New Delhi, 5th April 2025 – India’s agriculture sector is witnessing a transformative shift driven by innovation, technology, and policy support. The latest report by 1Lattice in collaboration with IVCA (Indian Venture & Alternate Capital Association), “Innovations in Agriculture,” was released today at Startup Mahakumbh 2025. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current market scenario, investment landscape, and the pivotal role of government policies in fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

The Indian agriculture market, encompassing ground agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, is experiencing significant growth, with an annual output value of approximately INR 30 Lakh Crore. Ground agriculture constitutes around 60% of this market, followed by livestock at 30% and fisheries at 10%. The report forecasts the overall market to grow from INR 31 Lakh Crore in FY25 to INR 38 Lakh Crore by FY30, driven by changing consumer demand, new farming methods, and technological advancements.

Key innovations in the sector include the adoption of AI, ML, and IoT-based solutions for precision farming, which are enhancing crop yields and resource efficiency. The report also highlights the emergence of tech-driven supply chains and end-to-end logistics services, which are addressing challenges such as limited supply chain traceability and product loss. Additionally, innovations in storage and warehousing are improving the shelf life of agricultural produce, while AI-based quality assessments are ensuring better food quality and fair pricing.

The investment landscape is equally promising, with private equity and venture capital investments in agri-tech companies growing at a CAGR of 40% between CY19-22. The highest value of investments was recorded in CY21, amounting to USD 1,080 million. Investments are primarily focused on ground agriculture, which accounts for 80% of the total investments, and companies operating in the upstream stage of the value chain.

Government initiatives, such as the creation of the Indian Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) framework and the implementation of Agri Stack, are playing a crucial role in supporting the sector’s growth. These initiatives aim to provide farmers with easier access to inputs, knowledge services, and credit while also facilitating better market linkages.

Speaking about the report launch, Abhishek Maiti, Director of Agri & Industrials at 1Lattice, said, “India’s agriculture sector is witnessing a paradigm shift where innovation is not just an enabler but a growth catalyst. With agritech startups, policymakers, and investors aligning toward a common goal, the sector is poised for unprecedented growth. Our report highlights how technology-powered solutions can boost productivity, sustainability, and farmer incomes, making India a leader in global agritech.”

Rajat Tandon, President at IVCA, said, “India’s agri sector is at a defining moment—where tradition meets technology. What we’re witnessing isn’t just digitization, but a structural transformation driven by innovation, policy clarity, and institutions like NABARD, whose work in climate action, infrastructure, and rural innovation continues to be foundational. As private capital increasingly backs agri-tech, this report is both a reflection of progress and a roadmap for what’s possible when intent meets investment.”

The report underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and farmers to achieve a resilient and innovative agricultural sector in India. With the right blend of support and investment, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.

IIFL Finance Limited, which is a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), today said that it will raise up to Rs 500 crores through a public issue of secured, rated, listed redeemable non-convertible debentures (“NCDs”), offering coupon of up to 10.25% per annum. The funds raised will be used for the purpose of onward lending, financing and general corporate purposes.

The NCDs are rated “Crisil AA/Stable” by Crisil Ratings Limited and “[ICRA] AA (Stable)” by ICRA Limited. The debentures with these ratings are considered to have high degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations. Such debentures carry very low credit risk. The issue opens on Monday, April 7, 2025 and closes on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

IIFL Finance will issue NCDs up to Rs 100 crore (“Base Issue Size”), with an option to retain over-subscription of up to Rs 400 crore (“Green Shoe Option”) aggregating up to Rs 500 crore. The NCDs under Series IX offer highest effective yield of 10.24% per annum for the tenor of 60 months. The NCDs are available in tenors of 15 months, 24 months, 36 months and 60 months. The frequency of interest payment is available on monthly, annual and cumulative basis.

IIFL Finance is a NBFC-ML (NBFC-Middle Layer) registered with the RBI, catering to the credit requirements of a diverse customer base with its plethora of products. IIFL Finance and its subsidiaries’ offerings include home loans, gold loans, MSME Secured Loan, MSME unsecured Loan, personal loan, Supply Chain Finance, Microfinance, Construction and Real Estate Finance and Capital Market Finance; catering to both retail and corporate clients. Subsidiaries of the Company are IIFL Home Finance Limited, IIFL Samasta Finance Limited (Formerly known as Samasta Microfinance Limited), IIHFL Sales Limited and IIFL Open Fintech Private Limited. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has a widespread network of 4,858 branches spanning the length and breadth of the country and the Company (along with its subsidiaries) has a strong workforce of 38,235 employees as of December 31, 2024.

As at December 31, 2024, consolidated Assets under Management stood at Rs. 71,410.19 Crore.  The Company reported Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) of 2.42% and Net Non-Performing Asset (NNPA) of 1.01% as a percentage of our consolidated Loan Book as on December 31, 2024. Additionally, as on December 31, 2024, 71.92% of the Company’s consolidated Loan Book is secured with adequate collaterals which helps mitigate risks further.

New Delhi, 05th April 2025 – Transteel, a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, has collaborated with Tata Steel to introduce performance fabrics In India. These graphene-enhanced fabric that transforms natural fibers like jute and cotton into high-performance upholstery materials resulting in a circular economy while promoting health and wellness in corporate office furniture and fit outs. 

This important partnership was unveiled at FM and CRE World Hyderabad and CE Worldwide in February 2025. As a sponsor Transteel showcased its Bio Chairs Collection featuring graphene upholstery. Designed to promote eco-friendly manufacturing, this revolutionary fabric marks a significant step toward reducing plastic usage in office furniture while enhancing durability and sustainability.

Bio chairs are developed using Tata Steel’s advanced Graphene Ink technology, which enhances the strength, water resistance, stain resistance, and antibacterial properties of natural fibers. By integrating these fabrics into its Bio Chair Collection, Transteel reinforces its commitment to creating sustainable and ergonomic office solutions without compromising on quality, comfort, or performance.

Mr. Shiraz Ibrahim, Managing Director at Transteel shared his thoughts on this milestone. “At Transteel, we are committed to designing workspaces that are both functional and sustainable. The introduction of Graphene enriched Jute & Cotton fabrics in our Bio Chair Collection allows us to offer high-performance office seating solutions that support environmental responsibility while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and durability. 

The Graphene enhanced Bio Chairs are designed for a wide range of corporate and commercial spaces, offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic upholstery. As a Go-To-Market partner for upholstery applications of Graphene, Transteel is currently in discussions for a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) agreement with Tata Steel, reinforcing their commitment to long-term sustainability initiatives.

This partnership aligns with both companies’ broader goals of reducing plastic consumption, supporting a farm-to-business model, and advancing the circular economy.

Chandigarh, April 05, 2025: The Heavy Engineering arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has despatched the fourth Steam Generator (SG) to the Kaiga Atomic Power Station in Karnataka, thus completing the delivery of a set of four SGs for one unit for the indigenously developed 10×700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor Fleet Programme.

The fourth SG has been despatched nine months ahead of the contractual schedule, while the full set of four SGs has been delivered in 45 months. Setting a global benchmark, the first of the lot was delivered in just 33 months. These SGs are for Units 5 & 6 of the Kaiga Atomic Power Station.

The despatch ceremony for the fourth SG was held at L&T’s A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, in the presence of senior officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

Commenting on the occasion, Anil V Parab (Whole-time Director & Senior Executive Vice President – Heavy Engineering and L&T  Valves) said: “L&T Heavy Engineering nuclear team continues to be the industry trend-setter. Our large talent pool, trained in robust nuclear quality culture, ensures consistent first-time-right execution and globally benchmarked deliveries. This accomplishment is in alignment with the Honourable PM’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of achieving at least 100 GWe nuclear power generation.”

The globally benchmarked, state-of-the-art, fully-integrated and digitally-enabled A M Naik Heavy Engineering Manufacturing Complex at Hazira continues to produce strategic equipment with in-built world-class quality, to global scales as well as speed.

With its six-decade-long association as a trusted and dedicated partner to NPCIL and the Department of Atomic Energy, L&T is committed to contribute to India’s fast-track nuclear power programme in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Chandigarh, 5^th April 2025 – Ratul Puri’s Hindustan Power has been awarded a 425MWp solar power project by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) as part of its 2,000MWac grid-connected solar PV power procurement initiative through a tariff-based competitive bidding process. This strategic win aligns with the company’s ambitious vision of achieving a 5GW renewable energy portfolio by 2028.

The Letter of Award (LoA) was issued by UPPCL following a transparent and competitive e-Reverse Auction. The project will be supplying power to UPPCL with a delivery point at STU – UP substation.

As per the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), UPPCL will procure power from this solar project for a fixed tariff over a 25-year period. The project is expected to achieve commissioning within 24 months from the date of signing the PPA.

Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power

Mr. Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power, commented on this milestone: “This win reaffirms our commitment to advancing India’s clean energy goals while staying on course to achieving our 5GW renewable energy target by 2028. We are proud to contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and look forward to delivering yet another world-class solar project.”

Hindustan Power has been a pioneer in India’s renewable energy sector. This new 425MWp solar project further strengthens the company’s presence in the rapidly expanding solar energy market, contributing to the nation’s transition towards a greener future.

Chandigarh, 5 April 2025: ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.”

ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance.

 “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

Mohali, April 05, 2025: Swaraj Tractors, a division of the Mahindra Group has announced its collaboration with Mahindra Susten, the Group’s clean-tech arm, to establish Punjab’s largest solar group captive project—a 26 MW solar energy installation in Bathinda district. This ambitious venture is a significant step forward towards scaling up Swaraj Tractors renewable energy share to up to 50 per cent.

The solar energy project developed by Mahindra Susten, will supply clean energy to four Swaraj Tractor manufacturing facilities located in Mohali and Dera Bassi. The project is expected to generate approximately 60 million kWh of renewable energy annually, contributing to the abatement of around 54,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The initiative reinforces Mahindra Group dedication to sustainability and climate action, while setting a new benchmark for green energy adoption in tractor manufacturing.

Commenting on the significance of this project, Hemant Sikka, President, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd stated, “With this groundbreaking solar project, we are taking a pioneering step in introducing green energy at such a large scale in tractor manufacturing for the first time in India. The initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of Transforming Farming and Enriching Lives, while advancing toward a sustainable future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Gaganjot Singh, CEO, Swaraj Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., remarked, “This solar project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating a cleaner, greener future. By leveraging Mahindra Susten’s expertise, we are confident of achieving our renewable energy goals and making a significant contribution to Punjab’s evolving energy landscape.”

The project also marks Mahindra Susten’s entry into another state viz. Punjab, further strengthening its business footprint as a leading renewable Independent Power Producer (IPP). Deepak Thakur, Managing Director and CEO, Mahindra Susten Private Limited, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “At Mahindra Susten, our vision is to deliver clean and efficient energy solutions to the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector and we are doing so by developing bespoke power plants tailored to optimally serve each C&I client requirements. We are proud to partner with Swaraj Tractors in their sustainability journey and to bring our renewable energy expertise to Punjab. Together, we aim to drive the adoption of green energy and contribute to India’s transition toward a renewable future.”

As one of the pioneers in India to commit to 100% renewable energy adoption, the Mahindra Group continues to set benchmarks for sustainability and innovation.