Savita Chhabra and Asha Parekh Present Breakthrough Influencer Award to Shalini Passi

Savita Chhabra

18th December 2024  Delhi, India  Hygienic Research Institute Pvt. Limited proudly marked a moment of recognition as its Founder and Board Advisor, Savita Chhabra, was invited as one of the esteemed guests of honour at the prestigious NDTV Indian of the Year 2024 Awards, held on December 6th at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Her participation highlighted her influence and the institute’s commitment to excellence in the industry.

The event brought together icons from politics, business, sports, entertainment, and beyond, spotlighting their remarkable contributions to shaping the nation’s future. Mrs. Chhabra joined legendary actress Asha Parekh to present the prestigious “Breakthrough Influencer of the Year 2024” award to internet sensation Shalini Passi. This accolade underscores Shalini’s impactful role in fostering innovation and creativity within the industry.

Adding glamour to this star-studded evening, Streax, a leading brand from HRIPL’s portfolio, proudly partnered as the Official Hair Styling Partner. The brand’s team of expert stylists curated elegant and sophisticated looks for all NDTV anchors and hosts, ensuring every guest shone with impeccable hairstyles crafted to perfection, complementing their radiant looks.

The NDTV Indian of the Year 2024 Awards celebrated excellence across a spectrum of fields, honouring distinguished individuals and organizations. The evening was enriched by heartfelt acceptance speeches and memorable performances, reflecting India’s rich cultural tapestry and spirit of unity.

Pokémon GO Brings City Safari Event to Mumbai for the First Time in India

Pokemon

18th December 2024   Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Pokemon GO, one of the leading augmented reality mobile games by Niantic, is thrilled to announce the much-awaited first live event, Pokemon GO City Safari. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary two-day adventure, taking place on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. IST, across the City of Dreams, Mumbai.

Pokemon GO City Safari is expected to attract players from across the globe, all eager to take part in this exciting event. Whether you’re a seasoned Trainer or new to the Pokemon world, this event promises a citywide exploration like never before, blending Mumbai’s rich cultural essence with the magic of Pokemon GO.

Trainers will have a chance to experience the excitement across Mumbai’s iconic landmarks, local favourites, while catching, researching, and discovering an array of special Pokemon throughout the city. The event will feature exclusive gameplay, unique in-game bonuses and the opportunity to develop new friendships in the thriving Pokemon GO community.

Expressing his excitement on India’s first-ever Pokemon GO City Safari, Omar Tellez, Vice President for Emerging Markets at Niantic Inc., said, “At Niantic, we are committed to enhancing the Pokemon GO experience with new features and adventures. Trainers in India have been looking forward to great Pokemon GO events and we have been working towards providing them the best experience to immerse themselves in the world of Pokemon through our in-game events and local meetups. Through the Pokemon GO City Safari in Mumbai, we’re excited to bring a special opportunity for the Trainers and communities in India who constitute a key share of our Pokemon GO world.”

With Mudbray, the Donkey Pokemon, making its debut in Pokemon GO across City Safari events in 2025, the event promises to be action-packed. Trainers will have the opportunity to catch Mudbray alongside other rare encounters such as Alolan Meowth, Mr. Mime, Corsola, and even Shiny variants for the lucky ones.

Trainers will have the unique opportunity to explore the city alongside their Eevee, which will be wearing an explorer hat and can be caught during City Safari Special Research. This event-exclusive Pokemon can be evolved into any of Eevee’s known Evolutions such as Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, or Sylveon wearing an explorer hat. With the entire city to explore, the Eevee Explorers Timed Research experience will help Trainers to set off on an exciting tour.

Tickets for Pokemon GO City Safari: Mumbai are now available for purchase at just INR 499 for a one-day ticket. Trainers can choose to attend on either March 29 or March 30, 2025. For those looking to enhance their experience, optional add-ons are available, including the Raid Lover Add-On (INR 299) for extra raid benefits, the Egg-thusiast Add-On (INR 299) for egg-hatching bonuses, and the Extra Day Add-On (INR 399) for the ultimate two-day adventure. Tickets can be purchased via the Pokemon GO app under the Events section or on the Pokemon GO City Safari website. So, hurry up as tickets are available on a first come first served basis and subject to availability. Don’t miss this chance to explore Mumbai with the Pokemon GO community!

As the countdown to the Pokemon GO City Safari: Mumbai begins, even more surprises await to unfold! From additional in-game features to city-specific experiences, there’s plenty to look forward to. Stay connected through Pokemon GO’s official social media channels and in-app updates for the latest announcements and detailed event information as we get closer to the event.

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokemon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change. Be sure to follow us on social media, opt in to receiving push notifications, and subscribe to our emails to stay updated.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Celebrates Chennai Legends’ Victory in Ability Sports League

Chennai Legends

18th December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer and title sponsors for Ability Sports League T20, concluded the final match, held on 16th December at Alur KSCA Ground, Yelahanka. In a thrilling final match of the 3rd edition of the league, Chennai Legends emerged victorious, defeating Bengaluru Eagles by 53 runs. The match showcased the exceptional skills and abilities of wheelchair athletes from across the region. The event was graced by the presence of Spandan Kaniyar, Sports Head & Deputy News Editor, Kannada Prabha, Mukund Shetty, Sports Head, Samyuktha Karnataka, and Krishnappa Gowtham, Indian all-rounder who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, and marquee player of Mysore Warriors.

Chennai Legends showcased a sensational performance, led by Suresh Selvam’s explosive innings of 111 runs off just 43 balls. Despite a resilient effort from Saliesh Yadav of Bengaluru Eagles, who scored 42 runs off 28 balls, the match belonged to the Legends. Jenish Anto’s outstanding bowling spell, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs, played a pivotal role in securing a memorable victory for the Chennai Legends.

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “We congratulate the Chennai Legends for their brilliant performance, and all the participants for their dedication and spirit. The Ability Sports League T20 celebrates the abilities of athletes beyond physical challenges, and fosters a spirit of inclusivity, courage, and perseverance in everyone, which we hope to continue to bring to other sporting leagues.”

Cycle Pure Agarbathi has made significant strides in fostering a vibrant sports culture. By supporting events including the Tiger Cup and the victorious Mysore Warriors in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy, the organization has positively impacted the local community and inspired aspiring athletes.

Piramal Realty Delivers Arav and Avyan Towers in South Mumbai’s Piramal Aranya Project

Mumbai, 17th December 2024: Piramal Realty proudly announces two key milestones for its iconic project Piramal Aranya in Byculla – the delivery of its first two towers in South Mumbai, Avyan and Arav. The delivery of these two iconic towers with over 700 residences has set a new benchmark for luxury living in South Mumbai.

Tower Avyan features 2-4 bed luxury residences while Arav tower offers a range of 2-5 bed homes, seamlessly blending privacy with a vibrant community living experience. Furthermore, Arav being the tallest tower of Byculla with 72 habitable floors and rising 282 meters above the ground stands as a testament to modern architectural sophistication. Designed by Studio HBA London, Arav Tower’s stunning double-height lobby sets a new standard for contemporary design and elegance. Residents of both the towers will enjoy expansive views of the eastern harbour and 60 acres of the lush Rani Baug botanical gardens underscoring Piramal Realty’s commitment to providing serene, high-quality living spaces.

“The completion of Avyan and Arav, two architectural masterpieces reshaping South Mumbai’s skyline, represents a proud milestone for Piramal Realty. Recognizing the demand for premium residences in Byculla, we designed living spaces that combine unmatched luxury with open spaces, breath-taking views, and excellent connectivity. From the tallest tower in Byculla, residents can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of South Mumbai. The overwhelming response to both towers reaffirms our vision of delivering a luxurious living experience in Byculla,” said Mr. Abhijeet Maheshwari, CEO of Piramal Realty.

The connectivity enhancements around South Mumbai have only added to Aranya’s appeal. Additionally, the 21.8 km Atal Setu sea bridge, located just ten minutes from Piramal Aranya, significantly cuts travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to a mere 20 minutes. Infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Road Extension, Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor, and Eastern Freeway are further enhancing Byculla’s connectivity, transforming it into a prime lifestyle destination. These advancements enable residents of Piramal Aranya to effortlessly commute to key locations like Nariman Point, Mahalaxmi Racecourse in South Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai.

Piramal Aranya has been meticulously built with renowned global partners, including ‘L&T’ for construction & ‘HBA’ and ‘Make Architects’ from London for interior design and architecture. The project features over 100,000 sq. ft. of resort-style amenities where residents enjoy double-height lobbies, rooftop observatory decks, state-of-the-art fitness centres with Technogym equipment, multi-sport courts and tranquil libraries. The towers’ facade takes inspiration from Byculla’s architectural heritage, honouring the area’s legacy while setting new architectural standards. Thoughtfully designed L-shaped windows and dual-aspect apartments capture these panoramas, offering residents an exceptional connection to nature and city life.

Keeping nature at the core of its design, Aranya which translates to ‘Forests’ in Sanskrit, was conceptualised to create homes in complete harmony with nature. Aranya seamlessly converges modern architecture with Byculla’s unique locale while co-existing with its natural elements.

Agricultural Tech Innovation Honored with Maharashtra Business Icon Award

17th December 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Esteemed technology expert Sujata Roychowdhury recently received the Maharashtra Business Icon Award for her outstanding achievements in the agriculture sector. She has made significant strides in the Agriculture Technology Sector by building Krushi Care App for farmers. Her groundbreaking contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has recently been bestowed with the prestigious “Maharashtra Business Icon Awards 2023” in the category of “Outstanding Leadership in Product Growth and Innovation for Agricultural Technology Solutions”.

The award ceremony took place at Hotel Radisson Blu, Nashik, and saw industry leaders and luminaries coming together to honor remarkable businesses and individuals across various sectors. Incredibly talented actress and astute businesswoman Miss Tejaswini Pandit, whose achievements in both the entertainment industry and the business world have made her an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists alike, graced the event as the chief guest.

The Maharashtra Business Icon Awards showcased the outstanding contributions and exemplary performances of individuals and organizations in sectors including Education, Technology, Hospitality, Industries, Agriculture, Media, Art, Beauty & Fashion.

Krushi Care App, also known as the Farmer App, is an innovative and comprehensive mobile application designed to revolutionize the agricultural sector. To solve the problems that farmers encounter, the “Krushi Care” software integrates cutting-edge technology, including IoT, data analytics, and real-time monitoring. The programme provides cognitive insights and predictive analytics to help farmers make data-driven decisions for improved outcomes. This is made possible by the integration of AI-based algorithms. It is a game-changer for the agricultural community. It empowers farmers to make informed decisions, connect with potential buyers and sellers, access vital resources, and stay updated with the latest industry developments.

Through the programme, farmers may get weather forecasting services, allowing them to properly plan their activities and adjust to shifting weather conditions. Additionally, the app analyses the health of the soil and uses artificial intelligence to optimize nutrient management practices based on nutrient content, pH levels, and other variables. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and commitment to the success of farmers, the app is poised to revolutionize the way agriculture is practiced, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for farmers across the nation. Currently, Krushi Care app is utilized by over 12,000 farmers and features a catalog of more than 500 products, catering to the needs of over 55 villages throughout Maharashtra. The user base and product offerings continue to expand daily, with plans to introduce new features to enhance the app’s functionality. Additionally, Sujata Roychowdhury has been granted a UK design patent for Krushi Care app (Application No. 6295896, dated 12th July 2023).

Sujata Roychowdhury is an exceptionally determined and seasoned professional who boasts extensive experience in the realm of business and project management, specifically within the financial services sector. Throughout her illustrious career, Sujata has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for leading and managing critical transformation initiatives as well as cross-business strategic endeavors.

Sujata has had the privilege of working with some of the most prestigious and well-regarded institutions in the financial industry. In addition to her impressive professional accomplishments, Sujata is also a respected thought leader and mentor. Her passion for making a positive impact on society extends far beyond her day-to-day work responsibilities. Sujata is deeply committed to contributing to the greater good by actively supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and working on transformative projects that have the potential to revolutionize the way business is conducted in India today.

Farmers Fresh Zone Recognized by the UN for Innovations in Agritech

17th December 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  Farmers Fresh Zone (Farmers FZ), a Kochi-based start-up, was one among the 12 agri-food start-ups selected across the world by Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations.

For the first time, UN hosted the SDG Agrifood accelerator programme and Farmer’s Fresh Zone stood out for its unique module and practices which are scalable at any part of the world.

Farmers Fresh Zone was one of the three start-ups to be part of the panel discussion happened in the event. While six were invited to present their unique SDGs, a total of 12 were selected for the programme.

Sharing more details, Pradeep P S, Chief Executive Officer, AgriTech D2C & FAAS (Farm to fork as SaaS), said, “India is the second largest country in agriculture production and we, at Farmers Fresh Zone, are super proud to represent as the only one from India at a global forum. The event was at Rome, Italy aiming to attain the UN sustainable development goals. Being recognized as a leader of sustainability in the agriculture sector is no mere feat. I am extremely elated that our sincere thoughts and efforts to bring down carbon emissions have garnered attention. We presented our model before an august audience in the event. Participation at UN function in Rome also opened roads to network with global names in this sector.”

Under this programme, Farmers FZ will receive grands and other funds to make the necessary changes needed for each market, thus helping them widen their reach and making their business global. The support offered by the accelerator includes financial readiness, innovation potential and market reach. The core objective of the programme is to help agrifood startups to scale while conforming to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Farmers Fresh Zone business model contributes majorly towards SDG 1, SDG 2 and SDG 12 along with others.

Kody Technolab and Indowings Collaborate to Introduce Groundbreaking Drone Solutions for Indian Agriculture

17th December 2024  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Kody Technolab Limited, a forerunner in robotics and AI solutions, has partnered with Indowings to transform the future of agricultural technology. Kody Technolab Ltd. has signed a groundbreaking MoU with Ray Nano Science and Research Center to develop an intelligent agricultural drone designed for precision spraying with drones ranging between 20 to 50 Litres of capacity. This collaboration aims to redefine sustainable farming practices across India.

The Intelligent Agriculture Spraying Drone is engineered for both rugged terrains and flat farmlands, boasting state-of-the-art AI-driven features such as binocular environment perception, LiDAR, and millimeter wave radar to deliver precise and automated spraying solutions. This drone is tailored for efficient distribution of nano urea, addressing the critical need for optimizing fertilizer use in Indian agriculture, thereby significantly reducing environmental impact. This will be the largest drone in the Indian market for agriculture purposes, offering the highest precision available. Previously, only drones with a capacity of 10 to 15 liters were available, making this drone a groundbreaking innovation.

The introduction of this intelligent agricultural drone comes at a pivotal time for Indian farming, which faces challenges such as inefficient resource use, and declining productivity. By enabling precision spraying and providing data-driven insights, the drone will help farmers optimize inputs, reduce waste, and improve crop health. This innovation is set to boost yields, increase profitability, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable, modern farming practices.

This partnership aligns with India’s Vision 2047 initiative, which targets transforming the country into a global innovation hub and achieving a $30 trillion economy. With agriculture being a key sector in this transformation, the introduction of advanced drone technology is expected to drive productivity while supporting the nation’s green growth and sustainability goals.

Kody Technolab’s MD, Mr. Manav Patel, commented, “This MOU marks a pivotal moment for both companies and for India’s agricultural sector. We are creating the next generation of farming solutions, which will not only enhance productivity but also contribute to the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in technology by 2047.”

As part of India’s march toward a Viksit Bharat, the agriculture sector will be central in driving the country’s future economic growth. AI powered Drones are set to become indispensable tools in this effort, aligning with the country’s roadmap to 2047.

The partnership between Kody Technolab and Ray Nano Science is poised to set new standards in agricultural technology, aligning with India’s broader objectives to foster digital innovation, improve food security, and reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. This innovation will not only serve Indian farmers but also create new global opportunities for smart farming solutions.

Kisaan Parivar Industries Achieves Impressive Q2 and H1 Growth in FY 2024-25

17th December 2024 Delhi, India  Kisaan Parivar Industries Limited has released its financial results for the quarter and six-month period ending September 30, 2024, demonstrating remarkable growth and solid financial performance. For the current quarter, the company reported an impressive turnover of Rs. 240 Lakhs, contributing to a benchmark turnover of Rs. 346 Lakhs for the first half of the fiscal year. The company achieved a notable 226% revenue growth over the previous quarter, reflecting its strong momentum in the market. Gross profit before tax increased to Rs. 168.18 Lakhs for the six months ended September 30, 2024, while earnings per share rose to Rs. 1.43, underscoring the company’s profitability and shareholder value.

Rajani Nanavath, Managing Director of Kisaan Parivar Industries, expressed pride in the company’s accomplishments, emphasizing how the dedication to quality and excellence has enhanced brand value and customer trust. The company has announced plans to split its shares, a move aimed at improving accessibility for retail investors and positively impacting market perception by making shares more affordable for a wider range of small investors. Additionally, in response to the growth in business volume and strong investor sentiment, the company proposes to infuse additional capital to strengthen its resources, supporting ongoing business expansion.

Kisaan Parivar Industries remains committed to maintaining strict quality controls and effective production management to ensure sustainable growth and profitability. Ms. Nanavath expressed appreciation for the trust and support of the investors, noting that it boosts the company’s morale and competitive drive. Looking ahead, the company is exploring partnerships with leading NBFCs and Fintech firms to accelerate its growth and extend further benefits to the farmer community, reinforcing its mission to contribute positively to agriculture. For Kisaan Parivar Industries Limited (formerly known as Richirich Inventures Limited ) please visit kisaanparivarindustries.com.

How Suspension of Agri Commodities is Affecting Food Prices and Agricultural Stability

17th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Noida, one of the leading B-school in India and the Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT Bombay conducted two separate studies investigating the impact of suspension of future derivatives contracts on Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCDs). BIMTECH study titled – Impact of Commodity Derivatives Suspension on Underlying Commodity Market is based on empirical data from January 2016 to April 2024 for Mustard Seed, Soybean including Soy Oil, Mustard Oil and Palm oil. It conclusively reports that that suspension of ETCDs (Exchange Traded Commodities) leads to absence of reference price for physical market, and that in turn results in scattered and higher price variance across mandis. SJMSOM, IIT Bombay study titled – Impact of Suspension of Commodity Derivatives on the Agri Ecosystem combines primary and secondary research through survey and in-depth interview of physical market participants (including farmers and FPOs) in three states i.e. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh with focus on Mustard Seed, Soya Oil, Soybean, Chana and Wheat. The study underlines that derivatives contracts serve as an important tool of price discovery and price risk management for farmer/FPOs and other value chain participants in managing the price volatility and inherent risks in the agro economic space.

Two separate studies bust the prevalent market myth ‘Commodity Derivatives trading leads to inflation

In 2021, SEBI suspended derivatives trading in seven agricultural commodity/commodity groups, in what can be termed as largest ever clampdown on Indian commodity derivatives market since the modern electronic versions of commodity exchanges came into existence in 2003. Though a specific reason wasn’t attributed to suspension, however, it is widely believed that the decision was taken with the objective of taming the rising prices due to underlying belief that derivatives trading contributes to price rise. In this context, the two esteemed institutes of India undertook a comprehensive study , evaluating the impact of suspension of commodity derivatives on the commodity ecosystem.

The BIMTECH study, conducted by Dr Prabina Rajib, Dr. Ruchi Arora from BIMTECH & Dr Parama Barai from IIT, Kharagpur focused on three perspectives

  • Impact of unavailability of price anchors for local mandis
  • Impact on edible oil prices at wholesale and retail level
  • Hedging efficiency in the international markets for the suspended commodities

Commenting on the study Prof Prabina Rajib said, “Periodic suspension of commodity derivative contracts has been a recurring theme in India that is not only hampering the growth of the derivative sector but also the growth of the overall commodity ecosystem. Though, world over commodity exchanges have continued to offer uninterrupted commodity derivatives contracts even in the face of supply-demand mismatch and variations in price. Hence, it was intriguing to deep-dive into the underlying prevalent belief system behind suspensions in India via empirical research and understand its impact on the foremost entity – our farmers and value chain participants. Our study articulates that the belief about derivatives futures trading leads to price inflation may be misplaced. Our analysis of retail and wholesale price determines that specifically for edible oils, not only have prices increased across categories during the post-suspension period, retail consumers are paying even higher prices.”

The IIT Bombay Shailesh J Mehta School of Management study conducted by Associate Professor (Economics) Sarthak Gaurav and Assistant Professor Piyush Pandey (Finance) focused on four specific objectives.

  • To examine how price discovery and risk hedging were affected following the suspension of five ETCDs
  • To examine the relationship between futures and spot prices, volume, and volatility and to present commodity-specific price variation associated with the suspension
  • To understand if speculation in specific suspended commodities is actually even a matter of concern.
  • To gain insights pertaining to futures trading for physical market participants including the farming community whose experiences in the context of futures trading remain understudied.

Speaking about their research Profs. Sarthak Gaurav commented, “Our research finds that there is no evidence of a positive relationship between Commodity Futures trading and spot market prices for five suspended commodities, suggesting that relationship between futures trading and food inflation for the commodities and time period of analysis is misplaced. In fact, the study based on statistical analysis of commodity futures and spot prices data and surveys in three states – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat – firmly establishes that prices of both suspended and non-suspended commodities remained high after the suspension and that both domestic and international demand and supply factors influence retail prices of commodities.” He further states that, “Commodity derivative contracts play an important role in price discovery and risk hedging, which is apparent from the analysis. The suspension of futures commodities trading has negatively impacted better price realization because of the absence of reference pricing mechanism and thus also disrupted price risk management practices of participants in the commodity value chain. Consequently, the agri-ecosystem in whole has been affected due to hurdles in market access, participation and securing fair prices.”

Adding to viewpoint brought forth by the two studies, Mr. Sanjay Rawal, President of the Commodity Participants Association of India (CPAI) said, “Suspensions of commodities and derivatives trading not only negatively impacts the agri value chain, it breaks the inherent trust in the mechanism in the long term. Hence, it is pertinent to note that such decisions have long lasting consequences for our commodity market both physical & financial. Such actions should be evaluated in the light of potential fundamental price influencing factors like international markets, geo-political environment, weather anomalies, supply chain disruptions etc. on the domestic retail prices.” He further elaborated that, “Derivatives trading offers an anchor price for the futures market for price discovery and price risk management. Even Indian Economic Survey 2023-24 has emphasized the important role played by the agriculture derivatives market. I sincerely believe that the commodity futures market can effectively contribute to price discovery only when many consumers, producers, traders, and aggregators use these markets to hedge their risk.”

Dr. Rakesh Arrawatia, Professor, and Coordinator, Center of Excellence in Commodity Markets at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) opined, “Commodity derivatives are market driven tools, that serve as shields during volatile times – safeguarding the interest of value chain participants and bringing sustainability to the commodity markets. Since these are relatively new tools, there is understandably a certain level of trepidation about them. However, the Government should utilize these tools to help the farmers manage their price risk even in the face of price volatility, encouraging them to actively participate, thereby boosting volumes and bolstering market confidence.”

FIL Industries Champions PPP for Sustainable Farming at CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat

17th December 2024  Srinagar | Lucknow, India  FIL Industries Private Limited, a diversified business enterprise recently participated in the 16th Edition of Confederation of Indian Industry “CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat’. This was held from 15-18th November 2024 at Vrindavan Grounds, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the event.

CII’s flagship initiative in agro technology, featured a large exhibition and knowledge sessions that attracted global participation, as well as significant involvement from the Indian agriculture and farming sectors including FIL Industries. This year’s theme was ‘Harvesting Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture’.

With a prime focus on accelerating the growth of agriculture and food processing through technological interventions, sustainable practices, knowledge sharing, and farmer engagement, it aimed to foster strategic partnerships and provide substantial opportunities to strengthen bilateral agri-trade relationships and drive new engagements in the sector.

A key highlight was the International Pavilion and Netherlands was the partner country at this edition. The pavilion showcased the expertise of overseas participants in agriculture, agri-technology, and food processing. It helped facilitate networking and business linkages with Indian counterparts and the farming community, exploring potential collaborations.

As an associate sponsor, FIL Industries projected itself as an end-to-end player in the agriculture value chain. Brochures and information on FIL’s Crop Protection, Crop Nutrition, Apple Cluster, Post Harvest Management, FMCG, and FILAVAL [rootstock nursery] businesses were disseminated. Visitors were also provided with samples of apple juice concentrate, fruit juices, cocoa powder, crop protection and crop nutrition products.

Mr Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII J&K and Group Executive Director, FIL Industries Private Limited participated in the inaugural session of the event and the CEO Roundtable on “Future of Farming” which also brought together several industry CEOs and policy makers to discuss the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies like precision agriculture, AI, and IoT, alongside sustainable farming practices.

Speaking on the future of farming and sustainable agriculture in India at the CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat forum Mr. Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII J&K and Group Executive Director, FIL Industries Private Limited said, “CII Agro tech Krishi Bharat is a great platform for showcasing what the farming community and industry can do together. I think it is important for regions across the country to come and participate in events like this to understand and learn from each other. Coming from J&K, which is driven by horticulture, this is also a platform where we meet our peers, fellow industrialists and farmers and also learn about best practices that are adopted at the field level. All in all, it is a great exposure for us as a business, as it provides valuable insight into what a farmer needs in Uttar Pradesh in the horticulture sector.”

He further added, “From an industry engagement point of view is critical is the fact that agriculture is a long-term endeavour. Today we are at a cusp of a new revolution, a food revolution driven by climate change and vagaries that did not exist before. So, industry and academia have to come together to address this challenge. From a farmer’s perspective I have always believed that the farmer is the biggest risk taker so there is a lot of onus on us to work in tandem with farmers to reduce the risk for them. Ultimately our aim is to create a livelihood at the farm level and that livelihood in turn would create greater agricultural productivity.”