NEW DELHI: ZF Aftermarket today announced the launch of its new range of SACHS Clutch Discs & Kits for agricultural tractors, combining global engineering excellence with local manufacturing capabilities. Embodying German Engineering, manufactured in India, the new clutch solutions reinforce ZF’s commitment to providing world‑class technology tailored for regional markets, while enhancing availability across India and the broader Middle East and Africa region.

These new products will be showcased at ACMA Automechanika 2026, underlining ZF’s position as a leading technology provider for agricultural machinery components.

Designed to withstand the rigorous working conditions of modern farming operations, the newly introduced SACHS agricultural clutch range delivers exceptional durability, smooth operation, and long‑term reliability, qualities that the SACHS brand is globally known for.

“The introduction of our new SACHS agricultural clutch range marks an important step in strengthening ZF Aftermarket India’s growth trajectory. By combining German engineering excellence with local manufacturing capability, we are expanding our ability to deliver high‑quality, high‑reliability solutions tailored for regional needs. This launch reinforces our commitment to deepening market reach, enhancing product availability, and supporting the long‑term growth of the agricultural ecosystem across India and the wider IMEA region.”- Abhishek Verma, Head of ZF Aftermarket – Region India.

“The introduction of SACHS agri clutch is a milestone in our strategy execution to maximize Mobility Uptime. It offers a dependable, high‑comfort solution that sustains productivity season after season. Built with precision‑manufactured components and durable materials, SACHS agri clutches provide OE‑level quality that ensures consistent operation even in harsh working environments,” said Andre Scholle, Head of ZF Aftermarket, Region IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa, CIS).

Key product attributes include:

Performance & Durability

• High‑quality friction linings for stable, consistent performance
• Durable construction designed to withstand harsh agricultural operating cycles
• Optimized heat dissipation, improving longevity under heavy load conditions
• Corrosion‑resistant components increase lifecycle value
• Efficient & resisting design suited for demanding terrain

Comfort & Smooth Operation

• Superior comfort with quiet and vibration‑free drive
• Smooth engagement for precise control
• Noise & vibration reduction, enhancing the operator experience
• Constant pedal comfort supporting long working hours
• Acoustic & driving comfort ideal for continuous farming operations

Serviceability & Compatibility

• Low maintenance with engine/gearbox shielding for better protection
• Quick and easy installation, reducing downtime
• Higher compatibility across a wide range of agricultural tractor models
• OE quality assured through the globally trusted SACHS brand
• Proven reliability backed by ZF’s industrial expertise

Delivering Value Across India & IMEA

With rising demand for durable, low‑maintenance agricultural components, ZF’s locally manufactured SACHS clutch solutions provide farmers and OEMs with a significant performance advantage. By strengthening regional product availability and upholding global quality standards, ZF supports equipment uptime and operational efficiency across India, the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and CIS markets.

This launch aligns with ZF’s strategy to deliver advanced technology solutions that address local equipment requirements and customer needs, supported by a strong supply chain and the trusted legacy of the SACHS brand.

Experience the new SACHS Clutch Range for Agriculture Tractors at Automechanika

Visit ZF Aftermarket at ACMA Automechanika New Delhi, 5–7 February 2026, Yashobhoomi (IICC) for live demos of ZF TRW DTEC Brake Pads and other ZF products such as TEBS with telematics, VMS, SCALAR EVO Pulse, and the latest SACHS Clutches and pneumatic solutions.

With the introduction of the SACHS Clutch Disc & Kit range, ZF Aftermarket reaffirms its commitment to Redefining India’s Mobility by delivering advanced, sustainable, and reliable solutions for today’s operators and tomorrow’s challenges.

The post ZF Aftermarket India Launches Innovative Agriculture Tractor Clutch appeared first on NRI News.

NEW DELHI: Google today announced a suite of new collaborations and funding commitments to bolster India’s AI ecosystem at its “Lab to Impact” dialogue, an event supported by the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Attended by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, the dialogue highlighted Google’s research-driven approach to supporting Digital Public Infrastructure and empowering the research, developer, and startup ecosystem to solve national challenges and meet large-scale social needs.

Minister of Education, Government of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan stated: “India is approaching artificial intelligence as a strategic national capability, not as a short-term technology trend. The four AI Centres of Excellence have been conceived as a coordinated national research mission, advancing foundational research, responsible AI, and applied solutions that serve public purpose, and contributing to our larger aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047. Building a globally competitive AI ecosystem requires not only public investment, but also strong institutional leadership and long-term partnerships with industry. This effort is supported by Google and Google.org through their USD 8 million contribution to the AI Centres of Excellence and a USD 2 million founding contribution to the Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT Bombay.”

Speaking at the event, Dr Manish Gupta, Senior Research Director, Google DeepMind, stated: “AI is humanity’s most profound and powerful force for progress, and at Google, we see its global evolution driven by three pivotal shifts – its ability to accelerate scientific discovery, its advances augmenting human capability, and India’s unique embrace of AI’s potential. From foundational research to ecosystem deployment to scaled impact, our full-stack approach is equipping the country to lead a global AI-powered future, with innovations from India’s labs benefiting billions across the world.”

Integrating AI into India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for healthcare

Google announced funding of $400,000 to support new collaborations that will leverage MedGemma to build India’s Health Foundation Models. These models aim to improve the efficiency of healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across India. As a first step, Ajna Lens will work with experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to build models that will support India-specific use cases in Dermatology and OPD Triaging. The resulting models will contribute to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, and their outcomes will be made accessible to the ecosystem.

Additionally, researchers, AI experts, and clinicians from IISc will explore using AI models for broader clinical applications. 

Google is also working with the National Health Authority (NHA) to deploy its advanced AI to convert millions of fragmented, unstructured medical records (such as doctors’ clinical and progress notes) into the international, machine-readable FHIR standard. This shift is expected to help patients understand their medical information better, reduce documentation burden on patients and hospitals, and inform better data-driven policy decisions for India’s public healthcare strategy.

Google is also working with NHA to bring over 400,000 NHA-registered health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs, on Google Maps and Search, allowing people to easily find and navigate to their nearest health centers with the most updated official information.

Strengthening India’s AI research ecosystem and the government’s vision of India’s AI leadership

Google has consistently supported India’s scientists and researchers in fostering the country’s innovation. Over the last five years, Google has supported nearly 1,000 years of PhD-level research work across more than 25 leading research institutions, including premier institutes. The global PhD Fellowship program has supported 166 Indian PhD students to date. This year’s recipients from India are leading inspiring foundational and applied research, spanning computer vision foundational models to models supporting mental disorders.

To further support India’s research ecosystem, Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, is announcing funding support totaling $8 million for four AI Centres of Excellence established by the Government of India, aligning with the vision to “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India. This funding will support research at the Centers of Excellence:

• TANUH at IISc Bangalore will focus on developing scalable AI solutions for the effective treatment of non-communicable diseases.
• Airawat Research Foundation, IIT Kanpur, will focus on pioneering research on AI to transform urban governance.
• AI Centre of Excellence for Education, IIT Madra,s will focus on developing solutions to enhance learning and teaching outcomes.
• ANNAM.AI at IIT Ropar will focus on developing data-driven solutions for agriculture and farmer welfare.

To continue advancing its commitment to Inclusive AI, Google is announcing a $2 million founding contribution to establish the new Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT Bombay. This hub is set up in memory of Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya, a pioneer in Indic language technologies and a Visiting Researcher at Google DeepMind. It will aim to ensure that global AI advancements serve India’s linguistic diversity.

Equipping developers with our open models to power indigenous AI

Indian startups have shown enthusiasm for the benchmark-leading Indic capabilities of Google’s foundational AI models. Startups Gnani.AI and CoRover.AI have been leveraging Gemma to build Voice AI models and e-governance–focused models serving Indic language solutions.

Google is providing $50,000 of funding to each of these startups to support their efforts to include more of the Indian diaspora in AI. Additionally, Google is giving a $50,000 grant to IIT-Bombay as it uses Gemma to process Indic language health governance and policy documents to establish a novel ‘India-Centric Trait Database’ containing information on diseases, phenotypes, and genetic conditions relevant to the Indian population.

To increase access to its foundational open models, Google has uploaded all 22 Gemma models onto AIKosh, the India AI Mission’s open data and model platform. This action is intended to help the Indian developer community develop indigenous models that elevate the Make-in-India ambition.

Empowering India’s changemakers to deploy AI for India’s pressing challenges

Google remains inspired by the commitment of Indian innovators and changemakers to solve for India and will continue supporting the ecosystem as it develops AI-powered solutions on the foundational layer of the nation’s AI ambition.

Utilizing Google’s Open Health Stack, a collection of open-source tools for next-generation digital health solutions, the Indian nonprofit Khushi Baby has successfully conducted over 35 million tuberculosis screenings in Rajasthan this year using a TB Active Case Finding (ACF) screening module. Integration with the Open Health Stack ensured the solution’s compliance with international standards, the Indian government’s digital health mission, and the national effort for tuberculosis elimination.

Third-party research has indicated that AI-powered digital tools could enhance the labor productivity of India’s over one million ASHA frontline workers, enabling them to deliver an additional 98 million visits to rural patients each year. Furthermore, research estimates that AI-assisted screening tools could save the Indian public roughly ₹390 billion ($4.7 billion) yearly, which is approximately 12% of India’s total out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.

Google is providing $2.5 million in Google.org funding to support Wadhwani AI in piloting HealthVaani, an LLM-based conversational AI assistant. Launched in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Women and Child Development, HealthVaani supports ASHA and Anganwadi workers. This multimodal and multilingual solution uses Gemini 2.5-Flash for translations, answer generation, and moderation, while the advanced Gemini Embedding Model handles response retrieval.

Google is also providing $2 million in Google.org funding to Wadhwani AI to help develop and deploy Garuda, a new Indian language model for agriculture. Garuda will power AgriVaani, a multilingual, AI-driven smartphone application that will offer India’s farmers and agri-workers precise, contextually relevant advice on crop and livestock management, pest detection, and climate-smart practices.

Ensuring AI’s long-term impact is powered sustainably

Google is committed to ensuring the scaled impact of AI is responsible and sustainable, demonstrated by a partnership with ReNew Energy to support a new 150 megawatt (MW) solar project in Rajasthan, India. Under a long-term agreement, Google will receive environmental attribute certificates (EACs) and allocate them to its value chain emissions. Concurrently, Google will engage with key suppliers to boost clean energy adoption. This initiative addresses the supply chain’s energy footprint and demonstrates a clear pathway for organizations to credibly tackle emissions across the AI value chain.

This partnership builds on Google’s prior collaborations with Adani Group and Clean Max, which added 186 MW of wind and solar power to India’s grid, and contributes to India’s 2030 goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity.

The post Google’s Initiative to Showcase India’s Research Impact: Driving Global AI Leadership in Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainability appeared first on NRI News.

The report reveals that women constitute 64.4 percent of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent are employed in top agri and agri-related companies. It outlines actionable measures to foster inclusion, innovation, and equitable growth in agribusiness.

Commenting on the report, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, of Godrej Agrovet, said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we believe the future of agribusiness lies in empowering women through education, workplace inclusivity, and leadership development. By championing mentorship, aligning skills with industry needs, and fostering inclusive ecosystems, we aim to drive meaningful change and build a resilient, equitable sector.”

He further added, “Last year, we pledged to support 100,000 women across the agri value chain, and I’m proud to share that we’ve positively impacted 20,000 women in just one year. Through training, creating safe spaces, and enabling leadership, we are building an empowered agribusiness community.”

Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, IIMA, noted, “The agricultural landscape in India presents us with a striking paradox: women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and educational cohorts, yet a major proportion of the graduates do not enter the formal employment structures and leadership positions. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding women’s participation in formal employment relationships within agribusiness enterprises.”

The report provides a roadmap to bridge gender disparities in agriculture. It calls for equitable access to resources, gender-responsive training, and inclusive workplace reforms. Prioritizing education-to-employment transitions, enhancing leadership representation, and leveraging financial and technological tools are highlighted as transformative strategies. Together, these actions aim to empower women and foster equitable growth across the agricultural value chain.

At the summit, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, and Balram Singh Yadav announced the launch of the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship, empowering five students pursuing agricultural studies and fostering the next generation of women leaders.

Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, added, “Females account for 30 percent to 40 percent of total enrollment in agricultural studies, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent work in top agri and agri-related companies. This stark gap highlights the need for the industry to take proactive steps to bridge these disparities. By fostering inclusive policies and creating opportunities, it is possible to address this imbalance and also unlock the innovation and resilience that women bring to the sector, driving its sustainable growth.”

“At Godrej Agrovet, we have increased women’s representation from 8 percent to 12 percent in FY25 and are committed to reaching 32 percent by FY28. Through initiatives like creche and care policies, alongside ensuring a safe and secure environment for women in frontline roles, we are fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace that empowers women to thrive,” she further added.

To showcase its commitment to empowering women across the food value chain—from farm to fork—Godrej Agrovet highlighted the impactful initiatives of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Godrej Foods Limited (GFL). By supporting farmers like Bhagyamma in Karnataka and Jayshri in Nashik, and enabling distribution leaders like Rozaline in Manipur, GFL is fostering inclusivity and resilience. Through programs like WINGS, GFL is bringing more women into sales, marketing, and leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping an equitable and sustainable food supply chain led by women.

The summit also featured two-panel discussions. “Breaking Barriers for Women in Agriculture”, moderated by Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, included panelists Kirti Jangra, Co-Founder, Animall; Asha Kharga, Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Mahindra Group; Anitha Polimetla, Head of HR APAC & Global HRBP, BASF and Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

“Boardroom to Breakthroughs: Women in Leadership”, moderated by Parmesh Shahani, Head – Godrej DEI Lab, featured Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries; Ritu Verma, Founder and Managing Partner, Ankur Capital; and Soumya Rajan, Managing Director, Waterfield Advisors.

The Women in Agriculture Summit has become a catalyst for systemic change. Through its initiatives and insights, Godrej Agrovet is leading efforts to recognize, celebrate, and amplify women’s contributions, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable agricultural future.

The post Insights from the IIMA Report on Women in Agriculture and Godrej Agrovet’s Role appeared first on NRI News.

The visit is a part of Meghalaya’s broader agenda to promote its organic and natural agricultural products, empower farmers through market access, and strengthen Meghalaya’s presence in the global agri-business sector. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been identified as a key market for Meghalaya’s produce, given its demand for high-quality products and its position as a global trade hub.

Nestled in the heart of Northeast India, Meghalaya, known as the “Abode of Clouds,” is home to unique ecosystems, fertile lands, and a predominantly agrarian population. With over 80% of Meghalaya’s population engaged in agriculture, the state has focused on developing sustainable farming systems, promoting organic cultivation, and integrating farmers into high-value global supply chains.

Meghalaya has taken progressive steps to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage farmer collectivization, and promote exports. Through initiatives like the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD-NER), the state has facilitated aggregation, value addition, and branding of its premium produce, including GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Lakadong Turmeric, Organic Ginger, and Pineapple.

Key Events in Dubai:

The Meghalaya delegation, comprising senior government officials, FPO representatives, and entrepreneurs, will participate in the following key events:

17th March 2025: Product Showcase at Our Wellness Village Café, Sahara Centre, Sharjah

• Exclusive promotion of Meghalaya’s organic products to UAE consumers and businesses.
• Interaction with buyers, retailers, and hospitality industry stakeholders.

18th March 2025: Promotional Event at Lulu Hypermarket, Silicon Oasis, Dubai

• Display and retail promotion of Meghalaya’s premium agricultural products
• Meetings with trade partners to expand export volumes and explore new product categories.

The state’s “Meghalaya Model of Development” focuses on sustainable economic growth while ensuring environmental conservation, local community empowerment, and inclusive progress.

Recognizing the potential of Meghalaya’s organic produce in international markets, MSAMB signed an MoU with Lulu Group International in November 2023 anchored by The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This strategic partnership has already resulted in the successful export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s agricultural export journey.

Building upon this success, the Dubai Market Exposure Visit will further strengthen trade relationships, open new channels for export, and enhance global awareness about Meghalaya’s unique agricultural offerings

The Market Exposure Visit to Dubai is designed to:

• Strengthen trade and business linkages between Meghalaya and the UAE.
• Provide farmer representatives with direct exposure to global market trends and consumer preferences.
• Promote Meghalaya’s organic and GI-tagged products in the UAE retail sector.
• Encourage investment in Meghalaya’s agribusiness sector through collaborations with global buyers.
• Expand the export footprint of Meghalaya’s agricultural products, enhancing income opportunities for farmers.

The initiative is expected to boost Meghalaya’s agricultural exports, create new trade partnerships, and increase farmer incomes, all while positioning Meghalaya as a leader in organic and sustainable agriculture.

The Government of Meghalaya is committed to strengthening agribusiness infrastructure, enhancing value addition, and facilitating farmer access to international markets. Through its flagship “Meghalaya Collective” brand, the state is building a strong identity for its agricultural products, ensuring quality, traceability, and premium market positioning.

With continued efforts in organic certification, logistics enhancement, and strategic partnerships, Meghalaya is poised to become a key player in India’s global agri-export ecosystem.

The post Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board in Supporting Farmers’ Welfare appeared first on NRI News.

HYDERABAD: Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) has been awarded the prestigious gold award at FICCI’s 4th Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2024. The Sustainable Livelihood Programme was recognized under the Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilient Agriculture category, for best practices and innovations in climate-resilient, smart agriculture, and sustainable management of natural resources. Under the program, ABF supported Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) which has capacitated rural communities across Khunti district in Jharkhand, Narayanpet district in Telangana, and Ahmednagar and Beed districts in Maharashtra to participate in watershed development work to improve water availability, adopt low-risk sustainable agricultural practices for improvement in crop yield, and strengthen local community institutions to take the development agenda forward.

The multiple key initiatives implemented under this project have led to its scalable impact in the region:

• Enhanced Irrigation Access: Improved irrigation access for farmers in Telangana and Jharkhand.
• Increased Income: Material increase in annual income due to improved irrigation and agriculture practices.
• Diversified Agriculture: Cultivation of fruit and agroforestry trees, development of kitchen gardening, and multi-layer farming.
• Institutional Strengthening: Establishment of local institutions such as VDCs, FIGs, FPOs, and SHGs, leveraging resources from MGNREGS for infrastructure.
• Climate-Resilient Practices: Adoption of climate-resilient practices by over 8,920 farmers, enhancing productivity and soil health, while reducing costs and inorganic fertilizer use.
• Non-Farm Livelihood Development: Supporting households in constructing and repairing animal sheds, purchasing livestock, and providing marketing support for pig rearing in convergence with government schemes and programs.

India’s diverse landscape, varied agro-climatic zones, and rich natural resources present significant challenges for community sustenance, natural resource management (NRM), and rural livelihoods. The target communities in Telangana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra face severe issues such as water scarcity and natural resource depletion, critically impacting agriculture and allied livelihoods. These regions are home to economically disadvantaged rural populations, including tribal groups and landless families, who are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They face increased production losses, higher input costs, and reduced incomes. The program addresses these challenges through targeted interventions across the impacted areas.

Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and Chief Executive Officer of Axis Bank Foundation commented on the award, “Our Sustainable Livelihood Programme delves into a nuanced approach to livelihood challenges while focused on the local context. FICCI’s 4th Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2024 is a recognition of our efforts and a great motivator. It reinforces our commitment to the need for self-reliance among rural communities. This recognition strengthens our determination to drive with our approach and inspires us to build a legacy of positive change for years to come.”

Training and capacity-building of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and ‘Jalsevaks’, stakeholder engagement workshops, and watershed development have been key to the program’s success. These efforts have strengthened Village Watershed and Water Management Committees, facilitated exposure visits to successful projects, and promoted collaborative workshops with government departments. Land treatment measures, afforestation, water resource development, and water-saving technologies have been implemented to enhance resilience. Training sessions for VDCs, SHGs, and farmer groups focus on planning, management, monitoring, and sustainable livelihoods. ‘Jalsevak’ and para-agronomist training enhances project implementation at the village level.

Prakash Keskar, Executive Director, WOTR, shared his thoughts on the recognition, “This recognition from FICCI validates the core idea that when communities are equipped to manage their resources, development follows naturally. Through the Sustainable Livelihood Programme, we are not just addressing immediate challenges; we are laying the foundation for sustainable futures. This acknowledgment inspires us to amplify our efforts and drive even greater impact in the lives of vulnerable communities.”

The program has significantly impacted rural communities by enhancing water availability, promoting climate-resilient strategies, and increasing income through sustainable agriculture practices. Key outcomes include improved market linkages, increased access to irrigation, crop diversification, enhanced food and nutritional security, and strengthened institutions. The FarmPrecise mobile app has further supported farmers by providing weather and agro-advisories, helping plan activities and manage pests, thus increasing productivity and reducing climate-related risks. Moving forward, the program aims to empower people and institutions for sustained impact.

The post Axis Bank Foundation’s Sustainable Livelihood Program Wins Gold at FICCI’s Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2024 appeared first on NRI News.

At the launch of this initiative, Subroto Geed- President of South Asia, Corteva Agriscience, stated, “Women are the backbone of rural life and agriculture. Corteva is committed to improving their incomes and lives through access to better farming methods, education, and sustainable farming practices. We hope this focus will accelerate India’s path to becoming a developed nation. Proud to embrace this social responsibility, taking a step toward a Viksit Bharat.“

Anuja Kadian – Government & Industry Affairs Director (Asia Pacific), Corteva Agriscience, highlighted, “Our 2 million initiative links gender equality, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By equipping women with tools, knowledge, and resources, Corteva is paving the way for women to lead in sustainable development, supporting India’s goals of economic empowerment, food security, and sustainability.”

Our programs aim to enable women across the agri-value chain:

• Developing women led Farmer Producer Organizations and women farmers: Through women only Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives, Corteva aims to create an inclusive ecosystem integrating women across the agri-value chain. By promoting climate-smart practices like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), carbon sequestration, soil health management, and water conservation, Corteva is integrating environmental stewardship with economic growth of rural women.
• Developing women in STEM: Corteva will provide capacity-building, and mentorship to female STEM students, cultivating future leaders and innovators for a more sustainable, inclusive agricultural sector.
• Developing rural and ag communities: Corteva is investing in improved infrastructure such as clean water, and storage facilities. These initiatives boost agricultural productivity and ensure women farmers have the resources they need for success. Additionally, Corteva’s programs will prioritize health, wellness, financial literacy, and business skills by providing access to essential services, thereby supporting women farmers in leading healthier and more prosperous lives while driving sustainable agricultural growth.

Corteva’s 2 million initiative empowers women as drivers of agricultural growth and innovation. These efforts aim to advance innovation, economic development, food security, and create a more inclusive agricultural sector.

The post How Corteva Agriscience Plans to Elevate 2 Million Women in India’s Agricultural Sector by 2030 appeared first on NRI News.

The workshop focused on disseminating and deploying advanced technologies in the remotest villages, aiming to revolutionize farming practices and ensure sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. This landmark event exemplified the strength and potential of public-private partnerships in driving farm innovation and development. By bringing together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, the workshop facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices, paving the way for increased collaboration and synergy.

The workshop also emphasized Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs) crucial role in bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies and sustainable farming practices reach even the most remote villages.

Key Participants: The workshop was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. P.G. Patil, Vice Chancellor of MPKV, who served as the Chief Guest. The event was further honored by the presence of Dr. Sanjay Bhave, Vice Chancellor of BSKKV; Dr. Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor of VNMKV; Dr. Sharad Gadakh, Vice Chancellor of PDKV; and Dr. K.B. Kathiria, Vice Chancellor of AAU. Special guests at the event included Dr. Kaushik Banerjee, Director of NRCG; Dr. Y.G. Prasad, Director of CICR; Dr. R.A. Marathe, Director of the National Research Centre on Pomegranate; Dr. Manish Das from ICAR-DMAPR; Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of the Central Citrus Research Institute; Dr. Burman, ADG of ICAR; and Dr. S.K. Roy, Director of ATARI Zone 8. Their valuable insights and expertise provided a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of advanced technological interventions and innovative farming techniques.

Objective: The primary objective of this workshop is to disseminate the best available agricultural technologies to farmers, KVKs, and all relevant stakeholders. The aim is to significantly boost the production, productivity, and agricultural income of farmers. This initiative is crucial, given the vast agricultural landscape of India, which comprises 6.5 lakh villages and 14 crore farmers. Reaching out to this extensive farmer base is a monumental task for any single entity, highlighting the need for robust public-private partnerships.

Public-Private Partnership: The government’s promotion of public-private partnerships is pivotal in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Such collaborations enable the pooling of resources, expertise, and innovative solutions from government institutions and private players, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of agricultural extension services.

Dr. R. G. Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Group: During the press conference, Dr. R. G. Agarwal underscored the urgent need to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as IT, IoT, Precision Agriculture, and drones into Indian agriculture. Emphasizing the potential to benefit 14 crore farmers across 6.5 lakh villages, Dr. Agarwal highlighted the pivotal role of public-private partnerships (PPP) in effectively disseminating these innovations.

Dr. Agarwal emphasized the transition from flood irrigation to drip and sprinkler systems to optimize water usage and boost yields significantly. He stressed the importance of competitive markets, along with improved warehousing and cold storage facilities, to empower farmers to secure better prices for their produce.

Addressing the issue of counterfeit pesticides, Dr. Agarwal called for stringent measures to ensure the availability of high-quality agricultural inputs. He commended the Maharashtra government’s efforts in combating spurious dealers and emphasized the need for national-level legislation to safeguard farmers from counterfeit and smuggled inputs.

Highlighting research trials at PDKV Akola, where Dhanuka’s technologies resulted in notable yield increases of 81% in groundnut and 17% in soybean, Dr. Agarwal emphasized the company’s commitment. Dhanuka Group’s field force of 1500 personnel is actively engaged in transferring new technologies to farmers, collaborating closely with KVK scientists, and appointing educated youth as “Krishi Mitras” in selected villages, empowering them with specialized training to disseminate agricultural advancements effectively.

Dr. Agarwal concluded by urging farmers to procure all agricultural inputs through legitimate channels and against original bills only, pledging the company’s dedication to supporting genuine agricultural practices and fostering sustainable growth in Indian agriculture.

Dr. P.G. Patil, Vice Chancellor of MPKV, Rahuri: Dr. Patil, who served as the Chief Guest at the event, commended Dhanuka’s initiative to introduce new technologies to farmers in collaboration with ICAR. He emphasized that contributions from the private sector are essential for advancing the agricultural sector and achieving substantial progress.

Dr. S.K. Roy, Director of ICAR-ATARI Zone-8: Dr. Roy highlighted the critical role of KVKs in technology transfer. He underscored that private sector involvement through such workshops and on-ground training for both farmers and KVK scientists is crucial to realizing the vision of becoming a global food hub and ensuring prosperity for farmers.

Other Vice Chancellors present as Guests of Honor also praised Dhanuka’s efforts and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the agricultural sector.

Directors from various ICAR institutes, including Directorates of grapes, pomegranates, onions and garlic, cotton, and medicinal plants, highlighted the pivotal role of new technologies in advancing crop-specific practices. They shared the commendable work achieved by their respective institutes, demonstrating significant progress in their fields.

ICAR-Dhanuka Collaboration: To make this partnership functional and meaningful, Dhanuka Agritech signed an unprecedented and historical umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 19, 2024, with ICAR. The MoU would enable leveraging the resources and expertise of the R&D giant ICAR and one of the potential industries like Dhanuka, having its R&D, to join hands in strengthening extension and research activities. This partnership is aimed at making Indian agriculture more vibrant through the joint dissemination of advanced agricultural technologies via demonstrations, training programs, and field days. The workshop marks the beginning of this collaborative effort, where experts from ICAR and Dhanuka will share their knowledge and technologies for the betterment of farmers.

Technological Advancements: Dhanuka Agritech’s dedication to innovation is exemplified by its partnerships with six Japanese companies, enabling the introduction of cutting-edge technologies to address exotic pests. The company’s research facility, DART, located in Palwal, provides invaluable support to farmers through a free helpline for queries and assistance.

Dhanuka is also leading the way in modern agriculture with the adoption of drones and precision farming techniques. These advancements are crucial for enhancing agricultural practices and productivity.

For effective pest and disease management across various crops, Dhanuka offers a range of high-quality products:

1. Grapes: Kirari, Nissodium, and Conika for comprehensive disease control.
2. Tomato, Brinjal, and Chilli: Lanevo for managing sucking and chewing pests.
3. Pomegranate: Conika for bacterial leaf spot.
4. Mycore Super: An excellent root growth enhancer.

These innovative solutions are designed to support farmers in achieving optimal crop health and productivity.

Future Initiatives: Looking ahead, similar workshops and training programs will be conducted across India in collaboration with all ICAR-ATARIs. These initiatives will ensure that farmers nationwide have access to the latest technologies and best practices, ultimately contributing to a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector.

The post Collaborating For Change: The Impact Of The ICAR-ATARI And Dhanuka Agritech Workshop On Agricultural Development In Pune appeared first on NRI News.

NEW DELHI: With limited irrigation facilities in India, many farmers are dependent on rainfall, leaving them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms affect soil fertility, crop yields, and livestock production – all of which have led to reduced productivity and income for farmers.

To improve water resource management and farming practices in India, a Rotary club-led initiative is making significant strides to help farmers improve their harvests, increase yields, and raise their incomes to help them enhance conditions for their families and create more resilient communities.

Rotary members, experts, and technical advisors will collaborate with local and national governments to strengthen farmers’ capacity at the community level in four states – Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.  

The program aims to:

•  increase groundwater tables by 10-15 percent each year,
• extend the area of cultivation by 20-30 percent by increasing the availability of water,
• improve the incomes of approximately 60,000 farmers by an estimated 25-30 percent,
• introduce drip irrigation to reduce soil erosion on 4,113 hectares (more than 10,000 acres) of land by planting native species and fruit trees.

“In a country where only 50 percent of the arable land is irrigated, I have seen the plight of farmers who pray fervently to the rain gods so that they may have enough bountiful harvest and enough income to survive till the next crop. I have seen the distress in families of marginalized farmers in years of failed monsoons. Making more water available is the panacea for the more than half of the population that subsists on agriculture”, said Sudhanshu Pachisia, Club President of the program sponsor Rotary Club of Delhi Premier.

Throughout India, Rotary clubs have supported the construction of rainwater harvesting structures and improved irrigation, which allow farmers to harvest crops more than once per year and increase yields.

‘Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India’ is Rotary’s fourth Programs of Scale recipient – an annual competitive grant process that awards US$2 million to an evidence-based program that aligns with one of Rotary’s causes and has the capability for scaling up to help more people. The programs are sponsored by Rotary members in collaboration with local communities and partner organizations.

“Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier and their partners for taking action on their vision to empower rural communities in India to improve their crops and increase their yields through water security and climate-resilient practices,” said Rotary International President Gordon McInally. “With these life-saving and sustainable innovations, farmers can now begin to plant the seeds for a healthier and more hopeful future.”

Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, help mothers and children, grow local economies, and protect the environment. Over the last 100 years, US $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service.

Bharat Pandya, Trustee, of The Rotary Foundation said, “As People of Action focused on increasing impact, Rotary members invest in relationships, make decisions grounded in evidence, and mobilize their networks to create solutions that last. Programs of Scale is an effort to implement sustainable projects that empower our communities and create measurable impact. I’m very proud that this year’s Program of Scale has been awarded to the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier in India for addressing the issue of water scarcity and its impact on agriculture and the livelihoods of farmers.  The grant will help the club in bringing a change, advancing environmental sustainability, and ensuring a brighter future for rural communities in India.”

Mayank Gandhi, Managing Trustee at Global Vikas Trust said, “I congratulate the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier for getting this prestigious grant to help the farmers of India. We know that it is the poorest of the poor that bear the greatest brunt of the climate crisis, and we at Global Vikas Trust believe that the only way to transform their lives is by sustainable agriculture at scale. We have been planting trees and working on water conservation for several years now, and through this association with Rotary, we hope to help thousands of farmers in one of the worst-hit areas of India, which is drought-prone, poverty-ridden and reports some of the highest numbers of farmer suicides. We look forward to working together on this collaboration and hope that we can impact the lives of farmers significantly in the long term.”  

Sharad Jaipuria, Chairman of PHD Rural Development Foundation said, “PHD Rural Development Foundation in partnership with Rotary looks forward to empowering farming communities in remote rain-fed rural India. The partnership will focus on climate-resilient agricultural practices to improve the socio-economic conditions of 30,000 farmers, with 45 percent being women, by diversifying to high-value crops like fruit plantations and multilayer vegetable farming, along with groundwater recharge by generating a water potential of more than 10.45 million Cubic feet through sustainable natural resource management. The project will be executed in an integrated community participatory approach in collaboration with the Government; with the community being one of the key stakeholders.”

Prasanna Khemariya, CEO, of Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) said, We are pleased to announce SRIJAN’s partnership with the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier to empower women farmers and foster sustainable livelihoods in Jhansi and Niwari districts. Through our combined efforts in water conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and livelihood initiatives, we aim to benefit 1500 women farmers and facilitate the plantation of 7000 trees. This project will create eight crore liters of water potential, transforming 700 acres of agricultural land. Together, we are committed to driving positive change and creating a resilient, prosperous future for rural communities.”

The post Rotary-Led Water Conservation Program Awarded US$2 Million To Assist Indian Farmers appeared first on NRI News.

The MoU establishes a cooperative framework between ICIEC and the Agricultural Development Fund, designed to enhance mutual interests through strategic initiatives. These initiatives include capacity building on Islamic insurance, export credit insurance, and foreign investment insurance to benefit the agricultural value chain in the Kingdom and other ICIEC member states. The MoU, in addition to strengthening the Fund’s employees’ understanding of ICIEC’s business model and services, will also facilitate its affiliations with relevant unions or professional associations to bolster professional development and cooperation.

Oussama Kaissi expressed his enthusiasm about this new partnership, stating, “Our partnership with the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund marks a significant advancement in our ongoing efforts to support economic growth through bespoke insurance solutions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of our insurance models and cultivating a collaborative environment that will yield tangible benefits for the agricultural sectors within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our member states .”

The post ICIEC And KSA’s Agricultural Development Fund Collaborate To Strengthen Agricultural Sector appeared first on NRI News.

The ISC 2024 was inaugurated today 29th February 2024, the chief guest was Dr. C D Mayee, former Chairman, of the Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board and a renowned scientist in the field of Agriculture. The Guest of Honour was Dr A K Singh, Vice Chancellor of CSA University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Shree  Ajeet Mulay, Convener of National Organizing Committee of ISC 2024 welcomed all the guests, other dignitaries, and delegates He also gave a brief background of the deliberation which will take place during the two-day event. Dr B B Pattanaik, General Secretary of NSAI briefly informed the audience on the various activities undertaken by NSAI to support the Indian seed industry.

Dr M Prabhakar Rao, President NSAI made a detailed presentation on the present status and prospects of the Indian Seed industry starting from the green revolution to the present period of Amritkal. He lauded the role of the seed industry in the development of Indian Agriculture and the Indian Economy. He indicated that with India setting itself to boost its economy to 7 trillion USD by 2030 and 10 trillion USD by 2034, the seed industry also has the potential to grow to 7 billion USD if we can focus and aim for 1 billion USD export. He also gave a perspective view of the future developments and emerging technologies that would need to be integrated with seed research and development to harness their full potential. Dr Rao also presented a matrix to set the priority of the seed sector for the new era.

Guest of Honour, Dr AK Singh mentioned that Indian Agriculture has gone through tremendous transformation exhibiting outstanding growth in several crops, particularly, the horticultural crops. Still, there was huge potential to be tapped for boosting the production to a level where we ensure our domestic food and nutritional security and also tap the growing export market. Dr Singh was of the view that good quality seeds alone were capable of pioneering this transformation and hoped that the deliberations during the ISC would set a direction for this initiative. 

Chief Guest Dr C D Mayee appreciated the visionary presentation by President NSAI and hoped that under his leadership the Seed industry was going to achieve new heights in the days to come. Dr. Mayee emphasized the use of new technology to be used in the area where we are facing constraints, particularly, concerning the increasing labor problems in agriculture which could be tackled by the mechanization and adaptation of new technology tools. Extensive use of digital technologies in agriculture has to be explored to address the difficult areas of agricultural development. Dr. Mayee suggested that we must target the new genetic tools and technologies for improvements in the production/productivity of crops where we have shortages, particularly, the oilseeds like mustard, soybean, and groundnut and also several pulses.

Shri Vaibhav R Kashikar, Treasurer NSAI summarized the 12-year journey of ISC which has made a significant contribution towards giving shape to the Indian Seed Industry, and presented the vote of thanks to all distinguished guests, sponsors delegated and all others associated with the organization with event.

The ISC 2024 which will continue on 29th February and 1st March 2024 has been organized into six Technical Sessions that address emerging topics having an impact on the Indian Seed industry to be discussed in detail by the best subject matter experts invited from national/international institutions, about seeds.  Exhibition stalls have also been set up to showcase the latest technology and products by the seed companies and trading tables to provide a platform for business negotiations and promotion of seed trade.

The two-day event would enable comprehensive deliberations and discussions on scientific, technological, regulatory, and business developments which are going to be the core attraction of ISC 2024.

The post Indian Seed Congress 2024 Held At The Westin Koregaon Park Pune appeared first on NRI News.