drones, Commenting on the growth of the startup,
satellite to assess the land suitability for crops Chattanathan Devarajan, Arya’s
and give advisory to the farmers accordingly.” co-founder, said, “We have
visibility on grains worth over $2
Post-harvest revolution billion on the Arya platform, and
this number is growing rapidly as
With the country's food grain production we gather data from warehouses
increasing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi around the country. This funding
has given attention to the food processing
sector. While addressing a webinar on budget round will help us gain market share for our core
provisions for the farm sector, Modi stated, offerings and add more services to consolidate
"There is a need for post-harvest revolution or our position as India’s most trusted platform in
food processing revolution, and value additions." agriculture. We believe that these partnerships, old
Modi highlighted that the food processing sector and new, are an endorsement of Arya’s strength to
needs to be developed at a faster pace and that drive penetration and lead transformation within
participation of farmers as well as public-private the sector.”
partnerships need to be increased to bring about
the food processing revolution. Sustaining agri growth with tech

He also stressed about the need to encourage From artificial intelligence, block chain,
agricultural startups, saying they have performed machine learning, data analytics, robotics, supply
well during the pandemic. chain excellence to post-harvest management
the digital applications have enabled startups
Harabaag to spring up with offerings. The only question
that arises is whether our existing strategies
With PM Narendra Modi encouraging the adequately prioritise the key elements that have
post-harvest revolution, many agri-based startups the potential to bring prosperity to farmers by
have come forward with technologies for post- providing cost-reducing solutions and achieving
harvest management. Mumbai-based Harabaag is desired growth in future.
one such startup which organises the post-harvest
supply chain using micro-level crop data. It is Indian startups are changing the face of
creating an online platform where all agriculture agriculture in small,yet meaningful ways, where
stakeholders will be able to discover, evaluate and technology alone plays the most important role.
connect with each other. The agri-tech startup With the implementation of proper strategies
claims to have captured crop data from nearly and technologies, the startups can help in
120,000 farmers in two years. Furthermore, the strengthening food crop processing.
startup captures farmers’ basic crop data - types
Pooja Yadav

[email protected]

30 C A S H C R O P AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Millet - The ‘Forgotten’
Cash Crop

Over the years, implementation of modern technologies, hybrid seeds, government
interventions and various startups venturing into the Agri sector have had revolutionary
effects. One crop that has been gaining the attention of farmers and consumers alike are
millets. India could harness the potential of millets as they are not only highly productive
and nutritious, but they also don’t require very fertile soil. More importantly, they don’t
destroy the soil as they are not water guzzlers. Another Atmanirbhar Bharat aspect in
agriculture pertains to self-sufficiency in edible oils production and also reducing the
dependence on crude oil imports alone. Boosting edible oil productions, along with that of
Ethanol will definitely take the country on the right path of self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

The agriculture sector is one of the resilience, millets have to be part of the solution.”
highest contributors to the Indian Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog,
economy and according to Economic
Survey 2020-21, India reached about Government of India, one of the authors, noted
20 per cent for the first time in 17 years. Over the in the book, “Millets are indeed superior cereals
years implementation of modern technologies, in terms of nutrition and resilience and also in
hybrid seeds, government interventions and terms of sustainability. They are ideally suited
various startups venturing into the Agri sector to address child undernutrition and fit very well
have had revolutionary effects. in nature-friendly production. Use of millets in
various nutrition intervention programmes and
Even though there has been a paradigm Public Distribution System (PDS) will be of great
shift in the field of farming, farmers have been help to address malnutrition and improve the
stressed due to the loans and losses that they health of low-income households.”
have been incurring for years due to droughts,
poor yields and farmers not being paid the value NITI Aayog to boost the agriculture sector
for their crops. One crop that has been gaining
the attention of farmers and consumers alike
are millets. India could harness the potential
of millets as they are highly productive and
nutritious, they don’t require very fertile soil and
are not water guzzlers.

Food of the future

Speaking on the sideline of a launch of a
coffee table book titled “The Millet Movement
in India” published by Penguin Random House
India, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General,
International Crops Research Institute for the
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), emphasised,
“Millets are an opportunity right at our doorstep
to create new exciting products and markets. If
we want to tackle climate change, environmental
degradation, malnutrition and farmers’

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com C A S H C R O P 31

has signed a Statement of Intent with United “In order to substitute India’s
Nations World Food Program (WFP) on import of petroleum as a fuel
December 20, 2021. The partnership focuses on and to provide direct benefits
mainstreaming millets and supporting India in to farmers, the automobile
taking lead globally in knowledge exchange using manufacturers in India have
the opportunity of 2023 as an International Year now been advised to start
of Millets. Further, the partnership will aim at manufacturing Flex Fuel
building resilient livelihoods for small-holder Vehicles (FFV) and Flex Fuel
farmers and adaptation capacities to climate Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles
change and transforming food systems. (FFV-SHEV), complying with
BS-6 Norms in a time-bound manner within a
2023 is going to be the International Year period of six months.”
for Millets; the book could prove crucial for Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport
all stakeholders involved in devising policies, and Highways, Government of India
sustainability and innovation.
generation, and greater investment opportunities.
As per FAO’s data, the global millet Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road
production stands at about 90 million tonnes, of
which India’s share is about 19 million tonnes. Transport and Highways, Government of India
However, as productivity for a majority of millets had tweeted on December 27, 2021, “In order to
is very low, several Indian and international substitute India’s import of petroleum as a fuel
organisations have been working towards and to provide direct benefits to farmers, the
enhancing crop productivity by using multi- automobile manufacturers in India have now
disciplinary approaches. For instance, the been advised to start manufacturing Flex Fuel
Pearl Millet Genome Sequencing Consortium, Vehicles (FFV) and Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid
comprising 30 institutions, decoded the genome Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV) complying with
of pearl millet and identified genes for drought BS-6 Norms in a time-bound manner within a
and heat tolerance that may be useful not only period of six months.”
for millets but also for other major cereals. These
researches have contributed to developing several Blending ethanol in fossil fuels to reduce
high-yielding hybrids and improved varieties of carbon emissions and cutting down on the
several millets that are grown by farmers in India. amount of money spent on imports of fossil
fuels could boost farmers' incomes and also
Boosting ethanol production provide them with another means of livelihood.
It could also boost the growth of food crops like
To help reduce the impact on the climate, corn, maize and potatoes that can be used in the
boost the agriculture sector and education in production of ethanol.
usage of fossil fuels Prime Minister Narendra
Modi released the report of the Expert Committee Increasing edible oil production
on Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by
2025 on the occasion of World Environment Day. In 2019, India imported about 15 million
tonnes of edible oil worth around Rs 7,300 crore
According to the report, 20 per cent ethanol which accounted for 40 per cent of agricultural
blending is within reach. The report further lays imports. The domestic produce can only meet 30
out an annual plan for the gradual rollout of per cent of the domestic demands which makes
E20 ethanol in the country. It suggests specific it necessary for India to import edible oils. Of the
responsibilities of Union Ministries, State edible oils, imported palm oil accounted for 62
Governments and vehicle manufacturers for per cent of the import, seconded by soya oil at 21
the production, supply and gradual rollout of per cent and sunflower oil at 16 per cent. India
20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. imports palm oil majorly from Malaysia and
Immense benefits can accrue to the country by 20 Indonesia.
per cent ethanol blending by 2025, such as saving
Rs 30,000 crore of foreign exchange per year, India’s dependence on the import of edible
energy security, lower carbon emissions, better air oils is going to increase by 17 per cent over the
quality, self-reliance, use of damaged foodgrains, next four years as per B V Mehta, Executive
increasing farmers' incomes, employment Director, Solvent Extractors’ Association. India
will be producing about 10 million tonnes of

32 C A S H C R O P AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

edible oils in 2021-22 and consumption demands “Millets bring us an incredible
stand at 23 million tonnes. opportunity right to our
doorstep to create new exciting
In the last few years, the cost of imports of products and markets. If we
edible oils has shot up due to various reasons. want to tackle climate change,
Mainly the COVID-19 pandemic impacting all environmental degradation,
sectors, there has been a shortage of labour, malnutrition and farmers’
delays in export and imports. Countries resilience, millets have to be
stockpiling excess edible oils led to the increase part of the solution.”
in edible oil imports. The Government of India is Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director
working on various initiatives to boost the growth General, International Crops Research Institute
of oil seeds through the Technology Mission on for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Oilseeds which has boosted India’s growth from
nine million tonnes in 1986 to 32 million tonnes “Indeed, millets are superior
in 2018-19. cereals in terms of nutrition,
resilience and also in terms of
Other initiatives devised by the government sustainability. They are ideally
to boost the growth of edible oil plants in India suited to address undernutrition
are Oil Palm Area Expansion which under the in children and fit very well in
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, increase the nature-friendly production. Use
minimum support prices, buffer stock creation of millets in various nutrition
etc. Alternatives like rice bran oil have been intervention programs and
gaining popularity and another promising source Public Distribution System
of vegetable oil could be tapping the potential of will be of great help to address malnutrition and
cotton seeds. Encouraging farmers and providing improve the health of low-income households.”
incentives to grow various kinds of oil seeds, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog,
sunflower, groundnut etc. could be a boon for the
Indian edible oil market that is heavily dependent Government of India
on imports.
Uttar Pradesh and Telangana as well. As per
Sustainability and revenue generation reports, the solutions developed by the Bioprime
Agrisolutions Pvt Limited have been beneficial in
India has been tapping into the potential of avoiding crop losses owing to untimely rain and
biogas as well and several organisations have other climatic events by 70 per cent.
made it profitable that has empowered farmers
in terms of clean fuel, manure and extra income. "Our endeavour is to be a leader in
Startups across the country have cropped up the agricultural industry, reforming and
providing sustainable and efficient solutions revolutionising the industry by developing,
to farmers in managing agricultural waste and promoting and providing innovative and
generating more revenue from waste and clean sustainable farming solutions,” says the
green energy. spokesperson at Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt
Limited.
Several startups have helped the Agri sector
with innovative and cost-effective solutions. The With disruptive technology, efficient
government has been supporting the growth management and support from the governing
of startups through various incubators and bodies the agriculture sector can gain from
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance it. To increase sustainability and profitability
Council (BIRAC). Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt technologies are being developed or are in
Limited, a Pune-based agriculture startup won progress. With cornstarch and potato peels
the Best Agri StartUp (Industry Partnership) being made into packaging material that is
Award presented by the Federation of Indian biodegradable and has the potential to reduce
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) the usage of plastic for packaging. Oilseeds cakes
in 2021. The startup is currently working with can be used for the generation of biofuels, low-
farmers from Pune, Satara and Nashik districts cost fodder and fertilisers that not only helps
and has collaborated with several peasants reduce agricultural waste but also generate more
from the states of Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, revenue for farmers.

Prabhat Prakash
[email protected]

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com S P E A K I N G W I T H 33

"Food Processing is bogged
by challenges, which hamper
farm-to-fork transition"

AMITH AGARWAL,

Founder & CEO, AgriBazaar

Connecting farmers to markets, AgriBazaar is a new-age digital (electronic) e-mandi
for small-farm owners (farmers), merchants and buyers where they can buy and sell
agri-produce directly at mutually transparent and best price mechanisms without the
involvement of middlemen. Founded in 2016, the idea behind AgriBazaar delivers tech-
enabled future-ready solutions to the farming community in a frictionless manner and
revolutionise the way post-harvest management services are processed across the
country. AgriBazaar facilitates Rs 9000 crore gross merchandise value (GMV) worth
of transactions since its inception, making it one of India’s largest online agri-trading
marketplace. With a team of information technology professionals, data scientists,
agronomists and on-field workers the platform has developed and provides advanced
solutions including crop monitoring, image-based testing, and AI-based satellite-imaging
for crop-yield estimations, weather tracking and soil moisture detection, among others.
In addition to these core services, the platform also offers allied services such as market
intelligence, quality testing and agri-produce insurance. At present, the innovative platform
connects around 10,000 traders & processors, over 100 Farmer Producer Organisations
(FPO) with its network of over 2 lakh farmers across India. Amith Agarwal, Founder
& CEO, AgriBazaar shares his views with AgroSpectrum, on the various ways to make
profitable production of food crops in India. Edited excerpts;

How is AgriBazaar contributing to the data and yield estimates will drive profitable food
profitable production of food crops ? production in our country.

AgriBazaar provides crop advisory services Besides export and processing,
that help farmers move towards scientific what are ways to utilise the surplus
farming with a higher yield, lesser wastage and production of food crops in the
optimum inputs costs. It is assisting the Indian domestic and international market?
government in building a farmer database
through intelligent data. Crop advisory, smart Ensuring that farmers can find buyers and

34 S P E A K I N G W I T H AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

vice versa for their produce is a first step in crop processing and procurement result from
providing an equitable demand-supply gap. the traditional bottlenecks faced by India’s
AgriBazaar, India’s first and largest private agriculture sector.
electronic mandi, facilitates the digital-first
approach to farmers selling their produce. Adopting technology in agriculture (agritech)
is helping in solving several pain points across
It allows farmers to save time, transparently the spectrum of the traditional agriculture
ascertain the deal and get higher realisation value chain. For instance, agritech firms like
(selling price) for their crops. With its population AgriBazaar offering quality management and
size, India needs efficient ways to utilise surplus traceability services can address the problems
production by finding buyers and sellers in a fast, of uneven quality and lack of large-scale quality
reliable, and fair manner. testing. Likewise, supply chain technology and
output linkages agritech providers can help
How would you envisage the future of resolve inefficiencies in the post-harvest supply
the food crop market in India? chain.

India's food crop market is moving towards At AgriBazaar, we have developed a business
premiumisation of the small farmers' produce; model to address these end-to-end challenges
farmers will start growing crops that fetch higher while catering to the interests of the growers and
price value and require lesser inputs and costs. For buyers. Our mission is to empower the sector
example, we witness farmers adopting changing crop by developing technology to deliver efficiency,
patterns like growing mustard with a higher value transparency, and traceability in the agri value
from traditional rice or wheat. Nutrition fortification chain.
and natural farming based agriculture is the future.
And consumers expect clean (less chemical and What are the challenges faced by
fertilizers) and healthy food crops in the future. the startup industry in food crop
processing?
The food grain export industry
is struggling with issues such as The food processing sector is uniquely
rejection of food grain consignments positioned at the intersection of agriculture,
by 27 European countries due to manufacturing and services. It is currently
pesticide residue. In such a situation, valued at $260 billion. It can evolve into a
what inputs are required to make food sizable growth engine for the Indian economy.
grain production more profitable? That said, it is also true that the sector is marred
with challenges that range from supply-side
The increase in food grain production bottlenecks to infrastructure challenges, from
demonstrates the willingness and commitment of quality issues to intermediaries who hamper
the government and industry to promote India's the farm-to-fork transition of the produce.
agriculture sector and harness its potential. And capital investment has been weak, and the
However, to ensure that these efforts result in government needs to create policies to attract
a more significant market share, especially in private and global capital in this sector.
international markets, the government needs
to implement good agricultural practices and We aim to fix the broken supply chain by
provide a framework for using lesser chemicals directly linking the farmers with food processing
in the fields. Furthermore, awareness needs to be companies – by connecting demand with supply.
created at the grassroots levels to ensure that our We started with the idea that a technology-
food grain production adheres to international driven platform could help the agri value chain
food safety requirements and we go for global operate significantly fewer overheads and
food, safety & health certifications as per EU and hidden inefficiencies. We digitised the agri value
other nations where we want to export. chain with proof of origin and authenticity,
enabling traceability whilst bringing down agri-
What steps should be initiated to trade commissions from 2-3 per cent to 0.5 per
strengthen food crop processing and cent.
procurement according to you?
Dipti Barve
A majority of the challenges faced by food
[email protected]

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com N U T R I C R O P S 35

Will Standards accelerate
the scale-up of Nutri Crops?

RAVINDER which is a powerful technique for addressing
GROVER, malnutrition.

Programme Lead- What are nutrient enriched crops?
Commercialisation
of Biofortified Crops, Nutrient enriched crops, also known as
Harvest Plus biofortified crops, are plant breeding-based
solutions developed by HarvestPlus and its CGIAR
In India, a digitally enabled (Consultative Group for International Agricultural
marketplace is facing issues in Research) global agricultural research partners
fulfilling the growing demand of zinc- to improve the micronutrient content in the
enriched wheat flour in its addressable world’s most-widely consumed staples, without
markets due to a lack of nutritional the use of transgenic modification. The primary
specifications for zinc wheat grains. objective of these traditionally bred crops is to
tackle micronutrient deficiency (hidden hunger),
Alarge global trading house, in Africa, especially in vulnerable populations. Globally
is also facing similar barriers while iron, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies are the most
procuring vitamin A maize and high widespread micronutrient deficiencies and are
iron beans. The lack of commercial common contributors to poor growth, cognitive
standards is not the challenge faced only by impairments, perinatal complications, and
the buyers; the resulting poor demand is also a increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Hence
bottleneck for the adoption of biofortification by these micronutrients are naturally enhanced in the
farmers. Standards can make all the difference staple crops, with roughly 400 varieties available
when it comes to developing technology and worldwide. In India, ICAR has released more than
innovative businesses by providing the "rules 25 varieties of iron and zinc enriched staples.
of the game". Standards provide the framework
by defining common vocabularies, outlining the Why are standards needed?
basic attributes of a product or a service, and
identifying best practices within the ecosystem to While rigorous scientific standards for
assure commercial success. biofortified crops have guided the release of 260+
certified varieties promoted by HarvestPlus,
The British Standards Institute (BSI) recently its partners within the CGIAR and National
released the first-ever international standards Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), similar
for nutrient-enriched (biofortified) grains for guidelines were missing for the grain trade.
Zinc and Iron enriched crops, paving the way
for global and national trade and ensuring The lack of standards for grain has been
biofortified grains' rapid adoption in commercial identified as a binding constraint to the scale
food systems. These standards can help overcome up and commercialisation of biofortified seeds,
the barriers to scale and be a game-changer grains, and foods. Reviews such as Improving
for the commercialisation of biofortification, Nutrition through Biofortification: From Strategy
to Implementation and Commercialisation
assessments of biofortified crops further
articulated and explored this crucial barrier. The
unanimous conclusion of these reviews found
that grain is a pivotal point for major trade in the
value chain and this gap in standards will inhibit
scale up. Users or buyers of grain do not have a
reference point or a benchmark for what makes a

36 N U T R I C R O P S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

grain nutrient enriched compared to the standard reference point on which to base trade in these
grain. In the initial years, home (on-farm) products is likely to generate more demand
consumption, small-scale trade at the local level, among seed producers, growers, and food
and trade with micro food businesses were the manufacturers. For consumers, standards will
primary pathways; progress was not held back facilitate the buying decision by clearly defining
by a lack of grain standards as these value chain what they are getting. Successful adoption of
transactions were quite informal. However, as the PAS along with food labelling laws and
the nutrient enriched crops scale up, the lack of regulations will make it easier to label foods and
standards prevent trade at more-organised levels communicate nutrition and/or health claims to
in the food system, such as among medium- to consumers. This opens up a huge opportunity for
large-scale millers, food processors and retailers. food producers and processors looking to procure
Large food processing companies currently find it nutrient-enriched grains for product innovations.
difficult to be a part of the biofortification system
because there are no standards specifically built In addition, public procurers of food deal
to aid procurement. at the grain level—for example, the Public
Distribution System in India and institutional
How were biofort standards created? procurement as part of the Mid-Day Meal
programme will further benefit from the
The Zn and Fe PAS (Publicly Available availability of specific standards for nutrient
Specifications) were sponsored by enriched grains.
Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops (CBC)
Programme, which is a partnership between the The Indian government has already taken a
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) significant step in tying agriculture and nutrition
and HarvestPlus., with funding from Netherlands to biofortification. Prime Minister Narendra
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and German Modi has backed staple crop biofortification as
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation a long-term and cost-effective way to combat
and Development. Development of the PAS malnutrition. The Prime Minister stated on
was facilitated by BSI Standards Limited, and World Food Day 2020 that common varieties of
it was published under license from The British some crops lack crucial micronutrients that are
Standards Institution. Work on a standard for necessary for optimal health, and that biofortified
Vitamin A-enriched cassava, maize, and sweet varieties were produced to address these
potato is also under way. deficiencies. He also dedicated 17 biofortified
seed varieties of eight local and traditional crops,
It is important to note that PAS is an including wheat and paddy rice, to the nation.
internationally developed specification created The addition of these biofortified types, as well
for and in partnership with the end users. It as other culinary additives, is projected to turn
is not a regulation that requires enforcement. the traditional Indian thali into a Nutri-thali. In
Manufacturers are encouraged to use the his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister
new standard to demonstrate best practice Narendra Modi indicated the shift from food
and compliance. So, adoption of standards is security to the nutritional security by announcing
not binding but incentivises the buyers and the fortification of rice distributed under various
processors by instilling greater consumer government schemes, including the public
confidence and hence opens a premium window. distribution system (PDS) and midday meals in
schools, by 2024.
How will standards transform the
commercialisation journey? Although many right steps towards combating
malnutrition have been taken, India will still
Standards, in general, will allow for smooth need a comprehensive integrated plan for scaling
transactions of goods, and ultimately ensure the up the development, commercialisation and
nutritional quality of relevant grain and that it is consumption of biofortified crops striving at
safe and acceptable for consumption. nutrition security for its citizens. It needs a long
term integrated approach for ensuring a thriving
Standards will be used by relevant biofortification ecosystem. Standards for nutrient
stakeholders to facilitate more purchasing enriched crops could be the much needed shot in
and trade of nutrient-enriched grains by food the arm.
producers and processors. Having a clear

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com E V E N T R E P O RT 37

12th Agrovision

Private investment in agri

sector will help to sustain

itself in the long run: Tomar
The 12th Agrovision, Premier Agri Summit,
was recently held at Reshimbagh The agriculture sector in India is
ground in Nagpur. The four-day event vast and is ranked second in the
from December 24-27, 2021 witnessed world in farm output. There is
a congregation of farmers, policymakers, a need for private investment in
stakeholders, scientists from different parts of the agri sector which will help it
Maharashtra and adjoining states. The theme for to sustain itself in the long run.
the Summit was ‘Transforming Agriculture through Narendra Singh Tomar,
Technology Innovations.’ Union Agriculture Minister

Present on the occasion were Narendra Singh sector in enhancing growth and also mentioned PM
Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister, Nitin Gadkari, Kisan Yojana.
Chief patron Agrovision, Union Minister for
Road Transport and Highways, Sanjay Agarwal, Agarwal in his speech talked about the Prime
Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Minister's vision of enhancing farmers' income,
Welfare, Government of India, the Guest of creating farmer's database and utilising post-
Honour Dr Ashwath Narayan CN, Minister for harvest Detailed Project Report (DPR). Gadkari
Electronics, IT, BT and S&T Higher Education, Skill talked about how ethanol from sugarcane is
Development Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, going to be the future fuel in agri pumps and the
Government of Karnataka, Chandrashekhar transport sector replacing petrol and diesel. He
Bawankule, Former Minister of Energy, New & emphasised ideating knowledge, entrepreneurship,
Renewable Energy, Government of Maharashtra successful practice and coming out with solutions
and Dr C D Mayee, Chairman-Advisory Council for the farmer community.
Agrovision, Ex-Chairman- ASRB (ICAR).
Upliftment of dairy sector
The event started with a lamp lighting ceremony
by Tomar along with all the dignitaries. Ravi The second day of the conference has sessions
Boratkar, Managing Director, MM Activ Sci-Tech on the dairy sector and its upliftment. The seminar
Communications, Publisher, MMA publications was inaugurated with a lamp lighting ceremony
and Chairperson, Agrovision Foundation, while by Nitin Gadkari, in the presence of Sunil
welcoming the guests talked about Agrovision's Chhatrapal Kedar, Minister of Animal Husbandry,
journey so far and how farmers are continuing to be
benefitted from the successive events held so far.

In his address Tomar said “The agriculture
sector in India is vast and is ranked second in the
world in farm output.” Tomar emphasised the need
for private investment in the agri sector which will
help it to sustain itself in the long run.

He also mentioned a lot of imbalance in the agri
sector earlier, and now under the PM's vision, the
sector is seeing many initiatives being undertaken.
He appreciated the role of Agrovision for the
enhancement of the farming community. Tomar
talked about the role of technology in the farming

38 E V E N T R E P O RT AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Ethanol from sugarcane is related to gene modification, semen analysis, IVF,
going to be the future fuel in training being provided by NDDB to farmers,
agri pumps animal nutrition and what role NDDB is playing
Nitin Gadkari, Chief patron in this regard. He talked about conserving green
Agrovision, Union Minister for fodder in the form of silage to ensure a regular
Road Transport and Highways supply of quality fodder to bovines, especially
during the lean season and farmers are being
Govt of Maharashtra ensured trained for the same.
balancing the demand-supply
gap in the dairy sector A special mention of women dairy farmers
during COVID and their increased participation was made by the
Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar, NDDB chairman.
Minister of Animal Husbandry,
Dairy Development, Kedar in his speech emphasised two major
Sports and Youth Welfare, things, marketing of milk-based products and
Government of Maharashtra processing of milk. He informed the audience about
how the Government of Maharashtra ensured that
There is a lot of initiatives balancing the demand-supply gap helped the dairy
in PM's vision of enhancing sector during COVID. His talk revolved around new
farmers' income, creating technologies being promoted to help dairy farmers,
farmer's database and to take the dairy industry in the Vidarbha region to
utilising post-harvest Detailed newer heights.
Project Report
Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary, Scope of inland fisheries in Vidarbha
Department of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare, Government On the third day, a conference was held on the
of India scope of inland fisheries in the Vidarbha region.
The event started with the lamp lighting ceremony
The industry was quick to by Dr Suvarna Chandrappagari, Chief Executive,
bounce back as there was a National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB),
huge demand for milk-related Tage Taki, Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture,
products Dairy Development, Fisheries, Arunachal Pradesh;
Meenesh C Shah, Chairman, Lalchand Kataria, Minister of Agriculture, Animal
National Dairy Development Husbandry and Fisheries, Govt of Rajasthan, Dr
Board (NDDB) CD Mayee, Dr Ashish Paturkar, and Ravi Boratkar,
among other dignitaries.
Dairy Development, Sports and Youth Welfare,
Government of Maharashtra; Meenesh C Shah, Dr Mayee started the conference by mentioning
Chairman, National Dairy Development Board the scope of inland fisheries in the Vidarbha
(NDDB), Dr Ashish Paturkar, Vice Chancellor, region as there is a lot of water in the region. He
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences stated that the conference will help farmers in the
University (MAFSU), Nagpur along with Ravi region to focus on new techniques and come with
Boratkar, and Dr C D Mayee. innovations in aquaculture.

The event started with Gadkari talking about Dr Paturkar in his speech gave an idea about
bringing in a milk revolution in the Vidarbha fishery potential in Bhandara, Gondia and
region using techniques that can be sustainable for Gadchiroli among other regions, which have big
farmers in the long run. ponds. He also mentioned Google mapping and
how it has helped to map the entire Vidarbha
This was followed by a speech by Shah giving region for fish cultivation. Talking about the
a glance about what role in NDDB is playing to challenges, he said that many regions lack proper
improve the dairy sector in Vidarbha and adjoining fishing techniques and urged stakeholders, ministry
areas. He said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has and farmers to work in an organised way for the
taken a huge toll on the dairy sector; however, the upliftment of the sector. He emphasised maximum
industry was quick to bounce back as there was a utilisation of water bodies, seed production in
huge demand for milk-related products." sufficient quantities, better logistic facilities,
procuring good sources and cheaper fish feed, fish
Shah took notice of the reproductive health of
cattle, livestock health, upgrading of infrastructure

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com E V E N T R E P O RT 39

Vidarbha has a huge potential production and processing.
in the fisheries sector Dr Suvarna Chandrappagari in her speech
Dr Suvarna Chandrappagari,
Chief Executive, National gave an overview of how despite being a drought-
Fisheries Development Board prone region things can turn for better by adopting
(NFDB) sustainable measures. Mentioning that Vidarbha
has a huge potential in the fisheries sector, she
The conference will help urged farmers and stakeholders to adopt certain
farmers in the region to focus measures like increasing productivity, procuring
on new techniques and come quality seeds, following good management practices
with innovations in aquaculture and upgrading marketing infrastructure. Focus on
Dr C D Mayee, Chairman- river ranching, storage facilities, transportation and
Advisory Council Agrovision, logistics and adoption of schemes in the Vidarbha
Ex-Chairman- ASRB (ICAR) region are some of the measures mentioned by Dr
Suvarna Chandrappagari.
Government of Rajasthan is
taking various initiatives to Kataria talked about prawn cultivation in Churu
encourage farmers in fish district and how the Government of Rajasthan is
farming and adopt various taking various initiatives to encourage farmers
sustainable measures in fish farming and adopt various sustainable
Lalchand Kataria, Minister of measures namely rainwater harvesting, drip
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry irrigation etc.
and Fisheries, Govt of
Rajasthan Taki in his speech thanked the Agrovision team
for inviting him where his state will be hugely
Many regions lack proper benefited from the technologies being showcased at
fishing techniques and urged the event. He said, "Arunachal being a hilly terrain,
stakeholders, ministry and there are a lot of challenges in the region." He
farmers to work in an organised particularly mentioned the right way to implement
way for the upliftment of the techniques for sustainable fish farming, balanced
sector use of water bodies and urged the stakeholders
Dr Ashish Paturkar, Vice for easy earning methods for farmers. Besides,
Chancellor, Maharashtra Animal he talked about better logistic facilities and
and Fishery Sciences University technologies to enhance fish feed. He particularly
(MAFSU), Nagpur

Drone tech to generate 50 lakh jobs: Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, Chief patron Agrovision, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways
asserted that the use of drones in the farm sector can generate about 50 lakh jobs in the vast
rural segment in one year alone. He was addressing farmers and others present at the closing
ceremony of 'Agrovision' exhibition in Nagpur.
Gadkari, talking about various opportunities in the agriculture sector, said, "Drone is related
with agro and MSME, and drones alone can generate about 50 lakh jobs in the rural sector in one
year. Besides, it will benefit farmers too."
The minister stressed cutting down on mechanised spraying of pesticides. Gadkari said a drone,
powered by a lithium-ion battery, would cost around Rs 6 lakh, while the same unmanned aerial
vehicle with a flex engine and run on ethanol fuel, would come at a much cheaper price of around
Rs 1.5 lakh. The minister said spraying pesticides from drones will need 'pilots' for operating them
and this will open up huge job prospects.
He talked about a convention centre being set up on the site of Krishi Vidyapeeth near Futala
Lake to provide information to farmers about crops. He also mentioned that efforts are being made
to identify space near Wardha road so that Agro Vision can be a regular feature. According to him,
the land is being purchased by Agro Vision Trust wherein year-round training could be conducted
for farmers. There will also be a permanent market for organic agricultural products.

40 E V E N T R E P O RT AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

How an increase in agri GDP and Ravi Boratkar, and Milind Kokje, Chief Editor,
is going to have a positive Agrospectrum. The session started with Gadkari
impact on farmers discussing the challenges faced by the farmers in
Narayan Tatu Rane, Union the Vidarbha region and how the Government of
Minister For Micro, Small and India has been proactively finding solutions to help
Medium Enterprises the farmer community. He mentioned ethanol-
based fuel produced from sugarcane, the use of
Better logistic facilities and drones in farmlands and nano urea where the
technologies to enhance fish wastage of it will be minimal.
feed
Tage Taki, Minister of Discussing the various opportunities in the
Agriculture, Horticulture, agriculture sector with MSME Minister and
Dairy Development, Fisheries, Agriculture Minister, Gadkari added, “We need to
Arunachal Pradesh work on preparing a policy on (use of) drones in the
farm sector. Drones are related to agro and MSME
There is a need for a modified can generate about 50 lakh jobs in the rural sector
agri policy in place that will be in one year. Besides, it will benefit farmers too."
helpful for farmers
Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Ajay Vir Jakhar talked about the need for a
Bharat Krishak Samaj modified agri policy in place that will be helpful
for farmers. He urged the ministers for better
The focus should be on to coordination among all the stakeholders for the
reduce price volatility, on upliftment of the sector and developing the food
growing cereal pulses, need to system in the entire country.
relook at import-export policy
G Chandrashekhar Aiyar, Chandrasekhar talked about proper training
Economist, Senior Journalist, mechanisms in the MSME sector, educational
Policy Commentator programmes in the food processing sector through
a cluster approach in hedging for commodity price
There is a lack of risk management. According to him, there should
implementation which the be a focus to reduce price volatility, on growing
government needs to look into cereal pulses, need to relook at import-export
Dr Agyeya Tripathi, Finance policy and all stakeholders should work together.
Expert The government needs to impose a duty on import,
price risk management on MSME, provision on
mentioned certain fish species on the verge of MSP and import-export policy, which is what
extinction despite less pollution in the state. Chandrasekhar mentioned at the event.

Panel discussion Tripathi mentioned the need to upgrade agri
entrepreneurship, promote FPOs. He urged the
On the last day of 12th Agrovision had farmers to act as managers. Mentioning that
a panel discussion on 'Enhancing GDP and though there are policies in place, there is a lack of
Farmers Income.' The panel discussion had implementation which the government needs to
Narayan Tatu Rane, Union Minister For Micro, look into. Schemes are many but proper awareness
Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari, is needed for the upliftment of the sector. Apart
G Chandrashekhar Aiyar, Economist, Senior from this, he also mentioned setting up SDG goals.
Journalist, Policy Commentator with a passion
for agriculture; Dr N Persuraman, Principal Rane opined about how his ministry will look
Scientist, MSSRF; Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, into the food processing sector, on how an increase
Bharat Krishak Samaj; Dr Agyeya Tripathi, in agri GDP is going to have a positive impact on
Finance Expert; Sujit Sahgal, author; Dr Ashish farmers. He assured that his ministry will look into
Paturkar; Devendra Parekh, Past President, the farmer's and hoped for positive outcomes for the
Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED); sector. Renuka Deshkar conducted the proceedings
Girish Gandhi, Organiser, Agrovision; Krishan Bir of the concluding ceremony while Ramesh Mankar
Chaudhary, President, Bharatiya Krishak Samaj; proposed the formal vote of thanks.
Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishi Samaj
Sanjiv Das (with inputs from Dipti Barve)

[email protected]

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com P E O P L E N E W S 41

‘Tamarind maniac’ from RCFL appoints
Karnataka to receive
Padma Shri award Milind Madhukar

Abdul Khader Nadakattin, a serial grassroots Deo as Director
innovator from Dharwad, Karnataka, is amongst
the 107 Padma Shri awardees announced for the The Ministry of Chemicals
year 2022 in the others (Grassroots Innovation) and Fertilizers has appointed
category. Nadakattin is a serial innovator and Milind Madhukar Deo as
his prominent innovations include a device Director – Technical of
to separate tamarind seeds, a ploughing blade Rashtriya Chemicals and
manufacturing machine, a seed cum fertiliser Fertilizers Limited (RCFL).
drill, a water-heating boiler, an automatic sugarcane sowing driller, Before this, he was Executive
and a wheel tiller. All his innovations demonstrate principles Director – Coordination,
of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and most Rashtriya Chemicals and
importantly social acceptance. He developed agri-technologies Fertilizers. He joined the
and implements which addressed a variety of needs for the local company in July 1984 as a
people while maintaining relevance with modern agriculture. Management Trainee. In
Owing to his portfolio of innovations related to tamarind, people his long career spanning
started calling him ‘hunase huccha,’ which means tamarind more than 37 years, he has
maniac. It started with his success in growing tamarind with worked in various capacities
scarce but alkaline water and further graduated with experiments in ammonia and urea plants,
like the technique for harvesting tamarind from the tree and also complex fertiliser plants, group
the highly accepted machine to separate tamarind seeds. of chemical plants, steam
generation plants, methanol
Dr Subbanna Ayappan to and nitric acid plants, product
receive Padma Shri for handling plant, technical
work in aquaculture services, health, safety and
environment management,
Dr Subbanna Ayappan, Former energy management and
Secretary (DARE) & Director General coordination of performance
(ICAR), has been conferred with improvement schemes. Deo is a
the Padma Shri for his unparallel Bachelor of Chemical Engineer
contribution towards aquaculture. from the Institute of Chemical
Dr Ayyappan is credited with Technology, Mumbai (earlier
bringing Indian fisheries to a level known as UDCT, Mumbai)
of excellence in basic science and from the 1984 batch.
fish commercialisation, unmatched
anywhere in the world. He served
as the Deputy Director General (Fisheries); Director, Central
Institute of Fisheries Education, (Deemed University) Mumbai;
Director, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture,
Bhubaneswar and Scientist, Central Inland Fisheries Research
Institute, Barrackpore, in the ICAR system and has made
significant research contributions to the National Agricultural
Research System. He is the Founder Chief Executive of the
National Fisheries Development Board. Dr Ayyappan has over
200 publications in reputed journals/proceedings and books.
He also has two patents and one design in his name.

42 T E C H N O L O G Y N E W S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

J&K innovator improves on walnut processing

A grassroots innovator from the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and also
in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, observed in parts of Himachal Pradesh,
Mushtaq Ahmed Dar, has brought out a series Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal
of innovations to make the processing of Pradesh. These have also empowered the
walnuts easier and more efficient. people involved in the occupation by
The innovations for walnut giving them the capability to supply
processing include a Walnut fresh kernels to domestic and
Cracking Machine and also world markets by cracking walnuts
the Walnut peeler, washer, of varied types like paper-shelled,
and sorter to streamline walnut thin-shelled, medium-shelled, and
production and help reduce the drudgery
of people involved in walnut processing, a niche hard-shelled, efficiently and effectively. This
occupation primarily in the Union Territories helps them grow their business by even exporting
and marketing the edible fruit.

Nouryon expands research centre in Mumbai
Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, has expanded
its office and research centre by doubling the office footprint
in Mumbai, to better serve local customers and support long-
term growth plans in Asia Pacific. The Nouryon commercial
team in Mumbai is focused on key end-markets including
Agriculture and Food, Home and Personal Care, Paints
and Coatings, Natural Resources and Polymer Specialties.
The office will also be home to Nouryon’s new global Sales
Administration and Information Management (IM) hubs,
as well as other supporting functions including Human
Resources, Finance, R&D, and Customer Service. The innovation centre in Mumbai provides
product testing and application support tailored to local needs, with specific focuses on the
Agriculture, Home and Personal Care, and Paints and Coatings end-markets.

ICRISAT develops high-yielding pigeon
pea variety

TDRG 59, a high-yielding variety of pigeon pea CO 8 (local check) in multi-location trials. The
resistant to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic fungal disease Fusarium wilt and the viral disease
diseases, has been identified for cultivation in caused by the sterility mosaic virus are two
India’s south zone. The new variety produced diseases that significantly lower pigeon pea yields.
23.13 per cent higher yield than the national ICRISAT developed the line which was taken up
check in three-year trials conducted by the All for testing and evaluation by the research station.
India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on
pigeon pea. Developed by ICRISAT and Professor
Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural
University’s (PJTSAU) Agricultural Research
Station in Tandur, TDRG 59 was identified by
AICRP in June 2021. Also known as ICPL 99050,
the variety produced an average yield of 1719
kg/ha or 23.13 per cent higher than ICPL 8863
(national check) and 26.21 per cent higher than

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com T E C H N O L O G Y N E W S 43

IISER Bhopal pioneers genome sequencing
of turmeric plant

A team of researchers from the Indian of 1.02 Gbp with 70 per cent repetitive
Institute of Science Education and sequences and contained 50,401 coding
Research (IISER) Bhopal led by Dr
Vineet K Sharma, Associate Professor, gene sequences. The researchers have,
Department of Biological Sciences, for the first time, revealed the genetic
have sequenced the genome of the structures associated with major
turmeric plant for the first time in the enzymes involved in the production
world. The researchers have used two techniques of curcuminoids, the key medicinal
– the short-read sequencing of 10x Genomics
(Chromium) and long-read Oxford Nanopore compounds present in turmeric. The
sequencing – to unravel the genetic makeup of genome sequencing of this medicinal plant
turmeric. The draft genome assembly had a size provides new insights on the origin of the
medicinal properties of this plant and will also aid
further studies on this species, genus, and family.

Black & Veatch designs R&D facility for cultivated

seafood in Singapore

Black & Veatch has recently collaborated with Shiok Meats for
the conceptual design and layout of their first-of-a-kind advanced
R&D facility for cultivated seafood in Singapore. The new facility
will help Shiok Meats, the world’s first cultivated crustacean
company, scale-up production of cell-based crustacean meat
products, targeting commercialisation by 2023. The production
facility, which is due in the next 18 months, will be an extension
of this Mini Plant in terms of engineering design and foundation.
This new facility allows the company to scale the cultivated
seafood production gradually and strategically to ensure a
comprehensive manufacturing model and top-notch products.

JNKVV Jabalpur develops 8 crop varieties

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya specific crop growing areas of various states. The
(JNKVV) Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh has crop varieties have desirable traits like high-grain
developed eight new varieties of crops. The yield, resistance to diseases, good grain quality
crops are varieties of two oats, J.O. 10-506 and and short harvest period.
J.O. 05-304 and two wheat varieties, M.P. 1358
and M.P. 1323, one rice variety, J.R.-10 and
three niger varieties, J.N.S 521, J.N.S-2015-09,
J.N.S-2016-1115. All the variants have been
accepted by the Centre. The Vice-Chancellor
of the university, Dr Pradeep Kumar Bisen has
confirmed that the seeds will be made available
to other states very soon. Dr GK Koutu, Director
of Research Services, JNKVV said that all the new
varieties of seeds have been well tested for about
three years in various agro-climatic conditions in

44 A C A D E M I A N E W S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Chandigarh NCBS, TIFR to jointly
intensify innovation in
University’s agri technologies

AI-based app The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the
Tata Institute of Genetics and Society (TIGS) have recently
spots 39 crop announced an institutional alliance. The collaboration seeks
to bring the most recently-
diseases developed science and
technologies to address
Department of Research & key fundamental and
Development of Chandigarh applied questions in the
University has developed an area of human health
Artificial Intelligence (AI)- and agriculture. The
based mobile application which collaboration is expected
will detect the crop diseases at to further the frontiers of
an early stage of farming cycle. basic and applied research
This will help the farmers to for the benefit of society. NCBS-TIFR is a premier research
make arrangements before institution that has been dedicated to fundamental research at
the spread of disease in the all levels of biology covering a diverse set of subjects spanning
healthy crops. The mobile from molecules to ecosystems and from nanosecond to
application works on three evolutionary time. NCBS-TIFR aims to strengthen and expand
step disease detection which knowledge in the life sciences, create and facilitate exemplary
is based on Image Processing human capital, and develop novel tools and technologies to
which matches the current enhance capacity for life science research in the country.
picture of the crop with that
of disease infected crop. Using Dhanuka Group to help
the pattern matching technique farmers adopt new agri tech,
the app prompts any significant train 40 drone pilots
change in the leaves, stems
or branches. In addition, the Dhanuka Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
mobile app offers suggestions (MoU) with Professor Jayashankar Telangana State
to further treat the disease Agricultural University, Hyderabad to jointly provide technical
based upon the stage of the
crop damaged by the pests and know-how and support
insects. The app will be able to to farmers in Telangana.
detect 39 diseases in two crops The MoU will also explore
while the study to extend the joint research in the areas
detection for 19 more crops is of crop protection and the
currently under-process. use of drones in agriculture.
Dhanuka Group plans to
participate and sponsor
conferences and together
with the university, will
jointly conduct research activities in the field of crop protection
chemicals. In partnership with the university, Dhanuka will
encourage farmers to use modern agriculture technologies,
which will play a vital role in increasing crop production. The
company has procured two drones and will train 30-40 drone
pilots to aid farmers across India, including Telangana.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com A C A D E M I A N E W S 45

Genomics PAU bags recognition as
renowned agri university
marker tool
According to the latest rankings released by the ICAR, the
accurately Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana has been ranked
at the second position among the country’s top agricultural
identifies tilapia universities, taking into account research,
extension and teaching excellence.
species Giving further details, Additional
Director Communication, Dr
In a recent study by Tejinder Singh Riar said the ranking
Earlham Institute, a new has been prepared on the basis of
genomics marker tool has the functioning of 67 agricultural
been shown to accurately institutions across the country that not
identify tilapia species and only covers agricultural universities in
tell apart their hybrids, the states but ICAR institutions are also a
providing a novel resource part of the testing process; accordingly PAU
to help develop aquaculture ranks at the fifth position. The top three slots have been bagged
and empower conservation by ICAR National Dairy Research Institute Karnal, ICAR
in Tanzania, Africa. Led Institute New Delhi and ICAR Veterinary Research Institute
by the Earlham Institute, of ICAR Nagar respectively. Among agricultural universities,
alongside the Tanzania GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pant Nagar
Fisheries Research Institute, has been ranked overall fourth followed by Punjab Agricultural
Roehampton University, University, Ludhiana.
Bangor University, the
University of Bristol and the PAU’s app to simplify Farm
University of East Anglia in Machinery hiring
the UK, the new genomics
marker tool enables tilapia Sardar Randeep Singh Nabha, Agriculture Minister, Punjab,
species identification and launched a Farm Machinery App of Punjab Agricultural
pinpoints hybridisation University (PAU) during the Farm Expo organised for the
between invasive and native farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. He also
tilapia species.Tropical inland released Punjab Agriculture Vision CD for the next five years,
aquaculture production has compiled by PAU. The app will help in hiring in and hiring out
increased rapidly in recent of agricultural machinery and at the same time, will benefit
decades to 47 million tonnes small and marginal farmers. More than 65 per cent of farmers
in 2018. Tilapia, a group in Punjab own less than five acres of land and cannot afford
of cichlid fish dominated the farm machinery. “The app will bridge the gap between the
by the genus Oreochromis farmers who want machinery and the farmers who are into
and native to Africa and the custom hiring of farm machinery”, he added. It will connect
Middle East, have been a the farmers with the farm machinery owners, who can get good
key part of this expansion returns through this technology. It is available in Google Play
— accounting for 5.5 million Store.
tonnes of the global total.

46 A G R I I N P U T N E W S AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Indian agri equipment Sumitomo Chemicals winds
market to have moderate up Belgian subsidiary
growth till 2026
Sumitomo Chemicals India has informed that it
Indian agricultural equipment market reached is in the process of voluntary winding up of Excel
a value of Rs 954.3 billion in 2020, according Crop Care (Europe) NV, Belgium, an unlisted
to market research firm IMARC Group report subsidiary of the company. The said subsidiary
titled, “Indian Agricultural Equipment Market now stands wound up and closed. The company
Manufacturers: Industry Trends, Share, Size, held 99 per cent of the equity share capital of Excel
Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026.” Crop Care (Europe) NV. The subsidiary was not
Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the a material subsidiary and was a solvent company
market to exhibit moderate growth during not having financial liabilities on its balance sheet.
2021-2026. The Government of India has been The subsidiary had not been having business /
promoting agricultural equipment by undertaking commercial activities/sales turnover/profits for
various initiatives, including providing subsidies the past several years. The winding-up and closure
and incentives and establishing financial of Excel Crop Care (Europe) NV is not likely to
institutions. Furthermore, leading players are impact the business, and financial statements of
increasingly introducing advanced equipment the company/group in any material manner.
integrated with Big Data and Internet-of-Things
(IoT), such as self-driving autonomous tractors, Heranba buys plots at
which is contributing to the market growth. Saykha Industrial Estate

Heranba Industries has acquired a 57,248.29 sq
mt plot at Saykha Industrial Estate in Gujarat. The
company already owns plots for the production of
pesticides, intermediates, fungicides, herbicides
and insecticides and has received permission to
settle (CTE) from Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
The company has received the environmental
permit from the Ministry of Environment,
Forestry and Climate Change, Government of
India to set up a production unit with a capacity
of 10,680 TPA on the Saykha Plot for its products’.

nurture.farm publishes report on stubble burning

nurture.farm, a digital platform for sustainable burnt, resulting in the prevention of 1,038,965
agriculture, has published the results of the tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from being
Crop Residue Management (CRM) Program: the released. Through the CRM programme, nurture.
largest ever project to eliminate
stubble burning in India. farm supported over 25,000
The CRM programme impact farmers across 23 districts in
report has evidenced benefits Punjab and Haryana with access
across reduced greenhouse gas to farm mechanisation, and a bio-
emissions, improvements in soil enzyme to decompose their crop
health and farmer livelihoods, stubble. Throughout the project,
as well as reduced usage of over 1000 field personnel from
fertilisers. Results published in nurture.farm led a fleet of more
the CRM programme impact than 700 boom sprayers serviced
report indicate 92 per cent overall stubble burn over 420,000 acres of paddy
avoidance across the enrolled farms, with close fields with the bio-enzyme, developed by the
to 420,000 acres of the land saved from being Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI),
free of cost to the farmers.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com A G R I I N P U T N E W S 47

BAL bags CIB&RC registration for
manufacturing fungicides

Best Agrolife Limited (BAL) Technical in India. The latest
has been granted registration
for indigenous manufacturing Trifloxystrobin combination
of Tebuconazole 50%+
Trifloxystrobin 25% WG, a vital provides broad-spectrum control
combination of Trifloxystrobin,
by Central Insecticides Board against fungal plant diseases and
& Registration Committee
(CIB&RC) recently. BAL ensures long-lasting, weather-
will become the first Indian
agrochemical company to protected and environment-
manufacture Tebuconazole 50%+
Trifloxystrobin 25% in India. The friendly disease control. Apart
company already has the indigenous registration
of Trifloxystrobin Technical and Tebuconazole from restricting Sheath blight,

Leaf, Neck Blast and Glume

discolouration on rice it also

limits the growth of early blight

on tomato, powdery mildew on

grapes, wheat, mango, and chilli,

Antrancose, Alternaria leaf spot on chilli, yellow

rust on wheat and Anthracnose on mango.

STL to invest Rs 2200 Meghmani Organics
Cr in its TAN plant in
Gopalpur, Odisha acquires Kilburn

Pune-based Smartchem Technologies Limited Chemicals
(STL), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Deepak
Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Meghmani Organics Limited (MOL)
Limited (DFPCL), a trusted chemicals and fertiliser recently announced that it has completed
manufacturer in India, has laid a foundation an acquisition of Kilburn Chemicals Limited
stone of its Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) (KCL). MOL paid Rs 132 crore (including Rs
complex at Gopalpur Industrial Park. The project 12.15 crore towards equity subscription) as per
is being built with an investment of Rs 2,200 the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
crore and will have a capacity of 377 KTPA. The approved resolution plan. Thus, the company
plant has the best-in-class technology from Casale has diversified its Pigment Division’s product
that ensures the safest plant with lowest possible offering with KCL acquisition, fast-tracking
emission. The project is expected to be completed its foray into Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). The
by August 2024. On project completion and aforesaid acquisition has been funded from
commencement, Odisha will become a key source MOL’s internal accruals. As a result, MOL’s
of TAN to the entire Eastern Belt where majority TiO2 project will be EPS accretive. The plant
of mining and infrastructure growth is foreseen is located at Dahej, Gujarat and its existing
in future. It will generate employment for 1,500 TiO2 manufacturing capacity is pegged at
people during the project phase and 325 people 16,500 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA).
during the operation phase. MOL expects to commence the commercial
production of TiO2 from Q2 FY23, thereby
adding Rs 300-350 crore to the revenues on a
full financial year basis.

48 S U P P LY C H A I N AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Centre secures approval for export of
Indian mangoes to US

The Central Government has secured the approval the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, according to the
of the United States Department of Agriculture 12th India-USA Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting
(USDA) for the export of Indian mangoes to the held on November 23, 2021, the Department of
US in the new season. Consumers in the US will Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the US
now have access to excellent quality mangoes Department of Agriculture (USDA) have signed a
from India. The export of Indian mangoes has
been restricted by the US since 2020 framework agreement for implementing the
as USDA inspectors were unable 2 Vs 2 Agri market access issues. Under
to visit India for inspection the agreement, India and the US would
of irradiation facilities due follow joint protocol on irradiation for
to restrictions imposed on India’s mango exports and pomegranate
international travel because of exports to the US and import of cherries
and Alfalfa hay from the US.

SIG to buy Pactiv SLCM signs agreement
Evergreen’s Asia Pacific
Fresh ops for $335M with TNMY for pledge

Swiss firm SIG has agreed to acquire Pactiv financing of foodgrains
Evergreen’s Asia Pacific Fresh operations
(Evergreen Asia) for an enterprise value of $335 Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM),
million. For the 12 months to December 31, 2021, India’s leading holistic service provider in
Evergreen Asia is expected to record revenue of the global post-harvest space for agricultural
around $160 million and adjusted EBITDA of commodities has signed an agreement with
around $28 million. On a proforma basis, the the Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Marketing Yard
acquisition will represent approximately 7 per cent (TFMY) in order to provide finance against
of Group revenue. The transaction is expected to commodities stored in the TFMY warehouse
close in the second or third quarter of 2022, subject facility. TFMY is a unique project that aims
to customary closing conditions, and will be debt- to provide necessary infrastructures for
financed. The acquisition will be accretive to cash Cereals, Pulses and Staples (CPS) for Milling
flow and earnings per share from year one. The Cluster in and around Madurai. The traders
acquisition will enable SIG to increase its share and processors can stockpile their produce in
of wallet with existing customers and to access a the warehouse and apply for finance against
new customer base. SIG plans to use its local R&D warehouse receipts. SLCM will be monitoring
presence and innovation capabilities as well as its the goods and crops stored against each
marketing expertise to introduce more innovative individual depositor using its proprietary
packaging formats in the fresh dairy market. solution ‘AgriReach’ that allows real-time
monitoring and management of crops.

AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com S U P P LY C H A I N 49

Landmark Capital launches warehousing
fund worth Rs 500 Cr

Landmark Capital has launched Landmark Warehousing & Logistics Fund. The fund is targeting
a corpus of Rs 500 crore, including a green-shoe option of
Rs 200 crore. The fund is targeting investment in Grade-A
assets with 60 per cent in warehousing and 40 per cent
in other industrial assets across key markets Mumbai,
Kolkata, Bengaluru, NCR and Chennai. The fund was
launched to generate superior risk-adjusted returns by
investing in high-quality Grade-A warehousing and logistics
opportunities. Landmark Capital is focusing on non-
speculative built-to-suit assets and diversification across
geographies to ensure effective risk mitigation. The fund’s

deal pipeline accounts for over 400 acres of land with marquee names as potential anchor tenants.

J&K signs MoU with Decco adds EPA-
LuLu Group to set registered DMN
up food processing, Aerosol to its potato
logistics hub in storage portfolio
Srinagar
Decco US Post-Harvest, the post-harvest affiliate
The Jammu and Kashmir government has signed a of UPL, has announced the launch of Decco DMN
memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai- Aerosol at the 2022 Potato Expo in Anaheim. Decco
based Lulu group to set up a food processing and adds the new EPA-registered product to its growing
logistics hub in Srinagar. This agreement was signed potato storage portfolio available across North
by J&K Principal Secretary (Industries & Commerce) America. Decco DMN Aerosol, as part of an overall
Ranjan Prakash Thakur and LuLu Group Executive potato storage programme, will greatly reduce
Director Ashraf Ali MA at Dubai. The MoU with sprouting and disease issues while also enhancing
LuLu group will further expand Jammu & Kashmir- flesh strength, colour, and reducing bruising or
Dubai collaboration and Jammu Kashmir-LuLu soft spots while in storage. The active ingredient
Group partnership. Relations between India and the in Decco DMN Aerosol, 1, 4-Dimethylnaphthalene,
UAE are long-standing and deep-rooted. People-to- is a conventional solution used in potato storage
people contact and trade have seen momentum in programmes throughout the industry. Decco DMN
recent years. The world-famous GI tagged saffron Aerosol helps reduce load rejection by working
has been launched at LuLu Hypermarket, which is in conjunction with an overall potato storage
a major step towards boosting Jammu Kashmir and programme. Decco’s new Decco DMN Aerosol is
Dubai partnership. LuLu Group is already importing the latest product to be added to its Fresh Defense
apples from Jammu Kashmir. portfolio for stored potatoes.

50 L E T S TA L K A G R I AGROSPECTRUM | FEBRUARY 2022 | www.agrospectrumindia.com

Ushering-in an Organic Revolutionhat chemical-based agri farming is causing
adverse effects on human health, apart
from the fauna and flora, soil, environment

Tand ecology, is gaining currency in
agro-chemicals, Government of India is promoting
Natural Farming through Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi
Padhati (BPKP), introduced during 2020-21 as a
sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
society. The scientific community, contends that (PKVY) for the promotion of traditional indigenous
adverse effects are the result of indiscriminate practices including Natural Farming. The Centre
and unregulated use of agro-chemicals, policy has been implementing dedicated organic farming
distortions and neglect of scientific advice by the schemes of PKVY and Mission Organic Value Chain
farmers for balanced use of chemical and bio Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER)
inputs. There is also pressure to put a check on since 2015-16 to encourage farmers to produce
unsustainable use of natural resources. This has led organic manure and to promote organic farming of
to search for alternative farming systems and many food grains. Until now, under Natural Farming, an
systems are gaining popularity in limited pockets. area of 4.09 lakh ha has been covered and a total
There is, however, apprehension of a significant fund of Rs 4980.99 lakh has been released to eight
yield penalty due to the shift from chemical-based states. The Indian Council of Agriculture Research
farming to organic farming and other types of (ICAR) has constituted a committee for developing
non-chemical farming. Hi-tech farming, precision the syllabus and curricula of Natural Farming at
farming and sensor-based farming are emerging undergraduate and postgraduate level.
as viable options for producing large quantities Many state governments have already launched
from small areas under controlled conditions and organic farming policies to encourage more farmers
for improving efficiency. Future food system has to and agriprenuers to take up Natural Farming.
reckon with all these changes. Chhattisgarh, recently took initiatives to promote
Addressing the UN Food Systems Summit rural livelihoods along with organic farming. Odisha
2021, Prof Ramesh Chand, NITI Aayog member introduced an organic farming policy in 2018.
observed that Technology is very critical for food Uttarakhand was the first state to have an organic
systems transformation. There are a whole gamut farming policy in 2000. Uttarakhand passed the
of technologies like seed technologies, water- Organic Agriculture Act, 2019, and declared 10 of
saving, energy-conserving technologies, soil health, its blocks fully organic. In 2017, Karnataka brought
post-harvest technologies, and market-linkage a new organic farming policy. Punjab has been
technologies, among others, which come into play supporting organic farmers by purchasing their
for building sustainable food systems. Modern crops through Punjab Agri Export Corporation
biotechnologies like genome-editing can play a and exporting. While presenting the Union Budget
significant role in development of environment- on February 1, 2022, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union
friendly biotech products. Technologies like Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, pointed
conservation agriculture should not be ignored; out that India will promote chemical free Natural
rather, they are more meaningful today. There is a Farming throughout the country. Initial focus is
need to promote minor neglected crops by putting on farmer’s lands in 5 km wide corridors along the
in more research, more technologies to increase river Ganga. Agricultural diversification, promotion
their productivity and market access. There has of organic and natural farming, increasing
been an immense growth of digital technologies in capacity-efficiency of farmers, crop evaluation,
the agricultural sector in India in the last five years. farmer drones, irrigation, adding courses in
Digital tools or apps, based on AI for providing agricultural universities, agricultural research are all
better farm management practices are gaining wide unprecedented provisions, announced in the Union
acceptance in India. Public-private partnerships Budget 2022-23, which will bring about a paradigm
have gone up, so also there's been a surge in shift in the agriculture sector.
many new agri-ech companies and startups in the Narayan Kulkarni,
agricultural sector. Editor
To address the issues of unregulated use of [email protected]