https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/industry/agrochemicals agrochemicals https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4757/fmc-files-brazil-dossier-for-dual-mode-herbicide-rimisoxafen.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4757/fmc-files-brazil-dossier-for-dual-mode-herbicide-rimisoxafen.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:37:05 +0530 FMC Corporation has submitted a regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen in Brazil, marking the second global regulatory filing for what the company describes as the industry’s first and only dual mode of action herbicide. The Brazilian submission follows FMC’s filing with the US Environmental Protection Agency in July 2026 and advances the company’s effort to bring new weed-management technologies to two of the world’s largest row-crop markets. Brazil is a critical market for crop protection, with around 50 million hectares under soybeans and more than 20 million hectares under corn. Growers are increasingly confronting herbicide-resistant broadleaf weeds, adding pressure to existing weed-management programmes. Among the concerns is Amaranthus hybridus, which has developed resistance to glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Amaranthus palmeri, meanwhile, is a regulated quarantine weed that poses a growing threat to crop productivity. “Brazilian growers are facing complex weed resistance challenges that demand new and differentiated solutions,” said Leonardo Bastos, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at FMC. “Submitting rimisoxafen for regulatory review in Brazil is an important step forward, demonstrating our long-term commitment to this market and to the growers who depend on innovation to protect their crops and their livelihoods.” Rimisoxafen has been classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) under Groups 12 and 32. Its dual mode of action is intended to provide growers with another tool for diversifying weed-control programmes and supporting resistance-management strategies. According to FMC, extensive field testing has shown consistent activity against small-seeded broadleaf weeds, including populations resistant to other herbicides. The company has specifically reported activity against Amaranthus palmeri and Amaranthus hybridus. The Brazilian filing also adds to FMC’s pipeline of novel herbicide active ingredients. Rimisoxafen is the third new herbicide active ingredient the company has advanced to regulatory submission in Brazil, following Isoflex active and Dodhylex active. FMC said the three submissions demonstrate the depth of its research and development pipeline and its focus on advancing next-generation crop protection technologies through regulatory review. The company expects formulated-product submissions for rimisoxafen to follow as the Brazilian regulatory process progresses. The timing and outcome of the review remain subject to regulatory authorities. Importantly, rimisoxafen is not currently registered for sale or use in Brazil or any other country. FMC said no offer for sale, sale or use of the product is permitted before all required regulatory approvals are obtained. The submission therefore represents a regulatory milestone rather than a commercial launch. For Brazilian growers dealing with increasingly complex resistance patterns, the significance of the technology will ultimately depend on regulatory approval, product formulation and its performance under local field conditions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4745/sulfur-shock-deepens-brazils-phosphate-fertiliser-squeeze.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4745/sulfur-shock-deepens-brazils-phosphate-fertiliser-squeeze.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:54:17 +0530 Brazilian farmers are heading into the 2026/27 planting season facing higher phosphate fertiliser costs as constrained supply, expensive raw materials and logistics disruptions tighten the market. Fertiliser deliveries to Brazil’s domestic market fell 5.4 per cent year on year during the first half of 2026 to 19.02 million tonnes, compared with 20.11 million tonnes a year earlier. Phosphates are emerging as the most significant pressure point because farmers have limited immediate alternatives when supply is disrupted. The squeeze is being compounded by the cost of sulfur, a critical input in phosphoric acid production and in the manufacture of phosphate fertilisers such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP), single superphosphate (SSP) and triple superphosphate (TSP). Sulfur becomes the bottleneck Global sulfur prices crossed $1,000 per tonne earlier this month as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and reductions in Russian exports removed a significant portion of internationally traded supply. The higher sulfur costs are feeding into phosphate production economics in Brazil. Some production capacity in Minas Gerais and Goiás has already been idled as manufacturers contend with deteriorating input economics. Import options narrow Brazilian importers are also facing a more constrained international supply landscape. China's restrictions on exports of certain phosphate fertilisers have reduced the availability of one of the world's major supply sources, encouraging Brazilian buyers to diversify procurement. Alternative suppliers are gaining attention, including purified MAP from Morocco. Importers are also placing greater value on material that has already cleared customs, reducing exposure to additional shipping and logistical delays. The pressure is particularly relevant for major agricultural regions such as Mato Grosso, where higher phosphate prices are adding to the cost base for soybean and corn production. Global phosphate prices remain elevated The Brazilian market is reflecting broader strength in international phosphate benchmarks. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is currently holding around $915–935 per tonne, underscoring the elevated cost environment confronting buyers. The immediate market question is whether early procurement by Brazilian farmers and distributors will pull demand forward, potentially leaving the phosphate market even tighter during the fourth quarter.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4738/new-sound-agriculture-biological-delivers-6-bu-acre-yield-gain-in-2025-trials.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4738/new-sound-agriculture-biological-delivers-6-bu-acre-yield-gain-in-2025-trials.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:20:16 +0530 Sound Agriculture has launched INFLECT, a seed-applied biological designed for corn acres receiving high levels of ammonium-based fertility, including anhydrous ammonia and manure applications. The product delivered an average 6.0 bushels per acre yield increase and a 92 per cent win rate across 12 trial locations in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri in 2025, according to the company. The launch targets a specific challenge associated with intensive ammonium fertility. While anhydrous ammonia and manure remain important nitrogen sources for corn production, the conditions they create can place stress on soil microbial communities. Anhydrous ammonia can acidify soil within the application band and suppress sensitive microorganisms, while manure-derived nitrogen can remain tied up in organic forms and become available only after periods of peak crop demand. Sound Agriculture says these conditions can affect root development, microbial diversity and crop resilience, creating an opportunity for biological products that support nutrient availability and plant establishment. INFLECT combines two bacterial strains, Bacillus simplex and Bacillus subtilis, with the endophytic fungal strain Clonostachys nivea. The microorganisms were selected for their ability to tolerate the high-salt and high-stress conditions associated with ammonium-heavy fertility programmes. The biological is designed to help crops make better use of nitrogen already applied to the field while supporting early plant vigour, stand uniformity and performance under stress. “High ammonium creates a harsh environment for soil biology — it reduces microbial diversity, which leads to inconsistent root development and lower yields,” said Jeff Divan, Vice President of Agronomy at Sound Agriculture. “In trials comparing different nitrogen sources, INFLECT consistently improved root area and fresh shoot weight in plants grown under ammonium-heavy fertility.” Economics become part of the product proposition For the 2027 growing season, INFLECT will be priced at USD 12 per acre, with early-order pricing available to growers placing orders by October 15, 2026. Based on the company's reported 6.0 bu/acre average yield improvement and a corn price of $ 5.32 per bushel as of September 10, 2026, Sound Agriculture estimates a return of approximately $ 32 per acre, representing a 2.7-to-1 return on the product investment. The company is also offering a cash-back performance guarantee under which eligible growers who do not see a return can claim back up to the full cost of INFLECT, subject to the programme's terms. INFLECT expands Sound Agriculture's biological portfolio alongside SOURCE, a signalling chemistry designed to improve nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency, and BLUEPRINT, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi solution focused on nutrient and water uptake. The three-product portfolio reflects the company's strategy of combining biological and bio-inspired technologies with conventional nutrient-management practices rather than treating soil health and crop productivity as separate objectives. “INFLECT is a natural extension of what we set out to build with SOURCE and BLUEPRINT: solutions that are designed to help growers achieve better yields while protecting their soil health and their bottom line,” said Paul Beck, CEO of Sound Agriculture. “INFLECT restores soil biology on some of the toughest acres, and we’re proud to bring that soil health solution within reach for more growers.” With its focus on fields exposed to intensive ammonium fertility, INFLECT gives Sound Agriculture a more targeted biological proposition for corn growers seeking to improve nitrogen utilisation and crop performance while maintaining established fertility practices. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4737/syngenta-amoba-take-axp20-biofungicide-from-mou-to-long-term-commercial-deal.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4737/syngenta-amoba-take-axp20-biofungicide-from-mou-to-long-term-commercial-deal.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:08:50 +0530 Syngenta Crop Protection and French biotechnology company Amoéba have converted their November 2025 memorandum of understanding into a binding long-term commercial and development cooperation agreement, securing an exclusive supply and distribution partnership for AXP20, a next-generation biofungicide. Under the agreement, Syngenta will hold exclusive distribution rights for AXP20 across all cereal crops except maize in the 27 European Union member states, the UK, Ukraine and Switzerland. The product is expected to be commercialised under the Syngenta brand once trademark registration is completed. The agreement marks a shift from the companies’ initial cooperation framework towards a longer-term commercial relationship, as biological crop protection technologies gain importance in European agriculture. AXP20, registered in the European Union under EU registration No. EU 2025/1177, is based on a lysate of the amoeba Willaertia magna C2c Maky. The technology is designed around a multi-target, multi-mode-of-action approach and has been classified in the BM02 group by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC). According to the companies, no resistance to the product is currently known, pointing to a low resistance risk and potentially offering growers an additional mode of action alongside conventional fungicide programmes. AXP20 works through two complementary mechanisms. Its primary direct activity inhibits fungal spore germination, while it also activates the plant’s natural defence mechanisms, combining direct antifungal activity with induced resistance. The initial disease targets are wheat leaf blotch caused by Zymoseptoria tritici and stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis, two important fungal diseases affecting cereal production. The commercial agreement follows extensive field evaluation. During 2026, Syngenta and Amoéba jointly conducted more than 70 field trials, generating data across cereal-growing environments ahead of broader commercial deployment. The companies expect AXP20 to have the potential to reach more than 1 million hectares of cereal crops in Europe, underlining the scale of the opportunity for biological crop protection in the region. The regulatory pathway has also advanced. The active ingredient was assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2025 and subsequently approved for use in the European Union. In June 2026, Amoéba’s AXPERA biofungicide, which is based on the same underlying technology, received market authorisation in France.   The partnership also reflects a broader evolution in crop protection, where biological products are increasingly being developed not simply as alternatives to conventional chemistry but as complementary tools within integrated disease-management programmes. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4736/qingdao-rainbow-chemical-plans-29-5-million-expansion-for-2500-tpa-insecticide-and-fungicide-capacity.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4736/qingdao-rainbow-chemical-plans-29-5-million-expansion-for-2500-tpa-insecticide-and-fungicide-capacity.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:55:04 +0530 Qingdao Rainbow Chemical Co., Ltd. is planning a USD 29.49 million (RMB 200 million) expansion at the Pingdu Xinhe Chemical Industry Park in Qingdao, Shandong Province, with the company’s environmental impact report outlining a new 2,500 tonnes per annum (TPA) insecticide and fungicide production project. The project will establish three technical-grade (TC) production lines with a combined designed capacity of approximately 2,500 TPA. Lines 1 and 2 will each have a nominal capacity of 1,100 TPA, while Line 3 will have a capacity of 300 TPA. The overall product portfolio comprises 1,550 TPA of fungicides and 950 TPA of insecticides. Construction is planned in two phases, with Phase I focused on establishing the three TC production lines and Phase II expanding the number of products that can be manufactured through co-line switching. Phase I establishes four active ingredient capacities Under Phase I, Line 1 will manufacture fluxapyroxad and fluopyram, each at 150 TPA, giving the line a combined capacity of 300 TPA. The two products will be manufactured through line switching, with fluxapyroxad production planned for 728 operating hours and fluopyram for 1,005 hours. Line 2 will produce 50 TPA of cyantraniliprole, with an estimated operating time of 1,872 hours. Line 3 will be dedicated to 300 TPA of sulfoxaflor, with planned operating time of 7,200 hours. The initial phase therefore establishes production capabilities across both fungicide and insecticide active ingredients, providing the company with a broader manufacturing platform within the chemical industry park. Phase II broadens product portfolio The second phase will expand the production flexibility of Lines 1 and 2 through additional reactors, solvent distillation units, drop tanks, condensers and environmental treatment equipment. On Line 1, the additional equipment will enable co-line switching across five products, adding 800 TPA of capacity. The portfolio will include 200 TPA of cyazofamid, 150 TPA of bupirimate, 100 TPA of hymexazol, 200 TPA of isoprothiolane and 150 TPA of tolfenpyrad. Line 2 will receive additional synthesis reactors, three-in-one filter presses, drop tanks, condensers and environmental protection equipment. This expansion will support co-line production of four additional products, taking added capacity to 1,050 TPA. The Line 2 Phase II portfolio will comprise 300 TPA of propineb, 250 TPA of fenpropathrin, 200 TPA of etoxazole and 300 TPA of dithianon. The expansion will give Qingdao Rainbow Chemical a significantly broader active ingredient manufacturing portfolio while allowing multiple products to be produced through flexible production-line configurations. Portfolio spans 13 fungicide and insecticide products Across the two phases, the project covers 13 products. The fungicide portfolio includes fluxapyroxad, fluopyram, cyazofamid, bupirimate, hymexazol, isoprothiolane, propineb and dithianon. The insecticide portfolio comprises cyantraniliprole, sulfoxaflor, tolfenpyrad, fenpropathrin and etoxazole. The project represents an expansion of Qingdao Rainbow Chemical's manufacturing footprint in Shandong, combining additional technical-grade production capacity with a wider range of crop protection active ingredients. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4730/redox-broadens-nitrogen-strategy-with-new-rdx-flex-foliar-formulation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4730/redox-broadens-nitrogen-strategy-with-new-rdx-flex-foliar-formulation.html Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:54:24 +0530 Redox Bio-Nutrients is expanding its patented nitrogen technology platform with RDX-Flex, a new foliar formulation designed to give growers greater flexibility in how they incorporate nitrogen-utilisation technology into crop nutrition programmes. The product follows the company’s RDX-N technology and represents a move from an application strategy centred on planting towards additional opportunities later in the growing season. Redox describes RDX-Flex as a distinct 10 per cent urea nitrogen formulation developed specifically for foliar application. The product uses the same patented botanical-extract technology incorporated in RDX-N, which the company says works within the plant to support natural processes associated with nitrogen assimilation and its conversion into amino acids and other compounds involved in plant growth, yield and crop quality. Extending the nitrogen window The development of RDX-Flex reflects a broader effort to give growers more flexibility in managing nitrogen throughout the crop cycle. RDX-N is applied to the soil at planting, while RDX-Flex is designed for later foliar applications. The two products can therefore occupy different points in a crop’s nitrogen-management programme, allowing growers to use either formulation independently or combine them depending on the crop, fertility strategy and application programme. “RDX-Flex represents the next step in more than a decade of advancement in our nitrogen technology,” said Darin Moon, founder, owner and CEO of Redox Bio-Nutrients. “It gives growers more flexibility in how and when they put this technology to work, creating additional opportunities to support nitrogen utilization, yield and crop quality throughout the season.” The distinction is important in a market where nitrogen management increasingly involves more than determining how much nutrient to apply. Timing, crop demand and the efficiency with which plants assimilate available nitrogen are becoming central to efforts to improve crop performance while managing input costs. Building on RDX-N RDX-Flex does not replace RDX-N but expands the potential application architecture around the technology. According to Redox, both products use the company’s patented botanical-extract technology and are shelf stable, effective at a low use rate and compatible with a broad range of commonly applied crop inputs. RDX-N is positioned for soil application at planting, while RDX-Flex provides a foliar option for later crop stages. The company says growers can select either product or use both as part of an existing fertility programme. That flexibility could allow nitrogen strategies to be adjusted according to crop requirements and the timing of other agronomic interventions rather than relying on a single application window. A broader approach to nitrogen utilisation Redox’s latest product also reflects the shift within crop nutrition towards technologies designed to influence how efficiently plants use applied nutrients. Nitrogen remains one of the most important inputs in modern crop production, but its value depends on how effectively plants assimilate and convert the nutrient into the compounds required for growth and yield. Technologies that support those processes are increasingly being developed alongside conventional fertiliser programmes rather than positioned as standalone replacements. RDX-Flex is being introduced within that framework, with Redox positioning the product as another tool for growers seeking to integrate nitrogen technology into existing fertility programmes. The company’s expansion from RDX-N into a complementary foliar formulation also gives its patented technology a wider application window—from planting through later stages of crop development.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4729/veridapt-puts-physical-fertilizer-stocks-under-continuous-digital-watch.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4729/veridapt-puts-physical-fertilizer-stocks-under-continuous-digital-watch.html Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:46:32 +0530 A persistent problem in fertilizer logistics is not necessarily a shortage of data, but the difficulty of knowing whether the data reflects what is actually sitting in a stockpile, silo or tank. Sydney-based technology company VERIDAPT is targeting that gap with a digital bulk inventory monitoring and reconciliation platform that it plans to showcase at the Argus Fertilizer Europe Conference in Prague from October 20 to 22. The company’s pitch is straightforward: fertilizer producers, distributors and traders need a more continuous view of physical inventory as products move through storage and distribution networks. Yet inventory positions are often built from periodic measurements, manual reconciliation and information drawn from multiple operational systems. That can leave businesses with a fragmented picture of how much product they hold, where it is located and how stocks are changing. Moving beyond periodic inventory checks VERIDAPT combines automated measurement with cloud-based software to monitor bulk commodities stored in stockpiles, silos and tanks. Instead of depending exclusively on periodic physical measurements, the system is designed to generate continuously updated information on inventory levels and movements. It can also reconcile physical inventory against recorded positions, flag unexpected movements and anomalies, and connect inventory information with existing enterprise systems. For fertilizer companies, the distinction has operational significance. The industry operates around seasonal demand, complex transportation networks and relatively narrow application windows. Knowing not only how much fertilizer is available but also where that inventory sits can influence distribution, logistics and supply planning. “ You cannot optimize what you cannot see,” said Damir Hasagic, Vice President of Strategy & Growth at VERIDAPT. “Fertilizer companies manage significant value in physical inventory, but when that information is periodic, fragmented or manually reconciled, there’s inevitably a gap between the physical operation and the digital systems used to manage it.” The company believes closing that information gap can change the role of inventory data—from a record of what has already happened into an operational input for decisions about what should happen next. Building the data layer for AI VERIDAPT is also positioning inventory visibility as a prerequisite for broader digitalisation. Fertilizer companies are increasingly exploring artificial intelligence, automation and advanced analytics across their operations. But those systems are only as useful as the underlying operational data. If physical inventory information is delayed, incomplete or difficult to reconcile, the quality of downstream analysis can suffer. VERIDAPT is therefore not presenting its platform as a replacement for a company’s existing AI infrastructure. Instead, it is designed to provide a continuously updated physical-inventory data layer that can feed enterprise systems, analytics platforms and customer-specific AI applications. Potential uses include identifying inventory anomalies, analysing stock movements, strengthening forecasting and supporting logistics optimisation. “VERIDAPT closes that gap by turning physical inventory into trusted, continuously available digital data, giving businesses greater visibility today and a reliable foundation they can connect to their own analytics and AI tools tomorrow,” Hasagic said. That approach reflects a broader shift in industrial digitalisation: the next gains from AI may depend as much on establishing reliable operational data as on deploying increasingly sophisticated algorithms. Europe becomes a test market VERIDAPT will use the Argus Fertilizer Europe Conference to demonstrate its platform to producers, traders, distributors, storage operators and technology partners. According to the company, the event is expected to bring together more than 700 attendees representing more than 350 companies across 55 countries, providing access to participants spanning the fertilizer value chain. The company’s focus at the conference will be on applications where physical inventory represents a significant operational and financial asset and where discrepancies between recorded and actual stocks can affect decision-making. Its fertilizer offering forms part of a wider technology platform designed to monitor and reconcile high-value bulk commodities moving through stockpiles, silos, tanks and other storage environments. As fertilizer markets become more data-driven, that connection could become an increasingly important foundation for logistics, forecasting, inventory control and the next generation of AI-enabled supply-chain operations. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4715/ashland-launches-nature-based-dispersant-for-next-generation-agrochemical-formulations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4715/ashland-launches-nature-based-dispersant-for-next-generation-agrochemical-formulations.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:34:20 +0530 Ashland is expanding its sustainable formulation technology platform in crop protection with the global launch of agrimer eco-disperse OD, a polymeric dispersant derived from transformed vegetable oils and designed for non-aqueous agricultural formulations. The Wilmington, Delaware-based specialty materials company said the new dispersant is part of its Transformed Vegetable Oils (TVO) technology platform, which it is scaling as a source of formulation technologies designed to combine performance with sustainability attributes. The launch addresses a growing challenge for agrochemical formulators: improving formulation performance while responding to tighter regulatory expectations and increasing demand for alternatives to conventional formulation ingredients. Agrimer eco-disperse OD is designed to stabilise and uniformly disperse water-insoluble active ingredients, helping formulators improve formulation stability and application performance. Ashland said the technology can enhance dispersion stability as well as leaf adhesion, spray coverage and rain fastness. The formulation technology is also intended to tackle practical problems encountered during product manufacture and application, including active-ingredient settling and nozzle clogging. These characteristics could be particularly relevant for formulators seeking greater consistency across storage, spraying and field application. Ashland said the dispersant is nature-based, inherently biodegradable and microplastic-free, positioning it for formulators seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of crop protection products without compromising formulation functionality. The company is targeting applications including suspension concentrates and other non-aqueous formulations, where dispersant performance can directly influence the stability, uniformity and usability of finished products. Another part of the commercial proposition is formulation flexibility. Ashland said agrimer eco-disperse OD offers broad formulation compatibility, ease of use and a competitive cost-in-use profile, potentially allowing manufacturers to incorporate the technology without significantly increasing formulation complexity. “Ashland is again converting sustainable science into differentiated commercial solutions that create value for our customers,” said Alessandra Faccin, senior vice president and general manager, Life Sciences, Ashland. According to Faccin, the new product expands the company's TVO platform while helping formulators address both sustainability and performance requirements. Jean J. Gulka, global business director, Life Sciences, Ashland, said the launch demonstrates the scalability and versatility of the TVO technology platform and supports the company's strategy of investing in differentiated technologies aligned with global sustainability trends. The approach reflects a wider shift in agrochemical formulation, where the sustainability profile of formulation ingredients is increasingly becoming part of product development alongside efficacy, stability, regulatory compliance and cost. That creates an opportunity for specialty chemical companies to compete not only on individual active ingredients but also on the formulation technologies that determine how those actives are delivered to crops. Ashland said samples and commercial quantities of agrimer eco-disperse OD are now available globally. The commercialisation adds another product to the company's TVO platform while creating a pathway for further applications of transformed vegetable-oil chemistry in crop protection. The immediate commercial opportunity lies in helping formulators improve the performance and sustainability profile of non-aqueous crop protection products. The longer-term proposition is broader: turning a vegetable-oil-derived technology platform into a scalable pipeline of formulation innovations for an agrochemical industry under growing pressure to deliver more effective products with lower environmental impact. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4704/netherlands-cogem-finds-negligible-environmental-risk-from-gm-soybean-dbn8205.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4704/netherlands-cogem-finds-negligible-environmental-risk-from-gm-soybean-dbn8205.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:28:09 +0530 The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) has concluded that the import and processing of genetically modified soybean DBN8205 poses a negligible environmental risk in the Netherlands. The assessment relates to application MA 260006_001 (GMFF-2025-37290/AP205), which seeks authorisation for the import and processing of GM soybean DBN8205 for use in food and feed. DBN8205 has been genetically modified to express the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes, which provide resistance against certain lepidopteran insect species. The soybean also carries the pat gene, which confers tolerance to herbicides containing glufosinate-ammonium. According to COGEM, the molecular characterisation of DBN8205 meets its assessment criteria, with no indications identified of potential environmental risks associated with the genetic modification. The environmental assessment also takes into account the biology of soybean and conditions in the Netherlands. COGEM notes that feral soybean populations do not occur in the country and that hybridisation between soybean and other species is not possible in the Netherlands. The assessment found no indications that the introduced traits would provide DBN8205 with an ability to survive in the Dutch environment. Based on these considerations, COGEM considers the environmental risk associated with the import and processing of the GM soybean to be negligible. The conclusion is limited to environmental considerations. COGEM has not provided an assessment of potential risks arising from incidental consumption of DBN8205, noting that food and feed safety assessments fall within the remit of other organisations. The assessment therefore separates two regulatory questions: whether the GM soybean could create environmental risks in the Netherlands, and whether its use in food and feed presents potential health risks. COGEM's conclusion addresses the former, finding no indications of environmental concern under the conditions assessed. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4703/cargill-expands-fertilizer-operations-in-uruguay-with-new-nueva-palmira-plant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4703/cargill-expands-fertilizer-operations-in-uruguay-with-new-nueva-palmira-plant.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:23:09 +0530 Cargill has inaugurated a new fertilizer plant at its Nueva Palmira operation in Uruguay, expanding its ability to deliver customized plant nutrition solutions while strengthening safety, operational efficiency and service capacity for local producers. The investment forms part of Cargill Uruguay’s longer-term strategy to support an agricultural sector increasingly focused on productivity, precision and more responsible use of inputs. “This investment is part of our long-term vision to continue being a reliable partner for Uruguayan producers. We seek to accompany the evolution of agriculture with increasingly efficient, innovative solutions adapted to the needs of our customers, helping them to produce more and better using resources responsibly,” said Gabriel Di Giovannantonio, President of Cargill Uruguay. The new facility has been designed around three priorities: strengthening workplace and operational safety, increasing fertilizer preparation and dispatch capacity, and raising the quality and precision of products and services available to producers. On safety, the plant incorporates infrastructure, process and technology upgrades intended to support a safer and more reliable operation. Its expanded capacity is also designed to streamline fertilizer preparation and dispatch, allowing Cargill to respond more quickly as producers face increasingly narrow application windows. The facility adds another layer to Cargill’s crop nutrition offering through the ability to formulate more precise fertilizer mixtures and expand solutions incorporating micronutrients and other plant nutrition technologies. These capabilities are intended to support recommendations tailored to individual crops and production systems rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. “Agriculture is evolving towards increasingly precise and efficient systems. This investment allows us to accompany this transformation with greater service capacity, more precise mixtures and new plant nutrition tools that help producers optimize the use of resources and maximize the potential of their crops,” said Felipe González, Crop Inputs Product Line Manager at Cargill Uruguay. The inauguration brought together Cargill customers and producers for discussions on developments in the global fertilizer market and advances in crop nutrition. Zacarías Ruiz Moreno, Director of Fertilizers at Ag & Trading Latam, presented an overview of international fertilizer-market trends and prospects, while Eng. Agr. Federico Pieroni of ProNutrition delivered a technical session on protectors and micronutrients. Participants also toured the new facility to review the infrastructure and operational improvements incorporated into the site.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4699/cogny-secures-brazils-first-authorization-for-industrial-use-of-gmos-in-biocontrol-inputs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4699/cogny-secures-brazils-first-authorization-for-industrial-use-of-gmos-in-biocontrol-inputs.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:25:36 +0530 The Cogny Ecosystem, through its Bioma and Orygen Research companies, has taken a decisive step toward developing the next generation of biological agricultural inputs in Brazil. Bioma has received Biosafety Quality Certificate (CQB) No. 714/26 from Brazil's National Biosafety Technical Commission (CTNBio), authorizing the industrial production use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs). This is the first authorization of its kind granted in Brazil to a company focused on producing microbiological agricultural inputs. Until now, only companies in the pharmaceutical or genetically modified plant sectors had received such approval. The decision complements the existing infrastructure at Orygen Research, Cogny's research and development center, which already held Level 2 biosafety authorization for handling microorganisms. With the new authorization, Orygen will remain focused on research activities, while Bioma gains regulatory backing to scale the platform to industrial production and subsequently commercialize the technologies developed. According to Artur Soares, Research & Development Director at the Cogny Ecosystem, the technology allows modified microorganisms to be used as platforms for producing specific molecules, without the microorganism itself becoming the final product ingredient. “The process is as follows: we insert the desired gene into a non-target microorganism, which then expresses and multiplies the molecule of interest. At the end of fermentation, the process is terminated and the biomass is processed, leaving only the purified molecule. The microorganism functions solely as a production platform, not as the final product. That is why we can now deliver products based on metabolites and purified molecules. This is the latest generation of biological agricultural inputs worldwide, and we are already ahead,” he said. Several microorganisms are covered by the authorization, including a modified strain for producing isoprenoids and phytohormones. According to CTNBio's authorization, all will be handled exclusively under industrial NB-1 containment conditions, in closed bioreactors, followed by thermal inactivation or complete sterilization. Biosafety and Scientific Advancement Biosafety is a central component of the operation's quality standards, following the same level of rigor already established in the pharmaceutical and industrial fermentation industries. The project includes closed systems, physical segregation of material flows, cleaning and decontamination procedures, access control, microbiological monitoring and specific waste treatment. The infrastructure also includes a Clean-in-Place (CIP) system and a wastewater treatment plant with a thermal inactivation unit, which processes waste at 127°C for 30 to 45 minutes before disposal, in line with international good manufacturing practice protocols. For Soares, the new platform significantly expands the company's technological horizons. “We are expanding the applications for the future. The horizon is vast and promising: production of purified molecules, peptides for agriculture, hormonal molecules, molecules for pest control, molecules for disease control. Now the sky is the limit, with our creativity and expertise,” he said. The first commercial outcome of this strategy is expected to arrive in 2027, with a hormonal product line produced using the platform. “We are already launching a hormonal product line produced this way, which will reach the market in 2027. But new molecules are coming, with other projects already underway in this area,” said the Orygen executive. The authorization therefore represents more than an expansion of Bioma's manufacturing capacity. It establishes a bridge between genetic engineering, industrial fermentation and agricultural molecule development, opening the way for biological inputs based not only on living organisms, but also on metabolites and purified molecules produced through controlled biotechnology systems. According to Marcelo de Godoy Oliveira, CEO and founder of the Cogny Ecosystem, the combination of Orygen's research capabilities and Bioma's authorization for industrial production creates a platform to accelerate the transformation of biotechnology discoveries into products for agricultural use. “With this, the Cogny Ecosystem will consolidate its position as a leader in the pure biomolecule production market in the coming years. This is possible because the company has sought the right partnerships and believed in the potential of Orygen Research's scientific work,” he concluded. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4677/bioceres-returns-to-positive-adjusted-ebitda-as-cost-cuts-offset-weak-fy26-revenue.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4677/bioceres-returns-to-positive-adjusted-ebitda-as-cost-cuts-offset-weak-fy26-revenue.html Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:59:31 +0530 Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. has returned to positive Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 as aggressive cost reductions helped offset weaker contributions from its Seeds and Crop Protection businesses. The company reported revenue of $55.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, broadly unchanged from a year earlier, while Adjusted EBITDA improved by $10.1 million to $0.6 million. For the full fiscal year, however, Bioceres’ continuing operations remained under pressure. Revenue declined 18 per cent to $238.3 million, while gross profit fell 21 per cent to $82.9 million. The company attributed around half of the revenue decline to the reconfiguration of its Seeds business and the associated reduction in HB4-related activities. Bioceres said the fourth-quarter performance reflected a sharp divergence across its portfolio. Crop Nutrition revenue increased 36 per cent, led by strong growth in microbeaded fertilizers in Argentina, offsetting lower Crop Protection revenue and the continued reduction in Seeds activities. Crop Protection revenue declined 7 per cent, primarily because of weaker adjuvant sales in Brazil and lower sales of third-party and other Crop Protection products in Argentina. The company’s full-year Crop Nutrition revenue remained broadly stable, with growth in microbeaded fertilizers, particularly in Argentina, largely compensating for lower inoculant revenue. In Seed and Integrated Products, lower seed and HB4-related sales were partly offset by growth in seed-treatment packs. Gross profit for the fourth quarter was $12.7 million, compared with $13.6 million a year earlier, while gross margin declined to 22.8 per cent from 24.6 per cent. Bioceres said a $4 million non-recurring inventory obsolescence adjustment affected reported profitability during the quarter and masked improved performance in several core product categories, including adjuvants, fertilizers and seed-treatment packs. For FY26, gross profit fell to $82.9 million from $104.8 million, with gross margin declining to 34.8 per cent from 36.3 per cent. The decline was concentrated in Crop Nutrition, where lower inoculant profitability, including a reduced contribution from the Syngenta agreement, outweighed stronger performance from microbeaded fertilizers. The company’s cost-reduction programme, meanwhile, produced a more visible impact on operating expenses. Fourth-quarter SG&A expenses declined 19 per cent to $20.7 million, while full-year SG&A fell 24 per cent to $71.2 million. Variable expenses declined 41per cent in the quarter and 38 per cent for the full year, while fixed expenses fell 14 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively. That reduction in the operating cost base helped Bioceres narrow its fourth-quarter net loss from continuing operations to $31.8 million from $54.4 million a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA moved from negative $9.6 million to positive $0.6 million. For FY26, however, net loss from continuing operations increased to $54.4 million from $49.1 million, while Adjusted EBITDA declined to $25.5 million from $28.9 million. “Fiscal 2026 was a challenging year for Bioceres, marked by the ongoing litigation with certain of our creditors and the resulting business consequences, as we have discussed in our previous reports,” said Federico Trucco, Chief Executive Officer, Bioceres. “Against that backdrop, our priorities have been to focus the business on our core capabilities, reduce our cost structure and strengthen operating discipline. Fourth-quarter results provide encouraging evidence of progress.” Trucco said the company has substantially completed the nearly two-year reconfiguration of its Seeds business and concluded an external strategic assessment of its continuing operations. The next phase will focus on portfolio rationalisation, changes to go-to-market channels and selected commercial policies and strategic relationships, alongside a realignment of research, development and regulatory investments against defined financial objectives. Bioceres also expects to pursue further operating efficiencies while focusing on portfolio profitability. The company said improvements in several core product categories are beginning to translate into stronger profitability, although the benefits have not yet been fully reflected in reported gross margins as portfolio and commercial transitions continue. Financial pressures remain a significant part of the company’s balance-sheet picture. Total financial debt stood at $225.9 million as of June 30, 2026, while cash, cash equivalents and other short-term investments totalled $12.2 million, resulting in net financial debt of $213.6 million. Substantially all of the $118.6 million of notes subject to acceleration notices remain classified as short-term debt. The company continues to dispute the acceleration of the relevant notes and the foreclosure process involving its Pro Farm Group business, which was subject to a foreclosure auction in January 2026. For accounting purposes, PFG has been classified as discontinued operations and prior-year results have been recast accordingly. The related proceedings remain subject to ongoing legal action. Bioceres said it also pursued liability-management measures during FY26, including the reprofiling of bank debt obligations at Rizobacter and a voluntary maturity-extension process for local bond obligations in Argentina. “As we enter fiscal 2027, our focus remains on improving the performance and cash generation of our continuing businesses, maintaining cost and working-capital discipline, and actively addressing the Company’s capital structure and liquidity position,” Trucco said. “We believe the actions taken during fiscal 2026 have established a more focused operating base from which to move forward.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4676/hgs-bioscience-launches-humik-one-slingshot-to-combine-humic-and-microbial-technologies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4676/hgs-bioscience-launches-humik-one-slingshot-to-combine-humic-and-microbial-technologies.html Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:48:32 +0530 HGS Bioscience has launched HumiK ONE Slingshot, a granular biological crop solution that combines humic substances with beneficial microbes to improve nutrient efficiency, strengthen soil health and support crop resilience under environmental stress. The launch is the company’s first integrated biological product following its acquisition of Pharmgrade earlier this year. The product brings together HGS Bioscience’s humic technology and Pharmgrade’s microbial inoculant capabilities in a single formulation designed to fit into existing dry-fertilizer programmes. HumiK ONE Slingshot is designed for use with dry fertilizer applications and can be applied before planting, at planting, during the growing season or after harvest. The product is targeted at crops including potatoes, corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton. Its granular format is designed to integrate directly with existing fertilizer programmes without requiring liquid application systems or additional equipment. “HumiK ONE Slingshot combines two proven technologies that work together to improve nutrient availability and soil productivity,” said Kelly Tanaka, Chief Science Officer, HGS Bioscience. “By combining humic substances and microbial technologies in a granular formulation, it provides growers with a practical way to increase yield and improve long-term soil health without adding complexity to existing fertility programs.” The product uses HGS Bioscience’s proprietary Extracted Granule Technology to distribute active humic substances and beneficial microorganisms alongside dry fertilizer. According to the company, the formulation can unlock 15–20 per cent more phosphorus and potassium in the soil, improving the availability of these nutrients to crops. Humic substances can improve soil structure and water-holding capacity while helping retain nutrients in the root zone. They can also support root development and microbial activity and improve crop tolerance to environmental stress. As a component of soil organic matter, humic substances are also associated with longer-term improvements in soil productivity and nutrient retention. The microbial consortium in HumiK ONE Slingshot includes bacteria and fungi designed to support plant growth by making bound phosphorus and potassium more available, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and establishing beneficial microbial communities around plant roots. The combination is intended to provide multiple biological mechanisms for improving nutrient uptake and crop resilience while allowing growers to retain their existing dry-fertilizer application practices. “Together, these stacked technologies provide multiple modes of action that help growers improve nutrient uptake, reduce crop stress and build more resilient fertility programs,” Tanaka said. “We are excited to bring this to market ahead of the 2027 growing season to help farmers successfully mitigate environmental challenges in the field as they navigate uncertainty with fertilizer prices.” HumiK ONE Slingshot is available through HGS Bioscience’s authorized distribution network. The launch also represents an early commercial integration of the capabilities brought together through the Pharmgrade acquisition, as biological inputs increasingly become part of broader nutrient-management strategies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/1/4666/agplenus-takes-fungicide-discovery-beyond-chemistry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/1/4666/agplenus-takes-fungicide-discovery-beyond-chemistry.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:09:11 +0530 Fungicide discovery is confronting a difficult equation: resistance is accelerating, while finding genuinely new modes of action remains costly, slow and inherently high-risk. In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Dr. Dan J. Gelvan, CEO of AgPlenus, explains how artificial intelligence could alter that equation by improving the odds of identifying viable molecules before they enter the laboratory. AgPlenus’ Antifungal Potency Predictor (APP) is built to reduce the experimental burden of conventional discovery, but Gelvan argues that chemistry is only the beginning. The bigger prize is predictive biology—anticipating field performance, toxicology, phytotoxicity and environmental behaviour before costly development decisions are made. AgPlenus therefore sees AI not as a faster screening tool, but as a way to progressively de-risk the entire fungicide pipeline. Its target-based strategy deliberately focuses on novel modes of action, with Septoria, Botrytis and Fusarium among the pathogen areas under consideration. As resistance reshapes crop protection, the interview explores whether AI can make first-in-class fungicide discovery not just faster, but economically viable. The fungicide industry has struggled with resistance for decades despite continuous innovation. How fundamentally does the Antifungal Potency Predictor change the economics and success rates of fungicide discovery compared with conventional R&D approaches? The Antifungal Potency Predictor (APP) should be assessed alongside our broader developmental approach, which includes discovering novel fungicide targets to establish new modes of action. Resistance is typically tied to a fungicide’s target and mode of action, so introducing novel targets into the discovery pipeline creates an opportunity to develop truly novel fungicides that can help address resistance. The challenge is that discovering entirely new chemical entities against novel targets is, by definition, a high-risk, time-consuming and expensive process. Conventional approaches require significant experimental work to identify and validate promising molecules. The APP is designed to improve the odds of success within that inherently risky process by helping us identify molecules with greater potential before we invest heavily in synthesis and downstream testing. In doing so, it can reduce unnecessary experimentation, saving both time and money while improving the efficiency of the discovery process. AI models are only as robust as the data they are trained on. Without revealing proprietary information, what distinguishes AgPlenus' datasets and machine learning architecture from those used by competitors developing AI-driven crop protection solutions? We have invested significant resources in building a proprietary dataset specifically for this purpose. It combines both external data and internal data generated specifically for the project, giving us a foundation that is tailored to the questions we are trying to answer in antifungal discovery. The quality and curation of the dataset are particularly important. We collected and curated the data using state-of-the-art AI tools, with the objective of understanding not only which molecular features are associated with activity, but also which features are associated with a lack of activity. Having sufficient and well-chosen negative examples is essential for effective machine learning because the model needs to distinguish between molecules that are likely to work and those that are not. This allows the APP to learn a more meaningful representation of the relationship between molecular structure and antifungal activity, rather than simply identifying patterns among successful compounds. ChemPass AI for Ag now predicts target affinity and antifungal potency before synthesis. What remains the biggest scientific bottleneck in bringing an AI-discovered molecule from computational prediction to commercial fungicide registration? Fungicides go through a long development process that is focused not only on efficacy, but also on environmental safety and the overall suitability of a molecule for practical use. The main sources of failure tend to be field performance, toxicological profile and off-target phytotoxicity. A molecule can perform well at an early discovery stage and still fail when it encounters the much more complex conditions of development and field use. We see this as an opportunity as much as a threat. Every time a molecule advances through the development funnel, it risks failing at the next step. Rather than viewing AI simply as a tool for identifying molecules, our goal is to build a string of predictive algorithms, with each algorithm targeting a different stage of the process. Together, these models could progressively de-risk the entire discovery and development pipeline. The objective is therefore to extend predictive capability beyond chemistry and potency to the biological, safety and performance questions that ultimately determine whether a fungicide can become a successful commercial product. The crop protection industry is increasingly shifting from discovering 'better molecules' to discovering entirely new modes of action. How confident are you that AI can consistently identify first-in-class fungicides rather than incremental improvements to existing chemistry? AgPlenus works exclusively on new modes of action. Our mission is to help overcome the rising resistance of crops to pesticides by developing fundamentally new approaches to crop protection. Our process starts with an AI-based workstream that we call Target Selector, which identifies new essential targets in the target organism. Our molecular discovery process is then target-based: we look for molecules that bind to a specific protein target in order to elicit the desired biological effect. The choice of target is therefore central to the discovery process. By choosing new targets, we are, by definition, choosing new modes of action for our lead candidates. This is different from taking an existing mode of action and attempting to optimise the chemistry around it. Our focus is on identifying biological vulnerabilities that can provide the foundation for an entirely new class of fungicides. Your pipeline currently includes targets against Septoria Wheat Blotch, with plans to expand into Botrytis and Fusarium. What criteria determine which pathogens become priorities, and where do you see the greatest unmet commercial opportunity over the next decade? We closely monitor resistance pressures as they emerge in the field and combine that information with commercial analysis to determine which fungi and crops should be prioritised. Resistance is an important part of the equation, but it is not the only consideration. We also need to understand the commercial relevance of the crop and pathogen and whether our target-based discovery approach can address the biological problem effectively. Because our discovery approach is target-based, a compound that inhibits a particular protein will not necessarily be active against fungi in which that target is absent or is not essential. That biological constraint is an important part of how we think about the pipeline. We therefore favour targets that are expressed across multiple fungi where possible, but we are not pursuing the conventional path of trying to build one broad-spectrum fungicide that works indiscriminately across pathogens. Instead, the potential scope of the fungi we can address is defined by the target itself. This target-driven approach allows us to focus our resources on pathogens where there is both a meaningful need and a compelling biological rationale. Large agrochemical companies are investing heavily in AI-driven discovery, while biotech startups are pursuing similar ambitions. Beyond speed, what competitive advantage will ultimately determine leadership in AI-enabled crop protection—data ownership, algorithms, biological validation, or strategic partnerships? AI has largely levelled the playing field for startups. The old paradigm relied heavily on massive parallel synthesis and high- or ultra-high-throughput screening, which required significant capital investment and large experimental infrastructures. AI-based discovery changes that equation by reducing the need for synthesis by orders of magnitude and, consequently, shrinking the experimental burden. However, speed alone will not determine success. Biological validation, and predictive biology more broadly, will remain the biggest challenge in this field. Chemistry matters, but a pesticide ultimately has to perform under real field conditions, where biological systems are considerably more complex than the controlled environments used during early discovery. That means the real competitive advantage will come from our ability to predict the biology, not simply the chemistry. The APP is an example of this approach: it is designed to predict antifungal potency before synthesis. We see the same principle extending across the development pipeline, with predictive tools helping us understand which candidates are most likely to succeed as they move from computational discovery into increasingly complex biological and field environments. With regulatory expectations and sustainability demands becoming increasingly stringent worldwide, how do you anticipate AI-driven molecule discovery influencing the environmental profile, development timelines, and regulatory approval process for future fungicides? Environmental profiling and regulatory approval are among the hardest things to predict, which is precisely where we believe AI needs to be applied. The value of AI is not limited to solving relatively easy optimisation problems. It should also be applied to the difficult questions that determine whether a molecule can ultimately become a viable pesticide. As we develop predictive capabilities across the discovery and development process, environmental and regulatory characteristics are important areas where those capabilities can potentially create value. If we can identify potential issues earlier, we can make better-informed decisions about which molecules to advance and which ones to deprioritise. It is tempting to use AI to solve easy problems, such as finding the fastest route home, but the real value comes from putting it to work on hard problems. That is exactly what we are doing at AgPlenus: applying AI to difficult biological and development questions where better prediction could have a meaningful impact on the efficiency and risk profile of pesticide discovery. Looking ahead five to ten years, do you envision AgPlenus evolving primarily as an AI-powered discovery engine partnering with global crop protection companies, or as a developer advancing proprietary fungicide assets further toward commercialization? What strategic milestones should the industry watch for? We are building a pipeline of partnered products. Whether we initiate a given project ourselves or collaborate with a partner that initiated it is less important than our core business model: building a unique pipeline of novel mode-of-action pesticides. Our objective is to create value through that pipeline and through the ability to discover and develop products based on new biological targets. Partnerships are an important part of that model because they provide a route to combining our discovery capabilities with the development and commercial capabilities required to bring products to market. From our perspective, therefore, any progress in the pipeline is strategic. The key milestones are not limited to the evolution of the AI platform itself; they include progress in identifying and validating novel targets, discovering active molecules, advancing candidates through development and ultimately building a portfolio of partnered products based on genuinely new modes of action. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4659/topgrain-targets-up-to-5-per-cent-yield-gains-in-brazilian-soybean-and-corn.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4659/topgrain-targets-up-to-5-per-cent-yield-gains-in-brazilian-soybean-and-corn.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:55:07 +0530 Sumitomo Chemical has launched TopGrain, a new biological crop input in Brazil designed to help soybean and corn crops better withstand adverse weather conditions while improving grain filling and yield performance. Based on abscisic acid, TopGrain is positioned as an additional tool in crop management at a time when Brazilian farmers are confronting increasingly variable weather conditions and greater pressure to extract more productivity from each hectare. The product is designed to support the plant during critical stages of development, helping crops maintain performance when environmental conditions threaten yield potential. Sumitomo Chemical said TopGrain can deliver yield gains of up to 161 pounds per acre in soybeans and up to 375 pounds per acre in corn. Based on average Brazilian yields during the 2025/26 season, the company estimates that these gains represent an improvement of close to 5 per cent in both crops. The economics are central to the product’s positioning. For soybean growers, the additional cost of using TopGrain is equivalent to less than one bag of soybeans per hectare, while the cost for corn is slightly higher. Sumitomo Chemical argues that the potential yield improvement can therefore offset the additional input cost while providing farmers with another mechanism to protect yield potential under stressful growing conditions. The product is not being positioned as a replacement for conventional crop protection products or fertilisers. Instead, Sumitomo Chemical sees it as a complementary input that can work alongside existing crop-management programmes. Luciano Jaloto, Marketing Director at Sumitomo Chemical in Brazil, described TopGrain as being similar to a “vitamin” for crops, helping plants make more effective use of the other inputs applied during the production cycle. The underlying proposition reflects a broader shift in agricultural inputs towards technologies that seek to improve the efficiency of existing farm programmes rather than simply add another layer of crop protection. By supporting plant processes associated with grain filling and stress response, biological inputs such as TopGrain are increasingly being evaluated for their ability to help crops maintain productivity when temperature, water availability or other environmental factors become limiting. For Brazil’s soybean and corn producers, the timing is particularly significant. Both crops operate at enormous commercial scale, meaning even relatively modest improvements in yield can have a material impact on farm economics. At the same time, weather volatility can quickly erode yield potential, making crop resilience an increasingly important consideration alongside disease, insect and weed management. Sumitomo Chemical initially introduced TopGrain in the United States, India and Brazil, establishing the product across three major agricultural markets. The company plans to expand its application across additional crops, including sugarcane, cotton and fruit, as it develops the technology for different production systems and crop requirements. The broader rollout is part of Sumitomo Chemical’s ambition to expand its agricultural business in Brazil. The company aims to double the size of its Brazilian operation by 2030, with biological and complementary crop inputs forming part of a wider strategy to provide growers with technologies that combine productivity, crop resilience and more efficient use of farm inputs. The launch also reflects a changing competitive landscape in agricultural inputs. Traditional crop protection and fertiliser products remain central to commercial farming, but growers are increasingly looking for technologies that can help crops manage stresses that cannot be addressed through conventional pest and nutrient management alone. TopGrain’s commercial test, therefore, will be whether the promised yield gains consistently translate into stronger returns for farmers across different regions, seasons and growing conditions. If the technology can deliver reliable improvements in grain filling and yield while remaining economically viable, Sumitomo Chemical could use its Brazilian launch as a platform for a broader expansion of biological crop inputs across major agricultural markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4657/clearleaf-expands-to-guatemala-with-new-product-registration-.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4657/clearleaf-expands-to-guatemala-with-new-product-registration-.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:24:24 +0530 ClearLeaf, a Costa Rican agtech leader specializing in sustainable, non-toxic crop protection, today announced it has officially received product registration for “GotaBlanca 0.05 SL,” in Guatemala. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s expansion across Latin America, providing Guatemalan farmers with a powerful, eco-friendly and worker-friendly tool that protects yield quality, meets the residue standards their export buyers require, and keeps harvest crews working. GotaBlanca 0.05 SL, a fungicide presentation of the GotaBlanca line has already been cleared for use in Guatemala’s large melon sector, with other crops currently in line for approval.  GotaBlanca’s safety profile is so compelling that it has been cleared for use with no “re-entry period” – meaning it can be applied up to the day of harvest with no health concerns. For growers, that also removes the waiting days between application and picking: crews can enter the field right away, harvest windows stay on schedule, and no one is asked to trade safety for the calendar.   GotaBlanca 0.05 SL, will be distributed in Guatemala by Colono Agropecuario. The Colono Group has distributed ClearLeaf’s products across the region since the company’s inception, and is one of the largest agrochemical distributors in the region.  By leveraging Colono’s extensive network and deep technical expertise, ClearLeaf ensures that farmers across the nation have immediate access to this innovative technology to improve yield quality and safety. “The Guatemalan market is increasingly prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices to meet both local and export demands," said Lawrence Pratt, CEO of ClearLeaf Inc. " We are excited to bring our commitment to providing effective, science-backed solutions while safeguarding the health of farmers, consumers, and the environment ". “We are thrilled to bring GotaBlanca to Guatemala,” said Victor Arroyo, Central America Regional Manager at Colono Agropecuario. "Adding GotaBlanca to our portfolio in Guatemala allows us to offer producers a modern tool that delivers harvests free of residues and not only improves profitability but also ensures soil recovery and the protection of our environment. This partnership reinforces our commitment to a more productive and precise vision of agriculture in Guatemala." The approval in Guatemala follows successful commercial results in other regional markets, including home market Costa Rica, as well as Panama, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Recent large-scale trials have demonstrated GotaBlanca’s ability to replace multiple toxic pathogen control products simultaneously, lowering input costs for producers while maintaining or increasing yields. GotaBlanca 0.05 SL will be available in Guatemala in the coming weeks. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4642/syngenta-amoba-forge-european-cereal-biocontrol-alliance-as-fungicide-options-shrink.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4642/syngenta-amoba-forge-european-cereal-biocontrol-alliance-as-fungicide-options-shrink.html Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:26:47 +0530 Syngenta Crop Protection AG and French biocontrol company Amoéba are moving to commercialise a next-generation biological fungicide for European cereal growers, as tightening regulation and rising resistance threaten to narrow the conventional crop protection toolbox. The companies have signed an exclusive supply and distribution agreement covering a new biofungicide formulation, AXP20, derived from the lysate of the amoeba Willaertia magna C2c Maky. The agreement converts the companies’ November 2025 memorandum of understanding into a binding, long-term commercial and development partnership. Once registered, the product will be marketed under a Syngenta trademark. Under the agreement, Syngenta will hold exclusive distribution rights for cereals, excluding corn, across the EU-27, the UK, Ukraine and Switzerland. First market registrations are targeted for the third quarter of 2028, with sales expected to begin in core EU markets by the end of 2028 for use during the 2029 season. Targeting two of Europe’s biggest cereal disease threats The partnership is aimed initially at two major fungal diseases affecting European wheat: septoria tritici blotch and yellow rust. Together, the diseases are estimated to affect 9 million to 12 million hectares of cereals annually. Septoria can cause wheat yield losses of 5 per cent to 50 per cent in Germany, with annual economic losses estimated at up to €1.5 billion. Yellow rust can reduce yields by 10 per cent to 70 per cent and, in susceptible varieties, can result in complete crop failure. The commercial opportunity comes against a backdrop of diminishing conventional treatment options, driven by regulatory restrictions and growing pathogen resistance. For Syngenta, the agreement adds another potential product to its biologicals portfolio while giving Amoéba access to the commercial scale and cereal-market expertise of one of Europe's leading crop protection companies. “With conventional crop protection facing mounting regulatory and resistance headwinds, this next-generation biofungicide arrives at exactly the right moment,” said Matthew Pickard, Syngenta's Head of Seedcare and Biologicals for Europe. An unconventional biological route AXP20 is differentiated by its biological origin. The technology is based on the lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky, a single-celled amoeba. The product primarily works by inhibiting fungal spore germination. Field trials have demonstrated efficacy against septoria and yellow rust, while also activating the plant's natural defence mechanisms. That combination could make the technology particularly relevant to integrated crop management and resistance-management programmes. The Fungicide Resistance Action Committee classifies the lysate under FRAC Group BM02, covering biologicals with multiple modes of action. The companies say the technology has no known resistance and carries a low to very low resistance risk. The active substance received EU approval in 2025 following an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority. In June 2026, Amoéba received French marketing authorisation for AXPERA, a biofungicide based on the same technology. The French approval is expected to support national authorisation processes in other European markets. From laboratory technology to commercial platform The agreement also represents a test of whether a biological technology can move beyond niche applications and compete at scale in one of Europe's most important crop segments. Amoéba has positioned AXP20 as a key technology in its biosolutions portfolio, while Syngenta's distribution network could provide access to a large established cereal market. Jean-Marc Petat, Managing Director of Green for Agro, Amoéba's biosolutions subsidiary, said the agreement marks a defining milestone for the company and described Syngenta as a strategic partner for launching and marketing biocontrol products to European cereal growers. The companies are already investing in the next stage of development. In 2026, Syngenta and Amoéba are conducting more than 70 field trials jointly, making the programme one of the larger validation efforts currently under way in the biocontrol segment. A long runway to commercialisation Despite the strategic significance of the agreement, the commercial payoff remains several years away. First registrations in core EU markets are targeted for Q3 2028, with first sales expected towards the end of that year and farmer use beginning in spring 2029. Registrations in the UK and Switzerland are expected around 2029. The partners also see potential beyond the initial cereal applications. The agreement envisages expansion into additional crops and geographies as the product's efficacy profile develops. That could turn AXP20 from a single-product opportunity into a broader biological crop-protection platform.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4641/corteva-globachem-form-5050-jv-to-accelerate-next-generation-crop-protection-solutions.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4641/corteva-globachem-form-5050-jv-to-accelerate-next-generation-crop-protection-solutions.html Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:19:50 +0530 Corteva and Belgian crop protection company Globachem are joining forces to accelerate the development and commercialisation of differentiated crop protection technologies, as farmers face increasingly complex agronomic challenges and the industry looks for more targeted solutions. The two companies have entered into a definitive agreement to establish a 50:50 joint venture that will independently develop, register and deliver new crop protection products for markets across Europe and the Americas. The venture will draw on late-pipeline and commercial-stage technologies from both parent companies. Products developed through the JV may ultimately be commercialised independently by either or both companies through their existing commercial channels. The partnership comes as the company prepares for its planned separation and the launch of a standalone crop protection business. The JV offers a way to broaden its innovation pipeline while leveraging an external partner’s formulation and regulatory capabilities. “This is the latest example of how we’re leveraging collaborations to strengthen and broaden our portfolio as we prepare to launch as a standalone crop protection company following our planned separation,” said Brook Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Corteva. He said the combination of Corteva’s discovery and development capabilities with Globachem’s formulation expertise could help accelerate the delivery of more tailored crop protection solutions for core crops in targeted markets. Building on an existing partnership The new venture is not a starting point for the two companies. Corteva and Globachem already have a multi-year partnership, giving the JV an existing foundation for collaboration. Globachem brings capabilities spanning product development, formulation and regulatory execution, while Corteva contributes its crop protection research and development platform. Koen Quaghebeur, Chief Visionary Officer and Co-founder of Globachem, said the agreement marks an important milestone in the companies’ long-standing relationship. The partnership, he said, reflects a shared view that collaboration can accelerate the delivery of innovations that address changing agronomic requirements. The strategic logic is increasingly relevant in crop protection, where developing a new product is only one part of the challenge. Formulation, regulatory approvals, market access and the ability to tailor solutions to specific crops and geographies can determine how quickly an innovation reaches growers. Commercialisation moves into the next decade The JV’s product pipeline is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the market. New solutions developed through the venture are expected to begin launching in the early 2030s. The products will be sold through established commercial channels, potentially giving the parent companies flexibility in how individual technologies are taken to market. That long timeline also underlines the nature of the partnership: this is less about addressing near-term product gaps and more about building a pipeline for the next phase of crop protection. The transaction is currently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the necessary regulatory clearances and approvals. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4640/lier-chemical-prepares-for-next-agrochemical-cycle.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4640/lier-chemical-prepares-for-next-agrochemical-cycle.html Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:11:17 +0530 Chinese agrochemical major Lier Chemical Co., Ltd. is entering the second half of 2026 at a potentially important inflection point, with glufosinate demand remaining resilient, product prices showing early signs of stabilisation and several capacity projects moving towards commercial production. At its H1 2026 interim results briefing on September 4, management outlined a cautious but increasingly constructive outlook for the company’s core glufosinate and L-glufosinate businesses, while highlighting progress on new projects, a sharp increase in R&D spending and the potential strategic benefits of its acquisition of Huarun Shuangjie. The company’s H1 revenue rose 6.86 per cent year-on-year, although net profit continued to decline, reflecting pressure across the agrochemical cycle. Management nevertheless indicated that demand for glufosinate and L-glufosinate remains robust and expects prices to improve gradually. The comments point to a market that may be moving beyond its deepest phase of price pressure, although the timing and strength of a sustained recovery remain uncertain. Glufosinate market waits for a clearer price turn Glufosinate remains central to Lier Chemical’s earnings outlook. Management said market demand for both glufosinate and L-glufosinate continues to be strong, while product prices are expected to improve. The company stopped short of identifying a specific quarter for a price inflection. However, the combination of resilient demand, an improving pricing environment and relatively stable RMB/USD exchange-rate movements could provide some relief to exporters in the second half of 2026. Lier is also pursuing cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancement measures, which could become increasingly important if selling prices recover only gradually. The immediate question for investors is therefore not simply whether glufosinate prices have bottomed, but whether a recovery in prices can translate into meaningful margin expansion. With capacity additions also approaching, the balance between demand growth and new supply will determine how durable any improvement becomes. L-glufosinate expansion faces a process bottleneck Capacity expansion in L-glufosinate remains one of the company’s most closely watched projects. Lier’s Hubei Lituo project, designed to produce 10,000 tonnes/year of L-glufosinate technical material along with supporting facilities, was 51.43 per cent complete. The project, originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, has been delayed because of process optimisation requirements. Management has not yet provided a definitive commissioning date and said the timeline will be disclosed according to the project’s progress. The delay is significant because L-glufosinate represents an important part of Lier’s longer-term product strategy. Bringing the project online would materially expand the company’s production capability, but the economics will ultimately depend on process efficiency, production costs and market conditions at the time of commissioning. A separate Hunan Lier L-homoserine project is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. L-homoserine is a key intermediate in the enzymatic production of L-glufosinate. Its availability could therefore strengthen Lier’s internal supply chain and reduce dependence on external sourcing as the company scales its biochemical route. Management said the biochemical L-glufosinate process remains under optimisation. Further commercial development will depend on whether the technology achieves sufficient competitiveness and whether adequate L-homoserine supply is secured. New capacity starts to reshape the growth pipeline Beyond glufosinate, Lier is approaching a period of concentrated capacity additions. At Guang'an Lier, projects covering chlorantraniliprole, L-glufosinate and other products have been completed. At Hubei Lituo, projects involving thiabendazole, flame retardants and other products have also reached completion. Not all of these facilities are at the same stage. Some remain in trial production, while others have moved into normal production. Taken together, however, the projects create a sizeable pipeline for the next 12–18 months. The completion of the Hunan L-homoserine project and continued progress on the 10,000-tonne/year L-glufosinate facility could further accelerate this capacity cycle. That creates both an opportunity and a risk. Additional capacity can support revenue growth if end-market demand absorbs the new production, but it can also prolong pricing pressure if supply expands faster than consumption. R&D spending jumps as Lier broadens its technology base One of the more revealing signals from the results briefing was the roughly 50 per cent year-on-year increase in H1 R&D expenditure. Management attributed the increase primarily to two areas: the expansion of its Shanghai R&D centre, including recruitment of high-end talent in fields such as synthetic biology and new materials, and the movement of pipeline projects into pilot-scale validation, which has increased material requirements. The rise in R&D spending suggests that Lier is attempting to build capabilities beyond conventional chemical synthesis. Synthetic biology is particularly relevant to the company's evolving L-glufosinate strategy, where biochemical production processes could eventually offer a differentiated route if process economics and scale-up challenges are resolved. Acquisition and ownership transition add another layer The anticipated synergies from the Huarun Shuangjie acquisition represent another variable in Lier Chemical’s medium-term outlook. At the same time, the pending entry of a state-owned controlling shareholder could mark a broader strategic transition for the company. The combination of new ownership, acquisition-related synergies, expanding production capacity and increased investment in advanced R&D places Lier at an unusual juncture. The company is simultaneously trying to defend profitability through a difficult agrochemical cycle while investing ahead of the next growth phase. The H1 results therefore offer a picture of a company caught between two cycles: the old cycle of commodity agrochemical pricing and capacity expansion, and a new cycle built around higher-value products, biochemical manufacturing and a broader technology portfolio. The next 12 months will test the strategy Lier Chemical’s immediate earnings trajectory will depend heavily on whether glufosinate prices can establish a sustained recovery and how quickly newly completed projects move from trial production to stable commercial output. A stronger pricing environment would provide operating leverage, particularly alongside cost-control measures. But the company’s longer-term proposition rests on more than a cyclical rebound. The successful commissioning of L-glufosinate capacity, completion of the L-homoserine project, commercialisation of new products and conversion of higher R&D spending into scalable technologies will determine whether Lier can turn the current window of market stabilisation into a more durable growth platform. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4628/batian-moves-to-secure-more-phosphate-ore-with-guizhou-mine-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4628/batian-moves-to-secure-more-phosphate-ore-with-guizhou-mine-expansion.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:56:07 +0530 Shenzhen Batian Ecotypic Engineering Co., Ltd. has expanded its phosphate mining capacity in China after its wholly owned subsidiary secured an upgraded work safety license for the Xiaogaozhai Phosphate Mine in Guizhou Province. Guizhou Batian Ecological Engineering Co., Ltd. received the new license from the Guizhou Provincial Department of Emergency Management on August 31, 2026. The license permits underground phosphate ore mining at an annual capacity of 2.9 million tonnes and is valid through August 30, 2029. The upgrade increases the mine’s permitted production capacity from the 2 million tonnes a year covered by its previous work safety license, issued in February 2025. The higher capacity is expected to increase Batian’s access to phosphate ore and strengthen the company’s position across the upstream end of its phosphorus-based business. The Xiaogaozhai project has been part of Batian’s long-term resource strategy for more than a decade. In April 2014, Guizhou Batian signed an exploration rights transfer agreement with the Guizhou Mineral Rights Reserve and Trading Bureau, securing exploration rights for the phosphate mine in Weng’an County. Six years later, the company obtained its mining license, formally moving the project into the extraction phase. The latest approval marks another step in Batian’s effort to connect its mining operations with downstream phosphorus processing and higher-value products. The company expects the additional capacity to improve the efficiency of its upstream and downstream operations while supporting the development of an integrated phosphorus chemicals business. That strategy extends beyond phosphate concentrate. Batian is also building capabilities in high-purity phosphoric acid and phosphate salts, as well as phosphorus-based materials used in the new-energy battery industry. The expansion could therefore give the company greater control over a critical raw material while creating additional opportunities to capture value further down the production chain. Higher-grade phosphate ore and more efficient resource utilisation are also expected to support the company’s longer-term growth plans. For Batian, the significance of the new license goes beyond a higher production number. Securing additional permitted mining capacity strengthens its resource base at a time when control over upstream mineral supplies is becoming increasingly important for companies operating across fertilisers, specialty phosphorus chemicals and battery materials. The Xiaogaozhai mine is expected to play a central role in that strategy as Batian continues to expand production and build synergies between mining, phosphate processing and emerging phosphorus-based new-energy materials. The company’s focus will now be on translating the expanded mining capacity into higher output and greater efficiency across its integrated phosphorus value chain. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/1/4608/why-crop-breeding-is-moving-from-resistance-to-immune-restoration.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/1/4608/why-crop-breeding-is-moving-from-resistance-to-immune-restoration.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:28:09 +0530 Disease resistance in agriculture has long been defined by an evolutionary arms race as breeders introduce resistance, pathogens adapt, and the cycle begins again. In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Dr. Cian Duggan, Co-founder of Resurrect Bio, argues that the next breakthrough may come from understanding and restoring the plant immune mechanisms that pathogens have already learned to overcome. He explains how Resurrect Bio’s combination of computational discovery, AI-assisted prioritisation and wet-lab validation seeks to move disease resistance beyond broad screening towards the identification of causal, actionable traits. With spinach downy mildew as the immediate focus of its collaboration with Bejo, the approach offers a test case for whether mechanism-led trait discovery can produce resistance that is more durable and commercially relevant. Duggan also examines how climate-driven disease pressure could elevate crop immunity from a specialised breeding objective to a strategic pillar of global food security. Looking ahead, he envisions a more integrated crop-protection model in which genetics, biology, chemistry, digital tools and precision breeding converge to build resilience into crops rather than continually reacting to disease after it emerges. For decades, the industry has been engaged in an arms race with pathogens, with resistance genes emerging and then quickly becoming obsolete. What convinces you that this partnership can alter that cycle rather than merely delay it? The simple fact is that pathogens will continue to evolve to counter resistance genes. What makes this partnership with Bejo different is that it brings Resurrect Bio’s immune-restoration approach into a breeding context shaped by Bejo’s crop expertise and real-world understanding of disease pressure. Instead of simply introducing or selecting another resistance gene and waiting for it to be overcome by the pathogens, Resurrect Bio identifies where plant immune systems have already been defeated by pathogens and looks for ways to restore or strengthen those immune functions. In spinach, the collaboration with Bejo will apply this targeted trait discovery approach to identify disease resistance mechanisms that could support more resilient varieties. Resurrect Bio’s platform combines computational discovery, AI-assisted prioritisation and wet-lab validation to identify causal resistance targets rather than relying only on broad screening. This gives the teams developing new varieties of spinach a clearer view of how the crop and the pathogen interact with each other, how resistance breaks down crops' immune systems and how immune systems can fight back against the pathogens. As climate change accelerates the evolution and spread of crop diseases, do you foresee disease resistance becoming as strategically important to food security as yield enhancement once was? Absolutely. As climate change accelerates the spread and evolution of crop diseases, disease resistance will become just as strategically important to food security as yield enhancement has been historically. Yield potential only matters if crops can withstand the disease pressures they face in the field. As pathogens move into new regions and place greater pressure on existing resistance traits, varieties that perform well today may become vulnerable faster than expected. This is especially relevant in crops like spinach, where multiple growing cycles each year increase pressure on resistance durability. For seed companies, the challenge is to develop higher-performing varieties, whilst also ensuring reliable production in the face of evolving disease. The next phase of crop improvement needs to bring yield, quality and resilience closer together, with stronger and more durable disease resistance at its core. The seed industry has traditionally relied on incremental breeding gains. Does targeted trait discovery represent a paradigm shift in how crop innovation will be conducted over the next decade? We think targeted trait discovery has the potential to change how crop innovation is conducted, particularly for disease resistance. Traditional breeding will always be essential, but it relies on screening large populations and selecting for incremental gains. That approach can work well, but it’s not always fast enough when pathogens are evolving quickly, accelerated for example by climate change, or when the causal resistance mechanism is not well understood. Targeted trait discovery approaches the problem from the opposite direction. Instead of asking only which plants perform best, it asks why disease resistance works, why disease resistance fails or breaks down and which specific mechanisms can be strengthened or restored. This gives breeders more actionable targets and shortens the path from discovery to implementation. We see this as complementary to seed companies’ existing breeding expertise. The paradigm shift is not that breeding goes away, but that it becomes more informed by molecular understanding of interactions between plants and pathogens. Over the next few years, we expect crop innovation to become more targeted, more mechanistic and more closely integrated with precision breeding approaches. This is especially important for developing disease resistance, where durability, speed and biological understanding are becoming critical. The world loses a significant portion of its agricultural output to pests and diseases each year, yet crop immunity rarely commands the same attention as productivity or sustainability. Why has the economic cost of plant disease remained so underappreciated? The economic cost of plant disease is fragmented, variable and difficult to see in one place. Crop yield is easy to communicate and measure. Sustainability has become a clear strategic and regulatory priority. Disease, by contrast, is often treated as a technical problem within individual crops, regions or growing seasons. Losses may appear as lower yields, reduced quality, increased necessity of chemical usage, shorter variety lifetimes or disruptive supply rather than a single visible cost. There is also a tendency to focus on disease only once resistance breaks down or an outbreak becomes severe. By that point, the economic impact has already been felt by growers, breeders and supply chains. The preventative value of strong crop immunity is harder to capture because success often means that the loss never happens. As pathogens evolve and spread, disease resistance is becoming a core part of productivity and sustainability, not a separate issue. Stronger crop immunity protects yield, reduces reliance on chemical inputs and supports more stable production. In that sense, the cost of plant disease is not only what is lost today, but also the resilience the industry needs to build for the future. If successful, could technologies that strengthen innate plant immunity fundamentally reduce agriculture's dependence on chemical crop protection products and what would that mean for the future of the agrochemical industry? Where disease resistance can be made stronger, more durable and easier to integrate into breeding pipelines, strengthening plant immunity could reduce agriculture's reliance on chemical crop protection. However, we do not see technologies like ours as replacing crop protection products entirely. Continued evolution of pathogens and increasing unpredictability of growing conditions means that agricultural producers will need a multi-layered approach to fighting pathogens The opportunity is to shift more of the burden from chemical intervention towards built-in crop resilience. For the agrochemical industry, that could mean a changing role rather than a disappearing one. Future crop protection strategies are likely to be more integrated, combining genetics, breeding, biology, chemistry and digital decision-making. Companies that successfully adapt to this shift will play a central role in helping growers protect crops with fewer inputs that are used more precisely and more sustainably. Spinach downy mildew is the immediate target, but is the larger ambition to build a platform that can deliver durable disease resistance across multiple crops and geographies? What are the biggest scientific hurdles to achieving that vision? Our platform is designed to be broadly applicable because many of the principles of plant immunity apply to all crops. The aim is to identify where resistance has been defeated, understand the crop-pathogen interaction at a molecular level and design ways to restore or strengthen immune functions. The biggest scientific hurdles are biological complexity and validation. Every crop-pathogen system is different and resistance can break down through different mechanisms. In each case, we must identify the right causal targets, understand how the pathogen is suppressing or evading plant immune systems and validate that the traits are strong, durable and relevant to commercial needs. Spinach downy mildew is the immediate focus of this partnership with Bejo, but the broader ambition for Resurrect Bio is to develop disease resistance traits across multiple crops, pathogens and markets. Investors are increasingly backing agricultural biotechnology, as evidenced by your recent Series A raise. What metrics should the market use to distinguish genuinely transformative ag-biotech platforms from technologies that are merely incremental? The market should look beyond whether a platform sounds novel and ask whether it can actually create traits that seed companies can use and benefit from. Key metrics include speed, validation, applicability and commercial relevance. Can the platform identify causal targets rather than broad associations? Can it move from prediction to functional wet lab validation? Can it deliver actionable traits and timelines that match breeding programmes? Can those traits be implemented through existing seed company pipelines? Durability should also be central. In disease resistance, an incremental improvement may help for a season. A transformative platform should understand why resistance breaks down and use that knowledge to design much longer-lasting solutions. Looking ten years ahead, do you envision a future in which seed companies compete not just on genetics and yield, but on their ability to engineer resilient crop immune systems capable of adapting to an increasingly volatile climate? Yes, over the next decade, we expect resilience to become a major basis for competition in the seed industry. Yield will remain critical, but only if crops can withstand disease pressure in the field. The strongest companies will be those able to understand plant-pathogen interactions and develop more durable immune systems for increasingly volatile growing conditions. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4601/canada-clears-syngentas-spiropidion-giving-its-next-generation-pest-control-portfolio-regulatory-lift.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4601/canada-clears-syngentas-spiropidion-giving-its-next-generation-pest-control-portfolio-regulatory-lift.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:31:15 +0530 Syngenta has secured a key regulatory win in Canada for Spiropidion, a next-generation insecticide aimed at some of agriculture’s most persistent piercing-sucking pests, opening another door for the company’s strategy to build a broader portfolio around differentiated modes of action. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada has issued Registration Decision RD2026-16, formally approving the registration for sale and use of Syngenta’s Spiropidion Technical Insecticide and A20262 Insecticide. The products are registered for the control of aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and two-spotted spider mites across food crops, feed crops and greenhouse crops. The decision follows PMRA’s Proposed Registration Decision PRD2026-09, issued in June, and moves Spiropidion from the regulatory pipeline into the registered-product landscape in one of North America’s major agricultural markets. For Syngenta, the significance goes beyond another national registration. Spiropidion adds another regulatory foothold for the company’s newer piercing-sucking pest-control technology while giving IRAC Mode of Action Group 23 another important market win. Group 23 remains a relatively specialised part of the insecticide market, but its importance is increasing as growers and manufacturers look for alternatives to heavily used insecticide modes of action and seek tools that can fit into resistance-management programmes. A new molecule built on a proven chemical concept Spiropidion belongs to the spirocyclic tetronic acid class of insecticides and is classified by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) under Group 23, which comprises acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors. Its mode of action is fundamentally different from conventional contact insecticides. The compound disrupts insect lipid biosynthesis by inhibiting ACCase, ultimately interfering with essential biological processes required for insect growth and survival. Spiropidion is the fourth spirocyclic tetronic acid insecticide launched globally. The broader chemical family already includes Bayer’s spirotetramat, while spirodiclofen and spiromesifen have been positioned more strongly around acaricidal applications. That lineage matters because the chemistry is not starting from an untested conceptual base. Instead, Spiropidion extends an established spirocyclic tetronic acid platform into a new molecular configuration and pest-control profile. At the structural level, Spiropidion shares the core scaffold of spirotetramat: a 3-aryl-substituted pyrrolidine-2,4-dione, or tetronic acid, framework with the 4-position enol esterified as an ethyl carbonate. Syngenta’s differentiation comes largely from changes to the spirocyclic portion of the molecule. The company replaced the 4-methoxycyclohexane component found in spirotetramat with an N-methoxypiperidine, creating a 1,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decene system. It also introduced a methyl group on the amide nitrogen and altered the benzene-ring substitution pattern from 2,5-dimethyl to 4-chloro-2,6-dimethyl. Those structural changes underpin a different performance profile and help explain why Spiropidion is being positioned as more than another member of an established chemistry family. Systemic activity is the commercial differentiator One of Spiropidion’s most important characteristics is its ability to penetrate plant tissues and move systemically after foliar application. Following application to foliage, the active ingredient can move upward toward newly developing tissues and downward toward root systems. That creates a particular advantage against piercing-sucking insects that are difficult to reach directly because they occupy tender plant parts or the undersides of leaves. For growers, that means the value proposition is not simply whether the active ingredient can kill a pest on contact. It is whether the chemistry can reach pests through the plant after application. That distinction is particularly relevant for aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs, which frequently feed in locations that are difficult for conventional contact sprays to cover consistently. But Spiropidion also has a clear limitation. The compound is predominantly stomach-acting and has extremely low contact activity. It is therefore not designed as a rapid knockdown insecticide, and speed of visible pest mortality is not its principal strength. That profile makes the molecule better suited to systemic pest management than to applications where immediate contact mortality is the primary requirement. The distinction could become increasingly important as growers move toward more integrated resistance-management strategies, where persistence, systemic movement and mode-of-action diversity can be as important as rapid knockdown. Two-spotted spider mites broaden the pitch Spiropidion’s target spectrum also gives it a potentially differentiated position within Group 23. A20262 is registered against aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and two-spotted spider mites. The inclusion of two-spotted spider mites gives the product a broader positioning than might otherwise be expected from an insecticide focused on piercing-sucking pests. Spirotetramat, another prominent Group 23 product, is also associated with mite control on certain market labels. Bayer’s U.S. Movento label, for example, includes pests such as two-spotted spider mites and apple rust mites. But the positioning is not identical. Spirotetramat’s activity against mites has generally been characterised more in terms of suppression, while Spiropidion’s stated target spectrum gives it a clearer acaricidal positioning alongside its insect targets. That distinction could prove commercially relevant in crops where aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and mites overlap or where growers are looking for a single chemistry capable of addressing multiple piercing-sucking pest pressures. Canada approval points to high-value crop opportunities The Canadian regulatory assessment also provides clues about where Spiropidion could find its strongest commercial applications. PMRA’s residue trials covered a broad range of crops, including potatoes, leafy vegetables, brassicas, greenhouse tomatoes, greenhouse peppers, greenhouse cucumbers, citrus, pome fruits, grapes and cotton. The crop portfolio points toward a product designed for more than a narrow commodity application. Vegetables and fruit crops, particularly greenhouse production and high-value perennial crops, can face intense pressure from aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and mites while also requiring careful residue management and targeted application strategies. The inclusion of greenhouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers is particularly significant because controlled-environment agriculture can create conditions favourable to recurring pest pressure. At the same time, growers in these systems typically have limited room for error when managing resistance and residue constraints. For Syngenta, a registration spanning food crops, feed crops and greenhouse crops therefore expands the potential commercial addressable market rather than restricting Spiropidion to a single production system. Another step in the Group 23 expansion The Canadian registration also reinforces the broader strategic importance of Group 23. Spirocyclic tetronic acid chemistry occupies a relatively narrow space within the global insecticide market compared with some older, larger insecticide classes. Yet that narrowness is precisely what makes new molecules in the category strategically valuable. Modern pest management is increasingly constrained by resistance. Repeated use of the same modes of action can accelerate resistance development, reducing the useful life of individual products and forcing growers to rotate chemistries. New compounds with differentiated biological and application characteristics can therefore command strategic value even when they do not immediately compete with the largest-volume insecticides. Spiropidion brings several characteristics into that equation: a Group 23 mode of action, systemic movement, activity against key piercing-sucking pests and a target spectrum extending to two-spotted spider mites. Its low contact activity and slower knockdown profile mean it will not replace every conventional insecticide application. Instead, its commercial role is likely to depend on how effectively growers can integrate it into broader pest-management programmes. Registration is not the same as market supply The Canadian approval should also be viewed through the correct regulatory lens. PMRA’s RD2026-16 represents the formal registration decision following the proposed decision issued in June. It establishes the regulatory basis for sale and use in Canada, but registration itself does not mean that full commercial supply has immediately reached growers. The next stage is market execution: product availability, launch timing, grower adoption, distribution, crop-specific positioning and integration into resistance-management programmes. That distinction matters because the value of a new active ingredient ultimately depends not only on regulatory approval but on how effectively it can be translated into field-level performance and commercial demand. For Syngenta, however, the direction is clear. Spiropidion gives the company another differentiated tool for managing economically important piercing-sucking pests and extends the reach of spirocyclic tetronic acid chemistry into another major agricultural market. For the broader crop-protection industry, the Canadian decision is another indication that innovation is increasingly moving toward molecules designed around specific biological targets, systemic behaviour and resistance-management needs rather than simply chasing faster knockdown. The market for insecticides may be crowded, but the competitive battleground is becoming more specialised. Molecules that can combine a distinct mode of action with useful systemic movement, broader target coverage and fit within integrated resistance strategies are likely to carry disproportionate strategic value. Spiropidion now has another regulatory market in which to prove that proposition. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4599/chinas-agrochemical-makers-pour-investment-into-glufosinate-p.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4599/chinas-agrochemical-makers-pour-investment-into-glufosinate-p.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:30:04 +0530 China’s glufosinate-P market is entering a new investment cycle, with manufacturers moving aggressively to build capacity, convert existing production lines and secure registrations for the herbicide and its ammonium salt. By August 2026, eight Chinese companies had announced projects or production adjustments related to glufosinate-P, signalling that the product is moving from a relatively specialised segment toward a larger industrial opportunity. The expansion is notable for its scale. New projects and capacity conversions announced during the year are expected to push China’s overall glufosinate-P capacity beyond 100,000 tonnes per year, according to industry data. The investment wave includes both large greenfield projects and conversions of existing glufosinate-ammonium facilities, suggesting that producers are positioning themselves for a structural shift in the herbicide market rather than simply adding incremental capacity. The largest projects already announced provide a clear indication of the scale of the industry's ambitions. Guang’an Lier Chemical Co., Ltd. plans to establish 30,000 t/a of glufosinate-P technical capacity as part of a broader 43,000 t/a pesticide technical-material project. The company already has experience in the segment and holds a valid Chinese registration for glufosinate-P. Lier’s expansion comes as the company strengthens its technical-material business. In the first half of 2026, Lier reported revenue of RMB 4.82 billion, representing a 6.86% year-on-year increase, while net profit stood at RMB 249.5 million, down 7.77% year on year. Its technical-products business generated RMB 2.98 billion, up 8.21% from the same period a year earlier and accounting for 61.9% of total revenue. Glufosinate-ammonium and L-glufosinate-ammonium were among the products benefiting from improved demand and pricing conditions. Shaoxing Shangyu Donghu Chemical Co., Ltd. is making an equally large bet on the segment. The company has announced an investment of approximately RMB 304 million in a dedicated 30,000 t/a glufosinate-P technical project. The investment places Donghu among the companies making the most substantial new commitments to the product in 2026. The company also holds a valid registration for glufosinate-P-ammonium, with its registration running until October 29, 2030. Not all manufacturers are choosing to build completely new facilities. Inner Mongolia Lingsheng Crop Science Co., Ltd. plans to convert three workshops originally associated with a 50,000 t/a glufosinate-ammonium project to glufosinate-P production. The converted facilities are expected to provide approximately 20,000 t/a of glufosinate-P capacity. The conversion is significant because it illustrates another route into the market. Instead of committing entirely to greenfield construction, manufacturers with existing glufosinate infrastructure can redirect production assets toward glufosinate-P. This could allow companies to respond more quickly to market opportunities while making use of existing plants, utilities and manufacturing capabilities. Hunan Haili Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. is taking the greenfield route. The company plans to invest approximately RMB 231 million, equivalent to about USD 32.5 million, in a new project in Chenzhou, Hunan. The project is expected to produce 10,000 t/a of glufosinate-P once completed, with construction scheduled to take around 18 months. Haili's project also represents an important milestone for the industry because it brings the number of Chinese companies entering or expanding into the glufosinate-P segment during 2026 to eight. The broader list includes Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Co., Ltd., Gansu Binnong Technology Co., Ltd., Hunan Lier Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Shandong Wanhao Industry Group Co., Ltd. Their projects and production adjustments range from new technical-material capacity to changes in existing pesticide and formulation facilities. The activity involving Zhejiang Wynca Chemical is particularly important because the company had already established an industrial foothold in glufosinate-P. Wynca's 20,000 t/a glufosinate-P industrialisation project began construction in May 2023, with Phase I entering trial production in May 2024, three months ahead of its original schedule. The project demonstrated that Chinese manufacturers were prepared to commit substantial resources to commercial-scale L-glufosinate production even before the latest 2026 investment wave. The new projects therefore represent an acceleration of an existing trend rather than the beginning of China's glufosinate-P industry. What has changed in 2026 is the number of companies pursuing the opportunity and the variety of strategies being used to build market positions. The registration landscape reinforces that shift. As of August 6, 2026, China had valid registrations for both glufosinate-P and glufosinate-P-ammonium. The registration holders include a growing group of domestic agrochemical companies, giving the market a broader competitive base. Among the valid glufosinate-P registrations is PD20260020, held by Jiangsu Noon Crop Science Co., Ltd., with an expiration date of January 20, 2031. Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical Co., Ltd. holds registration EX20250253, valid until December 21, 2030, while Lier Chemical Co., Ltd. holds registration PD20201020, valid until November 24, 2030. Liaoning Youchuang Plant Protection Co., Ltd. holds registration PD20252196, valid until August 31, 2030. The glufosinate-P-ammonium side of the market is even more populated. Seven Continent Green Chemical (Jining) Co., Ltd. holds registration PD20212914, valid until December 15, 2031. Shandong Luba Chemical Co., Ltd. holds PD20210183, valid until March 10, 2031, while Fuhua Tongda Chemical Co., Ltd. holds PD20260594, valid until March 1, 2031. Ningxia Yongnong BioSciences Co., Ltd. holds registration PD20260021, valid until January 20, 2031, while Hebei Veyong Bio-chemical Co., Ltd. holds PD20253837, valid until December 21, 2030. Other registered glufosinate-P-ammonium producers include Shaoxing Shangyu Eastlake Chemical Co., Ltd., with registration PD20252937 valid until October 29, 2030; Inner Mongolia Miraculous Crop Science Co., Ltd., with PD20252934; Jiangsu Chunjiang Runtian Agrochemical Co., Ltd., with PD20252929; and Anhui Red Sun Biochemistry Co., Ltd., with PD20252926. All three registrations expire on October 29, 2030. Changqing (Hubei) Bio-tech Co., Ltd. holds registration PD20252644, valid until September 24, 2030, while Yongnong BioSciences Co., Ltd. holds PD20252197, valid until August 31, 2030. The registration pipeline is also expanding beyond technical products. A proposed-registration list released in late 2025 covering China's 14th and 15th batches included 192 herbicide products, among them applications for two glufosinate-P technical products and 23 glufosinate-P mixed formulations. That indicates that manufacturers are looking beyond technical-material production toward finished formulations and differentiated product combinations. The commercial attraction of glufosinate-P is closely linked to its positioning as the more active L-enantiomer of conventional glufosinate. Conventional glufosinate contains both optical isomers, while glufosinate-P represents the herbicidally active component. Manufacturers have therefore positioned glufosinate-P as a product capable of delivering greater herbicidal efficacy at lower application rates. Wynca has promoted its glufosinate-P technology around a “double efficacy and half dosage” proposition compared with conventional glufosinate-ammonium. The company has also indicated that glufosinate-P historically commanded a premium, with its price around 1.5 to 1.6 times that of conventional glufosinate-ammonium. That price differential creates an economic incentive for manufacturers to develop production technology and secure registrations for the higher-value product. The market backdrop has also provided additional encouragement. In June 2026, conventional glufosinate-ammonium supplies were reported to be relatively tight, with domestic quotations exceeding RMB 50,000/t, while L-glufosinate-ammonium prices at 100% purity rose above RMB 65,000/t. These price levels have strengthened the investment case for producers looking to capture value from the L-form. Yet the expansion is occurring at a time when China's broader pesticide industry is not experiencing uniformly strong conditions. By August, the Chinese pesticide technical-material market had entered its traditional seasonal slowdown. Downstream formulators were largely drawing down existing inventories rather than undertaking aggressive restocking, while prices for many major pesticide products remained stable or declined. Producers were responding through maintenance and output adjustments as supply-demand conditions remained challenging. That makes the scale of the glufosinate-P investment pipeline even more significant. Companies are committing capital to the segment despite weakness across parts of the broader pesticide market, suggesting that they see glufosinate-P as a structural growth opportunity rather than simply a short-term pricing play. But the investment boom also creates a new challenge: capacity absorption. The four major projects announced by Guang’an Lier, Shaoxing Shangyu Donghu, Inner Mongolia Lingsheng and Hunan Haili alone represent 90,000 t/a of glufosinate-P capacity. Guang’an Lier contributes 30,000 t/a, Donghu another 30,000 t/a, Lingsheng adds 20,000 t/a through conversion and Haili brings another 10,000 t/a. This is before accounting for the capacity associated with other companies entering the segment. Hunan Lier's planned 50,000 t/a glufosinate-P technical capacity and Wynca's earlier 20,000 t/a industrialisation project add further weight to the industry's emerging supply pipeline. The implications extend well beyond China. Chinese manufacturers are among the most important suppliers to the international crop-protection market, meaning additional domestic capacity could eventually influence global availability, pricing and sourcing strategies. Export markets, however, are becoming more complicated. India has been reviewing the impact of anti-dumping measures on Chinese-origin glufosinate and its salts. The development highlights the growing importance of trade policy for Chinese agrochemical manufacturers as they look to place additional production overseas. For glufosinate-P producers, therefore, the challenge will not simply be to build capacity. They will need to establish registrations, develop downstream demand, compete on production costs and secure access to international markets capable of absorbing the additional supply. The industry's current trajectory nevertheless leaves little doubt about the direction of investment. China is building a much larger glufosinate-P manufacturing base, with producers pursuing dedicated plants, converting existing glufosinate-ammonium facilities and expanding their registration portfolios at the same time.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4582/guizhou-phosphate-moves-to-insulate-fertilizer-production-from-global-sulfur-volatility.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4582/guizhou-phosphate-moves-to-insulate-fertilizer-production-from-global-sulfur-volatility.html Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:59:45 +0530 Guizhou Phosphate (Group) Co., Ltd. has secured 73,000 tonnes of sulfur directly from the Middle East, with the shipment arriving at Zhanjiang Port as the Chinese fertilizer industry prepares for the autumn-winter production cycle and the next spring planting season. The shipment is part of a broader strategy by the company to diversify and strengthen its access to sulfur, a critical input for phosphate fertilizer manufacturing. The successful delivery also provides Guizhou Phosphate with operational experience as it moves toward making direct overseas procurement a more regular component of its raw-material sourcing strategy. The sulfur was purchased directly from producers in the Middle East under an international trading arrangement involving direct factory procurement, CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) terms and letter-of-credit settlement. The material was transported to China by sea in bulk. The timing of the procurement reflects growing pressure on the global sulfur market. Disruptions affecting major international shipping routes have added to existing supply constraints, intensifying concerns over the availability and cost of sulfur, particularly for fertilizer manufacturers that depend on imported material. For Guizhou Phosphate, securing the 73,000-tonne cargo provides additional inventory cover and strengthens its ability to maintain stable fertilizer production during a period when seasonal demand is expected to increase. Sulfur occupies a critical position in the phosphate fertilizer value chain. It is primarily converted into sulfuric acid, which is then used to process phosphate rock and produce phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid subsequently reacts with ammonia to manufacture key phosphate fertilizers, including monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP). This makes sulfur more than just another industrial raw material. Its availability directly influences the ability of phosphate fertilizer producers to maintain output. The structure of the global sulfur industry also makes supply security particularly complex. Contrary to the common perception that sulfur is mainly extracted through dedicated mining operations, most of the world's sulfur is recovered as a byproduct of oil refining and natural gas processing. China remains dependent on overseas supplies to bridge the gap between domestic availability and industrial requirements. The country's sulfur import dependence is estimated at approximately 50%, with the Middle East accounting for roughly half of those imports. The Middle East is one of the world's most important sulfur-producing regions, making the region strategically significant for Chinese fertilizer manufacturers. But geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions and tighter global supply conditions have increased the risks associated with relying heavily on international markets. Sulfur prices have also risen sharply since last year and continue to trade at elevated and volatile levels. For fertilizer producers, sustained price increases can quickly translate into higher production costs, putting pressure on margins and potentially affecting fertilizer availability. Guizhou Phosphate is therefore pursuing a two-track strategy. The first is to strengthen access to international supplies through direct procurement. The second is to reduce its dependence on external sulfur by developing internal recycling and recovery capabilities. At its Fuquan production base, Guizhou Phosphate Chemical is operating a phosphogypsum decomposition sulfuric acid facility that also produces cementitious materials. The unit has an annual processing capacity of approximately 1.4 million tonnes of phosphogypsum and can produce around 650,000 tonnes of sulfuric acid and 800,000 tonnes of cementitious materials. The facility provides the company with an alternative source of sulfuric acid and helps insulate its fertilizer operations from fluctuations in the international sulfur market. More importantly, the technology enables Guizhou Phosphate to establish an internal resource loop. Instead of treating phosphogypsum solely as a byproduct of phosphate production, the company can recover sulfur from the material and convert it back into sulfuric acid. The resulting industrial pathway effectively connects sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphogypsum and sulfuric acid into a recycling loop within the company's production system. In simple terms, the process recovers sulfur contained in phosphogypsum and converts it back into sulfuric acid, allowing the element to be reused in phosphate fertilizer production. This creates an internal source of sulfuric acid while simultaneously providing a productive use for phosphogypsum. Guizhou Phosphate is expanding this capability. The company is currently constructing two additional phosphogypsum decomposition acid-production units, with the objective of further reducing its exposure to external sulfur supplies. The investment highlights a broader shift in the fertilizer industry, where supply-chain resilience is increasingly being treated as a strategic issue rather than simply a procurement function. Guizhou Phosphate's approach combines the two. Overseas procurement provides immediate access to additional raw materials and helps replenish inventories, while domestic recycling infrastructure offers a longer-term hedge against global sulfur volatility. The strategy is particularly relevant as China's agricultural calendar moves into a period of heightened fertilizer demand. Production preparations for the upcoming autumn-winter application season are gathering pace, while manufacturers are already planning inventories for fertilizer demand associated with next spring's planting cycle. Maintaining reliable access to sulfur will therefore be important not only for individual producers but also for the broader phosphate fertilizer supply chain. The 73,000-tonne shipment gives Guizhou Phosphate additional inventory at a critical point in that cycle. But the company's longer-term strategy suggests that it does not intend to rely solely on imported sulfur to manage future supply risks. Instead, the company is combining global sourcing with domestic resource recovery—using international markets to secure near-term supply while building internal capabilities designed to reduce structural exposure to external raw materials. That model could become increasingly relevant as fertilizer producers confront a more fragmented global commodity landscape. Shipping disruptions, geopolitical tensions and commodity price volatility are making raw-material security an increasingly important component of industrial competitiveness. For Guizhou Phosphate, the immediate priority is clear: ensure that sulfur availability does not become a bottleneck for phosphate fertilizer production during the upcoming agricultural seasons. The Middle East shipment strengthens that near-term position. The company's investment in phosphogypsum-based sulfur recovery, meanwhile, points to a longer-term objective—building a production system in which a greater share of critical sulfur resources can circulate within the industrial chain. Together, the two strategies give Guizhou Phosphate a more diversified approach to sulfur security and demonstrate how fertilizer manufacturers are adapting their supply chains to a more uncertain global market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4581/greenlights-rna-fungicide-gets-mexico-nod-in-milestone-for-agricultural-biotech.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4581/greenlights-rna-fungicide-gets-mexico-nod-in-milestone-for-agricultural-biotech.html Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:48:44 +0530 Mexico has approved the commercial sale of an RNA-based biofungicide for grape powdery mildew, marking what could become a significant milestone in the evolution of crop protection technology. The Mexican government announced the approval of Oifirax on August 12, 2026, clearing the product developed by US-based GreenLight Biosciences for commercial use against grape powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe necator. The approval makes Oifirax the world’s first RNA biofungicide authorised for commercial sale, according to the source. The development moves RNA interference technology into a new area of crop protection. RNAi has already been commercialised in insect control, but its use against fungal diseases represents a broader application of a technology designed to act on specific biological targets rather than relying on conventional broad-spectrum chemistry. Oifirax works through double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology. Its molecular target is the CYP51 gene, which plays an essential role in the fungus’s ability to produce ergosterol, a component required for maintaining fungal cell membranes. Once applied, the RNA molecules are taken up by the target pathogen. The dsRNA then triggers a gene-silencing mechanism that suppresses CYP51, disrupting ergosterol production and ultimately causing the fungal cell membrane to fail. The approach is notable for its specificity. Rather than altering the plant itself, the technology is designed to interfere with a biological process inside the disease-causing fungus. Oifirax therefore does not involve genetically modifying the crop, according to GreenLight. The company has also pointed to safety assessments covering non-target organisms. Bioinformatics analysis cited by GreenLight found the product to be safe for non-target species including monarch butterflies and honeybees. The RNA molecules are also designed to break down naturally in the environment through the action of enzymes and microorganisms. For an agricultural industry under growing pressure to reduce dependence on conventional chemical crop protection, the commercial approval could have significance beyond grapes. Targeted RNA technologies are attracting attention because they offer the possibility of developing crop-protection products that are designed around the molecular biology of specific pests and pathogens. The commercialisation of Oifirax follows more than 10 years of research, development and testing, according to GreenLight. The company has previously applied the technology in vineyards in California, providing field experience ahead of the Mexican market approval. GreenLight is also linking the regulatory milestone to a manufacturing expansion in Mexico. The company has announced plans to invest between $ 50 million and $ 100 million in a production facility in Mexico City. The proposed investment is expected to create specialised employment opportunities and establish a local manufacturing base for the technology. The move could give Mexico a role not only as an early adopter of RNA-based crop protection but also as a potential manufacturing hub for the emerging technology. The significance of Oifirax extends beyond its application against powdery mildew. RNA interference has already demonstrated commercial potential in insecticides, and GreenLight’s Calantha is an example of the technology being used to target the Colorado potato beetle. The approval of Oifirax effectively expands the commercial application of RNAi from insect control into fungal disease management, broadening the potential addressable market for the technology. That transition also illustrates a larger shift taking place in agricultural inputs. The next generation of biological crop protection is increasingly focused on precision—identifying a particular genetic or molecular mechanism and designing an intervention around it. For growers, the commercial value of such technologies will ultimately depend on more than regulatory approval. Product performance under field conditions, production costs, application economics, compatibility with existing crop-protection programmes and adoption by farmers will determine how quickly RNA-based products move from technological breakthroughs to mainstream agricultural tools. Oifirax nevertheless represents an important proof point for the sector. The commercial approval demonstrates that RNA interference can move beyond laboratory research and insect control into regulated fungal disease management. The Mexican decision could also encourage further investment and regulatory interest in RNA-based agricultural products. As companies search for alternatives and complements to conventional crop-protection chemistry, technologies capable of targeting pathogens with greater biological precision could become an increasingly important part of the crop-input landscape. For GreenLight, the approval provides both a regulatory breakthrough and a platform for commercial expansion. For the wider agricultural industry, it offers an early look at what a more targeted generation of biological crop protection could look like. The real test will now be whether Oifirax can translate its molecular precision into measurable value for growers—and whether the regulatory precedent established in Mexico accelerates the development and adoption of RNA-based solutions across other crops and disease categories. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4579/biosolutions-could-help-japan-become-global-bioeconomy-powerhouse-new-report-finds.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4579/biosolutions-could-help-japan-become-global-bioeconomy-powerhouse-new-report-finds.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:14:30 +0530 Japan’s biosolutions industry could nearly triple in value to JPY 4.748 trillion by 2035, according to a new report commissioned by Novonesis that examines the economic contribution and future potential of biosolutions in Japan and across global markets. The findings come as Japan steps up its push to build a stronger bioeconomy, with biosolutions increasingly being used across sectors ranging from food and agriculture to energy, industrial manufacturing and biofuels. The report, titled The Value of Biosolutions: Growth and Prosperity to 2035 – Japan Edition, was launched during a visit by a Japanese delegation to Novonesis’ headquarters in Lyngby, Denmark. Discussions during the visit covered biosolutions, including market access for food enzymes and policy support for bioenergy. The scale of the opportunity identified in the report is significant. Reaching JPY 4.748 trillion by 2035 would represent almost a threefold increase in the sector’s value in Japan, but the report argues that this growth will not happen automatically. Policy conditions, regulatory processes, investment and the ability to commercialise biological technologies will all influence how much of that potential can be realised. The report also highlights the wider economic effect of the sector. In Japan, every job created directly in biosolutions generates an additional 2.1 jobs across other industries. That multiplier is below the global average of 2.4, suggesting that Japan could potentially capture a larger economic benefit if adoption of biosolutions expands and the supporting ecosystem develops further. Biosolutions are already used across more than 30 industries worldwide. Their applications range from enzymes used in food production and biological solutions in agriculture to bioenergy, biofuels and industrial manufacturing. The growing range of applications is changing the way biological technologies are viewed in economic policy. They are no longer confined to specialist biotechnology markets. Their use increasingly cuts across sectors that are central to food security, energy supply, industrial competitiveness and resource efficiency. Hirokazu Sano, Representative Director and President of Novonesis Japan Ltd., said Japan's ambition to build one of the world's most advanced bioeconomies would require broader use of bio-based inputs and a more diverse range of resources. "Biosolutions can play a central role in this transition by improving resource efficiency, strengthening energy resilience, and enabling more sustainable food and industrial systems," Sano said. He also pointed to regulation and policy as areas where delays could have a direct economic cost. According to Sano, slow regulatory processes, insufficiently developed biofuel mandates and approval timelines that do not align with the pace of innovation can limit the ability of biosolutions to reach the market. The report calls for several policy changes to help Japan capture more of the potential identified in the study. One priority is continued political and policy leadership around Japan's Bioeconomy Strategy and its Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Growth Strategy. Maintaining momentum in these programmes will be important if the country wants to move from policy ambition to commercial deployment. The report also recommends stronger financial incentives and a more integrated network to accelerate development of the bioeconomy. For companies developing biological technologies, access to capital becomes particularly important as promising technologies move from research and pilot projects towards commercial production. Regulatory reform is another central recommendation. The report calls for a fast-track regulatory pathway specifically designed for biosolutions, reflecting the argument that biological products and processes can require different approval approaches from conventional technologies. The report also identifies manufacturing capacity as a constraint. Technologies that work at laboratory or pilot scale need processes capable of being expanded to commercial production. Building that capacity can determine whether a promising biological innovation remains a research achievement or becomes a commercially viable product. Japan's broader industrial strategy will also matter. The report recommends an integrated approach that sharpens the country's focus on areas where it has technological advantages rather than spreading investment too thinly across multiple opportunities. Public understanding is another part of the equation. Wider awareness of biological technologies and their potential applications will be needed to build social acceptance and support for innovation, particularly as biosolutions increasingly become part of food, energy and industrial systems. The report's recommendations come at a time when Japan is looking to strengthen the resilience of its economy and supply chains. Biological technologies can potentially reduce reliance on finite resources, make better use of available feedstocks and provide alternatives to conventional industrial processes. That gives the sector significance beyond its direct economic value. In agriculture and food production, biosolutions can support resource efficiency and production systems. In energy, biological technologies can contribute to biofuels and other renewable pathways. In manufacturing, enzymes and biological processes can provide alternatives to traditional production methods. The common thread is the ability to use biological processes to produce goods or services with potentially lower resource requirements or reduced dependence on conventional inputs. For Japan, the economic opportunity will depend on how effectively those technologies move from research and development into widespread commercial use. The JPY 4.748 trillion projection therefore represents more than a market forecast. It is an indication of the economic activity that could emerge if Japan creates conditions that allow biosolutions companies and their industrial customers to scale. The report was developed by Amsterdam Data Collective (ADC) and commissioned by Novonesis. ADC conducted the analysis with contributions from partners including Jarl Frijs-Madsen, Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy in Japan. The report comes as governments and companies around the world compete to build industries around biotechnology, synthetic biology and other biological technologies. Japan already has a policy framework aimed at developing its bioeconomy, but the report argues that implementation will be critical.     ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4578/syngenta-expands-australian-seedcare-institute-to-develop-next-generation-of-biologicals.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4578/syngenta-expands-australian-seedcare-institute-to-develop-next-generation-of-biologicals.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:08:25 +0530 Syngenta is expanding its Seedcare Institute at Charles Sturt University's Agri Park in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, to take on a much larger role in the development and evaluation of agricultural biologicals as interest in nature-based crop technologies accelerates in Australia. Established in 2018 to improve the safety and effectiveness of seed treatment application, the facility will now broaden its mandate to include biological products designed to help crops cope with drought and heat, improve nutrient use efficiency, control pests and strengthen plant health. The expansion reflects a significant change in the role biologicals are expected to play in agriculture. Rather than being viewed simply as alternatives to conventional crop protection products, biologicals are increasingly being developed alongside established chemistry as another set of tools for managing crop performance. For Syngenta ANZ, the investment is also about answering a practical question before products reach growers: whether a biological developed elsewhere can perform under Australian conditions. Garth Wickson, Head of Seedcare and Plant Health at Syngenta ANZ, said the company wants the expanded facility to give Australian growers earlier access to biological solutions that have been tested locally. "Our aim is to test and evaluate these technologies under local conditions to answer the question that matters to growers: 'Will it work here, in this field, in this season?'" Wickson said. That emphasis on local testing is important in biologicals because performance can be influenced by factors such as soil conditions, temperature, moisture and the interaction between the product and the crop environment. A product that performs well in one market may require different application strategies or show different results under another set of conditions. Syngenta has invested in an environmentally controlled growth room equipped with a thermogradient table and expanded growth shelving. The new setup will allow researchers to test biological and seed treatment products across different soil temperatures and other environmental variables. The company is also adding equipment to the institute's existing laboratories, increasing their capacity for biological product evaluation and development. The first product scheduled for testing at the expanded facility is Atuva, a nitrogen-fixing inoculant intended for chickpeas, faba beans and lentils. Inoculants such as Atuva are designed to support the relationship between crops and beneficial microorganisms, with the potential to improve nitrogen availability and crop performance. Testing the product at Wagga Wagga will provide Syngenta with an opportunity to assess its performance under conditions relevant to Australian pulse production. The decision to start with a nitrogen-fixing inoculant also reflects the wider range of applications that biologicals are beginning to cover. The category includes products derived from or inspired by nature, including microorganisms, natural molecules, plant extracts and other biological materials. For growers, the attraction is not necessarily replacing one product with another. Biologicals can potentially address specific problems such as nutrient efficiency, stress tolerance or biological pest control and can be used alongside conventional crop protection products. Syngenta's expansion comes as the company pursues a larger global role in biologicals. It has invested in Europe and the United States to acquire biological technologies and expand manufacturing capabilities. The company expects the global agricultural biologicals market to exceed $20 billion by 2030, with Australia positioned to benefit as adoption increases across horticulture and broadacre agriculture. Australia offers a particularly relevant testing ground for these technologies because growers operate across a wide range of climates and production systems. Drought, heat and soil variability can create difficult conditions for crops, while farmers are also under pressure to use nutrients and other inputs more efficiently. A product that can demonstrate consistent performance under those conditions could have value well beyond a single crop or region. The expanded Wagga Wagga facility is intended to provide Syngenta with a local testing base while also connecting Australian researchers and growers with the company's wider biologicals programme. "We will work closely with our global team to source promising biological products," Wickson said. The move effectively changes the identity and scope of the facility from the Seedcare Institute to the Seedcare and Biologicals Institute. For Syngenta, the shift is not simply about increasing the number of biological products in its portfolio. The company wants to understand how these products can fit into existing farming systems and work alongside conventional crop protection technologies. "Expanding to become The Seedcare and Biologicals Institute is a game-changer," Wickson said. "We aren't just adding products to a portfolio; we are providing the agronomic expertise to understand how biologicals complement and enhance conventional chemistry." That distinction could prove important as biologicals move from a niche part of the agricultural inputs market into a more mainstream category. Farmers ultimately need products that deliver measurable results in real production systems. Laboratory performance and controlled trials can establish a product's potential, but commercial adoption depends on whether growers see reliable results under their own conditions and can incorporate the product into existing farm practices. The Wagga Wagga expansion is designed to shorten that distance between product development and farm-level evidence. For Syngenta ANZ, it also creates a local platform through which products emerging from the company's global biologicals programme can be evaluated before being introduced more widely to Australian growers. The investment comes at a time when agriculture is facing simultaneous pressures to maintain productivity, manage increasingly variable weather and use inputs more efficiently. Biologicals are attracting attention because they offer additional ways to address some of those challenges, but their commercial success will ultimately depend on performance rather than the technology's promise. That is where the expanded institute could become strategically important. By testing products against Australian soils, temperatures and production conditions, Syngenta can generate evidence that is directly relevant to growers deciding whether to adopt them. The company's goal is therefore broader than establishing another research facility. It is building a local evaluation pipeline for biological technologies, connecting global product development with the conditions in which Australian farmers actually operate. Atuva will be the first test of the expanded capability. Other biological products could follow as Syngenta identifies technologies from its global network that have potential in the Australian market. If the programme delivers consistent results, the Wagga Wagga site could become an important link between Syngenta's international biologicals investments and Australia's agricultural sector. For growers, the proposition is straightforward: products developed from nature need to prove that they can work in the field. Syngenta's expanded institute is intended to provide that evidence before those technologies reach a much larger commercial audience. As Wickson put it, the objective is to make innovation something customers can "see, test, and trust." For biologicals, that may be the difference between an interesting technology and a product that farmers are willing to put into their fields. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4577/innatrix-secures-499786-nsf-grant-to-advance-biological-fungicide-toward-epa-registration.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4577/innatrix-secures-499786-nsf-grant-to-advance-biological-fungicide-toward-epa-registration.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:56:25 +0530 Innatrix Inc., a Durham, North Carolina-based agricultural biotechnology company, has secured a $499,786 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance its lead biological crop protection product, InnaLB, towards U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration and commercial launch. The new award takes total NSF funding for the InnaLB project to $1.70 million and extends the project's performance period through September 30, 2027. The additional funding comes at an important stage for Innatrix, as the company moves its peptide-based crop protection technology beyond field validation and towards the safety, formulation, manufacturing and regulatory work required for commercialisation. InnaLB is being developed to control Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for late blight, one of the most damaging diseases affecting potatoes. The company estimates that the disease causes around $6.7 billion in losses to global potato production each year. For Innatrix, the NSF award provides funding for what is often one of the most difficult stages in bringing a new crop protection product to market: turning promising biological performance into a product that can be manufactured consistently, formulated for practical farm use and supported by the safety and environmental data required by regulators. "Receiving this NSF SBIR Phase IIB award validates our platform's technical accomplishments and commercial trajectory," said Dr. Jiarui Li, founder and CEO of Innatrix and principal investigator for the new award. "Late blight continues to cause catastrophic crop losses globally. With NSF's continued support, we are positioned to complete critical safety, formulation, and manufacturing milestones, moving InnaLB toward registration and commercial launch alongside our strategic industry partners." The company has already reported significant progress during the earlier Phase II project. InnaLB demonstrated up to 80 per cent control of late blight in potatoes and tomatoes and also showed activity against cucurbit downy mildew, grape downy mildew and potato pink rot. Those results give the company a broader potential application for the technology, although the current commercial focus remains on advancing InnaLB towards registration as a crop protection product. A key regulatory development has also reduced one potential hurdle. The U.S. EPA has granted InnaLB a "biochemical-like" classification, giving the peptide-based biofungicide access to a streamlined and potentially lower-cost regulatory pathway. The classification is particularly important for a small biotechnology company because the cost and complexity of registering a new agricultural chemical can become a major barrier to commercial entry. A more streamlined route could allow Innatrix to concentrate its resources on the studies and product development work still required before registration. The company is now preparing for that next phase. Under the new NSF funding, Innatrix plans to use computational redesign to improve the peptide's half-life and optimise its bioprocessing characteristics. The objective is to make the active ingredient more stable and easier to manufacture at commercial scale. Formulation work will also continue, with the company targeting a stable liquid product that can be prepared for use directly in spray tanks. Innatrix plans to use EPA-approved safe adjuvants as part of that formulation work. The company also expects to complete animal safety and environmental studies needed to prepare InnaLB for formal EPA registration. The manufacturing question is particularly important as the product moves closer to market. A biological product may demonstrate strong performance in laboratory and field testing, but commercial viability ultimately depends on whether it can be produced at a cost that works for farmers and distributors. Li said Innatrix has been working with a strategic partner to independently confirm peptide efficacy and has continued developing a global patent portfolio covering peptide compositions as well as delivery and manufacturing methods. The company has also mapped out a two-year production roadmap aimed at lowering cost of goods and establishing long-term product profitability. That commercial planning comes alongside the scientific work, reflecting the stage InnaLB has reached. The focus is no longer simply whether the peptide works against a crop disease, but whether the company can turn it into a reliable agricultural product with a viable manufacturing model and a regulatory path to market. Innatrix was founded in 2013 by Marshall Edgell, a longtime member of the microbiology faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Li joined the company in 2018 as research director and senior scientist before becoming CEO in 2020. The company has received support from several sources in addition to its NSF SBIR funding, including the United Soybean Board, USDA grants and two small-business loans from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Innatrix is now raising a $2 million seed round to support continued development and growth of its biological crop protection business. The fundraising effort comes as agricultural input companies, growers and investors continue to look for alternatives to conventional crop protection products. Biologicals have attracted attention because they can offer new modes of action and additional disease-management options, but their commercial success depends on proving performance in the field while also keeping manufacturing and application costs competitive. Innatrix is betting that its peptide platform can occupy that space. The company's approach is based on a target-driven discovery platform designed to identify biological solutions more quickly than traditional discovery programmes. Innatrix says the platform can produce durable biological solutions in as little as four years and at a fraction of the cost of conventional approaches. The InnaLB programme provides the company's clearest test of that proposition. The product has progressed from discovery and development into field validation, regulatory classification and commercial preparation. The next two years will be focused on closing the remaining gaps between a promising biological product and a registered agricultural input. That means improving stability, developing a practical formulation, establishing a manufacturing process, completing safety and environmental studies and building the documentation required for EPA registration. For Innatrix, the opportunity is not limited to late blight. The activity demonstrated against several other fungal diseases suggests that the underlying peptide technology could potentially support a broader crop protection portfolio over time. But late blight provides the immediate commercial target. Phytophthora infestans remains a serious problem for potato growers, and the scale of the reported global losses gives the company a sizeable market in which to establish its first product. Innatrix is also operating from a region with a strong agricultural biotechnology base. Li said North Carolina's AgTech ecosystem and the talent available in the Durham area have played an important role in the company's progress. He pointed to access to research institutions, specialised agricultural biotechnology support, regional partners and investors as factors that helped the company move InnaLB from initial discovery through field validation. The NSF funding now gives the company additional time and capital to take the next steps. If Innatrix can translate its field results into a stable, manufacturable and cost-effective product, InnaLB could move from an experimental peptide technology to a commercial tool for managing one of the world's most costly crop diseases. The immediate milestone is EPA registration. The larger test will be whether Innatrix can build a business around the product once it gets there. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4564/syngenta-group-posts-12-2-billion-h1-sales-as-crop-protection-gains-momentum.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4564/syngenta-group-posts-12-2-billion-h1-sales-as-crop-protection-gains-momentum.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:55:00 +0530 Syngenta Group reported $12.2 billion in sales for the first half of 2026, down 2 per cent from a year earlier, while EBITDA increased 2 per cent to $2.4 billion as the company continued to shift its portfolio toward higher-value businesses. The agricultural technology group said the improvement in profitability reflected a continued focus on core businesses, innovation, cost discipline and artificial intelligence, even as restructuring and a reduction in lower-margin activities weighed on revenue. At 19.5 per cent, Syngenta’s EBITDA margin for the first six months was 0.9 percentage points higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded in the same period last year. The company said EBITDA margins improved across all of its business units. The revenue decline was largely linked to the restructuring of Syngenta Group China, particularly the targeted reduction of its low-margin grain trading business. Currency movements also influenced the results, with favourable effects on reported sales largely offset by higher costs arising from the group's currency mix. The second quarter presented a tougher top-line picture. Group sales fell 7 per cent to $5.7 billion, or 10 per cent at constant exchange rates. EBITDA declined 2 per cent on a reported basis to $1 billion, but increased 4 per cent at constant exchange rates. The results point to a deliberate shift in how Syngenta is prioritising growth. Rather than pursuing revenue at any cost, the company is focusing on businesses where innovation, differentiated products and technology can support stronger margins. That strategy was particularly visible in Crop Protection. Crop Protection Drives Growth Syngenta Crop Protection generated $6.6 billion in sales during the first half, an increase of 4 per cent from the previous year, although sales were down 1 per cent at constant exchange rates. Demand for higher-value products and branded formulations supported the business, with technologies including PLINAZOLIN, ADEPIDYN and TYMIRIUM continuing to gain traction. Biologicals also delivered strong performance across regions. China was among the strongest markets, with Crop Protection sales increasing 20 per cent year on year. Asia, the Middle East and Africa excluding China grew 5 per cent, while Brazil posted 7 per cent growth despite continued pricing pressure. Europe delivered 8 per cent growth, helped by favourable currency effects, although heat and drought during the second quarter reduced fungicide and pre-emergence applications in several key crops. The picture was weaker across Latin America, where sales fell 11 per cent because of pricing pressure, lower volumes and elevated channel inventories, particularly in Argentina. North American sales declined 4 per cent, although the region returned to growth in the second quarter, supported by adoption of VICTRATO, Syngenta's seed treatment technology. The company secured almost 900 registrations, re-registrations and label extensions during the first half, expanding the portfolio available to farmers in different markets. Digital agriculture was also brought further into the product portfolio. Syngenta integrated CROPWISE AI into its CROPWISE platform, adding tools including Farm Highlights, AI Machine Planner and CropwiseGPT. Seeds Growth Remains Modest Syngenta Seeds generated $2.5 billion in first-half sales, up 1 per cent year on year and down 3 per cent at constant exchange rates. Brazil was the strongest major market for Field Crops, with sales increasing 18 per cent. Europe grew 7 per cent, while Asia, the Middle East and Africa increased 6 per cent and China rose 3 per cent. The gains were offset by declines in Latin America and North America. Sales in Latin America fell 8 per cent, while North America declined 13 per cent, reflecting restructuring and a reduction in U.S. corn acreage across the industry. Innovation remained a major focus. In Brazil, growth was supported by second-season corn, corn licensing, new soybean varieties and the launch of NK301VIP3, a hybrid targeted at the premium summer corn segment. In China, Syngenta Seeds secured preliminary approval for 17 genetically modified corn hybrids during the second quarter. The company is also investing in vegetable breeding. Syngenta Vegetable Seeds opened a $10 million research and development technology centre in Spain aimed at shortening breeding timelines for crops including tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. China Restructuring Continues to Weigh on Sales Syngenta Group China recorded first-half sales of $2.5 billion, down 15 per cent year on year and 20 per cent at constant exchange rates. The decline largely reflected the company's continued reduction of its low-margin grain trading activities and optimisation of its MAP business. Syngenta Group China also no longer includes the Sinofert fertilizer business following the transfer of ownership to Sinochem Holdings at the end of 2025. But the headline decline masks stronger performance in several strategic businesses. Branded Formulation sales increased 15 per cent, while Seeds grew 4 per cent. Yangnong Chemical sales rose 12 per cent. Syngenta is also continuing to invest in manufacturing and research in China. Its Nantong crop protection formulation plant, equipped with an intelligent operating system, began commercial production in May. ADAMA Focuses on Volume and Mix ADAMA generated $2.1 billion in first-half sales, broadly flat year on year and down 3 per cent at constant exchange rates. The business experienced volume growth across most regions despite continued pricing pressure. Gross profit and margin improved, supported by higher volumes, a more streamlined product mix and cost-control measures. Europe, Africa and the Middle East recorded 9 per cent sales growth, while North America increased 5 per cent. Asia Pacific excluding China grew 2 per cent. China was a notable weak spot, with sales falling 23 per cent as ADAMA continued to reduce exposure to basic chemicals and lower-margin products. The company continued to expand its differentiated product portfolio, including the U.S. launch of NOVALI, which combines pyroxasulfone with ADAMA's SESGAMA formulation technology for residual weed control in soybean and corn. AI Moves From Experiment to Operating Strategy Alongside its financial performance, Syngenta is increasingly positioning artificial intelligence as part of its broader business strategy. During the first half, the group invested in partnerships and projects designed to translate AI into operational and commercial applications. The integration of CROPWISE AI into the company's digital platform is one example of how the technology is moving closer to farmers and field-level decisions. The wider strategy is to use digital capabilities alongside biological innovation, differentiated chemistry and advanced seeds to create higher-value products and services. The challenge will be maintaining that margin momentum while navigating volatile agricultural markets, currency movements, geopolitical uncertainty and uneven demand across regions. The leadership transition adds another layer to that challenge. Hengde Qin took over as Syngenta Group CEO on August 1, 2026, inheriting a business that is deliberately trading some low-quality revenue for a stronger earnings profile. The first-half results suggest that strategy is beginning to show in the numbers. Sales were lower, but EBITDA increased and margins expanded. For Syngenta, the next test will be whether the company can sustain that profitability improvement while returning to broader revenue growth—and continue turning innovation, AI and portfolio discipline into durable gains across the global agricultural market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4563/living-roots-raises-seed-round-to-help-agribusinesses-across-southeast-asia-and-south-asia-grow-more-with-less-imported-fertilizer.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4563/living-roots-raises-seed-round-to-help-agribusinesses-across-southeast-asia-and-south-asia-grow-more-with-less-imported-fertilizer.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:45:05 +0530 Living Roots, an agriculture technology company helping agribusinesses improve fertilization and yields across their farmer networks, has closed a seed funding round as it looks to expand across Southeast Asia and South Asia. The round was backed by new and returning angel investors, including Epic Angels, Adithep Narula, Suchote Chanvipava and six other angel investors. Living Roots will use the funding to expand its partnerships with agribusinesses, grow its team and further develop its software, AI capabilities and agricultural product portfolio. The company operates at a part of the agricultural supply chain where input costs can have an outsized effect on both farmer incomes and agribusiness margins. Fertilizer is among the largest expenses for farmers across much of Southeast Asia and South Asia, while a significant share of synthetic fertilizer used in these markets is imported. That leaves farmers exposed not only to high input costs but also to fluctuations in global fertilizer prices. Living Roots works directly with agribusinesses that source crops from large networks of farmers. Its technology combines software and AI tools for managing fertilization across those networks with biologicals, biostimulants, seed coatings and fertilizer products that farmers can use in the field. The company says the combined approach has helped reduce demand for imported synthetic fertilizer by about half while improving yields. Living Roots already has active deployments with partner networks in Thailand, Indonesia and India, covering a range of crops. In Thailand, the company says its work with partners has helped farmers increase yields by 20–30 per cent. The model is designed to address two challenges at the same time: helping farmers produce more while reducing the amount they spend on inputs. For agribusinesses that depend on reliable farmer networks, improving productivity can also strengthen relationships with growers and improve the economics of sourcing. “Our partners in Thailand have shown what happens when farmer networks get the right tools. Farmers grew more, spent less on fertilizer, and their networks got stronger. This round lets us do that with agribusinesses across Southeast Asia and South Asia,” said Abhi Agarwal, founder and CEO of Living Roots. “We are here for the long run, and we are excited to work with businesses that want better outcomes for their farmers.” The company is now looking beyond its existing markets. Living Roots is expanding into Central Asia and West Africa, with discussions under way with potential partners and pilot programmes already started. The expansion reflects a broader opportunity for agricultural technology companies that can work through existing agribusiness networks rather than trying to acquire individual farmers one at a time. By embedding its technology and products into businesses that already work with large numbers of growers, Living Roots can potentially scale its approach across entire supply chains. The company's next phase will focus on expanding those partnerships while continuing to build its software and AI capabilities and develop its portfolio of biological and fertilizer-related products. For Living Roots, the proposition is ultimately less about selling another farm input and more about changing how fertilizer decisions are made across fragmented farmer networks. If agribusinesses can use better data and field-level tools to determine what crops need, when they need it and how much to apply, the potential gains extend beyond individual farms to the economics and resilience of the wider supply chain. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4551/brazil-approves-1-75-billion-in-subsidies-for-fertilizer-and-bioinputs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4551/brazil-approves-1-75-billion-in-subsidies-for-fertilizer-and-bioinputs.html Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:56:33 +0530 Brazil's Senate has approved legislation creating a program that could provide up to BRL 10 billion ($1.75 billion) in fiscal incentives over five years for the construction, expansion and modernization of fertilizer plants. The measure, established through the Fertilizer Industry Development Program (Profert) under Bill PL 699/2023, now goes to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for final publication. The program is scheduled to operate from 2027 to 2031, with annual fiscal credits capped at BRL 2 billion ($350 million). Unused amounts may be carried over to the following year. The legislation is designed to reduce Brazil's dependence on imported fertilizers and strengthen domestic production of strategic agricultural inputs. “Once the bill is sanctioned, Brazil will have a national fertilizer policy, with incentives for domestic industry so that we can move away from this external dependence. Fertilizers mean national sovereignty,” said Senator Laércio Oliveira, author of the bill. Bioinputs included in the program The approved text expands the scope of Profert beyond conventional synthetic and mineral fertilizers. Companies producing fertilizers and their raw materials, bioinputs, biofertilizers and remineralizers will be eligible to compete for the incentives. According to the Legal Advisor of ABINBIO (Brazilian Association of Bioinput Industries), the Senate's approval of Bill 699/2023 (which creates the Fertilizer Industry Development Program - Profert) represents "an incentive for the Brazilian industry so that the country ceases to be dependent on imported fertilizers, with the establishment of a permanent industrial policy, which will contribute to increased investment in the sector, especially in R&D and innovation, guaranteeing the improvement and strengthening of the national bioinput sector." “It is important to highlight that the approved text expressly includes the bio-input and bio-fertilizer industries among the beneficiaries of incentives to boost and protect the national agricultural production chain against global logistical crises and price fluctuations in the international market, as well as representing an important factor for national food sovereignty,” said Sousa. According to the Legal Advisor of ABINBIO, to obtain the benefits, companies need to adopt criteria for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local development, elements that have the potential to attract investments and expand the participation of these technologies in Brazilian agriculture. The Brazilian market for bio-inputs and biofertilizers moves more than $1.5 billion and is expected to exceed $3 billion by 2030, according to data from the consulting firm DunhamTrimmer International Bio Intelligence. "Looking to the future through the lens of current trends and drivers, we predict that we are entering a process of dramatic change which will establish the biofertilizer segment as one of the most innovative and rapidly growing segments of global agriculture," says the Ignacio Moyano, Vice President of Business Development LATAM of DunhamTrimmer. Reducing fertilizer import dependence DunhamTrimmer emphasizes that Brazil's strong dependence on the import of synthetic chemical fertilizers (exposed by crises in the global supply chain) has transformed biofertilizers and biostimulants into a necessity for national sovereignty. Brazil is one of the world's largest agricultural producers but remains heavily dependent on imports of key nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Senator Tereza Cristina, rapporteur of the legislation in the Senate, said this dependence leaves Brazilian agriculture vulnerable to international price fluctuations, disruptions to global supply chains and geopolitical tensions affecting fertilizer production and logistics. The new program seeks to address that vulnerability by creating incentives for domestic industrial capacity. The fiscal credits will be allocated through a competitive process, with the federal government determining which projects qualify for the program. The legislation also creates mechanisms for long-term financing and links part of the fiscal credit to actual production. National fertilizer blending target Profert also introduces a mechanism to increase the participation of domestically produced fertilizers in the Brazilian market. The National Council for Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition (Confert) will establish mandatory volume-based blending percentages for Brazilian-produced synthetic and mineral fertilizers in products sold, distributed and marketed domestically. The requirement will begin at 2 per cent and gradually increase to 10 per cent by 2031. Confert will be able to establish separate percentages for individual fertilizer components as long as the annual mandatory blending target is maintained. BRL 1 billion in freight exemptions The legislation also provides a tax exemption for the Additional Freight Charge for Renewal of the Merchant Navy (AFRMM) when transported goods are destined for projects approved under Profert. The exemption will apply from 2027 through 2031 and will be capped at BRL 200 million ($35 million) per year, or BRL 1 billion ($175 million) over the five-year period. Financial credits may also be directed to fertilizer producers or importers, provided that companies deduct the value of the credits received from their selling prices. Another component of the program is the allocation of federal resources to the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) to create financing lines for companies approved under Profert. Under the legislation, BNDES and participating financial institutions will assume the credit risks associated with the loans. Financial charges, repayment periods and other lending conditions will be established by Brazil's National Monetary Council (CMN). The financing mechanism is intended to complement the fiscal incentives and facilitate investments in new production facilities and modernization projects. Strategic implications for bioinputs The inclusion of bioinputs and biofertilizers gives the legislation significance beyond Brazil's traditional fertilizer industry. The country's biological-input sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, while the government and agricultural industry have increasingly emphasized domestic production, supply-chain, resilience, and technological development. DunhamTrimmer forecasts that the global biological-inputs market will grow by approximately 10 per cent between 2025 and 2030, reaching $25 billion by the end of the decade. Latin America is projected to grow faster, at around 14 per cent, with Brazil representing the region's principal market. For ABINBIO, the inclusion of biological technologies in Profert could strengthen the domestic industrial base and create incentives for additional investment in production, R&D, and innovation. “The reduction of this dependence is relevant not only to agricultural policy, but also to food and nutritional security, economic stability and the resilience of Brazil's agribusiness supply chains,” Tereza Cristina said. The legislation reflects a broader effort to treat fertilizer and biological-input production as strategic components of Brazil's agricultural security, particularly following supply-chain disruptions associated with the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4531/vietnam-opens-door-to-348-new-crop-protection-products-in-major-registration-update.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4531/vietnam-opens-door-to-348-new-crop-protection-products-in-major-registration-update.html Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:27:37 +0530 Vietnam has expanded its permitted-use pesticide portfolio with the addition of 348 products, creating fresh opportunities for crop protection companies while offering a detailed snapshot of the technologies, active ingredients and crop segments attracting registration activity in one of Southeast Asia's most important agricultural markets. The additions follow Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BNNMT, issued by Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on June 30, 2026. The Circular amends and supplements the country's lists of pesticides permitted and prohibited for use, with the updated provisions taking effect on August 15, according to the document published by the Plant Production and Protection Department. The scale of the update is significant. The 348 newly added products span six categories: 149 fungicide trade names covering 114 active ingredients, 136 insecticide trade names covering 105 active ingredients, 53 herbicide trade names covering 34 active ingredients, seven plant growth regulator trade names covering four active ingredients, two termiticides and one molluscicide. Fungicides and insecticides together account for 285 products, or 81.9 per cent of all additions, underscoring the continuing commercial focus on managing crop diseases and insect pressure. Herbicides account for another 15.2 per cent, while the remaining registrations are spread across plant growth regulation, termite control and mollusc management. For international crop protection companies, distributors and suppliers tracking Vietnam, the update provides more than a list of approved trade names. It offers a window into where product development and registration activity are concentrated, from high-value fruit crops and coffee to rice, maize, soybean, peanut, black pepper and sugarcane. Disease and insect control dominate the new registrations The fungicide category is the largest in the update, with 149 trade names associated with 114 active ingredients. The registrations cover a wide range of disease targets, including anthracnose, rust, downy mildew, late blight, bacterial leaf blight, blast, sheath blight, wilt, powdery mildew, stem cracking and gummosis. Coffee features prominently across the new registrations. Multiple fungicide products have been approved for managing rust and anthracnose, including formulations based on azoxystrobin, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, pyraclostrobin, hexaconazole and other active ingredients. Black pepper is another major target crop, with registrations addressing quick wilt and anthracnose. The list also reflects continued activity in rice disease management. Syngenta Vietnam, for example, appears with Reflect Xtra 325SC, based on azoxystrobin and isopyrazam, for grain discoloration and unfilled grains in rice. Other registrations target rice blast, rice neck blast and bacterial leaf blight. Fruit crops form another important registration cluster. The update includes fungicides targeting fruit rot in durian, stem cracking and gummosis in watermelon and durian, anthracnose in mango and coffee, scab in orange, powdery mildew in cucumber and downy mildew in crops including watermelon and lychee. Among the higher-profile products listed are Syngenta's Miravis 200SC, containing pydiflumetofen, for powdery mildew in cucumber, and Filia 525SE, a propiconazole and tricyclazole formulation for rice neck blast. The document also lists Cevya 400SC from BASF Vietnam for stem cracking and gummosis in watermelon. The update includes a growing variety of biological and naturally derived crop protection products as well. Registrations include Bacillus amyloliquefaciens products for diseases in tomato and cucumber, Fungous Proteoglycan formulations for wilt and bacterial leaf blight, and oligosaccharin-based products targeting diseases in tomato, soybean, chrysanthemum, tea and peanut. The presence of these products alongside conventional chemical formulations illustrates the broadening technological mix entering Vietnam's permitted-use market. Insecticide registrations target fall armyworm, coffee pests and high-value crops Insecticides make up the second-largest category, with 136 trade names covering 105 active ingredients. The registrations reveal strong attention to fall armyworm management in maize. A number of products based on chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, emamectin benzoate, lufenuron, methoxyfenozide, spinetoram and combination formulations have been registered against the pest. Products listed include chlorantraniliprole-based formulations targeting stem borers, diamondback moth and fall armyworm, while combinations such as chlorantraniliprole with chlorfenapyr, deltamethrin or emamectin benzoate also appear among the new registrations. Coffee is another major focus. Several new products target mealybugs and other pests affecting coffee, including formulations containing acetamiprid, buprofezin, dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen and spirotetramat. The update also contains registrations targeting red spider mites across crops such as durian, orange, cassava, soybean, rose and tea. Products based on bifenazate, etoxazole, fenpyroximate, spiromesifen and spirodiclofen are among those listed. Biological insect control technologies also feature in the new list. The registrations include Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Spodoptera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus. These products target pests ranging from beet armyworm and fruit borer to cabbage caterpillars and beet armyworm in watermelon. The inclusion of both conventional and biological insecticides suggests that Vietnam's latest registration update spans a broad range of pest management approaches rather than being concentrated around a single chemistry or technology platform. Herbicides signal strong activity in maize, rice, coffee and plantation cropsWhile fungicides and insecticides dominate the numbers, the herbicide category is also substantial, accounting for 53 newly listed trade names and 34 active ingredients. Maize emerges as one of the most important target crops in the herbicide additions. Registrations include products based on bentazone, MCPA, diquat, halosulfuron-methyl, isoxaflutole, mesotrione, metolachlor, pendimethalin, tembotrione and topramezone. Several products based on topramezone have been added for weed management in maize, while tembotrione and mesotrione formulations also feature in the list. Rice is another key area. The update includes Corteva Agriscience Vietnam's Novixid 32.5OD, containing florpyrauxifen-benzyl and penoxsulam, for weed management in direct-seeded rice. Syngenta Vietnam's Baloric 310EC, containing florpyrauxifen-benzyl and pretilachlor with fenclorim as a safener, is also listed for direct-seeded rice. Coffee registrations include several glufosinate-ammonium products, while rubber appears as a target crop for products containing flumioxazin and glufosinate ammonium, as well as metsulfuron-methyl. Other herbicide registrations address weed management in peanut, soybean, sugarcane and mango. The breadth of active ingredients and crop targets suggests that the herbicide segment remains highly diversified, with registrations extending across cereals, field crops, plantation crops and high-value agricultural systems. Plant growth regulators add another layer to the update Beyond crop protection products designed to control pests, diseases and weeds, the Circular also adds seven plant growth regulator trade names covering four active ingredients. The registrations include several 24-epibrassinolide products for growth promotion in orange and mango. Products based on 28-homobrassinolide have been registered for growth promotion in tomato. Flumetralin has been added for sucker control in tobacco, while paclobutrazol products are listed for growth regulation in sweet potato. Although small in numerical terms, the category demonstrates that the registration update extends beyond conventional crop protection and into products designed to influence crop growth and development. Registrations extend beyond agriculture The remaining additions include two termiticides and one molluscicide. The molluscicide entry is Galix 6GR, based on metaldehyde, registered for controlling small snails in roses. The termiticide registrations include Bifencid 5.0SC, based on bifenthrin, and Safe 200SC, based on chlorantraniliprole. Both are listed for termite control in buildings and construction structures. Their inclusion broadens the significance of the Circular beyond agricultural fields, demonstrating that the permitted-use update also covers products intended for structural pest management. A competitive map of Vietnam's crop protection market The list brings together a wide range of applicants, from Vietnamese companies and regional suppliers to major multinational crop protection businesses. Among the companies appearing in the registrations are Syngenta Vietnam, Corteva Agriscience Vietnam, BASF Vietnam, UPL Vietnam and numerous domestic and international suppliers. Their products span both established and newer active ingredients and target crops ranging from rice and maize to coffee, durian, black pepper, soybean, peanut and sugarcane. For industry participants, this makes the update a useful competitive intelligence document. Each entry links an active ingredient or technical pesticide to a trade name, target pest or disease, crop and applicant, allowing companies to track where competitors are building portfolios and which crop segments are attracting the greatest registration activity. The heavy concentration of fungicides and insecticides points to the continued importance of disease and pest management in Vietnam's agricultural economy. At the same time, the extensive herbicide registrations, inclusion of biological products and expansion of plant growth regulator offerings indicate a market that remains open to multiple product categories and technology approaches. Vietnam's latest regulatory update therefore represents more than an administrative expansion of a permitted-use list. With 348 products added across six categories, it provides one of the clearest recent indicators of the competitive landscape taking shape across the country's crop protection sector. For companies seeking to understand Vietnam's registration environment, the Circular offers a detailed map of where product portfolios are expanding, which active ingredients are gaining commercial presence and how suppliers are positioning products around the country's most strategically important crops. The full update is based on Appendix II of Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BNNMT, issued by Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, with the product list covering active ingredients, trade names, target pests or diseases, crops and applicants. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4525/sabic-and-maaden-sign-3-year-fertilizer-mou-as-urea-expansion-plans-gather-pace.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4525/sabic-and-maaden-sign-3-year-fertilizer-mou-as-urea-expansion-plans-gather-pace.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:19:36 +0530 Sabic Agri-Nutrients and Maaden Integrated Fertilizer Company have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration across the fertilizer value chain, bringing together two major Saudi players as the country continues to strengthen its position in global agri-nutrient markets. The non-binding agreement, disclosed in a filing to the Saudi stock exchange Tadawul on August 18, establishes a framework for the companies to explore the development and investment of value-added agri-nutrient products, including potential opportunities in joint production and manufacturing. For Sabic Agri-Nutrients, the agreement aligns with its broader 2040 strategy to strengthen its global presence in nitrogen-based fertilizers. The company is already preparing for a significant expansion of its urea business after receiving approval for additional gas feedstock allocation from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy in March. The planned expansion could add 2.6 million metric tonnes per year of urea capacity, lifting Sabic Agri-Nutrients' total capacity to approximately 7.4 million metric tonnes annually if completed. The project would further reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a major supplier to international nitrogen fertilizer markets. The partnership also brings together businesses with an existing commercial relationship. Maaden Integrated Fertilizer Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Maaden, serves as the holding entity for the company's phosphate business. Sabic already holds minority stakes in Maaden's Wa'ad Al-Shamal and Maaden Phosphate operations, which form part of a major phosphate complex in northern Saudi Arabia. The new MoU could therefore create opportunities to deepen cooperation across both nitrogen and phosphate-linked segments, particularly as fertilizer producers increasingly look beyond conventional commodity products towards higher-value and more specialised agri-nutrient offerings. Sabic said the agreement has not resulted in any financial impact at this stage, reflecting the exploratory and non-binding nature of the arrangement. The three-year framework will instead provide the companies with time to assess potential investments, production partnerships and other areas of cooperation. The agreement comes at a strategically important moment for Saudi Arabia's fertilizer industry. While companies continue to invest in new capacity and strengthen partnerships, regional trade flows have faced pressure from disruptions to commercial shipping routes, including restricted vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz. Against this backdrop, the Sabic-Maaden agreement signals a longer-term push towards greater integration within Saudi Arabia's fertilizer industry. Combining Sabic Agri-Nutrients' strength in nitrogen fertilizers with Maaden's phosphate business could potentially create new opportunities across the agri-nutrient value chain, from large-scale commodity fertilizers to more specialised and value-added products. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4521/qingdao-hengning-plans-61-96-mn-agrochemical-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4521/qingdao-hengning-plans-61-96-mn-agrochemical-expansion.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:24:59 +0530 Qingdao Hengning Biotechnology Co. Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hailir Pesticides and Chemicals Group, is moving ahead with a $61.96 million (RMB 420.70 million) agrochemical expansion project that will establish a flexible production line for two major SDHI fungicides—fluxapyroxad and bixafen—at its manufacturing base in Shandong Province. The environmental impact report for the 9,000-tonnes-per-annum agrochemical technical and intermediates project received an approval notice on July 22, 2026. The project will be located at Xinhe Chemical Industrial Park in Pingdu City, Qingdao, and involves the renovation and expansion of the company's existing production facilities. The investment is part of a broader capacity-building phase at Hengning Biotechnology. The company plans to utilise vacant space in Workshop 7 and existing Workshop 1a to install reactors, distillation equipment, rectification towers and other production systems. The project will establish a switchable production line, allowing the facility to manufacture either fluxapyroxad or bixafen depending on production requirements. The plant is designed to operate for 7,200 hours annually, with a maximum capacity of 6,000 tonnes per year of fluxapyroxad or 3,000 tonnes per year of bixafen. The two products will share the same production infrastructure rather than being manufactured simultaneously at their maximum capacities. The expansion will also include a bromine extraction unit, magnesium chloride facilities, rectification systems and by-product treatment units for hydrochloric acid and sodium sulfite. New circulating water, nitrogen generation and exhaust-gas treatment systems are also planned, while hazardous waste from the project will be handled through an existing 100-tonnes-per-year incineration facility. Other storage, utility and environmental protection systems will rely partly on the company's existing infrastructure. The move comes at a pivotal moment for China's SDHI fungicide manufacturing sector. Fluxapyroxad and bixafen are among the active ingredients attracting significant investment as manufacturers prepare for or expand generic production. Industry tracking shows that fluxapyroxad capacity additions have accelerated in 2026, while investments in SDHI fungicides including bixafen, fluxapyroxad and fluopyram have become increasingly concentrated as patent barriers expire. Qingdao Hengning has already emerged as an important production base in Hailir's technical-grade pesticide expansion strategy. The company had previously outlined capacity plans covering 6,000 tonnes per year of fluxapyroxad and 3,000 tonnes per year of bixafen, alongside other large-scale agrochemical investments. The project also reflects the increasingly competitive nature of China's fungicide manufacturing landscape. According to industry tracking, July 2026 alone saw investment plans covering tens of thousands of tonnes of pesticide technical capacity, with fluxapyroxad and bixafen among the fungicides attracting new investment. Qingdao Hengning, established in 2019, focuses on the research, production and sale of agrochemical technicals and intermediates. As part of Hailir Pesticides and Chemicals Group, the company has been positioned as a key manufacturing platform for the group's expanding crop protection business. With the new project, Hengning is adding significant flexibility to its manufacturing portfolio. Rather than committing separate facilities to individual active ingredients, the switchable production model will allow the company to adjust output between fluxapyroxad and bixafen according to market demand. The strategy could prove important as China's agrochemical industry enters a new phase of capacity expansion around off-patent and recently off-patent active ingredients. Fluxapyroxad is among the compounds drawing heightened interest from generic manufacturers, while bixafen has also become part of the expanding SDHI fungicide production landscape. For Hailir and its Qingdao Hengning subsidiary, the $61.96 million investment represents another step in building a larger and more diversified technical manufacturing base. The project’s flexible design may give the company an additional advantage in a market where production economics, competition and demand for individual active ingredients can change rapidly. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4520/jiangxi-huashi-plans-5-87-mn-pesticide-capacity-upgrade-in-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4520/jiangxi-huashi-plans-5-87-mn-pesticide-capacity-upgrade-in-china.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:16:58 +0530 Jiangxi Huashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is moving ahead with a major renovation and expansion of its manufacturing operations, proposing a 1,100 tonnes-per-annum high-efficiency, safe and low-toxicity pesticide technical project at its facility in Fenghua County, Yichun City, Jiangxi Province. The environmental impact report for the project was proposed for acceptance on July 27, 2026. The planned investment is $5.87 million (RMB 39.87 million) and marks a strategic shift for the company, which intends to discontinue several pharmaceutical and intermediate products at the existing site while expanding its presence in the crop protection chemicals business. Under the new product plan, the facility will produce seven pesticide-related products with a combined annual capacity of 1,100 tonnes. The portfolio will include 100 tonnes of 95 per cent metconazole, 300 tonnes of 98 per cent prothioconazole, 400 tonnes of 97 per cent picoxystrobin, 150 tonnes of 97 per cent epoxiconazole, 50 tonnes of 98 per cent bixafen, 50 tonnes of a dichloromethylene intermediate and 50 tonnes of 96 per cent benzovindiflupyr. The capacity mix places a strong emphasis on fungicides, particularly prothioconazole and picoxystrobin, which account for a significant share of the proposed output. The investment comes as Chinese agrochemical manufacturers continue to expand production capacity for several established and high-demand active ingredients, although industry tracking has also pointed to increasing concerns over concentrated capacity additions and potential oversupply in some product categories. As part of the renovation, Jiangxi Huashi will phase out production of six pharmaceutical and intermediate products currently manufactured at the facility. These include a 60-tonne-per-annum chlorophenyl-fluorophenyl propene intermediate, 35 tonnes of a chlorophenyl cyclopropylethyl oxirane product, 10 tonnes of dapagliflozin, 100 tonnes of a chlorocyclopropyl triazolidine compound, 20 tonnes of loxoprofen sodium and 10 tonnes of rebamipide. The company will retain only its existing 20-tonne-per-annum 3-methoxy-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyloxymethyl]phenyl acrylic acid intermediate operation from the earlier production portfolio. The project reflects a broader repositioning of Jiangxi Huashi from a manufacturer with exposure to pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediates towards a more focused pesticide technical business. The company, founded in 2008, has a registered capital of $4.71 million (RMB 32 million) and supplies pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediates to markets including Europe, South America, Japan and South Korea. Jiangxi Huashi already has technical expertise linked to the crop protection sector, including patented work relating to intermediates used in epoxiconazole production. The proposed expansion also highlights the continuing investment momentum within China’s agrochemical manufacturing industry. Recent capacity tracking has shown sustained investment in fungicides such as prothioconazole, picoxystrobin and related active ingredients, even as the growing number of manufacturing projects raises questions about future competition and pricing pressure. For Jiangxi Huashi, however, the project represents more than an incremental capacity addition. By discontinuing a range of pharmaceutical and intermediate products and concentrating resources on pesticide technicals, the company is reshaping its production base around a portfolio of fungicides and advanced crop protection ingredients. If completed as planned, the 1,100-tonne facility will strengthen Jiangxi Huashi’s position in China's increasingly competitive agrochemical manufacturing landscape. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4512/chinas-agrochemical-market-splits-in-two-as-profit-growth-breaks-from-revenue-scale.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4512/chinas-agrochemical-market-splits-in-two-as-profit-growth-breaks-from-revenue-scale.html Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0530 China’s agrochemical industry is showing a striking divergence between revenue scale and earnings performance, with the latest company-level data pointing to a market increasingly shaped by margins, product mix, pricing and operating efficiency rather than production scale alone. Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group leads the revenue ranking at $1.02 billion, followed by ADAMA Ltd. at $990 million and Zhejiang NHU at $850 million. Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group ranks fourth at $560 million, followed by Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical at $470 million, Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical at $440 million, Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences and Shenzhen Noposion Crop Science at $360 million each, and Lier Chemical at $310 million. Together, the nine companies generated approximately $5.36 billion in revenue, with the top three accounting for roughly 53.4 per cent of the total. But the earnings ranking tells a very different story. ADAMA recorded 277 per cent net-profit growth, while Zhejiang Wynca posted 191 per cent growth. Hubei Xingfa, despite being the largest company by revenue, recorded a 17 per cent decline in net profit. The divergence suggests that China’s agrochemical market is entering a two-speed earnings cycle, where revenue leadership and profit momentum are increasingly disconnected. Revenue scale is no longer enough The gap between Hubei Xingfa and ADAMA is relatively narrow at around $30 million in revenue, yet their profit trajectories point in opposite directions. Hubei Xingfa reported a 17 per cent decline in net profit, while ADAMA delivered the strongest profit growth among the companies assessed. Zhejiang NHU, the third-largest company by revenue, also recorded a 3 per cent decline in profit. Meanwhile, Zhejiang Wynca, with just over half the revenue of Hubei Xingfa, delivered 191 per cent profit growth. The numbers indicate that size is winning the revenue race, but not necessarily the earnings race. That distinction is becoming increasingly important in a Chinese agrochemical industry exposed to global crop-protection demand, capacity cycles, pricing pressure and intense competition in generic active ingredients. A selective earnings recovery—not a broad-based boom Across the nine companies, the simple average reported profit growth is approximately 44.8 per cent. But the figure is heavily distorted by ADAMA’s 277 per cent increase. Excluding ADAMA, average profit growth falls to approximately 15.8 per cent. That changes the interpretation of the market. Rather than signalling a broad-based earnings boom, the data point to selective recovery. Shenzhen Noposion recorded 20 per cent profit growth and Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences posted 2 per cent. But Lier Chemical declined 25 per cent, Shandong Weifang Rainbow fell 36 per cent, Hubei Xingfa declined 17 per cent, Jiangsu Yangnong fell 6 per cent and Zhejiang NHU declined 3 per cent. The Chinese agrochemical sector is therefore not moving uniformly. Companies are experiencing very different outcomes depending on their product exposure, cost base, pricing environment, inventory position and operating leverage. The middle tier is revealing where the cycle is moving The divergence becomes even sharper among companies ranked 10th to 19th. Lianhe Chemical Technology reported $270 million in revenue and 105 per cent growth, while Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals generated $260 million and posted 17 per cent growth. The biggest outlier was Sichuan Hebang Biotechnology, with $190 million in revenue and a reported growth metric of 1,287 per cent. Nantong Taihe Chemical recorded 71 per cent growth on $190 million revenue, while Limin Group posted 22 per cent growth on $180 million. But the recovery is far from universal. Hailir Pesticides and Chemicals Group declined 28 per cent, Anhui Guangxin Agrochemical fell 2 per cent, and Nanjing Red Sun recorded an 89 per cent decline. The contrast suggests that the Chinese agrochemical market is increasingly rewarding company-specific competitive advantages rather than industry-wide exposure. Commodity chemistry remains the pressure point Product concentration provides an important clue. Glyphosate, fungicides, chlorothalonil and carbendazim remain prominent across the companies, alongside products such as pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl, azoxystrobin, fluazinam and chlorpyrifos. These molecules represent established markets, but they also expose producers to the cyclical dynamics of generic agrochemicals. When capacity expands faster than demand, prices come under pressure. When inventories build across the distribution chain, manufacturers can face further margin compression.When utilisation rates decline, high fixed costs can magnify the impact on profitability. This helps explain why companies with similar revenue positions can produce radically different earnings outcomes. The competitive advantage is increasingly shifting towards cost position, product differentiation, portfolio breadth and operational efficiency. China’s smaller manufacturers face greater earnings pressureThe lower end of the ranking reveals another fault line. Among companies ranked 20th to 25th, five of six recorded negative growth. Sino-Agri United Biotechnology declined 51 per cent, Jiangsu Suli Fine Chemical fell 37 per cent, Hunan Haili Chemical declined 21 per cent, Jiangsu Fengshan Group dropped 18 per cent and Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical fell 24 per cent. Shandong Cynda Chemical was the only company in the group to remain broadly stable, with 1 per cent growth. Revenue across these six companies ranges from $88 million to $52 million, highlighting the increasingly compressed scale of manufacturers outside the larger players. For smaller producers, prolonged pricing pressure can have a disproportionate impact because there is less operating leverage, weaker purchasing power and potentially greater dependence on individual molecules. The result could be increasing pressure for consolidation, portfolio rationalisation and movement towards higher-value chemistry. The new Chinese agrochemical metric: margin resilience The rankings suggest that revenue is becoming a weaker indicator of competitive strength. What matters increasingly is how effectively companies convert revenue into sustainable earnings. ADAMA’s 277 per cent growth, Zhejiang Wynca’s 191 per cent increase and Sichuan Hebang’s reported 1,287 per cent growth demonstrate the potential for earnings to rebound sharply when pricing, costs and utilisation move favourably. At the same time, the profit declines reported by several large manufacturers show that scale offers no protection when product economics deteriorate. The more important metrics for the sector are therefore becoming margin resilience, cost competitiveness, product mix, inventory discipline and capital efficiency. From volume leadership to profit leadership The data point to a structural shift in how China’s agrochemical companies may increasingly compete. For years, manufacturing scale and export capacity were among the defining advantages of Chinese agrochemical producers. Those advantages remain important, but they are becoming less sufficient in a market facing intense competition and cyclical pricing. The next phase is likely to favour companies that can move beyond volume and build stronger positions in higher-value products, differentiated formulations and more resilient crop-protection portfolios. That could accelerate a broader industry transition—from capacity expansion towards optimisation. For investors, the question is no longer simply which Chinese agrochemical companies have the largest revenues. It is which companies can defend margins when the cycle turns against them. For manufacturers, the strategic challenge is equally clear: reduce dependence on commoditised molecules, strengthen product portfolios, improve manufacturing efficiency and capture greater value from each unit sold. China’s agrochemical industry remains one of the world's largest manufacturing bases. But the latest numbers suggest that its next competitive chapter will be determined less by how much chemistry China can produce and more by how profitably its leading companies can produce it. The revenue race may still be dominated by scale. The profit race is becoming a very different contest. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4511/bioma-launches-metabolic-protection-biofungicide-1-based-entirely-on-microbial-metabolites.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4511/bioma-launches-metabolic-protection-biofungicide-1-based-entirely-on-microbial-metabolites.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:55:00 +0530 Brazilian biological inputs company Bioma has registered what it describes as the country’s first fungicide based entirely on microbial metabolites, opening a new segment in Brazil’s rapidly expanding biological crop protection market. The product, Metabolic Protection, was registered for the management of anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum, and target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, two important soybean diseases. The technology was developed over five years within Cogny, described by the company as the world’s largest biological inputs ecosystem. Scientific and technological development was led by Orygen, the group’s research and development company, under Research Director Artur Soares, while Bioma was responsible for product development, registration and commercialization. The product is expected to become commercially available shortly. Metabolite-based technology Unlike conventional microbial bioproducts formulated with living fungi or bacteria, Metabolic Protection is based exclusively on compounds produced by microorganisms. According to Bioma, its proprietary technology stimulates the expression of specific genes involved in the production of compounds with agronomic activity. The resulting formulation contains approximately 40 metabolites, more than 20 of which have direct activity against fungi, while another 17 are intended to activate plants' natural defense mechanisms. “The combination of different molecules and mechanisms of action addresses one of the main challenges in soybean disease management: the gradual loss of efficacy of some chemical fungicides due to pathogen resistance following repeated applications with similar modes of action,” Soares said. The company estimates that anthracnose and target spot can cause yield losses of up to 40 percent in susceptible soybean cultivars under favorable disease conditions. According to Bioma, incorporating biological molecules into conventional disease-management programs can diversify the mechanisms used against pathogens and potentially reduce selection pressure for resistance. Expanding biological fungicide market The technology enters a Brazilian fungicide market estimated at US$6.5 billion in 2025, accounting for 32 percent of the country's US$20.2 billion crop protection market, according to Kynetec data cited by the National Union of Plant Protection Products Industry (Sindiveg). Within biological inputs, biofungicides were the fastest-growing category by value in 2025. Sales increased 41 percent to R$1.4 billion (approximately US$253 million), while treated area reached 26 million hectares, up 37 percent year on year, according to CropLife Brasil. The publicly available market data do not yet separately quantify fungicides formulated exclusively with metabolites, leaving the segment at an early stage of commercial development in Brazil. The launch also comes as Brazil remains heavily dependent on imported crop protection products. Chemical pesticide imports totaled US$4.28 billion between January and May 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of domestic technologies amid geopolitical uncertainty, currency volatility and supply-chain disruptions. Five years of field development Bioma said the biofungicide was evaluated across more than 50 production regions in Brazil, covering different climatic conditions, management systems and disease-pressure levels. Trials assessed both pathogen-control performance and integration into crop protection programs already used by farmers. The product expands a technology portfolio that includes Bioma Phos, a biological phosphorus solubilizer being expanded into the European market, and Hydratus, developed from a bacterium originating in Brazil's Caatinga biome to improve plant tolerance to water stress. According to the company, the new fungicide represents a further step in its development strategy, moving from products based on living microorganisms toward the molecules produced by those microorganisms. “Access to technology developed and produced in Brazil offers greater supply security, more predictability for crop planning and greater freedom to build long-term management strategies,” Soares said. For Brazil's biological inputs industry, the registration marks a shift toward increasingly sophisticated microbial technologies in which the microorganism itself is no longer necessarily the active agricultural component, but rather the biological factory used to generate compounds with targeted agronomic functions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4504/gotablanca-500-proves-effective-in-strawberry-field-trial-at-university-of-florida.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4504/gotablanca-500-proves-effective-in-strawberry-field-trial-at-university-of-florida.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:47 +0530 ClearLeaf, a Costa Rican company with proven success in formulating non-toxic agricultural products to protect important crops, today announced that its non-toxic fungi bactericide, GotaBlanca, proved highly effective in controlling the devastating Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot diseases in field strawberries in a trial conducted by the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  UF researchers designed the study to identify fungicide alternatives to control Neopestalotiopsis, the causal agent of this aggressive and rapidly emerging disease that have pushed growers to their limits in Florida and other growing regions in the Americas.  Concerns about fungicide resistance underscore the need for additional products with different modes of action to support long-term disease management. The trial evaluated a range of fungicide mixes and formulations alongside a new generation of technologies.  GotaBlanca significantly outperformed some of the other new generation technologies, with the added benefits of having a low risk of generating microbial resistance and being non-toxic to soils, workers and on-farm biological diversity. “We are pleased with the results but not surprised,” said Dr. Agustin Buchert, Chief Science Officer at ClearLeaf. “They are consistent with our proven efficacy on more than 50 different fungal and bacterial pathogens in more than 40 crops. Strawberry growers in our Latin American markets use GotaBlanca specifically as a non-toxic strategy for Neopestalotiopsis, which also breaks resistance and reduces re-entry periods.” The lead researcher, Dr. Natalia Peres at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center commented "“Growers need additional fungicide options for managing Neopestalotiopsis, and our objective was to evaluate how new products perform under Florida field conditions. GotaBlanca performed well in this trial and merits further evaluation.” GotaBlanca is particularly relevant for strawberry growers because of how it works and what it does not leave behind. GotaBlanca does not interfere with plant metabolism or photosynthesis, so it supports crop vigor rather than costing yield. Its multi-site mode of action gives pathogens no single target to adapt to, so it presents a much lower risk of resistance development than products with a single-site mode of action. Because the formulation is non-toxic to workers, soil biology and on-farm beneficial organisms, it shortens or removes re-entry restrictions, allowing picking crews back into the block without interrupting harvest, and leaves no residue of regulatory concern for buyers and export markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4500/agromin-limoneira-break-ground-on-70-acre-composting-center-in-california.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4500/agromin-limoneira-break-ground-on-70-acre-composting-center-in-california.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:27:00 +0530 Agromin and Limoneira have cleared land for a new 70-acre commercial composting center in Santa Paula, California, marking a major expansion of organic-waste processing capacity in Ventura County. The joint venture facility is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2027 and will be designed to process approximately 295,000 tons of organic waste annually. The facility will convert green and food waste into compost, mulch and other recycled materials, creating additional capacity for communities seeking to divert organic material from landfills. The project expands Agromin’s existing 15-acre operation on the site, which has processed green waste since 2004. The current facility will remain operational during construction and is presently the only permitted commercial composting center in Ventura County. Expanding California’s organic-waste infrastructure The larger Santa Paula facility is being developed to process both green waste and food waste, responding to California’s growing need for infrastructure capable of handling organic materials outside the landfill system. The project will support local communities working to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 1383, California legislation that calls for significant reductions in organic waste sent to landfills. By increasing the volume of organic material that can be processed locally, the new facility is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to recover nutrients and other valuable materials from waste streams. The facility will produce compost and mulch for potential use in agriculture, landscaping and other applications, creating a circular pathway in which organic waste is converted into products that can return nutrients to soils. 50/50 joint venture creates multiple revenue streams Agromin and Limoneira have established the project as a 50/50 joint venture. The business model is expected to generate revenue through waste-hauler gate fees as well as the sale of compost and other recycled materials. The combination of waste processing and material sales provides the project with multiple commercial revenue streams while supporting California’s broader transition towards organic-waste recovery. For Limoneira, the partnership also strengthens its involvement in agricultural sustainability and resource recovery. Agromin brings its experience in organic-waste recycling and compost production to the venture. Food waste recycling expands Agromin has also expanded its food-waste recycling operations elsewhere in Ventura County, including a dedicated facility in Oxnard. The Oxnard operation converts collected food waste into a slurry that can subsequently be processed into products including renewable natural gas, fertilizers, animal feed and compost. The expansion of the Santa Paula operation is expected to complement these activities by increasing the county’s overall capacity to process organic waste and recover value from materials that would otherwise enter the landfill stream. Turning organic waste into agricultural resources The project comes as California continues to invest in infrastructure designed to divert organic material from landfills and develop markets for recovered products. Composting can play an important role in this transition by converting organic waste into soil amendments and other materials while reducing the volume of biodegradable waste requiring disposal. Once operational, the Santa Paula facility is expected to become a significant regional processing hub, with an annual capacity of approximately 295,000 tons. The project illustrates the growing convergence between waste management, agriculture and circular-economy infrastructure. By combining waste collection, organic processing and the production of compost and other recovered materials, the Agromin-Limoneira venture aims to create an economically viable pathway for transforming organic waste into useful agricultural and environmental resources. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4499/90000-tonne-dap-tender-signals-strong-indonesian-fertilizer-demand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4499/90000-tonne-dap-tender-signals-strong-indonesian-fertilizer-demand.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:17:57 +0530 Pupuk Indonesia has launched a tender to purchase 90,000 metric tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP), adding fresh demand to an international phosphate market already facing tight supply and elevated input costs. The state-owned Indonesian fertilizer group closed the initial submission round for the tender on August 10, according to market participants cited by Argus Media. The tender was issued on August 7 on behalf of four of Pupuk Indonesia’s subsidiaries, with deliveries scheduled between September and November. The procurement covers light or yellow granular DAP in 16-45 and 18-46 grades. Offers are required on a cost-and-freight basis, with 18-46 DAP serving as the reference grade. The four participating buyers have specified separate delivery requirements. Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang is seeking 30,000 tonnes for delivery to Boom Baru port, while Petrokimia Gresik is seeking 20,000 tonnes for Gresik port. Pupuk Kalimantan Timur is seeking another 20,000 tonnes for delivery to Bontang port, while Pupuk Kujang is seeking 20,000 tonnes for delivery to either Tanjung Priok or Cigading port. The date for the e-auction pricing round has not yet been announced. Fresh demand enters tight phosphate market The tender comes as international phosphate markets remain under pressure from supply constraints and higher raw-material costs. China’s restrictions on fertilizer exports have tightened the availability of DAP in international markets, while elevated sulfur costs have added to production expenses for phosphate fertilizers. Pupuk Indonesia’s latest procurement also follows its previous DAP tender award on July 16, when the company reportedly purchased DAP at $877 per metric tonne on a cost-and-freight basis, according to Argus. The new tender could provide another important price indication for the Southeast Asian phosphate market, particularly as buyers assess supply availability for the coming months. Geopolitical disruptions support phosphate prices Global phosphate markets are also being influenced by disruptions affecting key fertilizer raw materials and transportation routes. Ongoing disruption to ammonia and sulfur flows through the Strait of Hormuz has added uncertainty to fertilizer supply chains. At the same time, Russia’s sulfur export ban, which is scheduled to remain in place through December 2026, is contributing to concerns over sulfur availability. Sulfur is a critical input for the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers, making developments in the sulfur market an important factor for DAP pricing and availability. The combination of restricted Chinese exports, elevated sulfur costs and geopolitical disruptions is therefore creating a challenging procurement environment for fertilizer buyers across Asia. For Indonesia, the latest Pupuk Indonesia tender underscores the country's continuing need to secure imported phosphate fertilizers amid changing global supply conditions. The September-November delivery window also places the procurement at a strategically important point for fertilizer supply planning. The outcome of the tender and the eventual e-auction pricing will be closely watched by suppliers and buyers as another benchmark for DAP prices in the Asian market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4494/jiangxi-biotech-firms-engineered-egg-lysozyme-receives-official-new-pesticide-common-name.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4494/jiangxi-biotech-firms-engineered-egg-lysozyme-receives-official-new-pesticide-common-name.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:15:43 +0530 Jiangxi Yuansheng Chuanghe Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has secured an official new pesticide common name designation for its independently developed egg lysozyme active ingredient, marking a step forward for China’s emerging enzyme-protein biopesticide sector. The active substance, developed through genetic site-directed modification, has been designated by the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Its chemical identity is N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase, with CAS Registry Number 12650-88-3. The company said its R&D team used 18S rRNA gene sequencing and site-directed genetic modification to alter the protein’s three-dimensional structure and address limitations associated with natural lysozyme, including temperature sensitivity, limited systemic movement within plants and short field persistence. According to the company, the resulting engineered egg lysozyme demonstrates enhanced targeted lysis against two major citrus bacterial diseases and has also shown activity across a broader range of crop disease and stress-management applications. A protein-based approach to pathogen control Lysozyme functions as a molecular tool that targets peptidoglycan, a key structural component of bacterial cell walls. By hydrolysing the peptidoglycan network, the enzyme disrupts cell-wall integrity and can ultimately cause bacterial cells to lyse through osmotic pressure. The company said its engineered egg lysozyme is designed to provide a broader biological activity profile than conventional lysozyme. In addition to its reported antibacterial activity, the technology is being evaluated for effects against fungal spores and mycelial structures. For bacterial diseases, the company said the enzyme can directly attack bacterial cell walls and offers a biological mode of action that differs from conventional chemical bactericides. It also claims strong systemic movement within crops, including the ability to reach vascular tissues and disease sites that may be difficult to access through conventional contact treatments. The technology is being evaluated particularly for citrus Huanglongbing and citrus canker, two major disease challenges for citrus production. The company also reported applications in soil-borne fungal diseases. In cotton affected by Fusarium and Verticillium wilt, the product is being evaluated for root absorption and movement through plant vascular systems. According to the company, the technology may help inhibit pathogen development while supporting recovery of damaged vascular systems and improving water and nutrient transport. Beyond disease control Yuansheng Chuanghe said the technology is also being developed as a multifunctional biological input with potential biostimulant properties. The company reports that egg lysozyme can activate crop antioxidant enzyme systems and help plants recover from stresses associated with pesticide phytotoxicity, fertilizer injury and continuous cropping. It is also being evaluated for effects on photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient accumulation, crop growth, quality and yield. This positions the technology beyond the conventional model of pesticides designed primarily around pathogen suppression. The company describes the approach as a functional framework combining protein stimulation, immune activation and metabolic regulation. The company said the agricultural-grade egg lysozyme differs from conventional food-grade lysozyme. It is being developed as a multifunctional biological protein pesticide using synthetic-biology-based gene reconstruction and high-density fermentation and purification technologies. Field trials expand across crops The company has entered aqueous solution, soluble powder and oil-based suspension formulations into field trials supporting pesticide registration. Demonstration programmes are being conducted for citrus Huanglongbing and canker, while trials targeting cotton Fusarium and Verticillium wilt are being conducted in severely affected areas. Broader demonstrations focused on crop quality and yield improvement are also being carried out across different agricultural regions. According to Yuansheng Chuanghe, the technology is being evaluated across grain, oilseed, fruit, vegetable and other economic crops, with the objective of combining disease management with crop growth and quality benefits. The company expects the product series to be launched nationally in 2028, subject to completion of registration and related regulatory requirements. The official common-name designation represents an important regulatory milestone for the technology and could help advance the commercial development of enzyme-based biological crop-protection products in China. More broadly, the programme reflects growing interest in engineered proteins, synthetic biology and biological mechanisms as potential tools for developing alternatives and complements to conventional chemical pesticides. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4490/nutrichems-profitability-rebounds-as-core-earnings-rise-406-in-h1.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4490/nutrichems-profitability-rebounds-as-core-earnings-rise-406-in-h1.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:38:23 +0530 Nutrichem Company Limited delivered a sharp improvement in underlying profitability during the first half of 2026, with core net profit surging more than fourfold as stronger margins, a higher-value product mix and operational improvements offset a modest decline in revenue. Revenue for the six months ended June 30 fell 3.36 per cent year-on-year to RMB 2.76 billion. However, net profit attributable to shareholders excluding non-recurring items increased 405.66 per cent to RMB 5.02 million, marking a significant recovery from the weak base recorded a year earlier. Gross margin increased by 1.61 percentage points to 14.19 per cent, while operating profit climbed 12.48 per cent to RMB 42.24 million. The results point to improving underlying business quality even as reported earnings remained under pressure from foreign-exchange movements and other non-operating factors. Core performance diverges from reported profit Nutrichem’s reported net profit fell 62.62 per cent to RMB 5.72 million, creating a significant divergence between headline earnings and underlying operating performance. Foreign-exchange volatility was a major factor. Financial expenses rose 49.43 per cent to RMB 104.58 million, largely reflecting losses associated with movements in the renminbi against the US dollar. The company also recorded RMB 7.94 million in fair-value losses on financial derivatives, compared with a gain of RMB 1.18 million in the first half of 2025. In addition, the previous year benefited from gains associated with asset disposals, creating a tougher comparison for the current reporting period. Together, these factors masked the improvement in Nutrichem’s core operations. Higher-value products gain ground The company continued to shift its business towards proprietary agrochemical products and other higher-margin activities. Proprietary agrochemical products generated RMB 2.42 billion in revenue, representing approximately 89 per cent of core revenue. Gross margin for the segment rose 1.91 percentage points to 13.90 per cent. Trading activities contributed RMB 260.27 million, equivalent to roughly 9.6 per cent of core revenue. Although the segment remained important to the business, its gross margin was significantly lower at 6.79 per cent . Technical advisory services represented a smaller but more profitable business. Revenue rose 15.33 per cent year-on-year to RMB 40.50 million, while gross margin reached 55.54 per cent. The changing mix indicates that Nutrichem is increasingly focusing on proprietary products and specialist services rather than relying as heavily on lower-margin trading activities. Domestic and export businesses both improve margins Nutrichem’s geographic revenue profile also became more balanced during the first half. Domestic sales reached RMB 1.44 billion, accounting for approximately 52.8 per cent of core revenue, while exports contributed RMB 1.29 billion, or around 47.2 per cent. More importantly, margins improved in both markets. Domestic gross margin increased 1.81 percentage points to 14.48 per cent, while export gross margin rose 1.36 percentage points to 13.85 per cent. The simultaneous improvement suggests that the company’s margin recovery is not dependent on a single geographic market and reflects broader improvements in product mix and operating efficiency. Expanding global registration footprint Nutrichem continued to strengthen its international market access during the period. As of June 30, the company held 1,423 overseas registrations, including 236 proprietary registrations. In China, it held 428 pesticide registration certificates, including 159 covering technical-grade active ingredients. The breadth of its registration portfolio provides Nutrichem with a platform for expanding its proprietary agrochemical products across multiple markets and crop-protection segments. Its investment in US-based Albaugh also contributed to earnings. Albaugh generated revenue of approximately RMB 8.01 billion and net profit of RMB 120 million during the period. Nutrichem’s investment income increased 46.98 per cent year-on-year to RMB 30.50 million, supported by the performance of its investee company. Capacity investments remain focused on competitiveness Nutrichem is continuing to invest in production capacity and technology upgrades despite the challenging market environment. Construction-in-progress assets reached RMB 603.46 million at the end of June, an increase of 11.59 per cent from the end of 2025. A significant portion of the investment is directed towards technology upgrades and capacity relocation intended to improve production efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of the company’s product portfolio. The relocation and upgrading project covering 15,200 tonnes of agrochemical active ingredients and intermediates was 65.05 per cent complete. The second phase of a new active-ingredient capacity expansion project reached 57.93 per cent completion, with part of the investment already transferred to fixed assets. A separate second-plant project was 43.65 per cent complete at the end of the reporting period. Debt profile undergoes restructuring Alongside capacity investment, Nutrichem is adjusting the structure of its borrowings. Long-term borrowings increased 11.63 per cent from the end of 2025 to RMB 946.06 million, while short-term borrowings declined 4.38 per cent to RMB 2.29 billion. The shift towards longer-term financing is aimed at improving the maturity profile of the company’s debt and aligning financing more closely with its ongoing capital-investment programme. Portfolio rationalisation continues Nutrichem is also addressing weaker parts of its legacy asset base. Shandong Fuer, the subsidiary responsible for the company’s intermediate chemicals business, reported a net loss of RMB 27.73 million during the first half. The loss was broadly unchanged from the previous year, suggesting that the business has moved towards greater operational stability but remains a drag on overall performance. The company also dissolved two subsidiaries, Shandong Fusheng Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. and Huapont Holding Hong Kong Limited, as part of efforts to simplify its corporate structure and improve asset efficiency. Profitability recovery takes centre stage Nutrichem’s first-half results highlight a business undergoing a gradual shift from volume-driven growth towards margin and portfolio quality. Although revenue declined and reported net profit was affected by foreign-exchange losses and other non-operating items, operating profit increased and core earnings recovered sharply. Higher-margin proprietary products, stronger domestic and export margins, expanding registration coverage, improved investment income and ongoing capacity upgrades are collectively reshaping the company’s earnings profile. The challenge for Nutrichem in the second half will be to sustain those operational gains while managing currency volatility, financing costs and the investment requirements associated with its capacity expansion. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4487/cibus-expands-global-rice-partnerships-as-herbicide-tolerant-traits-near-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4487/cibus-expands-global-rice-partnerships-as-herbicide-tolerant-traits-near-market.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:10:04 +0530 Cibus, Inc. is moving its precision crop-editing platform closer to commercialisation, with herbicide-tolerant rice traits emerging as one of the company’s most advanced opportunities and an initial Latin American launch targeted for 2028. The US-based agricultural biotechnology company, which reported its second-quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2026, is advancing rice programmes with seed companies across Latin America, the United States and India while continuing to build partnerships around canola, soybean, alfalfa and other crops. The company’s latest update highlights a strategic shift towards converting its technology base into commercial and royalty-generating programmes. Cibus has spent more than two decades developing precision gene-editing capabilities and says its platform is protected by more than 500 patents and patent applications covering gene targets, editing technologies and resulting traits. Rice emerges as near-term commercial opportunity Cibus’ herbicide-tolerance programmes in rice remain among its highest-priority assets. The company is developing two traits, HT1 and HT3, and continued field testing during the second quarter included an improved first-generation trait as well as efforts to determine the genetic changes associated with herbicide tolerance and fertility. Testing is also underway on rice seeds supplied by Interoc, following the transfer of Cibus’ traits into the customer’s germplasm in May. Successful results could support the introduction of enhanced rice seed products in Latin America. The relationship with Interoc expanded in August, when the two companies amended their letter of intent to increase the potential scope from two rice traits to five. The expanded programme includes three additional traits and creates the possibility of a broader commercial relationship. Cibus currently counts seven rice seed-company customers across Latin America and the United States. Latin America represents the company’s principal near-term market and accounts for most of an estimated $200 million annual royalty opportunity spanning approximately 5–7 million peak addressable acres. The company is also pursuing additional relationships with rice seed businesses in Brazil and Argentina while continuing discussions with major participants in India's rice market. 2028 launch target takes shape Cibus has updated its commercial timetable for the Latin American market. A 2028 launch with Fedearroz remains on track, while Interoc is concentrating on hybrid rice varieties and could pursue a limited launch in the same year. In the United States, commercialization planning is linked to the regulatory timetable for herbicides being developed with Albaugh. The current target is a 2029 launch. The company’s strategy is to develop traits within customers’ own crop varieties, potentially shortening the time required to introduce improved genetics compared with conventional breeding approaches. Regulatory landscape becomes increasingly important Regulatory developments are also strengthening the commercial case for precision breeding. Cibus is focused on regulatory systems that distinguish precise edits to a plant’s existing genes from conventional genetically modified crops involving the introduction of foreign DNA. Developments in Europe and other markets could influence the speed and cost of bringing precision-bred traits to farmers. The regulatory environment remains critical to Cibus’ commercial model because the company’s ability to scale partnerships depends not only on technical performance but also on how edited crops are classified and approved in individual markets. Building beyond rice While rice represents the most immediate commercial opportunity, Cibus is developing a broader portfolio of crop-editing programmes. The company has operational platforms in rice, canola and winter oilseed rape, flax and cassava. It has also demonstrated regeneration from single cells in wheat, peanut, potato and sugar beet, while soybean remains under active platform development. The existing platforms allow new trait programmes to begin at the trait-development stage rather than requiring partners to build crop-editing infrastructure from the beginning. In canola, Cibus is progressing work on light leaf spot resistance through the UK Farming Innovation Programme and advancing pod-shatter reduction following two years of field testing in customer germplasm. A separate collaboration with the John Innes Centre is evaluating edited canola material designed to improve nutrient-use efficiency through root-microbe interactions. The research could eventually have applications in rice and wheat as well as canola. Cibus is also advancing an improved-quality alfalfa trait through a partnership model and continues development of its soybean editing platform. Sustainable ingredients provide an early revenue stream Agricultural traits are not the company’s only commercial avenue. Cibus’ Sustainable Ingredients programme is already generating revenue through a consumer-products partnership. The programme uses engineered yeast to produce biofragrance ingredients through fermentation, offering an alternative to petroleum-derived materials and large-scale plant extraction. Cibus expects additional scale-up orders for other initial biofragrance products during the second half of 2026. The company estimates that its biofragrance partnerships could eventually generate $20 million to $40 million in peak annual revenue. A separate soybean programme focused on lauric oils is also progressing with funding from a consumer packaged goods partner. Cost discipline remains a priority Cibus is simultaneously reducing its cash requirements as it concentrates resources on programmes closest to commercialisation. The company expects its annual net cash usage run rate to be approximately $35 million exiting 2026. Quarterly net cash usage fell 19 per cent from the first quarter of 2026 and 31 per cent compared with the second quarter of 2025. Net cash used in operating activities during the first six months of 2026 was $20.9 million, compared with $25.4 million in the corresponding period of 2025. R&D expenditure declined to $8.5 million in the second quarter from $12.2 million a year earlier, while selling, general and administrative expenses fell to $5.4 million from $6.6 million. Cibus reported a second-quarter net loss of $22.1 million, narrower than the $26.6 million loss recorded in the same period last year. Loss per Class A share declined to $0.29 from $0.61. The company ended June with $20.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. Based on its current spending expectations and implemented cost reductions, Cibus expects its existing cash resources to support planned operating and capital expenditure into early 2027, excluding potential future financing transactions. From technology platform to commercial engine The company’s latest results underline a transition from technology development towards commercial execution. Rice herbicide tolerance is currently the clearest route to near-term agricultural royalty revenue, while sustainable ingredients are providing an earlier commercial proof point. Additional opportunities across canola, alfalfa, wheat, soybean and other crops could broaden the platform’s value as regulatory frameworks for precision breeding develop. For Cibus, the central challenge is no longer simply demonstrating that its editing technology works. The next stage is converting a large portfolio of traits and partnerships into commercial acres, licensing income and recurring royalties. The 2028 Latin American rice target therefore represents an important test of the company’s broader strategy: moving precision crop editing from a technology proposition into a scalable agricultural business. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4485/jord-bioscience-brings-microbial-activator-biostimulant-9311-to-commercial-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4485/jord-bioscience-brings-microbial-activator-biostimulant-9311-to-commercial-market.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:01:32 +0530 Jord BioScience has launched 9311, its first commercially available biostimulant, bringing to market a microbial technology designed to work with existing soil microbial communities rather than treating individual microorganisms in isolation. The company said three years of field trials across a broad range of growing conditions showed an average soybean yield advantage of 2.6 bushels per acre compared with elite industry-standard seed treatments and biological products. The trials also recorded a 79 per cent win rate across the tested environments, positioning 9311 as the first commercial product from Jord BioScience's developing biologicals platform. The field programme covered low-, medium- and high-yield environments across three contrasting growing seasons. Trials conducted during a dry season in 2023, a wet season in 2024 and mixed conditions in 2025 were designed to assess the consistency of the technology under different levels of environmental stress. In addition to yield performance, 9311 produced a 30 per cent increase in early-season biomass compared with the company's elite commercial treatment base. Commercial trials conducted in 2026 have continued to show early-season benefits, including improved emergence, nodulation and crop vigour. The product is designed to fit within farmers' existing crop-input programmes rather than requiring a fundamental change in their production systems. Developed from microbial resources originating in the US prairielands, 9311 is intended to perform under conditions where crops face constraints related to nutrient availability and water stress while supporting establishment and performance throughout the growing season. At the centre of the product is what Jord calls microbial activator technology. Instead of selecting microorganisms solely on the basis of what an individual strain can accomplish under controlled conditions, the company's approach evaluates whether a microbe can establish itself, persist and function within the complex biological environment of an agricultural field. That environment includes existing soil microorganisms as well as crops, nutrients, fertilisers and crop-protection products. Jord's technology therefore treats the soil microbiome as an interacting ecosystem and seeks to identify microbial candidates capable of functioning within that ecosystem. The company's discovery platform is built around a proprietary collection of more than 6,500 microbial isolates assembled and curated over three decades. Jord uses this library as the foundation for identifying biological candidates with characteristics suited to real-world agricultural environments. Dr. Keri Carstens, President and CEO of Jord BioScience, said consistent performance across regions and seasons will be critical to the wider adoption of biological products. She said 9311 is designed to deliver measurable early-season benefits and yield improvements rather than simply match conventional treatment performance. Dr. Linda Kinkel, Founder and Chief Science Officer of Jord BioScience, said agricultural soils already contain established microbial communities and that introduced microorganisms must operate within those ecosystems. She said Jord's ecology-guided approach focuses on whether a microbe can survive and perform effectively in the environment where it is ultimately deployed. The commercial launch marks the first step in Jord BioScience's broader product strategy. The company said additional products are in development based on microbial leads from its innovation pipeline, with candidates targeting different agricultural applications and production environments. Jord is also working with companies across the agricultural input industry on customised microbial discovery programmes. Partnerships with seed, fertiliser and crop-protection companies are intended to identify microbial solutions that complement existing product portfolios rather than operate as standalone technologies. For the biologicals sector, the commercialisation of 9311 reflects a growing emphasis on consistency and field-level performance. As farmers increasingly evaluate biological products alongside established inputs, technologies that can demonstrate repeatable results across variable environments could become more important to the next phase of agricultural biologicals adoption. Jord BioScience's 9311 is now available to commercial partners, while the company continues to expand its pipeline of microbial technologies aimed at improving crop performance through a deeper understanding of soil ecology. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4477/wengfu-jiangshan-completes-environmental-monitoring-for-major-yellow-phosphorus-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4477/wengfu-jiangshan-completes-environmental-monitoring-for-major-yellow-phosphorus-project.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:51:15 +0530 Guizhou Wengfu Jiangshan Chemical Co., Ltd. (Wengfu Jiangshan) has completed environmental acceptance monitoring for its Weng’an County New Materials and Electronic Chemicals Project, marking a major step forward for the company’s 66,000 tonnes per annum (t/a) yellow phosphorus production facility in Guizhou Province. The completion environmental protection acceptance monitoring report for the project, which includes 66,000 t/a of yellow phosphorus and supporting pellet ore facilities, has been publicised. The development is located in the Fine Chemical Industrial Park in Weng’an County, Qiannan Prefecture, one of China’s important phosphorus resource and chemical production regions. The project represents a total investment of RMB1.137 billion (approximately $167.46 million). Of this amount, RMB1.99 million (approximately $0.29 million) was allocated to environmental protection measures, accounting for 0.17 per cent of the total investment. Developed as a new construction project, the facility includes production units for pellet ore, yellow phosphorus, concentrate drying and ultra-fine powder, together with supporting infrastructure. The auxiliary facilities include raw material storage yards, tank farms, rainwater collection ponds and weighbridges, creating an integrated production system around the core phosphorus-processing operations. The project is designed with annual production capacity of 1 million tonnes of pellet ore and 66,000 tonnes of yellow phosphorus. It will also generate approximately 9,900 tonnes per year of ferrophosphorus and 560,000 tonnes per year of yellow phosphorus electric-furnace slag on a dry basis as by-products. Construction of the project began in November 2024 and was completed in May 2025. The facility subsequently entered the commissioning phase, which continued from May 2025 through June 2026. On-site environmental acceptance monitoring was conducted on June 17 and 18, 2026, providing the basis for the completion acceptance process. The scale and configuration of the project point to an integrated approach to phosphorus processing, with pellet ore preparation and concentrate treatment positioned alongside yellow phosphorus production. Such integration can improve the utilisation of raw materials and strengthen the connection between upstream mineral processing and downstream phosphorus-based chemical manufacturing. The project also forms part of Wengfu Jiangshan’s broader development in phosphorus-based materials and chemicals. The company was established in May 2024 with registered capital of RMB 3.335 billion (approximately $491.18 million). Its business activities cover the production and operation of food additives, feed additives, fertilisers and pesticides, among other products. Located in Weng’an County, the project benefits from the region’s established phosphorus chemical industry base and industrial infrastructure. The addition of substantial yellow phosphorus capacity further expands the company’s production platform and provides additional feedstock potential for phosphorus-based chemical value chains. The completion of environmental acceptance monitoring represents an important milestone in the project’s transition from construction and commissioning towards regular operations. With the facility now having undergone the prescribed on-site monitoring process, Wengfu Jiangshan is positioned to further develop its integrated phosphorus chemicals and new materials operations in Guizhou. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4476/95000-t-a-glyphosate-capacity-set-to-shift-to-fuhua-tongda-in-sichuan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4476/95000-t-a-glyphosate-capacity-set-to-shift-to-fuhua-tongda-in-sichuan.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:41:55 +0530 China’s glyphosate industry is entering another phase of consolidation, with Fuhua Tongda Chemical Co., Ltd. preparing to absorb a combined 95,000 tonnes per annum (t/a) of glyphosate production capacity through two separate capacity transfers into Leshan, Sichuan Province. The latest move came after the Leshan Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology issued a public notice on the proposed acceptance of a 30,000 t/a glyphosate production capacity indicator from Nantong Lihua Agrochemical Co., Ltd. The entire capacity is scheduled to be relocated to Wutongqiao District in Leshan and subsequently constructed by Fuhua Tongda. The transaction follows Fuhua Tongda's earlier agreement to acquire another 65,000 t/a of glyphosate production capacity from Shandong Vier Chemical Co., Ltd. Taken together, the two transfers would bring an additional 95,000 t/a of glyphosate capacity under Fuhua Tongda's production network, representing a major shift of capacity from eastern and northern China towards Sichuan. The scale of the transfers is significant for Fuhua Tongda, which currently operates approximately 153,000 t/a of glyphosate production capacity. The additional capacity would substantially increase the company's potential production scale and further strengthen its position among China's leading glyphosate manufacturers. More broadly, the transactions illustrate how China's crop-protection industry is increasingly favouring scale, integration and geographic concentration. Rather than expanding through numerous smaller production sites, major manufacturers are increasingly consolidating capacity in locations where access to raw materials, energy, infrastructure and environmental-compliance capabilities can support large-scale operations. Wutongqiao has emerged as one such location. The district has developed a sizeable chemical manufacturing ecosystem supported by industrial infrastructure and access to relatively competitive energy resources. For Fuhua Tongda, concentrating production in the region provides an opportunity to leverage existing manufacturing capabilities and deepen integration across its chemical value chain. The movement of capacity also reflects the changing economics of China's chemical industry. Producers operating in eastern coastal regions face higher land and operating costs alongside increasingly stringent environmental and regulatory requirements. These pressures have encouraged the retirement, relocation or consolidation of less competitive production facilities, while larger integrated producers are better positioned to absorb capacity and invest in modernised manufacturing infrastructure. For the glyphosate market, the relocation of capacity from multiple regions into a major production centre could further reshape the industry's competitive landscape. Fuhua Tongda's planned additions would increase the concentration of production among large-scale manufacturers and potentially strengthen the company's advantages in manufacturing efficiency, procurement, logistics and supply-chain integration. The broader shift is also consistent with China's ongoing effort to upgrade its chemical manufacturing base. As older and less efficient facilities exit the market, production is increasingly moving towards specialised industrial parks with established infrastructure and stronger environmental-management capabilities. This process is likely to favour companies with integrated operations and the financial and technological resources required to operate large-scale facilities. For Fuhua Tongda, the proposed capacity transfers represent more than an increase in production volume. They reinforce its strategy of concentrating glyphosate manufacturing in Leshan and leveraging the region's industrial ecosystem to build scale. If the planned transfers are completed and the additional capacity is brought into operation, the company will have significantly expanded its production footprint while further consolidating its position in China's glyphosate industry. The developments could also contribute to a more concentrated supply structure in the domestic glyphosate market. As fragmented capacity continues to be phased out and production becomes increasingly concentrated among major manufacturers, scale and cost competitiveness are likely to become even more important determinants of industry performance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4475/chinas-zicheng-agricultural-plans-130000-t-a-glyphosate-formulation-capacity.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4475/chinas-zicheng-agricultural-plans-130000-t-a-glyphosate-formulation-capacity.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:55:17 +0530 Anhui Zicheng Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. (Zicheng Agricultural) has secured environmental approval for a new herbicide production project at Ningguo Chemical Industry Park in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, China. The project, which represents an investment of RMB283.45 million (approximately $41.75 million), will establish new production lines for glyphosate aqueous solution (AS) and soluble granules (SG), together with supporting facilities. The environmental impact report for the project has been accepted and publicised, marking an important regulatory milestone for the planned facility. Of the total investment, RMB4.20 million (approximately $0.62 million) will be allocated to environmental protection measures, accounting for 1.48 per cent of the total project investment. The project is classified as a new construction and is scheduled to be completed over a 12-month construction period. According to the project's production plan, the facility will have total glyphosate AS capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum (t/a) across six formulations. The planned capacity includes 10,000 t/a of 41 per cent glyphosate-isopropylammonium AS, 10,000 t/a of 62 per cent glyphosate-isopropylammonium AS, 9,000 t/a of 660 g/L glyphosate-potassium AS, 1,500 t/a of 607 g/L glyphosate-isopropylammonium AS, 29,000 t/a of 608 g/L glyphosate-dimethylammonium AS and 40,500 t/a of 33 per cent glyphosate-ammonium AS. The project will additionally include 30,000 t/a of listed glyphosate SG capacity across six glyphosate-ammonium formulations. The planned production comprises 5,000 t/a each of 88.8 per cent, 79.25 per cent, 75.70 per cent, 74.70 per cent, 55 per cent and 50 per cent glyphosate-ammonium SG. Based on the production capacities specified for these formulations, the project will have combined listed glyphosate AS and SG capacity of 130,000 t/a. The new facility will broaden Zicheng Agricultural's glyphosate formulation portfolio across multiple salt formulations and concentrations, covering both liquid and soluble-granule products. The planned production mix is designed to support a range of agricultural application requirements while strengthening the company's manufacturing capabilities in the herbicide sector. Located in Ningguo Chemical Industry Park, the project will be developed as a new manufacturing facility with supporting infrastructure. The 12-month construction period will be followed by commissioning and production ramp-up. The environmental approval represents a significant step towards implementation of the project as Zicheng Agricultural expands its herbicide formulation capacity in Anhui. Once operational, the facility will add substantial new glyphosate formulation capacity and further strengthen the company's position in China's crop-protection manufacturing industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4473/sigma-agro-targets-foliar-diseases-with-new-protioflox-fungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4473/sigma-agro-targets-foliar-diseases-with-new-protioflox-fungicide.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:07:18 +0530 Argentine crop protection company Sigma Agro has launched Protioflox, a new fungicide combining Trifloxystrobin 15 per cent and Prothioconazole 17.5 per cent, at the 2026 Aapresid Congress in Argentina. The product was unveiled during the congress in the presence of growers, distributors and agricultural media. Sigma Agro said the launch reflects its broader strategy of developing crop protection solutions tailored to changing disease pressures rather than simply expanding its product catalogue. Protioflox is positioned as a high-performance fungicide for the control of foliar diseases in wheat, barley and soybean. Its combination of Trifloxystrobin and Prothioconazole brings complementary fungicidal activity, with the formulation designed to deliver reliable disease control while addressing growing demand for technologies that can maintain efficacy against key pathogens. According to Sigma Agro, the development of Protioflox is part of its sustained investment in research and development. The company aims to continuously strengthen its fungicide portfolio in response to evolving pathogen challenges and changing requirements across production systems. The company highlighted that building a broad and technically robust crop protection portfolio requires continued investment rather than one-off product launches. With Protioflox, Sigma Agro is seeking to reinforce its position in Argentina's fungicide market while providing growers with another option for managing foliar disease pressure in major field crops. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4470/jiangsu-tenglong-plans-major-malathion-and-glyphosate-formulation-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4470/jiangsu-tenglong-plans-major-malathion-and-glyphosate-formulation-expansion.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:33:46 +0530 Jiangsu Tenglong Biological & Medicinal Co., Ltd. has completed the environmental-impact assessment process for a project covering annual production of 5,000 tonnes of malathion technical, 4,000 tonnes of malathion emulsifiable concentrate and 40,000 tonnes of glyphosate formulations. The project was accepted and publicised at the end of July, according to information released through the relevant environmental-review process. The project is located in the Dafenggang Petrochemical New Materials Industrial Park in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province. The total investment is approximately RMB 35 million, equivalent to around $5.15 million based on the project information. Environmental-protection expenditure is estimated at RMB 550,000, or approximately $81,004, accounting for 1.57 per cent of total investment. The project is classified as a technical transformation and expansion programme rather than an entirely new production site. Its implementation will involve the replacement of existing equipment, the installation of a malathion-synthesis process in an idle area and the establishment of an additional emulsifiable-concentrate formulation line. The construction period is expected to be six months. Production expansion The project will expand Tenglong Biological’s malathion manufacturing capabilities through changes to three production areas. In Workshop 406, the company plans to replace 12 existing 1,500-litre vulcanisation kettles with 12 units of 2,000-litre capacity. The equipment replacement is intended to increase processing capacity and improve the operating configuration of the existing production system. Workshop 405, which currently contains an idle area, will be fitted with a malathion-synthesis process. This will allow the company to add 5,000 tonnes per year of malathion technical production capacity. Workshop 407 will house the new malathion emulsifiable-concentrate formulation process. Packaging will be carried out through the company’s existing packaging line rather than through a separate new packaging facility. The planned annual malathion EC capacity will be 4,000 tonnes. This will comprise 2,000 tonnes of 1,000-gram-per-litre malathion EC, 1,000 tonnes of 480-gram-per-litre malathion EC and 1,000 tonnes of 820-gram-per-litre malathion EC. The project information also includes a 40,000-tonne annual glyphosate formulation technical-transformation component. The reported pesticide-construction details specifically describe the malathion technical and EC facilities, while the glyphosate capacity is identified as part of the broader formulation transformation programme. The expansion is intended to respond to market demand and strengthen the company’s ability to supply both technical-grade pesticide ingredients and formulated products. It also allows Tenglong Biological to use existing assets and production infrastructure rather than relying entirely on a greenfield investment model. Founded in December 1992, Jiangsu Tenglong Biological & Medicinal Co., Ltd. is the core enterprise of Jiangsu Tenglong Industrial Group. The company has registered capital of approximately RMB 30 million, equivalent to around $4.42 million based on the information provided. Its business covers the production and sale of pesticides, as well as the development of and consultancy on new pesticide technologies. The company’s existing product portfolio includes 5,000 tonnes per year of dimethoate technical and 2,000 tonnes per year of phenthoate technical. Its wider portfolio also includes herbicide products such as glyphosate, acetochlor, machete, tribenuron-methyl and thifensulfuron-methyl.agfunder Tenglong Biological is located in the Dafenggang Petrochemical New Materials Industrial Park, a specialised chemical-manufacturing cluster that hosts pesticide and related chemical-production activities. The company said it passed Jiangsu Province’s special safety and environmental-protection improvement acceptance process in 2020. It was also recognised as a specialised and innovative small and medium-sized enterprise in Jiangsu Province in 2024.goodtechgo Strategic significance The project strengthens Tenglong Biological’s position in organophosphorus pesticide production while expanding its formulated-product capacity. Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide used in agricultural, public-health and pest-control applications in markets where its use is permitted and registered. Technical-grade malathion is used as an active ingredient in the manufacture of formulated products, including emulsifiable concentrates. The addition of multiple EC concentrations gives the company greater flexibility in serving different application requirements and market specifications. Formulation capacity can also improve control over product packaging, customer specifications and downstream distribution. The glyphosate-formulation component broadens the project beyond malathion. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, but the market is highly competitive and subject to regulatory scrutiny, pricing pressure and changing requirements concerning residues, environmental impact and product registration. A larger formulation platform may allow the company to serve domestic and export customers with finished products rather than limiting its business to technical materials. Environmental and compliance considerations The project’s environmental-protection investment is estimated at RMB 550,000, representing 1.57 per cent of total project investment. The figure covers the environmental-protection facilities and measures associated with the proposed transformation. As the project involves pesticide synthesis and formulation, the environmental review is particularly important. Relevant concerns may include process wastewater, volatile organic compounds, odour, hazardous waste, solid residues, wastewater-treatment capacity, accident risk and the safe handling of raw materials and intermediates. The project’s location within a designated petrochemical and new-materials industrial park provides access to shared infrastructure and environmental-management systems. However, the company remains responsible for ensuring that its own production and pollution-control facilities operate as required. The environmental-review process is intended to assess whether the project can comply with applicable standards and whether the proposed pollution-control measures are adequate. The project must also obtain the necessary permits and complete the required inspection and acceptance procedures before commercial operation. The company’s previous environmental documentation indicates that its facilities have been assessed for wastewater, atmospheric emissions, noise and hazardous-material management. The relevant standards and control requirements will depend on the specific process, pollutants and regulatory conditions applicable to the new project. The project comes at a time when the global pesticide industry is adjusting to changes in agricultural demand, inventory levels, product pricing and regulatory expectations. Pesticide manufacturers are facing pressure to provide products that are effective at lower application rates, comply with residue requirements and meet increasingly stringent environmental and safety standards. Product registration and market access are becoming more important as regulators evaluate active ingredients and formulations. For Tenglong Biological, the expansion can create additional capacity, but capacity alone does not guarantee utilisation or profitability. The commercial outcome will depend on raw-material prices, production efficiency, customer demand, export conditions, product registrations and competition from other Chinese and international manufacturers. The malathion business may benefit from the company’s existing technical capabilities and customer relationships. However, organophosphate pesticides remain subject to regulatory and market scrutiny, and demand may differ across countries and applications. The glyphosate-formulation capacity may provide a larger potential market, but it also exposes the company to intense competition and price volatility. The formulation business will need to compete on product quality, reliability, regulatory compliance, delivery and cost. Investment and execution The reported investment of RMB 35 million is relatively modest compared with the capacity figures because the project relies partly on existing facilities, equipment replacement and the use of an existing packaging line. The transformation approach can reduce construction time and capital requirements. The planned six-month construction period is also shorter than that typically associated with a large greenfield chemical complex. At the same time, brownfield transformation projects require careful coordination. Construction must be integrated with existing production, equipment replacement must be completed safely and the new synthesis and formulation systems must be connected to utilities, storage, environmental-protection facilities and quality-control systems. The company will also need to manage safety risks during equipment installation and commissioning. Malathion synthesis and pesticide formulation involve hazardous chemicals and require appropriate process controls, emergency systems, operator training and maintenance procedures. The project’s commercial success will ultimately depend on whether the additional capacity is supported by actual orders and sustainable margins. If market conditions weaken, new capacity could increase fixed costs and intensify competition. If demand improves, the project could strengthen Tenglong Biological’s position in both technical-grade and formulated pesticide products. The environmental-review acceptance marks an important regulatory step, but it does not itself represent the completion of construction or the start of commercial production. The company will still need to complete the six-month implementation programme, commission the facilities, obtain applicable approvals and demonstrate compliance with environmental and safety requirements. Jiangsu Tenglong’s expansion reflects the continuing consolidation and upgrading of China’s pesticide-manufacturing base. By combining malathion technical production, malathion EC formulation and glyphosate formulation capacity, the company is seeking to build a broader and more flexible product platform. The project’s long-term value will depend on the quality of execution, process efficiency, environmental performance and the company’s ability to convert additional capacity into stable market demand. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4469/jiangsu-changqing-agrochemical-reports-profit-growth-as-fungicide-sales-accelerate.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4469/jiangsu-changqing-agrochemical-reports-profit-growth-as-fungicide-sales-accelerate.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:14:13 +0530 Jiangsu Changqing Agrochemical Co., Ltd. reported moderate revenue growth and stronger earnings in the first half of 2026, supported by a significant increase in fungicide sales and improved recurring profitability despite continued volatility in the global pesticide market. The company, listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the code 002391, recorded revenue of RMB 2.166 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a 4.01 per cent increase from the same period last year. Net profit attributable to shareholders rose 27.62 per cent year-on-year to RMB 53.95 million, while net profit excluding non-recurring gains and losses increased 49.16 per cent to RMB 59.01 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share stood at RMB 0.0863, compared with RMB 0.0676 in the first half of 2025. The company’s weighted average return on equity increased to 1.26 per cent from 1 per cent a year earlier. Operating cash flow remained negative during the reporting period. Net cash generated from operating activities was RMB 184.46 million, down 46.18 per cent from RMB 342.72 million in the previous-year period. Although the cash outflow narrowed substantially compared with the figure cited in the company’s previous reporting context, the difference between profit growth and operating cash generation remains an important factor for investors to monitor. In the second quarter, revenue reached approximately RMB 1.17 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 0.6 per cent. Net profit attributable to the parent company declined 9.2 per cent to RMB 23.23 million, while net profit excluding non-recurring items increased 6.7 per cent to RMB 22.77 million. Second-quarter earnings per share were RMB 0.0358. As of June 30, the company’s total assets stood at RMB 8.987 billion, up 3.06 per cent from the end of 2025. Net assets attributable to shareholders were RMB 4.178 billion, down 1.69 per cent from the previous year-end. The balance sheet also reflected a rise in working-capital requirements. Accounts receivable increased to approximately RMB 1.115 billion from RMB 736.06 million at the end of 2025, while inventories rose to RMB 1.425 billion from RMB 1.321 billion. Short-term borrowings increased to RMB 2.129 billion from RMB 1.504 billion, and long-term borrowings reached RMB 991.24 million. The company said the global pesticide industry experienced a period of adjustment from 2023 through 2025, affected by lower agricultural-commodity prices, elevated distribution inventories and changes in downstream purchasing cycles. As inventories were gradually digested, market supply and demand began to improve. Changqing said that pesticide demand in 2026 increasingly reflected actual agricultural consumption rather than only channel restocking. The company expects long-term demand to remain supported by population growth, food-security requirements and the continuing need to improve agricultural productivity. The company’s strategic focus is on the development, manufacture and sale of efficient, low-toxicity and low-residue pesticides. It is also seeking to improve its product structure, expand higher-value offerings and strengthen its position in markets where regulatory and environmental requirements are becoming more demanding. Fungicides were the strongest growth area in the first half. Revenue from the fungicide product series reached RMB 286.06 million, an increase of 64.63 per cent year-on-year. Fungicides accounted for 13.2 per cent of total revenue, compared with 8.34 per cent in the first half of 2025. Herbicides remained the largest product category, generating RMB 961.33 million in revenue, down 9.29 per cent year-on-year and accounting for 44.38 per cent of total revenue. Insecticide revenue increased 10.96 per cent to RMB 872.50 million, representing 40.27 per cent of total revenue. Revenue from plant-growth regulators declined 11.70 per cent to RMB 7.20 million. Service revenue fell 13.77 per cent to RMB 31.80 million, while other revenue declined 58.41 per cent to RMB 7.52 million. The product mix shows that Changqing remains dependent on herbicides and insecticides, but the expansion of fungicide sales is beginning to provide an additional growth engine. Whether this momentum is sustained will depend on product competitiveness, pricing, registrations, market demand and the company’s ability to manage production costs. The company is also exploring new e-commerce sales models to support brand promotion and broaden distribution channels. The initiative reflects changes in agricultural-input distribution, although pesticide sales remain subject to registration, labelling, application, compliance and traceability requirements. During the reporting period, Changqing increased its research and development investment to RMB 109.89 million, up 23.75 per cent from RMB 88.79 million a year earlier. The company said it was strengthening independent innovation and promoting the development and application of green and environmentally friendly pesticide products. Its portfolio includes more than 50 active-ingredient products and more than 170 formulations across herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, according to the half-year report. Changqing’s operating model combines the production and sale of active ingredients with the manufacture and distribution of formulations. Most active ingredients are sold to other pesticide companies, including export customers, for further processing into formulations. A portion is processed by Changqing’s own formulation businesses and sold through distributors. The company said its domestic products are sold across more than 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Its products are also exported, directly or through intermediaries, to markets across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. Export revenue remains material. Direct exports generated RMB 637.61 million in the first half, down 5.52 per cent year-on-year, while indirect exports rose 23.58 per cent to RMB 509.16 million. Together, direct and indirect exports accounted for approximately 52.93 per cent of total revenue. Domestic regional performance was mixed. Revenue from central and southern China increased 37.08 per cent, while revenue from southwestern China rose 60.09 per cent. Revenue from eastern China was broadly stable, while northern China recorded a decline. The company said it continued to adjust production and pricing in response to raw-material trends and market demand. It also pursued cost reduction through process optimisation, technical improvements and management upgrades. Research and product development remain central to Changqing’s strategy. The company operates a national-level postdoctoral research station, a provincial enterprise technology centre and an industry-level quality-testing facility. It also works with research institutes and external technical advisers. Changqing has highlighted its focus on higher-efficiency and lower-residue products as a response to stricter environmental and agricultural regulations. The company said it has invested in cleaner production, wastewater treatment, solid-waste treatment and waste-gas control, including biological treatment systems, incineration facilities and regenerative thermal oxidisation equipment. The half-year report also identifies several risks. These include price competition, capacity-expansion risk, raw-material volatility, safety and environmental compliance, changes in industry policy and fluctuations in the international trade environment. Raw materials account for approximately 70 per cent of production costs, according to the report. As a result, price changes in petrochemical-related inputs can directly affect margins. The company said it has some ability to pass on cost changes and benefits from scale in procurement, but pricing adjustments may lag behind movements in raw-material costs. Capacity expansion may also create pressure if new production comes online faster than demand or distribution channels can absorb it. Higher fixed assets and depreciation could weigh on profit if utilisation and market penetration do not increase as planned. The international business creates additional exposure. Changes in pesticide residue standards, anti-dumping or countervailing investigations, import rules and registration requirements could affect export sales. Changqing’s first-half results show a company operating in a market that is stabilising but not yet free of volatility. Revenue growth was modest, but recurring profit expanded substantially, fungicide sales accelerated and research investment increased. At the same time, the company faces pressure from negative operating cash flow, higher receivables, increased short-term borrowings, raw-material costs and uneven product demand. The improvement in recurring earnings will need to translate into stronger cash generation for the recovery to be considered durable. For Changqing, the key performance indicators in the second half will be the sustainability of fungicide growth, the recovery of herbicide demand, the movement of product prices, inventory and receivables management, cash-flow conversion and the commissioning of new or modified capacity. The half-year report presents a business attempting to improve its product mix while navigating a complex pesticide cycle. Fungicides are emerging as the clearest growth category, but the company’s longer-term performance will depend on whether it can convert that growth into stronger margins, better working-capital discipline and more consistent operating cash flow. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4451/fao-seeks-time-sensitive-support-to-protect-afghanistans-2027-wheat-harvest-ahead-of-critical-planting-window.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4451/fao-seeks-time-sensitive-support-to-protect-afghanistans-2027-wheat-harvest-ahead-of-critical-planting-window.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:36:31 +0530 Rising fertilizer prices are threatening Afghanistan's 2027 wheat harvest just as farmers prepare for what could be one of the country's most promising wheat-growing seasons in years. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is appealing for $38.3 million to enable up to 600,000 farming households to access fertilizer and certified wheat seed ahead of Afghanistan's winter wheat planting season.  The sharp increase in fertilizer prices follows disruptions to global markets linked to the 2026 Middle East crisis. For Afghanistan's farmers, the consequences could be severe. With naturally low soil fertility, wheat production depends on adequate applications of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea.   Winter wheat is Afghanistan’s principal staple crop and accounts for over two-thirds of annual fertilizer demand. Rising prices mean many farmers may be forced to reduce fertilizer use or cultivate smaller areas, resulting in lower production, reduced household food availability and increased debt.  The impact is expected to be most severe for households already facing economic pressures, including women-headed households, returnee families and food-insecure rural communities with limited capacity to absorb additional costs and shocks.   “Afghanistan’s farmers have an opportunity to benefit from a stronger agricultural season after a harsh drought year, but rising fertilizer prices threaten to put that opportunity out of reach for many of the families who need it most,” said Richard Trenchard, FAO Representative in Afghanistan. “This is not a supply crisis; it is an affordability crisis at one of the most important moments in the agricultural calendar. Fertilizer is available, yet too many farmers cannot afford to buy it.”  The effects of rising fertilizer prices are already being felt across the country. In Nimroz province, farmer Din Mohammad says the informal arrangements that once helped farmers obtain fertilizer are no longer available.  “In the past, shopkeepers that we knew used to lend us fertilizers. Now, nobody lends us anything,” he said. “If I don’t use fertilizers, I will not get any benefit from my land.”  For others, the choice is between agricultural inputs and immediate household needs. “I don’t know whether to take care of my family or spend money on seed and fertilizer,” said Wakil, a farmer in the same province.  “Years of investment by FAO and its partners have helped strengthen Afghanistan’s seed system and expand farmers’ access to quality seed. But seed and fertilizer go hand in hand,” said Trenchard. “Without fertilizer, many farmers will be unable to achieve the yields needed to support their communities. The window for action is narrow. Farmers are making decisions now about how much land they can cultivate and whether they can afford the inputs needed for a successful harvest. Timely support is far more cost-effective than responding to the consequences of lower food production and increased humanitarian needs next year.”  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4447/new-flagchem-compound-shows-potential-against-phytophthora-crop-diseases.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4447/new-flagchem-compound-shows-potential-against-phytophthora-crop-diseases.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:47:15 +0530 Jiangsu Flag Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Flagchem) has been granted a national invention patent for a novel fungicide compound designed to control a range of destructive plant diseases caused by oomycetes. The patent was granted on August 4, 2026, and is titled “Compound Containing Chain Carboxylic Acid Amide Structure, Preparation Method and Application Thereof, and Fungicide.” It covers the compound, its preparation method, its application in crop protection and fungicidal formulations. According to the company, the patented compounds are effective against several commercially significant oomycete diseases, including cucumber downy mildew, late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans and diseases caused by Phytophthora capsici. Research data indicate that the compounds deliver efficacy comparable to oxathiapiprolin, a leading commercial fungicide used to control oomycete pathogens. The patent could provide Flagchem with a potential new platform for developing fungicides aimed at one of the more difficult areas of crop protection. Oomycete diseases can spread rapidly under favourable environmental conditions and are responsible for significant yield and quality losses across horticultural and field crops. Their management is also complicated by the development of resistance and the relatively limited availability of effective treatment options. The new compound structure may therefore offer value not only as a standalone fungicide, but also as a possible tool for resistance management. If developed and commercialised, it could be used in rotation or combination programmes designed to reduce reliance on existing modes of action and extend the useful life of commercially available products. The patent’s chain carboxylic acid amide structure is central to the company’s intellectual property. Along with covering the compound itself, the patent protects its preparation and application, potentially giving Flagchem greater control over future product development, registration and commercial deployment. However, the patent represents an early stage in the commercialisation process. Further work will be required to evaluate field performance across crops and geographies, determine application rates, complete regulatory requirements and assess manufacturing economics. The eventual market opportunity will also depend on product registrations, farmer demand and the company’s ability to establish a competitive supply and distribution network. Flagchem’s latest patent adds to a broader increase in the company’s research and development activity. According to its 2025 annual report, the company invested USD 14.02 million, or RMB 95.21 million, in R&D during the year. R&D spending increased 16.42 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the company’s focus on developing new active ingredients, formulations and crop-protection technologies. The company has also secured six patents since the beginning of 2026, a 500 per cent increase over the corresponding period of 2025. The pace of patent activity suggests that Flagchem is seeking to strengthen its technology pipeline and reduce dependence on established products in an increasingly competitive agrochemical market. The new patent could support that strategy by expanding the company’s presence in the high-value fungicide segment. Products with strong efficacy against oomycete diseases are commercially important because growers often have limited alternatives when outbreaks threaten crops. A compound that combines effective disease control with a differentiated mode of action could attract interest from crop-protection companies, distributors and growers. For Flagchem, successful commercialisation would offer more than an additional product. It could help deepen the company’s portfolio in premium fungicides, create opportunities for technology licensing or partnerships and support growth in domestic and international markets. The patent also reflects the wider importance of innovation in agricultural chemicals. As resistance increases, regulations become stricter and growers seek more efficient disease-management solutions, agrochemical companies are under pressure to develop products that deliver reliable performance while supporting sustainable use. Flagchem’s patented compound is not yet a commercial product, and its market impact will depend on the outcome of development and regulatory processes. Nevertheless, the technology marks a significant addition to the company’s research pipeline and could become an important growth opportunity if its laboratory performance is confirmed under field conditions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4441/aapresid-2026-argentinas-bioinputs-growth-hinges-on-knowledge-confidence-and-adoption.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4441/aapresid-2026-argentinas-bioinputs-growth-hinges-on-knowledge-confidence-and-adoption.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:46:38 +0530 Argentina has significant potential to accelerate the adoption of biological agricultural inputs, but the next stage of market development will depend increasingly on local knowledge, field validation and farmer confidence in product performance, according to Ignacio Moyano, vice president of business development LATAM at DunhamTrimmer. Speaking during the panel “Biologicals: A Global Perspective” at the Aapresid Congress 2026, Moyano said Argentina remains several steps behind other Latin American markets in terms of biologicals adoption, but has the fundamentals needed to accelerate growth. The panel, which also included Dr. Fabricio Cassán, principal researcher at the Institute of Agrobiotechnology (INIAB-CONICET), and Solène Mira, technical coordinator at Aapresid, was moderated by consultant Martín Torres Duggan. Discussions focused on the barriers and opportunities shaping the adoption of biological solutions in Argentine agriculture. “One of the main consensuses was that the barriers are no longer only about technology availability,” Moyano said. “The challenge is to generate more local information, strengthen field development and build greater confidence in results.” The strong attendance at the session underscored the growing interest. According to Moyano, the room was packed, with extensive participation and questions from the audience, indicating that biologicals have moved beyond a niche discussion within Argentine agriculture. “The interest in biologicals is already established. The challenge now is to continue transforming that interest into knowledge, confidence and adoption,” he said. For DunhamTrimmer, this transition represents a decisive phase for Argentina. The market has considerable room to expand as farmers seek production systems that combine efficiency, sustainability and improved resource use. However, converting market interest into sustained adoption will require technologies to demonstrate consistent performance under local agronomic and climatic conditions. This places greater importance on field trials, technical support and locally generated performance data. Rather than simply increasing the availability of biological products, companies will need to demonstrate how technologies fit into existing crop-management systems and deliver reliable results at farm scale. Argentina’s $ 118 mln bioinputs market Argentina’s bioinputs market is valued at approximately $ 118 million, according to CASAFE (Agricultural and Fertilizer Health Chamber), representing a 10.9 per cent  increase from 2023 and equivalent to around 4 per cent  of the conventional crop protection market. The market remains highly fragmented, with a strong presence of local companies. Inoculants account for the largest share, representing 39.7 per cent  of the market, followed by foliar biostimulants at 30.8 per cent  and seed-treatment biostimulants at 17.1 per cent  . Pheromones represent 8.7 per cent  , while bioinsecticides account for 2.9 per cent  and biofungicides for 0.83 per cent  . The data indicate that Argentina’s biological-inputs industry is still primarily built around inoculation and biostimulation, while biological crop protection is gradually gaining ground in specific segments. The analysis also highlights the characteristics of the Argentine production system. With approximately 20 million hectares under an extensive, soybean-led production model, adoption of biological technologies is strongly focused on seed treatment and remains selective. Nutritional efficiency and economic return are identified as key adoption drivers, while pressure on farm margins and rigorous technical validation constrain the pace of uptake. The country’s technical leadership and relatively conservative adoption behavior represent another defining feature. CASAFE also points to a high degree of specialization in applied microbiology, alongside a regulatory framework that is evolving compared with Brazil. Biocontrol remains smaller, but growth is accelerating The biocontrol market accounted for 12.4 per cent  of Argentina’s bioinputs market, compared with 87.6 per cent  for the combined inoculants and biostimulants categories. Adoption is concentrated primarily in horticulture, fruit production and other systems with higher technical intensity. However, the growth rates point to a rapidly changing segment. Biofungicides increased 98.3 per cent  in value in 2024, according to CASAFE, making them the fastest-growing segment in the recent period. Total biocontrol recorded an average annual growth rate of 11 per cent  over the past five years, while bioinsecticides declined 31 per cent  in 2024, partly reflecting lower insect pressure and reduced treated area. The data suggest that Argentina is gradually moving from a market dominated by inoculation toward more complex biological solutions. The transition, however, is likely to be gradual. That reinforces Moyano’s assessment at Aapresid: the opportunity is substantial, but market expansion will depend on the industry’s ability to turn technical evidence into confidence and confidence into adoption. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4438/sumitomo-chemical-deepens-presence-in-natural-crop-protection-with-pyragro-acquisition.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4438/sumitomo-chemical-deepens-presence-in-natural-crop-protection-with-pyragro-acquisition.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:48:55 +0530 Sumitomo Chemical has expanded its sustainable crop protection portfolio with the acquisition of Pyragro S.r.l., the plant protection subsidiary of Italian company COPYR S.p.A., strengthening its position in the fast-growing market for biorational and naturally derived agricultural inputs across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The transaction, completed on August 3, 2026, saw Sumitomo Chemical Italia S.r.l., the company's Italian subsidiary, acquire 100 per cent ownership of Pyragro, adding an established portfolio of natural pyrethrin-based crop protection products and a broad portfolio of product registrations spanning Italy and multiple EMEA markets. The acquisition reflects increasing global demand for biological and naturally sourced crop protection solutions as regulators tighten restrictions on conventional chemistries and growers seek more sustainable pest management tools. Pyragro specializes in insecticides derived from natural pyrethrum, a botanical active ingredient recognized for its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of insect pests while supporting integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The company also brings valuable regulatory dossiers and product registrations that will strengthen Sumitomo Chemical's commercial platform across the region. For Sumitomo Chemical, the acquisition represents a strategic addition to its expanding biorational crop protection business, complementing its existing portfolio of naturally occurring pest control technologies, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-based products. "This transaction will support Sumitomo Chemical group's continued expansion in EMEA's biorational business while further enhancing its crop protection portfolio, particularly in naturally occurring insecticide products," said Tadashi Katayama, Managing Executive Officer of Sumitomo Chemical. The deal also reflects the Japanese company's broader strategy of expanding its sustainable agriculture portfolio through targeted acquisitions that combine innovative technologies with established regulatory assets and market access. For COPYR and its parent company Zelnova Zeltia, the divestment marks a strategic realignment that allows the group to concentrate resources on its core Home Care, Personal Care and Professional businesses while placing its agricultural operations under an owner focused exclusively on crop protection. "The divestment of Pyragro is consistent with our strategy of concentrating the Zelnova-COPYR group's resources and investment on its core businesses," said Pedro González Blanco, Chief Executive Officer of COPYR. "Sumitomo Chemical is the right long-term owner for Pyragro given its crop protection expertise, international presence and commitment to sustainable agriculture." Industry analysts view the transaction as part of a broader wave of consolidation in the global crop protection industry, where companies are increasingly investing in biologicals, botanical pesticides and other lower-impact technologies to address evolving regulatory requirements and changing grower preferences. By integrating Pyragro's regulatory portfolio, commercial capabilities and expertise in natural pyrethrin formulations, Sumitomo Chemical is positioning itself to capture growing demand for sustainable pest management solutions while reinforcing its long-term growth strategy in one of the world's most important agricultural markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4436/pepsico-broadens-global-low-carbon-fertilizer-network-through-envision-energy-agreement.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4436/pepsico-broadens-global-low-carbon-fertilizer-network-through-envision-energy-agreement.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:30:58 +0530 Envision Energy has expanded its role in the global low-carbon agriculture transition by delivering low-carbon ammonia environmental attribute certificates (EACs) to PepsiCo for use across its Asia-Pacific operations, marking another step in the food company's strategy to reduce emissions embedded within its agricultural supply chain. The agreement enables PepsiCo to account for lower-carbon ammonia-based fertilizers through a verified certificate system that confirms an equivalent volume of ammonia has been produced using lower-emission methods. Rather than requiring the physical delivery of green ammonia to every farming location, the EAC mechanism allows companies to recognize environmental benefits while supporting the scale-up of low-carbon fertilizer production. The transaction extends PepsiCo's expanding network of sustainable fertilizer partnerships beyond North America and Europe into the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting growing corporate efforts to tackle Scope 3 emissions, which account for the majority of food companies' overall carbon footprints. The latest agreement follows several strategic fertilizer partnerships announced by PepsiCo during 2026. Earlier this year, the company secured certified low-carbon urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) supplies through CF Industries for its U.S. potato supply chain while also signing long-term low-carbon ammonia agreements with TalusAg, Fertiberia, and Yara to support operations across Europe and Latin America. Collectively, those agreements are expected to cover approximately 50 per cent of PepsiCo's global fertilizer demand by 2030. For Envision Energy, the partnership reinforces its ambitions beyond renewable power generation. Best known as one of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers, the China-based company has rapidly expanded its green hydrogen and green ammonia portfolio through its Envision Green Technology business, leveraging renewable energy assets across Asia and Europe to support industrial decarbonization. The collaboration also highlights the growing role of environmental attribute certificates in accelerating fertilizer decarbonization, particularly in markets where physical supplies of low-carbon ammonia remain limited. By separating the environmental value of low-carbon production from physical product delivery, EACs offer food manufacturers a flexible pathway to reduce emissions while supporting investment in emerging green ammonia infrastructure. As global food companies face increasing pressure to lower agricultural emissions without compromising food production, market-based mechanisms such as EACs are emerging as an important bridge between sustainability commitments and the gradual expansion of low-carbon fertilizer supply chains. The agreement underscores a broader shift across the agrifood sector, where fertilizer sourcing is becoming a strategic component of corporate climate strategies, alongside regenerative agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable procurement initiatives. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4429/usda-opens-funding-window-to-advance-u-s-biofertilizer-exports-and-sustainable-farming-in-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4429/usda-opens-funding-window-to-advance-u-s-biofertilizer-exports-and-sustainable-farming-in-vietnam.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:58:01 +0530 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new initiative aimed at expanding the presence of American-made biofertilizers in Vietnam, opening applications for $500,000 in technical assistance funding to accelerate adoption of sustainable crop nutrition technologies while strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation. Administered through the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the programme invites universities, agricultural trade associations and nonprofit organizations to lead technical activities designed to improve market access for U.S. fertilizer enhancement products and support Vietnam's transition toward more efficient nutrient management practices. The initiative reflects growing international efforts to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint by improving fertilizer-use efficiency without compromising crop productivity. As governments seek to curb nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions, biofertilizers and enhanced-efficiency fertilizers are increasingly emerging as important alternatives to conventional synthetic nutrient inputs. Under the programme, the selected organization will assess the agronomic performance of U.S.-manufactured biofertilizers—including products such as liquid fish fertilizer—to determine their ability to sustain crop yields while reducing nitrogen leaching in both the United States and Vietnam. The project is expected to generate technical evidence supporting wider adoption of biological and enhanced-efficiency nutrient technologies across diverse production systems. Beyond field evaluation, the initiative will contribute scientific expertise to Vietnam's evolving fertilizer management framework. Particular emphasis will be placed on microbial coating technologies and other advanced fertilizer enhancement products capable of improving nutrient-use efficiency, reducing environmental losses and supporting long-term soil health. The programme also includes a strong knowledge-exchange component. Planned activities feature a technical outreach mission involving U.S. organic rice producers, creating opportunities for direct engagement with Vietnamese stakeholders on sustainable rice production practices and biological nutrient management. To strengthen commercial outcomes, the project will monitor the import performance of at least three U.S.-manufactured biofertilizers or fertilizer enhancement products entering the Vietnamese market. The initiative is expected to generate market intelligence that can guide future export strategies while supporting broader adoption of American agricultural technologies. The funding announcement underscores the USDA's broader strategy of combining scientific collaboration, technical assistance and trade promotion to expand international opportunities for U.S. agricultural innovation. With global demand increasing for climate-smart farming inputs, Vietnam is emerging as a strategic market for biological crop nutrition products that improve productivity while reducing the environmental impacts associated with conventional fertilizer use. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4424/mosaic-cuts-costs-scales-back-production-as-brazil-fertilizer-business-faces-mounting-pressure.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4424/mosaic-cuts-costs-scales-back-production-as-brazil-fertilizer-business-faces-mounting-pressure.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:35:21 +0530 The Mosaic Company reported a challenging second quarter for 2026 as elevated raw material costs, production curtailments and weaker fertilizer demand in Brazil weighed heavily on financial performance, prompting the global crop nutrient producer to intensify cost controls while positioning for a market recovery. The company posted a net loss of $273 million, compared with a profit in the corresponding quarter last year, while adjusted EBITDA declined to $407 million as higher sulfur and ammonia costs eroded margins across its phosphate operations and Brazilian fertilizer business. Management attributed much of the pressure to continued disruptions in global sulfur markets, which have significantly increased production costs throughout the phosphate value chain. In response, Mosaic has implemented a broad strategy aimed at preserving financial flexibility. The company reduced phosphate production, lowered capital expenditure guidance, curtailed operating costs and continued reshaping its asset portfolio, including divesting its Carlsbad potash mine and advancing strategic alternatives for selected Brazilian assets. A new $1 billion term loan has also strengthened liquidity while allowing the company to refinance near-term obligations. The phosphate business remained under the greatest pressure during the quarter. Although stronger selling prices partially offset higher input costs, reduced operating rates and lower production volumes significantly affected profitability. Additional production curtailments introduced in July are expected to continue weighing on third-quarter performance as sulfur affordability remains a critical constraint across global phosphate manufacturing. Brazil also emerged as a major area of weakness. Mosaic Fertilizantes recorded lower sales volumes and operating losses after domestic fertilizer production was scaled back amid elevated sulfur prices and subdued market demand. While commodity fertilizer operations are being idled, the company's animal nutrition business continues to deliver profitable growth, highlighting diverging dynamics within its Brazilian portfolio. In contrast, Mosaic's biosciences division continued to expand rapidly. The business introduced five new biological products during the first half of 2026 and expects to launch several more before year-end, with annual sales projected to double compared with 2025. The performance reflects the company's longer-term strategy of diversifying beyond conventional fertilizers into biological crop nutrition and sustainable agricultural technologies. Despite current operational challenges, Mosaic believes fertilizer market fundamentals remain supportive over the medium term. Rising agricultural commodity prices, tightening nutrient inventories and sustained crop nutrient removal are expected to underpin demand, although ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions in sulfur and ammonia supply continue to create short-term volatility. The company expects phosphate markets to remain supply constrained through the remainder of 2026, while potash demand continues to show resilience across major agricultural regions, including India, North America, Brazil and China. Management indicated that while market conditions remain difficult, the company is positioning itself to respond quickly once raw material markets stabilize. By preserving production capacity, improving capital discipline and expanding its biological solutions portfolio, Mosaic aims to emerge stronger as global fertilizer markets gradually recover. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4425/mosaic-cuts-costs-scales-back-production-as-brazil-fertilizer-business-faces-mounting-pressure.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4425/mosaic-cuts-costs-scales-back-production-as-brazil-fertilizer-business-faces-mounting-pressure.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:35:22 +0530 The Mosaic Company reported a challenging second quarter for 2026 as elevated raw material costs, production curtailments and weaker fertilizer demand in Brazil weighed heavily on financial performance, prompting the global crop nutrient producer to intensify cost controls while positioning for a market recovery. The company posted a net loss of $273 million, compared with a profit in the corresponding quarter last year, while adjusted EBITDA declined to $407 million as higher sulfur and ammonia costs eroded margins across its phosphate operations and Brazilian fertilizer business. Management attributed much of the pressure to continued disruptions in global sulfur markets, which have significantly increased production costs throughout the phosphate value chain. In response, Mosaic has implemented a broad strategy aimed at preserving financial flexibility. The company reduced phosphate production, lowered capital expenditure guidance, curtailed operating costs and continued reshaping its asset portfolio, including divesting its Carlsbad potash mine and advancing strategic alternatives for selected Brazilian assets. A new $1 billion term loan has also strengthened liquidity while allowing the company to refinance near-term obligations. The phosphate business remained under the greatest pressure during the quarter. Although stronger selling prices partially offset higher input costs, reduced operating rates and lower production volumes significantly affected profitability. Additional production curtailments introduced in July are expected to continue weighing on third-quarter performance as sulfur affordability remains a critical constraint across global phosphate manufacturing. Brazil also emerged as a major area of weakness. Mosaic Fertilizantes recorded lower sales volumes and operating losses after domestic fertilizer production was scaled back amid elevated sulfur prices and subdued market demand. While commodity fertilizer operations are being idled, the company's animal nutrition business continues to deliver profitable growth, highlighting diverging dynamics within its Brazilian portfolio. In contrast, Mosaic's biosciences division continued to expand rapidly. The business introduced five new biological products during the first half of 2026 and expects to launch several more before year-end, with annual sales projected to double compared with 2025. The performance reflects the company's longer-term strategy of diversifying beyond conventional fertilizers into biological crop nutrition and sustainable agricultural technologies. Despite current operational challenges, Mosaic believes fertilizer market fundamentals remain supportive over the medium term. Rising agricultural commodity prices, tightening nutrient inventories and sustained crop nutrient removal are expected to underpin demand, although ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions in sulfur and ammonia supply continue to create short-term volatility. The company expects phosphate markets to remain supply constrained through the remainder of 2026, while potash demand continues to show resilience across major agricultural regions, including India, North America, Brazil and China. Management indicated that while market conditions remain difficult, the company is positioning itself to respond quickly once raw material markets stabilize. By preserving production capacity, improving capital discipline and expanding its biological solutions portfolio, Mosaic aims to emerge stronger as global fertilizer markets gradually recover. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4426/mosaic-cuts-costs-scales-back-production-as-brazil-fertilizer-business-faces-mounting-pressure.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4426/mosaic-cuts-costs-scales-back-production-as-brazil-fertilizer-business-faces-mounting-pressure.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:35:22 +0530 The Mosaic Company reported a challenging second quarter for 2026 as elevated raw material costs, production curtailments and weaker fertilizer demand in Brazil weighed heavily on financial performance, prompting the global crop nutrient producer to intensify cost controls while positioning for a market recovery. The company posted a net loss of $273 million, compared with a profit in the corresponding quarter last year, while adjusted EBITDA declined to $407 million as higher sulfur and ammonia costs eroded margins across its phosphate operations and Brazilian fertilizer business. Management attributed much of the pressure to continued disruptions in global sulfur markets, which have significantly increased production costs throughout the phosphate value chain. In response, Mosaic has implemented a broad strategy aimed at preserving financial flexibility. The company reduced phosphate production, lowered capital expenditure guidance, curtailed operating costs and continued reshaping its asset portfolio, including divesting its Carlsbad potash mine and advancing strategic alternatives for selected Brazilian assets. A new $1 billion term loan has also strengthened liquidity while allowing the company to refinance near-term obligations. The phosphate business remained under the greatest pressure during the quarter. Although stronger selling prices partially offset higher input costs, reduced operating rates and lower production volumes significantly affected profitability. Additional production curtailments introduced in July are expected to continue weighing on third-quarter performance as sulfur affordability remains a critical constraint across global phosphate manufacturing. Brazil also emerged as a major area of weakness. Mosaic Fertilizantes recorded lower sales volumes and operating losses after domestic fertilizer production was scaled back amid elevated sulfur prices and subdued market demand. While commodity fertilizer operations are being idled, the company's animal nutrition business continues to deliver profitable growth, highlighting diverging dynamics within its Brazilian portfolio. In contrast, Mosaic's biosciences division continued to expand rapidly. The business introduced five new biological products during the first half of 2026 and expects to launch several more before year-end, with annual sales projected to double compared with 2025. The performance reflects the company's longer-term strategy of diversifying beyond conventional fertilizers into biological crop nutrition and sustainable agricultural technologies. Despite current operational challenges, Mosaic believes fertilizer market fundamentals remain supportive over the medium term. Rising agricultural commodity prices, tightening nutrient inventories and sustained crop nutrient removal are expected to underpin demand, although ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions in sulfur and ammonia supply continue to create short-term volatility. The company expects phosphate markets to remain supply constrained through the remainder of 2026, while potash demand continues to show resilience across major agricultural regions, including India, North America, Brazil and China. Management indicated that while market conditions remain difficult, the company is positioning itself to respond quickly once raw material markets stabilize. By preserving production capacity, improving capital discipline and expanding its biological solutions portfolio, Mosaic aims to emerge stronger as global fertilizer markets gradually recover. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4421/nantong-jiangshan-secures-rmb-1-185-bn-in-over-subscribed-convertible-bond-listing-to-fuel-sustainable-agrochemical-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4421/nantong-jiangshan-secures-rmb-1-185-bn-in-over-subscribed-convertible-bond-listing-to-fuel-sustainable-agrochemical-expansion.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:04:28 +0530 Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals Co Ltd announced the comprehensive publication of the listing statement for its convertible corporate bond issuance aimed at general investors, completing a strategic multi-year financing initiative. The financing effort, spanning two years and seven months, successfully progressed through six board deliberations, three general shareholder meetings, approval from the Shanghai Stock Exchange Listing Review Committee at its 22nd meeting on May 21, 2026, and final registration approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission under CSRC Permit [2026] No. 1417 issued on June 12, 2026. Following the completion of subscription procedures on July 14, 2026, the instruments—officially named "Jiangnong Convertible Bonds" under bond code 110102—will commence public trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange starting August 5, 2026. The total issuance volume reaches RMB 1.185 billion, represented by 11.85 million individual bonds with a face value of RMB 100 each. Formulated with a six-year tenor expiring on July 13, 2032, the bonds carry a progressive step-up coupon structure starting at 0.20 percent in the first year, followed by 0.40 percent in year two, 0.60 percent in year three, 1.50 percent in year four, 1.80 percent in year five, and reaching 2.00 percent in the final year, concluding with a guaranteed maturity redemption at 108 percent of nominal value. The conversion period initiates on January 20, 2027, with an initial conversion price set at RMB 20.64 per share, underpinned by investor protection clauses including an 85 percent downward price revision trigger, a 130 percent conditional forced redemption threshold, and a 70 percent put option during the terminal period. Both the issuer and the bond issue have received an AA+ credit rating with a stable outlook from Dongfang Jincheng. Investor demand across all channels resulted in an almost complete clearance of the subscription pool. Existing shareholders exercised preferential allocation rights to absorb RMB 848 million, or 71.60 percent of the total issue, led by the company's largest shareholder, Nantong Industrial Holdings Group, which subscribed to its full proportional entitlement of RMB 343 million. Institutional and public online investors accounted for RMB 331 million (27.95 percent), leaving a negligible underwriter balance of RMB 5.426 million (0.46 percent). Principal institutional bondholders joining the top-tier register alongside Nantong Industrial Holdings include the Social Security Fund 110 Portfolio, ZhongOu Times Pioneer, and Xingquan Global Vision. Net proceeds from the offering totaling RMB 1,173,701,200 will be deployed across three core capital allocation channels to expand technical capabilities, drive eco-friendly chemical innovation, and solidify financial stability. RMB 548,701,200 is committed to a new green herbicide active ingredient and formulation build focused on Isoxafenacil, a proprietary uracil-structured PPO-inhibitor herbicide backed by independent intellectual property. Commercialized at the Zhijiang production base with initial manufacturing costs reduced by over 10 percent, this facility expansion will reinforce market barriers in high-efficiency weed control. A second allocation of RMB 340,000,000 funds a technical renovation project designed to produce 10,000 annual tons of S-metolachlor—a mainstream pre-emergence selective herbicide for corn, soybean, and peanut crops—alongside byproduct recycling systems. The remaining RMB 285,000,000 will directly supplement working capital to strengthen liquidity and operational resilience. Together, the two primary production developments represent approximately 75.7 percent of net capital usage, executed through a coordinated multi-base geographic framework. This expansion strategy links the Guizhou manufacturing base—which utilizes local mineral reserves to build a circular phosphate chemical chain—with the Hubei base, dedicated to high-end green pesticides and active intermediate manufacturing, creating operational synergies with the primary central headquarters in Nantong. This multi-site integration provides crucial structural depth and market leadership while small and medium-sized competitors face accelerated clearing amid ongoing industry consolidation. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4419/lier-chemical-maps-synthetic-biology-growth-strategy-with-china-resources-double-crane.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4419/lier-chemical-maps-synthetic-biology-growth-strategy-with-china-resources-double-crane.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:53:49 +0530 Lier Chemical has unveiled the strategic roadmap underpinning its partnership with new shareholder China Resources Double-Crane, positioning the collaboration as a long-term platform to accelerate synthetic biology commercialization while expanding into next-generation bio-based industries. During a recent institutional investor briefing, Lier Chemical's management detailed the strategic rationale behind the partnership, emphasizing complementary capabilities rather than overlapping investments. The alliance seeks to combine China Resources Double-Crane's growing synthetic biology research pipeline with Lier Chemical's large-scale manufacturing infrastructure and global agrochemical market presence. The strategy reflects a broader shift underway across China's life sciences and crop protection industries, where companies are increasingly seeking to integrate laboratory innovation with industrial-scale production to shorten commercialization cycles and improve returns on biotechnology investments. Bridging the Commercialization Gap Since entering the synthetic biology sector in 2022, China Resources Double-Crane has rapidly expanded its research capabilities. The company established a dedicated synthetic biology research institute in 2023, assembling more than 100 researchers and developing seven technology platforms supporting products across insecticides, fungicides and biostimulants. However, management acknowledged that translating laboratory breakthroughs into commercially viable products requires industrial capabilities extending beyond research, including manufacturing expertise, regulatory compliance, production scale-up and international distribution. Lier Chemical provides that missing industrial backbone. The company has developed one of China's largest integrated manufacturing platforms for glufosinate-ammonium and L-glufosinate-ammonium technical materials, supported by engineering strain development, pilot-scale validation, industrial fermentation, enzyme catalysis and bio-chemical process integration. By combining these capabilities, the partnership aims to establish an end-to-end innovation ecosystem where China Resources Double-Crane focuses on upstream technology development while Lier Chemical drives downstream manufacturing and commercialization. Three Strategic Synergies Lier Chemical outlined three principal areas where the collaboration is expected to create long-term value. The first is faster commercialization of innovation. Synthetic biology products developed by China Resources Double-Crane can move more rapidly from laboratory research into commercial production through Lier Chemical's established manufacturing platform, reducing development timelines and accelerating market entry. The second focuses on engineering integration. Management expects deeper convergence between synthetic biology and chemical manufacturing technologies, enabling more efficient production processes and improving commercialization economics for bio-based crop protection products. The third centers on global market expansion. Both companies possess established international marketing and distribution networks, creating opportunities to jointly commercialize new products across overseas markets while strengthening China's position in the global agricultural biotechnology value chain. Avoiding Capital Duplication Executives also stressed that the partnership is designed around capital efficiency rather than parallel investment. Instead of building duplicate infrastructure, both companies will leverage existing platforms and focus investment on their respective competitive strengths. This asset-light collaborative model is intended to accelerate innovation while reducing development costs. Looking ahead, Lier Chemical plans to strengthen its leadership in glufosinate-ammonium and L-glufosinate-ammonium while expanding into broader synthetic biology applications, including animal nutrition, plant nutrition, personal care ingredients and bio-based materials. The strategy reflects an industry-wide transition in which synthetic biology is evolving from a niche research discipline into a scalable industrial platform capable of reshaping multiple sectors beyond agriculture. As biotechnology and chemical manufacturing continue to converge, the partnership positions Lier Chemical to capture opportunities emerging from the next generation of sustainable industrial production, while providing China Resources Double-Crane with the commercialization capabilities needed to translate research into global business growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4417/eu-extends-approval-periods-for-21-crop-protection-active-substances-as-regulatory-reviews-continue.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4417/eu-extends-approval-periods-for-21-crop-protection-active-substances-as-regulatory-reviews-continue.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:08:33 +0530 The European Union has extended the approval periods of 21 active substances used in crop protection products, giving agrochemical companies and farmers additional regulatory certainty as scientific reviews of these molecules remain underway. The extension, adopted through a new European Commission implementing regulation, does not represent a fresh approval of the products. Instead, it prevents existing authorisations from expiring while regulators complete their ongoing assessments under the EU's rigorous pesticide renewal framework. The measure took effect on August 1, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted availability of several widely used fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators across the European market. The decision reflects a recurring challenge within the European Union's pesticide regulatory system. Active substances are approved only for fixed periods and must undergo comprehensive scientific reviews before their approvals can be renewed. However, the evaluation process—which involves assessments by member states, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission—often takes longer than the original approval period. Rather than forcing products off the market because of administrative timelines, the Commission can temporarily extend their approvals until the scientific reviews are completed. Among the substances receiving extended approval are several products that play important roles in European agriculture. Fungicides such as pyraclostrobin, cyprodinil, fludioxonil, fosetyl and penconazole remain essential tools for managing fungal diseases in cereals, fruits, vegetables and vineyards. Insecticides including pirimicarb and formetanate continue to be widely used against aphids and other sucking pests, while herbicides such as clomazone, dichlorprop-P and phenmedipham support weed management in a range of crops. The revised validity dates vary by active substance, reflecting the progress of individual renewal assessments. While the approval for pyraclostrobin has been extended until December 2026, other molecules have received significantly longer extensions. Penconazole, for example, will remain approved until February 2029, while substances including fosetyl and beflubutamid have been extended into 2028. For pesticide manufacturers, the decision removes the immediate uncertainty surrounding products approaching regulatory deadlines. Companies can continue manufacturing, marketing and supplying formulations containing these active ingredients while the European review process proceeds. The extensions are particularly significant because many of the affected molecules are well-established products with broad commercial use across the EU's fruit, vegetable, cereal and horticultural sectors. An interruption in approvals could have disrupted crop protection programmes, affected seasonal input planning and forced growers to switch to alternative products with little notice. For farmers, the decision provides continuity during upcoming growing seasons. Growers relying on these active substances for disease, weed or pest management will not have to alter their crop protection strategies solely because of pending regulatory reviews. However, the extensions should not be interpreted as permanent endorsements of the products. Each active substance must still complete the full scientific renewal process, and the final outcome could include renewal, restrictions on use or, in some cases, non-renewal depending on the evidence reviewed by regulators. The move also highlights the increasingly demanding nature of pesticide regulation in Europe. Under Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009, every active substance is reassessed against updated scientific standards covering human health, environmental safety, biodiversity, groundwater protection and potential risks to non-target organisms. As scientific requirements become more extensive and datasets grow larger, regulatory evaluations have become more time-consuming, making temporary approval extensions a more common feature of the EU's regulatory system. For the crop protection industry, the decision offers breathing space but not long-term certainty. Companies continue to invest heavily in new active ingredients, biological products and lower-risk technologies as regulatory expectations become more stringent. At the same time, manufacturers must continue generating additional scientific data to support renewal applications for established chemistries. The latest extensions therefore illustrate the balancing act facing European regulators. On one hand, authorities are under pressure to maintain one of the world's most rigorous pesticide approval systems. On the other, they must ensure that essential crop protection tools remain available until science-based assessments are completed, avoiding unnecessary disruption to agricultural production and food supply chains.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4416/nantong-jiangshan-raises-rmb-1-185-bn-to-strengthen-innovation-pipeline-amid-chinas-agrochemical-consolidation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4416/nantong-jiangshan-raises-rmb-1-185-bn-to-strengthen-innovation-pipeline-amid-chinas-agrochemical-consolidation.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:55:19 +0530 China's agrochemical industry is entering a new phase where capital is increasingly flowing toward proprietary technologies rather than conventional capacity expansion, and Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals Co., Ltd. is positioning itself at the centre of that transition. The company has completed a RMB 1.185 billion (approximately $165 million) convertible bond issuance, providing fresh capital to accelerate development of next-generation herbicides, expand high-value manufacturing capacity and strengthen its long-term competitive position in an industry undergoing rapid structural consolidation. The convertible bonds are scheduled to begin trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on August 5 under the name "Jiangnong Convertible Bonds", marking the culmination of a financing exercise that stretched over two years and seven months. During that period, the proposal underwent six board meetings, three shareholder approvals, review by the Shanghai Stock Exchange Listing Review Committee and final registration clearance from the China Securities Regulatory Commission before the issuance was completed in mid-July. The financing reflects a broader shift taking place across China's crop protection industry. As environmental regulations tighten, production standards become more demanding and price competition squeezes margins for generic pesticides, leading manufacturers are increasingly directing investments toward patented chemistries, integrated manufacturing systems and higher-value products capable of delivering stronger long-term returns. Jiangshan's allocation of proceeds underscores that strategy. Of the estimated RMB 1.174 billion in net funds raised, nearly 76 per cent will be invested directly into industrial projects aimed at expanding the company's innovation pipeline and manufacturing capabilities, while the remainder will strengthen working capital. The largest share, approximately RMB 548.7 million, has been earmarked for expanding production of a proprietary green herbicide technical-grade active ingredient and formulation project. The herbicide, a uracil-structured PPO inhibitor developed with independent intellectual property rights, has become one of Jiangshan's flagship innovation programmes in recent years. According to the company, industrial-scale production has already been established at its Zhijiang manufacturing base, where production costs have been reduced by more than 10 per cent compared with the initial commercialisation stage. The new investment is expected to substantially increase manufacturing capacity while reinforcing the company's position in the premium herbicide segment. Another RMB 340 million will fund a technical renovation programme that will add annual production capacity of 10,000 tonnes of chiral S-metolachlor technical material, alongside facilities designed for comprehensive utilisation of production by-products. S-metolachlor remains one of the world's most widely used pre-emergence herbicides for crops including maize, soybean and peanut, and continued demand for efficient weed management solutions has sustained its importance in global crop protection portfolios. The remaining RMB 285 million will be deployed as working capital, providing additional liquidity to support operations as new production assets come online. Beyond expanding individual products, the investment reflects Jiangshan's effort to build a geographically integrated manufacturing ecosystem. The company is coordinating production across facilities in Guizhou, Hubei and Nantong, linking upstream phosphorus chemical resources with downstream production of advanced pesticide intermediates and finished crop protection products. The Guizhou operation is being developed around a phosphorus-based circular chemical value chain, while the Hubei base is expected to focus on manufacturing high-end green pesticides and strategic intermediates. Together with the Nantong headquarters, the multi-location network is designed to improve resource utilisation, strengthen supply chain resilience and create operational synergies across the company's manufacturing platform. The financing also received strong backing from investors, reflecting confidence in Jiangshan's expansion strategy. Existing shareholders subscribed approximately RMB 848 million, representing 71.6 per cent of the total issuance, while public investors accounted for subscriptions of about RMB 331 million, or nearly 28 per cent of the offering. Only RMB 5.43 million, representing less than half of one per cent of the issue, remained underwritten, indicating that the offering was effectively fully subscribed. Among the major participants, the company's controlling shareholder, Nantong Industrial Holdings Group, subscribed fully in proportion to its existing shareholding. Several institutional investors, including investment funds and social security portfolios, also featured among the largest subscribers, suggesting broad institutional support for the company's long-term investment plans. The timing of the fundraising is notable. China's agrochemical sector has entered an era of accelerated consolidation, driven by stricter environmental compliance, rising operating costs and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Smaller manufacturers with limited technological differentiation are facing mounting pressure, while larger companies with stronger balance sheets and proprietary product portfolios are using fresh capital to expand market share and strengthen their competitive advantages. Industry analysts increasingly view innovation rather than production scale as the defining competitive factor for the next phase of China's crop protection industry. Companies capable of developing differentiated active ingredients, improving manufacturing efficiency and building integrated production ecosystems are expected to command stronger pricing power and higher margins than producers focused primarily on generic chemistries. Against that backdrop, Jiangshan's convertible bond issuance appears less like a conventional fundraising exercise and more like a strategic investment in future competitiveness. By directing most of the proceeds toward proprietary herbicides, advanced manufacturing technologies and integrated production infrastructure, the company is seeking to position itself for an industry where intellectual property, technological capability and operational efficiency are expected to become increasingly important determinants of long-term growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4411/bayer-seeks-australian-approval-for-next-generation-herbicide-to-tackle-resistant-weeds.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4411/bayer-seeks-australian-approval-for-next-generation-herbicide-to-tackle-resistant-weeds.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:53:54 +0530 Bayer has taken a significant step in expanding its herbicide innovation pipeline by submitting an application to Australia's pesticide regulator seeking approval for icafolin-methyl, a next-generation herbicide designed to help grain growers combat increasingly resistant weeds. If approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the herbicide could become available to Australian farmers from 2028, strengthening the industry's arsenal against herbicide resistance, one of the biggest threats to crop productivity. The submission underscores Bayer's long-term investment in crop protection research at a time when Australian growers are facing mounting challenges from difficult-to-control weeds and shrinking herbicide options. According to Bayer, weeds continue to be one of the leading causes of yield losses worldwide, increasing production costs and placing sustained pressure on farm profitability. As resistance continues to spread across key grain-growing regions, the company believes access to new herbicide chemistries will be essential alongside integrated weed management practices. Icafolin-methyl represents the first active ingredient from a new isoxazoline carboxamide chemical class to reach advanced development within Bayer's research pipeline. The herbicide has been developed primarily for grain production systems and introduces a new mode of action that could help diversify resistance management strategies. Australia has played an important role in the product's development through Bayer's long-standing Herbicide Innovation Partnership (HIP) with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The collaboration has enabled earlier field testing under Australian conditions, allowing researchers to evaluate the chemistry against local weed species and farming practices while positioning Australia among the priority markets for commercialisation. The development also marks the first herbicide built using CropKey®, Bayer's proprietary research platform that applies advanced computational design to optimise new crop protection molecules for efficacy, safety, environmental performance and ease of use. The company believes the technology will accelerate the discovery of future crop protection solutions while supporting more sustainable farming systems. Developing new herbicide chemistry has become increasingly complex, requiring more than a decade of research, extensive scientific validation and substantial investment before products can reach growers. Bayer noted that rigorous regulatory assessment remains a critical part of ensuring new crop protection technologies meet Australia's high standards for human health, environmental safety and agricultural performance. The regulatory submission represents the latest milestone in Bayer's global weed management strategy as the company continues investing in innovative chemistry to address one of agriculture's fastest-growing production challenges. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4412/corteva-unveils-enclosa-herbicide-expanding-soybean-weed-control-portfolio.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4412/corteva-unveils-enclosa-herbicide-expanding-soybean-weed-control-portfolio.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:04:36 +0530 Corteva Agriscience has expanded its soybean crop protection portfolio with the introduction of Enclosa herbicide, a new premix designed to give growers broader weed control and greater flexibility as herbicide resistance continues to challenge soybean production across the United States. The product, which has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is progressing through state-level registrations, combines encapsulated acetochlor (Group 15) with cloransulam (Group 2)—marking the first commercial herbicide to bring these two active ingredients together in a single formulation. Building on the technology introduced with Enversa herbicide, Enclosa incorporates Corteva's proprietary encapsulated acetochlor technology, which rapidly moves from plant surfaces into the soil to establish a long-lasting residual barrier against emerging weeds. The addition of cloransulam provides systemic activity, allowing the herbicide to target a broad spectrum of troublesome broadleaf weeds and grasses. According to Corteva, the new herbicide provides control of more than 36 weed species through both pre-emergence and post-emergence applications, with residual activity lasting for up to four weeks. The company said the launch reflects its continued investment in expanding weed management options for soybean growers as resistant weed populations become increasingly difficult to control. By combining two herbicide modes of action, Enclosa is intended to support integrated resistance management strategies while helping preserve the effectiveness of existing chemistries. Designed to fit a wide range of production systems, Enclosa offers flexibility across different application timings and geographies. It is also compatible with several commonly used herbicide programmes, serving as a tank-mix partner with products containing metribuzin or sulfentrazone in pre-emergence applications and glyphosate or glufosinate in post-emergence weed control programmes. For growers planting Enlist E3 soybeans, the herbicide is positioned as a complementary partner to Enlist One herbicide, further broadening weed management options within the Enlist production system. The product will be available as a liquid premix to simplify handling and application, offering greater convenience at the tank while reducing mixing complexity. Corteva expects initial commercial sales of Enclosa later this year ahead of the 2027 soybean growing season, further strengthening its portfolio of herbicide technologies aimed at improving weed control, protecting yields and supporting sustainable crop production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4410/metribuzin-emerges-as-key-weapon-against-resistant-waterhemp.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4410/metribuzin-emerges-as-key-weapon-against-resistant-waterhemp.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:38:39 +0530 An herbicide first introduced decades ago is attracting renewed attention in Illinois as researchers look for effective ways to manage waterhemp populations that have developed resistance to nearly every post-emergence herbicide available to soybean and corn growers. Researchers at the University of Illinois say metribuzin, a Group 5 herbicide, is showing encouraging performance against many waterhemp populations exhibiting metabolic resistance—a growing challenge in modern weed management where plants rapidly detoxify herbicides before they can take effect. Unlike atrazine, which is increasingly compromised by metabolic resistance, metribuzin's different chemical composition appears to allow it to remain effective against several resistant waterhemp populations. According to university researchers, this makes the herbicide a valuable option as growers face shrinking chemical control choices. Metribuzin gradually fell out of favour during the 1980s and 1990s because of concerns over crop injury and the widespread adoption of newer residual herbicides. However, improvements in application technology and the availability of soybean varieties with better tolerance are prompting agronomists to reconsider its role in integrated weed management programmes. Researchers caution that metribuzin should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Instead, they recommend incorporating it into diversified herbicide programmes alongside products from other modes of action to broaden weed control and reduce the risk of further resistance development. Application decisions should also account for field conditions. University recommendations advise adjusting application rates based on soil texture and organic matter while avoiding coarse-textured soils containing less than 2 per cent organic matter and fields with soil pH levels above 6.8, where the risk of crop injury increases. The renewed interest comes as the effectiveness of other residual herbicides continues to decline. Recent University of Illinois surveys covering waterhemp populations from 84 counties found that nearly half exhibited resistance or substantially reduced sensitivity to Group 15 herbicides, raising concerns about the long-term durability of existing weed control programmes. Field trials further highlighted metribuzin's potential. In university corn research plots, the herbicide delivered approximately 95 per cent control of waterhemp four weeks after application, compared with roughly 30 per cent control achieved by atrazine under similar conditions. While researchers observed modest crop injury ranging from 5 per cent to 10 per cent , they concluded that the herbicide offers meaningful value when integrated into broader resistance management strategies. As herbicide resistance becomes increasingly complex across the US Corn Belt, researchers believe diversified weed management programmes combining multiple herbicide modes of action, agronomic best practices and careful stewardship will be essential to maintaining effective control of troublesome weeds such as waterhemp. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4409/china-opens-new-rail-sea-logistics-route-to-boost-phosphorus-chemical-supply-chains.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4409/china-opens-new-rail-sea-logistics-route-to-boost-phosphorus-chemical-supply-chains.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:38:09 +0530 China has strengthened its industrial logistics network with the launch of a dedicated rail-sea transport route linking Guizhou's phosphorus chemical manufacturing hub to northern coastal ports, providing a faster and more cost-effective supply chain for bulk chemical cargo. The milestone was marked by the departure of the XINMAO HAI vessel from Qinzhou Port in Guangxi carrying industrial salt containers for Guizhou Jiangshan Crop Science Co., Ltd. The shipment establishes a two-way logistics corridor connecting the Weng'an phosphorus chemical industrial park with northern China through an integrated rail and maritime network. The new route is designed to serve the Jiangshan-Wengfu Industrial Park, one of Guizhou Province's largest phosphorus chemical investments. Backed by an investment of around 22 billion yuan, the 6,000-mu industrial park is being developed as an integrated phosphorus chemical production base, with Guizhou Jiangshan Crop Science serving as its anchor enterprise. To support the park's logistics requirements, Beibu Gulf Port has developed a dedicated transport solution linking Weng'an, Qinzhou and Yingkou. Products are transported from Weng'an by dedicated container trains to Qinzhou Port before being shipped onward by sea to Yingkou Port in Liaoning Province, creating a seamless north-south freight corridor. The dedicated line is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs for the southwest phosphorus chemical industry while improving the movement of raw materials and finished products between inland production centres and coastal markets. It also fills a key gap in low-cost rail-sea intermodal transport from Guizhou to northern China. The development further strengthens the role of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, China's flagship logistics initiative aimed at improving connectivity between the country's western provinces and major domestic and international ports. As cargo volumes grow, Beibu Gulf Port plans to expand its multimodal logistics services and deepen partnerships with mining and chemical enterprises across southwest China, supporting more efficient supply chains for one of the country's most important industrial sectors. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4402/china-resources-double-crane-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-lier-chemical-in-rmb-5-66-bn-deal.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4402/china-resources-double-crane-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-lier-chemical-in-rmb-5-66-bn-deal.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:11:58 +0530 China's agrochemical sector is poised for a significant ownership reshuffle after China Resources Double-Crane Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Lier Chemical Co., Ltd. in a transaction valued at approximately RMB 5.656 billion ($790 million). Under a conditional share transfer agreement signed on July 29, China Resources Double-Crane will purchase 188.1 million shares, representing a 23.5 per cent stake in Lier Chemical, from the company's current controlling shareholder and its concert party at RMB 30.07 per share. Following completion, the sellers will retain an 8.7 per cent stake, while ultimate control of Lier Chemical will transfer from the China Academy of Engineering Physics to China Resources Co., Ltd., one of China's largest centrally owned state enterprises. The acquisition marks a strategic diversification move rather than a conventional consolidation within the agrochemical industry. While Lier Chemical is one of China's largest manufacturers of glufosinate and L-glufosinate technicals and a major producer of chloropyridine herbicides, the buyer is primarily a pharmaceutical company seeking to strengthen its presence in agricultural biologicals. According to the company's announcement, China Resources Double-Crane possesses technologies spanning synthetic biology-based insecticides, fungicides and biostimulants, but lacks the manufacturing infrastructure, regulatory registrations and commercial network needed to industrialize those innovations. Acquiring Lier Chemical is expected to provide immediate access to established production facilities, product registrations and distribution capabilities. The transaction comes after a competitive public solicitation process launched in May 2026, during which 10 qualified bidders expressed interest. The agreed acquisition price of RMB 30.07 per share represents a 138 per cent premium over the minimum bid price of RMB 12.62 established during the auction. The valuation places Lier Chemical's equity at approximately RMB 24.07 billion, nearly double its market capitalization of around RMB 12.9 billion following the company's daily price-limit rally on July 30. Based on the company's reported 2025 net profit of RMB 581 million, the deal values the business at roughly 41 times annual earnings, reflecting strong strategic value attached to its manufacturing assets and crop protection portfolio. Despite the change in ownership, China Resources Double-Crane has pledged operational continuity during the initial transition period. Under the agreement, the company will not inject additional assets into Lier Chemical for 36 months, nor dispose of the acquired shares for 60 months. It has also stated that there are no definitive plans to alter Lier's core business within the first 12 months following completion. However, the new controlling shareholder reserves the right to restructure the company's governance, with plans to reconstitute Lier Chemical's board of directors and senior management within 30 working days after the transaction closes. The acquisition remains subject to multiple regulatory approvals, including state-owned asset supervision clearance, antitrust review, Shenzhen Stock Exchange confirmation and shareholder approval. Under the agreement, the transaction will lapse if all closing conditions are not satisfied within 120 days of signing unless both parties agree to extend the deadline. For China's agrochemical industry, the transaction reflects a growing convergence between pharmaceutical innovation, synthetic biology and crop protection manufacturing, as companies increasingly pursue cross-sector acquisitions to accelerate commercialization and expand technological capabilities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4400/shandong-energy-backed-investor-exits-luba-shares-through-equity-transfer-after-ipo-milestone-miss.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4400/shandong-energy-backed-investor-exits-luba-shares-through-equity-transfer-after-ipo-milestone-miss.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:21:55 +0530 A state-backed venture capital investor is moving to exit its investment in Chinese agrochemical manufacturer Shandong Luba Chemical Co., Ltd. (Luba Shares) after the company failed to meet key IPO-related milestones outlined in an earlier investment agreement. According to an announcement issued by the Shandong Property Rights Exchange Center on July 27, Shandong Rongyu Jingu Venture Capital Co., Ltd. has put its entire holding of 630,000 shares in Luba Shares up for transfer at a reserve price of 6.041 million yuan, equivalent to 9.59 yuan per share. The listing will remain open until August 21, 2026. The transaction represents more than a routine portfolio reshuffle. It provides Rongyu Jingu with an exit route after contractual valuation adjustment and equity repurchase provisions tied to Luba Shares' listing plans were activated. Under a supplementary agreement signed on May 16, 2025, between Rongyu Jingu and the company's actual controller, Zhao Yan, the investor secured protection in the event that Luba Shares failed to advance its domestic listing. The agreement stipulated that if the company did not submit qualified IPO application documents to the Shanghai, Shenzhen or Beijing stock exchanges before June 30, 2026, or complete a domestic IPO before December 31, 2027, Rongyu Jingu would have the right to require the controlling shareholder to repurchase its equity at an agreed minimum price. Luba Shares completed its listing on China's National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) in 2025. However, as of the announcement date, the company had not submitted an IPO application before the June 30, 2026 deadline, meaning the contractual repurchase conditions had already been satisfied. Instead of immediately exercising the repurchase option, Rongyu Jingu has chosen to publicly transfer its equity stake through the provincial property rights exchange, offering potential investors an opportunity to acquire the shares. The valuation work for the transaction was completed on July 22, after which the transfer entered the formal listing process. Subsequent procedures will include investor solicitation, contract execution and equity delivery in accordance with exchange regulations. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Jinan, Shandong Province, Luba Shares is a pesticide manufacturer engaged in the production, formulation and sale of crop protection chemicals. Its portfolio includes technical-grade products such as paraquat, diquat, haloxyfop-R-methyl, fluoxypyr and cyhalofop-butyl, alongside bio-pesticide research, specialty chemicals and international trade. Rongyu Jingu, established in 2014 with a registered capital of 100 million yuan, operates as a venture capital platform under Shandong Energy Group. The state-owned investment firm focuses on hard technology and industrial investments, making the proposed share transfer another example of China's state-backed funds seeking structured exits from portfolio companies as capital recycling becomes increasingly important. The transaction will be closely watched within China's agrochemical sector, where companies listed on the NEEQ continue to pursue IPO pathways while investors seek liquidity through contractual exit mechanisms and public equity transfers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4395/chinas-latest-insecticide-registration-pipeline-signals-strong-shift-toward-advanced-formulations-and-multi-active-crop-protection-solutions.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4395/chinas-latest-insecticide-registration-pipeline-signals-strong-shift-toward-advanced-formulations-and-multi-active-crop-protection-solutions.html Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:00:18 +0530 China's crop protection industry is entering another phase of product innovation, with the country's latest pesticide registration batch providing an early indication of where manufacturers are directing their investments. The sixth batch of insecticide products proposed for registration approval includes 173 products, comprising 165 formulation products, seven technical concentrate (TC) products and one technical material (TK) product, reflecting continued portfolio expansion across both formulation and technical manufacturing. Beyond the numbers, the registrations demonstrate a growing emphasis on differentiated formulations, combination chemistries and high-value active ingredients as companies compete in one of the world's largest agrochemical markets. Among formulation technologies, Suspension Concentrates (SC) emerged as the dominant choice with 70 proposed registrations, accounting for the largest share of the pipeline. Granules (GR) followed with 27 products, while Flowable Concentrates for Seed Treatment (FS) ranked third with 17 products. The remaining applications span a broad range of formulation technologies, including Emulsion in Water (EW), Wettable Powder (WP), Micro Emulsion (ME), Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC), Ready Bait (RB) and other specialised formulations. The growing preference for suspension concentrates and seed treatment products reflects the industry's shift towards products offering better application efficiency, improved stability, reduced environmental impact and stronger crop establishment. The latest registrations also reveal clear momentum around a handful of insecticide molecules. Clothianidin led all active ingredients with 34 proposed registrations, followed closely by chlorantraniliprole with 32 products, while dinotefuran also featured prominently across multiple formulations. The concentration of registrations around these molecules indicates continued demand for broad-spectrum insecticides capable of addressing resistance management challenges while delivering consistent field performance across major crops. One of the strongest themes emerging from the latest registration batch is the rapid growth of combination formulations. Rather than relying on single active ingredients, companies are increasingly combining complementary chemistries to broaden pest control, improve efficacy and delay resistance development. The proposed formulations include combinations such as Beta-cyfluthrin + Cyantraniliprole, Thiamethoxam + Cyantraniliprole, Chlorfenapyr + Clothianidin, Fludioxonil + Chlorantraniliprole + Clothianidin, Lambda-cyhalothrin + Tiorantraniliprole, Cyantraniliprole + RH-5849, Abamectin + RH-5849, Hexaflumuron + Cyantraniliprole, Prothioconazole + Penflufen + Clothianidin, Permethrin + Transfluthrin, Abamectin + Indoxacarb, Difenoconazole + Fludioxonil + Clothianidin, Pyriproxyfen + Clothianidin, Cyantraniliprole + Deltamethrin, Abamectin + Monosultap, Imidacloprid + Chlorantraniliprole, Dinotefuran + Cyantraniliprole, Abamectin-aminomethyl + Flonicamid, Cyromazine + Cyantraniliprole, Fludioxonil + Azoxystrobin + Thiamethoxam, Chlorantraniliprole + Clothianidin, Abamectin + Cyantraniliprole, Meperfluthrin + Alpha-cypermethrin, Fluopyram + Fludioxonil + Clothianidin, Fluxapyroxad + Metalaxyl-M + Clothianidin, Abamectin-aminomethyl + Methoxyfenozide, and Dinotefuran + Tolfenpyrad. The diversity of these combinations illustrates how manufacturers are designing products that target multiple pest complexes while supporting integrated resistance management strategies. The technical-grade registration pipeline further highlights continued investments in domestic manufacturing capacity. The seven TC products and one TK product cover several important insecticide molecules, including Pyriproxyfen 98% TC submitted by Shandong Aokun Crop Science Co., Ltd., Lufenuron 98% TC from Ningxia Yifan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Cyproflanilide 98% TC from Jiangxi Tianyu Chemical Co., Ltd., Clothianidin 98% TC proposed by Ningxia Nongjia New Material Technology Co., Ltd., another Pyriproxyfen 98% TC from Ningxia Yifan Biotechnology, Chlorantraniliprole 98% TC submitted by Hebi Baoruide Chemical Co., Ltd., Ethiprole 97% TC from Shanghai High Victory Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., and Spinetoram 82% TK proposed by Anhui Andifeng Technology Co., Ltd. These registrations demonstrate continued investment in upstream manufacturing capabilities and supply chain integration for both established and emerging insecticide chemistries. The applications also underline the increasingly competitive nature of China's agrochemical industry. Henan Zhoukou Zhongke Chemical Co., Ltd. ranked first among applicants with five insecticide products proposed for registration approval, while companies including Brightmart Cropscience Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Gongcheng Bio-tech Co., Ltd., Ningxia Yifan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Huilian Biological Pharmacy (Xiayi) Co., Ltd., Shandong Shengtao Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shandong Caoda Chemicals Co., Ltd., Shandong Zouping Pesticide Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Udragon Pesticides and Chemicals Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Meibang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yuelian Biotech Co., Ltd., Hainan Limengte Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yongnong BioSciences Co., Ltd., Kunming Pesticide Co., Ltd., and several others featured across multiple registration applications, illustrating the broad participation of domestic manufacturers in expanding product portfolios. The registration data serves as an important early indicator of market direction for agrochemical producers, distributors, formulators and investors. The dominance of suspension concentrates, growing investment in seed treatment technologies, expanding use of combination formulations and continued focus on premium insecticide molecules suggest that Chinese manufacturers are increasingly prioritising innovation over volume alone. Source: CCM-cnchemicals ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4387/first-solo-cyflufenamid-registration-highlights-chinas-growing-focus-on-high-value-crop-protection.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4387/first-solo-cyflufenamid-registration-highlights-chinas-growing-focus-on-high-value-crop-protection.html Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:21:43 +0530 China has expanded its crop protection portfolio with the approval of the country's first standalone cyflufenamid fungicide, a regulatory milestone that broadens disease management options for grape and cucumber growers while underscoring the growing sophistication of China's fungicide market. The registration, granted by the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture (ICAMA), allows Shaanxi Sunger Road Bio-science Co., Ltd. to commercialize a 100 g/L cyflufenamid suspension concentrate (SC) for the control of powdery mildew in grapes and cucumbers. Beyond introducing the first single-active cyflufenamid formulation in China, the approval also marks the first domestic registration of the active ingredient for use in grape cultivation, extending its application beyond existing cereal and vegetable crops. A New Milestone in China's Cyflufenamid Portfolio The latest approval brings the total number of valid cyflufenamid registrations in China to four. However, the newly approved product occupies a unique position in the market. Until now, all commercial formulations containing cyflufenamid in China were combination products designed to provide broader-spectrum disease control. The existing registrations include Jiangsu Rotam Chemistry's formulation combining cyflufenamid with tebuconazole, initially approved for wheat rust before expanding to powdery mildew management in wheat and cucumbers, as well as Shanghai Yuelian Biotechnology's mixed formulation containing fluopyram and cyflufenamid for cucumber production. The Sunger Road registration breaks from this trend by introducing the country's first formulation relying solely on cyflufenamid as its active ingredient. Originator Continues to Dominate Technical Supply Despite the expansion of formulated products, China's supply chain for cyflufenamid remains dependent on the original technology developer. Currently, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. holds the country's only registered technical-grade cyflufenamid source at 98 per cent purity. While Chinese companies now possess formulation registrations, no domestic manufacturer has yet secured approval for technical production of the active ingredient. This means local formulators continue sourcing the active ingredient from the originator, making any future approval of a China-based technical registration a closely watched development for both manufacturers and investors. A domestic technical registration could significantly reshape competition by strengthening local supply chains and reducing reliance on imported technical material. Established Chemistry Gains New Momentum Although the Chinese registration represents a first for grapes domestically, cyflufenamid itself is a well-established fungicide globally. Originally developed by Nippon Soda, the molecule was first commercialized in Japan in 2002 before expanding into international markets. It subsequently received conditional registration in the United States for applications across cucurbit vegetables, grapes, pome fruits, and berry crops, while remaining an approved active substance in the European Union. Its latest Chinese approval therefore reflects regulatory expansion into new crop segments rather than the introduction of a novel chemistry. Resistance Management Remains Central Cyflufenamid belongs to FRAC Group U6, a classification representing fungicides with an undefined biochemical mode of action. One of its principal strengths is the absence of cross-resistance with several widely used fungicide groups, including demethylation inhibitors (DMIs), benzimidazoles, and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). This makes it an important resistance management tool for growers battling increasingly difficult powdery mildew populations. However, researchers have also documented resistance to cyflufenamid itself in Podosphaera xanthii—the pathogen responsible for cucurbit powdery mildew—in countries including Japan, Italy, and the United States. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cyflufenamid into broader resistance management programs rather than relying on repeated standalone applications, particularly in intensive protected cultivation systems where spray frequencies are high. Strategic Implications for China's Fungicide Market The approval reflects China's continuing shift toward more specialized crop protection solutions targeting high-value horticultural crops. Grapes and protected vegetables represent premium agricultural sectors where disease pressure can significantly affect both yield and market quality. For manufacturers, the registration also signals growing opportunities in differentiated fungicide formulations rather than conventional broad-spectrum mixtures. The next major development to monitor will be whether a Chinese manufacturer secures the country's first domestic technical cyflufenamid registration. Such a move could alter supply dynamics, intensify competition, and accelerate wider adoption of the active ingredient across China's horticultural industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4378/hunan-haili-investments-rmb-230-million-in-new-glufosinate-ammonium-facility-to-expand-mainstream-herbicide-footprint.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4378/hunan-haili-investments-rmb-230-million-in-new-glufosinate-ammonium-facility-to-expand-mainstream-herbicide-footprint.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:09:37 +0530 In a strategic move to optimize its chemical product portfolio and gain a stronger foothold in the mainstream herbicide market, Hunan Haili Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. announced on July 27, 2026, a substantial investment in a new production facility. The company plans to pivot toward glufosinate-ammonium as its primary growth driver, establishing a major manufacturing hub to enhance operational efficiency and diversify revenue streams. The project will be executed through Hunan Haili’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hunan Haili Yongxing Technology Co., Ltd., located within the Xiangyindu Chemical Industrial Zone of the Yongxing Economic Development Zone. Backed by an estimated investment of RMB 230.0861 million, the planned facility will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 tonnes. Construction is scheduled to span 18 months, focusing on manufacturing glufosinate-P technical concentrate (TK), glufosinate-P soluble concentrate, and related formulation products. Company leadership underscored that the capital expenditure aligns with Hunan Haili’s long-term vision of innovation-driven, leapfrog development. By establishing dedicated production for high-demand herbicide active ingredients, Hunan Haili aims to overcome current operational bottlenecks, enrich its product offerings, and improve overall profit margins within an increasingly competitive global agrochemical market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4377/wengfu-jiangshan-named-2026-guizhou-advanced-intelligent-factory-for-landmark-22-billion-smart-chemical-complex.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4377/wengfu-jiangshan-named-2026-guizhou-advanced-intelligent-factory-for-landmark-22-billion-smart-chemical-complex.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:04:08 +0530 Marking a major milestone in China's industrial modernization, Guizhou-based Wengfu Jiangshan Chemical Co. Ltd. was officially named a 2026 Guizhou Province Advanced Intelligent Factory on June 25 for its flagship Weng'an County New Materials and Electronic Chemicals Digital and Intelligent Construction Project. The honor comes on the heels of the project being recognized in December 2025 as a typical case of digital transformation in the province's industrial sector, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for smart manufacturing. Spanning over 3,000 acres, the 22 billion yuan facility represents the largest phosphorus chemical project currently under construction in Guizhou. Jointly developed by Wengfu (Group) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Guizhou Phosphate Chemical Group, and Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemical Co., Ltd., the sprawling complex encompasses multiple production lines including yellow phosphorus, TCP, and chlor-alkali. Rather than applying digital overlays post-construction, the project prioritized building a unified data foundation from the outset, connecting more than 30 business systems, 15,339 devices, and 160,000 master data entries across an industrial internet platform. Inside the central control facility, a massive circular dispatch screen provides operators with a real-time panoramic view of the entire park. Utilizing a three-dimensional digital twin model, plant managers can monitor real-time pressure, temperature, and energy metrics or fine-tune process parameters in the yellow phosphorus production area kilometers away with a simple click. The facility has also pioneered unmanned operations across key areas, deploying 5G inspection robots in substations and utilizing AI-driven vibration analysis for predictive maintenance on rotating machinery. Safety management has been similarly transformed through computer vision and real-time spatial monitoring. An integrated AI system scans for nine major hazard sources—such as unhelmeted personnel or unauthorized entry into restricted zones—and automatically alerts site supervisors to close the management loop in strict accordance with national emergency management guidelines. Furthermore, industrial AI models integrated into the chlor-alkali production process predict main cell voltage trends and optimize chemical dosing, a single enhancement projected to save over one million yuan annually. By unifying engineering lifecycle data from over 50 construction partners into a single 3D digital base, the facility has created a closed-loop system where laboratory test results instantly trigger automated process adjustments. According to company projections, the comprehensive digital architecture has delivered a 25 percent increase in overall production efficiency, a 22 percent reduction in operating costs, a 90 percent unmanned operation rate, and a 70 percent improvement in safety management effectiveness, establishing a new standard for intelligent chemical manufacturing. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4375/kochocp-alliance-deepens-moroccous-fertilizer-linkages-as-phosphate-capacity-expands-to-2-5-million-tonnes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4375/kochocp-alliance-deepens-moroccous-fertilizer-linkages-as-phosphate-capacity-expands-to-2-5-million-tonnes.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:39:26 +0530 In a strategic move aimed at strengthening phosphate fertilizer supply networks and expanding access to high-quality crop nutrition products, Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, has entered into an agreement with OCP Nutricrops, a subsidiary of Morocco-based OCP Group, to acquire a 50 per cent equity interest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I). The transaction marks another significant step in Koch’s long-term partnership with OCP and reinforces Morocco’s growing importance as a global hub for phosphate fertilizer production. JFC I operates a major phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility within the Jorf Lasfar industrial complex in Morocco, with an annual production capacity of approximately 1.2 million tonnes. Following completion of the deal, Koch’s combined phosphate fertilizer production capacity through its Moroccan joint ventures will rise to around 2.5 million tonnes annually. The development comes at a time when global fertilizer markets remain vulnerable to supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions and raw material constraints, making strategic investments in integrated production assets increasingly critical. Building on the KoFert Partnership The latest agreement builds upon Koch Industries’ earlier investment in Morocco’s fertilizer sector. In 2022, Koch acquired a 50 per cent stake in Jorf Fertilizers Company III, which was later renamed KoFert. By expanding its presence across multiple phosphate fertilizer assets at Jorf Lasfar, Koch is strengthening its ability to serve agricultural markets, particularly in North America, with a more diversified portfolio of phosphate-based crop nutrition solutions. Scott McGinn, President of Koch Fertilizer, said the new investment leverages the company’s experience from the KoFert partnership while broadening its phosphate product offering for customers. OCP Nutricrops Chairman and CEO Faris Derri noted that the collaboration would enhance both companies’ ability to deliver reliable and high-quality soil nutrition solutions while contributing to global food security. Jorf Lasfar: The Global Phosphate Powerhouse The partnership further highlights the strategic importance of the Jorf Lasfar fertilizer complex, widely recognized as the world’s largest integrated phosphate fertilizer production platform. Operated by OCP Group, the complex combines phosphate processing, fertilizer manufacturing and export capabilities, positioning Morocco as one of the most influential players in the global phosphate market. However, the expansion comes against a challenging operational backdrop. OCP’s capacity utilization reportedly remained around 50 per cent in June, primarily due to shortages of sulfur, a critical raw material for phosphate fertilizer production. While current sulfur inventories are expected to support higher operating rates during July and August, long-term supply stability remains uncertain. Geopolitical disruptions, including tensions involving Iran and the United States, along with constraints affecting Kazakh sulfur exports, continue to create challenges for fertilizer producers worldwide. North American Market Opportunity Opens Amid Trade Policy Shift The Koch–OCP agreement also arrives amid changing trade dynamics in the US fertilizer market. Weeks before the joint venture announcement, the Trump administration suspended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from OCP, citing concerns over domestic supply constraints linked to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The policy shift has created a more favourable environment for Moroccan phosphate fertilizers to re-enter and expand within the US market. For Koch, the partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen its North American fertilizer supply chain by combining its market reach and distribution capabilities with OCP’s globally integrated phosphate resources. Strategic Implications for the Global Fertilizer Industry The agreement reflects a broader industry trend: fertilizer companies are increasingly moving toward strategic partnerships and upstream investments to secure supply resilience. Phosphate fertilizers remain essential for global agriculture, supporting crop productivity and maintaining soil nutrient balance. With demand pressures driven by food security concerns, changing agricultural practices and geopolitical uncertainties, access to reliable phosphate resources has become a strategic priority. The Koch–OCP alliance positions both companies to capture emerging opportunities in the global crop nutrition market while reducing exposure to volatile international supply chains. As fertilizer markets navigate continued uncertainty, Morocco’s phosphate reserves and integrated production infrastructure are expected to remain central to global agricultural security. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4374/chinas-phosphate-rush-accelerates-as-mining-giants-race-to-secure-strategic-resources.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4374/chinas-phosphate-rush-accelerates-as-mining-giants-race-to-secure-strategic-resources.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:25:23 +0530 China's phosphate industry has entered a new phase of strategic consolidation following the implementation of the Mineral Resources Law Implementation Regulations. The new regulations designate phosphate rock as a national strategic mineral alongside lithium, cobalt and rare earths, bringing the resource under full-chain government oversight covering exploration, mining, production, reserves and sales. The policy shift has rapidly translated into investment activity. Within weeks of the regulations taking effect, leading chemical and fertilizer companies announced major upstream mining projects in Hubei Province, signalling an industry-wide race to secure long-term phosphate resources amid tightening mining approvals and growing demand from both agriculture and new-energy industries. The country's largest phosphate-producing region around Yichang, Hubei, has emerged as the focal point of this investment wave, with companies strengthening upstream integration to safeguard raw material supplies for phosphate fertilizers and industrial chemicals. Multi-billion-yuan projects reshape China's phosphate landscape Among the largest developments, Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group has partnered with Wanhua Chemical Group to invest 5.32 billion yuan in developing the Yangliu East Phosphate Mine, expected to become Hubei's largest standalone phosphate mining project. The project combines the expertise of a leading phosphate producer, a downstream specialty chemicals manufacturer and a local state-owned investment platform. Together, the consortium aims to secure high-quality phosphate mining rights while reducing development risks through capital sharing and coordinated resource management. The Yangliu East mine contains 206 million tonnes of phosphate reserves with an estimated operational life of 54 years, making it one of the province's most significant long-term resource assets. Industry observers view the partnership as a reflection of a broader trend in which collaborative investments are replacing standalone mining developments amid stricter regulatory scrutiny and increasingly scarce mining quotas. Hubei Yihua expands existing mining footprint Parallel to new mining investments, Hubei Yihua Group is accelerating phased expansion of its existing phosphate assets rather than pursuing greenfield projects. The company is simultaneously developing the Jiangjiadun East Mine Section and the Zoumaling phosphate mine, extending production capacity while leveraging existing infrastructure and environmental approvals. According to disclosures made during the company's July 9, 2026 performance briefing, the Jiangjiadun East section is designed to produce 1.5 million tonnes annually and is scheduled for completion in 2029. Commercial production will be linked to prevailing market prices once operations commence. The company already operates phosphate mining assets capable of producing 1.8 million tonnes annually. Upon completion of the eastern expansion, total production capacity is expected to rise to 3.3 million tonnes per year, significantly strengthening long-term raw material security. At the same time, construction of the 1 million-tonne Zoumaling phosphate mine is progressing by utilizing existing environmental approvals, land resources and supporting infrastructure to shorten development timelines while improving operational efficiency.   A new competitive landscape China's revised mineral policy is expected to reshape competition across the phosphate fertilizer industry over the coming decade. Companies with secured mining resources are likely to gain greater protection from raw material price volatility while strengthening integration across fertilizer, specialty chemicals and new-energy supply chains. As phosphate joins China's list of strategically managed minerals, upstream resource ownership is becoming a defining competitive advantage rather than simply an operational asset, signalling a structural shift in how the country's fertilizer industry plans future growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4368/basf-advances-next-generation-weed-control-with-replexor-active-registration-push-across-global-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4368/basf-advances-next-generation-weed-control-with-replexor-active-registration-push-across-global-markets.html Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:26:53 +0530 BASF Agricultural Solutions has initiated the regulatory registration process for Replexor Active (fendioxypyracil), a new herbicide active ingredient designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing modern agriculture — the rapid evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. Developed through BASF’s protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) innovation pipeline, Replexor Active represents a new generation of weed management technology with broad-spectrum activity against both broadleaf weeds and grasses. At full adoption potential, the active ingredient could support weed control programmes across more than 50 million hectares globally, highlighting its potential impact on major crop production systems. BASF has submitted the first regulatory dossiers for Replexor Active in Brazil and Australia in July 2026, with submissions planned for the United States and Argentina in 2027. Subject to regulatory approvals, the company expects the first commercial launches of products containing Replexor Active around 2030. Addressing the Global Challenge of Herbicide Resistance Herbicide-resistant weeds have become an increasing threat to agricultural productivity, particularly in major crops such as soybean, corn and cotton. Farmers worldwide are facing growing difficulties in maintaining effective weed control as resistance develops against commonly used herbicide modes of action. At the same time, increasing regulatory scrutiny is reducing the availability of crop protection active ingredients, creating additional pressure on growers seeking reliable weed management solutions. In this environment, PPO herbicides have remained an important component of resistance management strategies for more than five decades. BASF’s latest innovation expands its PPO portfolio, which already includes Kixor Active and Tirexor Active, by introducing a broader spectrum of weed control capabilities. Replexor Active Brings New Grass Weed Control Capability Unlike many existing PPO herbicides that primarily focus on broadleaf weed control, Replexor Active provides activity against several economically important annual grasses, including Eleusine indica, Echinochloa species and Setaria species. The ability to target both broadleaf weeds and grasses addresses a significant gap in current weed management programmes. Grass weed resistance to PPO herbicides remains relatively uncommon, creating an opportunity for Replexor Active to become an important tool in resistance management strategies. “Replexor Active fills a genuine gap in the PPO space,” said Maximilian Becker, Member of the Management Board of BASF Agricultural Solutions, responsible for Business. “Growers have had very few new solutions for resistant grasses in recent years. Replexor Active addresses this challenge directly while complementing the resistance management programmes growers are already developing with our PPO portfolio.” Supporting Sustainable and Efficient Farming Practices Beyond its broad-spectrum weed control performance, Replexor Active offers several agronomic advantages designed to support modern farming systems. The active ingredient delivers rapid weed control, helping farmers manage difficult weed populations more effectively. It also supports no-till farming practices, which can contribute to reduced soil erosion and improved soil conservation. Another key benefit is its effectiveness at low application rates, reducing the quantity of active ingredient required per hectare while improving handling convenience for growers. These characteristics align with broader agricultural trends focused on improving resource efficiency, protecting soil health and developing more sustainable crop production systems. BASF Strengthens Crop Protection Innovation Pipeline The registration progress of Replexor Active highlights BASF’s continued investment in crop protection research and development as the agricultural sector faces increasingly complex weed management challenges. “The start of Replexor Active’s registration process is another milestone demonstrating the strength of our innovation pipeline,” said Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Member of the Management Board of BASF Agricultural Solutions, responsible for Technology. She added that the development reflects BASF’s ability to convert long-term research investments into practical solutions addressing real-world challenges faced by farmers. BASF is also developing PPO herbicide-tolerant traits, which could provide growers with additional flexibility in how and when Replexor Active-based solutions are applied within integrated weed management programmes. Future Outlook: Innovation Becomes Central to Weed Management The introduction of Replexor Active comes at a time when global agriculture is seeking new approaches to manage increasingly complex weed challenges while maintaining productivity and sustainability. As resistance patterns continue evolving, growers are expected to rely increasingly on diversified weed management strategies combining new chemistry, integrated application programmes and advanced crop technologies. With its ability to target both broadleaf weeds and difficult grass species, Replexor Active could become a significant addition to global herbicide resistance management programmes once regulatory approvals are secured. BASF’s latest innovation reinforces the company’s strategy of developing next-generation crop protection solutions that help farmers protect yields, improve efficiency and adapt to the changing demands of modern agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4363/chinas-insecticide-giants-navigate-polarised-q1-2026-landscape-as-growth-leaders-surge-while-legacy-players-face-margin-squeeze.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4363/chinas-insecticide-giants-navigate-polarised-q1-2026-landscape-as-growth-leaders-surge-while-legacy-players-face-margin-squeeze.html Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:31:31 +0530 China’s insecticide industry entered 2026 with a sharply divided performance landscape, reflecting a sector undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by export recovery, product-cycle opportunities, cost pressures and changing global crop protection demand. An analysis of 20 leading insecticide-related companies in China during the first quarter of 2026 reveals a market defined by two contrasting realities. While several companies achieved triple-digit profit growth through stronger product positioning, premium insecticide molecules and improving overseas demand, others struggled under persistent pricing pressure, excess capacity and declining margins across mature chemical categories. Together, the 20 companies analysed generated combined revenue exceeding $8.4 billion, reaffirming China’s central role in the global crop protection supply chain. However, the earnings performance highlighted an increasingly important industry shift: scale alone is no longer enough to guarantee profitability. Nearly half of the companies recorded declining profits during the quarter, while a smaller group of innovation-driven players captured growth opportunities through specialty chemistries, integrated formulations and improved international market access. Growth Champions Redefine China’s Insecticide Landscape Among the leading performers, ADAMA Ltd. delivered the strongest earnings recovery during Q1 2026, reporting revenue of approximately $1.06 billion and an exceptional 270 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit. The company’s recovery was supported by its exposure to high-value insecticide molecules, including lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole, as global demand strengthened for differentiated crop protection solutions. ADAMA’s performance reflects a broader industry trend: manufacturers with access to advanced chemistries, global distribution networks and diversified portfolios are recovering faster than companies dependent on commodity-oriented insecticide markets. Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group Co., Ltd. emerged as another major growth leader, recording revenue of approximately $600 million and achieving 190 per cent year-on-year growth in net profit. The company benefited from strong demand for products including chlorpyrifos and emamectin, particularly across export markets. Its performance demonstrates that established insecticide molecules continue to retain commercial importance despite the industry’s gradual shift toward biological solutions and next-generation crop protection technologies. Lianhe Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. reported revenue of approximately $280 million, while net profit increased 105 per cent year-on-year. The company’s exposure to pyrethroids and herbicide markets helped it benefit from improving trade flows and inventory corrections during the quarter. Specialty chemical manufacturers also recorded strong momentum. Jiangsu Chengxing Phosph-Chemicals Co., Ltd. generated revenue of approximately $140 million, with net profit increasing 150 per cent year-on-year, supported by its organophosphorus chemical portfolio. Meanwhile, Jiangsu Zhongqi Technology Co., Ltd. reported revenue of around $95 million and achieved 100 per cent year-on-year profit growth, driven by products including chlorantraniliprole and glyphosate. The performance of these companies highlights the growing importance of upstream integration, specialised manufacturing capabilities and access to high-value active ingredients. Mid-Sized Players Gain Ground Through Specialisation Several mid-sized companies demonstrated resilience despite challenging market conditions, benefiting from focused portfolios and stronger export exposure. Limin Group recorded revenue of approximately $190 million, with net profit increasing 22 per cent year-on-year. Nanjing Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemical Co., Ltd. generated revenue of around $280 million, with profits rising 17 per cent year-on-year. Shenzhen Noposion Crop Science Co., Ltd. reported revenue of approximately $380 million, with net profit growth of 20 per cent year-on-year. Other companies also delivered notable improvements. Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences Co., Ltd. maintained revenue of nearly $390 million, recording modest profit growth of 2 per cent year-on-year. Nantong Taihe Chemical Co., Ltd. achieved revenue of approximately $200 million, with net profit surging 70 per cent year-on-year, while Jiangsu Changqing Agrochemical Co., Ltd. reported revenue of approximately $140 million and profit growth of 80 per cent year-on-year. These results underline a key industry trend: companies focused on specialty insecticides, formulation capabilities and export markets are proving more resilient than traditional commodity manufacturers. Revenue Leaders Face the Limits of Scale Despite mixed profitability trends, several large companies maintained significant revenue scale. Hubei Xingfa Chemical Group Co., Ltd. remained the largest company among those analysed, reporting revenue of approximately $1.09 billion during Q1 2026. The company’s portfolio includes glyphosate, organophosphorus products and herbicides. However, its net profit declined 17 per cent year-on-year, highlighting the growing challenges facing large commodity chemical producers. The company’s performance reflects broader pressure across glyphosate and phosphorus-linked markets, where excess capacity, inventory adjustments and aggressive price competition continue to impact margins. The results demonstrate that production scale alone is becoming less effective as a competitive advantage. Increasingly, profitability depends on innovation, product differentiation and market positioning. Traditional Insecticide Manufacturers Face Profit Pressure Several established agrochemical companies experienced significant earnings deterioration during the quarter. Anhui Huilong Agricultural Means of Production Co., Ltd. recorded revenue of approximately $570 million, but net profit declined 35 per cent year-on-year. The company’s portfolio includes chlorantraniliprole and herbicides, categories facing increased competition. Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical Co., Ltd. reported revenue of approximately $469 million, while net profit declined 35 per cent year-on-year. Its exposure to insecticides such as imidacloprid and acetamiprid reflects the challenges facing mature neonicotinoid markets. Lier Chemical Co., Ltd., despite maintaining a strong market position, reported revenue of approximately $340 million, with net profit declining 25 per cent year-on-year. The company’s performance highlights the pressure faced by manufacturers dependent on established insecticide categories, where pricing competition and slower market growth are reshaping profitability. Neonicotinoid Markets Enter a New Phase The Q1 2026 results indicate increasing pressure on companies heavily dependent on traditional insecticide molecules. Hailir Pesticides and Chemicals Group Co., Ltd. recorded revenue of approximately $170 million, with profit declining 28 per cent year-on-year. Its product portfolio includes imidacloprid, acetamiprid and bifenthrin. Sino-Agri United Biotechnology Co., Ltd. reported revenue of approximately $90 million, while net profit declined 50 per cent year-on-year, reflecting challenges in imidacloprid and acetamiprid markets. The results suggest that manufacturers relying heavily on older chemistries will need to accelerate portfolio transformation by investing in biological pesticides, novel active ingredients, combination formulations and precision agriculture solutions. Five Strategic Signals Emerging from China’s Insecticide Industry China’s Q1 2026 performance reveals several important structural shifts reshaping the insecticide sector. The first signal is the selective recovery of exports. Improving global demand supported companies with strong overseas distribution networks and competitive product portfolios. The second signal is the transition from volume-based competition toward innovation-driven growth. Companies associated with chlorantraniliprole, emamectin and specialty formulations demonstrated stronger earnings momentum. The third signal is continued pressure on commodity chemicals. Glyphosate and organophosphorus producers continue to face challenges from capacity expansion, pricing pressure and inventory corrections. The fourth signal is the growing importance of integrated business models. Companies combining raw material security, advanced manufacturing expertise and global market reach are demonstrating stronger resilience. The fifth signal is accelerating consolidation. The widening gap between high-performing and struggling manufacturers indicates that China’s insecticide industry is moving toward a restructuring phase. Companies with strong research pipelines, advanced formulation capabilities and international market access are expected to capture greater market share, while traditional manufacturers may face increasing pressure to restructure their operations. Source: CCM Data & Business Intelligence ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4356/syngenta-anz-announces-commercial-exit-from-paraquat-herbicide-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4356/syngenta-anz-announces-commercial-exit-from-paraquat-herbicide-market.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:16:30 +0530 Syngenta Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) has announced its decision to commercially exit the paraquat herbicide market across Australia and New Zealand, citing a combination of regulatory, manufacturing, logistical and commercial challenges that have rendered its paraquat portfolio financially unviable. The move follows the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) recent regulatory decision on paraquat and a comprehensive commercial review undertaken by the company. The decision marks the end of Syngenta's long-standing presence in the paraquat herbicide segment, despite the product's established role in supporting weed management, productivity and conservation farming across Australia and New Zealand. According to the company, sustained pricing pressure from generic competitors has significantly eroded profitability over recent years, making continued investment in the legacy portfolio increasingly difficult. Commercial viability has been further undermined by structural changes within the supply chain. Syngenta's local toll manufacturing partner has ceased formulation of paraquat herbicide products, while the closure of specialised hazardous chemical warehouses has reduced local storage infrastructure. Establishing new formulation and storage facilities that meet regulatory and safety requirements would require substantial capital investment, making continued operations commercially unsustainable. The company said the decision enables it to redirect resources towards developing and commercialising advanced crop protection technologies that support long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability. Syngenta added that increasing regulatory requirements, coupled with an increasingly complex and costly supply chain, have fundamentally altered the economics of maintaining its paraquat portfolio. David Van Ryswyk, Managing Director, Syngenta ANZ, said paraquat has been an important productivity and conservation tool for growers across Australia and New Zealand, but continuing to allocate significant resources to an unprofitable legacy product range is no longer commercially sustainable. He noted that the company's strategic focus is now on accelerating the introduction of innovative and more sustainable crop protection technologies for growers across the region. Syngenta confirmed it will work closely with distribution partners, growers and industry organisations to ensure an orderly market transition. The company will manage the phased withdrawal of its paraquat-containing products in accordance with the APVMA's prescribed sell-out and use-by timelines, ensuring compliance throughout the transition process. Despite exiting the paraquat segment, Syngenta reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Australian agriculture and said it will continue investing in alternative crop protection solutions designed to help growers manage herbicide-resistant weeds, improve productivity and support sustainable farming systems. The withdrawal reflects broader structural changes within the crop protection industry, where rising regulatory compliance costs, manufacturing consolidation, supply chain complexity and increasing investment in next-generation technologies are reshaping commercial portfolios across mature agrochemical markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4348/latam-biologicals-enter-new-competitive-era-as-differentiation-becomes-industrys-defining-factor.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4348/latam-biologicals-enter-new-competitive-era-as-differentiation-becomes-industrys-defining-factor.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:20:33 +0530 According to the latest Biological Market Overview & Future Trends, the industry's next winners will be determined less by market momentum and more by their ability to differentiate products, integrate biologicals into existing production systems, and execute commercially. The information will be presented by the president and founder of DunhamTrimmer, Mark Trimmer, in the Biocontrol LATAM 2026, held in Campinas, Brazil, next week. "The question is no longer whether the market is growing," Mark Trimmer points out. "The question is who will capture that growth." The message reflects a structural transformation taking place across Latin America's biologicals sector. While demand continues to expand, increasing competition, pricing pressure and market consolidation are fundamentally changing how companies compete. Brazil remains dominant—but competition is reshaping the market Brazil continues to represent Latin America's largest biocontrol market, driven by rapid adoption across major row crops. However, the entrance of hundreds of new products and companies has dramatically intensified competition. According to DunhamTrimmer, Brazil currently has 859 active biopesticide registrations, including 826 microbial products. More than half of all microbial registrations have been approved since 2022, with 175 new microbial products registered during 2025 alone. That rapid expansion has transformed the competitive landscape. While treated hectares continue to increase at double-digit rates, market value growth has slowed to single digits as aggressive pricing pressures emerge across bioinsecticides, biofungicides and bionematicides. DunhamTrimmer notes that industry headlines have shifted noticeably since late 2025—from celebrating explosive market growth to discussing price competition, profitability and sustainable business models. Faster growth emerging beyond Brazil Although Brazil will continue to account for the largest share of Latin America's biologicals market, other countries are beginning to grow at considerably faster rates. Peru has emerged as the region's fastest-growing biocontrol market, fueled by expanding export-oriented fruit production and increasing pressure to reduce pesticide residues. Biocontrol products were used on more than 200,000 hectares during 2025, with the market projected to expand at nearly 10 per cent CAGR. Colombia is also gaining momentum through widespread adoption in tropical crops and ornamentals. DunhamTrimmer projects annual growth exceeding 8 per cent, with market value expected to surpass $100 million by 2032. Meanwhile, Latin America continues to lead global expansion in biostimulants, with annual growth approaching 12 per cent. Brazil accounts for more than half of regional demand, while Peru, Colombia and Ecuador continue expanding rapidly through high-value export agriculture. Integration replaces novelty Perhaps the report's strongest message is that innovation alone is no longer sufficient. According to DunhamTrimmer, biological products must consistently deliver field performance while fitting seamlessly into increasingly complex production systems. Modern growers are managing what the consultancy describes as an "interconnected operational stack," where biologicals, crop protection products, fertilizers, seed technologies and digital tools must work together rather than independently. In this environment, compatibility, operational simplicity, local validation and technical support become as important as biological efficacy itself. "The grower does not farm categories. The grower farms the stack," the founder of DunhamTrimmer states. Likewise, the consultancy argues that the products achieving commercial success will not necessarily be those with the strongest scientific claims, but those that integrate most effectively into growers' existing production systems. External pressures add complexity The report also highlights several macroeconomic forces likely to influence investment decisions over the coming years, including geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, elevated fertilizer costs, restricted distributor credit and the possibility of a strong El Niño event later in 2026. Against that backdrop, manufacturers will increasingly need to tailor products to local agronomic conditions, strengthen relationships with distribution partners and position biologicals as complementary components of integrated crop management programs rather than replacements for conventional inputs. Industry leaders to debate the next phase These market dynamics will form the basis of discussions during Biocontrol LATAM 2026, where DunhamTrimmer executives will examine how companies can remain competitive in an increasingly mature biologicals market. On July 28, Vice President of Business Development LATAM, Ignacio Moyano, will moderate a panel featuring executives from Simbiose, BioConsortia, Koppert Brasil, Veganic and Invasive Species Corporation to discuss differentiation, innovation, resilience, consolidation and profitability. The firm's conclusion is unequivocal: Latin America will remain one of the world's most attractive biologicals markets. However, future success will depend far less on the sector's natural growth trajectory and far more on companies' ability to build differentiated, integrated and economically sustainable solutions. As the report ultimately concludes, growth remains abundant—but the industry's defining question has changed. The challenge is no longer whether the market will continue expanding, but which companies will be best positioned to capture that expansion. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4339/sichuan-hebang-forecasts-more-than-sevenfold-jump-in-h1-2026-profit-as-methionine-glyphosate-markets-strengthen.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4339/sichuan-hebang-forecasts-more-than-sevenfold-jump-in-h1-2026-profit-as-methionine-glyphosate-markets-strengthen.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:48:30 +0530 Sichuan Hebang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. expects a dramatic turnaround in earnings for the first half of 2026, forecasting that net profit attributable to shareholders will increase more than sevenfold year-on-year, driven by a sharp improvement in market conditions for methionine and glyphosate and stronger profitability across its core operations. According to the company's preliminary performance forecast for the January-June 2026 period, net profit attributable to shareholders is projected to reach 370 million-430 million yuan, compared with 51.77 million yuan in the corresponding period of 2025, representing year-on-year growth of approximately 615 per cent to 731 per cent. Net profit excluding non-recurring gains and losses is expected at 365 million-425 million yuan, up from 46.98 million yuan a year earlier, translating into an increase of roughly 677 per cent to 805 per cent. The company indicated that the earnings improvement is primarily attributable to stronger core business operations rather than one-off gains. The projected results mark a significant recovery from the first half of 2025, when profitability remained subdued with total profit of 54.98 million yuan and earnings per share of 0.0065 yuan. The company said the industry's operating environment improved substantially during the first six months of 2026, enabling a sharp rebound in earnings. Hebang attributed the stronger performance to simultaneous improvements across its two principal business segments. Rising prices for methionine and glyphosate, supported by tightening global supply, higher raw material costs and evolving geopolitical dynamics, significantly boosted margins during the reporting period. In the methionine business, prolonged geopolitical disruptions constrained overseas production as manufacturers grappled with raw material shortages and lower operating rates, tightening global supply. At the same time, increasing costs for key feedstocks, including natural gas and methanol, lifted production costs across the industry and supported higher market prices. Hebang's 70,000-tonne-per-year liquid methionine production capacity enabled the company to capitalize on the favourable pricing environment, resulting in substantially improved segment profitability. The glyphosate and PMIDA herbicide segment also benefited from robust market fundamentals. Higher procurement costs for critical raw materials such as yellow phosphorus, coupled with the inclusion of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate on the United States' list of critical strategic materials, strengthened global demand expectations and encouraged overseas stockpiling. These developments supported continued price increases for both glyphosate and PMIDA, providing an additional boost to the company's earnings. The performance outlook highlights how improving supply-demand fundamentals and sustained strength in specialty chemical markets are reshaping profitability for integrated producers. With favourable pricing trends in its flagship product portfolio and limited reliance on non-recurring income, Sichuan Hebang appears well positioned to sustain stronger operating performance as global agricultural and industrial chemical markets continue to rebalance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4340/china-publishes-updated-list-of-60-banned-pesticides-to-tighten-enforcement-and-safeguard-food-safety.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4340/china-publishes-updated-list-of-60-banned-pesticides-to-tighten-enforcement-and-safeguard-food-safety.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:56:19 +0530 China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has released an updated list of 60 pesticides that are prohibited nationwide, reinforcing the country's regulatory framework for food safety, environmental protection and agricultural compliance. The announcement is intended to support more effective enforcement by providing a consolidated reference of pesticide active ingredients that are no longer permitted for production, distribution or use. Issued as Announcement No. 1039 on 13 July 2026, the notification brings together pesticide varieties that have been phased out over the years because of their high toxicity, environmental persistence or risks to human and animal health. According to the ministry, the updated list is designed to assist regulatory agencies in enforcing existing laws while ensuring greater clarity for stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. The list includes several long-banned pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals, including BHC, DDT, camphechlor, dibromochloropropane, chlordimeform, ethylene dibromide, aldrin, dieldrin, mercury compounds, methamidophos, parathion, monocrotophos, phosphamidon, chlordane, mirex, paraquat, dicofol, endosulfan, lindane, carbofuran, omethoate, phorate and numerous other active ingredients that have been successively withdrawn from agricultural use in China. MARA said the updated compilation forms part of China's broader efforts to protect the quality and safety of agricultural products, safeguard human and livestock health, and reduce ecological risks associated with hazardous pesticide use. The ministry noted that multiple government departments have progressively eliminated these pesticides through a series of prohibition and restriction measures over the years. The ministry has instructed agricultural and rural affairs departments at all administrative levels to intensify supervision of banned pesticides and take strict action against illegal production, distribution and application. Enforcement will be carried out in accordance with the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, the Regulations on Pesticide Administration, and other applicable legislation. The updated notification underscores China's continued focus on strengthening pesticide governance as regulators tighten oversight of hazardous agrochemicals while promoting safer agricultural production practices and improved compliance across the crop protection industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/1/4335/future-of-rice-protection-lies-beyond-spray-bottle.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/1/4335/future-of-rice-protection-lies-beyond-spray-bottle.html Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:58:57 +0530 India's rice farmers are navigating one of the most significant transitions in modern agriculture. Rising labour costs, unpredictable weather and growing herbicide resistance are forcing a rethink of how weeds are managed, making innovation as much about strategy as chemistry. In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Biswajit Borah, Herbicide Portfolio Lead, UPL SAS Ltd, explains why the industry's next breakthrough will come from changing farmer behaviour rather than simply introducing new molecules. He discusses the role of early intervention, integrated crop management and stewardship in building more resilient and profitable rice production systems. The conversation also explores the future of Wet Direct Seeded Rice (Wet DSR), the growing importance of digital agronomy and UPL's long-term vision for sustainable crop protection. Ricebeaux enters a rice herbicide market that is already crowded with post-emergence products. Beyond broad-spectrum weed control, what structural gap in India's weed management ecosystem does this product aim to address, and how does it fundamentally change farmers' weed control strategies? Let me be direct — India's rice herbicide market does not need one more molecule. It needs a paradigm shift from reactive spraying to planned, effective weed management. That is the gap Ricebeaux is built to close. Today's farmer sprays when weeds are visible, then compensates with tank mixes, repeat applications or higher doses — a cycle driven by erratic monsoons, labour scarcity and increasingly tough weeds like Echinochloa crusgalli and Cyperus difformis. Ricebeaux, a pre-mix of Propanil 35.1% + Penoxsulam 0.9% SC, is our answer — application at the 2–3 leaf stage of weeds, broad-spectrum control across grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds, and uncompromised crop safety. This is not a product story. This is a behavioural shift — from firefighting to foresight. Herbicide resistance is emerging as a growing concern in rice ecosystems worldwide, particularly with repeated use of the same chemistry. Ricebeaux combines two active ingredients with different modes of action. How significant is this approach in delaying resistance, and what stewardship practices will be necessary to preserve its long-term efficacy? Resistance is the single biggest threat to the long-term viability of chemical weed management in Indian rice. Repeated, single-site use of similar mode of action active ingredients like ALS and ACCase has already produced tolerance in Echinochloa spp. and Cyperus difformis across major geographies. Our position is unambiguous: the future belongs to multi-mode chemistry, applied with discipline. Ricebeaux combines Propanil (PS II inhibitor) with Penoxsulam (ALS inhibitor) — two independent biochemical pathways acting together, which actually slows resistance build-up. But chemistry alone is not stewardship. We are institutionalising four non-negotiables with our channel partners and farmers — apply at the correct 2–3 leaf weed stage, restrict use to Transplanted and Wet DSR (not Dry DSR), follow the label dose of 1200 ml/acre, and re-flood the field 24 hours after application for at least 10 days. Climate variability is altering weed emergence patterns, while labour shortages continue to reshape crop management practices. How are these two structural trends influencing herbicide innovation, and do you expect early post-emergence solutions to gradually replace traditional weed management practices in Indian rice cultivation? These are not passing headwinds — they are the new baseline of Indian agriculture, and any herbicide innovation that does not begin here will not survive the next decade. Erratic monsoons are compressing the weed-control window and triggering multiple flushes; labour cost and availability have made manual weeding economically unviable across most of India. That reality is pulling the entire industry towards fewer sprays, wider spectrum, multi mode-of-action pre-mixes and safer early post-emergence chemistry — precisely the space where the segment is growing at ~4 per cent CAGR. My conviction is clear: early post-emergence solutions like Ricebeaux will progressively replace late, multi-spray practices — especially in labour-scarce, high-rainfall belts of South and East India. Wet Direct Seeded Rice (Wet DSR) is gaining policy attention because of its potential to reduce water use and labour requirements. How critical will specialised crop protection solutions be in accelerating DSR adoption, and what role do you see Ricebeaux playing in supporting this transition? Wet DSR will not scale on policy intent alone. It will scale when we solve for the farmer's biggest fear — losing the crop to weeds in the first 25 days after sowing. In Wet DSR, weed pressure peaks at 0–25 DAS with a complex mix of Echinochloa, Cyperus iria, Fimbristylis, Monochoria and Ludwigia spp., and yield losses of 20–40 per cent are the norm when management fails. This is the barrier that has held DSR back for years. Ricebeaux is registered for both Transplanted Rice and Wet DSR, applied at 10–15 DAS at the 2–3 leaf stage of weeds — a single, broad-spectrum, crop-safe intervention purpose-built for this system. In our view, Ricebeaux is one of the tools that will make water-saving, labour-light rice cultivation commercially viable at scale in India. India's rice cultivation is becoming increasingly input-intensive, even as policymakers emphasise sustainable and precision agriculture. How is UPL balancing the need for higher field productivity with the growing expectation for responsible herbicide use, resistance management and environmental stewardship? I do not accept the framing that yield and sustainability are in tension. In a country producing rice on 45+ million hectares, they are the same conversation. UPL's approach rests on three deliberate pillars: Fewer, smarter interventions: Early post-emergence pre-mixes like Ricebeaux replace two or three sprays with one — reducing active ingredient load, spray drift and cost. Resistance-proofing by design: Dual mode of action combined with disciplined rotation across our pre-emergence brands — Saathi, Eros, Eros Gold — builds durability into the portfolio. Non-negotiable application discipline: Saturated soil at application, re-flooding after 24 hours, correct weed stage — enforced through channel training and farmer engagement. This is what sustainable intensification looks like in practice — more yield per acre, per drop, per spray. Farmers increasingly evaluate crop protection products on overall return on investment rather than efficacy alone. Based on your field evaluations, how does Ricebeaux influence yield protection, labour savings and cost efficiency compared with conventional herbicide programmes involving multiple sprays or tank mixes? Farmers are the sharpest ROI analysts I know, and they should be. Our field evaluations across major rice geographies, benchmarked against farmer practices market standards— consistently show Ricebeaux performing on-par to superior on the weeds that actually matter: Echinochloa, Leptochloa chinensis, Fimbristylis, Scirpus and Cyperus difformis. The ROI translates into three tangible gains for the farmer: Yield protected in the critical window: Uncontrolled weeds cost 20–60 per cent of yield in the first 30 DAS. Labour and time reclaimed: application at right time - instead of multiple tank-mix experimentation. Cost efficiency:  no tank-mix errors, no crop shock. Value for money delivered as net yield per rupee spent. Rice remains one of India's most strategically important crops for both domestic food security and exports. As production systems modernise, what are the next major technological gaps in rice crop protection that still require innovation, and where does UPL intend to focus its R&D investments over the next decade? Rice is India's most strategic crop — for food security, farmer incomes and export revenue. The innovation agenda for the next decade must reflect that stakes-level. As I see it, the real technological gaps are: Sustainable cultivation, profitable farmers. The next wave of innovation must make rice cultivation gentler on soil, water and the environment — while ensuring the farmer earns more, not less. Water-saving systems like Wet DSR, resistance-managed chemistry and reduced-load formulations are central to this shift, and Ricebeaux is a clear step in that direction. Integrated pest management, tailored to India's diversity. India is not one rice market — it is many. Weed flora, water availability, labour dynamics and farmer practices vary sharply from Punjab to Chhattisgarh to the Cauvery delta. The real innovation is not one more molecule; it is region-specific IPM programmes that blend chemistry, biologicals and digital advisory into solutions that fit each geography. From sustenance to dominance — more output, fewer resources. India must move beyond producing enough rice to producing better rice — higher yields per acre, per drop of water and per unit of input. That calls for smarter chemistry, precision application, resistance-proof portfolios and season-long crop programmes rather than isolated sprays.  The Indian crop protection industry is rapidly shifting towards integrated solutions that combine chemistry, biologicals and digital advisory platforms. How does Ricebeaux fit into UPL's broader strategy of offering integrated crop management solutions rather thanstandalone products, and how do you see this model evolving for rice farmers in the coming years? Selling standalone products is the industry's past. Selling a crop programme is its future — and that is exactly how we have designed our rice portfolio. Ricebeaux is one node in an integrated, season-long rice solution: Saathi and Eros/Eros Gold at pre-emergence, Ricebeaux at early post-emergence, and Kevuka and Zevigo for stem borer management, Saaf, Tridium of comprehensive disease management & crop excellence, through the vegetative and reproductive stages. Around this chemistry sits our digital and engagement layer — the Farmily platform for retailer and farmer connect via nurture.farm, WhatsApp advisories, farmer training on water management and application discipline, and demonstration-led adoption. The direction is clear- UPL is going to lead that transition, not follow it. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com)   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4333/china-signals-robust-herbicide-innovation-with-174-registration-applications.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4333/china-signals-robust-herbicide-innovation-with-174-registration-applications.html Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:50:39 +0530 China’s herbicide industry is entering another phase of intense product development, with regulators proposing 174 herbicide products for registration in the fourth approval batch of 2026, highlighting sustained investment in crop protection technologies despite an increasingly competitive and tightly regulated market. The latest list, released by the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (ICAMA), comprises 14 technical-grade products and 160 formulated herbicides. Of the formulations, 72 are single-active products, while 88 combine multiple active ingredients, reinforcing an industry-wide preference for combination chemistries that offer broader weed control and resistance management. The proposed registrations also provide an early snapshot of where China's herbicide market is heading. Atrazine emerged as the most active ingredient in mixture formulations with 13 proposed registrations, reflecting its continued importance in integrated weed-management programmes. Propanil followed closely with 11 mixture applications, while Topramezone accounted for 10 mixture products and one single formulation. Meanwhile, Glufosinate-P continued to gain momentum, appearing in 10 standalone products and two mixtures, underscoring growing commercial interest in next-generation non-selective herbicides. Bentazone and Butachlor also featured prominently across multiple applications. Beyond chemistry trends, the registration data points to intensifying competition among Chinese manufacturers. Liaoning Jintian Technology Co., Ltd. led the latest approval pipeline with seven proposed herbicide registrations, while several other companies secured between three and five proposed products, indicating a broadening field of competitors seeking to strengthen their market presence. Although proposed registrations do not guarantee commercial approval, industry analysts often regard them as one of the earliest indicators of future product launches, manufacturing priorities and competitive positioning. Companies increasingly use registration strategies not only to expand product portfolios but also to anticipate shifts in agronomic demand, weed resistance and evolving regulatory requirements. The dominance of formulated products over technical materials also reflects a broader industry transition toward differentiated, value-added crop protection solutions. As farmers seek more effective weed management while reducing application costs, manufacturers are investing heavily in combination formulations designed to improve efficacy, expand crop compatibility and address resistant weed populations. The surge in registration activity comes as China's pesticide sector adapts to a significantly more stringent regulatory environment. New registration rules, tighter environmental assessment requirements and enhanced product traceability standards have raised compliance thresholds, making regulatory approval an increasingly strategic component of commercial growth. Taken together, the latest registration proposals suggest that China's herbicide market remains highly dynamic, with innovation increasingly centred on formulation technologies, established active ingredients and competitive portfolio expansion.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4332/three-way-daconil-partnership-renewed-as-limin-syngenta-target-global-growth.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4332/three-way-daconil-partnership-renewed-as-limin-syngenta-target-global-growth.html Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:18:08 +0530 Chinese crop protection manufacturer Limin Group has renewed its long-standing strategic cooperation with Syngenta Shanghai and Suken Biochemical, extending their partnership through the end of 2031 in a move that reinforces their shared commitment to expanding the global footprint of the Daconil fungicide portfolio. The renewed framework agreement follows the expiration of the previous collaboration and signals continued confidence in the product's long-term market potential. The agreement, signed on July 17, will see the three companies continue operating the "Dasheng" brand while jointly developing domestic and international business opportunities for chlorothalonil-based fungicides. Rather than introducing an entirely new alliance, the renewal builds on years of commercial cooperation that has enabled the partners to leverage their complementary strengths in manufacturing, market access and distribution. For Limin Group, one of China's leading crop protection manufacturers, the extension provides long-term visibility for a flagship fungicide business at a time when agricultural producers worldwide are seeking dependable disease management solutions amid increasingly volatile weather patterns and evolving crop disease pressures. The agreement also reinforces the company's strategy of expanding partnerships with multinational innovators while strengthening its international presence. Syngenta, meanwhile, continues to deepen strategic collaborations across multiple areas of agricultural innovation—from biologicals and AI-driven farming solutions to sustainable crop protection technologies. The renewed Daconil partnership complements the company's broader strategy of working with regional manufacturing partners to strengthen supply chains and deliver crop protection products more efficiently to growers worldwide. By combining manufacturing expertise, established branding and commercial networks, companies are seeking to improve market resilience while expanding access to both mature and emerging agricultural markets. The renewed collaboration also underscores the continuing importance of chlorothalonil-based fungicides in integrated disease management programmes across a wide range of crops. Although biological solutions and precision agriculture continue to gain momentum, conventional fungicides remain a critical component of global crop protection strategies, particularly in regions facing persistent fungal disease pressure. With the partnership now extended through December 2031, Limin Group, Syngenta Shanghai and Suken Biochemical are expected to focus on expanding commercial opportunities for Daconil in China and overseas, while reinforcing the product's position in an increasingly competitive global crop protection market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4327/verdesian-life-sciences-expands-into-canada-with-phosphorus-efficiency-solution-for-growers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4327/verdesian-life-sciences-expands-into-canada-with-phosphorus-efficiency-solution-for-growers.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:07:32 +0530 Verdesian Life Sciences has expanded its nutrient efficiency portfolio into Canada with the commercial availability of its phosphorus efficiency solution, marking a strategic move to strengthen crop nutrition offerings for Canadian growers and agricultural retailers. The product, already established across the U.S. market, is designed to improve phosphorus availability in agricultural soils, where a significant share of applied phosphorus can become chemically bound and unavailable for crop uptake soon after application. Verdesian's technology addresses this challenge through a dual-mode approach that helps reduce phosphorus fixation while simultaneously increasing the availability of phosphorus already present in the soil. The company says the approach is intended to improve nutrient utilization and increase the return on fertilizer investments as producers face rising input costs. The solution combines the company's proprietary nutrient efficiency platform with a biological component that promotes microbial activity and phosphorus mineralization. Together, the technologies target both the chemical and biological factors that limit phosphorus availability by reducing interactions with soil minerals such as calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron while supporting the natural release of soil-bound phosphorus. According to Verdesian, field evaluations conducted across 66 trial locations in the United States between 2021 and 2025 demonstrated an average yield increase of 8.8 per cent across multiple crops, including corn, cotton, peanuts, potatoes and cherries. The company said the product performed consistently under a range of soil types and growing conditions. Designed for compatibility with both granular and liquid phosphate fertilizers, the phosphorus efficiency solution can be incorporated into fertility programs before planting, at planting or during the growing season, allowing growers to integrate it into existing crop nutrition strategies without major operational changes. "As fertilizer prices continue to challenge farm profitability, improving nutrient efficiency has become increasingly important," said Clare Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Verdesian Life Sciences. "Expanding into the Canadian market allows us to provide growers and retailers with a science-based solution that enhances existing fertilizer programs while supporting sustainable crop production." The Canadian launch represents another step in Verdesian's strategy to expand access to nutrient use efficiency technologies that help producers optimize fertilizer performance, improve productivity and support long-term agricultural sustainability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4325/fuhua-tongda-to-acquire-65000-tonne-glyphosate-capacity-quota-from-shandong-yier-chemical.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4325/fuhua-tongda-to-acquire-65000-tonne-glyphosate-capacity-quota-from-shandong-yier-chemical.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:29:48 +0530 Fuhua Tongda Chemical Co., Ltd. has announced plans to acquire a 65,000-tonne-per-year glyphosate production capacity quota from Shandong Yier Chemical Co., Ltd., a move that will significantly expand its manufacturing footprint and reinforce its leadership in the global herbicide market. The proposed transfer enables Fuhua Tongda to increase its glyphosate production capacity under China's capacity replacement policy governing high-energy and high-emission industrial projects. Rather than constructing new facilities, the company will secure existing production quotas through a negotiated transaction, providing a faster and more cost-efficient route to expansion. Prior to the transaction, Fuhua Tongda operated approximately 153,000 tonnes per year of glyphosate production capacity, placing it among the world's three largest manufacturers of the widely used non-selective herbicide. The addition of Yier Chemical's 65,000-tonne quota is expected to further strengthen the company's competitive position in both domestic and international crop protection markets. Shandong Yier Chemical, established in 2003, is a state-designated pesticide manufacturer specialising in the research, development, production and marketing of agrochemicals and fine chemicals. The company is also recognised as one of China's key producers of PMIDA, a major intermediate used in glyphosate manufacturing, alongside glyphosate itself. The transaction reflects China's ongoing efforts to optimise industrial capacity through quota transfers rather than unrestricted expansion. Under the country's "two-high" policy, which regulates industries characterised by high energy consumption and high emissions, companies seeking to add production capacity must obtain equivalent quotas from existing operators. For Fuhua Tongda, the acquisition offers both strategic and operational advantages by accelerating expansion while reducing the capital expenditure and approval timelines typically associated with greenfield projects. The deal is also expected to reinforce Leshan's position as one of China's principal glyphosate manufacturing hubs, supporting further industrial concentration within the region's green chemical sector and strengthening the city's role in the global agrochemical supply chain. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4324/gansu-jiazeyuan-advances-phosphorus-fine-chemicals-project-as-key-production-lines-begin-commercial-operations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4324/gansu-jiazeyuan-advances-phosphorus-fine-chemicals-project-as-key-production-lines-begin-commercial-operations.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:21:45 +0530 Gansu Jiazeyuan Technology Co., Ltd. has achieved a significant construction milestone at its integrated phosphorus-based fine chemicals project, with two major production lines entering stable commercial operation as the company expands its presence in China's specialty chemicals market. The project, located in the Jinchang Economic and Technological Development Zone in Gansu Province, is being developed in multiple phases across a site spanning more than 70,000 square metres. The third phase represents an investment of RMB120 million (approximately $ 17.63 million) and is designed to expand the company's production capacity for high-value phosphorus chemical intermediates. Under the current phase, the facility is being equipped to manufacture 60,000 tonnes per year of phosphorus trichloride, 40,000 tonnes per year of phosphorus oxychloride and 30,000 tonnes per year of phosphorus pentachloride. The company confirmed that its phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride production units have now entered stable commercial operations, while the phosphorus pentachloride production line is undergoing final commissioning and performance testing ahead of full-scale production. These products play a critical role across several industrial value chains. Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride are widely used as intermediates in the manufacture of crop protection chemicals, pharmaceuticals and dyes, while phosphorus pentachloride is an essential raw material for cephalosporin antibiotics and lithium battery materials. Construction work across the project's earlier phases is also continuing in parallel as Gansu Jiazeyuan builds an integrated phosphorus chemicals manufacturing platform. The production complex incorporates end-to-end process capabilities covering yellow phosphorus melting, liquid chlorine vaporisation, chemical reaction systems, product recovery and finished product filling. Operations are supported by a digital central control system that continuously monitors critical production parameters—including temperature, pressure and process stability—allowing operators to optimise efficiency while enhancing operational safety. The latest milestone reflects continued investment in China's phosphorus chemicals industry, where demand remains supported by agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing and the rapidly expanding battery materials sector. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4322/limin-group-expands-market-ambitions-with-new-dasheng-cooperation-agreement.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4322/limin-group-expands-market-ambitions-with-new-dasheng-cooperation-agreement.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:55:38 +0530 Limin Group has renewed its strategic alliance with Syngenta (Shanghai) and SUKEN through a new five-year cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating the growth of the DASHENG fungicide brand in China's crop protection market. The agreement extends a partnership first established in 2021 following Limin Group's acquisition of the commercial assets associated with the DASHENG brand. Senior executives attending the signing ceremony included Zhang Qing, Vice Chairman of Limin Group; Liu De, Deputy General Manager of Syngenta (Shanghai); and Zhu Yue, President of SUKEN. Over the past five years, the three companies have developed an integrated operating model that combines manufacturing, brand management and market development. Limin Group retains ownership of the DASHENG trademark, production technologies, pesticide registrations and related intellectual property, while leveraging its research capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure and quality control systems to ensure a reliable supply of mancozeb-based fungicide products. Under the collaboration, Syngenta (Shanghai) will continue to exclusively market the JINDASHENG product portfolio through its nationwide distribution network and agronomic service platform, focusing primarily on high-value horticultural and cash crop segments. SUKEN will maintain responsibility for expanding the LVDASHENG product line, strengthening its presence in county-level agricultural markets while providing technical support to distributors and growers. The renewed agreement preserves the existing brand-specific operating structure while introducing deeper collaboration across technical development, resource sharing and business expansion initiatives. The partners said enhanced coordination between production, sales and agricultural service teams is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen market responsiveness and increase the brand's overall competitiveness. Since the initial partnership began, the companies have focused on localizing and expanding the internationally recognised DASHENG brand within China, resulting in steady growth in market recognition and sales performance. Looking ahead, the three organisations plan to further integrate manufacturing, brand development and agricultural technical services to reinforce DASHENG's position in the protective fungicide segment. The collaboration also aligns with broader industry efforts to promote sustainable crop protection practices, improve agricultural productivity and support China's food security objectives through high-quality plant protection solutions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4315/china-glyphosate-prices-retreat-as-supply-outpaces-demand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4315/china-glyphosate-prices-retreat-as-supply-outpaces-demand.html Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:03:07 +0530 China's glyphosate industry appears to be entering a new chapter. After months of soaring prices driven by tight supplies and expensive raw materials, the market is beginning to cool. Demand has softened following the end of the spring farming season, inventories are building, and prices are retreating across much of the supply chain. Yet even as manufacturers grapple with weaker margins, they are continuing to invest in new products, signalling confidence that demand for glyphosate will remain strong over the longer term. That contrast—between slowing prices and steady product innovation—captures the current state of the world's largest glyphosate-producing nation. On May 28, 2026, China's Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals (ICAMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs unveiled the fifth batch of pesticide products proposed for registration this year. Among them were six new glyphosate formulations, all registered as soluble concentrates (SL) and classified as either low or mild toxicity. The approvals reveal where the industry is heading. Rather than relying on standalone glyphosate products, companies are increasingly combining active ingredients to broaden weed control and help farmers manage herbicide resistance. Mengzhou Chuanqi Biological Technology Co., Ltd. received approval for two low-toxicity formulations: one combining glyphosate 30 percent with triclopyr 7 percent, and another blending glyphosate 30 percent with glufosinate-P 5 percent. Yun Cropcare Co., Ltd. secured registration for a 41 percent glyphosate dimethylamine salt formulation, the highest glyphosate concentration among the newly approved products. Meanwhile, Shandong Aokun Crop Science Co., Ltd., Shandong Yueming Biological Technology Co., Ltd. and Shandong Kunniu Plant Protection Co., Ltd. each received approval for formulations combining glyphosate 30 percent with glufosinate-ammonium at concentrations of 6 percent, 10 percent and 8 percent, respectively. All three products were classified as mildly toxic. While regulators continue to approve new products, market conditions have become noticeably less favourable. According to the latest domestic market monitoring, glyphosate technical (TC) prices fell 13.52 percent month-on-month in June, extending a decline that began after prices reached multi-month highs earlier this year. The biggest reason is seasonal. With China's spring planting season now over, demand from downstream buyers has slowed considerably. At the same time, manufacturers have continued operating at normal production rates, creating a market where supply is comfortably exceeding demand. That imbalance is now putting downward pressure on prices throughout the glyphosate supply chain. The weakness is also spreading upstream. Glycine, one of glyphosate's key raw materials, recorded a 17.2 percent month-on-month decline in June. As glyphosate producers reduced purchases, demand for glycine weakened sharply, even though production levels remained largely unchanged. The result was an oversupplied market and falling prices. Yellow phosphorus, another essential feedstock, told a slightly different story. Prices fluctuated throughout June, rising early in the month before easing later, producing what market analysts describe as a "rise-then-fall" pattern. Even so, overall prices remained relatively elevated compared with the beginning of the year. Looking at the broader trend, the numbers highlight how dramatic the market has been over the past six months. China's glyphosate technical prices climbed from $3,649 per tonne in December 2025 to $5,013 per tonne in April 2026, before easing to $4,863 per tonne in May as buying momentum weakened. Glycine followed a similar trajectory, rising from $1,603 per tonne in December to $2,666 per tonne in April before dropping to $2,013 per tonne in May. Yellow phosphorus moved steadily higher throughout the period, increasing from $3,272 per tonne to $4,433 per tonne, reflecting continued strength in upstream raw material markets despite recent volatility. The trend was equally visible across glyphosate formulations. Prices for glyphosate DEA remained below $920 per tonne through February before jumping to $1,407 per tonne in March and peaking at $1,615 per tonne in April. By May, however, they had slipped back to $1,345 per tonne, mirroring softer market demand. Glyphosate IDAN proved more resilient. After falling from $1,696 per tonne in December to $1,495 per tonne in January, prices gradually recovered over the following months, reaching $1,531 per tonne by May. One of the strongest price rallies came in 98 percent PMIDA, a key glyphosate intermediate. Prices rose from $2,261 per tonne in December to a peak of $3,332 per tonne in April before easing to $3,063 per tonne in May. Although prices softened, they remained well above levels seen at the end of last year. Another upstream material, phosphorus trichloride, experienced relatively modest fluctuations. Prices slipped from $919 per tonne in December to $883 per tonne in January before gradually recovering to $904 per tonne in May, suggesting a more balanced supply-demand situation than elsewhere in the industry. Taken together, the data suggest China's glyphosate market is moving away from the supply-driven rally that defined the first half of the year. Price momentum is fading as seasonal demand eases, but companies are not slowing their investment in product development. The latest registrations show a clear focus on combination herbicides that deliver broader weed control and support resistance management—an indication that manufacturers are preparing for a market where innovation, rather than pricing power alone, will increasingly determine competitive advantage. Source: CCM Data & Business Intelligence -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com)       ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4313/profit-pressures-reshape-chinas-agrochemical-rankings.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4313/profit-pressures-reshape-chinas-agrochemical-rankings.html Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:34:10 +0530 For years, China's agrochemical industry grew on the back of manufacturing scale, export strength and an expanding global appetite for crop protection products. That formula is now being tested. The latest financial performance of the country's 31 largest agrochemical companies shows that while revenues remain substantial, profitability has become far more difficult to sustain. Companies are contending with weaker pesticide prices, persistent overcapacity and a more cautious global market, forcing many to rethink how they compete. The numbers tell a story of an industry that is no longer moving in one direction. Some companies have managed to rebuild margins through product diversification and operational efficiency, while others continue to struggle despite maintaining impressive sales. The contrast suggests that China's agrochemical sector is entering a new phase where resilience matters as much as scale. Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd. once again led the industry with revenue of $1.097 billion, maintaining its position as China's largest agrochemical company. Its broad portfolio of glyphosate, organophosphorus products and herbicides continues to anchor its business. Yet even the market leader was not immune to the industry's profitability squeeze, reporting a 17.37 percent decline in net profit, a reminder that strong revenues do not necessarily translate into stronger earnings in today's market. ADAMA Ltd. painted a very different picture. With revenue of $1.061 billion, the company remained close behind Xingfa in sales, but stood out for delivering a remarkable 276.65 percent increase in net profit. Supported by products such as lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole, ADAMA demonstrated how a well-balanced portfolio and improved operating performance can drive recovery even in a challenging business environment. The gap between the top two companies and the rest of the industry is striking. Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group ranked third with $601.02 million in revenue and recorded a strong 190.61 percent increase in profit, reflecting an encouraging rebound. Anhui Huilong Agricultural Means of Production Group followed with $570.11 million in sales, although profits fell 34.54 percent, while Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical generated $510.35 million in revenue but reported a comparatively modest 6.41 percent decline in earnings. The next group of companies presents an even more mixed picture. Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical generated $469.72 million in revenue, yet profits dropped 35.61 percent. Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences remained relatively stable, reporting $390.67 million in revenue alongside 1.83 percent profit growth. Shenzhen Noposion Crop Science continued to improve its financial performance with revenue of $387.29 million and 20.04 percent growth in earnings. Lier Chemical reported $340.33 million in revenue but saw profits decline 24.82 percent, while Lianhe Chemical Technology closed the top ten with $288.96 million in sales and an impressive 104.97 percent increase in net profit. Beyond the top ten, the financial picture becomes even more varied. Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals reported $286.31 million in revenue and 17.46 percent profit growth, while Nantong Taihe Chemical generated $202.84 million and lifted profits by 70.67 percent. Limin Group posted revenue of $195.48 million alongside 22.23 percent higher earnings. Hairui Pesticides and Chemicals, however, saw profits fall 28.22 percent despite generating $171.05 million in revenue. Jiangsu Chengxing Phosph-Chemicals emerged as one of the strongest performers in the ranking, delivering 176.79 percent profit growth on revenue of $146.91 million, while Jiangsu Changqing Agrochemical recorded 84.10 percent growth with revenue of $146.76 million. Anhui Guangxin Agrochemical generated $134.25 million, although profits edged down 2.27 percent. Some companies faced particularly difficult conditions. Nanjing Red Sun reported revenue of $99.07 million, but profits plunged 89.06 percent, highlighting the pressure on several traditional agrochemical manufacturers. Sino-Agri United Biotechnology also struggled, with profits falling 50.78 percent, while Jiangsu Suli Fine Chemical, Hunan Haili Chemical Industry, Jiangsu Fengshan Group and Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical all reported double-digit declines in earnings. At the other end of the spectrum, several smaller companies quietly delivered some of the strongest recoveries. Jiangsu Zhongqi Technology more than doubled its profits with 101.97 percent growth. Hainan Yatai Industrial Development posted 139.74 percent growth, while Luheng Technology Group increased profits by 95.84 percent despite generating just $12.41 million in revenue. Zhejiang XinNong Chemical, Shaanxi Meibang Pharmaceutical Group and Nongxin Crop Technology also finished the year with positive earnings growth. The ranking also highlights how deeply China's agrochemical industry continues to rely on a handful of core active ingredients. Glyphosate remains a cornerstone product for many of the country's largest manufacturers, including Xingfa, Nantong Jiangshan, Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences, Shenzhen Noposion, Shaoxing BSM and Nongxin Crop Technology. At the same time, products such as imidacloprid, acetamiprid, chlorantraniliprole and chlorpyrifos continue to feature prominently across company portfolios, reflecting both global demand and China's role as the world's leading supplier of crop protection ingredients. Taken together, the latest rankings suggest that the industry's competitive landscape is beginning to shift. Manufacturing scale remains important, but it is no longer enough on its own. Companies that have invested in product diversification, operational discipline and higher-value technologies are increasingly pulling ahead, while those dependent on commoditised products continue to face pressure. As global agrochemical markets gradually stabilise, the companies that can consistently protect margins—not just generate sales—are likely to define the next chapter of China's crop protection industry. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com)   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4304/yara-posts-strong-q2-profit-as-higher-fertilizer-margins-offset-market-volatility.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4304/yara-posts-strong-q2-profit-as-higher-fertilizer-margins-offset-market-volatility.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:17:50 +0530 Global crop nutrition company Yara International reported a strong second quarter for 2026, driven by higher fertilizer margins, disciplined operations and resilient production, even as geopolitical tensions and volatile nitrogen markets delayed seasonal demand. The company posted EBITDA excluding special items of $906 million, up from $652 million in the same period last year, while net income rose to $545 million, compared with $413 million a year earlier. Despite uncertainty across global fertilizer markets, Yara said its diversified downstream network and operational flexibility enabled it to maintain strong production levels while optimizing sales volumes. "Yara delivered higher margins and strong returns in a market characterized by heightened price and demand volatility. While market uncertainty led to reduced purchasing activity due to delayed demand for the new season, we continued to leverage our global downstream presence to optimize volumes and maintain strong production levels. This demonstrates the resilience and flexibility of Yara's business model," said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer. Middle East tensions reshape fertilizer markets The conflict in the Middle East emerged as one of the defining factors influencing fertilizer markets during the quarter. According to Yara, disruptions linked to the temporary blockage of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a sharp spike in global urea prices toward the end of Europe's fertilizer buying season. While the price surge and market uncertainty initially caused buyers to delay purchases for the upcoming season, the company noted that purchasing activity began recovering across major markets in July as inventories remained unusually low. Yara cautioned that renewed geopolitical tensions in the region continue to pose supply risks for the next planting season but believes its diversified global footprint positions it well to respond to shifting demand and pricing dynamics. Acquisition strengthens long-term strategy Alongside its quarterly performance, Yara announced the acquisition of Gulf Coast Ammonia, a move the company described as a significant milestone in its long-term strategy to improve production economics while reducing dependence on European natural gas markets. The acquisition will create a more balanced energy portfolio by giving Yara equal exposure to European and U.S. gas markets, enhancing both operational flexibility and cost competitiveness. "The announced acquisition of the Gulf Coast Ammonia plant marks an important milestone in delivering on Yara's strategy. It strengthens our ammonia cost position, enhances both strategic and operational flexibility, and supports long-term value creation," Holsether said.He added that the investment reflects the company's disciplined approach to capital allocation while supporting future shareholder returns. Integration and outlook The acquisition remains subject to customary regulatory approvals. Once completed, Yara plans to focus on integrating the facility into its global production network while continuing to deliver on its previously announced EBITDA improvement targets. With fertilizer markets expected to remain influenced by geopolitical developments and energy price fluctuations, Yara believes its diversified business model and strategic investments leave it well positioned to navigate volatility while creating long-term value for customers and shareholders. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4298/cr-double-crane-emerges-front-runner-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-lier-chemical.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4298/cr-double-crane-emerges-front-runner-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-lier-chemical.html Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:00:24 +0530 China's state-owned pharmaceutical company CR Double-Crane Co., Ltd. has emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 23.5 per cent controlling stake in Lier Chemical Co., Ltd., marking a significant step toward expanding its presence in the agrochemical sector through synthetic biology and advanced manufacturing. The selection follows a competitive public bidding process initiated in late May, which attracted ten qualified bidders. According to separate disclosures by both companies, CR Double-Crane secured the highest evaluation score and has been granted exclusive rights to negotiate the transaction with Sichuan Jiuyuan Investment Holding Group, Lier Chemical's controlling shareholder, along with its concert party. If completed, the acquisition would represent one of the most notable examples of convergence between China's pharmaceutical and crop protection industries, reflecting the country's broader push to leverage biotechnology across multiple industrial sectors. Strategic bet on synthetic biology For CR Double-Crane, the proposed acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy of building an integrated synthetic biology platform that extends beyond traditional pharmaceuticals. Since 2022, the company has invested in capabilities spanning pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), health and nutrition products, agricultural chemicals, and next-generation materials. While the company has established strong research capabilities, it currently lacks a large-scale manufacturing platform dedicated to crop protection products. Acquiring Lier Chemical would immediately fill that gap by providing access to one of China's established agrochemical production networks. Lier Chemical is recognised for its integrated manufacturing chain for chloropyridine-based herbicides and glufosinate-ammonium, both strategically important products in the global herbicide market. The acquisition would enable CR Double-Crane to accelerate commercialization of bio-based agricultural technologies while strengthening its position in the specialty chemicals value chain. Mutual strategic advantages The transaction also offers significant strategic benefits for Lier Chemical. Integration with CR Double-Crane would provide access to a stronger financial base, national-level research infrastructure and broader commercial resources, enabling the agrochemical company to accelerate product innovation and expand market reach. Industry observers view the proposed combination as an effort to integrate expertise in pharmaceutical chemistry with agricultural biotechnology, creating opportunities to develop next-generation bio-based crop protection solutions as synthetic biology gains prominence across the fine chemicals industry. Change in ownership likely Should negotiations conclude successfully, the transaction is expected to trigger a change in control at Lier Chemical. However, the acquisition remains at an early stage. Both companies have clarified that no definitive agreement has been executed, and discussions are ongoing regarding valuation, transaction structure and commercial terms. The proposed deal will also require approvals from state-owned assets regulators and other relevant government authorities before it can proceed. Until those approvals are secured and a formal agreement is signed, the transaction remains subject to negotiation and regulatory review. If completed, the acquisition would underscore China's growing strategy of integrating pharmaceutical innovation with agricultural technologies, potentially creating a new competitive force in the country's rapidly evolving agrochemical and synthetic biology industries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/views/1/4289/regulatory-delay-leaves-brazils-bioinputs-industry-facing-uncertainty.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/views/1/4289/regulatory-delay-leaves-brazils-bioinputs-industry-facing-uncertainty.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:41:27 +0530 Brazil has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing bioinputs markets, supported by favorable tropical conditions, a robust scientific base and rapid adoption of biological technologies. Yet industry experts warn that delays in implementing the country's new Bioinputs Law could undermine investment, innovation and Brazil's ambition to become a global leader in agricultural biotechnology. According to Luis Eduardo Pacifici Rangel, member of the Scientific Council for Sustainable Agriculture (CCAS) and former Secretary of Agricultural Defense at Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, the country possesses unique structural advantages that few competitors can match. "The combination of tropical conditions, production scale, applied science and growing adoption positions Brazil as a global leader in the development of bioinputs," Rangel said in an interview. "The sector's rapid growth and the diversity of available technologies demonstrate that Brazil already operates as a large-scale agricultural biotechnology platform." The assessment comes as Brazil's bioinputs sector continues its rapid expansion. According to CropLife Brasil, the domestic market reached BRL 6.2 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) in 2025, representing 15 per cent year-on-year growth and the highest value recorded since the industry survey began in 2022. Global prospects remain equally robust. Market intelligence firm DunhamTrimmer projects the worldwide biologicals market will expand by 10 per cent between 2025 and 2030, reaching $25 billion by the end of the decade. Latin America is expected to outperform the global average with projected growth of 14 per cent, while Brazil has led worldwide adoption of biological products over the past five years. Regulatory bottleneck threatens momentum Despite the sector's commercial and technological advances, Rangel argues that regulatory delays have become the industry's principal constraint. Average registration timelines for biological products continue to exceed 400 days, with approval periods varying considerably among applications. More critically, companies report that product evaluations have slowed significantly while the regulatory decree implementing Brazil's Bioinputs Law (Law No. 15,070/2024) remains under revision. "The main risk today is no longer in the field or in science—it lies in governance," Rangel said. "The failure to finalize the Bioinputs Law regulation has created an environment of uncertainty that compromises investment, innovation and competitiveness." According to Rangel, the regulatory backlog is delaying the commercialization of new technologies, increasing uncertainty for manufacturers and weakening Brazil's competitive position in one of agriculture's fastest-growing technology segments. Industry seeks regulatory certainty To implement the new legislation, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) established a multi-stakeholder working group responsible for drafting the regulatory decree governing the law. The discussions involve representatives from government agencies, research institutions, producer organizations and industry associations, including the Brazilian Bioinputs Industries Association (ABINBIO) and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA). Key issues under negotiation include rules governing on-farm production of microorganisms, mandatory registration of production facilities, inspection procedures, transitional regulatory provisions and registration requirements for commercial biological products. ABINBIO has represented Brazil's bioinputs industry throughout the regulatory discussions. "The current moment is extremely important for the bioinputs sector, not only because regulation is at an advanced stage, but also because the industry continues to grow rapidly despite ongoing regulatory changes and the search for greater legal certainty," said Rodrigo Souza, Legal Advisor at ABINBIO. According to Souza, regulatory certainty is essential for sustaining industrial activity, research and development, and attracting long-term investment. "This process also aligns with several government priorities, requiring dialogue across the entire bioinputs value chain—from farmers to industry," he said. "Government agencies now have the important task of balancing these different interests to deliver an efficient regulatory framework that simultaneously promotes economic development and innovation." Strategic opportunity beyond agriculture Rangel believes Brazil's leadership extends beyond domestic production. Initiatives such as Renera, developed jointly by CropLife Brasil, ApexBrasil and ABINBIO, seek to position the country as an exporter of biological technologies rather than simply an agricultural commodities producer. He also argues that international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), could play an important role in promoting Brazilian expertise among other tropical agricultural economies facing similar pest, climate and sustainability challenges. However, he cautions that the opportunity remains fragile. "If Brazil succeeds in aligning regulation, science and the market, it can consolidate its position as the global leader in tropical agricultural biotechnology," Rangel concluded. "If not, it risks seeing its competitive advantage gradually eroded—not because of a lack of scientific or technological capacity, but because of insufficient regulatory coordination." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4286/global-supply-crunch-drives-vietnams-fertilizer-exports-to-near-1-billion-in-h1-2026.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4286/global-supply-crunch-drives-vietnams-fertilizer-exports-to-near-1-billion-in-h1-2026.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:18:47 +0530 Vietnam's fertilizer industry has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of tightening global supplies, with exports rising sharply during the first half of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and export restrictions disrupted international trade flows. The country exported approximately 1.7 million tonnes of fertilizers between January and June, generating $933 million in export revenue and reinforcing its position as an increasingly important supplier to regional agricultural markets. According to the Department of Vietnam Customs, fertilizer export volumes increased 52 percent year-on-year, while export earnings more than doubled, recording a 107 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2025. The robust performance reflects both higher shipment volumes and stronger international fertilizer prices amid persistent supply shortages. Cambodia remained Vietnam's largest overseas market, importing more than 330,000 tonnes of fertilizers valued at approximately US$146 million. Other major destinations included South Korea, the Philippines and Malaysia, highlighting the country's expanding footprint across Asia's agricultural input markets. Industry participants attribute the export boom largely to disruptions in global fertilizer production and logistics. Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have affected shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for fertilizer raw materials and energy supplies, forcing several producers in the Gulf region to scale back operations. At the same time, continued export controls imposed by Russia and China have further tightened global fertilizer availability, creating favourable market conditions for alternative suppliers such as Vietnam. The changing market dynamics have encouraged Vietnamese fertilizer manufacturers to increase export allocations while adjusting production strategies to optimise plant utilisation and improve cash flows during the domestic off-season. Among the beneficiaries is PetroVietnam Ca Mau Fertilizer Joint Stock Company (PVCFC), which significantly expanded overseas shipments of urea and NPK fertilizers as domestic demand softened. Preliminary financial results indicate the company generated revenue exceeding VND 11.8 trillion during the first six months of the year while exporting more than 900,000 tonnes of fertilizer products, achieving over 59 percent of its annual export target. The strong export momentum has coincided with rising fertilizer prices in Vietnam's domestic market, particularly for urea, DAP and NPK products in the southern region, while prices in northern markets have remained relatively stable. International pricing trends continue to support exporter confidence. Although retail fertilizer prices in the United States softened modestly during June compared with the previous month, they remained between 4 percent and 41 percent higher than a year earlier across major product categories, indicating that global fertilizer markets continue to operate at elevated price levels despite recent corrections. With international supply constraints expected to persist in the near term, Vietnam's fertilizer producers appear well positioned to expand their presence in export markets while strengthening earnings through improved capacity utilisation and favourable global pricing conditions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4285/aba-chemical-plans-production-shift-towards-cyantraniliprole-at-jiangsu-facility.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4285/aba-chemical-plans-production-shift-towards-cyantraniliprole-at-jiangsu-facility.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:03:40 +0530 ABA Chemical (Nantong) has initiated environmental approval procedures for a manufacturing expansion that would introduce 500 tonnes per annum (tpa) of cyantraniliprole technical production while restructuring its existing chlorantraniliprole manufacturing capacity. The proposal reflects the company's strategic response to shifting opportunities in the global post-patent crop protection market, where demand for generic anthranilic diamide insecticides continues to grow. The proposed project, currently under public consultation as part of China's environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, would be implemented at the company's production facility in Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park, Rudong County, Jiangsu Province. Regulatory approvals remain pending, and construction has not yet commenced. Under the proposal, cyantraniliprole would be manufactured using the existing Phase III chlorantraniliprole production infrastructure, supported by shared utilities, storage and environmental management facilities. As part of the operational realignment, annual chlorantraniliprole technical capacity would be reduced to 1,500 tonnes, while the project is also expected to generate approximately 171 tonnes of ammonium sulphate annually as a by-product. Beyond capacity adjustments, the investment includes a comprehensive technology upgrade of the site's 2,000 tpa bromopyrazole acid (BPP) production unit. Although production volumes will remain unchanged, the company plans to modernise key hydrolysis, cyclisation and bromination processes while strengthening clean manufacturing practices and intrinsic process safety. Bromopyrazole acid serves as a critical intermediate in the synthesis of chlorantraniliprole, making the facility strategically important within the broader diamide insecticide value chain. The proposed expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the global agrochemical industry. Chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole, originally developed by FMC Corporation and commercialised under the Rynaxypyr and Cyazypyr brands, are among the world's most successful diamide insecticides, targeting insect ryanodine receptors to deliver highly effective pest control across multiple crops. Combined, the two active ingredients generated approximately $1.5 billion in FMC revenues during 2024. With composition-of-matter patents for chlorantraniliprole beginning to expire from late 2022 and those protecting cyantraniliprole following in 2024, manufacturers worldwide are positioning themselves to capitalise on expanding opportunities in the generic crop protection market. Industry observers view ABA Chemical's proposed investment as a strategic portfolio adjustment towards second-generation diamide chemistry, which is expected to witness stronger commercial growth over the coming years. The company already occupies a significant position within the global chlorantraniliprole supply chain through its production of bromopyrazole acid intermediates. Industry estimates suggest ABA Chemical accounts for a substantial share of China's production of this critical intermediate, supplying customers primarily through contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) arrangements. The company has not disclosed whether the proposed cyantraniliprole technical production will support existing contract manufacturing relationships or target broader commercial markets. If approved, the expansion would further strengthen China's manufacturing footprint in advanced insecticide active ingredients while reinforcing the country's role as a leading supplier of post-patent crop protection technologies to global agricultural markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4277/basf-unveils-apthena-in-uk-to-strengthen-biological-pest-control-and-advance-integrated-crop.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4277/basf-unveils-apthena-in-uk-to-strengthen-biological-pest-control-and-advance-integrated-crop.html Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:40:56 +0530 BASF Agricultural Solutions has launched Apthena in the UK, an innovative biological crop protection product designed to strengthen Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes by naturally enhancing the activity of beneficial insects that prey on aphids. The new solution leverages (E)-β-farnesene (EBF), a naturally occurring aphid alarm pheromone released when aphids are disturbed. Beneficial predators and parasitoids—including ladybirds and lacewings—have evolved to recognise this chemical signal as an indicator of prey, allowing Apthena® to attract these natural enemies into crop fields and improve biological pest suppression. By amplifying naturally occurring ecosystem services, BASF believes the technology can help growers reduce reliance on conventional insecticides while addressing mounting concerns over pesticide resistance and tightening regulatory restrictions on chemical crop protection products. "Our biological portfolio represents a strategic pillar of BASF Agricultural Solutions," said Richard Corden, Head of Solutions and Services, Agricultural Solutions UK & Ireland. "Biological innovations such as Apthena complement our crop protection, seed technologies and digital agriculture platforms, enabling integrated production systems that improve both productivity and sustainability." The launch comes as aphids continue to inflict substantial economic losses on global agriculture through direct feeding damage and the transmission of devastating plant viruses. According to Professor Tom Pope, Applied Entomologist at Harper Adams University, biological approaches are becoming increasingly important as the range of available insecticides continues to narrow, increasing selection pressure for resistance. Describing Apthena® as an important addition to the IPM toolkit, Pope said the product offers significant value when deployed alongside complementary biological and agronomic interventions, creating synergistic effects that strengthen natural pest regulation. The innovation is underpinned by BASF's proprietary encapsulation technology, overcoming one of the principal limitations of (E)-β-farnesene—its high volatility and rapid degradation under field conditions. Encapsulating the active ingredient enables its controlled release over 20 to 30 days, providing extended field efficacy while maintaining formulation stability. BASF said the microcapsules are manufactured using natural, inert ingredients and contain no microplastics, reinforcing the company's sustainability objectives. Field evaluations have demonstrated encouraging biological performance. Controlled laboratory studies showed ladybirds exhibited a strong behavioural preference for Apthena over untreated controls. Commercial field trials further indicated an 18 per cent increase in plants hosting beneficial insects in pea crops, while aphid incidence in sugar beet declined from an average 2 per cent to 0.5 per cent, highlighting the product's potential to improve biological control under practical farming conditions. BASF said Apthena becomes rainfast within 24 hours, requires no buffer zone and has no maximum application limit, providing growers with greater operational flexibility. The company recommends applications every 14 days at 0.3–0.5 litres per hectare, while noting the product remains compatible with approved crop protection products where additional intervention is required. The introduction of Apthena further reinforces BASF's long-term commitment to expanding its biologicals portfolio. The company has significantly increased investment in biological crop protection, recently commissioning a dedicated BioHub fermentation facility in Ludwigshafen while strengthening its capabilities through acquisitions such as AgBiTech. BASF's UK biologicals portfolio already includes Integral Pro, Serifel and the Nemasys beneficial nematode range, with additional biological innovations—including Velifer—currently progressing through its development pipeline. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4276/syngenta-and-groundwork-bioag-enter-partnership-to-bring-innovation-in-biologicals-and-soil-carbon-solutions-to-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4276/syngenta-and-groundwork-bioag-enter-partnership-to-bring-innovation-in-biologicals-and-soil-carbon-solutions-to-farmers.html Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:32:31 +0530 Syngenta and Groundwork BioAg today announced a strategic partnership to market Groundwork's mycorrhizal technology. Syngenta, the global leader in biological crop protection, now offers a biological solution that enhances crop performance, provides resistance to plant stress while improving soil health with a carbon credit program, generating an additional revenue stream for farmers.  Under the partnership, Syngenta will commercialize mycorrhiza-based products and soil carbon solutions under its own label. The innovative offer will initially target corn, soy, cereals and sunflower in Latin America and Europe. Groundwork BioAg will be responsible for manufacturing, supply, digital tooling and the full carbon program development process. Farmers will benefit from enhanced nutrient uptake that delivers higher, more resilient crop yields, while simultaneously unlocking a new revenue stream from carbon credits. Petra Laux, Chief Sustainability Officer of Syngenta Group, comments: “The model we've built with Groundwork BioAg goes beyond farming carbon - it builds resilience, restores soil health, and accumulates long term carbon stocks at a remarkable pace, while generating carbon credits from which farmers directly benefit. We see this as a natural evolution of what carbon programs can achieve. This new offering perfectly fits within Syngenta’s sustainability goal of supporting farmers to produce higher yield while lowering their impact on the environment”. Alon Werber, CEO of Groundwork BioAg: “By combining Syngenta's market access with our proven mycorrhizal capabilities, we are positioning mycorrhizal fungi as both a valuable agronomic input and a significant pathway for agricultural climate mitigation through our end-to-end carbon program.” Emilhano Lima, Global Head Seedcare & Biologicals: “This partnership reflects how biologicals are increasingly becoming a central part of agriculture. Nature-inspired solutions give farmers effective, reliable tools, while also providing concrete agronomical returns.”  Soil carbon sequestration is the process by which carbon dioxide is drawn from the atmosphere by plant photosynthesis and stored in the soil through biological activity. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with crop root systems, improving nutrient and water uptake and supporting long-term soil health. The fungi also catalyse the formation of durable mineral-associated organic matter, increasing the potential for long-term carbon storage. For farmers, soils that sequester more carbon are generally more fertile, retain water more effectively, and are more resilient to drought and erosion.    ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4259/verdesian-strengthens-biostimulant-credentials-as-independent-certification-validates-crop-performance-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4259/verdesian-strengthens-biostimulant-credentials-as-independent-certification-validates-crop-performance-technology.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:03:17 +0530 Verdesian Life Sciences has secured independent certification for one of its flagship biostimulant technologies, reinforcing the industry's growing emphasis on scientifically validated crop inputs amid rising climate-related production risks. The company's foliar biostimulant formulation has been certified under The Fertilizer Institute's (TFI) Certified Biostimulant Program, confirming that the product meets established standards for efficacy, safety and composition following an independent technical evaluation. The recognition marks Verdesian's third certification under the programme, adding to two previously certified products and strengthening its portfolio of independently validated biological solutions. The certification comes at a time when growers are increasingly seeking technologies capable of mitigating the effects of drought, heat and other abiotic stresses that continue to threaten crop productivity across major agricultural regions. Industry observers view third-party validation as an important differentiator in the rapidly expanding global biostimulant market, where product performance and scientific substantiation have become key purchasing considerations. According to the company, the certified foliar nutrition technology has been commercially deployed for approximately 15 years and has demonstrated consistent field performance across diverse crops, production environments and geographies. Applied during key crop growth stages, the technology is designed to enhance photosynthetic efficiency, improve nutrient utilisation and strengthen the plant's antioxidant defence system, thereby supporting yield stability and crop quality under environmental stress. Verdesian said the product was developed through extensive research in plant physiology and stress-response biology, with multiple biological pathways aimed at strengthening the plant's natural mechanisms for coping with adverse growing conditions. Company scientists noted that understanding how plants respond to environmental stress remains central to developing next-generation crop technologies capable of improving resilience without increasing chemical inputs. They added that the independent certification reflects the depth of scientific research underpinning the product's development. The company's leadership said the certification provides growers and agricultural retailers with greater confidence in adopting technologies that have undergone external verification, particularly as farming operations face mounting pressure to improve productivity while navigating increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The TFI Certified Biostimulant Program was established to introduce greater transparency and consistency within the biostimulant sector by setting recognised benchmarks for product composition, safety and demonstrated performance. The programme aims to support informed decision-making across the agricultural value chain while encouraging broader adoption of science-based sustainable crop production technologies.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4258/wier-scales-ozone-based-water-treatment-as-agriculture-seeks-to-cut-chemical-dependence.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4258/wier-scales-ozone-based-water-treatment-as-agriculture-seeks-to-cut-chemical-dependence.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:57:06 +0530 Brazilian technology company Wier is accelerating the deployment of ozone-based water treatment systems as industries and agricultural producers increasingly adopt sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical disinfection. The company's technology is designed to reduce biological contamination, improve water quality and significantly lower dependence on agrochemicals and chlorine-based disinfectants, reflecting a broader shift toward cleaner and more resource-efficient water management. According to Wier, ozone treatment systems can reduce the use of chlorine and other chemical disinfectants by as much as 95 per cent while delivering enhanced microbiological control across diverse water treatment applications. Unlike conventional chemical treatments, ozone disinfects water through oxidation and rapidly converts back into oxygen, eliminating concerns over persistent chemical residues. The technology is gaining traction as governments, industries and agricultural producers face mounting pressure to strengthen water security, improve resource efficiency and comply with increasingly stringent environmental and sanitation standards. Rising concerns over water scarcity and the need for sustainable production systems are further driving interest in advanced oxidation technologies capable of improving operational efficiency while reducing chemical inputs. Wier's ozone solutions are being deployed across municipal water treatment, industrial operations, wastewater management, water reuse initiatives and agricultural production systems. In agriculture, the technology supports irrigation water treatment, equipment sanitation and water purification throughout production processes, helping lower biological loads while reducing reliance on conventional chemical disinfectants. Industrial users are increasingly adopting ozone technology to maintain consistent water quality and tighter microbiological control in production environments. Municipal utilities are also evaluating ozone-based systems to improve sanitation infrastructure, enhance treatment efficiency and support long-term water reuse strategies. As part of its expansion strategy, Wier has strengthened its presence in Brazil's Northeast through a strategic partnership aimed at increasing access to ozone technology in one of the country's most water-stressed regions. The collaboration is expected to support industrial customers, agricultural producers and public-sector water treatment projects seeking more sustainable and efficient purification solutions. The Northeast represents a critical market for advanced water treatment technologies, given its recurring water scarcity challenges and growing demand for efficient resource management across agriculture and industry. By expanding its regional footprint, Wier aims to accelerate the adoption of ozone-based purification systems that improve water quality while reducing environmental impact. The company expects demand for ozone technology to continue rising as organizations pursue sustainability targets, lower operating costs and strengthen water quality management. The transition toward advanced oxidation technologies reflects a broader global movement to replace or significantly reduce chemical-intensive water treatment processes with cleaner, high-efficiency alternatives. Founded in Brazil, Wier develops purification technologies based on ozone and cold plasma for air, water and surface treatment. The company operates in more than 20 countries, serving industries including agribusiness, food processing, healthcare, hospitality and automotive manufacturing. As sustainability and water resilience become strategic priorities worldwide, ozone-based treatment technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting safer water management while reducing dependence on conventional chemical inputs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4257/adm-expands-biostimulant-footprint-as-redstar-launches-redvita-43-across-midwest.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4257/adm-expands-biostimulant-footprint-as-redstar-launches-redvita-43-across-midwest.html Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:30:39 +0530 Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is expanding the commercial reach of its biological crop enhancement portfolio through a new distribution partnership with REDSTAR, as demand continues to rise for products that improve nutrient efficiency and support sustainable crop production. Under the agreement, REDSTAR will manufacture and market ADM's NeoVita 43 biostimulant under the REDVITA 43 brand, distributing the product through its agricultural retail network and direct sales channels across the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. The partnership reflects the growing momentum behind biostimulants as growers seek technologies capable of improving crop performance while maximising fertilizer efficiency and enhancing soil health. As input costs remain elevated and sustainability expectations increase, biological products are becoming an increasingly important component of integrated crop management programmes. Although marketed under a new brand name, REDVITA 43 retains the same formulation as ADM's NeoVita 43. The sugar-based biostimulant is designed to stimulate beneficial microbial activity within the soil, improving nutrient availability and helping crops establish stronger early-season growth. Strengthening soil microbial activity has become a major area of focus across modern agriculture as producers look to improve nutrient uptake, increase fertilizer-use efficiency and build greater resilience under increasingly variable growing conditions. The companies point to extensive field evaluations conducted over multiple growing seasons at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where the product demonstrated measurable agronomic benefits. According to the trial results, corn treated with the biostimulant alongside liquid starter fertilizer produced yield gains of up to seven bushels per acre compared with applications using starter fertilizer alone. The product has been developed with application flexibility to fit existing farming practices. It can be applied together with liquid starter fertilizers during planting to promote vigorous crop establishment or used as a foliar application to enhance herbicide performance while providing crops with an immediately available energy source during key growth stages. The distribution agreement significantly expands market access for the technology. REDSTAR plans to supply REDVITA 43 through its established dealer and grower network spanning 18 U.S. states, making the product available in both bulk and tote packaging formats to accommodate different farm sizes and distribution requirements. For ADM, the collaboration strengthens its strategy of leveraging partnerships to accelerate adoption of biological crop technologies without significantly expanding its own direct distribution footprint. For REDSTAR, the agreement adds an established biostimulant technology to its portfolio at a time when biological inputs are becoming an increasingly important category within agricultural retail. The broader agricultural inputs industry is witnessing rising investment in biostimulants as growers seek complementary solutions alongside conventional fertilizers and crop protection products. Unlike traditional inputs, biostimulants are designed to enhance natural biological processes that improve nutrient efficiency, crop development and overall plant health rather than directly supplying nutrients or controlling pests. As precision agriculture and regenerative farming practices continue to gain traction, products capable of improving soil function and nutrient utilisation are expected to play a growing role in supporting both farm profitability and environmental sustainability. The ADM-REDSTAR partnership underscores this shift, reflecting the industry's broader transition towards integrated crop nutrition strategies that combine conventional inputs with biological innovations to improve productivity while optimising resource use. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4253/sumitomo-chemical-bets-on-next-generation-fungicide-to-tackle-rising-resistance-in-global-crop-protection.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4253/sumitomo-chemical-bets-on-next-generation-fungicide-to-tackle-rising-resistance-in-global-crop-protection.html Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:44:36 +0530 Sumitomo Chemical is advancing its next generation of crop protection technologies with regulatory submissions for bifemetstrobin, a newly developed fungicide active ingredient that the company believes could strengthen global efforts to manage fungicide resistance in agriculture. The company has filed registration applications for bifemetstrobin with regulatory authorities in Japan, the United States and Brazil, marking the first step towards commercialising one of its latest proprietary crop protection innovations. Subject to regulatory approvals, Sumitomo Chemical expects commercial launches to begin in 2030 or later, with plans to pursue registrations in additional markets thereafter. The development comes as fungicide resistance continues to emerge as one of the most pressing challenges confronting global agriculture. Repeated use of existing chemistries has enabled several economically important fungal pathogens to develop resistance, reducing the effectiveness of conventional disease management programmes and increasing production risks for farmers. Bifemetstrobin represents a new active ingredient discovered by Sumitomo Chemical and belongs to the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) class of fungicides, one of the most widely used groups of disease-control products in modern agriculture. The molecule works by disrupting the energy production process within fungal cells, preventing disease development and protecting crop health. What differentiates the new fungicide is its reported performance against fungal strains that have developed resistance to existing QoI chemistries. Based on extensive internal research and external evaluations, the company says bifemetstrobin has demonstrated strong efficacy against resistant pathogens, including soybean rust, one of the most economically damaging diseases affecting soybean production in Brazil and several other agricultural regions. Soybean rust remains a major concern for growers because of its ability to spread rapidly under favourable weather conditions and cause significant yield losses if disease control measures fail. The emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogen populations has further intensified the need for new modes of action capable of restoring effective disease management. If approved, bifemetstrobin is expected to provide growers with an additional tool for resistance management by expanding the range of available fungicide options. Introducing new active ingredients with proven efficacy against resistant fungal populations is increasingly viewed as essential for preserving long-term crop productivity and delaying the development of further resistance. Brazil is likely to be one of the most strategically important markets for the new fungicide, given the country's position as one of the world's largest soybean producers and the persistent challenge posed by soybean rust. At the same time, registrations in Japan and the United States underline the company's broader ambition to establish the product across major global agricultural markets. The regulatory filings also reflect the increasing emphasis among crop protection companies on replenishing innovation pipelines as regulatory scrutiny tightens and resistance pressures grow across multiple crop segments. Novel active ingredients have become progressively more difficult and expensive to develop, making successful product launches strategically significant for global agrochemical manufacturers. Looking ahead, Sumitomo Chemical intends to continue expanding the development programme for bifemetstrobin beyond its initial target markets while advancing its broader portfolio of crop protection technologies. The company views innovation in disease management as central to supporting sustainable agricultural production, improving crop resilience and helping farmers maintain stable yields in an increasingly complex farming environment. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4246/fmc-advances-dual-mode-herbicide-as-weed-resistance-intensifies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4246/fmc-advances-dual-mode-herbicide-as-weed-resistance-intensifies.html Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:39:28 +0530 FMC Corporation has taken a significant step toward commercialising its latest herbicide innovation by submitting the first global regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The filing marks the inaugural regulatory submission for the active ingredient and covers its proposed use across corn, soybean, sunflower and selected pulse crops. The submission represents a major milestone in FMC's crop protection innovation strategy as growers worldwide grapple with the rapid spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. Developed over more than a decade at the company's Stine Research Center, rimisoxafen introduces a new approach to weed management by combining two distinct modes of action within a single active ingredient—a first for the global herbicide industry. According to FMC, rimisoxafen has been classified by the Global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as the first herbicide active ingredient with a dual mode of action, falling under HRAC Groups 12 and 32. By targeting two separate biochemical pathways in weeds, the technology is designed to slow the development of resistance compared with conventional single-mode herbicides, an increasingly important consideration as resistant weed populations continue to expand. The launch pipeline comes at a critical time for U.S. agriculture. Herbicide-resistant weeds remain one of the most pressing agronomic challenges facing growers, particularly in soybean production. A 2025 survey by the Weed Science Society of America identified Palmer amaranth and waterhemp as the most problematic broadleaf weeds in the country, both of which demonstrated consistent control during extensive field and greenhouse evaluations of rimisoxafen. The commercial opportunity is equally significant. The United States cultivates more than 70 million hectares of corn and soybeans annually, with growers collectively spending in excess of $6 billion each year on weed management solutions. New herbicide technologies capable of extending resistance management are expected to play an increasingly important role as existing chemistries lose effectiveness. Rimisoxafen is the third novel herbicide active ingredient that FMC has advanced into the regulatory review process in recent years, following Isoflex active and Dodhylex active. The latest submission reinforces the company's strategy of strengthening its innovation pipeline through proprietary chemistry aimed at addressing emerging resistance challenges and supporting long-term crop productivity. Beyond the United States, FMC plans to seek regulatory approvals for rimisoxafen across additional agricultural markets and crop segments as part of its global commercialisation programme. The company noted that the active ingredient has not yet been approved for sale or use in any country, with commercial availability dependent on regulatory clearances in each jurisdiction. The EPA submission underscores a broader shift in the crop protection industry, where innovation is increasingly focused on developing differentiated modes of action rather than incremental improvements to existing chemistries. As weed resistance continues to erode the effectiveness of conventional herbicides, technologies capable of delivering multiple mechanisms of control are expected to become central to future weed management strategies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4238/yaras-1-3-bn-texas-deal-reshapes-competition-in-u-s-nitrogen-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4238/yaras-1-3-bn-texas-deal-reshapes-competition-in-u-s-nitrogen-market.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:51:10 +0530 Yara International has announced the acquisition of the Gulf Coast Ammonia (GCA) plant in Texas City, Texas, for $1.3 billion, significantly expanding its ammonia production capacity in North America and reinforcing its strategy to secure cost-competitive manufacturing assets in one of the world's most attractive fertilizer production regions. The acquisition, which comes shortly after Yara withdrew from a separate ammonia investment opportunity in Louisiana, represents one of the company's largest North American investments in recent years and underscores its renewed focus on strengthening upstream ammonia production. The transaction includes the ammonia production facility, associated storage infrastructure and exclusive access to the site's loading facilities. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce approximately 1.3 million tonnes of ammonia annually, substantially enhancing Yara's global production portfolio. Currently undergoing commissioning, the facility is expected to achieve stable commercial operations by the end of 2026. Strategic Shift Towards Competitive U.S. Production The investment reflects Yara's broader strategy of increasing exposure to regions with structurally lower energy costs, particularly the U.S. Gulf Coast, where abundant natural gas supplies provide a significant cost advantage for ammonia production. Unlike conventional integrated ammonia facilities, hydrogen, nitrogen and other industrial gases required for production will be supplied by Air Products under a long-term agreement through the United States' largest hydrogen pipeline network. This operating model mirrors Yara's successful production arrangement at its Freeport, Texas, joint venture. By securing proprietary ammonia production capacity, Yara aims to reduce dependence on spot market purchases while improving supply reliability for both fertilizer and industrial customers. Capital Reallocated After Louisiana Exit The Texas acquisition follows Yara's recent decision to discontinue negotiations related to the proposed Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, where it had been evaluating ammonia assets supported by a long-term low-carbon hydrogen supply agreement. The company concluded that the Louisiana investment did not meet its financial return requirements and instead redirected capital towards more mature production assets capable of generating stronger commercial returns. Despite stepping away from the Louisiana project, Air Products remains a key strategic partner for Yara. Alongside the acquisition, the companies are finalising a marketing and distribution agreement covering renewable ammonia produced at the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia, where Air Products serves as the exclusive offtaker. Positioning for Long-Term Competitiveness Natural gas remains the single largest input cost in ammonia production, making access to competitively priced U.S. feedstock a critical advantage. By increasing its manufacturing presence on the Gulf Coast, Yara expects to diversify its energy exposure while reducing reliance on higher-cost European production facilities. The investment also comes at a time when geopolitical tensions affecting energy and fertilizer markets have reinforced the importance of secure ammonia supply chains. Ongoing disruptions across key global shipping routes have supported strong ammonia prices, increasing the strategic value of reliable North American production. Competition in the Nitrogen Market Set to Intensify The addition of a 1.3 million-tonne production facility significantly strengthens Yara's competitive position within the North American nitrogen industry, where major producers have traditionally benefited from access to inexpensive natural gas. The acquisition is expected to intensify competition among leading fertilizer manufacturers by expanding Yara's ability to supply both agricultural and industrial customers directly from its own production assets. Financially, the acquisition aligns with the capital investment framework outlined during Yara's 2026 Capital Markets Day. Following completion of the transaction, the company's pro forma net debt-to-EBITDA ratio is expected to increase from 1.00 to 1.73, while remaining within its stated capital allocation policy and consistent with maintaining its targeted investment-grade credit profile. Low-Carbon Potential for the Future Although the Texas facility will initially produce conventional grey ammonia, Yara believes the plant offers long-term potential for future conversion to lower-carbon production pathways, subject to technological advances, regulatory developments and commercial viability. The immediate priority, however, will be completing commissioning and ramping the facility to full production by the end of 2026. Successful execution will determine whether the investment delivers the operational efficiencies and cost advantages Yara is targeting as it strengthens its position in the evolving global ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer market.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4236/corteva-bets-on-moa-technology-to-fast-track-novel-herbicide-discovery.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4236/corteva-bets-on-moa-technology-to-fast-track-novel-herbicide-discovery.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:24:41 +0530 In a move aimed at tackling the growing challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds, UK-based Moa Technology has entered into a multi-year research and development collaboration with global agriculture company Corteva Agriscience to accelerate the discovery of next-generation herbicide solutions. The partnership will combine Moa Technology's proprietary herbicide discovery platforms with Corteva's expertise in crop protection research and development to identify herbicides with novel modes of action, addressing one of the most pressing challenges confronting modern agriculture. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of innovative weed control technologies capable of overcoming resistance that has reduced the effectiveness of several existing herbicide chemistries worldwide. "Discovering truly novel solutions to combat rapidly evolving, yield-limiting weed threats remains at the core of our innovation strategy," said Dr Virginia Corless, Chief Executive Officer, Moa Technology. She noted that partnerships with leading agricultural companies help speed up the delivery of safe, effective and economically viable weed management solutions to farmers. Echoing the sentiment, Ashish Batra, Vice President, Crop Health Research and Development, Corteva Agriscience, said the collaboration brings together complementary scientific capabilities to advance the discovery of new herbicide modes of action. He added that the partnership is focused on addressing the escalating challenge of herbicide resistance affecting growers globally. Herbicide resistance has emerged as a significant threat to global crop productivity, with repeated use of existing chemistries allowing several weed species to evolve resistance, thereby increasing production costs and reducing farm profitability. The discovery of entirely new modes of action has become a priority for the crop protection industry, particularly as the pipeline for novel herbicides has remained limited over the past few decades. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Oxford in 2017, Moa Technology has developed a proprietary discovery platform that has identified a new generation of synthetic and bio-based herbicidal compounds targeting previously unexplored biological pathways. These innovations are designed to provide sustainable alternatives capable of managing resistant weed populations while supporting long-term agricultural productivity. The agreement with Corteva marks Moa Technology's fourth major commercial research collaboration in the past two years, underscoring growing industry interest in leveraging advanced discovery platforms to expand the pipeline of next-generation crop protection products. The partnership reflects a broader trend within the global agrochemical industry, where collaboration between technology-driven innovators and established crop protection companies is becoming increasingly important to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable agricultural solutions capable of meeting future food production challenges.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4224/corteva-turns-to-biological-seed-technologies-for-next-wave-of-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4224/corteva-turns-to-biological-seed-technologies-for-next-wave-of-innovation.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:51:07 +0530 As agriculture shifts towards more resource-efficient crop production, Corteva Agriscience has partnered with Swedish crop nutrition company Arevo to integrate an innovative seed-applied nutrition technology into its European soybean portfolio. The collaboration centres on Arginex Soy, an arginine-based seed treatment developed by Arevo that is designed to enhance early root development, stimulate nodulation and improve nutrient uptake during the critical establishment phase of soybean growth. The agreement highlights the increasing convergence of seed technology and crop nutrition as companies seek to improve productivity while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint. Seed Becomes the First Nutrient Delivery Platform Rather than relying solely on in-season fertilizer applications, the partnership reflects a growing industry trend towards delivering targeted nutrition directly through treated seeds. Arginex Soy uses arginine—an amino acid that serves as an organic nitrogen source—to encourage the development of root hairs, the structures responsible for forming nodules where nitrogen-fixing bacteria colonise soybean roots. Improved nodulation enables soybean plants to fix atmospheric nitrogen more efficiently, strengthening root systems and enhancing nutrient use during the earliest stages of crop establishment. The approach aims to improve plant vigour before crops encounter environmental or nutritional stress, potentially laying the foundation for higher productivity throughout the growing season. From Evaluation to Commercial Integration Before entering Corteva's commercial portfolio, the technology underwent an extensive technical assessment covering agronomic performance, formulation stability and compatibility with the company's existing seed treatment systems. According to the companies, the evaluation demonstrated that the product could be integrated into existing commercial seed treatment operations without requiring changes to manufacturing or application processes. The compatibility is expected to simplify adoption for growers while enabling the technology to reach the market through Corteva's established soybean seed distribution network across Europe. Improving Nutrient Efficiency The partnership comes as European agriculture faces mounting pressure to improve nutrient-use efficiency amid rising fertilizer costs, tightening environmental regulations and increasing scrutiny over agricultural emissions. Soybean cultivation has become an important component of sustainable crop rotations because of the crop's natural ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Technologies that strengthen this biological process are increasingly viewed as valuable tools for improving productivity while reducing dependence on external nitrogen inputs. Seed-applied nutritional technologies are also attracting growing interest because they provide targeted support during early crop development, when strong root establishment often determines later-season performance. Biological Innovation Gains Momentum The agreement underscores the broader transformation underway in crop input innovation. Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional fertilizers or crop protection products, agricultural companies are increasingly investing in biological and physiological solutions that improve nutrient efficiency, plant resilience and overall crop performance. By combining advances in seed treatment, plant nutrition and biological processes, these technologies are becoming central to strategies aimed at producing more with fewer inputs. For Arevo, the collaboration provides access to one of Europe's largest commercial seed platforms, significantly expanding the reach of its proprietary technology. For Corteva, it strengthens a seed treatment portfolio increasingly focused on helping growers maximise crop performance while advancing more sustainable production systems. As the seed industry continues to evolve beyond genetics into integrated crop performance solutions, partnerships like this illustrate how innovation is increasingly beginning not in the field—but on the seed itself. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4223/china-elevates-biostimulants-to-national-research-priority-with-launch-of-dedicated-key-laboratory.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4223/china-elevates-biostimulants-to-national-research-priority-with-launch-of-dedicated-key-laboratory.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:37:54 +0530 China has taken another decisive step towards strengthening its leadership in agricultural biologicals, with the country's first national Key Laboratory of Biostimulants and Functional Fertilizers officially entering its operational phase. Approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and established on the research platform of Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group, the laboratory is expected to become the country's principal centre for scientific research, technology development and industry collaboration in the rapidly expanding biostimulant sector. The launch reflects Beijing's broader strategy of advancing science-led agricultural innovation as it seeks to reduce dependence on conventional agrochemicals, improve nutrient-use efficiency and support more sustainable crop production systems. A National Platform for Biological Innovation The inauguration marks more than the opening of a new research facility. It signals the emergence of a coordinated national platform designed to bridge academic research, industrial innovation and commercial application. Leading scientists, industry experts and policymakers gathered to define the laboratory's long-term scientific agenda, governance structure and collaborative research framework. Discussions focused on creating an open innovation ecosystem capable of attracting external research institutions, expanding multidisciplinary collaboration and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable technologies. The laboratory is expected to operate as a hub where universities, research institutes and private enterprises jointly address some of agriculture's most pressing challenges, from nutrient efficiency and soil health to climate resilience and sustainable crop nutrition. Setting the Scientific Agenda The laboratory has outlined an ambitious research roadmap centred on next-generation biostimulants, functional fertilizers, novel nutrient delivery systems and advanced fertilization technologies. Scientific discussions during its inaugural meetings highlighted several priority areas, including improving phosphorus-use efficiency, developing innovative fertilizer materials and advancing biological products capable of enhancing crop performance under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. Researchers also examined the growing role of biostimulants and soil conditioners in improving productivity while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint—an area receiving increasing attention from policymakers worldwide. Driving Industry Standards Beyond scientific discovery, the laboratory is expected to play an influential role in shaping the future regulatory framework for China's biological input industry. Experts participating in the inaugural sessions stressed that the long-term growth of the sector will depend on establishing robust scientific standards governing product quality, efficacy and safety. As biological inputs become increasingly important in modern agriculture, standardisation is emerging as a critical requirement for market credibility and international competitiveness. The laboratory is therefore positioned not only as a research institution but also as a potential driver of technical guidelines, testing protocols and industry benchmarks that could influence the future direction of China's biostimulant market. Strengthening Global Competitiveness China's biological agriculture sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade, but industry leaders acknowledge that sustained international competitiveness will require stronger original innovation and greater technological self-reliance. The new laboratory is expected to focus on overcoming key scientific bottlenecks while strengthening China's capabilities across the entire biostimulant value chain—from basic research and formulation science to manufacturing and commercial deployment. By integrating scientific expertise with industrial resources, the initiative aims to accelerate the development of high-value biological inputs capable of competing in global markets. Science Meets Commercialisation A distinguishing feature of the laboratory is its close integration with Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group's research and manufacturing infrastructure. Rather than operating as a standalone academic institution, the facility is designed to facilitate the rapid transfer of scientific discoveries into practical agricultural solutions. Advanced manufacturing capabilities, demonstration projects and industry partnerships are expected to shorten the pathway from laboratory research to commercial adoption. This research-to-market model reflects China's broader emphasis on transforming scientific innovation into productive industrial capacity. Supporting Sustainable Agriculture Looking ahead, the laboratory will concentrate on technologies that support greener agricultural production, improve crop quality and stress tolerance, reduce fertilizer and pesticide dependence and strengthen ecological sustainability. Its establishment underscores China's growing recognition that biological inputs will play an increasingly important role in achieving future food security, environmental protection and climate resilience objectives. As countries around the world invest heavily in agricultural biologicals, China's newest national laboratory signals that the competition is no longer limited to developing better products—it is increasingly about building the scientific infrastructure that will define the next generation of sustainable agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4221/next-trade-barrier-in-agriculture-isnt-tariffsits-microbes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4221/next-trade-barrier-in-agriculture-isnt-tariffsits-microbes.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:34:04 +0530 The race to replace chemical fertilizers with biological alternatives is accelerating worldwide. But while governments are encouraging farmers to embrace microbial fertilizers as part of climate-smart agriculture, they are simultaneously erecting increasingly sophisticated regulatory barriers around their import. Unlike conventional fertilizers, microbial fertilizers contain living microorganisms capable of improving nutrient uptake, enhancing soil health and increasing crop resilience. Because these products introduce live biological agents into agricultural ecosystems, regulators are treating them less like fertilizers and more like potential biosecurity risks. The result is a new global regulatory landscape where scientific validation, biosafety assessments and phytosanitary compliance have become as important as product performance. For companies eyeing international markets, the challenge is no longer simply producing an effective biofertilizer—it is navigating an increasingly complex web of import regulations. China: High Potential, Higher Barriers China, one of the world's fastest-growing biological agriculture markets, also operates one of its most rigorous approval systems. Every imported microbial fertilizer must receive registration from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) before it can be commercialized. Revised guidelines introduced in 2025 have further raised the bar, requiring robust efficacy data, strain characterization and biosafety evidence. Imports containing plant-derived microorganisms also fall under the scrutiny of the General Administration of Customs (GACC), requiring overseas manufacturers to be registered through their home-country authorities before shipments are approved. While Beijing actively promotes biofertilizers to reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals and restore soil health, it remains unwilling to compromise on biosecurity, making regulatory preparedness essential for market entry. United States: A Patchwork Regulatory Landscape The United States has adopted a markedly different approach. Rather than a dedicated national biofertilizer framework, oversight is divided among multiple federal and state agencies. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) evaluates imports containing live microorganisms, primarily through a pest-risk lens, while products making pesticidal claims require approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Adding another layer of complexity, several states impose their own registration, licensing and labelling requirements. For exporters, success in the US depends less on navigating one regulator than coordinating compliance across several. Europe: Sustainability with Scientific Rigor The European Union has opted for harmonisation—but only within carefully defined scientific boundaries. Under the EU Fertilising Products Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, only microbial plant biostimulants containing approved microorganisms listed under Component Material Category (CMC) 7 qualify for CE marking, allowing unrestricted movement across all 27 member states. Products containing microorganisms outside the approved list must instead comply with national regulations, significantly increasing the complexity of market access. The approach reflects Europe's broader Green Deal philosophy: encourage biological innovation while maintaining stringent standards for safety, efficacy and environmental protection. Japan: Precision Over Speed Japan continues to maintain one of Asia's most quality-focused regulatory systems. Governed under the Fertilizer Control Act, microbial products are assessed based on their classification, with many requiring quality verification, labelling compliance and domestic representation rather than full fertilizer registration. The country's Green Food System Strategy is driving greater adoption of biological inputs, but regulators continue to insist on rigorous quality assurance before products reach farmers. Compliance Is Becoming a Business Strategy Across all four markets, one message is unmistakable: microbial fertilizers may be biological products, but they are increasingly being regulated like strategic technologies. Authorities are demanding detailed microbial identification, production protocols, phytosanitary certificates, contaminant testing, efficacy data and traceability documentation before granting market access. Approval timelines can stretch from several months to nearly two years, making regulatory planning an integral part of commercial strategy. For an industry expected to play a pivotal role in reducing chemical fertilizer dependence and improving soil health, the implications are profound. The companies that succeed globally will not necessarily be those with the most innovative microbes—they will be those that can demonstrate the strongest science, the highest biosafety standards and the deepest regulatory expertise. In the emerging bio-input economy, compliance is no longer a cost of doing business—it is becoming one of the industry's most valuable competitive assets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4192/pupuk-indonesia-courts-india-and-bangladesh-for-urea-exports-amid-global-supply-realignment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4192/pupuk-indonesia-courts-india-and-bangladesh-for-urea-exports-amid-global-supply-realignment.html Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:15:07 +0530 Indonesia's state-owned fertiliser producer, Pupuk Indonesia, is stepping up efforts to expand its presence in South Asia, holding discussions with India and Bangladesh on potential urea supply agreements as global buyers increasingly seek supply sources outside the Persian Gulf. The move comes at a time when disruptions to shipping routes linked to the Gulf region have heightened concerns over fertiliser supply security and prompted importers to diversify sourcing strategies. Indonesia, with its large production base and shipping routes that are largely insulated from tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, is positioning itself as a reliable alternative supplier for Asian markets. The discussions with India and Bangladesh follow the successful delivery of a 47,250-tonne urea cargo to Australia under a government-to-government arrangement. Having fulfilled Australia's seasonal demand requirements, the company is preparing to redirect part of its export volumes to other markets in the region as agricultural planting cycles shift. Pupuk Indonesia currently has an annual production capacity of 14.8 million tonnes and plans to produce 7.8 million tonnes of urea in 2026. Domestic demand is estimated at around 6.3 million tonnes, leaving more than 1.5 million tonnes available for international markets. The production surplus provides the company with the flexibility to respond to emerging demand from importing countries and adjust export allocations according to seasonal requirements. Indonesia's role in the global urea trade has expanded steadily over the past two years. The country exported 1.72 million tonnes of urea in 2025, up from 1.41 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting both higher production and growing demand for non-Gulf supply origins. According to the company, four countries are currently engaged in discussions regarding Indonesian urea supplies, representing combined demand of more than 750,000 tonnes. The producer has indicated that it can shift cargoes between markets depending on planting schedules and regional demand patterns, allowing it to serve multiple destinations across the Asia-Pacific region. For India, one of the world's largest fertiliser importers, Indonesia's growing export availability could provide an additional source of supply at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen fertiliser security and reduce vulnerabilities arising from geopolitical disruptions. Bangladesh, which also relies heavily on imported fertilisers to support agricultural production, stands to benefit from access to a geographically diversified and potentially more resilient supply chain. Indonesia's competitive advantage stems not only from its production surplus but also from its feedstock profile. The country's urea production is based on domestically sourced natural gas, reducing its exposure to international gas market volatility compared with several other exporting nations. Coupled with shipping routes that largely avoid the conflict-prone Persian Gulf transit corridor, Indonesian fertiliser exports are increasingly being viewed as a dependable option for buyers seeking greater supply resilience. As geopolitical risks continue to reshape global fertiliser trade flows, Pupuk Indonesia is positioning itself as a regional supply anchor, leveraging its production capacity, logistical advantages and export flexibility to capture a larger share of the Asian urea market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4180/provivi-partners-with-agricon-to-expand-pheromone-based-rice-pest-control-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4180/provivi-partners-with-agricon-to-expand-pheromone-based-rice-pest-control-in-indonesia.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:37:43 +0530 Provivi Inc. has entered into a co-exclusive distribution partnership with Indonesian agribusiness company Agricon to commercialize its pheromone-based YSB Eco-Dispenser, strengthening efforts to promote sustainable pest management across Indonesia's rice sector. The collaboration combines Provivi's expertise in pheromone-based crop protection technologies with Agricon's extensive distribution network and established relationships with rice growers, accelerating access to next-generation biological pest control solutions in one of Asia's most important rice-producing nations. The partnership targets Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), one of the most destructive insect pests affecting rice cultivation in Indonesia. The pest continues to inflict substantial yield losses while driving heavy dependence on conventional chemical insecticides, creating both economic and environmental challenges for producers. Provivi's YSB Eco-Dispenser utilizes pheromone-based mating disruption technology to suppress pest populations by interrupting their reproductive cycle rather than eliminating insects through chemical toxicity. The biodegradable solution delivers species-specific control while preserving beneficial insects and supporting broader ecosystem health. As governments and food producers increasingly prioritize sustainable agricultural practices, pheromone technologies are emerging as an important component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, offering farmers effective alternatives that reduce pesticide applications without compromising crop productivity. Indonesia's position as one of the world's largest rice producers makes the deployment of environmentally responsible crop protection technologies strategically significant for national food security. By minimizing pest pressure while lowering chemical inputs, the technology aims to improve farm profitability alongside environmental sustainability. The agreement also reflects the broader shift underway in global agriculture, where biological and semiochemical crop protection products are gaining momentum amid tightening regulations on conventional pesticides and growing demand for residue-conscious food production. With biodegradable materials, long-lasting field performance, and compatibility with integrated farming systems, the YSB Eco-Dispenser is expected to support Indonesia's transition toward more resilient and sustainable rice production while strengthening the adoption of precision pest management technologies across the country's agricultural landscape. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4176/global-fertilizer-trade-hits-81-bn-as-energy-volatility-strait-of-hormuz-disruptions-and-geopolitical-risks-reshape-supply-chains-fao.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4176/global-fertilizer-trade-hits-81-bn-as-energy-volatility-strait-of-hormuz-disruptions-and-geopolitical-risks-reshape-supply-chains-fao.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:56:38 +0530 Global fertilizer markets entered a phase of heightened structural instability through 2025 and into early 2026, characterized by modest production growth across key nutrient categories but increasingly severe disruptions linked to energy prices, geopolitical conflict, and critical transport bottlenecks, according to the latest assessment from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Global ammonia production increased by 1.0 percent to 192 million tonnes in 2025, while global urea production rose by 2.0 percent to a record 204 million tonnes. At the same time, global monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) output expanded by 1.0 percent to 68 million tonnes, and potash production rose by 1.0 percent to a record 77 million tonnes. Despite these headline gains, the sector’s underlying balance has been destabilized by uneven regional production, rising input costs, and escalating trade disruptions. Ammonia remains the foundation of global nitrogen fertilizer production, with total output exceeding 190 million tonnes annually and depending heavily on the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process, making natural gas the decisive cost variable in production economics and plant siting. Production is concentrated in low-cost gas regions such as Algeria, Egypt, the Russian Federation, and Trinidad and Tobago, while China maintains coal-based ammonia production and India relies on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) for domestic nitrogen fertilizer output. Although production rose modestly in 2025, the transition to green ammonia remains limited, with only around 1.0 million tonnes of additional capacity coming online across pilot projects in Africa, Oceania, and China, underscoring the marginal role of low-carbon ammonia in current global supply. Urea production growth in 2025 was driven primarily by incremental capacity additions, but regional imbalances were pronounced. South Asia recorded a decline of 1.4 million tonnes due to technical disruptions in India and feedstock shortages in Bangladesh, while West Asia experienced a sharper decline of 1.5 million tonnes driven by regional conflict, particularly affecting production in the Islamic Republic of Iran and indirectly Egypt. These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of nitrogen fertilizer systems to both operational reliability and geopolitical stability in gas-dependent producing regions. In contrast, phosphate and potash markets recorded relatively stable expansion but are increasingly constrained by structural pressures. MAP and DAP production reached 68 million tonnes in 2025, approximately 2 million tonnes or 3.0 percent above the five-year average, while potash production reached 77 million tonnes, supported by output gains of 5.0 percent in Belarus and 3.0 percent in the Russian Federation. These increases were partially offset by declines in Latin America, particularly Chile, where lithium extraction in the Atacama Desert continues to offer stronger economic returns than potash production. Both potash and lithium extraction compete for brine resources in drought-prone regions, adding a layer of resource competition between mineral value chains. Energy remains the central determinant of fertilizer production costs throughout 2025 and 2026. Natural gas prices at the Dutch TTF hub averaged €36 per MWh in 2025, up 3 percent from the previous year, while US Henry Hub prices recovered to $3.5–$4.0 per MMBtu. However, volatility increased sharply in 2026. Between January and April 2026, TTF prices fluctuated between €30 and €55 per MWh, compared with a narrower €28–€35 per MWh range in the same period of 2025. In mid-March 2026, prices spiked to €62 per MWh, reflecting heightened uncertainty linked to conflict escalation in the Near East, before easing to around €44 per MWh by early May. Even after the decline, prices remained elevated within a €44–€50 per MWh band, reflecting tight fundamentals, reduced European gas storage levels of approximately 28–34 percent of capacity during March–May 2026, and intensified LNG competition between Europe and Asia. These fluctuations marked a clear shift toward higher-frequency and higher-amplitude price volatility compared with 2025. This energy volatility directly transmitted into fertilizer pricing across nitrogen, phosphate, and potash markets. Following the outbreak of conflict in the Near East in late February 2026, fertilizer prices surged sharply. By May 2026, the global fertilizer basket averaged $595 per tonne, representing an increase of $120 compared with February 2026 levels, although still below the record $815 per tonne reached in August 2022. The nitrogen basket price reached $598 per tonne in April 2026, reflecting a sharp increase of $182 from February levels. The phosphate basket reached $833 per tonne, rising by $166, while the potash basket rose more modestly to $355 per tonne, reflecting its lower exposure to Gulf-based supply chains and natural gas-linked disruptions. These price increases were driven by higher feedstock costs, particularly sulphur and ammonia, scheduled maintenance shutdowns, marine blockades, and logistical disruptions that left more than 1 million tonnes of urea stranded on vessels unable to exit Gulf ports due to Strait of Hormuz constraints. Global fertilizer consumption growth slowed significantly in 2025, rising by less than 1.0 percent to 209 million tonnes, compared with a record 207 million tonnes in 2024. This slowdown reflected deteriorating affordability conditions, weak crop prices, macroeconomic tightening, and structural constraints in several importing regions. Rice prices declined by approximately one-third in 2025, while wheat and soybean prices also fell sharply, and maize prices remained above 2024 levels but below 2023 peaks. Fertilizer affordability worsened significantly as input prices rose while agricultural output prices declined or stagnated. Nitrogen use still increased by 1.7 percent due to its high yield efficiency, but phosphate consumption declined by 0.8 percent and potash use rose only marginally by 0.6 percent, reflecting constrained farmer purchasing power and uneven regional application rates. Global fertilizer trade expanded significantly in value terms but became increasingly unstable in volume flows. In 2025, global fertilizer trade volumes reached 185 million tonnes, a 3 percent increase over 2024, while trade value surged to approximately $81 billion, compared with $68 billion in 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher nitrogen and phosphate prices, themselves a function of rising energy costs, tighter raw material availability, and heightened geopolitical risk premiums embedded in supply chains. Export flows remained highly concentrated in the Gulf region, where Bahrain, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates collectively account for around 34 percent of global urea trade, 18 percent of MAP and DAP trade, 23 percent of ammonia trade, and nearly 50 percent of global sulphur trade. This concentration has made the Strait of Hormuz a structurally critical chokepoint not only for fertilizer trade but also for upstream energy inputs such as LNG and sulphur. Since early 2026, disruptions in this corridor have escalated significantly, with maritime blockades and transit restrictions affecting fertilizer exports, ammonia shipments, and sulphur flows. Production outages and capacity reductions have been reported across multiple Gulf producers, with output in Bahrain and Qatar halted, Iranian production operating at roughly 50 percent of capacity, Saudi Arabian output reduced, and only the United Arab Emirates and Oman maintaining relatively stable production levels. At the same time, North African producers faced constraints due to potential reallocation of natural gas toward domestic energy needs, while South Asian producers experienced feedstock shortages as domestic gas allocation policies tightened under global energy stress. Morocco and Indonesia saw phosphates and ammonia production decline by an estimated 30–50 percent in the second quarter of 2026 due to maintenance delays and raw material shortages. Trade flows have also deteriorated sharply in early 2026. Between January and April 2026, global fertilizer trade volumes fell to 41 million tonnes compared with 58 million tonnes in the same period of 2025, reflecting delayed purchasing decisions by farmers amid rising input costs and uncertainty over supply availability. Governments responded with increased intervention, including export restrictions or controls introduced or expanded by China, the Russian Federation, Türkiye, and Egypt. These measures further constrained global liquidity in fertilizer markets, amplifying price volatility and reducing flexibility in rebalancing supply and demand. Market conditions have also been shaped by evolving expectations for the 2026/27 agricultural season. Although fertilizer prices showed early signs of softening in nitrogen markets by May 2026 due to seasonal demand decline and improving sentiment regarding partial normalization of Strait of Hormuz transit, phosphate prices remained elevated, signaling persistent structural supply constraints rather than cyclical tightening. Forward purchasing activity has slowed significantly in major consuming regions, particularly Europe and North America, where buyers have delayed procurement decisions amid uncertainty over pricing direction and availability. Overall, the FAO assessment highlights a fertilizer system that is increasingly defined not by production capacity, which continues to expand modestly across ammonia, urea, phosphate, and potash, but by systemic fragility. Energy market volatility, particularly in natural gas, has become the primary transmission channel of price instability, while geopolitical conflict in the Near East, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, LNG competition between Europe and Asia, and rising export restrictions have collectively fragmented global supply chains. As a result, fertilizer markets are entering a structurally constrained phase in which affordability, logistics reliability, and geopolitical stability are becoming more important determinants of supply security than production growth itself.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4169/roquette-targets-sustainable-agriculture-market-with-new-plant-based-formulation-platform.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4169/roquette-targets-sustainable-agriculture-market-with-new-plant-based-formulation-platform.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:25:06 +0530 As agriculture grapples with rising climate stress, soil degradation and growing pressure to improve productivity sustainably, ingredient manufacturers are increasingly focusing on technologies that help crops perform under more challenging conditions. Against this backdrop, French plant-based ingredient specialist Roquette has launched a new multifunctional polyol range aimed at supporting next-generation agricultural formulations. The new range, known as NEOSORB AG, is designed for agriscience professionals developing products such as biostimulants, foliar fertilizers, micronutrient formulations and crop nutrition solutions. The launch reflects growing demand for ingredients that not only improve formulation performance but also contribute to plant resilience and nutrient efficiency in increasingly unpredictable growing environments. The agricultural inputs industry is undergoing a significant transformation as farmers face mounting environmental pressures, including salinity stress, water scarcity and extreme weather events. These challenges are pushing formulators to develop products capable of enhancing crop performance while aligning with sustainability goals. Roquette's latest offering is positioned squarely within this emerging market trend. At its core, the platform combines three key functionalities: potential biostimulant properties, moisture-retention capabilities for foliar and liquid fertilizer systems, and organic complexation that can improve micronutrient delivery. By integrating multiple functions into a single ingredient platform, the company aims to simplify formulation development while enhancing product effectiveness. The range consists of two liquid-grade solutions tailored to different formulation requirements. The first, NEOSORB AG S50, features a clear syrup format containing 69.5 per cent to 70.5 per cent  dry matter, 10 per cent  mannitol and a minimum of 69 per cent  sorbitol. The highly defined composition is intended for applications where consistency and precision are critical. The company highlighted trial results involving tomatoes grown under salinity stress, one of the most significant challenges affecting crop productivity globally. According to Roquette, foliar applications of the product delivered improvements in several agronomic indicators compared with sodium chloride control treatments, including gains in biomass production, chlorophyll content and root development. The second grade, NEOSORB AG L20, contains 65 per cent  dry matter, 10 per cent  mannitol and 50 per cent  to 70 per cent  sorbitol on a dry-matter basis. Designed as a more flexible formulation platform, it targets a broad range of agricultural products, including adjuvants, liquid fertilizers, foliar nutrition solutions, micronutrient products and biostimulants. The company says the ingredient supports moisture retention, nutrient delivery and plant resilience while helping manufacturers create more differentiated products for increasingly competitive agricultural input markets. The launch comes at a time when the global biostimulant and specialty crop nutrition sectors are experiencing rapid growth. Farmers are increasingly seeking solutions that complement traditional fertilizers and crop protection products, particularly those capable of improving nutrient-use efficiency and helping plants withstand environmental stress. For formulation companies, the challenge is balancing performance, sustainability and ease of application. Multifunctional ingredients that can deliver several agronomic benefits simultaneously are therefore attracting greater attention across the industry. Roquette believes its new platform addresses that demand by offering formulators greater flexibility in product development while supporting innovation in sustainable agriculture. The broader significance of the launch lies in the growing convergence between plant science, formulation technology and sustainability objectives. As climate variability continues to influence agricultural productivity worldwide, demand is rising for ingredients that help crops maintain performance under difficult conditions without increasing environmental pressure. Rather than focusing solely on yield enhancement, the next generation of agricultural inputs is increasingly centered on resilience, resource efficiency and formulation sophistication. Roquette's latest entry into the agriscience sector reflects that shift. With the agricultural industry searching for tools that can help farmers navigate a more complex production landscape, multifunctional plant-based ingredients are emerging as a key area of innovation. The introduction of NEOSORB AG signals how ingredient manufacturers are positioning themselves to play a larger role in the future of sustainable crop production—where formulation performance is becoming as important as the active ingredients themselves. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4159/egypts-phosphate-export-trade-regains-momentum-as-policy-concerns-ease.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4159/egypts-phosphate-export-trade-regains-momentum-as-policy-concerns-ease.html Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:10:58 +0530 Egypt’s phosphate rock export sector is showing signs of recovery after a month of uncertainty disrupted trade activity and raised concerns across global fertilizer supply chains. Exporters have resumed submitting shipping applications following a temporary pause triggered by speculation over potential government measures aimed at prioritizing domestic phosphate processing. The disruption emerged after government officials outlined plans to accelerate investment in Egypt’s downstream phosphate industry, including major processing projects designed to increase local value addition and reduce reliance on raw material exports. The announcement sparked widespread market concerns that authorities could introduce restrictions on phosphate rock exports to secure feedstock supplies for emerging domestic facilities. Although no formal regulations or export controls were ultimately introduced, the uncertainty prompted exporters to temporarily halt new shipping applications while awaiting greater policy clarity. The absence of official restrictions has since restored confidence, allowing export procedures to resume and easing immediate concerns about supply disruptions. The Egyptian government continues to evaluate raw material requirements for a pipeline of new phosphate processing investments, a development that could gradually reshape export dynamics over the longer term. Analysts suggest that higher-grade phosphate rock may increasingly be directed toward domestic industrial use, supporting the country’s strategy of capturing greater value within the fertilizer supply chain. At the same time, lower-grade phosphate reserves are expected to remain available for international markets due to comparatively limited domestic demand. This distinction may help preserve Egypt’s role as a reliable supplier even as industrial policy shifts toward downstream manufacturing and beneficiation. Egypt occupies a strategically important position within the global phosphate market, serving as a major supplier to fertilizer producers across Asia and other import-dependent regions. Its exports have become particularly significant amid periodic disruptions to traditional trade routes and growing efforts by buyers to diversify sourcing strategies. While Morocco remains the world’s dominant phosphate exporter, Egypt’s ability to offer flexible supply options has strengthened its importance within the global fertilizer trade. The country’s shipments provide an alternative source of phosphate rock for international buyers seeking supply security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical and commodity environment. For now, the resumption of export activity signals a return to market stability. Nevertheless, the evolution of Egypt’s domestic phosphate processing ambitions will be closely watched by fertilizer producers, traders and agricultural markets worldwide as they assess the future availability of one of the industry’s critical raw materials.       ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4148/agrochemical-sector-gets-major-regulatory-boost-as-india-approves-new-active-ingredients-and-formulations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4148/agrochemical-sector-gets-major-regulatory-boost-as-india-approves-new-active-ingredients-and-formulations.html Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:52:48 +0530 India’s crop protection sector is poised for another round of technology-led expansion after the Registration Committee (RC) under the Insecticides Act, 1968 approved a wide range of new pesticide registrations, technical-grade active ingredients, combination formulations, biological products and indigenous manufacturing proposals during its 472nd meeting. The approvals are expected to strengthen domestic production capabilities, expand farmers’ access to advanced crop protection technologies and support the country's evolving pest-management needs. The latest regulatory clearances come at a time when Indian agriculture is facing increasing challenges from pest resistance, climate variability, changing disease dynamics and rising pressure to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact. Industry stakeholders view the approvals as a reflection of the sector’s transition towards next-generation chemistries, precision formulations and biologically driven crop protection solutions. Fungicides Receive Strong Regulatory Push Among the most significant approvals was the registration of Fluxapyroxad Technical 98%, one of the newer-generation SDHI fungicides globally recognized for broad-spectrum disease control and resistance management. The RC approved indigenous technical manufacturing with a two-year shelf life, paving the way for domestic production of the molecule. The committee also cleared Fluxapyroxad 9.81% + Azoxystrobin 16.36% SC, a premium fungicide combination targeting economically important diseases including grape powdery mildew, rice sheath blight, chilli powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spot and fruit rot. The approval strengthens disease management options across horticultural and field crops while highlighting increasing industry focus on multi-site disease control strategies. Environmental stewardship remained a key regulatory consideration, with the committee directing that cautionary statements regarding aquatic toxicity be incorporated into product labels and leaflets. New Insecticide Technologies Expand Pest Control Arsenal A substantial portion of approvals focused on insect management technologies, reflecting the growing threat posed by resistant insect populations across major crops. The RC approved indigenous manufacturing of Cyantraniliprole Technical 95.20%, a modern diamide insecticide widely used against chewing and sucking pests. The approval strengthens local manufacturing capacity for one of the industry's key active ingredients. In a notable formulation approval, the committee cleared Cyantraniliprole 7.20% + Tolfenpyrad 12.60% + Abamectin 1.35% SC, designed to control thrips, black thrips, fruit borers and yellow mites. The product combines three distinct modes of action, offering growers a valuable resistance-management tool amid increasing pest pressure in horticultural crops. The RC also approved Pyrifluquinazon 6% + Buprofezin 30% SC for the control of whiteflies and jassids in cotton, two of the most economically damaging sucking pests affecting India’s cotton sector. Further approvals included Sulfoxaflor 3.7% + Bifenthrin 11.2% SE, targeting aphids, jassids and thrips in cotton and pomegranate crops. The committee mandated environmental safety advisories due to the product’s toxicity to fish, earthworms and honeybees, highlighting the increasing emphasis on pollinator protection. Another noteworthy clearance was Dicloromezotiaz 20% SC, approved for managing green semilooper, pod borer, tobacco caterpillar, diamondback moth and fruit borers across soybean, cabbage, chilli and tomato crops. The molecule represents a newer insecticidal chemistry aimed at addressing resistance concerns in lepidopteran pest management. Herbicide Segment Sees Continued Expansion The committee approved Mesotrione 9.09% SC for weed management in sugarcane and maize. The herbicide demonstrated efficacy against key broadleaf and grassy weeds including Leptochloa chinensis, Digera arvensis, Amaranthus viridis, Trianthema portulacastrum and Physalis minima. Simultaneously, multiple technical herbicide manufacturing proposals received approval under Section 9(4), including Pretilachlor, Topramezone, Diclosulam, Oxyfluorfen, Ametryn and Sulfentrazone, indicating growing domestic manufacturing interest in weed-management technologies. Plant Growth Regulator Approval Supports Yield Enhancement Beyond traditional crop protection products, the committee approved Gibberellic Acid 20% Tablet for use as a plant growth regulator in tomato cultivation. The approval reflects increasing demand for technologies that improve crop growth, flowering, fruit setting and productivity alongside pest and disease management interventions. Public Health and Vector Control Products Advance The Registration Committee also approved Permethrin 0.94% Insecticidal Paint, intended for household control of major mosquito vectors including Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. The approval highlights the intersection of crop protection chemistry and public health applications in India’s regulatory ecosystem. Biopesticides Continue Gaining Regulatory Ground In a sign of growing support for biological crop protection, the committee approved a series of already registered biopesticide applications and related proposals under Section 9(3). The approvals reinforce the gradual expansion of biological solutions within India's crop protection landscape as growers increasingly seek residue-conscious and sustainable alternatives. Indigenous Manufacturing Momentum Accelerates One of the strongest themes emerging from the meeting was the continued rise of indigenous manufacturing. The RC approved technical manufacturing registrations for a broad portfolio of active ingredients, including Tebuconazole, Cyantraniliprole, Bifenthrin, Haloxyfop-R-Methyl Ester, Chlorantraniliprole, Pymetrozine, Mesotrione and several others. The approvals align with India's broader objective of reducing import dependence, strengthening domestic agrochemical manufacturing capabilities and positioning the country as a global crop protection production hub. Import Registrations and Regulatory Scrutiny Continue The committee also approved new import-source registrations for technical products including Spinosad Technical 92% and Bentazone Technical 97%, subject to strict documentation, traceability and source-verification requirements. At the same time, the RC demonstrated a stricter compliance approach by rejecting an application for Chlorothalonil Technical 98.5% after finding discrepancies relating to the manufacturing source and associated documentation. A Broader Shift Toward Innovation and Stewardship Taken together, the approvals highlight a broader transformation underway in India's crop protection sector. The latest regulatory decisions showcase increasing adoption of advanced chemistries, multi-mode-of-action formulations, biological products and domestically manufactured technical-grade active ingredients. The emphasis on environmental safeguards, pollinator protection, residue management, shelf-life validation and traceability requirements further indicates that future growth in the sector will increasingly be shaped not only by innovation, but also by regulatory stewardship and sustainability considerations. As Indian agriculture seeks to balance productivity, resilience and environmental responsibility, the latest approvals provide fresh momentum for technology adoption across the country’s farming systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4152/cracking-the-code-rick-melnick-managing-partner-coo-for-dunhamtrimmer.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/features/1/4152/cracking-the-code-rick-melnick-managing-partner-coo-for-dunhamtrimmer.html Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:59:15 +0530 For decades, the use of biologicals in commercial agriculture has been a story of tremendous promise, and oftentimes, equally tremendous frustration. The microorganisms are remarkable. The modes of action are elegant. The science is rife with possibilities. Yet, for all of that potentiality, biologicals have remained in the margins of modern production agriculture, often viewed as too unstable, too inconsistent, or too difficult to manufacture at scale. Now, that is changing. Not because the underlying biology has suddenly gotten better, but because three innovative companies have each independently solved a manufacturing problem that once seemed insurmountable. NewLeaf Symbiotics, CXC-AG, and GreenLight Biosciences work with entirely different biological platforms and achieved their respective breakthroughs through equally distinct scientific journeys. But their stories share an undeniable common thread: each succeeded by understanding biology deeply enough to stop fighting against it — and start working with it. Together, these companies are helping to reshape what the biologicals industry can offer farmers while accelerating one of the most consequential shifts in modern production agriculture. NewLeaf Symbiotics: Teaching a Microbe to Run a Marathon Of all the age-old challenges in biological manufacturing, few are more stubborn than the problem of live gram-negative bacteria. Unlike well established gram-positive microbes such as Bacillus thuringiensis spp. kurstaki, which form naturally durable spores that can withstand spray-drying, storage, and handling with relative ease, non-spore-forming gram-negative microorganisms are notoriously fragile. Getting them from the fermentation tank to the farmer’s field in a living, active state has historically been so difficult that most of the industry simply avoided them altogether. Enter NewLeaf Symbiotics, the St. Louis-based biologicals company that built its entire business around one such group: pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs). These microorganisms are metabolically versatile, physiologically interesting, and (as NewLeaf has demonstrated) are capable of driving meaningful outcomes across biostimulant, biocontrol, and nitrogen-use efficiency applications. The challenge has always been making these microbes an accessible technology farmers can easily use. “A grower wants to be able to use something just as easily as they do all the chemistries that are currently in the shed and on the shelf that they’ve been using for decades,” says Michael Frodyma, NewLeaf’s head of manufacturing and product development. “They want products where the application compatibility, the shelf stability, all those things are exactly like what they’re accustomed to using.” While that sounds like a straightforward aspiration, achieving it with live gram-negative microorganisms is anything but. Frodyma says NewLeaf’s breakthrough came from a counterintuitive insight: the key to a stable end product was not going to be found in the downstream formulation steps — the drying, the excipients, the packaging — but in what happened to the cells before any of that began. Frodyma describes the concept using a simple analogy. A person who is sick and exhausted cannot run a marathon, at least not very well. But that same person — if they have trained hard, rested well, and prepared properly — absolutely can. The organism is identical in both cases. What differs is physiological readiness. NewLeaf spent years learning exactly how to create “marathon-ready” cells: manipulating what the microbe receives during fermentation, when it receives it, and adapting the range of other fermentation variables that determine whether the living cell can survive spray drying, endure two years of shelf storage, survive tank mixing, and then perform in the field. NewLeaf says the results speak for themselves. The company now reports two-year ambient shelf stability across its entire technology portfolio — a remarkable achievement for live, non-spore-forming gram-negative organisms. With its practical experience and advanced analytical tools, Frodyma says the company has moved from a roughly 50 per cent manufacturing success rate from its early production days to close to 98 per cent success at commercial scale. That is the kind of manufacturing reliability that is a prerequisite for mainstream agricultural adoption. Given its success and the company’s intent focus on a defined class of organisms, NewLeaf believes it has also built a powerful pipeline advantage. When a new strain is identified from the company’s collection of nearly 13,000 unique isolates, the team has shown it can typically develop a commercially scalable manufacturing process in three to six months. That speed is only possible because NewLeaf’s underlying process knowledge in transferable across strains. It is a direct dividend of the company’s disciplined focus on PPFMs. These advancements offer NewLeaf a broad range of exciting possibilities. The company launched its first bioinsecticide (TS201) in March 2024 and first biofungicide (TS601) in February 2026. By positioning these technologies alongside their existing biostimulants, NewLeaf has enabled the stacking of crop-specific biostimulant, bioinsecticide, and biofungicide solutions into a coordinated biological program, a program that growers can apply with the same ease and compatibility they expect from conventional chemistry. Mission accomplished. CXC-AG: Intercepting a Conversation The story of CXC-AG begins not in a boardroom or a startup incubator, but in the chilly soybean fields of southwestern Quebec in the mid-1980s. Dr. Don Smith had recently arrived at McGill University as an Assistant Professor when researchers there introduced the first soybean varieties capable of maturing in Canada’s short growing season. Smith watched those young plants emerge from the ground looking healthy, then fade to an unsettling pale yellow before finally, mysteriously, greening back up. Cold soils were the culprit, he suspected. Optimal soil temperature for soybean nodulation (25° - 35° C) had been known for nearly a century, and Quebec’s spring planting soils were barely above 10. What Smith would discover was that the cold was disrupting the crucial first 12 hours of chemical signaling between soybean roots and their specialized symbiotic partners Bradyrhizobium japonicum, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria that form nodules on soybean roots. That early signal exchange involves the plant releasing isoflavonoides such as genistein, and the bacteria responding by producing lipo-chitooligosaccharides, or LCOs — compounds that trigger the plant to accept the symbiosis. While this process had already been known to science, Smith was able to watch what happened when soil temperatures slowed the process enough to for him to clearly observe the interactions. He found that by preexposing the bacteria to genistein in the lab the night before they were applied in the field, the microbes generated LCOs in advance. The finding was that treated plants didn’t just nodulate faster. They came out of the ground faster, too. Soon, with two years of statistically significant data in hand from multiple field sites around Quebec, Smith was confident in the implications. LCOs weren’t only signals for soybean nodulation they were helping the plants manage stress as well. The discovery grew stranger and more interesting from there. A graduate student, at Smith’s offhand suggestion, tested LCOs on corn — a crop with no connection to the soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis whatsoever. “Neither of us expected it to work,” Smith recalls, “but lo and behold, it worked on corn, too.” That moment brought forth an entirely new scientific understanding: LCOs were not merely nodulation signals. They were something older and broader — stress-response molecules that may have originated billions of years ago as signals between root-associated bacteria and plants. Four decades of research later, Smith’s lab at McGill remains the only group in the world singularly focused on plant-microbe signaling at this depth. LCOs work. That much is proven. LCO technology became the foundation of the Optimize (2003) and Jumpstart (2013) product lines that have since been sold commercially around the world. The problem CXC set out to solve was deeper than just proving efficacy. As François Lamoureux, CXC’s President and CEO, puts it bluntly, “LCOs are notoriously hard to make. The challenge for CXC was figuring out how we can make LCOs more accessible to the farmer.” Lamoureux says the early manufacturing of LCOs was done using a pharma-style approach: porting the production mechanism into genetically modified E. coli bacteria to achieve meaningful yields. That route works, says Lamoureux, but it introduces a GMO organism into production, which carries its own regulatory and market-perception complications that CXC wanted to avoid, so they took a different approach. Working alongside Smith and a team that includes several of his former students, now CXC’s chief scientists, the company has developed methods to coax meaningful yields of high-purity LCOs from the original producing organism — Bradyrhizobium japonicum — without any genetic modification. Smith says the process exploits 40 years of accumulated knowledge about the organism’s nutritional requirements, culturing conditions, and the subtle variables that most researchers would not think to manipulate. The commercial stakes for this breakthrough are significant. LCOs function at extraordinarily low concentrations — on the order of 10 to the minus 11th molar, well within the range of the most sensitive hormonal signals in any biological system on Earth. The practical implication is that a single gram of properly produced LCO can treat an enormous number of acres, making cost-per-acre economics potentially transformational. The Smith Lab and CXC have also identified a second molecule (product name Abio) — a bacteriocin-derived signal from Bacillus thuringiensis found inside the soybean nodule. Abio further boosts LCO efficacy when the two are combined, creating what CXC describes as a supercharged LCO platform. Lamoureux says the Abio platform is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9. Developed by NASA the TRL readiness scale was used to characterize the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a program. TRL9 signifies a technology that is fully mature, fieldproven, and commercially operational in its final form. As such, CXC is in the process of identifying the right commercial partner with the scale and market access to bring its supercharged LCO (+Abio) platform technology to growers globally. GreenLight Biosciences: An Answer from the Bottom of the Ocean RNA interference (RNAi) — the mechanism by which double-stranded RNA molecules can silence specific genes in target organisms — has been one of the most exciting ideas in biological crop protection for more than two decades. The science, which won a Nobel Prize in 2006, offers something that conventional chemistry cannot: a mode of action so precisely targeted that a properly designed RNA molecule can silence a gene in a Colorado potato beetle without with an almost unprecedented level of specificity. The obstacle for RNAi was never the science. It was the manufacturing economics. Dr. Andrey Zarur, CEO of GreenLight Biosciences, describes the three historical routes to RNA production with the precision of someone who spent years eliminating each of them. Chemical synthesis — the approach used for therapeutic RNAs in treatments of some genetic disorders (such as amyloidosis), cardiovascular disease, and cancer — produces high-fidelity product but at costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per gram. The process of enzymatic polymerization utilizes purchased nucleotide triphosphates as catalysts to synthesize RNA polymers in vitro, the method behind mRNA COVID vaccines. This method brings manufacturing costs down to thousands of dollars per gram, still a long way from viability for agricultural applications, where effective use might require use rates of ten grams per hectare. The third route — fermentation using engineered bacteria — attracted enormous investment from heavy-hitters like Monsanto, Bayer, Syngenta, and others during the 1990s and 2000s. These companies theorized that if you could engineer E. coli to produce foreign RNA in a high-density fermentation, the economics should be favorable. In practice, however, biology refused to cooperate. Zarur says the problem is fundamental and evolutionary. Every living organism on Earth has developed systems to recognize and destroy foreign RNA — because foreign RNA is the signature of infection. In E. coli-based fermentation, as foreign RNA accumulates, the bacteria respond by dramatically upregulating the production of nucleases that degrade the RNA. The result is a broad distribution of molecular fragments in the broth, only 1-2 per cent of which is high purity product. When sprayed on crops, the mixture largely failed, and the major companies eventually walked away. GreenLight’s conclusion was at once simple, complicated and unambiguous. They needed to eliminate the living cell entirely from the manufacturing process. But this created what seemed like an impossible engineering problem. RNA synthesis requires energy, specifically ATP, the universal energy currency of life, to phosphorylate the nucleotide building blocks needed for RNA polymerization. Organisms make ATP either through respiration, photosynthesis, glycolysis, or anaerobic metabolism. Once living cells were removed from the process, where would the ATP come from? “The key to this whole problem became: can we supply energy to the system so that it can phosphorylate those nucleotides and drive this reaction forward?” Zarur says. “Simply elucidating that took a couple of years. But then figuring out how to make that energy took another eight years, because it had never been done before.” The breakthrough came from an unexpected source. In the alkaline volcanic vents at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean — in a place called the Atlantis Massif — live organisms have thrived for 4.2 billion years with neither oxygen nor sunlight. These extremophiles produce ATP by extracting phosphate from inorganic molecules like calcium phosphate and iron phosphate in their surroundings, using a set of ancient enzymes that likely predate every other energy metabolism on Earth. GreenLight surmised it could adapt those enzymes for industrial use. The original organisms worked in cold, high-pressure marine environments, drawing on insoluble phosphate sources that would simply precipitate out of a bioreactor. Researchers spent years engineering the system to function at room temperature, ambient pressure, with soluble phosphate sources, and at speeds sufficient for industrial production. When the first version of GreenLight’s cell-free enzyme system worked, the resultant RNA cost about $100 per gram — 10 times cheaper than anything else available at the time. Within a year of hitting that milestone, however, iterative improvements drove the cost below $1 per gram, an astonishing reduction stemming from the high purity of the resulting product. A mass spectrometry analysis of GreenLight’s RNA shows essentially a single peak — approximately 99% of the product is the correct molecule at the correct molecular weight. That means that every molecule sprayed in the field is capable of affecting its target. That purity also proved critical for regulatory approval: GreenLight had to help the EPA develop an entirely new framework for evaluating RNA insecticides, including sequence analytics, bioinformatics demonstrating non-target organism safety, and environmental fate studies. That framework now exists and has been adopted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Today, GreenLight has two commercial RNA biopesticide products on the market — Calantha, targeting the Colorado potato beetle, and Norroa — and is expanding rapidly. “We’re sold out of everything,” Zarur says. “We can’t keep it on the shelves, and it’s only May.” Current production is running at approximately 5.5 metric tons of RNA per year, with the company aiming for 30 metric tons by year end — more RNA than was previously thought possible to manufacture. According to Zarur, the GreenLight pipeline is extensive. Common Denominators Three companies. Three entirely different biological platforms. Three very different manufacturing breakthroughs. And yet the underlying similarities are striking. In each case, the biology was ready long before the manufacturing was. PPFMs have been known and studied for decades. LCOs were commercialized by a global agricultural company. RNA interference won a Nobel Prize. The science was not the bottleneck. Manufacturability was. Initially, NewLeaf could not stabilize living gram-negative cells. At the outset, CXC could not produce LCOs from non-GMO organisms at commercial purity and yield. In the beginning, GreenLight could not make RNA cheaply enough for field use. Biology becomes agriculture only when manufacturing catches up. In each case, the companies’ respective solutions required working with biology rather than against it. NewLeaf didn’t depend upon formulation gymnastics to protect cells that weren’t ready; it learned how to make cells that were ready before processing began. CXC didn’t try to force a faster GMO production route; it leaned into 40 years of knowledge about the original organism’s biology. GreenLight didn’t try to suppress the E. coli nuclease response; it removed the living cell from the process entirely and rebuilt biological energy chemistry from its most ancient roots. Likewise, across all three innovations, purity and consistency emerge as strategic advantages rather than technical footnotes. These innovations are not rooted in brute-force engineering solutions. They are solutions that stem from deep biological understanding. The long-term implications of these manufacturing breakthroughs extend well beyond the individual products coming to market. They suggest a structural leap forward in how the biologicals industry will compete and how farmers eventually think about their input programs. If biological products can be manufactured with the stability, cost, purity, and performance consistency that conventional chemistry has long offered, they can officially transition from nice-to-haves to need-to-haves. And in a world of increasingly erratic growing conditions, tools that help crops perform under variable stress conditions are precisely what farmers need most.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4146/greenlight-advances-rna-revolution-in-agriculture-with-first-rna-based-fungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4146/greenlight-advances-rna-revolution-in-agriculture-with-first-rna-based-fungicide.html Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:57:54 +0530 GreenLight Biosciences is positioning Brazil at the centre of its global growth strategy following regulatory progress for Oifirax (ES-43), a novel RNA-based fungicide designed to combat powdery mildew in grapes and other high-value crops. The product is being promoted as the world's first topical RNA-interference (RNAi) fungicide, signalling a potential breakthrough in the evolution of biological crop protection technologies. The company received a significant boost after Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) included Oifirax on its priority regulatory review list, accelerating the approval process for the innovative bio-input. The development strengthens Brazil’s role as a strategic launch market for emerging agricultural technologies and reinforces the country's growing importance in the global biologicals sector. GreenLight’s expansion strategy is being supported by a recent US$25 million investment from Just Climate, the climate-focused investment platform linked to Generation Investment Management, co-founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. The funding is expected to support the company’s commercial scale-up and strengthen its operational footprint in Brazil, which GreenLight views as a key hub for future international expansion. The company is initially focusing on Brazil’s viticulture sector, where powdery mildew remains one of the most economically damaging fungal diseases affecting vineyards. With approximately 75,000 hectares of vineyards across the country, producers face continuous pressure to manage disease while meeting increasingly stringent residue requirements in domestic and export markets. Unlike conventional fungicides that rely on broad-spectrum chemical activity, Oifirax employs RNA interference technology, a highly targeted biological mechanism that silences specific genes essential for fungal survival and reproduction. The technology allows the product to attack the pathogen without altering plant genetics or affecting beneficial organisms, positioning it as a non-GMO solution aligned with sustainability objectives. According to company data, field evaluations conducted across multiple Brazilian production regions, including the São Francisco Valley, demonstrated disease control performance comparable to or exceeding conventional chemical fungicides, even at lower application rates. The product is also being evaluated for future use in crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, coffee and cocoa, all of which face significant fungal disease challenges. One of the key differentiators of RNA-based crop protection products is their environmental profile. GreenLight says Oifirax degrades rapidly after application, leaves no detectable residues at harvest and poses minimal risk to pollinators and beneficial insects. These characteristics are increasingly important as global regulators, food companies and consumers place greater emphasis on sustainable agricultural production systems. The commercialisation of Oifirax is supported by GreenLight’s proprietary cell-free RNA manufacturing platform, which is designed to produce double-stranded RNA at scale and at lower costs than traditional RNA production methods. The technology addresses one of the historical barriers to agricultural RNAi adoption—economic viability for large-scale farming applications. While the active ingredient is currently manufactured in the United States, GreenLight has indicated plans to localise production in Brazil over time. The company already maintains a significant presence in the country through its insecticide adjuvant business, with Brazil accounting for the majority of global sales for its Fortivance product portfolio. Looking ahead, GreenLight intends to leverage its Brazilian operations as a regional export platform serving Latin American markets, including Argentina and Chile. Simultaneously, regulatory submissions are progressing in the European Union, targeting major wine-producing regions in Italy, Spain and France. As biological crop protection technologies continue to gain momentum worldwide, the launch of Oifirax could mark a pivotal moment for RNA-based agriculture, offering growers a new generation of precision disease management tools that combine efficacy, sustainability and regulatory compliance.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4139/australia-strengthens-fertiliser-security-with-first-indonesian-urea-shipment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4139/australia-strengthens-fertiliser-security-with-first-indonesian-urea-shipment.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:01:46 +0530 Australia has received the first shipment of urea under a government-backed supply agreement with Indonesia, marking a significant step in strengthening fertiliser availability and supporting agricultural production amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty. The vessel, carrying 47,250 tonnes of urea, arrived in Brisbane as part of a broader 250,000-tonne supply arrangement between fertiliser producer Incitec Pivot and Indonesia’s state-owned fertiliser company PT Pupuk Indonesia. The agreement has been facilitated through close cooperation between the Australian and Indonesian governments as part of efforts to safeguard critical agricultural inputs. The shipment forms part of the Australian Government’s broader strategy to mitigate potential disruptions to fertiliser supply arising from instability in the Middle East and volatility in global commodity markets. By securing additional fertiliser volumes, the government aims to provide farmers with greater certainty during planting and crop management decisions while reinforcing national food production capacity. Australia’s agricultural sector is projected to generate more than A$98 billion in production value during the 2026–27 financial year, highlighting the importance of reliable access to essential farm inputs such as fertilisers and fuel. The newly arrived cargo contributes to a larger initiative under the government’s A$7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility, through which approximately 340,000 tonnes of additional urea have been secured for domestic agriculture. The partnership also reflects the growing strategic importance of Australia–Indonesia agricultural cooperation. Indonesia remains Australia’s fifth-largest agricultural export destination, with bilateral agricultural trade valued at approximately A$6.2 billion in 2025. The fertiliser arrangement is expected to support food security objectives in both countries while strengthening supply chain resilience across the Indo-Pacific region. Additional urea shipments secured under the programme are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks, further bolstering supplies for Australian farmers ahead of key production cycles. Industry stakeholders have highlighted the importance of diversified fertiliser sourcing and international collaboration in maintaining agricultural productivity during periods of global market uncertainty. The latest shipment is expected to play a critical role in ensuring stable fertiliser availability for Australian growers while supporting broader regional food security goals. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4125/kazakhstan-bets-big-on-fertilizer-self-reliance-with-1-6-bn-ammonia-urea-megaproject.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4125/kazakhstan-bets-big-on-fertilizer-self-reliance-with-1-6-bn-ammonia-urea-megaproject.html Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:41:26 +0530 Government-backed Aktau complex aims to eliminate urea import dependence, strengthen food security and position Kazakhstan as a regional fertilizer export hub by 2030 Kazakhstan has taken a decisive step toward transforming its fertilizer industry, approving the construction of a large-scale ammonia and urea production complex in Aktau with an investment of approximately $1.6 billion. The project, formalized through an investment agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Construction and KazAzot Prime, underscores the country’s ambition to strengthen agricultural input security while expanding its role in regional fertilizer markets. Backed by a government decree signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the facility is scheduled to commence operations in 2030 and is expected to become one of the largest nitrogen fertilizer production assets in Central Asia. Once operational, the complex will produce up to 660,000 tonnes of ammonia annually, alongside approximately 580,000 tonnes of urea and 500,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. The investment is expected to generate around 1,500 jobs during the construction phase and create 700 permanent positions upon commissioning. The project addresses a strategic gap in Kazakhstan’s agricultural supply chain. Despite being a major grain-producing nation, Kazakhstan currently lacks domestic urea manufacturing capacity and remains dependent on imports from neighboring countries to meet farmer demand. The new facility is expected to significantly reduce that reliance while ensuring a more stable supply of critical crop nutrients for the country’s agricultural sector. Beyond import substitution, the development is aligned with Kazakhstan’s broader industrial strategy to build value-added manufacturing capacity and strengthen export competitiveness. Authorities expect the project to enhance the nation’s fertilizer export potential as demand for crop nutrition products continues to rise across Eurasia and other global agricultural markets. At present, KazAzot remains the country’s sole producer of nitrogen fertilizers. However, the Aktau investment forms part of a larger wave of fertilizer-sector expansion. Additional urea production projects are being advanced by KazESTA and KMG PetroChem in partnership with CNPC-Aktobemunaigas, signalling growing momentum in Kazakhstan’s chemical manufacturing sector. With the planned investments progressing on schedule, Kazakhstan aims to increase its total ammonia production capacity to approximately 2.3 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade, laying the foundation for a more self-sufficient, export-oriented and globally competitive fertilizer industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4113/basf-unveils-efficon-in-egypt-advancing-next-generation-pest-management-for-high-value-crops.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4113/basf-unveils-efficon-in-egypt-advancing-next-generation-pest-management-for-high-value-crops.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:17:58 +0530 Powered by the novel Axalion Active molecule, the new insecticide introduces a distinct mode of action aimed at tackling resistance challenges while strengthening sustainable crop protection across Egypt’s horticulture sector BASF Agricultural Solutions has expanded its crop protection portfolio in Egypt with the introduction of Efficon, a next-generation insecticide developed to address the growing challenge of sucking pest infestations in high-value crops while supporting more sustainable agricultural production systems. The launch marks the commercial debut of a new chemistry platform powered by Axalion Active, a novel active ingredient designed to provide long-lasting control of economically significant piercing and sucking insects, including whiteflies and aphids. The innovation arrives at a critical moment for growers navigating increasingly complex pest management challenges shaped by climate volatility, evolving insect populations and rising resistance to established insecticide classes. Across many agricultural regions, pest pressures are becoming more unpredictable and difficult to manage. Changes in temperature patterns and environmental conditions have altered pest behaviour and distribution, while decades of reliance on a limited number of insecticide groups have accelerated concerns surrounding resistance development. For producers of vegetables, potatoes and other high-value crops, the consequences extend beyond yield losses to include quality deterioration, increased production costs and reduced market competitiveness. Against this backdrop, the introduction of Efficon represents an effort to expand the range of available pest management tools through the addition of a completely distinct mode of action. Classified under IRAC Group 36, the product offers growers an alternative mechanism for controlling key insect pests while contributing to long-term resistance management strategies. The insecticide is designed to rapidly disrupt feeding activity among target pests, a characteristic that carries particular significance in crops vulnerable to insect-transmitted viral diseases. By halting feeding behaviour at an early stage, the technology aims not only to suppress pest populations but also to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission that can compromise crop productivity and quality. The launch reflects broader shifts underway within the global crop protection industry, where innovation is increasingly focused on balancing efficacy with sustainability. Rather than relying solely on curative interventions, modern crop protection strategies are placing greater emphasis on preserving the long-term effectiveness of active ingredients, reducing environmental impact and integrating products within broader ecosystem-based management frameworks. Efficon has been developed to align with these evolving priorities. Its compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes enables it to function alongside biological controls, monitoring systems and other sustainable agronomic practices. Such integration is becoming increasingly important as agricultural systems seek to enhance productivity while reducing reliance on repetitive chemical interventions. The Egyptian market occupies a strategically significant position within this transition. As one of the region’s major agricultural producers and exporters, Egypt’s horticulture sector faces growing pressure to maintain productivity, quality standards and export competitiveness amid changing climatic conditions and tightening sustainability requirements across global supply chains. For BASF, the introduction of Efficon underscores the role of innovation as a central pillar of agricultural transformation. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, allocating billions of euros annually toward scientific advancement, including substantial investments dedicated specifically to agricultural solutions. These efforts are aimed at developing technologies capable of addressing emerging agronomic challenges while supporting more resilient and resource-efficient food production systems. The launch also reflects the increasing importance of transferring advanced agricultural technologies into regional markets where productivity gains are becoming harder to achieve through conventional approaches alone. New modes of action, improved resistance management tools and more targeted crop protection solutions are expected to play a critical role in helping growers sustain yields and profitability in the years ahead. Beyond its immediate commercial significance, Efficon represents a broader evolution in crop protection philosophy—one that recognises sustainable productivity as the defining challenge of modern agriculture. As pest pressures intensify and resistance risks continue to mount, the future of crop protection will depend not merely on controlling threats, but on doing so in ways that preserve effectiveness, support environmental stewardship and strengthen the resilience of farming systems. With the introduction of Efficon, BASF is positioning itself at the intersection of these priorities, offering Egyptian growers access to a new generation of crop protection technology designed to enhance performance today while safeguarding agricultural productivity for the future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4098/bioline-and-biolevel-forge-strategic-alliance-to-boost-fertiliser-efficiency-for-kenyan-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4098/bioline-and-biolevel-forge-strategic-alliance-to-boost-fertiliser-efficiency-for-kenyan-farmers.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:21:27 +0530 As global fertiliser markets face mounting volatility, the partnership introduces microbial nutrition technologies designed to reduce input costs, improve nutrient-use efficiency, and strengthen farm resilience across East Africa In an increasingly uncertain global agricultural landscape, where geopolitical tensions can ripple across food systems thousands of kilometres away, Bioline Agrosciences Africa and Biolevel have announced a strategic partnership aimed at helping Kenyan farmers extract greater value from every bag of fertiliser they apply. The collaboration marks Biolevel’s official entry into the Kenyan market and signals a significant expansion of Bioline’s biological agriculture portfolio beyond crop protection into the rapidly growing field of biological crop nutrition. The announcement comes at a critical moment for African agriculture. Recent disruptions and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime corridor through which nearly one-third of global fertiliser trade passes—have once again underscored the vulnerability of fertiliser-dependent economies to external shocks. For Kenya, which relies heavily on imported fertilisers, such disruptions can quickly translate into rising production costs and increased pressure on farm profitability. Against this backdrop, the two companies are positioning biological nutrient-efficiency technologies as a practical solution to one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges: producing more with less. Under the agreement, Bioline Agrosciences Africa will distribute Biolevel’s portfolio of microbial crop nutrition products across Kenya, with plans to extend market access into East and Southern Africa. The partnership follows multiple seasons of local field evaluations that demonstrated consistent agronomic performance under Kenyan growing conditions. “Farmers today are under pressure from both rising input costs and growing climate uncertainty,” said Barnaba Rotich, Head of Commercial for Africa and the Middle East at Bioline Agrosciences. “With the addition of Biolevel’s microbial biofertilizers, we can now offer a more comprehensive integrated farm management approach that connects crop nutrition, soil health, and productivity outcomes.” Fertiliser remains one of the largest input costs in modern agriculture, accounting for as much as 30–50 per cent of total production expenses depending on the crop and farming system. While subsidy programmes have improved access across many regions, productivity gains have not always kept pace with increased fertiliser application. Across key maize-producing regions, fertiliser use has steadily expanded over the past decade. Yet yields in many farming systems continue to remain below their full potential, with growers often applying larger quantities simply to sustain previous production levels. Biolevel’s technology addresses this challenge from a different angle. Rather than supplying additional nutrients, the company’s microbial formulations enhance plants’ ability to access and utilise nutrients already present in the soil or supplied through conventional fertilisers. Applied at the seed stage, beneficial microorganisms stimulate root development while promoting natural biological processes such as nutrient solubilisation and nitrogen fixation, improving nutrient uptake efficiency throughout the crop cycle. According to field evaluations conducted under Kenyan conditions, the technology demonstrated the ability to reduce fertiliser requirements by 15–30 per cent while maintaining expected yield performance. In several cases, yields improved despite lower fertiliser application rates. For growers, the economic implications are significant. Improved nutrient-use efficiency not only reduces production costs but also helps insulate farm businesses from future fertiliser price volatility, creating greater flexibility to invest in seed quality, irrigation, mechanisation, or crop protection. For Biolevel, the partnership represents a strategic step into one of Africa’s most important agricultural markets. The alliance also reflects a broader transformation underway across global agriculture. Biological inputs—including microbial biofertilisers, biostimulants, and biological crop protection products—have become among the fastest-growing segments of the agricultural input industry as farmers seek solutions that simultaneously improve profitability, sustainability, and resilience. Increasingly, these technologies are being integrated alongside conventional fertilisers rather than positioned as replacements, creating hybrid production systems that optimise both biological and chemical inputs. As supply-chain disruptions, energy-market volatility, and geopolitical tensions continue to reshape agricultural economics, the focus is shifting from simply increasing fertiliser availability to maximising fertiliser efficiency. For Kenyan agriculture, where input costs remain a defining factor in farm profitability, that shift could prove transformative. In an era where global events can influence the cost of a single bag of fertiliser before it reaches a farmer’s field, innovations that help crops make better use of available nutrients may become as important as the nutrients themselves. Through this partnership, Bioline and Biolevel are betting that the future of agricultural productivity will depend not only on how much farmers apply, but on how effectively every input performs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4058/can-india-break-its-urea-habit-arya-ag-warns-of-deeper-fertiliser-vulnerabilities-ahead.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4058/can-india-break-its-urea-habit-arya-ag-warns-of-deeper-fertiliser-vulnerabilities-ahead.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:10:51 +0530 Arya.ag’s Anand Chandra outlines why nutrient efficiency, diversified sourcing and precision agriculture will define India’s fertiliser resilience in an increasingly volatile world As concerns mount over potential disruptions in global fertiliser supply chains amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Anand Chandra, Co-founder & Executive Director of Arya.ag, argues that India’s fertiliser security challenge extends far beyond import dependence. In an exclusive interview with Agrospectrum, he highlights how vulnerabilities in natural gas-linked urea production, imbalanced nutrient consumption, and supply-chain bottlenecks could emerge as critical pressure points during periods of global uncertainty. Chandra emphasises the need to shift the conversation from mere input availability to nutrient-use efficiency, advocating greater adoption of precision agriculture, soil testing, digital advisory systems, biofertilisers, and alternative nutrient solutions. He also underscores the importance of strengthening fertiliser resilience through diversified sourcing, smarter logistics, stronger extension systems, and farmer-centric policy reforms. According to him, the long-term solution lies in building a more balanced and sustainable nutrient ecosystem that safeguards both productivity and agricultural resilience. In the event of a sustained disruption in West Asian supply chains, how structurally vulnerable is India’s urea ecosystem, given its dependence on imported natural gas and fertilizer intermediates, and where do you see the first points of systemic stress emerging: availability, pricing, or allocation? India’s urea ecosystem has become more resilient over the years, but it is not insulated from global shocks. The vulnerability is two-fold: India imports a part of its urea requirement, and domestic urea production itself depends heavily on natural gas. A Parliamentary Committee recently noted that natural gas accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the cost of urea production and that a significant share of the gas requirement is import-linked. In such a scenario, the stress may not be visible as an immediate retail price shock because urea prices for farmers are administered. The pressure would first show up in procurement costs, subsidy burden, working capital cycles for companies, shipping timelines, and allocation across states. If the disruption continues into peak sowing windows, availability at the retail point and localised allocation pressure could become the bigger concern. The real challenge, therefore, is not only national-level stock availability, but how quickly supply can be moved to the right geography, at the right time, and in the right quantity and that too at the right price. India has repeatedly expanded domestic urea capacity, yet import dependence persists. To what extent is this a feedstock constraint versus a legacy policy architecture that continues to incentivise urea over balanced fertilisation? I feel it is both. On the supply side, India has added meaningful urea capacity. Six new urea plants have been commissioned in recent years, adding 76.2 LMT of capacity, and domestic urea production crossed 314 LMT in 2023–24. (Press Information Bureau) But capacity expansion alone cannot fully solve dependence when the core feedstock, which is natural gas, is itself exposed to global prices and geopolitical risks. On the demand side, the policy architecture has historically made urea the most familiar and affordable fertilizer for farmers. This has helped food security, but it has also created an imbalance in nutrient use. Farmers respond to price, risk, crop habit and field-level experience. When urea remains the most accessible nutrient, balanced fertilisation becomes harder to achieve at scale. The long-term answer has to combine feedstock security with a gradual correction in nutrient incentives, better soil testing, farmer advisory, and confidence-building around alternatives. A silver lining in this problem could be a compelled movement towards nutrient based fertilizers as a substitute to Urea. If global urea availability tightens sharply, do you believe India’s fertilizer subsidy framework is sufficiently agile to prevent price distortions and black-market leakage, or would rationing and administrative allocation inevitably return? India has a strong administrative system for fertiliser planning. Requirements are assessed before each cropping season in consultation with states, and monthly supply plans are issued and monitored by the Department of Fertilisers. This gives the system a degree of preparedness. However, subsidy agility does not always mean that physical stock is available. A subsidy can absorb price shocks for the farmer, but it cannot immediately create supply if global cargoes are delayed or diverted. In a sharp and prolonged disruption, the pressure would likely be felt first in tighter allocation, closer monitoring of stock movement, and more active coordination between the Centre, states, companies and retailers. Rather than assuming a return to rationing or leakage, the focus should be on preparedness. Stronger real-time visibility into stock, clear communication about expected arrivals, and timely movement into high-demand districts can help protect farmers' confidence during peak sowing windows. The subsidy framework can cushion prices, but supply-chain responsiveness will determine how smoothly the system holds up. Given the geopolitical concentration of fertiliser supply chains in West Asia and a few other geographies, should India treat urea as a strategic commodity akin to crude oil, requiring sovereign procurement buffers or strategic reserves? Urea is a critical agricultural input, and any discussion of its security must be viewed in the context of food security, farmer confidence, and seasonal preparedness. However, it may not be appropriate to compare it directly with crude oil, as the demand cycles, storage dynamics, subsidy structures, and distribution systems differ significantly.For India, the priority should be to build resilience across the fertiliser value chain. This includes diversified sourcing, long-term supply arrangements, stronger domestic production, feedstock security, adequate pre-season planning, and better visibility of district-level demand and stock movement. Strategic reserves or procurement buffers can be one part of the policy discussion, but they should be designed around India's crop cycles and regional demand patterns rather than as a direct replica of the crude oil model. The larger objective should be to ensure that farmers have timely access to essential nutrients during sowing windows, without creating uncertainty at the farm level.Fertiliser security, therefore, needs to be treated as an important part of agricultural resilience. The approach has to be practical, calibrated, and closely aligned with farmers' needs. How realistic is a large-scale behavioural shift among Indian farmers towards alternative nutrients — such as nano-urea, biofertilizers, or custom blends — during a period of acute urea scarcity, given entrenched usage patterns and risk aversion at the farm level? A large-scale behavioural shift in fertiliser use is usually gradual by choice or compelled by circumstances, particularly in crops where nutrient practices are well established. Farmers make input decisions with yield security in mind, so any transition to alternative nutrients has to be supported by clear evidence, local demonstrations, and practical guidance, which would make adoption difficult but not impossible Alternatives such as nano-urea, biofertilizers, organic inputs, and customised blends have an important role in improving nutrient efficiency. However, they are most effective when positioned as part of a balanced nutrient management approach rather than as simple one-to-one replacements. Adoption will depend on local availability, crop-specific recommendations, soil conditions, and confidence built through trusted advisory channels. The shift should therefore be built steadily through soil testing, FPO-led demonstrations, agri-retailer training, and extension support. Farmers are more likely to adopt new nutrient solutions when they see consistent results in similar crop, soil, and irrigation conditions. The larger opportunity is to move from input intensity to input efficiency. Farmers will adopt alternatives when they are confident that productivity, timing, and risk are well managed. If urea prices spike globally, what is the likely second-order impact on cropping patterns in India — particularly rice and wheat — and could this inadvertently accelerate crop diversification more effectively than policy interventions have managed so far? Global urea price movements may not directly translate into a proportional impact on farmers because India has a strong subsidy and supply-management framework for fertilisers. For farmers, the more relevant factors are timely availability, local access, crop economics, and confidence in the season. Rice and wheat are established cropping systems in many parts of India, supported by irrigation, procurement, familiarity with inputs, and market linkages. Therefore, any change in cropping patterns is unlikely to happen only because of a movement in one input price. Farmers usually make crop choices based on a wider set of considerations, including assured markets, expected returns, water availability, labour, credit, and local agronomic conditions. Crop diversification remains important for long-term agricultural resilience, but it must be enabled by market assurance, storage, processing capacity, procurement confidence, and farmer-level advisory services. Pulses, oilseeds, millets, and other less input-intensive crops can gain traction where the economics are reliable and the ecosystem supports the farmer beyond production.So, while input price volatility can influence farmer decision-making at the margin, it is unlikely to be a durable driver of diversification by itself. A sustained shift will come from making alternative crops commercially attractive, operationally viable, and less risky for farmers. To what extent can precision agriculture, soil testing, and digital advisory systems meaningfully reduce urea intensity per hectare in India, or are these gains marginal without deep structural reform in input pricing and extension systems? Precision agriculture, soil testing, and digital advisory can meaningfully reduce excess urea use, but only when they are connected to farmer decision-making at the right time. A soil health card or advisory message has limited value if the farmer cannot access the recommended nutrients, does not trust the recommendation, or finds urea cheaper and easier to use. The biggest gains will come when digital advisory is local, crop-specific, and linked with input availability, FPO-level aggregation, extension support, and market incentives. Technology can tell a farmer how much nutrient is needed, when to apply it, and where the crop is stressed. But behaviour changes when the advice is backed by field demonstrations and economic benefit.So, these tools are important, but they cannot work in isolation. They need pricing reform, stronger extension systems, and trusted local institutions. Looking ahead, does India’s fertiliser security challenge require a complete rethinking of its nitrogen economy — potentially shifting from import-dependent urea molecules to decentralised, locally produced nutrient systems anchored in circular bioeconomy models? India's fertiliser security challenge calls for a broader and more balanced approach to nutrient management. Urea will continue to remain an important input for Indian agriculture, especially for major crops where farmers have established practices. The priority should be to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce excessive dependence on any single input over time. This transition has to be gradual and farmer-centric. Alongside domestic production and diversified sourcing, there is a growing role for nano and speciality nutrients, biofertilizers, composting, crop residue management, and other locally relevant solutions. Circular bioeconomy models can add value by converting local biomass, livestock waste, and organic residues into reliable nutrient sources. However, these models will scale only when they are backed by quality standards, predictable supply, scientific validation, and farmer confidence. For farmers, the key question will always be whether the solution protects productivity and fits into their existing crop cycle. The larger opportunity is to move from input volume to nutrient efficiency. A more diversified nutrient system can support soil health, improve resource use, and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience, while keeping farmer productivity at the centre. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4042/chinese-agrochemical-innovation-delivers-breakthrough-against-devastating-cabbage-disease.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4042/chinese-agrochemical-innovation-delivers-breakthrough-against-devastating-cabbage-disease.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:52:36 +0530 Field demonstrations in Jiangsu Province showcase the efficacy of fluquinometoate (P), a novel bactericide developed by Sino-Agri United Biotechnology, with experts calling for accelerated registration and wider adoption. A new generation of crop protection innovation emerging from China's agrochemical sector is attracting attention after field demonstrations revealed exceptional control of Chinese cabbage soft rot—one of the most destructive bacterial diseases affecting vegetable production across Asia. Developed by Shandong United Pesticide Industry Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sino-Agri United Biotechnology, the proprietary bactericide fluquinometoate (P) demonstrated control efficacy of up to 98 per cent during large-scale field trials conducted in Dongtai City, Jiangsu Province. The demonstration, organised under the auspices of the China National Agricultural Science and Technology Research Team, brought together researchers, technical experts and industry stakeholders to evaluate the product's performance under commercial farming conditions. Conducted across a 40-mu Chinese cabbage cultivation area at Yushe Farm in Jianggang Town, the trials provided a comprehensive assessment of disease incidence, pathogen behaviour, application protocols and comparative treatment outcomes. Participants were given detailed insights into pathogen isolation, infection dynamics and the practical field management of soft rot, a disease capable of causing significant economic losses for vegetable growers. Results from the trials were particularly noteworthy. When applied as a 20 per cent suspension concentrate at a dosage of 30 grams per mu, fluquinometoate (P) achieved a disease control rate of 98 per cent. A lower application rate of 25 grams per mu delivered a 94 per cent control effect. Both treatments significantly outperformed conventional products currently used by growers in the region. Equally important, researchers reported no visible phytotoxicity or adverse impact on crop growth, highlighting the product's favourable safety profile under recommended field-use conditions. Beyond Chinese cabbage, early-stage evaluations conducted across multiple locations suggest that fluquinometoate (P) possesses broad-spectrum potential against a range of economically significant bacterial diseases. Preliminary findings indicate promising efficacy in controlling bacterial blight in rice, potato black shank and other bacterial infections affecting major food crops. Experts attending the demonstration described the product as a highly active and fast-acting bactericide capable of rapidly suppressing disease outbreaks while delivering lasting protection throughout the crop cycle. According to the evaluation committee, the product's extended residual activity could help farmers reduce the frequency of pesticide applications, lowering production costs while simultaneously mitigating environmental pressure associated with repeated chemical interventions. The expert panel further noted that the commercialisation of fluquinometoate (P) could play a critical role in strengthening emergency response capabilities against bacterial disease outbreaks, which continue to present major challenges for growers worldwide. To accelerate adoption, the panel recommended fast-tracking product registration procedures while expanding technical outreach programmes aimed at educating farmers on effective application practices. Additional field demonstrations and extension activities were also encouraged to support wider deployment across key agricultural regions. The breakthrough represents more than a successful field trial. It highlights the growing innovation capacity of China's agrochemical industry, which is increasingly shifting from generic manufacturing toward the discovery and development of proprietary crop protection technologies. From active ingredient discovery and formulation science to field validation and commercial scalability, fluquinometoate (P) exemplifies the industry's broader ambition to create high-value agricultural innovations with global relevance. As bacterial diseases continue to threaten crop productivity and food security across multiple geographies, products capable of combining efficacy, safety and sustainability are expected to play an increasingly important role in modern agriculture. For Sino-Agri United Biotechnology, the successful demonstration marks a significant milestone in that journey—one that could potentially position fluquinometoate (P) as an important new tool in the global fight against bacterial crop diseases. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4026/china-plus-one-meets-hormuz-risk-perfect-storm-reshaping-agrochemical-trade.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4026/china-plus-one-meets-hormuz-risk-perfect-storm-reshaping-agrochemical-trade.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:07:59 +0530 Exclusive AgroSpectrum interview explores how geopolitical tensions are accelerating procurement diversification across Asia, Africa and Latin America In this interview, Siddharth Gupta, Co-Founder of Atomgrid, argues that the ongoing Hormuz crisis is accelerating a global realignment of agrochemical supply chains, with buyers increasingly prioritising reliability over lowest-cost sourcing. He notes that while India is steadily advancing towards greater domestic manufacturing of active ingredients, deep dependencies on Chinese technicals and intermediates remain a long-term challenge rather than a short-term fix. Gupta highlights emerging opportunities for Indian agrochemical exporters in markets such as Vietnam and Latin America, where concerns over supply disruptions are driving procurement diversification. He also warns that African markets are facing a “double pricing squeeze” from both rising input costs and weakening local currencies, intensifying pressure on smallholder farmers. According to Gupta, the current geopolitical volatility is reinforcing a simple market reality: Suppliers that can guarantee consistent quality, availability and delivery schedules stand to gain significant market share in the years ahead. Is “China+1” no longer a diversification strategy, but an execution test where India is being evaluated less on intent and more on operational reliability? Yes, the qualification bar has shifted. Global buyers are no longer asking "can India supply?" but "can India supply consistently as per required product specifications, on time, and with complete documentation?"In agrochemicals specifically, this is visible in the inquiries that Atomgrid receives: customers want reliable supply in terms of product quality, specifications, packaging, etc., not just product samples. Reliability of the supply chain is now a precondition for even entering the conversation. To what extent is the Hormuz crisis fundamentally reshaping global agrochemical supply chains, given that Gulf-origin sulfur, ammonia, and urea constitute critical upstream inputs across emerging markets? The upstream exposure is real but often misframed. Sulfur, ammonia, and urea are fertilizer inputs — the direct agrochemical active-ingredient supply chain is more affected by gas costs, solvent cost, and freight economics than by Gulf chemical flows specifically. Freight disruption is the most immediate effect for exporters. Rerouted shipping, higher insurance premiums, and unpredictable lead times translate directly into working capital pressure — longer transit windows mean longer cash cycles, especially painful for companies scaling into multiple geographies simultaneously. The crisis accelerates a bifurcation already underway: buyers everywhere are reducing single-corridor dependency. India, which manufactures formulations and active both, is structurally better positioned than most to absorb this shift — provided it can pair supply reliability with competitive pricing. Is India’s agrochemical sector witnessing a structural shift toward import substitution and domestic active-ingredient manufacturing, or merely a temporary margin compression cycle? This is a structural shift on which Indian companies have been working since long and is not only related to the crisis.  But there is a long way to go. Indian companies will have to invest heavily in technical R&D and then setting up manufacturing at scale with the government subsidising the overhead manufacturing costs in order to compete with China.  The honest answer : most technicals and intermediates still have deep Chinese dependency that India cannot replace in the near term. It will have to be done product by product with a very long term view.  How exposed is Vietnam’s export-oriented agriculture to upstream fertilizer and pesticide disruptions, particularly in rice and aquaculture-linked input systems dependent on imported intermediates? Vietnam market is heavily dependent on imports of technicals ( not intermediates ) Vietnam's technical supply chain is overwhelmingly China-sourced. The rise of input prices has led to the market being in  a wait and watch mode.  However, looking at the last 6 months, in our Vietnamese customer conversations we are seeing an opportunity to take market share in certain technical products where India is competitive.  The opportunity for Indian suppliers is not to be the cheapest option but the most reliable alternative.  In Latin America, where large-scale monoculture dominates, does Hormuz-driven volatility amplify systemic risk in soybean, sugar, and maize input economics more than in Asia or Africa? Yes, and the scale is very different. Industrial-scale monoculture — soy in Argentina and Brazil, sugar, maize — operates on thin margins with high input intensity. A 15–20 per cent input cost increase doesn't just squeeze one season; it affects planting decisions, acreage allocation, and forward contract economics in ways that cascade globally. The buyer profile in LatAm is also different — large agribusinesses and cooperatives with sophisticated procurement, not smallholders. These buyers have the scale to demand supply chain diversification and the ability to switch at volume. That makes them high-value early adopters for Indian exporters who can demonstrate reliability. Atomgrid has a deep focus on Latin America markets and we are applying for our product registrations aggressively.  When a crisis creates urgency in buyer procurement, having existing registrations is the difference between being a credible supplier and being invisible. Are African agrochemical markets facing a dual shock of availability constraints and currency depreciation, effectively creating a “double pricing squeeze” on smallholder agriculture inputs? Yes, currency depreciation against the dollar compounds the dollar-denominated freight and availability premium simultaneously. The result is a landed cost squeeze that smallholder agriculture cannot absorb through price increases at the farm gate. In practice, availability matters as much as price. Farmers and distributors will pay a premium for a product they can actually get over a cheaper product with an unpredictable schedule.  A bulk formulation from India with predictable lead times and the right quality is what our customers need when they are looking for an alternative to China.  How critical is execution speed—land acquisition, regulatory clearance, logistics integration—in determining whether India can convert China+1 intent into sustained industrial migration? For chemicals specifically, regulatory clearance speed, both in India (pollution clearances, CPCB compliance) and in destination markets (product registrations) — is the single biggest bottleneck. Land and logistics matter, but they're problems to be tackled later.The companies gaining ground right now are those that started their international registration pipelines 5-10 years ago. That lead time is structural—you cannot compress a 12–18 month registration process with capital alone. Speed advantage is baked in ahead of time, not at the moment of demand.With the agrochemical market seeing a patent cliff in the next 5 years, the above becomes even more important. To what extent does fragmented infrastructure across Indian states dilute the “execution premium” required to fully absorb China+1 manufacturing shifts? Significantly, yes, particularly for companies trying to operate multi-state manufacturing networks. The absence of harmonized GST administration, inconsistent state-level regulatory timelines, and logistics cost variance between clusters all erode the margin advantage India should theoretically hold. In practice, the best-run Indian specialty chemical companies have compensated by concentrating their manufacturing footprint rather than distributing it. Deep presence in one or two clusters beats shallow presence across many. Fragmentation is a problem you solve by design, not by waiting for policy. At what point does “India + execution” become a structural global supply chain standard rather than a transitional narrative in the post-China manufacturing era? When Indian companies stop being described as "China alternatives" and start being the first call, when customers build their global supply chain architecture around India rather than as a hedge against China. That transition happens molecule by molecule, category by category, as Indian companies build the registration moats and customer relationships that make switching costs real.The structural inflection point is probably 5–7 years away at the sector level, but individual companies can achieve it much sooner. The marker is when a global buyer's India supplier is on their approved vendor list for new product launches, not just for existing products sourced from China. For agrochemicals specifically, product registrations are the moat that is irreversible. Once an Indian company holds 50+ active registrations across regulated markets, it becomes structurally embedded in global supply chains in a way that outlasts any geopolitical narrative. That's the transition from transitional to structural. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4017/beijing-reasserts-control-over-nitrogen-trade-with-managed-reopening-of-urea-exports.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/4017/beijing-reasserts-control-over-nitrogen-trade-with-managed-reopening-of-urea-exports.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:59:15 +0530 New export framework introduces pricing thresholds and signals continued strategic oversight of fertilizer markets China has officially reopened urea exports, but not without conditions. In a move that underscores Beijing’s continued influence over global fertilizer markets, authorities have introduced a minimum export price floor of $660 per tonne, ensuring that Chinese supply re-enters international trade under tightly managed terms rather than as a source of aggressive price competition. According to market intelligence reported by Profercy, the decision marks a significant shift in global nitrogen market dynamics at a time when Northern Hemisphere fertilizer demand is approaching seasonal highs. While importers had anticipated that renewed Chinese participation could exert downward pressure on international urea prices, the introduction of a price floor is expected to moderate that impact by preventing exporters from offering deeply discounted cargoes. The policy effectively places a lower limit on how competitively Chinese tonnes can be marketed, preserving price stability while allowing Beijing to gradually re-establish its presence in international fertilizer trade. Market participants note that the mechanism reflects a broader strategy of balancing domestic supply security with export opportunities, rather than pursuing market share through low-cost shipments. One of the most closely watched aspects of the reopening concerns India, the world’s largest importer of prilled urea and historically one of China’s most significant overseas buyers. Recent reports suggest that direct exports to India may once again be permitted. However, Chinese authorities appear to be applying stricter pricing conditions, with minimum export prices reportedly set approximately $20 per tonne higher for Indian shipments than for other destinations. The development comes after a dramatic rebound in Chinese urea exports. Shipments reached 4.89 million tonnes in 2025, representing the highest export volume since 2021. The recovery follows an extraordinary contraction in 2024, when exports fell to near-zero levels after official restrictions effectively halted sales to key international markets, particularly India. China’s renewed participation in urea trade is taking place against the backdrop of a broader tightening of fertilizer export management. Since late 2025, Beijing has maintained rigorous oversight across multiple nutrient categories. Export controls have been extended to nitrogen-potash (NK) compound fertilizers, phosphate exports continue to face strict supervision, and ammonium sulphate shipments are now subject to enhanced inspection requirements. Collectively, these measures highlight China's determination to retain strategic control over agricultural input exports amid ongoing concerns surrounding domestic food security and industrial supply chains. For global fertilizer markets, the reopening introduces both opportunity and uncertainty. Traders and buyers are now closely monitoring the actual volume of exports that Chinese authorities ultimately approve. While the price floor provides a degree of predictability, the extent to which additional Chinese supply reaches international markets will determine whether importers experience meaningful relief from elevated fertilizer costs. The timing is particularly significant as the market simultaneously confronts two major variables. The first is the anticipated launch of India’s next urea import tender, an event that often shapes global pricing sentiment and trade flows. The second is the geopolitical situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy and fertilizer shipping corridors. Any disruption—or conversely, easing—of logistical constraints in the region could significantly influence nitrogen supply availability and freight economics. Industry analysts suggest that China’s latest move represents more than a simple resumption of exports. Rather, it signals a new phase of managed participation in global fertilizer markets, where export volumes and pricing are increasingly aligned with broader strategic objectives. By allowing exports while maintaining pricing discipline, Beijing retains considerable influence over international nitrogen trade without exposing domestic markets to supply risks. As global buyers navigate tightening supply balances, geopolitical uncertainties, and fluctuating demand patterns, China’s controlled return to the urea market is likely to remain one of the most consequential developments shaping fertilizer pricing and trade flows in 2026. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3989/hebi-quanfeng-expands-agrochemical-capacity-with-new-plant-growth-regulator-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3989/hebi-quanfeng-expands-agrochemical-capacity-with-new-plant-growth-regulator-project.html Fri, 29 May 2026 16:59:00 +0530 Environmental impact assessment for the 750-tonne project has entered public consultation stage in Hebi Baoshan Economic and Technological Development Zone Chinese agrochemical manufacturer Hebi Quanfeng Biotech has moved to strengthen its position in the plant growth regulator segment with plans to establish a new annual 750-tonne production facility focused on key active ingredients including prohexadione calcium, trinexapac-ethyl, and uniconazole. The proposal has now entered the public consultation stage following the release of the project’s environmental impact assessment documentation. The planned technical renovation project will be located within the Hebi Baoshan Economic and Technological Development Zone and is designed to significantly enhance the company’s production capabilities in the high-value plant growth regulator category. According to the disclosed plans, the facility will include annual production capacities of 250 tonnes of prohexadione calcium, 50 tonnes of trinexapac-ethyl, and 400 tonnes of uniconazole. The expansion reflects the growing strategic importance of plant growth regulators in modern agriculture, particularly amid rising demand for crop management solutions aimed at improving yield efficiency, stress tolerance, and crop uniformity. Products such as prohexadione calcium and uniconazole are widely used to regulate plant growth, optimise crop architecture, and improve resistance to lodging and environmental stress in commercial agriculture systems. Founded in October 2016, Hebi Quanfeng Biotech has established itself as a specialised player in the research, development, production, and marketing of plant growth regulators. The company is regarded as one of China’s significant producers of plant growth regulator technical materials and has developed integrated synthesis capabilities across a broad portfolio of active ingredients. Its existing product range includes prohexadione calcium, chlormequat chloride, paclobutrazol, naphthylacetic acid, diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate, ethephon, uniconazole, benzyl aminopurine, forchlorfenuron, trinexapac-ethyl, and diflubenzuron. The proposed facility is expected to deepen the company’s manufacturing scale and reinforce its positioning within China’s increasingly competitive agrochemical industry. The project also reflects a broader trend within the global crop protection and plant physiology market, where demand is steadily shifting toward precision-oriented agricultural inputs capable of improving productivity while optimising resource efficiency. As agricultural systems worldwide confront climate variability, labour constraints, and pressure for higher productivity, plant growth regulators are emerging as an increasingly important component of integrated crop management strategies. With the latest expansion initiative, Hebi Quanfeng Biotech appears to be positioning itself to capture a larger share of this evolving market, leveraging both technical synthesis expertise and scale expansion to strengthen its long-term competitiveness in the specialty agrochemical segment. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3987/jiangsu-heben-gains-brazilian-nod-for-difenoconazole-boosting-triazole-fungicide-strategy.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3987/jiangsu-heben-gains-brazilian-nod-for-difenoconazole-boosting-triazole-fungicide-strategy.html Fri, 29 May 2026 15:49:29 +0530 Vertically integrated production and multi-region registrations bolster Heben’s competitiveness in global agrochemical supply chains Jiangsu Heben Biochem Co. Ltd. has secured self-owned registration for its Difenoconazole Technical in Brazil, marking a significant expansion of its regulatory and commercial presence in one of the world’s most strategically important agrochemical markets. The approval, granted by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), carries registration number TC12626 under the trade name Difenoconazole Técnico Heben, and further consolidates the company’s position in the global triazole fungicide segment. The development comes on the heels of the company’s earlier achievement of EU equivalence registration for the same product, signalling a steady and deliberate expansion of regulatory acceptance across major agricultural economies. For Heben, this Brazilian clearance is not merely an administrative milestone but a strategic entry point into a market where fungal disease control—particularly in soybean, coffee, and fruit cultivation—constitutes a critical agronomic priority. Difenoconazole, a leading triazole fungicide with global peak annual sales exceeding US$1.2 billion, plays a central role in controlling a wide spectrum of crop diseases, including Asian soybean rust, which remains one of the most economically damaging threats in Brazilian agriculture. The registration therefore positions Heben within a highly competitive yet structurally essential segment of Brazil’s agri-inputs ecosystem. The company has, over the past two decades, developed a deep and technically integrated capability in difenoconazole manufacturing, supported by process optimisation and upstream raw material integration. By leveraging self-produced m-dichlorobenzene as a key intermediate, Heben has progressively extended its value chain into multiple triazole fungicides, including difenoconazole and propiconazole. This vertical integration, the company asserts, has enabled it to build a cost-efficient and structurally resilient production architecture spanning intermediates to finished technicals. Beyond difenoconazole, Heben has systematically expanded its global registration portfolio across multiple active ingredients and geographies. These include hexythiazox, propamocarb hydrochloride, clomazone, metalaxyl-M, and propiconazole technical registrations in the European Union, alongside propiconazole formulations in Australia. The company’s broader product basket further extends into a wide range of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, including pyraclostrobin, indoxacarb, oxyfluorfen, bromoxynil derivatives, and organotin compounds, reflecting a diversified agrochemical portfolio aimed at multiple crop protection segments. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in the Rudong Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Heben operates as part of the broader Heben Group, which maintains production bases across Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Sichuan. The company has positioned itself as a vertically integrated agrochemical manufacturer with an emphasis on cost control, regulatory expansion, and long-term supply relationships with multinational agrochemical players. With the Brazilian registration now secured, Heben’s trajectory underscores a broader trend in global agrochemicals—where regulatory capability, integrated manufacturing, and multi-jurisdictional approvals increasingly define competitive advantage. In this evolving landscape, the company’s latest milestone represents both consolidation and ambition: consolidation of its technical credibility, and ambition in its pursuit of deeper penetration into high-value international markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3965/hive-hydrogen-to-invest-1-bn-in-coega-green-ammonia-project-using-topsoes-soec-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3965/hive-hydrogen-to-invest-1-bn-in-coega-green-ammonia-project-using-topsoes-soec-technology.html Wed, 27 May 2026 15:53:17 +0530 South Africa Lighthouse project targets over 1 million tonnes per year output, leveraging high-efficiency electrolysis to drive globally competitive green ammonia pricing Hive Hydrogen has announced a capital expenditure commitment of over $1 billion for its Coega Green Ammonia project, selecting Danish technology company Topsoe to supply its dynamic ammonia loop and 850 MW Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) system, marking a major step in scaling industrial green hydrogen-to-ammonia production. The project is designed to leverage high-efficiency electrolyser technology to significantly improve conversion efficiency and reduce overall production costs. The Coega facility is expected to produce over 1 million tonnes of green ammonia annually, with an estimated FOB price of $650 per tonne and a CIF price below $700 per tonne, positioning it among the most competitively priced green ammonia projects globally. The Commercial Operation Date (COD) is targeted for 2031, subject to development and execution milestones. Topsoe, a Danish original equipment manufacturer, has been selected for its advanced Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell technology and ammonia loop solution, which will be supplied from its newly inaugurated SOEC stack manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark, launched in October 2025 with a production capacity of 500 MW per year. The system is expected to play a critical role in enabling large-scale, cost-efficient green hydrogen production for ammonia synthesis. Hive Hydrogen stated that Topsoe’s technology will materially improve project economics, enabling a reduction in renewable energy capital expenditure of over €0.5 billion, alongside a 25 per cent reduction in electricity transmission and wheeling costs, thereby lowering overall operating costs and enhancing competitiveness against conventional ammonia production pathways, including blue ammonia. Giles Redpath, CEO and co-owner of Hive Energy, said the efficiency gains from SOEC technology represent a “massive step up” for the green hydrogen industry, enabling significantly lower cost green ammonia production and supporting unsubsidised price competitiveness in global markets. He added that the project is expected to deliver green ammonia at some of the lowest cost levels globally while also advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition through job creation and community upliftment. The Coega project has already completed its Environmental Impact Assessment and has entered the final stages of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED). Hive Hydrogen is currently engaging potential investors and partners as it moves toward financial close and execution readiness for the large-scale infrastructure project. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3912/basf-expands-bee-health-strategy-through-partnership-with-nod-apiary-products.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3912/basf-expands-bee-health-strategy-through-partnership-with-nod-apiary-products.html Fri, 15 May 2026 12:48:36 +0530 Innovative hive treatments aim to improve colony resilience while supporting responsible beekeeping practices Global chemical and agricultural solutions provider BASF has announced an expanded collaboration with Canadian bee health specialist NOD Apiary Products Ltd. aimed at strengthening honey bee health management and supporting sustainable beekeeping practices through science-based innovation. The partnership builds on an established supplier relationship between the two companies and reflects a shared commitment to improving pollinator resilience, which is increasingly recognized as essential to global food security and agricultural productivity. At the core of the collaboration is the continued development and deployment of Formic Pro, a formic acid–based hive treatment designed to help beekeepers manage parasitic mite infestations that threaten honey bee colonies worldwide. BASF’s Intermediates division supplies formic acid used in Formic Pro, while also providing funding and technical support to NOD Apiary Products as part of a broader effort to advance integrated bee health solutions. According to BASF, the initiative draws on expertise across its Performance Materials and Agricultural Solutions businesses, reinforcing the company’s growing focus on sustainability-driven agricultural inputs and ecosystem protection strategies. “Healthy pollinators are essential to agriculture and food production,” said Lauren Grech, Product Manager, Intermediates, BASF Americas. “By working closely with NOD Apiary Products, BASF is helping advance solutions that support beekeepers and help protect honey bee colonies.” Formic Pro is applied directly within the hive using strips made from BASF-developed ecoflex and ecovio materials, which are certified compostable and designed to align with environmentally responsible hive management practices. The system enables controlled release of formic acid vapor within the hive environment, allowing it to penetrate brood cells and disrupt the reproductive cycle of parasitic mites, thereby improving colony survival rates and overall hive health. NOD Apiary Products emphasized that the collaboration strengthens its ability to deliver science-based tools to beekeepers facing increasing biological and environmental pressures. “Our collaboration with BASF brings together complementary strengths,” said Heather Broccard-Bell, Honey Bee Health Researcher at NOD Apiary Products. “Their support and materials expertise help us continue our mission to deliver trusted, science-based solutions for beekeepers.” Honey bees are widely recognized as a critical component of global agriculture, contributing billions of dollars annually through crop pollination services across a broad range of food systems. Declines in pollinator health have therefore become a key concern for agricultural resilience and biodiversity conservation. Through this collaboration, BASF and NOD Apiary Products aim to enhance beekeeper tools, improve colony health outcomes, and support more resilient agricultural ecosystems worldwide, reinforcing the role of pollinators as a foundational element of sustainable food production systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3911/rising-global-fertilizer-costs-spark-us-senate-debate-on-indias-import-dependence.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3911/rising-global-fertilizer-costs-spark-us-senate-debate-on-indias-import-dependence.html Fri, 15 May 2026 12:38:41 +0530 US farmers reported sharply rising input costs, with some reducing fertilizer use due to economic pressure A hearing of the United States Senate Agriculture Committee in Washington, D.C. placed global fertilizer markets under renewed scrutiny, with lawmakers, industry leaders, and farm representatives warning that rising input costs and supply chain disruptions are intensifying financial pressure on American agriculture. The discussion repeatedly referenced India’s large-scale fertilizer import programme and its role in shaping global demand dynamics, amid broader concerns about volatility in international fertilizer supply chains. According to testimony from industry stakeholders, global fertilizer markets have become increasingly unstable due to geopolitical tensions, export restrictions, and logistical bottlenecks linked to key shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. A central point of discussion was the scale of India’s urea procurement, with witnesses noting that the country remains one of the world’s largest fertilizer importers, alongside China, and plays a significant role in global price formation. Corey Rosenbusch, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Fertilizer Institute, told lawmakers that India recently issued a major urea tender for approximately 2.5 million metric tons at near-record price levels, underscoring sustained global demand pressure. He noted that India’s subsidy-driven procurement system—where the government purchases fertilizer and subsidizes distribution to farmers—has a material impact on international market behaviour by insulating domestic consumption from global price fluctuations while maintaining strong import demand. Senators described the current environment as a period of structural stress for agricultural input markets, with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman characterizing conditions facing US agriculture as “a generational event.” American producers who testified during the hearing reported sharp increases in fertilizer prices, with some noting that elevated input costs have forced changes in crop management decisions and, in some cases, reductions in fertilizer application. South Dakota farmer Trent Kubik told lawmakers that phosphate application was eliminated on parts of his farm in 2025 due to cost constraints, while Kentucky farmer Eddie Melton reported significant increases in anhydrous ammonia, urea, and liquid nitrogen prices since early 2026. Industry witnesses also highlighted structural risks associated with global supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a critical corridor for energy and fertilizer-related trade flows. According to testimony, a significant share of globally traded urea and sulfur passes through the region, making fertilizer markets highly sensitive to geopolitical disruption. Additional concerns were raised regarding export restrictions from major producing countries, including China, which participants said have contributed to tightening global supply conditions and upward pressure on prices. While India was frequently cited as a major importer influencing global demand, analysts also emphasized that the country remains highly dependent on international fertilizer supply chains, particularly for urea, potash, and phosphates. Experts cautioned that sustained disruptions in global shipping routes or further tightening of export availability could increase subsidy burdens in importing countries and amplify cost pressures across agricultural systems worldwide. The hearing concluded with broad agreement that fertilizer affordability has become a central challenge for agricultural stability, linking global trade dynamics directly to farm-level economic viability in the United States. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3906/next-generation-precision-planting-vaderstad-enhances-tempo-v-planter-for-high-accuracy-fertilizer-application.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3906/next-generation-precision-planting-vaderstad-enhances-tempo-v-planter-for-high-accuracy-fertilizer-application.html Fri, 15 May 2026 11:41:32 +0530 Agricultural machinery manufacturer Väderstad has unveiled a significant upgrade to its Tempo V 6–12 planter system, reinforcing a broader industry shift toward precision agriculture, input efficiency, and data-driven crop establishment. The updated system, designed for model year 2027, is paired with the front hopper FH 2200 and introduces a suite of engineering refinements aimed at improving fertilizer accuracy, operator visibility, and overall machine ergonomics. At the center of the upgrade is a new metering configuration: the FH 2200 front hopper will now feature four Fenix III metering units, enabling section control and variable-rate fertilizer application across four distinct zones. The development marks a notable step forward in precision input management, allowing growers to tailor fertilizer distribution more closely to spatial field variability, headland conditions, and crop demand patterns—reducing overlap while improving nutrient-use efficiency. “With 4 section fertilizer control, we take another step towards even higher agronomic precision,” said Oskar Karlsson, Vice President Product & Development Planters at Väderstad. “Farmers can now apply fertilizer where it is needed, improving crop establishment while optimizing fertilizer output.” Beyond metering improvements, the redesign introduces a reconfigured fertilizer delivery system intended to streamline machine integration and enhance operator experience. In previous configurations, fertilizer tubes ran along the side of the tractor, partially obstructing visibility from the cab. The upgraded design reroutes all four tubes beneath the tractor chassis, creating a cleaner hydraulic and pneumatic layout while significantly improving forward visibility during field operations. The company has also re-engineered the rear distribution system of the Tempo V planter, replacing the elevated distributor head with four compact units positioned closer to the machine frame. The new architecture reduces complexity, simplifies mounting procedures, and shortens fertilizer transport distances within the system. Engineers say the redesign contributes not only to improved distribution accuracy but also to faster setup times and smoother in-field adjustments—particularly important during variable-rate application scenarios where responsiveness directly affects nutrient efficiency. “The combination of the new tube routing and the redesigned distributor heads makes the machine easier to handle,” Karlsson added, noting that reduced transport delay in fertilizer delivery enhances real-time precision during on-the-go adjustments. Taken together, the upgrades reflect a broader evolution in modern planting systems: from mechanically driven equipment toward integrated agronomic platforms designed to maximize yield potential while minimizing input waste. As precision agriculture continues to advance, machinery like the upgraded Tempo V illustrates how incremental engineering changes are increasingly shaping the economics—and environmental footprint—of large-scale farming. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3905/embrapa-study-shows-struvite-can-sustain-soy-yields-while-reducing-fertilizer-imports.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3905/embrapa-study-shows-struvite-can-sustain-soy-yields-while-reducing-fertilizer-imports.html Fri, 15 May 2026 11:14:15 +0530 Early trials suggest struvite-based organomineral blends may enhance nutrient availability in degraded acidic soils As global fertilizer markets remain vulnerable to geopolitical volatility and supply-chain disruption, Brazilian researchers are advancing an unlikely contender in the race for agricultural self-sufficiency: struvite, a phosphorus-rich mineral recovered from swine farming waste. Scientists at Embrapa Agrobiology say the material could emerge as a viable domestic substitute for imported phosphate fertilizers, offering Brazil a pathway to reduce its heavy dependence on foreign agricultural inputs while simultaneously addressing mounting environmental pressures tied to intensive livestock production. The research arrives at a strategically significant moment for Brazilian agriculture. Despite its status as an agricultural superpower, Brazil still imports roughly 75 per cent of the phosphate fertilizers required to sustain its vast grain sector—a structural vulnerability that has increasingly drawn concern amid fluctuating commodity markets and geopolitical instability affecting global fertilizer trade. Struvite, however, presents a markedly different proposition. Produced through the chemical recovery of nutrients from swine wastewater, the crystalline compound—composed primarily of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate—embodies what researchers describe as a circular-economy approach to modern farming: transforming agricultural waste streams into high-value production inputs. Field experiments conducted by Embrapa indicate that struvite can replace up to half of the phosphorus demand in soybean cultivation while maintaining yields near 3,500 kilograms per hectare, closely aligned with Brazil’s national soybean productivity average recorded in 2025. For researchers, the implications extend beyond simple fertilizer substitution. Caio de Teves Inácio, coordinator of the study, described the initiative as part of a broader technological transition aimed at strengthening Brazil’s agricultural autonomy while aligning crop production with sustainability and resource-efficiency objectives. The agronomic performance of struvite appears particularly promising under tropical soil conditions, where conventional phosphate fertilizers often suffer from rapid phosphorus fixation caused by acidic soils rich in iron and aluminum oxides. According to the research team, struvite’s gradual nutrient-release profile and alkaline reaction improve phosphorus recovery efficiency in degraded tropical soils, potentially extending the usable life of a resource that remains fundamentally non-renewable. Researchers are also experimenting with organomineral fertilizer formulations that combine struvite with organic matter and conventional mineral nutrients. Early trials suggest these blended formulations can substantially improve phosphorus diffusion in soil compared with ground struvite alone. Yet the appeal of the technology extends well beyond crop performance. In Brazil’s major swine-producing regions—particularly across the South and Central-West—the accumulation of animal waste has become both an environmental challenge and a regulatory constraint. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen runoff from livestock operations pose contamination risks to rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater systems, while also limiting the expansion capacity of intensive farming operations. Struvite recovery offers a mechanism to extract surplus nutrients before waste is applied to farmland, reducing pollution risks while simultaneously generating a potentially marketable fertilizer product. Embrapa estimates that widespread adoption of the technology on farms with more than 5,000 swine could generate approximately 340,000 tons of struvite annually across Brazil—opening the possibility of an entirely new domestic fertilizer value chain rooted in livestock waste recovery. Globally, struvite has already gained traction within advanced nutrient-recovery systems, particularly in countries confronting nutrient surpluses from industrial livestock production or dense urban wastewater networks. More than 80 production facilities were reportedly operational worldwide by 2019, with China, the United States, and Germany emerging as leading centers of research and commercialization. Brazil, however, remains in the early stages of scientific development and field validation for tropical agriculture. That gap, researchers argue, represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Inácio noted that despite Brazil’s vast agricultural scale and abundance of recoverable nutrient streams, relatively little is known about how struvite behaves under the country’s uniquely acidic tropical soil conditions—a paradox that has intensified the urgency of domestic research efforts. As fertilizer security rises higher on the geopolitical agenda and circular-economy technologies gain momentum across global agriculture, Brazil’s wager on struvite signals a broader shift underway in farming itself: one where waste is increasingly being reimagined not as a liability, but as strategic industrial feedstock for the next generation of food production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3901/loop-chemicals-eyes-regional-fertilizer-hubs-using-novel-thermochemical-ammonia-process.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3901/loop-chemicals-eyes-regional-fertilizer-hubs-using-novel-thermochemical-ammonia-process.html Fri, 15 May 2026 10:40:03 +0530 With fertilizer markets rattled by geopolitical disruptions, Loop Chemicals is positioning ammonia production closer to end users across the United States As geopolitical instability once again exposes the fragility of global fertilizer markets, a new generation of climate-industrial startups is attempting to redraw the map of ammonia production—moving it away from sprawling centralized complexes and closer to the fields that ultimately depend on it. Among the latest entrants is Loop Chemicals, a venture emerging from the Massachusetts Climatetech Studio, which has secured a license for advanced thermochemical looping ammonia technology developed by Sandia National Laboratories in collaboration with Arizona State University. The company’s ambition is both industrial and strategic: to establish a distributed ammonia manufacturing platform capable of reshaping fertilizer production across rural America. At the center of the effort lies a chemical looping process designed as a potential alternative to the century-old Haber–Bosch system that still dominates global ammonia synthesis. Conventional ammonia plants, while foundational to modern agriculture, are notoriously capital intensive and heavily centralized, requiring vast infrastructure, continuous feedstock supply, and complex logistics networks. Loop Chemicals argues that its licensed technology could fundamentally alter that equation. By deploying smaller, regionally situated production units nearer to agricultural demand centers, the company aims to reduce transportation burdens, mitigate supply-chain volatility, and shield farmers from the price shocks that have intensified amid the ongoing disruption surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The timing is notable. Nitrogen fertilizer markets have become increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical turbulence, energy-price fluctuations, and export concentration risks, prompting policymakers and investors alike to revisit domestic production capacity as a matter of economic resilience as much as agricultural necessity. Loop’s prototype development is being partially financed through a competitive grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, with technical guidance continuing from both Sandia and Arizona State. The forthcoming reactor demonstration will serve as an early proving ground for one of the venture’s central claims: that chemical looping can materially lower the capital intensity traditionally associated with ammonia manufacturing. Beyond fertilizers, the company is already positioning ammonia within a broader decarbonization narrative. Future phases of development envision ammonia not only as an agricultural input, but also as an emerging energy vector—capable of functioning as a carbon-free fuel, hydrogen carrier, and strategic storage medium for next-generation energy systems. Dan Doble, Loop Chemicals’ co-founder and chief executive, framed the initiative as an effort to restore regional resilience to American agriculture by localizing ammonia production and reducing dependence on imported supply. The company joins a widening cohort of distributed ammonia ventures—including Talusag and Shomax—that are seeking to commercialize modular, lower-carbon production systems tailored to rural markets. For now, however, commercialization timelines remain undefined, and the economic viability of distributed ammonia manufacturing has yet to be demonstrated at scale. The prototype reactor phase will likely determine whether the technology can transition from laboratory promise to industrial relevance. Still, amid mounting pressure to secure food systems while decarbonizing heavy industry, the appeal of localized ammonia production is becoming increasingly difficult for investors, policymakers, and agricultural markets to ignore. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3899/corteva-introduces-next-generation-crop-protection-tool-for-sugarbeet-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3899/corteva-introduces-next-generation-crop-protection-tool-for-sugarbeet-farmers.html Thu, 14 May 2026 14:09:31 +0530 EPA-approved Verpixo Fungicide aims to address growing resistance challenges in Cercospora Leaf Spot In a significant advancement for crop protection science and sustainable agriculture, Corteva Agriscience has announced the launch of Verpixo fungicide, powered by Adavelt active, a next-generation disease control solution designed to combat Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), one of the most economically damaging fungal threats to U.S. sugarbeet production. Approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and available beginning in the 2026 growing season, Verpixo introduces a new Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) Group 21 mode of action, providing growers with a novel tool to strengthen disease control strategies and improve resistance management in increasingly challenging agronomic conditions. Cercospora leaf spot, characterized by its distinctive brown lesions on foliage, significantly reduces a sugarbeet plant’s ability to photosynthesize, directly impacting sugar accumulation and root yield. In severe outbreaks, the disease has been associated with yield losses of up to 30 percent, with estimated economic impacts exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars annually across the U.S. sugarbeet industry. Verpixo fungicide with Adavelt active is derived from a naturally occurring compound found in soil bacteria, reflecting a broader industry shift toward biologically inspired crop protection solutions. Its translaminar activity enables effective control across both leaf surfaces, disrupting fungal germination and providing broad-spectrum disease suppression. “With Cercospora leaf spot continuing to be one of the most destructive foliar diseases in sugarbeet production, growers urgently need new tools with novel modes of action,” said Colleen Kent. “Extensive testing confirms Verpixo delivers strong efficacy while offering flexibility in application timing and resistance management programs.” Experts emphasize that resistance pressure has steadily reduced the effectiveness of existing fungicides and even some genetic tolerance traits, making the introduction of a new mode of action particularly significant for long-term disease control strategies. Research agronomists note that the polycyclic nature of Cercospora leaf spot — capable of producing multiple infection cycles within a single growing season — requires continuous and adaptive in-season management. Verpixo is designed to support this need by offering application flexibility and compatibility with integrated pest management systems. According to field researchers including David Mettler, sustained resistance management is essential as repeated exposure to existing chemistries has made disease control increasingly complex across diverse growing environments. Beyond its agronomic performance, Verpixo™ is also positioned as an environmentally conscious solution, supporting integrated pest management approaches that aim to preserve beneficial insect populations and maintain ecological balance in agricultural systems. As sugarbeet producers confront rising disease pressure, evolving resistance challenges, and increasing demand for yield stability, Verpixo™ represents a new generation of precision fungicide innovation — one that blends biological origins, modern chemistry, and adaptive field performance. With its debut in the 2026 season, the product is expected to become a cornerstone in resistance management programs, offering growers a new line of defense in safeguarding both crop quality and long-term agricultural productivity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3897/atome-and-yara-cement-long-term-partnership-with-665-mn-clean-fertilizer-plant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3897/atome-and-yara-cement-long-term-partnership-with-665-mn-clean-fertilizer-plant.html Thu, 14 May 2026 13:30:53 +0530 Renewable energy-driven project to deliver industrial-scale decarbonization in agriculture inputs In a landmark moment for the global transition toward low-carbon industrial agriculture, ATOME PLC has announced Final Investment Decision (FID) on its $665 million green fertilizer facility in Villeta, Paraguay — a pioneering project widely regarded as the world’s first industrial-scale low-carbon calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN-27) plant to reach this stage of development. The milestone is underpinned by a fully secured 10-year binding offtake agreement with global fertilizer leader Yara International, ensuring the entire production output of 260,000 tonnes per year will be marketed under Yara’s Climate Choice portfolio. The project represents a structural shift in fertilizer production economics and emissions intensity, utilizing 100 per cent renewable baseload hydropower sourced from Paraguay’s Itaipu Dam — one of the largest hydroelectric facilities in the world — co-operated with Brazil. This renewable energy backbone insulates production from fossil fuel volatility, particularly the price shocks associated with global natural gas disruptions and geopolitical instability in major energy corridors. At the core of the Villeta facility is a simple but transformative proposition: decoupling nitrogen fertilizer production from fossil fuels while maintaining industrial-scale output for global agricultural markets. The plant will be engineered by Swiss industrial firm Casale SA under a fixed-price, lump-sum EPC contract, providing construction certainty and cost predictability for the development phase. Financing for the project reflects strong multilateral confidence in green industrial infrastructure. A $420 million debt package is being coordinated by development finance institutions including IDB Invest, the International Finance Corporation, the European Investment Bank, FMO (Dutch development bank), and the Green Climate Fund. Equity investment of $245 million is led by Hy24, a major low-carbon hydrogen asset manager, underscoring the project’s alignment with the emerging hydrogen-based industrial ecosystem. Construction is scheduled to commence shortly following shareholder ratification, with commercial operations targeted no later than October 2029. Over its operational lifespan, the facility is projected to abate approximately 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, positioning it as a significant contributor to global agricultural decarbonization efforts. Commenting on the announcement, ATOME leadership described the decision as a defining milestone for the company and a potential blueprint for replicable clean fertilizer production in emerging markets with abundant renewable energy resources and high dependence on imported fertilizers. The Villeta project arrives at a pivotal moment for global agriculture, as farmers and governments increasingly face pressure to reduce emissions intensity while maintaining food security and fertilizer affordability. By leveraging renewable hydropower to produce essential nitrogen fertilizers at scale, the project signals a broader transformation underway in the agricultural inputs sector — one where industrial chemistry, renewable energy, and global food systems converge. With its secured offtake, multilateral backing, and long-term production certainty, the ATOME Villeta plant stands as a flagship example of how decarbonization is moving from concept to concrete industrial deployment across the global fertilizer value chain. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3874/adecoagro-posts-strong-1q26-performance-driven-by-fertilizers-surge-and-record-industrial-efficiency.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3874/adecoagro-posts-strong-1q26-performance-driven-by-fertilizers-surge-and-record-industrial-efficiency.html Tue, 12 May 2026 17:51:22 +0530 Adjusted EBITDA reaches $85.8 million, supported by structural margin expansion across core businesses Adecoagro S.A. reported a robust start to FY26, with Adjusted EBITDA rising to $85.8 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, driven by record industrial performance in its Sugar, Ethanol & Energy operations and a significant earnings uplift from its newly integrated Fertilizers segment. The results reflect a marked improvement in operational efficiency, favorable pricing dynamics across key commodities, and a strategic portfolio shift following the full integration of Profertil S.A. The company noted that higher urea, ethanol, and energy prices more than offset softness across sugar, rice, and peanut markets, underscoring the resilience of its diversified production platform under volatile global agri-commodity conditions. Sugar, Ethanol & Energy delivers record crushing and near-complete ethanol optimization The Sugar, Ethanol & Energy segment posted Adjusted EBITDA of $40.6 million, a 36 per cent year-over-year increase, supported by a first-quarter crushing record of 2.2 million tons, representing a 49.1 per cent increase versus the prior year period. Operational performance was further strengthened by a sharp 79.5 per cent rise in TRS per hectare, reflecting productivity gains across the cane cycle. A key driver of profitability was the near-full ethanol allocation strategy, with ethanol representing 96 per cent of production mix, enabling the group to capture stronger margins relative to sugar. However, profitability was partially offset by lower sugar sales volumes, weaker realized sugar prices, and elevated production costs, which rose to 12.9 cts/lb versus 11.1 cts/lb a year earlier due to Brazilian Real appreciation, early agricultural cost recognition, and lower TRS dilution benefits. Looking ahead, the company indicated that crushing operations remain aligned with full-year targets, with expected low double-digit volume growth in 2026 under normal weather conditions. Approximately 65 per cent of sugar output has already been hedged at an average price of 15.7 cts/lb, providing partial revenue visibility. Fertilizers segment emerges as key growth engine with EBITDA multiplying over fourfold The Fertilizers segment delivered a standout performance, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $52.5 million in 1Q26. On a pro forma basis, this represents a 4.3x increase compared with the prior year, highlighting the transformational impact of the Profertil acquisition. Performance was driven by a 9.6 per cent increase in urea production supported by higher plant availability, alongside a 67.8 per cent surge in sales volumes and pricing strength, with average urea prices rising to $517 per ton from $444 per ton a year earlier. Additional upside came from lower production costs, supported by higher output dilution benefits and favorable gas procurement strategies. The segment also benefited from a sharply tightening global urea market, with international prices rising approximately 55 per cent following geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East. CFR Brazil prices are currently averaging around $725 per ton, reinforcing strong near-term margin momentum. Given the largely fixed cost structure, particularly in natural gas, the company expects incremental revenues to translate directly into EBITDA expansion, supporting materially stronger-than-anticipated performance in 2026. Food & Agriculture reflects transitional softness amid price pressure and stock dynamics The Food & Agriculture segment recorded Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million, compared with $16.6 million in the prior-year period, reflecting broad-based commodity price declines ranging between 4 per cent and 46 per cent, as well as higher USD-denominated costs linked to carry-over inventories from the previous cycle. Despite near-term pressure, harvesting operations are progressing, with approximately 55 per cent completion achieved, alongside rising milk processing volumes across industrial facilities. The company expects margin recovery over the course of the year as new crop cycles are harvested and commercialized under improved pricing conditions. Strategic outlook points to sustained EBITDA expansion and deleveraging trajectory Adecoagro reaffirmed its medium-term trajectory of EBITDA expansion, supported by strong fertilizer market fundamentals, operational efficiency gains in sugar-ethanol operations, and gradual recovery in agricultural margins. The company also highlighted its ongoing deleveraging strategy, noting that net debt-to-LTM Adjusted EBITDA stood at 3.2x on a pro forma basis following the Profertil acquisition. Management indicated that future growth will be increasingly driven by the Fertilizers segment, which is expected to remain a primary contributor to earnings momentum amid structurally higher global nitrogen prices and constrained supply conditions. In its outlook, Adecoagro emphasized that the combination of record industrial execution, favorable commodity cycles in fertilizers, and disciplined capital allocation positions the group for sustained earnings growth and continued balance sheet strengthening through FY26. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3872/vietnam-moves-toward-dialogue-led-crop-governance-as-pppd-signs-strategic-cooperation-with-seed-fertilizer-and-pesticide-bodies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3872/vietnam-moves-toward-dialogue-led-crop-governance-as-pppd-signs-strategic-cooperation-with-seed-fertilizer-and-pesticide-bodies.html Tue, 12 May 2026 17:30:06 +0530 Reform framework aims to strengthen input quality control, accelerate green transition, and boost global competitiveness of agricultural exports In a significant recalibration of agricultural governance, the Plant Production and Protection Department (PPPD) under Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has formalised cooperation agreements with three major industry associations representing the seed, fertilizer, and pesticide sectors. The move signals a deliberate shift toward a more consultative, data-driven governance model aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of Vietnamese crop exports. The agreements were signed in Hanoi on May 10, marking what officials described as a structural evolution in state management—from administrative command mechanisms toward a dialogue-based framework rooted in shared responsibility, technical coordination, and continuous policy feedback. From administrative control to collaborative governance architecture The newly established framework reflects an evolving governance philosophy in Vietnam’s crop production sector. Under the model, the state retains its core regulatory role as an institutional designer, risk supervisor, and safeguard of public interest, while industry associations and enterprises are positioned as active partners in policy formulation, compliance dissemination, and technical implementation. This recalibration is designed to improve responsiveness in a sector increasingly shaped by global trade standards, food safety regulations, and environmental sustainability benchmarks. Authorities noted that the approach prioritises transparency, joint oversight, and structured dialogue as foundational principles of sector management. Seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides repositioned as strategic production pillars At the heart of the reform is a redefinition of agricultural inputs. Seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides are no longer viewed as standalone production materials, but as integrated strategic pillars that determine yield quality, environmental impact, and export competitiveness across the entire crop value chain. The PPPD has outlined a coordinated action agenda with industry associations focused on strengthening quality control systems, eliminating counterfeit and substandard inputs, and promoting traceability and compliance standards aligned with international markets. Simultaneously, the framework places strong emphasis on innovation-led input systems, including the development of climate-resilient seed varieties, smart nutrient management solutions, and biologically based crop protection technologies. Seed systems targeted for genetic improvement and resilience building Within the seed sector, the cooperation framework prioritises research, development, and deployment of high-performance varieties capable of withstanding climate stress, pest pressure, and evolving agronomic conditions. Strengthening intellectual property protection and seed quality certification systems is also a central pillar of the reform agenda. Authorities underscored that seed systems represent the foundational entry point of agricultural productivity, directly shaping yield outcomes and export competitiveness. As such, improved governance in this segment is expected to have cascading effects across the entire production ecosystem. Fertilizer strategy shifts toward efficiency and low-emission agriculture The fertilizer sector is being repositioned toward smart nutrient management systems designed to improve efficiency while reducing environmental degradation. The reform agenda includes accelerated adoption of organic fertilizers and next-generation formulations that enhance soil health and support greenhouse gas mitigation commitments. The focus is increasingly on reducing input wastage, improving application precision, and aligning fertilizer usage with sustainable production goals. This reflects a broader policy transition toward low-emission agriculture systems compatible with international sustainability standards. Pesticide governance prioritises safety and biological alternatives In the pesticide segment, the framework emphasizes safe, responsible, and science-led usage practices. The PPPD is encouraging wider adoption of biological crop protection solutions and integrated pest and disease management systems, aimed at reducing dependency on chemical inputs. The shift is designed to balance productivity needs with ecological protection, ensuring that crop protection practices remain aligned with food safety requirements and environmental sustainability objectives. Regulatory ecosystem aligned with green and export-oriented agriculture Officials noted that the crop production sector is facing intensifying pressures from climate change, soil degradation, and increasingly stringent international food safety and traceability standards. In this context, the governance reform is intended to align domestic production systems with global market expectations. The cooperation agreements are expected to facilitate coordinated policy development, enhanced regulatory enforcement, and systematic dissemination of technical standards across industry stakeholders, thereby improving compliance efficiency and reducing fragmentation in implementation. Industry associations positioned as policy intermediaries Industry associations representing seed, fertilizer, and plant protection enterprises will play an expanded role under the new framework. Beyond representing business interests, they will function as intermediaries between the state and market participants, supporting policy communication, technical training, market monitoring, and innovation dissemination. This expanded role reflects an intent to institutionalise structured dialogue mechanisms that allow real-time feedback from industry actors into regulatory design and execution. Export growth anchors urgency of reform agenda Vietnam’s crop production sector continues to play a central role in the country’s agricultural export economy, contributing a significant share of total agricultural trade value. Recent export performance data highlights the growing importance of crop-based commodities in driving national agricultural revenue. Against this backdrop, policymakers have emphasised that strengthening input quality systems and regulatory coherence is critical to sustaining export momentum and improving value addition in global markets. Legal and institutional reforms on the horizon Stakeholders at the signing ceremony also highlighted the need for ongoing legislative updates, particularly revisions to laws governing crop production and plant protection frameworks. These reforms are expected to create a more flexible regulatory environment while maintaining robust oversight mechanisms. The focus is on building a legal architecture that supports innovation, enables market expansion, and ensures alignment with international trade requirements, without compromising regulatory integrity. Implementation through structured coordination mechanisms The PPPD confirmed that the agreements will be operationalised through annual coordination programmes, sector-specific action plans, and targeted technical initiatives. These will include training programmes, technology transfer initiatives, demonstration models, and market surveillance activities. A key emphasis will be placed on strengthening two-way information flows between regulators and industry actors, enabling faster identification of operational challenges and more responsive policy interventions. Toward a more integrated and competitive crop economy The reform initiative represents a broader shift in Vietnam’s agricultural governance philosophy—one that prioritises integration over fragmentation, collaboration over hierarchy, and sustainability over short-term output maximisation. By embedding industry stakeholders more deeply into the policy ecosystem, the government aims to build a more resilient, transparent, and globally competitive crop production sector. As implementation begins, the effectiveness of this model will be tested in its ability to translate institutional coordination into measurable improvements in productivity, input quality, and export performance across Vietnam’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3856/pepsico-and-fertiberia-working-to-decarbonise-potato-and-corn-farming-across-400000-acres-in-europe.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3856/pepsico-and-fertiberia-working-to-decarbonise-potato-and-corn-farming-across-400000-acres-in-europe.html Mon, 11 May 2026 13:05:00 +0530 Fertiberia will supply its high-tech, green hydrogen-based fertiliser – Impact Zero – across approximately 400,000 acres (~162,000 hectares) of farmland, used to grow ingredients for PepsiCo’s popular brands including Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos and Ruffles PepsiCo and Fertiberia have today announced a long-term collaboration to scale the use of high-tech, green hydrogen-based fertiliser in Europe. As part of the agreement, Fertiberia will progressively provide PepsiCo with up to 150,000 tons of its Impact Zero crop nutrition solutions annually by 2030, enough to cover approximately 400,000 acres (~162,000 hectares) of farmland used to grow key crops such as potatoes, corn, sunflower, sugar beet and rapeseed, which are key ingredients for popular PepsiCo brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Ruffles and Cheetos. The programme will initially launch in France, Romania, Serbia, Greece and Turkey while expanding in Spain and Portugal, with plans to roll-out the initiative to more European countries in the near future. The long-term collaboration follows a successful pilot between PepsiCo and Fertiberia in Spain and Portugal, where switching to Fertiberia’s low-carbon fertiliser reduced potato farming emissions by up to 15 per cent and corn farming emissions by 20 per cent. Fertiberia’s high-tech and low-carbon fertiliser is produced using green hydrogen instead of natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 63 per cent. Furthermore, it integrates innovative technologies like slow-release formulas and biological inhibitors that enhance agronomic efficiency to boost crop yields, while also reducing emissions and minimising nutrient loss for farmers. When combined with PepsiCo’s existing supplier agreements, the Fertiberia collaboration is expected to bring the share of low‑carbon fertiliser used in PepsiCo’s European supply chain to around 50 per cent by 2030. Globally, fertilisers contribute about 2 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. With the production and use of fertiliser currently responsible for around half of PepsiCo’s average potato carbon footprint in Europe, fertilisers represent one of the biggest opportunities for PepsiCo to reduce its agricultural emissions. Overall, the collaboration supports PepsiCo’s ambition to implement regenerative, restorative or protective practices across 10 million acres globally by 2030 and will help progress towards PepsiCo’s goal to reduce Scope 3 forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 (against a 2022 baseline). Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said: “We’re working to lead the way on regenerative agriculture and helping to build a more resilient agricultural supply chain. Switching to low-carbon fertiliser is one of the strongest levers we have to reduce agricultural emissions, and use of digital technology can complement this journey towards food system transformation. We’re excited by the success of our pilot in Spain and Portugal and look forward to scaling this ambitious partnership across Europe.” In addition to providing low-carbon fertiliser, Fertiberia and PepsiCo will support farmers by offering technical guidance and digital tools, including precision agriculture technologies that use data to optimise application and track the implementation of their regenerative agriculture practices. David Herrero, Chief Operating Officer at Fertiberia, added: “Since 2022, we have been developing lower-carbon hydrogen-based fertilisers, powered by cutting-edge technology such as NSAFE, the world’s first bio-inhibitor of nitrification that prevents nitrogen losses and accelerates the transformation of European agriculture. Today, this journey takes on greater meaning thanks to the trust of partners like PepsiCo, with whom we are collaborating to help decarbonise agri-food value chains. This is not just about fertilisers – it’s about demonstrating the importance of collaboration and showing that innovation, when shared, can drive both climate action and food security across Europe.” With the programme now scaling into additional European markets, farmers applying the low-carbon solutions in real field conditions remain central to its success. Herdade da Malhadinha, a farmer using Impact Zero fertiliser in Portugal, noted: “We joined the programme during its pilot in 2024, and in our second year we've fertilised 30 acres of potatoes using Impact Zero both for base and top dressing. It has been a smooth process, as the fertilisation method is technically identical to our usual practice and so doesn’t alter our daily operations. This project with PepsiCo allows us to move towards more sustainable, low-carbon agriculture, redefining how we produce the food of the future.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3855/india-moves-to-extend-anti-dumping-duties-on-phthalic-anhydride-imports-from-china-and-south-korea.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3855/india-moves-to-extend-anti-dumping-duties-on-phthalic-anhydride-imports-from-china-and-south-korea.html Mon, 11 May 2026 12:55:20 +0530 DGTR says continuation of duties is necessary to protect domestic producers from recurring injury as low-priced imports continue to depress profitability despite Rs 1,900 crore in industry investments India’s trade authority has recommended the continuation of anti-dumping duties on imports of Phthalic Anhydride from China and South Korea for another five years, concluding that low-priced imports continue to injure domestic manufacturers and threaten the long-term viability of the sector. In its final findings issued under a sunset review investigation, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) said the continuation of anti-dumping measures is “appropriate and necessary” after determining that the expiry of duties would likely result in the continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to the domestic industry. The investigation was initiated following an application by Indian manufacturers IG Petrochemicals Ltd, Thirumalai Chemical Industries Ltd and TCL Intermediates Pvt Ltd, which argued that dumped imports from China, Korea, Indonesia and Thailand were adversely impacting domestic operations. The review was conducted under the Customs Tariff Act and Anti-Dumping Rules after the existing duties imposed in 2021 approached expiry. The DGTR ultimately recommended extending duties on imports from China and Korea, while Thailand was found to have a negative injury margin. The recommended anti-dumping duty stands at $40.08 per metric tonne for Chinese imports and $140.17 per metric tonne for Korean imports. Phthalic Anhydride is a key industrial chemical used in the manufacture of plasticizers, resins, paints, coatings, dyes and pigments. The product is classified under tariff heading 29173500 and is commercially produced through catalytic oxidation of ortho-xylene or naphthalene. The authority found that while domestic manufacturers significantly expanded capacity over the investigation period, profitability deteriorated sharply because imports continued to suppress prices in the Indian market. According to the findings, domestic producers invested nearly Rs 1,900 crore in capacity expansion after anti-dumping duties were initially imposed in 2021. Industry capacity increased substantially, helping bridge what had earlier been a demand-supply gap in the domestic market. The report noted that producers including Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd, TCL Intermediates Pvt Ltd, IG Petrochemicals Ltd and KLJ Group commissioned new production capacities during the review period as the anti-dumping framework created a more level competitive environment. Despite these investments, the DGTR concluded that low-priced imports continued to exert downward pressure on domestic prices. The authority found that domestic selling prices declined by 11 index points over the injury period even though production costs fell by only 2 index points, indicating clear price depression caused by imports. The findings also showed that domestic manufacturers suffered significant financial stress during the period of investigation. Profitability turned negative, cash profits declined sharply and return on capital employed fell into negative territory after import prices dropped further during the investigation period. “The domestic industry recorded financial losses, including losses before interest, cash losses and a negative return on capital employed,” the authority noted in its findings. The DGTR said imports from subject countries, particularly China and Korea, remained below domestic selling prices and below the cost of sales, limiting the ability of Indian producers to raise prices in line with costs. At the same time, the authority acknowledged that imports from the subject countries had declined over the review period and that the domestic industry’s market share had increased. However, it concluded that the risk of injury remained high because producers in exporting countries continued to maintain significant surplus capacities and were likely to increase shipments to India if duties expired. The authority also highlighted that exports from China and Korea to third countries were occurring below normal values, reinforcing concerns about continued dumping risks globally. The investigation triggered extensive opposition from downstream industries, including manufacturers in plastics, coatings and construction materials, which argued that extending duties would raise input costs and hurt competitiveness. Several importers and user industries claimed the market was already protected by mandatory BIS quality certification requirements and that current industry difficulties were caused more by overcapacity and slowing demand than imports. Interested parties also argued that the industry was witnessing a structural shift away from phthalate-based plasticizers toward non-phthalic and environmentally sustainable alternatives such as DOTP and DEHCH because of regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences. However, the DGTR rejected the argument that demand weakness alone explained the industry’s financial deterioration. While acknowledging changes in downstream demand dynamics, the authority said there was insufficient evidence to establish that these factors were the primary cause of injury. The authority further stated that anti-dumping duties do not restrict imports but instead ensure that imports enter India at fair prices while maintaining a level playing field for domestic producers. The DGTR noted that demand for Phthalic Anhydride in India has continued to grow during the period when anti-dumping duties were already in force, suggesting that downstream industries had not suffered any material disruption because of the measures. The recommendation will now be reviewed by the Ministry of Finance, which will take a final decision on whether to formally extend the anti-dumping duties through a government notification. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3850/china-strengthens-its-grip-on-global-glyphosate-supply-as-jiangshan-launches-major-new-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3850/china-strengthens-its-grip-on-global-glyphosate-supply-as-jiangshan-launches-major-new-project.html Fri, 08 May 2026 16:16:22 +0530 Guizhou-based expansion combines technical-grade production, downstream formulations, and circular chemical infrastructure at industrial scale Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals is intensifying its long-term bet on large-scale agrochemical manufacturing, with subsidiary Guizhou Jiangshan CropScience unveiling plans for a sprawling glyphosate formulation complex that would add an annual 100,000-ton glyphosate isopropylamine salt 46 per cent TK production capacity to China’s already formidable crop protection supply chain. The project, recently disclosed through an environmental impact assessment announcement, represents another significant milestone in China’s continued consolidation of upstream and downstream agrochemical production capabilities, particularly in strategic herbicide manufacturing. Located within the Fine Chemical Park of Weng’an County in Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, the proposed industrial complex will encompass multiple glyphosate formulation lines, including annual capacities of 100,000 tons of glyphosate isopropylamine salt 46 per cent TK, 100,000 tons of glyphosate isopropylamine salt 46 per cent SL, 40,000 tons of glyphosate ammonium salt SL, and 10,000 tons of glyphosate potassium salt SL, alongside supporting infrastructure and auxiliary facilities. The scale of the investment reflects the growing industrial ambition behind Guizhou Jiangshan CropScience, a state-backed joint venture established on June 6, 2023 through a partnership between Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals, which holds a 65 percent stake, and Wengfu Group, which controls the remaining 35 percent. Positioned within the Weng’an County Economic Development Zone, the company serves as the core implementation entity for a broader phosphorus chemical circular economy initiative jointly developed by the two industrial groups. Previous disclosures indicate the integrated project carries a total planned investment of approximately RMB22 billion, underscoring the magnitude of the industrial ecosystem now taking shape in Guizhou — a province increasingly emerging as a strategic hub for China’s resource-linked chemical manufacturing. Beyond its immediate production implications, the project illustrates the continued centrality of glyphosate within global agricultural supply chains despite mounting regulatory scrutiny and environmental debates across several Western markets. China remains the world’s dominant producer and exporter of glyphosate-based herbicides, and integrated manufacturing projects of this scale reinforce the country’s structural influence over global agrochemical pricing, supply stability, and raw material access. Industry analysts note that the inclusion of both technical-grade glyphosate and multiple downstream salt formulations within the same production ecosystem reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen operational efficiency, reduce logistical dependency, and maximize value-chain integration. The project’s location within a phosphorus chemical industrial cluster further enhances synergies tied to raw material sourcing and waste-stream optimization — increasingly critical considerations as environmental compliance standards tighten across China’s chemical manufacturing sector. The investment also arrives amid renewed global attention on supply chain resilience within agriculture. Following years of pandemic-era disruptions, energy volatility, and geopolitical trade fragmentation, major agrochemical producers have accelerated efforts to secure vertically integrated production networks capable of stabilizing output and preserving export competitiveness. For Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals, the Guizhou expansion represents more than incremental capacity growth. It signals a broader strategic alignment with China’s industrial policy objectives surrounding advanced manufacturing, regional economic development, and circular chemical integration. At the same time, the project highlights the evolving complexity of the global crop protection market itself. While sustainability narratives increasingly dominate agricultural discourse, worldwide demand for broad-spectrum herbicides continues to remain structurally resilient, particularly across large-scale row crop systems where cost efficiency and weed resistance management remain operational priorities. As construction plans advance, the Guizhou project is expected to further strengthen China’s commanding position within the global glyphosate industry — a market where scale, integration, and raw material control increasingly define competitive advantage. In an era marked by agricultural uncertainty, tightening food security concerns, and rising production pressures, Jiangshan Agrochemical’s latest expansion suggests that the next phase of agrochemical competition may not simply be about innovation alone, but about industrial endurance, supply dominance, and the ability to manufacture at unparalleled scale. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3826/pepsico-and-talusag-forge-strategic-alliance-to-advance-fertilizer-decarbonisation-through-low-carbon-ammonia-initiative.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3826/pepsico-and-talusag-forge-strategic-alliance-to-advance-fertilizer-decarbonisation-through-low-carbon-ammonia-initiative.html Wed, 06 May 2026 13:52:58 +0530 Landmark collaboration encompasses 30,000 Metric Tons of low-carbon ammonia attributes across global agricultural supply chains In a significant move towards accelerating sustainability across global agriculture, PepsiCo has entered into a strategic collaboration with agricultural technology company TalusAg to advance fertilizer decarbonisation through low-carbon ammonia environmental attributes. The partnership marks PepsiCo’s first executed transactions involving low-carbon ammonia environmental attributes and underscores the company’s growing commitment to building climate-resilient and regenerative agricultural ecosystems worldwide. The initial agreements span PepsiCo’s operations across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia Pacific, and global business units, collectively representing approximately 30,000 metric tons of low-carbon ammonia, with an option to procure an additional 41,000 metric tons in the future. The broader collaboration also extends to projects in the United States, including the proposed Blue Earth, Minnesota facility. Fertilizer production remains among the most emissions-intensive and challenging segments to decarbonise within the global food value chain, with a substantial share of emissions generated upstream of direct supplier relationships. Through this partnership, PepsiCo aims to complement physical low-carbon fertilizer pilots with innovative market-based mechanisms capable of delivering measurable and auditable near-term emissions reductions, while preserving affordability and economic viability for farmers. Margaret Henry, Vice President of Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo, emphasised that decarbonising fertilizer systems is central to advancing climate action at scale, but must be pursued in a manner that remains practical and beneficial for growers. She noted that the agreement sends a strong market signal for low-emissions ammonia while supporting more stable input economics for farmers and accelerating the long-term transformation of the fertilizer industry. TalusAg’s model enables companies to procure verified low-emissions ammonia environmental attributes through a book-and-claim mechanism, under which the environmental attributes are tracked independently from the physical fertilizer supply. Hiro Iwanaga, Chief Executive Officer of TalusAg, described the collaboration as a compelling example of how credible market-driven mechanisms can strengthen supply-chain resilience, reduce fertilizer costs for farmers, and catalyse investment in low-emissions fertilizer production. He added that PepsiCo’s participation would help de-risk the expansion of new production capacity while fostering more sustainable and resilient global food systems. The initiative will be supported by S3 Markets, which will provide the Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC) lifecycle management infrastructure for the issuance, tracking, and retirement of what the companies describe as the world’s first tokenised ammonia fertilizer EACs originating from TalusAg’s Boone, Iowa project. The companies stated that this framework enables immediate climate action while the broader physical infrastructure for low-carbon fertilizer supply chains continues to evolve and scale globally. Saman Baghestani, Chief Executive Officer of S3 Markets, said the collaboration highlights the growing importance of trusted market infrastructure in enabling credible book-and-claim systems for low-carbon commodities. He noted that secure and transparent EAC lifecycle management allows innovative producers and sustainability-focused corporate buyers to participate with confidence as environmental attribute markets continue to mature. Beyond emissions reduction, TalusAg’s distributed production model is designed to strengthen fertilizer supply-chain resilience through localised, on-site ammonia production closer to agricultural demand centres. By reducing reliance on long and centralised global supply chains that are vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions, logistics constraints, and price volatility, the model seeks to improve fertilizer accessibility and reliability in both developed and emerging markets. Localised production also contributes to lower transportation emissions and reduced logistics costs, creating more stable input economics for growers while enhancing long-term food system resilience. The collaboration further reflects a shared commitment by PepsiCo and TalusAg to champion credible, scalable, and cost-effective environmental attribute markets capable of accelerating fertilizer decarbonisation globally. PepsiCo stated that through partnerships such as TalusAg, the company aims to advance lower-carbon, locally produced fertilizer solutions that can strengthen agricultural supply chains while delivering meaningful climate benefits for the global farming community. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3807/bayer-foundations-kyra-constanze-pauly-on-why-blended-finance-could-reshape-global-food-systems.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3807/bayer-foundations-kyra-constanze-pauly-on-why-blended-finance-could-reshape-global-food-systems.html Mon, 04 May 2026 16:16:48 +0530 Exclusive AgroSpectrum interview with Kyra Constanze Pauly, Managing Director of Bayer Foundation, on catalytic capital, smallholder resilience, and the new Bayer Foundation–UNCDF investment push in African agri-food markets The conversation comes as Bayer Foundation and United Nations Capital Development Fund announced the inaugural investments under the Food Systems Innovation Finance Facility (FSIFF), extending two local currency loans of $500,000 each to Omia Agribusiness in Uganda and SokoFresh in Kenya to expand farmer services, reduce food loss, improve cold storage infrastructure, and strengthen market access for smallholders. Kyra highlighted that the initiative reflects a broader shift beyond traditional grant-based development models toward blended finance structures that combine philanthropic capital with market-compatible instruments to drive long-term agricultural resilience, farmer incomes, and food-system sustainability. As concessional funding declines globally, how does Bayer Foundation justify deploying catalytic capital in ways that may blur the line between philanthropy and market-making?  Effective and inclusive markets are a good thing. When markets work better, they deliver tangible benefits for people on the ground – from more reliable access to nutritious food to stronger livelihoods for smallholder farmers and more resilient local economies.  In many low- and middle‑income countries, particularly in food systems, promising solutions fail to scale because early risks are too high, and traditional funding falls short. This is where we see a clear role for catalytic philanthropic capital. By deploying it thoughtfully, we can help de‑risk early innovation, unlock additional capital, and ensure that limited philanthropic resources achieve greater, longer‑lasting impact.  Working with partners like the United Nations Capital Development Fund, who combine deep development expertise with fair and responsible financial instruments, helps us keep social impact firmly at the center. Finance, for us, is not an end in itself. It is a practical tool to leverage resources, help markets serve people better, and create durable change where purely grant‑based approaches or commercial capital alone are insufficient.  In partnering with United Nations Capital Development Fund, what structural advantage does this model have over traditional grant-based development approaches in actually transforming food systems?  Grant‑based support has an important role and remains essential, especially at very early stages or in fragile contexts. At the same time, on its own, it has often proven insufficient to sustain or scale transformation in food systems over the long term. Social entrepreneurs – who are among the key changemakers we support – need access to the full spectrum of capital, from grants to loans and equity. In low‑ and middle‑income countries, access to capital and opportunity to build equity remains limited, or available only under unfavorable conditions.  Our partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund allows us to address this gap. By combining grants with responsible, market‑compatible financial instruments, we can focus not just on funding individual projects, but on improving how food systems work for smallholder farmers and underserved communities more structurally.  UNCDF’s rigorous approach, strong alignment with the international agreed Sustainable Development Goals, and deep on‑the‑ground expertise help ensure that capital responds to real needs and contributes to lasting, system‑level change. Importantly, UNCDF also brings credibility as a trusted global institution and acts as a convener – mobilizing additional public and private capital beyond our initial contribution. This enables impact to go further than traditional, project‑based grants alone, while strengthening markets and livelihoods in a responsible and inclusive way. The FSIFF aims to “crowd in” private capital – what specific risk-return signals must be proven before institutional investors take these markets seriously?  UNCDF absorbs early-stage risk to incentivize investment and crowd-in private capital into underserved markets and deliver concrete development results for people, small businesses, and vulnerable communities.   Institutional investors will step in, when they see that markets are built on real, everyday value – for farmers, businesses, and food systems. That means solutions genuinely solve problems on the ground, can operate reliably, and continue to deliver benefits over time. For Bayer Foundation, the most important signal is that financial sustainability supports social impact: better incomes for farmers, population food security, less food loss, and stronger food systems resilience. When impact is real and lasting, financial confidence follows.  Investments like Omia and SokoFresh target systemic inefficiencies – how do you ensure these interventions create durable market infrastructure rather than isolated success stories?  We collaborate with UNCDF, whose rigorous due‑diligence process and strong focus on SDG impact help ensure that investments address real systemic gaps rather than short‑term opportunities. Bayer Foundation, UNCDF and its partners in the UN ecosystem support the ventures beyond granting loans through the facility. We facilitate the link of the ventures to other local partners which helps them develop true local ecosystems. This combination helps ensure that investments like Omia and SokoFresh strengthen market infrastructure and create lasting benefits for smallholder farmers and food systems, well beyond a single success story.  How do you rigorously measure impact in complex ecosystems where outcomes are influenced by multiple external variables?  We focus on whether our interventions are contributing to real improvements in farmers’ lives and local food systems. That means tracking practical indicators like income increase and reduced losses over time and grounding these insights in feedback from partners working closely with farming communities. Impact for us is about long‑term resilience, not short‑term attribution.  To measure results with FSIFF, companies report on impact annually as part of portfolio management, including, for example, data points on job creation and earnings of smallholder farmers and changes in market access. A successful project sees a return of capital, which enables recycling of funds into more impactful investments and improved food security and more resilient livelihoods in underserved communities.  To what extent should philanthropic capital tolerate underperformance org. failure in fragile, last-mile economies?  Philanthropic capital bears 100 per cent risk anyway, because its purpose is to be given away for free. So, in principle a higher risk can be tolerated. Still, the FSIFF is thoroughly assessing each venture’s financial health and has return expectations, also to sustain and grow the loan facility over time. Here, the facility’s pipeline coming from the wider UN ecosystem and partner organizations like Bayer Foundation helps to manage risk.   Does the use of concessional finance risk distorting local markets, or is it essential to correcting structural inequities that traditional finance ignores?  Concessional finance plays an important role where markets don’t yet work for everyone. When used thoughtfully, it helps correct structural inequalities and gives smallholder farmers and local enterprises a fair chance to participate. The goal is always to support markets that can eventually function on their own – not to replace them and to encourage commercial investment.  Looking ahead, do you see blended finance vehicles like FSIFF becoming dominant or remaining niche?  Blended finance is an important tool that helps bridge the gap between philanthropy and private investment, especially where risks are high and impact potential is strong. Through the Food Systems Innovation Finance Facility (FSIFF), we use this approach to support solutions that can grow, attract additional capital, and create lasting benefits for smallholder farmers and food systems. Used responsibly, blended finance enables impact‑driven solutions to scale and endure, while keeping social impact clearly at the center. We also see growing momentum in working together with a wide range of partners – from public institutions to private and philanthropic actors – to bring the right kinds of support together and help impact‑driven solutions succeed.  --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3796/fmcs-first-quarter-results-reflect-continued-stress-in-agrochemical-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3796/fmcs-first-quarter-results-reflect-continued-stress-in-agrochemical-markets.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:24:50 +0530 FMC expects pricing pressure and lower diamide partner sales to continue through 2026 FMC Corporation reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $759 million, down 4 per cent from the same period last year, as lower pricing and continued weakness in parts of the global crop protection market weighed on earnings. Revenue excluding the company’s India business stood at $762 million during the quarter, also down 4 per cent year-on-year. Organic revenue declined 9 per cent. The company reported a GAAP net loss of $281 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with a significantly smaller loss in the corresponding period last year. Adjusted EBITDA declined 40 per cent to $72 million. Adjusted loss per diluted share came in at $0.23, compared with adjusted earnings in the year-ago period, while GAAP loss per diluted share widened to $2.25. FMC attributed the weaker quarterly performance to lower pricing, higher restructuring expenses, rising interest costs, and increased raw material and tariff-related expenses. Volume Growth Offsets Part of Pricing Decline The company said first-quarter sales were slightly above the midpoint of its guidance, supported by higher volumes in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. Volume increased 2 per cent during the quarter, while foreign exchange movements provided a 5 per cent tailwind. However, prices declined 6 per cent, reflecting lower pricing to diamide partners, pricing actions linked to branded Rynaxypyr products, and intense competition in legacy crop protection products, particularly in Latin America. FMC said sales of new active ingredients doubled year-on-year during the quarter, while its Plant Health business recorded 6 per cent growth. Latin America and Pricing Pressure Continue to Impact Business The company said competitive pressure remained particularly intense in Latin America, where lower farmer profitability and aggressive pricing affected sales performance. FMC also pointed to continued pressure on legacy products across global markets, although stronger sales of newer active ingredients helped partly offset the decline. The company expects pricing pressure to continue through 2026, particularly as it advances its post-patent strategy for Rynaxypyr active. Company Maintains Full-Year 2026 Guidance Despite weaker first-quarter results, FMC reaffirmed its full-year outlook for 2026. The company expects full-year revenue excluding India to be between $3.60 billion and $3.80 billion, representing a decline of about 5 per cent at the midpoint compared with 2025. Adjusted EBITDA is projected in the range of $670 million to $730 million, while adjusted earnings per share are expected between $1.63 and $1.89. FMC expects free cash flow for the year to range from negative $65 million to positive $65 million. The company said sales of new active ingredients are expected to reach between $300 million and $400 million during 2026, representing growth of more than 75 per cent at the midpoint. Focus on Debt Reduction and Portfolio Transition FMC said its operational priorities for 2026 include reducing debt by approximately $1 billion, improving competitiveness in its core portfolio, and managing the post-patent transition of Rynaxypyr. The company is also focusing on expanding sales of newer active ingredients including Isoflex, fluindapyr, and Dodhylex. In parallel, FMC said its board-authorised review of strategic alternatives, announced earlier this year, remains ongoing, with multiple options under evaluation. The company stated that there is no assurance the process will result in a transaction. Cash Flow Remains Under Pressure Cash flow remained weak during the quarter, with cash from operations at negative $601 million, compared with negative $545 million in the same period last year. Free cash flow stood at negative $628 million, reflecting lower operating cash generation despite reduced capital expenditure. FMC said the decline was mainly driven by lower EBITDA and continued market pressures. Second Quarter Outlook Remains Weak For the second quarter, FMC expects revenue between $850 million and $900 million, representing a decline of about 17 per cent at the midpoint compared with the same period last year. The company expects lower volume to diamide partners, continued pricing pressure, and the absence of contributions from the India business to weigh on performance. Second-quarter adjusted EBITDA is projected between $130 million and $150 million, while adjusted earnings per share are expected in the range of $0.16 to $0.26. FMC expects a gradual recovery in the second half of the year, supported by higher volumes and growth in products based on new active ingredients. However, pricing pressure in core portfolio products and higher financing costs are expected to continue affecting profitability through the remainder of 2026. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3795/adama-posts-nearly-threefold-rise-in-reported-net-profit-in-q1-2026.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3795/adama-posts-nearly-threefold-rise-in-reported-net-profit-in-q1-2026.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:22:13 +0530 The company launched multiple new crop protection products across India, North America, Europe, and Australia during the quarter ADAMA Ltd. reported a 4 per cent increase in first-quarter sales for 2026, with revenue reaching $1.04 billion, supported by higher volumes, new product launches, and improved portfolio quality despite continued pricing pressure across the global crop protection market. The agrochemical company reported adjusted net profit of $59 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, up 35 per cent from $44 million a year earlier. Reported net profit rose nearly threefold to $82 million from $21 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The company said revenue growth was primarily driven by a 3 per cent increase in volumes and positive foreign exchange movements, partly offset by a 4 per cent decline in prices amid continued oversupply and intense competition in active ingredients. Adjusted gross profit increased 5 per cent to $318 million, while adjusted gross margin improved to 30.6 per cent from 30.3 per cent a year ago. Reported gross profit rose 6 per cent to $287 million. However, adjusted EBITDA declined 6 per cent to $150 million from $160 million last year as higher operating expenses offset gains from stronger sales and improved business quality. Operating cash flow remained under pressure during the quarter, with cash outflow widening to $141 million compared with $29 million in the same period last year. Free cash outflow stood at $139 million versus $86 million a year earlier. ADAMA said the weaker cash position reflected seasonal first-quarter trends, higher working capital requirements, inventory build-up, and lower collections due to timing differences. Market Recovery Continues Amid Pricing Pressure The company said global crop protection markets continued to recover in early 2026, with channel demand improving and inventory levels largely returning to pre-pandemic norms. However, pricing pressure remained elevated because of persistent oversupply and production overcapacity in active ingredients. Lower crop commodity prices and geopolitical uncertainty continued to weigh on farmer profitability, resulting in cautious purchasing behaviour and just-in-time buying patterns across several markets. ADAMA said rising oil prices and geopolitical developments could increase inflationary pressure on agricultural markets and further impact farmer income. Growth Driven by Europe and New Product Launches The Europe, Africa and Middle East region delivered strong sales growth during the quarter, driven by higher volumes and improved market positioning, particularly in off-patent products. In North America, higher agricultural sales volumes were supported by product launches and pre-seed demand, while the company’s consumer business benefited from favourable spring weather and lower retailer inventories. In Brazil, sales were slightly lower due to weaker pricing and intense competition, although higher volumes partially offset the decline as the company capitalised on opportunities in soybean and winter corn markets. India reported stronger sales supported by favourable weather conditions, while sales in China declined due to the company’s decision to reduce manufacturing and sale of certain low-margin products and basic chemicals. Company Advances Next Phase of ‘Fight Forward’ Strategy ADAMA said it has entered the next phase of its ‘Fight Forward’ transformation programme, focusing on profitable growth after restructuring its cost base and improving operational efficiency. The company said future growth will be driven by stronger commercial capabilities, differentiated product innovation, portfolio optimisation, and development of a more competitive global manufacturing and supply network. During the quarter, ADAMA launched several new products across key global markets, including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. Among the major launches were FORABAZ in India for caterpillar control in fruits and vegetables, BREVIS SC in Canada for fruit thinning in apples and pears, MARATHON in Australia for herbicide-resistant weed management, and ATEKA in the United States for insect control in fruit and vegetable crops. The company also expanded its Prothioconazole-based fungicide portfolio across Europe and other major markets. ADAMA additionally secured registrations for several products in Brazil, Germany, Belgium, India, Israel, Hungary, Argentina, and other markets during the quarter. ESG Targets and Sustainability Focus ADAMA also released its 2025 ESG report, highlighting a 21 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. The company said it trained more than 680,000 farmers and agricultural workers globally on the safe and responsible use of crop protection products as part of its sustainability and stewardship initiatives. Israeli Operations Resume After Regional Disruptions ADAMA said its operations in Israel continued largely uninterrupted despite escalating regional tensions earlier this year. The company’s Neot Hovav production site suffered limited damage from falling debris following missile interceptions in southern Israel during March and early April 2026. According to the company, the damage was confined mainly to a finished goods warehouse, ancillary equipment, and open storage areas, with no injuries reported. ADAMA said the site has largely returned to normal operations and the overall financial impact is expected to be non-material. The company has also formed a dedicated task force to monitor potential impacts from changing global tariff policies and trade developments. Profitability Improves Despite Cost Pressures Reported operating income rose 57 per cent to $110 million during the quarter, while adjusted operating income declined 8 per cent to $88 million because of higher employee compensation, foreign exchange impacts, and increased spending to support growth. Adjusted financial expenses fell to $50 million from $54 million last year due to improved debt structure and favourable inflation-related adjustments. Trade working capital increased to $2.30 billion as of March 31, 2026, reflecting higher receivables linked to sales growth and increased inventory levels. ADAMA said it continues to prioritise investments in infrastructure, innovation, and portfolio expansion while optimising assets and improving operational efficiency. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3786/fertiglobe-delivers-triple-digit-profit-growth-in-strong-fertiliser-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3786/fertiglobe-delivers-triple-digit-profit-growth-in-strong-fertiliser-market.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:35:11 +0530 Fertiglobe navigates complex operating conditions with disciplined execution and stronger commodity pricing Fertiglobe reported a sharp rise in first-quarter earnings, with net profit attributable to shareholders nearly tripling year-on-year as stronger fertiliser prices and resilient global demand boosted revenue performance. The Abu Dhabi-based company posted revenue of $915 million for the quarter ended March 31, representing a 32 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Net profit attributable to shareholders rose 173 percent annually to $198 million, supported by higher realised prices for ammonia and urea across international markets. Fertiglobe said market conditions remained favorable despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and operational challenges linked to tensions in the Middle East. The company attributed its earnings growth to disciplined operational execution, stronger pricing dynamics, and sustained import demand from major agricultural markets. The company also reported an improvement in its balance sheet position, with net debt declining to $822 million as of March 31 from approximately $1 billion at the end of 2025. Management noted that global fertiliser market fundamentals continue to be supported by constrained supply conditions, elevated production costs across the industry, and strong import demand from key consuming countries including India, the United States, and Australia. The absence of Chinese urea exports during much of the current quarter is also expected to contribute to firmer pricing conditions. Industry analysts said geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions across energy and commodity markets have continued to influence fertiliser trade flows and production economics, reinforcing tighter supply-demand balances in global nitrogen markets. Shares of Fertiglobe closed higher on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange following the earnings announcement and have posted strong gains since the start of the year, reflecting investor optimism over improving sector fundamentals and sustained demand outlooks for agricultural inputs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3781/gene-edited-innovation-targets-citrus-greening-while-reducing-pesticide-dependence.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3781/gene-edited-innovation-targets-citrus-greening-while-reducing-pesticide-dependence.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:54:06 +0530 CarriCea T1 aims to protect U.S. citrus production while reducing reliance on conventional pesticide sprays The United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved CarriCea T1, a gene-edited citrus rootstock designed to help citrus trees defend themselves against citrus greening disease, marking a significant development for an industry that has suffered severe production losses over the past two decades. The approval introduces a new disease-management tool for American citrus growers as the sector faces mounting pressure from citrus greening, a bacterial disease widely regarded as one of the greatest threats to commercial citrus production in the United States. The disease has sharply reduced Florida’s citrus output, with recent harvest levels falling to historic lows. CarriCea T1 works by making targeted edits to the citrus tree’s own genetic material to disrupt interactions with the bacteria responsible for citrus greening. Unlike some genetically modified agricultural technologies, the product does not introduce DNA from other organisms. Regulators said the resulting fruit remains indistinguishable from citrus produced using conventional rootstock varieties. According to the EPA, the rootstock has the potential to reduce growers’ dependence on conventional pesticide applications by strengthening the tree’s natural ability to resist infection. The agency noted that fewer chemical sprays could lower pesticide exposure in orchards and support more sustainable disease-management practices. The EPA conducted a dietary safety assessment under its regulatory framework for plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), evaluating both the registered product and any associated breakdown residues before granting approval. The agency stated that the registration decision meets federal standards for human health and environmental protection. Florida’s citrus industry, historically central to the U.S. orange juice market, has experienced a dramatic decline in production due to the spread of citrus greening disease. Industry data show that current harvest levels represent only a small fraction of the state’s historical production peak, intensifying concerns about long-term domestic supply security and rising dependence on imported citrus products. The EPA said the approval reflects broader efforts to support agricultural innovation through science-based regulatory pathways while balancing crop protection needs, environmental sustainability, and consumer choice. The agency also emphasized that consumers seeking alternative production systems, including organic citrus, will continue to have options available in the marketplace. CarriCea T1 is expected to become part of integrated disease-management strategies aimed at improving orchard resilience, protecting yields, and supporting the long-term sustainability of American citrus farming. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3766/upl-invests-86-7-mn-in-sinova.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3766/upl-invests-86-7-mn-in-sinova.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:36:15 +0530 Stake to rise to 55.81 per cent as company strengthens Brazil presence In a strategic move to reinforce its presence in one of the world’s most critical agricultural markets, UPL Limited has announced a further equity investment in its associate entity, Sinova Inovacoes Agricolas S.A.. The investment, valued at approximately $ 86.7 million (BRL 450 million), will be channeled through UPL’s subsidiary in Brazil and is aimed at strengthening Sinova’s financial position. The capital infusion is designed to support working capital requirements while also enabling a reduction in existing debt, thereby enhancing the operational resilience of the Brazilian entity. Following the completion of the transaction—expected by mid-May 2026—UPL’s shareholding in Sinova will increase from 49.97 percent to 55.81 percent. Sinova plays a pivotal role in Brazil’s agricultural ecosystem, particularly within the Cerrado region, a vast savanna known for its large-scale grain production. As a key reseller of agricultural inputs and commodities, the company also serves as an important distribution partner for UPL, facilitating deeper market penetration across this high-growth geography. Despite the increase in stake, UPL has clarified that Sinova will continue to be treated as an associate entity, as the company will not assume management control. This underscores a partnership-led approach, where strategic alignment is prioritised over operational integration. The transaction is being executed via United Phosphorus Holdings Brazil B.V., a step-down subsidiary of UPL, and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its global distribution network. By reinforcing its alliance with Sinova, UPL aims to enhance its reach in South America while supporting the long-term growth and stability of its regional partner. As global agriculture continues to evolve amid shifting market dynamics, investments of this nature highlight the increasing importance of resilient, locally anchored distribution ecosystems in driving sustainable growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3744/dunhamtrimmer-highlights-shift-toward-engineered-nutrient-systems-at-nai-2026.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3744/dunhamtrimmer-highlights-shift-toward-engineered-nutrient-systems-at-nai-2026.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:29:42 +0530 The global specialty fertilizer market is entering a new phase of technological convergence, moving beyond conventional nutrient formulations toward integrated performance systems, according to insights shared by Vatren Jurin, Chief Technology Officer and Partner at DunhamTrimmer. Jurin is set to present “Market Trends for Specialty Fertilizers” at the NewAG International Conference & Exhibition 2026, scheduled for April 28–29 in Madrid. Drawing on a synthesis of global patent activity, academic research trends, and proprietary market intelligence, Jurin’s analysis points to a structural transformation in how innovation is defined within the fertilizer industry. Rather than focusing on nutrient composition alone, companies are increasingly prioritizing delivery mechanisms, nutrient-use efficiency, and integration with advanced materials and biological components.“This is a transition from standalone products to engineered systems designed to deliver specific agronomic outcomes,” Jurin noted. “The value is shifting toward those capable of designing and controlling these complex systems.”Structural Pressures Driving InnovationThe shift is being accelerated by a convergence of systemic challenges affecting global agriculture. Persistent inefficiencies in nutrient uptake, tightening regulatory frameworks—particularly in Europe—rising input costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions are forcing the industry to rethink traditional approaches.These pressures are catalyzing demand for precision-driven solutions that maximize nutrient efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. As a result, innovation pipelines are increasingly concentrated around controlled-release technologies, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, and integrated biological solutions.One of the most notable developments is the growing role of biologicals within fertilizer systems. Rather than being marketed as standalone inputs, biostimulants and microbial products are now being co-developed with fertilizers to enhance nutrient availability and plant response. However, Jurin emphasized that formulation complexity introduces new technical challenges, particularly in ensuring product stability and compatibility across diverse conditions.Convergence of TechnologiesJurin’s research highlights four primary areas of convergence shaping the next generation of specialty fertilizers: advanced delivery systems, inhibitors and stabilizers, materials science, and biological integration.Controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers continue to evolve, supported by innovations in polymer coatings and carrier materials. At the same time, inhibitors targeting nitrogen loss pathways—such as volatilization and leaching—are gaining traction as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.Materials science is also playing a critical role, enabling the development of novel carriers and formulations that improve nutrient uptake efficiency. Meanwhile, biological integration is redefining product design, with companies seeking to combine chemical and biological modes of action within a single platform.“The challenge is no longer just innovation, but integration,” Jurin explained. “Ensuring that these components work together in a stable and predictable way is now central to product development.”Market Outlook: Toward Multi-Functional SystemsLooking ahead, the specialty fertilizer market is expected to continue its transition toward multi-functional, co-engineered systems. These solutions will combine nutrients, biological agents, and advanced materials to deliver targeted agronomic performance, tailored to specific crops, geographies, and environmental conditions.In this evolving landscape, competitive advantage will increasingly depend on data integration and system design capabilities. Companies that can effectively translate scientific insights into scalable commercial solutions are likely to capture a disproportionate share of market value.DunhamTrimmer positions itself as a strategic intelligence provider in this space, leveraging what it terms “International Bio Intelligence” to help stakeholders interpret complex data signals and anticipate market direction.NAI 2026: Focus on Innovation and Market AccessThe NewAG International Annual 2026 will reflect these industry dynamics through a dual-track program covering specialty fertilizers and biological agricultural inputs. The event will showcase advancements in sustainable fertilization, BioAg technologies, and regulatory-driven innovation across Europe.Key themes include next-generation fertilizer formulations, biostimulants and biocontrol strategies, and the integration of circular economy principles such as waste-to-fertilizer solutions. Participants will also gain insights into European market trends and opportunities, particularly in the rapidly expanding BioAgTech segment.With a strong emphasis on scientific research, field validation, and commercial scalability, the conference aims to bridge the gap between innovation and market adoption. Networking opportunities with regional distributors and industry stakeholders are expected to further support market entry and expansion strategies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3742/new-zealand-approves-broad-spectrum-potato-fungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3742/new-zealand-approves-broad-spectrum-potato-fungicide.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:22:37 +0530 Vibrance Premium targets key fungal threats as regulators speed up product clearances New Zealand has approved a new fungicide designed to protect potato crops from a wide range of damaging diseases, providing a boost to one of the country’s most valuable horticultural sectors. The decision by New Zealand Food Safety clears Vibrance Premium for use on potato seed tubers, targeting multiple fungal threats including black scurf, silver scurf, black dot, gangrene and fusarium dry rot, while also suppressing common scab. Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle said the approval comes at a critical time for the country’s potato industry, which is valued at approximately $1.47 billion. “This broad-spectrum product will be a welcome addition for growers,” Arbuckle said, noting that the application was processed within the statutory five-day timeframe following prior clearance from the Environmental Protection Authority. Regulatory approval was granted after a comprehensive, science-based assessment confirmed that risks to food safety, trade, animal welfare, plant health and biosecurity are effectively managed under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act. The product had earlier secured approval under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms framework, a prerequisite for final registration. The clearance forms part of a broader pipeline of agricultural products entering the New Zealand market. Over the past year, New Zealand Food Safety has approved 135 new products and nearly 100 updated or new label claims, spanning crop protection and animal health. Recent additions include herbicides, insecticides and pest-control treatments, reflecting continued efforts to expand farmers’ access to tools that improve productivity while maintaining stringent safety and environmental standards. The approval of Vibrance Premium underscores New Zealand’s focus on supporting agricultural innovation and safeguarding crop yields amid evolving disease pressures. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3741/china-advances-green-crop-protection-with-new-biopesticide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3741/china-advances-green-crop-protection-with-new-biopesticide.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:16:58 +0530 Laminarin product targets hard-to-control diseases while supporting stricter environmental standards A new generation of crop protection is nearing a key regulatory milestone in China, as a seaweed-based biopesticide moves closer to market approval. France-based GOËMAR S.A.S announced that its Laminarin-based product has been included in the latest list of proposed pesticide registrations released by the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The listing signals that the product has successfully passed technical evaluation and is expected to receive final registration following a public notice period. Derived from Laminaria japonica polysaccharides, Laminarin represents a shift from conventional chemical fungicides toward biological crop protection. Rather than directly eliminating pathogens, the compound activates plants’ natural defense systems by triggering systemic acquired resistance, effectively preparing crops to fend off disease. The product is designed to target persistent and economically damaging diseases, including gray mold in strawberries and powdery mildew in cucumbers—both of which are known to develop resistance to traditional chemical treatments. The anticipated approval underscores growing momentum for biopesticides in China, where regulators and growers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable agriculture and stricter residue standards. Biological solutions like Laminarin offer a low-toxicity alternative while supporting resistance management strategies in intensive farming systems. For global agrochemical companies, the development also highlights the expanding commercial viability of biological products in one of the world’s largest agricultural markets, as China accelerates its transition toward greener crop protection technologies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3740/australia-locks-in-emergency-urea-supply-from-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3740/australia-locks-in-emergency-urea-supply-from-indonesia.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:07:56 +0530 Government-backed deal covers 20 per cent of seasonal fertiliser shortfall amid global supply strains Australia has secured a critical boost to its fertiliser supply, with a new agreement set to deliver 250,000 tonnes of urea from Indonesia amid tightening global markets and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. The deal between Incitec Pivot Limited and PT Pupuk Indonesia will supply agricultural-grade urea between May and December, covering roughly 20 per cent of the country’s remaining fertiliser requirements for the current season. The agreement comes as Australia faces reduced shipments from the Middle East—traditionally the source of around 60 per cent of its urea imports—due to escalating regional tensions. Backed by both the Australian and Indonesian governments, the deal underscores a growing shift toward regional partnerships to safeguard agricultural inputs. Incitec Pivot chief operating officer Scott Bowman said the arrangement represents a vital step in supporting domestic farming operations. “This additional volume is a critical component in meeting the needs of Australian farmers during a challenging period,” Bowman said, noting that reliable fertiliser supply is essential to maintaining farm output and regional food security. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the government played an active role in facilitating the outcome, working closely with industry and international partners. “This agreement guarantees fertiliser supply at a critical time for Australian farmers,” Collins said, adding that efforts are ongoing to secure further volumes in the months ahead. In parallel, the federal government has introduced streamlined biosecurity measures to accelerate fertiliser imports from alternative suppliers, including countries such as Nigeria and Oman. The changes aim to reduce costs and delays while maintaining strict safeguards against contaminants. The supply push follows recent diplomatic engagements across Southeast Asia, including talks with Brunei and Malaysia, as Australia seeks to diversify its fertiliser sources beyond traditional markets. Despite the new deal, officials caution that supply pressures may persist later in the year, with global volatility and high input costs continuing to weigh on the agricultural sector. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3737/philippines-fast-tracks-plan-for-first-domestic-fertilizer-plant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3737/philippines-fast-tracks-plan-for-first-domestic-fertilizer-plant.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:19:07 +0530 Government targets year-end groundbreaking to shield farmers from volatile global prices The Department of Agriculture is moving closer to a long-anticipated milestone: breaking ground on the country’s first domestic fertilizer manufacturing plant before the end of the year, a strategic response to volatile global supply and rising input costs. At a press briefing, Undersecretary Roger Navarro confirmed that the initiative has secured high-level backing from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. The project, still subject to feasibility validation, is positioned as a cornerstone of the government’s long-term food security strategy. If preparatory studies conclude on schedule by late Q3, officials are targeting a ceremonial groundbreaking between November and December. Full project approval could come within weeks, signaling unusually swift movement for a major industrial undertaking. The timeline is ambitious: construction could begin as early as 2026, with a fully operational urea fertilizer facility projected before the end of 2027. That would mark a turning point for a country heavily reliant on imports and vulnerable to geopolitical shocks—particularly amid ongoing tensions affecting global fertilizer supply chains. To support early-stage planning, the DA is pursuing a $1 million feasibility grant from the Asian Development Bank. In parallel, it is hedging near-term risks by strengthening regional procurement channels within Association of Southeast Asian Nations, engaging suppliers in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Short-term relief efforts are already underway. The agency has deployed ₱500 million from its quick response fund to distribute biofertilizers to farmers, aiming to cushion the impact of persistently high prices. Current market rates remain elevated, with urea fertilizers selling between roughly ₱1,900 and ₱2,700 per 50-kilogram bag. While execution risks remain—particularly around financing, infrastructure, and feedstock sourcing—the initiative reflects a broader shift toward agricultural self-sufficiency. If realized on schedule, the Philippines’ first fertilizer plant could recalibrate the economics of local farming and reduce exposure to global price shocks. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3734/vive-crop-protection-introduces-averland-sm-for-precision-nematode-management.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3734/vive-crop-protection-introduces-averland-sm-for-precision-nematode-management.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:50:19 +0530 New solution leverages Soil Mobile Technology to improve consistency, efficiency, and crop performance Vive Crop Protection today announced the launch of Averland SM, a next-generation in-season nematicide designed to provide growers with a more flexible and effective solution for managing nematodes in potatoes, onions, and other high-value crops. Powered by Vive’s proprietary Soil Mobile Technology platform, Averland SM enables the active ingredient, abamectin, to move deeper into the soil profile, creating an expanded zone of protection where nematodes are most active. This approach delivers more consistent control compared to traditional surface-applied treatments. “Averland SM gives growers the flexibility to respond to nematode pressure as it develops throughout the season,” said Marie Yeager, Senior Product Manager at Vive Crop Protection. “With the ability to apply through standard irrigation systems, growers can target pests more precisely and improve overall crop performance.” Designed for application via drip, pivot, and overhead irrigation systems, Averland SM supports in-season use, allowing growers to move beyond reliance on planting-time applications. Its Soil Mobile Technology minimizes interaction with soil particles, allowing the active ingredient to travel with water into the root zone before binding within the soil as it dries—reducing the risk of leaching while maximizing targeted efficacy. Field trials have demonstrated that Averland SM delivers strong and consistent nematode control, performing comparably to industry standards while offering a cost-effective alternative. In potato trials, the product reduced nematode pressure and improved marketable yield when integrated into existing crop protection programs. Averland SM also offers operational advantages, including ease of handling and seamless compatibility with chemigation systems, ensuring uniform distribution without clogging and consistent soil coverage across treated fields. The launch of Averland SM marks the second commercial product within Vive’s Soil Mobile platform, following Bifender SM, and reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing precision crop protection technologies that enhance performance while optimizing input use. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3726/china-tightens-tap-sulfuric-acid-shockwaves-reshape-global-supply-chains.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3726/china-tightens-tap-sulfuric-acid-shockwaves-reshape-global-supply-chains.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:21:33 +0530 Export curbs, Middle East disruptions, and soaring input costs trigger a cascading crisis across agriculture, metals, and chemicals In a dramatic convergence of geopolitics and policy, global sulfuric acid markets have been thrust into turmoil. Escalating tensions in the Middle East—particularly around Iran—have choked key shipping arteries such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly half of seaborne sulfur trade flows. Simultaneously, production setbacks in Qatar and extended export restrictions from Russia have tightened global sulfur supply, sending prices soaring by over 65 per cent in a matter of weeks. In a decisive pivot, China—the world’s largest sulfuric acid producer, commanding over 40 per cent of global output—has announced sweeping restrictions on sulfuric acid exports effective May 2026, with only limited exemptions for high-purity electronic-grade acid. This policy shift disrupts long-standing trade flows, placing countries such as Chile, which depends heavily on Chinese sulfuric acid for copper processing, and African producers like Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia under immediate supply pressure. Over the past month, sulfur prices have surged between 40 per cent and 67 per cent, while sulfuric acid prices have jumped 50 per cent to 100 per cent domestically, with international markets mirroring similar inflationary trends. This sharp escalation is not the result of a single disruption but rather a convergence of multiple forces: raw material supply interruptions caused by constrained Middle Eastern shipping, rising input costs that have suppressed operating rates at acid plants, and strong seasonal demand driven by spring planting, fertilizer production, and metal smelting. Together, these dynamics have intensified supply-demand imbalances and pushed the market into a highly volatile phase. At the heart of this crisis lies sulfuric acid’s indispensable role in phosphate fertilizers, which are critical to global food production systems. By restricting exports, China is seeking to prioritize domestic supply, stabilize fertilizer costs, and shield its agricultural sector from global price shocks. At the same time, key industries such as titanium dioxide, non-ferrous metals, and advanced chemical materials stand to benefit from more predictable input costs, helping maintain manufacturing competitiveness amid global uncertainty. The once-stable paradigm of China exporting sulfuric acid while the Middle East supplied raw sulfur is rapidly dissolving, forcing global players to rethink sourcing strategies. Fertilizer producers and copper smelters worldwide are now accelerating efforts to diversify supply, invest in localized production, and adopt alternative technologies such as pyrite-based acid production and flue-gas recovery. In the short term, rising costs are expected to strain copper production in regions like Chile and parts of Africa, potentially pushing up global copper prices, while higher fertilizer costs may feed into broader food inflation. Over the longer term, the industry is likely to transition toward a more decentralized, resilient, and regionally balanced supply chain model. With geopolitical tensions unresolved and China’s export controls set to take effect, the sulfuric acid market is expected to remain tight in the near term. The cascading effects across agriculture, metals, and chemicals underscore the strategic importance of this commodity, as nations and industries brace for a prolonged period of volatility and structural realignment in global supply chains. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3724/plasmaleap-raises-30m-to-rewire-fertiliser-supply-chain-as-geopolitical-risks-bite.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3724/plasmaleap-raises-30m-to-rewire-fertiliser-supply-chain-as-geopolitical-risks-bite.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:18:52 +0530 A surge in fertiliser prices driven by conflict in the Middle East is accelerating investor appetite for technologies that could localise and decarbonise agricultural inputs, as Australian startup PlasmaLeap Technologies secures A$30 million in Series A funding. The round drew a coalition of agribusiness heavyweights and climate-focused investors, including the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Hort Innovation, GrainCorp’s venture arm, New Zealand’s Agnition Ventures (Ravensdown’s corporate VC), the Gates Foundation, Investible, Yara Growth Ventures, UniSuper and Twynam. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Sydney, PlasmaLeap is developing a reactor that produces ammonia and nitric acid—core ingredients in nitrogen fertiliser—using only air, water and renewable electricity. The company argues the system could decentralise a sector long dominated by large, energy-intensive industrial plants and fragile global supply routes. That pitch is gaining urgency. Roughly 45 per cent of globally traded nitrogen fertiliser is linked to supply chains passing through the Middle East, with about a third of global flows routed via the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions linked to regional conflict have already pushed prices higher, adding pressure on farmers’ input costs. PlasmaLeap CEO Frere Byrne framed the technology as a buffer against that volatility. “The conflict in the Gulf has highlighted the risks to nitrogen fertiliser supply and the very real risks to farmers—and consumers—from price shocks,” he said. The company’s model, he added, could allow fertiliser to be produced closer to where it is used, reducing exposure to global shocks while cutting emissions. Backers are positioning the investment as both an economic and strategic hedge for agriculture. GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said decentralised production could strengthen supply resilience while supporting sustainability goals, calling it “strategically important for the Australian grains sector.” GrainCorp Ventures highlighted the potential to reduce emissions and improve cost stability for growers, while Hort Innovation emphasised the importance of reliable fertiliser access for horticulture amid rising input costs and supply chain strain. The funding will support construction of early fertiliser production hubs in New South Wales and Tasmania, along with expanded field trials and continued development of the core reactor technology. Longer-term ambitions extend beyond agriculture, with potential applications in synthetic fuels and energy systems. For now, though, the focus is firmly on fertiliser—a sector where geopolitical shocks are increasingly being felt in farm budgets, and where investors are betting that localisation could become the next major industrial shift. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3715/success-of-fertilize-right-pilot-in-vietnams-1m-hectare-rice-program-show-better-yields-and-incomes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3715/success-of-fertilize-right-pilot-in-vietnams-1m-hectare-rice-program-show-better-yields-and-incomes.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:28:58 +0530 IRRI-Led pilot under 1mHa Program showcases precision agriculture as catalyst for productivity and climate resilience A transformative leap in sustainable rice cultivation is taking shape in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, as the “Fertilize Right” pilot model under the One Million Hectare of High Quality, Low Emission Rice (1mHa) Program demonstrates compelling gains in both productivity and profitability. Spearheaded by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with local agricultural authorities, the initiative has delivered an additional 0.9 tonnes per hectare in yield alongside a 24 per cent increase in farmer incomes, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of rice farming systems. Precision Agriculture Redefines Traditional Practices At the heart of the pilot lies a shift from input-intensive farming to precision-led nutrient management, integrating the globally recognized 4R stewardship principles—right source, right rate, right time, and right place. Implemented by the Thuan Loi Agricultural Cooperative across an initial 5.5 hectares, the model combines advanced agronomic protocols with mechanized solutions to optimize every stage of cultivation. Lower Inputs, Higher Efficiency A defining innovation of the approach is the use of high-quality certified seeds at a reduced seeding rate of 60 kg/ha, nearly half the conventional norm. Enabled by mechanized direct row seeding (mDSR) and fertilizer deep placement, the system ensures efficient nutrient uptake from the earliest stages of plant development. This integration not only enhances root depth and strength but also improves plant stability, reducing vulnerability to adverse weather conditions. Water-Smart and Climate-Resilient Cultivation The model further incorporates Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation, a proven water-saving technique that strengthens resilience against climatic variability. Field observations revealed that crops under the “Fertilize Right” system exhibited superior resistance to lodging during heavy rainfall, a stark contrast to neighboring fields using traditional broadcast methods and higher nitrogen inputs. Strong Economic Returns for Farmers Quantifiable results from the pilot underscore its economic viability. Participating farmers recorded a yield increase of 0.89 t/ha and an additional profit of VND 5.5 million per hectare, translating into a 24.2% rise in net returns. These gains were achieved despite optimized, and in some cases reduced, input usage—highlighting the efficiency of precision-based farming. Digital Tools Enable Scalable Adoption To sustain and scale these outcomes, farmers have adopted the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) digital platform, which provides real-time guidance on nutrient management aligned with 4R principles. This integration of digital advisory tools with field practices is enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions, ensuring consistency and replicability across seasons. Pathway to Large-Scale Transformation With over 700,000 hectares under rice cultivation and annual production exceeding 4.6 million tonnes, Can Tho presents a fertile ground for scaling the model. Authorities are advancing plans to implement a Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system across 8,000 hectares, engaging 30 cooperatives to standardize sustainable practices and track environmental outcomes. Policy Support and Community Leadership Driving Adoption Recognizing the model’s potential, local authorities are prioritizing policy interventions to strengthen cooperative infrastructure and mechanization capacity. Simultaneously, the development of “lead farmers” as knowledge ambassadors is accelerating the dissemination of best practices, fostering a community-led transition toward sustainable intensification. A Blueprint for Low-Emission, High-Value Agriculture As Vietnam advances its ambitions for low-emission, high-quality rice production, the “Fertilize Right” model stands out as a scalable blueprint—delivering higher yields, improved incomes, and reduced environmental impact. By aligning agronomic precision with digital innovation and policy support, the initiative is redefining the future of rice cultivation in one of the world’s most vital agricultural regions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3711/conflict-in-near-east-region-adds-pressure-on-fragile-agrifood-systems-fao-director-general-warns.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3711/conflict-in-near-east-region-adds-pressure-on-fragile-agrifood-systems-fao-director-general-warns.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:46:08 +0530 The 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC38) addresses growing risks to food security The 2026 conflict in the Middle East is adding further pressure on fragile agrifood systems and global supply chains, threatening the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, told the 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC38). The conference took place on Monday at the Organization's headquarters in Rome during a "critical moment" for the region, underscoring the need to recognize "the immense importance of maintaining trade flows, and of ensuring access to adequate food for all, particularly in import-dependent countries," Qu said in his opening statement. The NERC38 was chaired by the United Arab Emirates, represented by Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The regional ministerial conference brought together Ministers and policymakers from across the region to discuss the increasingly complex and interconnected landscape of risks that severely affect agrifood systems and food security. As a technical knowledge organization, and in line with its mandate, FAO is closely assessing the impacts of ongoing global conflicts – including the one in the Middle East - on food security and agrifood supply chains to provide the best available evidence, technical expertise, and policy support to help Members safeguard food security, strengthen resilience, and protect rural livelihoods. The Director-General warned that the significant disruptions to food production, trade, and distribution systems currently being experienced across the region were further compounded by global implications, "including rising energy prices and disruptions in fertilizer markets, which are increasing production costs and affecting agricultural productivity both within the region and beyond." Noting that crisis was affecting all agricultural inputs, including chemicals and machinery in addition to fertilizers, the Director-General said he had informed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that its impact would have "long-term consequences for agriculture," even if it were to end today. Conflicts are already severely impacting farmers, producers, and value chain actors, whose livelihoods are increasingly at risk. "At FAO, our work is firmly grounded in the belief that the right to food is a basic human right, and that peace is a prerequisite for food security," Qu said. "Efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems are critical to support recovery, reduce vulnerabilities, and contribute to long-term stability and peace in the Near East." For her part, Minister Al Dahak affirmed that the UAE's chairing of this session aims to drive a fundamental shift in the region's agrifood systems. The systems are set to transform from reactive crisis management to proactive innovation, empowering the region to build resilient systems that can turn environmental and geopolitical challenges into sustainable development opportunities, backed by robust logistics infrastructure and strategic partnerships that keep global supply chains secure, she said. Ministerial Roundtables The NERC38 organized a series of Ministerial Roundtables and Sessions designed to discuss how best to respond to the systemic shocks facing the region, focusing on four key priorities outlined by the Director-General: Strengthen food supply chains, improve logistics, and reduce food loss and waste; Diversify food supply sources and enhance local production capacities; Invest in infrastructure, in agrifood enterprises, and in rural development; Foster meaningful partnerships to translate shared priorities into impactful results. Ministerial Roundtable I was to focus on coordinated policy actions to mitigate the impact of systemic disruptions linked to developments in energy markets and maritime trade routes. Discussions were expected to emphasize strengthening market and price monitoring, ensuring continuity of supply chains, enhancing efficiency in the use of agricultural inputs, and supporting domestic production where feasible. Ministerial Roundtable II was to focus on accelerating sustainable agricultural production systems and circular solutions across agrifood value chains. Ministers planned to discuss policy options to strengthen value chains from production to markets, promote sustainable consumption, support bio-circular innovations, facilitate trade and reduce food loss and waste. Ministerial Roundtable III would address the challenge of financing resilient and climate-smart agrifood systems. Participants were expected to note that climate finance flows to agrifood systems in the NENA region remain limited, despite high exposure to droughts, desertification, water scarcity and rising temperatures. Discussions would focus on mobilizing and coordinating public, private, development and climate finance; expanding the use of innovative financial instruments such as credit guarantees and agricultural insurance; and better aligning public investment with inclusive, resilient and nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3707/mk-dhanuka-on-india-us-trade-easing-catalyst-for-agrochemical-growth.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3707/mk-dhanuka-on-india-us-trade-easing-catalyst-for-agrochemical-growth.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:30:31 +0530 Improved market access and lower barriers expected to boost exports and industry investment In an interview with MK Dhanuka, Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, India’s agrochemical exports are highlighted as a key pillar of global competitiveness, with the United States remaining the top destination amid steady demand for technicals and formulations. In 2023–24, global exports stood at $ 5.5 billion, while in 2024–25 they reached $ 3.3 billion, supported by consistent shipments of key molecules such as 2,4-D, Mancozeb, and Cypermethrin. He notes that recent India–US trade easing is expected to further enhance export potential by improving market access, encouraging capacity expansion, and accelerating product registrations. Going forward, increased focus on value-added formulations, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships is likely to strengthen India’s position in advanced agrochemical markets. What was the total agrochemical export from India to US in 2024-25 and 2023-24? Also include latest data till November/December? India continues to strengthen its position as a global supplier of crop-protection solutions, supported by strong manufacturing capabilities and export competitiveness. The United States remains a key destination for Indian agrochemical exports, driven by steady demand for technical active ingredients and generic formulations. This reflects India’s role in global supply chains and its ability to meet quality and regulatory standards of advanced markets, while export performance is influenced by approvals, seasonal demand, and supply-chain dynamics. In 2023–24, India’s overall agrochemical export value (global, all destinations) stood at US$ 5.5 billion, with the US as the top market, followed by Brazil. In 2024–25, total exports were valued at US$ 3.3 billion globally, again with the US remaining the leading destination. In recent months, the US imported technicals in volume, with 3,457.9 tonnes in September 2025 and 5,148.75 tonnes in October 2025. What are the products the industry exporting to the USA? India’s agrochemical exports to the United States are supported by its strong manufacturing base and capabilities in producing technical-grade active ingredients and a wide range of crop-protection solutions. The export basket includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, and seed-treatment products supplied as technicals as well as finished formulations. Key molecules exported to the US include 2,4-D, Glufosinate Ammonium, Lambda Cyhalothrin, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlorpyrifos, Diuron, Triclopyr, Bifenthrin, Prothioconazole, Picoxystrobin, Cymoxanil, Acephate, Cypermethrin, and Mancozeb, reflecting India’s integration into global crop-protection value chains and its ability to serve multiple agricultural applications. Growing regulatory familiarity and supply reliability have supported deeper engagement with advanced markets, while increasing focus on value-added formulations and specialised solutions continues to shape export offerings. How do you see the deal will benefit the agrochemical industry in India? Following the recent India–US trade understanding and tariff easing, the outlook for India’s agrochemical industry appears more positive, as improved market access and reduced trade barriers strengthen export competitiveness in supplying technicals and formulations to regulated markets such as the United States. Greater predictability in trade engagement can support investment in product registrations, partnerships, and innovation, while balanced implementation remains important to ensure that domestic industry and farmers’ interests are protected alongside global opportunities. To leverage this environment, the industry is likely to prioritise exports of high-demand technical molecules such as 2,4-D, Mancozeb, Acephate, and Cypermethrin, while accelerating product registrations in the US to benefit from tariff reductions. Companies may also work towards increasing capacity utilisation by around 20–25 per cent and strengthening partnerships with US formulators to expand market presence. At the same time, the use of export credit and insurance mechanisms can support stable cash flows, and savings from lower tariffs can be reinvested into R&D to develop safer formulations aligned with US EPA compliance, enhancing long-term competitiveness. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3697/why-ease-of-doing-business-needs-bolstering.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3697/why-ease-of-doing-business-needs-bolstering.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:27:31 +0530 India’s fertiliser sector is central to food security, farmer livelihoods, fiscal stability, and industrial growth. Yet, despite its strategic importance, it remains one of the most tightly regulated and policy-constrained industries—a paradox in an era where Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) drives economic reform.  While India has advanced digitisation, tax rationalisation, and regulatory simplification, fertilisers remain encumbered by legacy laws, price controls, fragmented licensing, and onerous compliance. The sector thus struggles to balance food security imperatives with outdated regulation. This analysis examines India’s fertiliser ecosystem through the prism of EoDB, identifies structural and regulatory bottlenecks and situates these challenges within the broader tapestry of national EoDB reforms championed by the Government of India. Fertilisers in India are more than industrial commodities—they underpin food security, crop yields, soil health, and farm incomes, shaping rural livelihoods and national stability. Despite national reforms aimed at EoDB, legacy controls persist, straining manufacturers and slowing innovation. Delays in subsidies, inverted taxes, and fragmented licensing increase working capital pressures, making expansion and technological upgrades difficult. In tightly regulated markets, regulatory unpredictability acts as an invisible tax on productivity. Dr Debashis Mandal, Head, Division of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), frames the challenge sharply: the sector’s EoDB journey is not merely procedural—it is a strategic enabler of soil restoration and nutrient efficiency. “If crops demand nutrients and soils demand carbon, then policy must supply predictability,” he notes. “Timely, science-based approvals and transparent regulatory pathways are essential for translating innovations—such as organo-mineral complexes, slow-release formulations, and advanced nutrient delivery systems—into field-level impact. EoDB does not imply diluted standards; it means creating a facilitative, risk-based framework that accelerates responsible technologies, reduces cultivation costs, improves nutrient use efficiency, and ultimately restores balance between productivity and sustainability.” The urgency of improving nutrient efficiency is stark. In India, nitrogen use efficiency hovers at only 30–40 per cent, meaning up to 70 per cent of applied nitrogen is lost to volatilisation, leaching, or environmental pollution. Fertiliser subsidies total nearly Rs 2 lakh crore annually, with urea alone accounting for Rs 1.35 lakh crore. As Dr Monoranjan Mohanty, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, explains, even a modest 10–15 per cent improvement in efficiency could save thousands of crores while enhancing soil health. Achieving this, he adds, requires biostimulants and biofertilisers to have clear, science-based regulatory pathways, predictable approval timelines, incentivised R&D, and a market where start-ups and MSMEs can operate without excessive compliance burdens, while quality standards encourage innovation rather than stifle it. Innovation should reach farmers’ fields without unnecessary delays. Dr P K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, frames it as creating a predictable, science-driven ecosystem where micronutrients, bio-inputs, and balanced fertilisers move swiftly from laboratory to land. “When products reach farmers at the right time and cost, we strengthen soil health, enhance productivity, and build a resilient agricultural economy for a self-reliant India,” he says. Industry observers see a clear business case behind these reforms. Soumyak Biswas, Partner, BDO India Services Pvt Ltd, points out that the post-Budget policy environment signals a potential pivot from incremental tinkering to structural reform. “Regulatory simplification, digitised approvals, and reduced compliance friction can address long-standing industry challenges, lowering time-to-market and operational uncertainty,” he says. According to Biswas, a risk-based, trust-led regulatory framework, coupled with policy predictability and defined approval timelines, could unlock investment in specialty fertilisers, bio-inputs, and sustainable solutions. For smaller firms and start-ups, such clarity is not just a convenience—it is the difference between surviving and scaling in a capital-intensive sector.  Legacy Regulation and Economic Consequences At the heart of India’s fertiliser regulatory framework lies the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), administered under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955. Designed in an era of scarcity and state-led planning, the FCO aimed to prevent hoarding, enforce quality standards, and ensure equitable distribution. Control, not competition, was its guiding principle. Six decades on, the same framework operates in a vastly different landscape—characterised by global trade, private-sector innovation, digital governance, and competitive manufacturing ecosystems. What was once protective has become a structural bottleneck. Manufacturers navigate multiple layers of licensing, state-wise product registrations, infrastructure stipulations, periodic renewals, and overlapping inspections. The absence of a harmonised “One Nation, One Licence” regime forces duplication across states, inflating costs, slowing time-to-market, and suppressing economies of scale. For start-ups and SMEs, the compliance burden can be prohibitive. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman & Managing Director, Aries Agro Ltd., underscores the potential of digitisation: “Ease of Doing Business in agri inputs is not about lowering standards — it is about removing duplication, strengthening transparency, and enabling innovation. I propose a transformative reform: the creation of a centralised digital data stack for agri input licensing. ‘One Nation, ‘One License’ will provide harmonised approvals, uniform quality standards, real-time compliance tracking, and seamless operations across states, benefiting start ups, MSMEs, research-driven companies, and ensuring farmers timely access to quality inputs.” Regulatory asymmetry between domestic production and imports exacerbates challenges. Imported fertilisers often face fewer operational frictions than domestically manufactured products, creating an uneven playing field that undermines self-reliance goals. Delayed approvals, evolving compliance interpretations, and working capital pressures constrain investment, slow capacity expansion, and shrink research pipelines for advanced nutrient technologies. As imports fill domestic gaps, exposure to global price volatility, geopolitical risks, and currency fluctuations grows. India allocates one of the world’s largest fertiliser subsidies, yet regulatory inefficiency limits domestic competitiveness. Modernising the FCO through digitised licensing, harmonised standards, and transparent, time-bound approvals is not a mere industry demand—it is central to strengthening domestic manufacturing, reducing import dependence, and ensuring that public subsidy expenditure delivers long-term structural resilience. Taxation, Subsidies and Structural Distortions If regulatory complexity forms one layer of challenge in India’s fertiliser sector, taxation and subsidy design form another—equally consequential, yet less visibly debated. Together, they shape commercial logic, influence nutrient consumption, and determine whether efficiency or distortion dominates the system. A persistent challenge is the inverted GST duty structure. In many cases, raw materials and key intermediates attract higher taxes than finished fertiliser products, locking up working capital in unutilised input tax credits. Refund cycles are slow and cumbersome, creating liquidity stress—particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises that lack the balance sheet strength of larger players. In a sector constrained by regulated margins, blocked capital is more than an accounting inconvenience; it is a growth bottleneck. The problem is compounded by non-uniform GST rates across fertiliser categories and allied inputs. Variations in classification and interpretation generate compliance ambiguities, inflate administrative overheads, and occasionally trigger disputes. Companies confront procedural complexity that dilutes managerial focus and increases transaction costs. EoDB demands simplicity and predictability—qualities only partially realised in the current tax environment. Subsidy architecture introduces a deeper structural distortion. Subsidies are indispensable in a country where farm incomes remain fragile and input affordability is politically sensitive. Yet their design significantly shapes farmer behaviour. Urea, excluded from the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) framework, is heavily subsidised and priced well below phosphatic and potassic fertilisers. The result: nutrient imbalance. Over-application of nitrogen and under-application of P&K has degraded soil health, lowered nutrient-use efficiency, and created long-term productivity challenges. Short-term affordability carries hidden agronomic and fiscal costs, with excessive nitrogen generating environmental externalities, from groundwater contamination to greenhouse gas emissions. Fiscal consequences are equally stark. Artificially low urea prices stimulate demand beyond agronomic recommendations, inflating subsidised volumes. Public expenditure absorbs the cost, yet efficiency suffers when price signals fail to reflect relative nutrient value. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects these pressures. Anand Kulkarni, Director at Crisil Ratings, notes: “The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs 1.71 lakh crore for fertiliser subsidies, with Rs 1.17 lakh crore for urea and Rs 0.54 lakh crore for complex fertilisers. Allocation for complex fertilisers may face a 15–20 per cent shortfall due to sustained higher raw material and import costs, though government support is likely to ensure adequate supply.” S Sankarasubramanian, Chairman, Fertiliser Association of India and MD & CEO, Coromandel International Ltd., adds, “The allocations underline a steady commitment to domestic capability. Support for indigenous urea and P&K, alongside imported fertiliser support, reinforces supply security while maintaining farmer access. Customs duty rationalisation and addressing inverted GST structures help streamline costs, improve cash flows, and create a more predictable operating environment.” Moving Beyond Incrementalism Meaningful EoDB reform in India’s fertiliser sector cannot rely on piecemeal adjustments; it requires structural recalibration. At its core lies the FCO, conceived for scarcity management rather than competitive efficiency. Modernisation demands a shift from blanket administrative controls to risk-based, data-driven quality regulation. Encouraging domestic innovation is central. Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Minister of Marketing and Protocol, Maharashtra, underscores the vision: “Food production has always been India’s greatest strength. By advancing progressive policies and ensuring EoDB in agri-inputs, we can build a resilient, globally competitive, and self-reliant agricultural system. The micro-fertiliser and nutrient industry has, over the past four decades, played a pivotal role in improving crop yield, quality, and productivity, positioning India among the world’s leading food producers. With strong support for MSME-driven industries and sustained investment in research, development, and innovation, we are committed to achieving global agricultural leadership by 2047.” Reform in fertilisers is not merely industrial adjustment—it is a strategic investment in India’s agricultural future. Structural recalibration, harmonised regulation, and innovation-led policy are essential to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness advance hand in hand. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3692/carlo-boutton-on-advancing-precision-biologicals-in-crop-protection.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3692/carlo-boutton-on-advancing-precision-biologicals-in-crop-protection.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:48:51 +0530 In an exclusive Agrospectrum interview, Carlo Boutton highlights how AGROBODY technology is addressing resistance, scalability, and sustainability challenges in modern agriculture with support from Syngenta Carlo Boutton, interim CEO of Biotalys, highlights that transitioning from lab to field remains a key hurdle, particularly in scaling protein-based crop protection solutions while maintaining efficacy, safety, and cost efficiency. He notes that the company’s AGROBODY platform, developed in collaboration with Syngenta, reflects a broader industry shift toward integrating biologicals as a core pillar of future crop protection strategies rather than niche alternatives. Boutton emphasizes that while protein-based biocontrols offer novel modes of action and strong potential in resistance management, they will complement rather than fully replace chemical solutions within integrated pest management systems. He adds that long-term growth will depend on platform-driven innovation, regulatory support, and advances in scalable production to make sustainable biologicals both effective and affordable for farmers. Early lab success is encouraging, but the real test lies in field performance. What are the biggest scientific or operational hurdles you anticipate as you move from in vitro to in vivo and eventually to commercialization ? Syngenta and Biotalys will now test the novel active ingredients on living organisms and then evaluate results. Moving from in vitro to in vivo and ultimately to field development is always a critical transition point for any new crop protection technology. Operationally, scaling a novel protein-based active ingredient also requires ensuring manufacturing capabilities at commercial scale, while maintaining efficacy and safety. This is why Biotalys follows a staged development approach, combining laboratory screening with progressive in vivo validation and close collaboration with industrial partners that have deep expertise in strain engineering, precision fermentation, field development and commercialisation.  Your collaboration with Syngenta is a strong signal of industry alignment. What does this partnership reveal about how large incumbents are rethinking biologicals within their long-term crop protection strategies? The collaboration between Biotalys and Syngenta reflects a broader strategic shift among large incumbents toward integrating biologicals more deeply into future crop protection portfolios. Rather than viewing biologicals as niche or standalone alternatives, leading players are increasingly looking at platforms that can deliver differentiated modes of action, compatibility with existing practices, and scalability comparable to conventional solutions.  By combining Biotalys’ proprietary AGROBODY technology with Syngenta’s global development and market expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the translation of breakthrough biology into solutions that can be deployed at scale. This signals that biologicals are increasingly seen as a strategic pillar in addressing resistance management, regulatory pressure, and sustainability demands across major crop systems.  Biologicals have long struggled to match the consistency of synthetic chemistries. How does AGROBODY meaningfully shift that equation, and where do its limitations still remain? One of the historical challenges for biological crop protection products has been achieving consistency comparable to synthetic chemistries, particularly under variable environmental conditions. The AGROBODY platform of Biotalys is designed to address this by leveraging highly specific, antibody‑derived proteins that bind precisely to their biological targets. That is why we call these “precision biocontrols”, offering a clear and novel mode of action.  At the same time, Biotalys is transparent that protein-based solutions are not a one‑size‑fits‑all replacement for chemistry. Like any technology, AGROBODY‑based products must be optimized for formulation, application timing, and integration into broader spray rotation programs. Today, their greatest value lies in complementing existing tools, particularly where resistance or regulatory constraints limit chemical options, while offering a favourable safety and sustainability profile.  As resistance to conventional insecticides accelerates, do you see protein-based solutions becoming a primary line of defense, or will they remain complementary within integrated pest management systems? As resistance to conventional pesticides continues to accelerate, there is growing interest in protein-based solutions with novel modes of action as part of the resistance management toolbox. Biotalys sees these technologies as an increasingly important component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs.  In this respect, our first developed AGROBODY biocontrol, EVOCA, has been recognised as having a totally new mode of action by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), a renown industry panel of scientists in the field. No resistance is known to our mode of action. This shows that our technology is able to develop novel and effective products that fit into the toolbox of growers.  Investors often question whether biologicals can deliver venture-scale returns. What is the commercial model that makes this platform not just viable, but scalable and profitable? Biotalys addresses this through a platform-driven business model rather than single‑product development. The AGROBODY technology enables the generation of multiple product candidates against different targets, allowing Biotalys to build a diversified pipeline and pursue partnerships that share development risk while expanding commercial reach.  Strategic collaborations, such as the one with Syngenta, provide non‑dilutive funding through milestones and potential royalties. Combined with advances in protein production and formulation, this approach is designed to support scalable, capital‑efficient growth. The objective is not only to bring differentiated products to market, but to do so in a way that can sustain long‑term value creation for both partners and investors.  With tightening global regulations on chemical pesticides, are policymakers moving fast enough to enable innovation, or is regulatory friction still a bottleneck for next-generation bioinsecticides? Globally, regulatory frameworks are evolving in response to the need for more sustainable crop protection solutions, but progress remains uneven. In some regions, policymakers are actively seeking to encourage innovation in biologicals, while in others, regulatory processes originally designed for chemical actives still slow down approval pathways for biological products.  Biotalys engages proactively with regulators to help ensure that protein-based biocontrols are assessed in a science‑based and proportionate manner. We are for exploring options for a fast-track procedure for biological products such as our AGROBODY biocontrols. Continued dialogue between innovators, regulators, and policymakers will be critical to unlocking the full potential of sustainable crop protection technologies.  The agri-inputs market is highly price sensitive. How do you plan to bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability without relying on premium positioning alone? Affordability is a central consideration in the agri‑inputs market, and sustainability alone is not sufficient to drive adoption. Biotalys’ strategy focuses on designing products that deliver clear agronomic value, such as efficacy against resistant pests or compatibility with spray rotation programs, while working toward cost‑competitive production at scale. Advances in strain engineering, precision-fermentation, and formulation are key levers in narrowing the cost gap between biologicals and conventional solutions.  Rather than relying solely on premium positioning, Biotalys aims to compete on total value delivered to the grower, including yield protection, resistance management, and regulatory robustness.  Looking ahead, does this milestone mark incremental progress, or are we at the early stages of a structural shift in how crop protection products are discovered, developed, and deployed? This first research milestone with Syngenta represents more than an isolated research success; it points to a broader evolution in how new, safe and effective crop protection products are discovered and developed. Technologies like the AGROBODY platform enable a more targeted approach to biocontrol discovery. That said, I expect the transformation of crop protection to be gradual. Chemistry, biologicals, and good agronomic practices will continue to coexist on the short term and will gradually evolve to a more biologics centered approach over time. Companies like Biotalys that are driving innovation are of critical importance to accelerate shaping the future of a sustainable agriculture.  --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3680/syngenta-unveils-virestina-technology-a-global-breakthrough-in-controlling-grass-weeds.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3680/syngenta-unveils-virestina-technology-a-global-breakthrough-in-controlling-grass-weeds.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:19:20 +0530 Novel active ingredient designed to control resistant grass weeds in key crops like soybean, cotton Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, is bringing to market the world’s first selective herbicide to control resistant grass weeds in soybean and cotton in nearly 40 years. Today, Syngenta announced the global launch of VIRESTINA™ technology (active ingredient: metproxybicyclone), after Argentina became the first country in the world to approve the technology. Syngenta is also planning to bring this innovation to Brazil, Australia, the U.S., and Canada. Argentina – the world’s third largest producer of soybeans – ranks among the most innovative agricultural markets worldwide, with its farmers often being the first globally to access cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Soybeans are one of the world’s most important crops, containing a high concentration of essential amino acids and valued as an important source of high-protein animal feed. Resistant weeds are a persistent threat to growers as they survive herbicide applications and remain in the field to compete with crops for nutrients, sunlight, and water. At the same time, such weeds act as a “green bridge” for pests, viruses, fungi and bacteria that infect crops. Resistant weeds can dramatically reduce harvest yields and decimate the value of agricultural farmland. Amid a rise in the spread and severity of weed resistance globally, VIRESTINA™ technology is set to deliver an urgently-needed reprieve to growers faced with a shrinking toolbox of effective options. Over the past few decades, limited herbicide technologies have been successfully brought to market; the ability of resistant weeds to metabolize and be cross-resistant is further exacerbating the challenge. Herbicide resistance is officially reported today in 75 countries and affects farmers of more than 100 crops; grass weeds account for 40 percent of the 273 weed species afflicted. VIRESTINA™ technology marks an important innovation in herbicide technology. In key crops such as soybean and cotton, the technology is highly effective in controlling grass weeds that are resistant to common herbicides like glyphosate and clethodim. Safe to use over crops, VIRESTINA™ technology also breaks down rapidly in soil, ensuring an excellent safety profile and a reduced environmental footprint. Farmers benefit from greater flexibility during crop rotations and in their choice of cover crops, while lowering soil compaction and greenhouse gas emissions as they reduce the number of passes of heavy farm machinery necessary to control resistant grass weeds. Scientists at Syngenta’s cutting-edge Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre in the UK leveraged predictive science to bring this innovation to market in just 10 years – significantly faster than the average 12-14 year timelines for agricultural technologies – reflecting Syngenta’s nuanced understanding of the challenges growers face, and its commitment to deliver effective solutions. “At Syngenta, our innovations have an important role in enabling growers to address some of the biggest challenges they face,” said Ioana Tudor, Syngenta’s Global Head of Crop Protection Marketing. “VIRESTINA™ technology demonstrates Syngenta’s ability to foresee a challenge a decade earlier, to accelerate our research and development timeline and successfully deliver an innovation that is timely in meeting growers’ needs. We are very proud of our industry-leading innovation pipeline.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:39:54 +0530 FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero warns of cascading impacts on energy, fertilizer supply, and global food systems as tanker traffic collapses and shipping risks surge The ongoing disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major shock to global commodity flows, with implications for energy, agriculture, and food security. According to Máximo Torero of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, tanker traffic through the corridor has dropped by more than 90 percent within days of the escalation. The strait typically carries around 20 million barrels of oil per day—about 35 percent of global crude flows—along with significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Speaking at a United Nations briefing, Torero described the situation as a systemic shock affecting global food systems, not just energy markets. He highlighted the Gulf region’s role in supplying nearly half of global sulfur, a key input in phosphate fertilizer production. Disruptions to sulfur flows could impact fertilizer output worldwide, including in major agricultural economies. Shipping challenges have intensified due to surging war-risk insurance premiums, with recovery expected to take months even if tensions ease. Systemic Shock Transmission To what extent does the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz represent a new class of systemic risk, where energy, fertilizer, and food supply chains converge into a single point of failure? The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most concentrated chokepoint for simultaneously disrupting energy, fertilizer, sulfur, and agrifood systems. Under normal conditions, it carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day (one‑quarter of global seaborne oil), one‑fifth of global LNG, and up to 30 percent of internationally traded fertilizers. The current conflict has collapsed tanker traffic by more than 90 percent within days, stalling an estimated 3–4 million tonnes of fertilizer trade per month. What makes this a new class of systemic risk is the convergence of three interdependent chains: Energy – oil and gas prices spiked 20–35 percent (Brent) and 50–75 percent (European gas). Fertilizer – no strategic reserves exist; urea prices rose 19 percent in one week. Sulfur – essential to produce phosphate fertilizer. Food – Gulf countries import 70–90 percent of their food, and import‑dependent nations face immediate yield threats. Because natural gas is the feedstock for nitrogen fertilizers, and sulfur (half of global trade passes through Hormuz) is essential for phosphate processing, a single disruption simultaneously raises fuel costs, fertilizer prices, and transport expenses. The FAO notes that “there are no large strategic fertilizer reserves comparable to oil stocks,” so any sustained interruption quickly elevates global food inflation. This convergence turns a maritime chokepoint into a single point of failure for the entire agrifood value chain. Fragility vs. Resilience of Globalization Does this crisis fundamentally challenge the assumption that globalized agricultural supply chains are efficiency‑maximizing, but structurally fragile in the face of geopolitical shocks? Global supply chains are needed to assure all countries have access to the diversity of food that is required and to use our natural resources optimally. Although it is true that on the inputs there are shock points  that increase the risks for global supply chains but will be the same for local supply chains. The FAO analysis shows that the current globalized system delivered low costs and just‑in‑time efficiency in peacetime, but the Hormuz disruption exposes its structural fragility. Within days, a conflict in one region removed a quarter of global oil trade, one‑third of fertilizer trade, and a major share of food demand from the Gulf. The document highlights that the Gulf States’ high import dependency (70–90 percent for staples) was sustainable only when trade routes were open. Once the strait closed, their strategic grain reserves (4–6 months) became a finite buffer, not a solution. Similarly, fertilizer‑importing countries like Bangladesh (53 percent Gulf dependency) and Kenya ( 40 percent ) face immediate shortages with no alternative supply chain ready. The FAO’s modeling of a “policy inaction baseline” shows that without coordinated intervention, real household income in Gulf countries could decline 14–18 percent, and global cereal producer income could drop nearly 5 percent. This is not a temporary inefficiency; it is a structural vulnerability built into efficiency‑maximized, highly concentrated supply chains. The crisis therefore challenges the assumption that globalization’s benefits automatically outweigh its geopolitical risks. Fertilizer Dependency Trap Given the heavy reliance on energy‑linked fertilizers, are we approaching a structural ceiling in yield growth, where input dependency itself becomes the primary constraint on global food security? The evidence points toward a growing constraint, not yet a hard ceiling, but dangerously close in many regions. Nitrogen fertilizers are produced from natural gas, and the Persian Gulf is a low‑cost producer. When energy prices spike, fertilizer prices follow directly. The FAO estimates that if the crisis continues, global fertilizer prices could average 15–20 percent higher in the first half of 2026. The “dependency trap” operates through three mechanisms: Cost‑driven reduction – Farmers facing high prices apply less fertilizer, reducing yields. No strategic reserves – Unlike oil, there is no global fertilizer stockpile to smooth shocks. Nonlinear yield response – In low‑input systems (e.g., sub‑Saharan Africa at ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3648/regulatory-win-positions-bioprime-for-scale.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3648/regulatory-win-positions-bioprime-for-scale.html Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:36:56 +0530 Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, BioPrime AgriSolutions, says full portfolio approval marks a shift from regulatory clearance to scalable growth and stronger market credibility In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Renuka Diwan, highlights that securing regulatory approval for its entire biostimulant portfolio marks a major strategic milestone for the company. She emphasizes that this achievement validates BioPrime’s strong scientific foundation and positions it ahead in an increasingly regulated and competitive biologicals market. The company differentiates itself through proprietary bioactive compounds and a science-led approach, avoiding commoditization. With approvals in place, BioPrime is now focused on expanding in India while building global partnerships and demonstrating clear return on investment for farmers. Looking ahead, the company aims to drive innovation in next-generation biologicals, including biofungicides and climate-resilient agricultural solutions. Regulatory Breakthrough as Strategic Inflection Your full portfolio has now secured regulatory approval across biostimulant categories. Beyond compliance, how does this milestone fundamentally change BioPrime’s competitive positioning in India’s fast-evolving biologicals market? India has established a substantial and evolving agriculture regulatory ecosystem, characterized by a mix of long-standing, tradition-based regulations, modern digital initiatives and specialized agencies aimed at ensuring food security, safety, sustainability and technology adoption. For BioPrime to secure approvals for our biostimulant portfolio in this stringent and robust regulatory environment, is more than just compliance – it is a strategic validation of the science behind our innovations. The fact that our entire portfolio has secured the requisite approvals demonstrates that our products meet the desired standards for characterization, efficacy and safety. This milestone creates a clear differentiation. While the market has historically witnessed a large number of loosely defined products, the new regulatory ecosystem favours companies that have invested in scientific rigour and product validation. BioPrime’s portfolio of biostimulants are based on new active ingredients with novel modes of action and are IP protected. Consequently, this approval grants BioPrime the capacity to scale with assurance, cultivate deeper alliances with premier agri-input companies and strategically enter new markets supported by comprehensive compliance and defensibility. From Lab to Licensed Product India’s regulatory regime for biostimulants has tightened considerably in recent years. What were the most complex scientific or compliance hurdles you had to overcome, and what does this approval signal about the maturity of India’s biologicals ecosystem? The journey from laboratory discovery to regulatory approval is complex, particularly in biologicals. One of the key challenges has been the need to characterize bioactive compounds precisely while maintaining the complexity inherent to biological extracts. India also has strict residue – heavy metal, insecticide pesticide limits and requires extremely strict adherence to these requirements. For us at BioPrime, the most demanding aspect was aligning advanced scientific discovery—such as secondary metabolite profiling and plant response validation—with regulatory documentation requirements under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) framework. This process required extensive field validation, analytical characterization and standardization of manufacturing processes. The successful approvals signal the broader maturation of India’s biologicals ecosystem. This progress should aid the sector move away from loosely defined inputs and towards scientifically validated products that deliver consistent performance at scale. Science vs. Commodity Play The biostimulants market often risks commoditization. With over 20 differentiated products featuring proprietary active ingredients, how do you ensure BioPrime remains science-led rather than competing on price alone? The risk of commoditization in biostimulants is real, especially in segments dominated by generic seaweed or humic products. BioPrime has thus made a deliberate choice to follow a distinct path. Our approach is centered on discovering and developing specific secondary metabolites that trigger defined physiological responses in plants—whether related to stress tolerance, nutrient efficiency or reproductive performance. This science-led development allows us to build products with clear modes of action and differentiated outcomes. With proprietary active ingredients, our strategy is to build strong IP barriers .Farmers and institutional partners ultimately value predictable outcomes and that is where science-driven innovation creates long-term differentiation. Defensible Innovation and IP You’ve emphasized developing novel active ingredients from unconventional raw materials. How critical is intellectual property and defensible science in building long-term enterprise value in biologicals? In biologicals, defensible innovation is essential for building long-term enterprise value. Many products in the market rely on broadly available raw materials, which makes differentiation difficult. At BioPrime, we focus on identifying novel bioactive compounds from unconventional natural sources and translating them into functional agricultural solutions. Protecting these discoveries through Intellectual Property (IP)—combined with proprietary extraction and formulation processes creates a defensible moat. IP, however, is only one component. True defensibility comes from integrating scientific discovery, regulatory approval, manufacturing capability and field validation. When these elements come together, the result is a platform that can continuously generate differentiated product. Market Expansion Strategy With regulatory clearance in place, what is your immediate commercial roadmap? Are you prioritizing deeper domestic penetration, export markets, or strategic partnerships with larger agri-input companies? With regulatory approvals in place, BioPrime’s focus now is on scaling adoption through a combination of domestic expansion and strategic partnerships. India remains a key market for us, given the increasing farmer interest in biological solutions and the strong distribution networks of agri-input companies. At the same time, we are actively expanding collaborations with global agribusiness partners who are looking to incorporate biological technologies into their portfolios. BioPrime’s strategy is therefore two- fold: deepen penetration in key domestic crop segments while leveraging partnerships to accelerate global market access. Biologicals in the Era of Regenerative Agriculture As sustainability transitions from aspiration to operational necessity, where do you see biostimulants fitting within regenerative agriculture frameworks? Can biological inputs meaningfully reduce dependence on conventional agrochemicals at scale? Biostimulants play a critical role in enabling regenerative agriculture by improving plant resilience, nutrient use efficiency and soil health interactions. Rather than replacing conventional inputs entirely, biologicals can complement them by making nutrient delivery more efficient and helping plants withstand environmental stress. This integration reduces input intensity while maintaining productivity. As agriculture moves towards sustainability-driven models, biological solutions will increasingly become part of integrated crop management systems that combine nutrition, crop protection and soil regeneration. Farmer Economics and ROI In a market where farmer margins remain tight, how do you communicate measurable return on investment? What data points or field outcomes best demonstrate the economic case for adopting differentiated biostimulants? Ultimately, adoption is driven by economics. Farmers need to see clear and consistent return on investments. At BioPrime, we focus on outcomes that directly translate into economic value —improved crop vigour, higher flower-to-fruit conversion, better yield realizations and enhanced quality parameters.One often ignored aspect is reduction in crop/ yield loss due to climatic fluctuations. This is a tricky parameter as loss is always not apparent and visible. BioPrime’s field validations across multiple crops helps generate the data needed to demonstrate these benefits. Equally important is communicating these results in a simple and practical way through field demonstrations, institutional trials, and partnerships with agribusiness companies. When farmers see the impact in their own fields, adoption follows naturally. The Next Frontier Now that the regulatory foundation is secured, what is the next frontier for BioPrime —next-generation bioactives, carbon-linked agriculture solutions, precision biological delivery, or global expansion? With regulatory foundations now in place, BioPrime’s focus is on advancing the next generation of biological innovation. This includes discovering new bioactive molecules through our research platforms, exploring opportunities in areas such as climate resilience and carbon-linked agricultural solutions. We have a very strong pipeline in biocontrol segment and will soon we launching several Biofungicides. At a broader level, BioPrime has evolved from being just a product-focused company into a science platform for agricultural biologicals, capable of delivering differentiated solutions for farmers and partners across global markets. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3647/syngenta-to-cease-global-production-of-herbicide-paraquat-by-end-june.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3647/syngenta-to-cease-global-production-of-herbicide-paraquat-by-end-june.html Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:29:04 +0530 Syngenta is phasing out paraquat production at its Huddersfield, UK site, its sole global manufacturing facility for the ingredient. Syngenta, a world leader in agricultural technology, today announced it will cease global production of theherbicide paraquat by end-June. The decision reflects significant competition from generic producersaround the world, which has eroded Syngenta’s competitiveness in the production of this herbicide. Following an asset review, a program has now been initiated to phase out the production of paraquat atSyngenta’s Huddersfield, UK, site – its only manufacturing facility for this active ingredient globally. A smallscale, multi-product production unit at the site will also close. Syngenta will continue to assess future investment opportunities at the site to enable the production ofadvanced solutions. Syngenta has recently completed a GBP50 million investment to manufacture one ofits most advanced crop protection technologies, PLINAZOLIN® technology, at the site. The UK remainsan important location for Syngenta, which employs more than 2,000 people across 6 sites primarily focusedon R&D, production and supply. Paraquat is highly effective in controlling weeds and enables conservation agricultural practices such asno-till farming, remaining an essential component of the farming toolbox for many growers. First broughtto market by a Syngenta predecessor company more than sixty years ago, paraquat is today a genericherbicide that is registered for sale by more than 750 companies. Syngenta sells this herbicide in just afew markets around the world, and it accounts for less than 1 percent of Syngenta’s global sales. Syngenta’s decision to cease paraquat production is in line with its focus on innovation, and its commitmentto bring new solutions that elevate the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. Syngenta offersgrowers an extensive range of agricultural solutions ranging from quality seeds and seed treatments,agricultural biologicals, advanced crop protection technologies and an expanding offer of AI-enabled digitaland precision agriculture solutions. “This decision is about focusing our resources where they deliver the greatest value for our business andour customers,” said Mike Hollands, President Syngenta UK and Head of Syngenta Global Productionand Supply. Syngenta affirms that paraquat is safe when used in line with registered label instructions, and will workwith its partners, customers and employees in relevant markets to ensure a smooth transition ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3631/australias-plasmaleap-raises-a30-million-to-accelerate-zero-emissions-production-of-fertilisers-and-fuels.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3631/australias-plasmaleap-raises-a30-million-to-accelerate-zero-emissions-production-of-fertilisers-and-fuels.html Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:21:52 +0530 Strategic and institutional investors including Yara International back PlasmaLeap to develop Green Fertiliser Technology PlasmaLeap Technologies, the Australian company pioneering zero-emissions production of ammonia and nitric acid, has secured almost A$30 million (US$20 million) in new funding from a group of strategic and institutional investors, which was led by the Gates Foundation, Investible and Yara Growth Ventures, the venture arm of Yara International, a world leading integrated nitrogen fertilisers producer. The Series A round, which closed in January, also included Twynam, GrainCorp Ventures, Uniseed/UniSuper, Artesian, SVG Ventures and Agnition Ventures, part of New Zealand fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown. The proceeds will be used to progress first-of-a-kind fertiliser hubs in New South Wales and Tasmania, expand field trials, and further develop PlasmaLeap's core technology. Funding will also support longer-term applications in sustainable fuels and energy systems. PlasmaLeap's technology, which was spun out of the University of Sydney, enables farmers to produce sustainable nitrogen fertiliser directly on their farms or at local hubs, reducing emissions, input costs, and supply-chain dependency. Nitrogen fertiliser production, transport, and application accounts for a significant share of global industrial emissions (~2.5% global CO2e), driven by fossil fuel-intensive manufacturing, long-haul transport, and chemical losses at the crop. Moreover, fertiliser access and cost vary dramatically across the globe, with the retail price in certain parts of sub-Saharan Africa being nearly double the world fob[2] price, due to issues around importation, logistics, and financing. "The backing of these strategic and institutional investors is strong validation of both the PlasmaLeap technology and the scale of the opportunity," said Frere Byrne, CEO & Co-founder of PlasmaLeap. "This funding allows us to move from successful trials into real-world deployment, demonstrating how clean, decentralised fertiliser and chemical production can transform agriculture, reduce emissions and guarantee sovereign security of critical resources like food and fuel." "PlasmaLeap has developed a breakthrough platform for fertiliser with lower CO2 emissions, delivering step-change improvements in energy efficiency. We see strong potential for this technology to scale competitively and reduce the climate impact of farming," said Stian Nygaard, Investment Director at Yara Growth Ventures. "Decarbonized and distributed liquid nitrogen production is the new frontier in agriculture. The PlasmaLeap technology can unlock opportunities for scaling-up fertigation and precision farming globally," said Martin Debaig, Fertigation Director at Yara International.  "PlasmaLeap is unlike anything we've seen in the green ammonia space and their technology is defining a new category in distributed sustainable fertiliser production. We first met the team through Greenhouse Tech Hub. As our tenth investment in a Greenhouse member, it reinforces our model of pairing early access and capital with a purpose-built innovation ecosystem," said Ben Lindsay, Investment Principal at Investible. The global market for ammonia, the primary ingredient in most nitrogen fertilisers, is worth approximately US$69 billion a year, and projected to triple in size over the next 20 years. PlasmaLeap's patented reactor technology produces ammonia and nitrate using only air, water and renewable electricity. The company's modular systems are scalable and designed to integrate with existing fertiliser supply chains. The technology has the potential to improve national food security, reduce exposure to international price shocks, and reduce and stabilise input costs for growers. This capability becomes increasingly critical as resource availability and geopolitical instability continue to impact global fertiliser markets. It is also expected to generate high quality carbon credits through the decarbonisation benefits it brings through production, transport and application-related emissions reduction. PlasmaLeap is considering a number of carbon standard methodologies that may be applied to credit generation from its technology. PlasmaLeap continues to advance its technology platform with a focus on efficiency, scalability and commercial deployment. It also has potential to produce synthetic hydrocarbons from biogas, syngas, or other low-carbon feedstocks, supporting decarbonisation pathways for hard-to-abate sectors. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3618/24-mile-chokepoint-that-moves-world.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3618/24-mile-chokepoint-that-moves-world.html Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:17:20 +0530 Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are rattling oil markets, disrupting shipping networks and exposing fragile fertilizer supply chains that underpin global food production The narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz have long been one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors. Now, as tensions flare across the Middle East following unprecedented joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, the waterway has once again emerged as the epicenter of a rapidly escalating global economic shock. Oil prices are climbing. Shipping companies are scrambling to reroute vessels. Freight costs and insurance premiums are surging. And fertilizer markets—already fragile—are bracing for another wave of volatility. For countries like India, which depend heavily on both Middle Eastern energy and imported agricultural inputs, the repercussions could ripple far beyond energy markets, touching everything from food production and agricultural costs to inflation and trade logistics. The crisis underscores a stark reality of the global economy: a sliver of water barely 24 miles wide can still dictate the fortunes of nations. A Strategic Chokepoint Under Pressure Stretching roughly 100 miles between Iran in the north and the coastlines of Oman and the United Arab Emirates in the south, the Strait of Hormuz has long occupied a singular place in the architecture of the global energy system. Few geographic features exert such disproportionate influence over the world economy. On a map it appears as little more than a thin ribbon of water separating the Persian Gulf from the open ocean. In reality, it functions as one of the most consequential arteries of global commerce. Disruption or heightened risk in the Strait of Hormuz can significantly affect India’s agri trade flows, as fertilizers, sulphur, phosphoric acid and other critical inputs face longer transit times, higher freight rates and insurance premiums. Sulphur prices are especially vulnerable, since a large share of global sulphur is recovered from Middle Eastern oil and gas processing; any slowdown or shipping disruption can tighten supply and spike prices for sulphur-based fertilizers. For India, this translates into higher nutrient costs, pressure on fertilizer subsidies, and potential delays during key sowing seasons. The overall risk is not a shortage-driven crisis, but a cost- and timing-driven shock to agricultural supply chains. --- Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman, Aries Agro At its narrowest point, the strait measures just 24 miles across—barely the distance of a short highway commute. Yet through this slender maritime corridor flows close to 20 percent of the world’s crude oil supply, an extraordinary concentration of energy trade passing through a single chokepoint. Every day, vast fleets of tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil move through these waters, transporting crude from the Persian Gulf’s dominant producers—Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates—toward energy-hungry economies in Asia, Europe and beyond. The significance of the strait lies not only in the volume of oil that moves through it, but in the absence of credible alternatives. Pipelines exist that bypass the corridor, including routes across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, yet their combined capacity falls far short of replacing the immense flow handled by maritime tankers. The geography of the region has effectively locked the global energy system into dependence on this narrow passage. That dependence transforms the strait into something more than a shipping lane—it becomes a pressure point where geopolitics and economics intersect. Any disruption, whether from military confrontation, maritime blockades, sabotage or even heightened security threats, reverberates far beyond the Gulf. Traders, insurers and shipping companies monitor developments in the strait with extraordinary sensitivity because even small risks can translate into immediate market reactions. “Exports to the Middle East are effectively on hold for now as shipping companies reassess security risks in the Gulf. Carriers are likely to impose additional insurance and war-risk surcharges, which will inevitably make imports more expensive. If the situation persists, the combined effect of higher freight costs, longer transit times and elevated insurance premiums could significantly raise the cost of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs for countries like India.” ---- Rajib Chakraborty, National President, SFIA History has repeatedly shown how fragile this equilibrium can be. Periods of tension in the Gulf—from the tanker wars of the 1980s to more recent confrontations between regional powers—have demonstrated how quickly shipping routes can become contested and how rapidly energy markets respond. Today, that sensitivity remains acute. Analysts warn that even the threat of closure—without a single tanker being physically blocked—could push crude prices sharply higher as traders price in the possibility of disrupted supply. Some estimates suggest that oil could surge toward $108 per barrel if shipments through the strait were significantly curtailed. Recent movements in energy markets suggest investors are already factoring in that risk. The mere possibility of instability in the Strait of Hormuz is enough to ripple through futures markets, insurance premiums and freight rates, underscoring how profoundly the global economy still depends on the safe passage of ships through a corridor barely two dozen miles wide. In an era defined by complex supply chains and interconnected markets, the world’s energy lifeline still runs through one narrow stretch of water—and the consequences of instability there rarely remain confined to the region. Oil Markets React Global crude markets wasted little time registering the shock. As geopolitical tensions escalated across the Gulf, oil prices moved almost instantly, reflecting how sensitive energy markets remain to developments around the Strait of Hormuz. Futures linked to West Texas Intermediate crude surged more than 6 percent, climbing above $71 per barrel—their highest level in over eight months. At one stage during trading, prices spiked nearly 10 percent, a sharp intraday surge that underscored the market’s growing anxiety about potential supply disruptions. Yet traders say the rally is not driven by immediate shortages of crude. Rather, it reflects a rapidly expanding geopolitical risk premium—the additional cost markets attach to the possibility that instability in the Persian Gulf could threaten one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The Gulf remains the epicenter of global oil exports. When tensions rise in a region responsible for such a large share of global supply, markets react with remarkable speed. Shipping data already suggests that tanker operators are recalibrating their strategies—adjusting routes, revising security protocols, and factoring higher risk into charter rates. As insurers reassess exposure in a potential conflict zone, maritime insurance premiums are also beginning to climb. For oil-importing economies, the implications are immediate and unavoidable. Rising freight costs, higher insurance charges and a swelling geopolitical risk premium combine to push energy bills upward, transmitting the shock from the Gulf directly into global inflation and trade flows. India’s Energy Vulnerability Few economies illustrate the stakes of Gulf instability more starkly than India. Roughly half of India’s crude oil imports—between 2.5 and 2.7 million barrels per day—move through the Strait of Hormuz, making the narrow corridor one of the most critical arteries in the country’s energy supply chain. These shipments originate largely from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait—producers that together anchor India’s long-standing energy relationship with the Persian Gulf. Any sustained disruption to maritime traffic through the strait would therefore reverberate quickly through India’s economy. The country’s vast refining sector remains deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern crude flows. Although New Delhi has diversified supply in recent years—most notably by ramping up purchases from Russia—the Gulf continues to form the backbone of its energy strategy. A surge in crude prices would ripple through the economy with speed. Fuel costs feed directly into transportation networks, manufacturing supply chains and logistics, amplifying inflationary pressures across sectors. In a country where energy prices carry both economic and political sensitivity, volatility in the Gulf rarely remains confined to commodity markets for long. Yet oil is only one layer of the vulnerability. The same sea lanes that carry crude tankers also support a sprawling web of container shipping, agricultural commodities and fertilizer shipments—cargoes that are just as critical to India’s economic stability and food security as energy itself. Shipping Lines Pull Back Long before any formal closure of sea lanes, the global shipping industry has begun behaving as though the risk is already real. As tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, some of the world’s largest container carriers are quietly redrawing their maritime maps—suspending cargo bookings, rerouting vessels and issuing emergency advisories to fleets navigating one of the world’s most critical trade corridors. The response has been swift and coordinated. The Geneva-based shipping giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announced on March 1 that it was suspending all bookings for worldwide cargo bound for the Middle East until further notice, a move that effectively freezes a significant portion of container traffic headed toward Gulf ports. Meanwhile, Danish logistics powerhouse Maersk confirmed that two of its major shipping services—ME11 and MECL, which connect the Middle East and India with Mediterranean and U.S. markets—would be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. While safer, the diversion dramatically extends sailing distances between Asia, Europe and the Americas, adding days—sometimes weeks—to global shipping schedules. France’s maritime heavyweight CMA CGM has taken an even more sweeping step. Citing escalating operational and security constraints, the company halted all refrigerated container bookings for a wide swath of Middle Eastern destinations including Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Port of Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea. Across the Gulf itself, caution has hardened into operational directives. China’s state-backed carrier COSCO Shipping has instructed vessels already inside the Gulf to proceed to safer waters and remain on standby until security conditions stabilize. German shipping line Hapag‑Lloyd—the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company—has gone further still, suspending all transit through the strait. Ships already operating within the Gulf have reportedly been ordered to seek shelter and await further instructions. Taken together, these moves amount to a quiet but profound shift in global maritime behavior. Without a single official blockade being declared, the shipping industry is already acting as though one of the world’s most vital trade corridors has become dangerously uncertain. Freight Costs Begin to Spike As vessels quietly alter their routes and insurers reassess the risks of operating in a rapidly militarizing maritime corridor, the financial consequences are already rippling through global shipping markets. Freight rates are beginning to climb. Shipping companies have introduced what is known as an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS)—a temporary levy designed to compensate carriers for the sharply elevated risks of operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf. The new charges are steep and immediate. Current ECS levels include $2,000 per 20-foot container, $3,000 per 40-foot container, and $4,000 for refrigerated or specialized containers, the latter particularly significant for food, pharmaceutical and agricultural shipments that depend on temperature-controlled transport. These surcharges are only part of the emerging cost structure. Maritime insurers are simultaneously recalibrating risk assessments for ships entering Gulf waters, prompting additional War Risk Surcharges across multiple routes. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd has already confirmed the introduction of such fees, setting charges at $1,500 per TEU for standard containers and $3,500 per container for refrigerated units and specialized equipment. For exporters and importers, the financial arithmetic escalates quickly. Every additional surcharge compounds the cost of moving goods through already strained supply chains. Longer detours around the Cape of Good Hope increase fuel consumption and voyage durations, while rising insurance premiums add another layer of expense. The result is a mounting logistical squeeze that many trade analysts say is beginning to resemble the cascading disruptions witnessed during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic—when shipping delays, container shortages and freight inflation reverberated across the global economy. In today’s case, however, the trigger is not a virus but geopolitics—and a narrow maritime corridor whose instability can still reshape the economics of global trade. Port Disruptions and Regional Bottlenecks The stress is not confined to oil tankers and container vessels navigating the narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz. It is increasingly visible across the wider logistics architecture of the Gulf, where some of the world’s most important trade hubs are beginning to feel the strain. At the center of this network lies Jebel Ali Port—one of the largest container transshipment complexes on the planet and a crucial redistribution gateway linking Asia, Africa and Europe. Reports indicate that the port has experienced temporary operational halts following conflict-related blasts and debris incidents in the region, forcing precautionary pauses in port activity. Even short disruptions at such strategic hubs can send shockwaves through global supply chains. Ports like Jebel Ali operate as the logistical heartbeat of the Gulf’s “free-zone” trade ecosystem, where cargo arriving from Asia is redistributed onward to markets across the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. When these nodes slow down—even briefly—the consequences propagate outward through shipping schedules, container availability and delivery timelines. For exporters thousands of miles away, the effects can be immediate. Indian exporters who rely heavily on Gulf transshipment routes warn that the growing instability could lengthen transit times and inject fresh uncertainty into key export corridors connecting South Asia with Europe and Africa. Delays at a single hub can cascade through multiple supply chains, forcing cargo to wait for connecting vessels, rerouted containers or alternative port calls. Air logistics may offer little relief. With parts of regional airspace subject to potential restrictions or heightened security oversight, cargo flights could face longer routes or operational constraints—tightening supply chains even further. Yet amid the turbulence engulfing oil markets and container shipping, one of the most consequential ripple effects may emerge in a sector far removed from tankers and port cranes. The next shock could arrive in the global fertilizer market. Fertilizer Markets Brace for Impact Beyond oil tankers and container vessels, another critical supply chain runs quietly through the waters of the Persian Gulf—one that ultimately feeds the world. The Middle East plays a pivotal role in global fertilizer production, particularly for nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea. Countries across the region have built vast petrochemical complexes that convert natural gas into fertilizers shipped to agricultural markets around the world. Among them, Iran occupies a significant position. The country has a urea production capacity of roughly 9 million tonnes per year, exporting around 5 million tonnes annually to international markets. Iranian urea is frequently among the lowest-priced supplies globally, making it an important source for fertilizer-importing countries—including India. Any disruption to these exports—whether triggered by shipping constraints, sanctions pressure, or logistical bottlenecks across the Strait of Hormuz—can quickly ripple through global fertilizer markets. Analysts warn that instability along these maritime routes could push prices higher across the entire fertilizer spectrum: urea, MOP (muriate of potash), DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) and NPK fertilizers. For India, the implications are particularly significant. The country is among the world’s largest consumers of agricultural nutrients, and its food security is deeply intertwined with the reliability of international fertilizer supply chains. In the fiscal year 2024–25, India imported 160.29 lakh metric tonnes of bulk fertilizers, underscoring the enormous scale of its dependence on global trade. These imports underpin the productivity of one of the world’s largest agricultural systems—supporting everything from wheat and rice cultivation to oilseeds and horticulture. But a closer examination of India’s fertilizer import structure reveals something more consequential. Many of these supply lines run directly through the same geopolitical fault lines now emerging across the Gulf. Urea Imports and Gulf Dependence Urea dominates India’s fertilizer import basket. Total imports amount to 56.47 LMT, making it the largest category in the country’s fertilizer trade. The supply structure reveals a striking concentration in Gulf producers. Oman supplies 26.13 LMT, making it India’s largest supplier by far. Russia provides 9.23 LMT, while Saudi Arabia contributes 5.38 LMT and Qatar exports 3.70 LMT. Taken together, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar account for 35.21 LMT—around 62.35 percent of India’s total urea imports. This means that nearly two-thirds of India’s most critical fertilizer flows from countries located in or near the Gulf region. If shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, the consequences for India’s fertilizer supply chain could be immediate. MOP Import Patterns Muriate of potash (MOP) is the second-largest fertilizer import category at 45.69 LMT. Major suppliers include Saudi Arabia (19.05 LMT) and Morocco (10.74 LMT), alongside smaller shipments from China and Jordan (2.39 LMT). Imports from Saudi Arabia and Jordan together total 21.44 LMT, representing 46.92 percent of India’s MOP imports. While this share is lower than that of urea, it still reflects a substantial reliance on suppliers connected to West Asia. DAP Supply Structure DAP imports total 35.41 LMT, and the supply structure is more geographically diversified. Russia dominates with 18.00 LMT, while Jordan supplies 3.01 LMT and Israel contributes 2.80 LMT. Gulf-region contributions are relatively smaller—5.81 LMT, or 16.41 percent of total DAP imports. This diversification provides a measure of resilience, though it also highlights Russia’s expanding role in global fertilizer supply chains. NPK Fertilizer Imports NPK fertilizer imports amount to 22.72 LMT, the smallest category among the four. Here again Russia dominates with 18.27 LMT, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.40 LMT, while China supplies a minor share. The Gulf contribution therefore totals 3.40 LMT, accounting for 14.96 percent of India’s NPK imports. Structural Vulnerabilities in the Supply Chain Viewed together, the import data reveals a set of structural vulnerabilities that extend far beyond simple trade statistics. Beneath the numbers lies a complex web of geopolitical exposure linking India’s agricultural system to two of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions—the Persian Gulf and Russia. The most striking dependency appears in urea, where India’s reliance on Gulf suppliers exceeds 62 percent. Countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar together account for the overwhelming share of shipments, tying India’s most critical fertilizer directly to the stability of trade routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A similar—though slightly less concentrated—pattern emerges in MOP (muriate of potash) imports. Nearly 47 percent of India’s supply originates from Gulf-linked producers, notably Saudi Arabia and Jordan. While additional supplies arrive from producers such as Morocco and China, the Gulf remains a crucial pillar of the supply chain. The picture shifts somewhat for DAP and NPK fertilizers, where the sourcing base is more geographically diversified. Here, Russia has emerged as the dominant supplier, particularly in NPK and a substantial share of DAP imports, reflecting Moscow’s growing footprint in global fertilizer markets. Yet diversification does not necessarily eliminate risk. Instead, it redistributes it across multiple geopolitical fault lines. In practical terms, India’s fertilizer supply chain now sits at the intersection of two volatile arenas. Tensions in the Gulf can disrupt maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic shifts or sanctions regimes can reshape exports from Russia. Meanwhile, the mechanics of global shipping—freight rates, insurance premiums and vessel availability—can change almost overnight when conflict alters maritime risk calculations. Each of these pressures ultimately converges in a single place: fertilizer prices. If vessels are forced onto longer routes, if insurers impose war-risk premiums, or if supply chains fragment under geopolitical strain, the cost of nutrients essential to agricultural production rises accordingly—transmitting geopolitical instability directly into the economics of farming and food production. The Global Stakes The world has faced crises in these waters before—from the tanker wars of the 1980s to the recurring standoffs between Iran and Western powers. Yet the stakes today may be even higher. Global supply chains are now more tightly interwoven than at any point in modern economic history. Energy markets respond instantly to geopolitical tremors, while food systems—often overlooked in strategic debates—depend heavily on the uninterrupted movement of fertilizers and agricultural inputs across oceans. At the center of this delicate architecture lies the Strait of Hormuz. Should tensions escalate further—or should the passage become unsafe for commercial shipping even temporarily—the consequences would extend far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices could spike sharply as traders scramble to price in supply risks. Shipping lanes could remain disrupted as vessels reroute around conflict zones, driving up freight costs and insurance premiums. Fertilizer markets, already sensitive to logistics disruptions, could tighten rapidly, amplifying pressure on global food production. The resulting shock would not remain confined to commodity markets. It would ripple outward—through inflation, trade balances and food security—reverberating across economies already strained by geopolitical fragmentation and fragile supply chains. For now, the world’s attention remains fixed on a narrow corridor of water where geopolitics, energy security and global trade converge. History offers a clear lesson: what unfolds in the Strait of Hormuz rarely stays there. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3609/japans-sumitomo-chemical-group-to-integrate-french-subsidiaries-to-further-strengthen-crop-protection-business-in-europe.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3609/japans-sumitomo-chemical-group-to-integrate-french-subsidiaries-to-further-strengthen-crop-protection-business-in-europe.html Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:27:29 +0530 Business operations under the new structure will begin on April 1, 2026 Sumitomo Chemical announces that, as part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen its crop protection business operations in Europe, it has decided to reorganize its group companies in France. Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe S.A.S. (“SCAE”), Sumitomo Chemical’s subsidiary, will absorb Philagro Holding S.A., a French subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, as well as Philagro France S.A.S., Philagro Holding’s subsidiary. SCAE overseas the Sumitomo Chemical Group’s crop protection business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and also develops and sells crop protection products and agricultural materials in these regions. Philagro France engages in the development and sale of crop protection products in France. Following the integration, business operations under the new structure will begin on April 1, 2026. Europe has a vast crop protection market, surpassing that of North America. At the same time, as environmental regulations have been tightened in recent years, demand for biorationals has increased in the region, and those products are becoming a pillar to support Europe’s future agricultural production. In the European crop protection market, France accounts for the largest share. To expand its agricultural solutions business in the country, Sumitomo Chemical acquired shares of its French subsidiary Philagro Holding in January 2025, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary, and has since been working to integrate the operations of SCAE and Philagro Holding. The integration announced will further advance these efforts, consolidating development, sales, and administrative functions of SCAE, Philagro Holding, and Philagro France and thereby enhancing organizational efficiency and agility. Going forward, SCAE will further strengthen its sales strategy of promoting conventional crop protection products along with biorationals and other environmentally friendly products, and will also establish an operations system that can swiftly and accurately respond to evolving market needs in France. SCAE will continue to provide the same level of support and services to local producers, distributors, and business partners, and will strive to build even stronger relationships of trust with those stakeholders while it will actively pursue business expansion in France. The Sumitomo Chemical Group will continue to leverage SCAE as the core of its operations in France and the rest of Europe, as well as in the Middle East and Africa. Furthermore, the Group remains committed to contributing to advancing regenerative agriculture and achieving a sustainable society through the development and sale of innovative, environmentally friendly crop protection products and a wide range of biorationals. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3574/from-domestic-strength-to-global-influence-brazils-bioinput-playbook.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3574/from-domestic-strength-to-global-influence-brazils-bioinput-playbook.html Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:12:41 +0530 Mauro Heringer tells Agrospectrum how regulatory coordination, tropical biotech and sovereign innovation are positioning Brazil at the center of regenerative agriculture In an exclusive interview with Agrospectrum, Mauro Heringer, Director of International Relations at ABINBIO and Member of the National Bioinputs Export Committee (ApexBrasil), outlined how Brazil’s dominance in tropical bioinputs is reshaping global agricultural markets. He emphasized that Brazil’s competitive edge lies in its “Proof of Tropical Resilience,” with biological solutions tested across six biomes under extreme climatic and pest pressures—conditions that validate their robustness for global deployment. Heringer highlighted regulatory harmonization, living logistics, and institutional coordination under Law 15,070/2024 as central to accelerating exports while positioning Brazil as a benchmark for sustainable agricultural biotechnology. Framing bioinputs as a matter of national security and technological sovereignty, he asserted that Brazil’s ambition extends beyond exports to leading a global transition toward high-performance regenerative agriculture. From Domestic Success to Export Strategy Brazil has built a large and sophisticated domestic bio-inputs market. What specific capabilities or lessons from domestic adoption give Brazilian companies a competitive edge when entering highly regulated international markets? Brazil’s success in the bioinputs sector is not merely a function of sales volume—it reflects deep biotechnological and institutional maturity that has given rise to a true “tropical innovation ecosystem.” The country’s competitive advantage rests on what can be called the Proof of Tropical Resilience. Unlike competitors operating in temperate climates, Brazilian companies develop bioinputs for an environment defined by six distinct biomes within a single territory, continuous year-round cultivation cycles, intense pest pressure and high temperatures. These are among the most challenging agricultural conditions in the world—and Brazil has learned to innovate within them. This is where the real advantage lies: the tropicalization of biotechnology. Brazil does not simply “sell the bottle.” It exports the expertise required to replace or complement synthetic chemistry in highly productive agricultural systems under extreme biological stress. As a result, Brazilian companies are not commodity suppliers. They are holders of strategic intellectual property essential to advancing sustainable global food security. The lesson is straightforward: if a biological solution performs consistently across Brazilian biomes—particularly in the Cerrado—it possesses more than enough robustness for virtually any other agricultural region in the world. Brazil exports resilience, not just microorganisms. Regulatory Asymmetry Across Markets How does the export committee plan to navigate starkly different regulatory regimes for biological inputs in the EU, the United States, and Latin America, and where do you see the greatest bottlenecks to market access? I will start from the end of the question. In my view, the biggest bottlenecks are regulatory alignment and what I call “Living Logistics.” Exporting chemicals is relatively straightforward. Exporting living organisms—bacteria and fungi—is fundamentally different. It requires cold-chain infrastructure, precision logistics and strict control over viability and shelf-life throughout transit. Maintaining biological stability over long international distances remains the most significant technical and commercial challenge. On the regulatory front, asymmetries between countries create additional complexity. Rules, compliance standards and legal frameworks vary widely, making harmonization a strategic priority. To address this, a formal partnership was established in mid-2025 between ApexBrasil and CropLife Brasil, which recently welcomed ABINBIO (Brazilian Association of Bioinput Industries). Together, they formed the National Bioinputs Export Committee, a platform designed to coordinate international expansion and regulatory strategy. Navigating global markets requires differentiated approaches, as regulatory cultures are not uniform. In the European Union, the framework is guided by the Precautionary Principle, which emphasizes intrinsic hazard. There, our strategy is centered almost entirely on demonstrating toxicological safety, purity and the absence of contaminants. We do not sell “productivity” to Europe—we sell food safety and the elimination of chemical residues. The positioning should resemble an “Intel Inside” for agriculture: if it carries Brazilian bio-technology, it represents sustainability and safety. In the United States, the regulatory philosophy—led by the EPA—is pragmatic and risk-based. The focus must therefore be on agronomic efficacy. Our dossiers emphasize large-scale performance data generated across millions of Brazilian hectares under tropical conditions. This industrial-scale validation offers something that controlled laboratory trials alone cannot replicate. In Latin America, the priority should be regional harmonization. Here, the challenge is largely political and institutional. Alignment within Mercosur is essential, with Brazil’s regulatory approval—already subject to rigorous scrutiny by MAPA, ANVISA and IBAMA, under one of the world’s most advanced bioinput frameworks—serving as a regional quality benchmark. The objective is mutual recognition: if a product has been approved by the tropical leader, Brazil, it should qualify for fast-track registration in neighboring markets such as Paraguay, Colombia and Bolivia. In short, the pathway to global expansion requires regulatory intelligence, logistical innovation and geopolitical coordination—not just technological excellence. Branding “Brazil” in Sustainability-Driven Markets The project emphasizes brand positioning around sustainability and bioeconomy. How do you reconcile Brazil’s leadership in bio-inputs with ongoing international scrutiny of its broader environmental record, particularly in land use and deforestation? This is a fundamental question. First, it is important to adjust the premise of the question with data. Often, the narrative imposed on the sustainability issue is a distorted and uninformed view. Brazil is an agro-environmental powerhouse: we preserve more than 60 per cent of our territory with native vegetation and possess the most rigorous environmental legislation in the world (the Forest Code) and, now, modern Bioinput legislation. No other major food producer delivers these numbers.Our leadership in Bioinputs is not an attempt to "compensate" for a problem, but rather the natural evolution of this preservationist mindset. Thanks to our tropical biotechnology (such as Biological Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fixation and no-till farming), we have managed to increase production by 400 per cent in recent decades while expanding the land area by only 40 per cent.Therefore, Brazil needs to be emulated. By exporting bioinputs, we are offering the world the same technology that allows us to be the only country feeding 1 billion people while preserving the majority of its forests. Innovation vs. Standardization Tension Biological inputs often require localized formulations and application protocols. How does Brazil balance the need for market-specific adaptation with the efficiencies required for scalable global exports? We solve this dilemma through a "Platform Biology" strategy. The common mistake is thinking that one exports a "ready-to-use final product" just like a chemical pesticide. Brazil has learned to export the Base Technology and Application Know-How.In Industry Standardization (Upstream): Brazil has achieved global excellence in industrial development. Our factories produce spores and metabolites with very high concentration and purity and extended shelf-life. This is standardizable and scalable worldwide. It is the biological "hardware."In Field Adaptation (Downstream): The "software" (how to use it) is adaptable. Our companies don’t just sell the jug; they sell the agronomic protocol. We have formulation technology that allows the same tested robust strain to be activated or applied differently depending on Indian or American soil. Thus, efficiency comes from the industrial scale of our fermentation; adaptation comes from the robustness of our tropical strains. If a bacterium survives the stress of Brazilian soil, it performs easily in less hostile environments.Brazil does not export a "medicine," but rather a "treatment system." By separating the biological asset (standardized) from the application intelligence (localized), companies achieve the benefits of mass production without the risk of inefficacy in foreign soils. Domestic Ownership as Strategic Advantage With over 80 per cent of bio-input companies being Brazilian-owned, how does domestic ownership shape innovation, capital formation, and long-term export competitiveness compared to multinational-dominated ag-input sectors? The fact that Brazil’s bioinput sector is predominantly national in capital structure—historically over 80 per cent —is a positive anomaly within Brazilian agribusiness, which has traditionally been dependent on multinational chemical and seed companies. This domestic foundation has fostered a form of biotechnological sovereignty that significantly reshapes Brazil’s export competitiveness. However, intellectual honesty requires a distinction between the sector’s historical structure and its current market dynamics. The premise that the sector remains mostly national is still statistically defensible when measured by number of companies. Brazil has hundreds of registered bioinput firms—many of them small and medium-sized regional agritechs. If one counts by tax ID (CNPJ), the majority are indeed Brazilian-owned. But when the metric shifts from number of companies to revenue concentration and market share, the picture is evolving rapidly. Multinational giants such as Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva and UPL—as well as foreign investment groups—have accelerated acquisitions of leading Brazilian bioinput firms. Once a Brazilian company is acquired, it continues operating locally, but capital allocation decisions and long-term strategic direction shift to a global headquarters. Why is this happening? Because the Brazilian bioinput sector has become one of the most profitable and dynamic segments in agribusiness, turning it into a primary target for mergers and acquisitions. Many companies that began with 100 per cent national capital were acquired precisely because multinationals struggled to replicate the speed of Brazilian innovation or navigate Brazil’s complex regulatory and agronomic landscape as effectively as local players. This creates a strategic paradox. Brazil risks becoming an exceptional “nursery of biological startups”—a global laboratory for innovation—whose most successful companies are absorbed by foreign capital once they achieve maturity and export scale. At the same time, the very factors that attract multinational interest explain Brazil’s competitive edge. In global chemical conglomerates, biological products are often treated as complementary or defensive tools—designed to protect or extend the lifecycle of synthetic molecules. In contrast, for national Brazilian companies, bioinputs are not an add-on; they are the core business. That structural difference matters. When biology is the central strategy, 100 per cent of R&D investment is directed toward biological performance. There is no internal conflict of interest, such as the risk of cannibalizing sales of high-margin synthetic fungicides. In large chemical corporations, a disruptive biological innovation can threaten existing revenue streams. In Brazilian bioinput companies, disruption is the objective. The result is faster innovation cycles, greater technological boldness and a development pipeline focused purely on biological efficiency under tropical conditions. This strategic clarity—biology as mission, not supplement—is what transformed Brazil into a global reference in bioinputs. The challenge now is ensuring that this innovative sovereignty is not diluted as consolidation accelerates. Competition with Established Multinationals As global agrochemical and biotech firms rapidly expand their biological portfolios, where does Brazil see its most defensible competitive moat—cost, performance in tropical systems, speed of innovation, or something else? Our defensive moat is, without a doubt, Proven Performance in Tropical Systems. While multinationals compete by buying startups to build a portfolio, Brazil has an advantage that cannot be bought: decades of natural selection in the field.The 'Tropicalization' Factor: Biology is context-dependent. A fungus developed in a laboratory in Europe might die in two hours under the sun in Mato Grosso (or Maharashtra). Our strains were isolated and selected under extreme thermal and water stress. They are "elite athletes" of survival.Real Scale vs. Greenhouse: Multinationals test in controlled greenhouses. Brazil tests on 40 million hectares of commercial crops. We have the world’s largest database on how bioinputs interact with the real environment.Cost-Benefit: Since we master large-scale fermentation (on-farm and industrial), we can deliver this elite biology at a cost that makes its use viable in commodities (soybeans, corn, cotton, sugarcane, etc.), not just in expensive fruits.Application Science and Coexistence (Compatibility): Foreign multinationals usually sell the "bottle." Brazilian companies sell the management. Brazil has learned to mix biologicals with chemicals in the same spray tank without inactivating the microorganism. This knowledge regarding formulation stability and chemical compatibility is what global producers want most today to reduce costs.The Brazilian "Pipeline": Brazil possesses the greatest microbial biodiversity in the world. The ability to isolate, test, and register new assets with agility creates an innovation cycle that multinationals, with their global bureaucratic structures, struggle to match. Institutional Coordination and Governance What concrete mechanisms will ensure that the export committee translates coordination into measurable outcomes—such as export growth or regulatory approvals—rather than remaining a symbolic platform? The Committee began its work at the end of 2025. To ensure the export committee does not become a "symbolic platform" without practical delivery, the governance of the bioinput sector in Brazil is being structured on technical execution mechanisms and commercial diplomacy.Law No. 15,070/2024 provides the legal basis, but the translation into measurable results depends on three pillars of institutional coordination. The committee does not act only in commercial promotion, but in the convergence of standards. The concrete mechanism is the creation of joint working groups with bodies such as EFSA (Europe) and the EPA (USA), aiming to reduce registration time abroad through the acceptance of data generated in Brazil (mutual recognition).The committee utilizes the rigor of the new legal framework to advocate that biological efficacy dossiers approved by MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) be accepted as technical proof in other countries, eliminating the need to repeat field tests that last years.Institutional coordination involves ApexBrasil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply in a market segmentation program. Examples such as the creation of an export "Bio-Pipeline" can be cited. The committee identifies biotechnological bottlenecks in partner countries and can directly connect Brazilian companies that have the specific solution through diplomatic missions, trade fairs, events, and through agricultural attachés at Brazilian embassies in key countries.Another aspect to prevent Brazilian products from being blocked by subjective sustainability issues is the implementation of Certification and Traceability Support within a Bioinput Conformity Seal system. Audits will ensure that the exported input meets bioeconomy and low carbon emission requirements, integrating them into the national bioinput program. Long-Term Market Transformation Do you view Brazil’s push into biological inputs primarily as an export opportunity, or as part of a broader effort to reshape global crop protection and fertility markets away from synthetic inputs—and how does that ambition influence policy and investment priorities? This is the question that defines the "endgame" for Brazil. The strategic answer is that export is merely the vehicle, but the global paradigm shift is the destination. Brazil doesn’t just want to be the largest exporter of bioinputs; it intends to be the architect of the new era of world agriculture.This is, undoubtedly, a global paradigm shift. Export is just the economic consequence; the cause is the survival necessity of modern agriculture. Brazil doesn’t just want to sell a substitute for chemicals; we want to lead the transition to the Era of High-Performance Regenerative Agriculture.We are positioning ourselves to be the "Saudi Arabia of Green Chemistry." Just as the Middle East was indispensable in the oil era, Brazil will be indispensable in the bioeconomy era. We are not just "moving away" from synthetics; we are integrating biological tools to create a smarter and more resilient system.This vision changes everything. Our investment priorities have shifted from the logic of "technology importation" to "technological sovereignty." The National Bioinput Plan and the APEX Brasil Bioinput Export Committee Project are proof that the Brazilian State has decided that biotechnology is strategic for national and global security.The Brazilian offensive aims to reposition synthetic inputs (especially fossil-based nitrogen fertilizers and high-toxicity pesticides) as high-risk assets with high environmental costs. The vulnerability revealed by global crises (such as the fertilizer shortage in 2022) accelerated the National Fertilizer Plan and the Bioinput Legal Framework (Law 15,070/2024). Brazil treats bioinputs as a matter of national security. The ambition is to reduce external dependence on mineral fertilizers by up to 50 per cent in the coming decades.By proving this is possible on a continental scale, Brazil creates a "demonstration effect" for the rest of the world, leading a movement for biotechnological food sovereignty. We are redesigning the architecture of food production. The future is biological, and Brazil is the laboratory where this future has already begun.I invite India to join us on this journey. Together, as leaders of the Global South, we have the responsibility and the capacity to define how the world will feed itself over the next 50 years: with more biology, more biotechnology, and more respect for our tropical soils and the people who are here and their future generations. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3556/chinas-shanghai-yuelian-biotech-launch-powdery-mildew-resistant-solution.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3556/chinas-shanghai-yuelian-biotech-launch-powdery-mildew-resistant-solution.html Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:17:58 +0530 Nippon Soda’s exclusive compound x Yuelian’s nanoemulsion technology The first novel crop disease control product, NISSO.Yuebaiding, is jointly launched in the Chinese market by Shanghai Yuelian and Nippon Soda. It combines Nippon Soda's exclusive compound cyflufenamid with Shanghai Yuelian's proprietary nanoemulsion technology to offer a new solution for controlling powdery mildew amid growing resistance. The product launch and field observation were held in Kunming, where Nippon Soda's nationwide dealers and guests gathered to mark this significant milestone. The successful release of NISSO.Yuebaiding is credited to the breakthroughs in two key technologies: Nippon Soda's cyflufenamid and Shanghai Yuelian's nanoemulsion. Cyflufenamid is Nippon Soda's exclusive compound with a unique mode of action, showing no cross-resistance to existing fungicides and recognized as a "precision tool" for powdery mildew control. Wang Mingqing, Nippon Soda's marketing director, detailed the product's development and the innovative mechanism of cyflufenamid. Research on the compound began in the 1990s to address the growing resistance of powdery mildew. The compound is both preventive and curative, offering cross-activity, vapor activity, and long-lasting effects, making it effective against powdery mildew strains resistant to DMI, benzimidazole, and strobilurin fungicides Shanghai Yuelian's nanoemulsion technology improves product efficiency by employing nanoscale particles that pass through the plant's epidermis and waxy layer via macroscopic quantum tunneling, greatly enhancing pesticide utilization. Furthermore, the nano surface effect increases the wettability, spreadability, and adhesion of the pesticide on the leaf surface, thereby prolonging its effect. Wei Dongsheng, marketing director of Shanghai Yuelian, says that this technology is a breakthrough into the homogeneous competition in the pesticide market, having solved farmer’s problem of ″more sprays causing  more  diseases.″ The field observation provides a clear demonstration of NISSO.Yuebaiding's effectiveness and safety in preventing and controlling flower powdery mildew, with a close-up view showing the collapse and polycondensation of pathogenic hyphae. Zhu Hongbin, technology and development manager of Shanghai Yuelian, presented data from 16 test sites across 15 provinces, confirming the product's broad crop adaptability, high efficiency, and excellent safety. - Melon: Very effective against pumpkin and muskmelon powdery mildew, with an outstanding protective effect for upper young leaves.  - Grape: The control effect appeared better than that of farmer’s self-prepared agent during the outbreak of powdery mildew, keeping leaf surface dark green and glossy.  - Wheat: Curative and effective in protecting leaves and ears of wheat.  - Strawberry: After spraying at 1000-fold for 3 times, powdery mildew obviously fell off in 3 days, hyphae turned black, disease spot of fruit was put under effective control. Laboratory tests show excellent dispersibility and uniformity of the product: NISSO.Yuebaiding was dispersed instantly after being put in water, without sediment, with strong laser penetration, which can fully pass a 100nm filtration test; on the other side, a competitive product suffered from sedimentation and weak penetration, where almost no clear liquid could flow out after filtration. Upon repeated site verification, dealers voiced a unanimous praise of the product performance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3511/samsung-ea-announces-groundbreaking-of-wabash-low-carbon-ammonia-project-in-the-us.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3511/samsung-ea-announces-groundbreaking-of-wabash-low-carbon-ammonia-project-in-the-us.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:41:46 +0530 Eco-friendly ammonia facility capable of producing 500,000 tons of ammonia and capturing 1.67 million tons of carbon dioxide annually SAMSUNG E&A, a total solutions provider for the global energy industry, announces that it held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Wabash Low-Carbon Ammonia Project on the 5th January. Held at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C., the ceremony was attended by approximately 70 project and government officials, including Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) to the Republic of Korea, Kim Yoon-duk, and SAMSUNG E&A President and CEO Hong Namkoong, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly, and Wabash Valley Resources Chairman of the Board Simon Greenshields. This project, to be built in Terre Haute, Indiana, will be an eco-friendly ammonia facility capable of producing 500,000 tons of ammonia and capturing 1.67 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. This national project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment. SAMSUNG E&A signed an EPF (Engineering, Procurement, and Fabrication) worth approximately KRW 680 billion (approximately USD 475 million) with Wabash Valley Resources of the United States in October of last year, and is currently carrying out the project with the goal of completion in 2029. SAMSUNG E&A plans to leverage its extensive ammonia plant experience and differentiated technologies, including DT, AI, automation, and modules, for this project, and actively cooperate with the client and technology partner Honeywell UOP to complete the project successfully. The company has been developing technologies, investing, and partnering to secure core energy additive and diversified technologies such as ammonia, SAF, LNG, carbon capture, and hydrogen, and has recently achieved tangible results by winning a series of contracts, including the Malaysian SAF plant, the UAE biodegradable plastic plant, the Indonesian eco-friendly LNG plant basic design, the North American LNG conceptual design, and the US SAF basic design. Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A, said, “We are delighted to be carrying out this meaningful project between Korea and the U.S.,” and added, “We will continue to expand new business models for future additive and diversified energy solutions.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3504/union-budget-2026-expectations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3504/union-budget-2026-expectations.html Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:40:55 +0530 Resilience, efficiency & prosperity As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils Budget 2026, the nation demands more than routine allocations. Indian agriculture is at a historic inflection point. This Budget is expected to operationalise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming to transform farming from a low-margin, input-heavy, staple-focused sector into a high-productivity, high-value, globally competitive engine. Economists, industry leaders, and multilateral agencies concur: Incremental tweaks have run out of runway, and structural reforms are imperative to bridge productivity gaps, restore soil and water health, and secure farmers’ livelihoods. “Budget 2026 must signal a decisive move from blanket input subsidies to outcome-linked support that rewards water-use efficiency, balanced fertilisation, and low-emission practices at the farm level,” asserts Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog.  Dr Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)and former Chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), echoes the call for digitally verifiable, efficiency-led support: “Linking direct benefit transfers with soil health cards, precision nutrient management, and diversified cropping will reduce fiscal stress while lifting total factor productivity across both rainfed and irrigated systems.” The imperative is clear: Budget 2026 must transition from fragmented schemes to a coherent, science-led, productivity-centric agricultural strategy — a structural foundation for a globally competitive, climate-smart, and high-income Indian agriculture. The Foundation of 2025: From Intent to Implementation Budget 2025 laid important groundwork, signaling a shift from stop-gap support toward structural measures aimed at productivity and resilience. The launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, targeting 100 low-productivity districts, marked the start of district-level agricultural renewal. Coupled with a six-year protein security initiative under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, it created stable procurement for tur, urad, and masoor, reducing India’s import dependence in key pulses. “Budget 2026 must accelerate India’s shift to a climate-resilient, value-enhanced agri-economy by scaling biologicals and unlocking the waste-to-wealth opportunity. Targeted fiscal support for biosolutions, soil health and circularity can boost productivity while reducing chemical dependence. ’’ — Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, (Middle East, India and Africa), Novonesis Experts argue the next step must embed climate intelligence into farm-level decisions. “Budget 2026 must fund monsoon-contingent nutrition advisories at scale — using rainfall analytics and soil data to dynamically adjust fertiliser recommendations — so farmers can shift from fixed schedules to climate-responsive feeding of crops,” says Dr Manish Singh, AVP–Technical & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited. He proposes a unified Nutrient Efficiency Index (NEI), integrating soil-test data, cropping patterns, water use efficiency, and fertiliser balance. “Budgets and subsidies should be allocated based on NEI improvement, not fertiliser consumption. This drives balanced nutrition and scientific fertiliser use rather than volume-driven demand,” he added. “Budget 2026 must signal a decisive move from blanket input subsidies to outcome-linked support that rewards water use efficiency, balanced fertilisation and low-emission practices at the farm level.”​ — Dr Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog Budget 2026 also sought to ease liquidity bottlenecks by raising Kisan Credit Card limits from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, supporting smallholders, dairy farmers, fishers, and allied producers. Sectoral reforms — from the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds and a five-year cotton revitalisation plan to institutions like Bihar’s Makhana Board — aimed to modernise production, while allocations for storage, logistics, and market infrastructure addressed post-harvest losses. “Budget 2026 must prioritise digital infrastructure, credit linkages, and rural capacity building to scale precision agriculture. Agri-drones, IoT and data analytics can boost yields, conserve resources and strengthen climate resilience. Targeted subsidies, public–private partnerships and R&D incentives will accelerate adoption, integrate technology with national agricultural databases, and shift India from subsidy dependence to self-reliant, innovation-led farming.”  – Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace Yet, experts insist these gains must now converge into a coherent resilience architecture. “The next Budget should consolidate irrigation, watershed, soil health, and climate missions into a single ‘National Resilient Farms Mission’ with district-level targets for water productivity and soil organic carbon,” says Dr V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA).  “Linking direct benefit transfers with soil health cards, precision nutrient management and diversified cropping will reduce fiscal stress while lifting total factor productivity across rainfed and irrigated systems.”​ — Dr. Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former Chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), adds, “Every rupee for irrigation must be co-anchored with micro-irrigation, fertigation-ready soils, and climate-resilient varieties so public investment translates into real resilience on farmers’ fields.” Budget 2026 will ultimately be judged on whether it can convert these incremental foundations into a mission-driven, 2047-ready agricultural architecture that delivers genuine resilience, competitiveness, and prosperity for India’s farmers. Fixing the Foundations: The Budget That Must Rewire Subsidies, Markets and Science As Budget 2026 approaches, it is evident that Indian agriculture stands at a pivotal crossroads. The long-standing promise of doubling farmers’ incomes, once a political mantra, now demands a sober re-examination. Structural pressures—from climate volatility and shrinking margins to global competitiveness and rising nutritional expectations—have made incrementalism insufficient.  “The allocation of the budget should be done across three horizons: the immediate year, the next five years, and the long-term vision through 2047,” asserts Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairman of BASAI and Managing Director of Kan Biosys, highlighting that India’s agricultural budget—barely 2 per cent of total expenditure—is glaringly inadequate for a sector that contributes 17 per cent of GDP, sustains 55 per cent of the population, and underpins the nutrition of 140 crore citizens. “The next Budget should consolidate irrigation, watershed, soil health and climate missions into a single ‘National Resilient Farms Mission’ with clear district targets for water productivity and soil organic carbon.”​ — Dr V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–CRIDA The inefficiencies of current spending are stark when viewed through the prism of subsidies. India invests roughly Rs 1.75 – 2 lakh crore annually on fertilisers, electricity, MSP procurement, crop insurance, and other input-linked supports, yet the returns in productivity, soil health, water security, and farmer incomes remain worryingly low.  “Subsidies have historically encouraged consumption rather than efficiency,” Sandeepa notes. Cheap urea drives over-application, subsidised electricity has accelerated groundwater depletion, irrigation grants rarely incentivise precision water use, and MSP procurement entrenches cropping patterns that undermine soil regeneration. For sectoral leaders, Budget 2026 must mark a decisive philosophical pivot—from input-heavy, subsidy-driven policies to a science-led, technology-driven, and outcome-oriented framework.  Every rupee for irrigation must be co-anchored with micro-irrigation, fertigation-ready soils and climate-resilient varieties so that public investment translates into real resilience on farmers’ fields.”​ — Dr Himanshu Pathak, Ex- Director General, ICAR & Secretary, DARE S. Soundararadjane, CEO of HyFarm, points to the potato sector as a model: “India could build the world’s most advanced, predictable, and globally competitive potato ecosystem through a National Potato Innovation Mission. CRISPR-edited varieties, AI-powered breeding, drone-led phenotyping, and mass deployment of True Potato Seeds can transform production while reducing costs and disease risks. Region-specific varieties are not optional anymore—they are strategic imperatives.” “Budget 2026 must reform subsidies by shifting from consumption-based support to science-led, Package of Practice–linked incentives tied to production outcomes. Performance-based support will improve soil health, enhance resource efficiency, and raise farmer incomes. Mechanisation assistance should be delivered via DBT and limited to FMTTI/BIS-approved equipment to ensure quality, effectiveness, and measurable impact on the ground.”  - Ravindra Agrawal, Chairman, KisanKraft Ltd Sandeepa further advocates restructuring through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). “Subsidies must be given through DBT to farmers and allow them to use this money as per their wish. This has started with Kisan Samman Nidhi but must be extrapolated by diverting subsidies given for insurance, fertilisers, electricity, and water to DBT,” she explains. Such a shift would correct long-standing distortions, empower decision-making, sharply reduce leakages, and create the fiscal headroom necessary to invest in science, innovation, and climate resilience. “To truly raise farm incomes, storage, grading, logistics and digital marketplaces must be treated as core agricultural infrastructure, not peripheral add-ons.”​ — Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director, ITC Ltd “A key priority must be efficiency-driven subsidy reform. We need to shift from consumption-based subsidies to scientifically designed, Package of Practice (PoP)–linked incentives tied directly to production outcomes. Performance-based support improves soil health, enhances resource efficiency, and strengthens farmer incomes. Mechanisation support should be delivered through DBT and restricted strictly to FMTTI/BIS-approved equipment to ensure quality and impact in the field,” says Ravindra Agrawal, Chairman, KisanKraft Ltd, emphasizing that combining DBT with outcome-linked incentives can amplify impact across mechanisation, inputs, and farm management practices. “India’s next big leap will come from shifting towards processed, residue-compliant, traceable and climate-smart agri-exports rather than relying mainly on bulk commodity shipments.”​ — Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA Markets, too, are evolving in ways that demand more sophisticated production systems. The rising domestic and global appetite for residue-free food is already accelerating India’s biopesticide segment. Sandeepa emphasises that a formal residue-free label—jointly administered by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture—could unlock higher farmer incomes through premium market categories. “Blanket reduction on CIB-registered biopesticides must be done at the earliest to 5 per cent,” she cautions, noting that inconsistent GST categorisation is harming both growers and industry participants seeking safer input adoption. “Targeted support for FPOs, agri-startups and interoperable e-market platforms can cut post-harvest losses, stabilise prices and make climate risk more manageable for smallholders.”​ — Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC); Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture The export ecosystem is entering a decisive phase. “India must position itself as a trusted global supplier,” says Kuchibhotla Srinivas, Partner, Deloitte. Strategic export corridors, residue-free clusters, bilateral agreements, and harmonisation with global standards, he argues, can convert India’s scale into global influence.  “If India wants to lead in exports, supply chains must embed traceability, quality assurance, and sustainable input use,” adds Ankur Aggarwal, Executive Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection. The global opportunity is clear. “India’s next big leap will come from shifting towards processed, residue-compliant, traceable, and climate-smart agri-exports rather than relying mainly on bulk commodity shipments,” says Abhishek Dev, Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). “The agri sector needs a unified national framework, science-based standards, and simplified licensing to enable innovation in high-value micronutrients and specialty fertilisers. Streamlined regulation will accelerate advanced nutrition technologies, strengthen soil health, and unlock productivity and profitability gains essential for truly transformative agricultural reform.”  — Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, President, IMMA  Value addition must become central to India’s strategy, particularly in crops like sugarcane. “Exports of sugar quota have to be restricted to further increase production of alcohol for oil substitution. Value addition is the key. Targets of 20 per cent plus substitution have to be the new target for easing some oil dollars. The money thus freed up can be used to improve irrigation, research, and perfecting models which are customised for Indian agriculture,” adds Sandeepa. Circularity, too, must become integral. Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, (Middle East, India and Africa), Novonesis stresses, “Adequate support must be provided for harnessing the waste-to-wealth potential in agriculture, including robust logistics for storage and transportation of agricultural waste feedstocks that can be transformed into fertilizers and bioenergy.” “A direct benefit transfer model for fertilisers—sold at full cost with farmers claiming subsidy via POS authentication—can be a game-changer. It ensures manufacturers receive full value, the government gains full GST, markets maintain adequate supply, leakages and black-marketing are curbed, and subsidy outlay reflects actual use. Budget 2026 should prioritise this transparent, efficient reform.” – Vinod Goyal, CEO, Agricare Corporation Domestic market architecture requires equal attention. Dr Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, notes, “Targeted support for FPOs, agri-startups, and interoperable e-market platforms can cut post-harvest losses, stabilise prices, and make climate risk more manageable for smallholders.” Institutional strengthening, he stresses, is vital for farmers to remain competitive amid market volatility. Budget 2026, therefore, must reimagine subsidies, shifting from input-centric to outcome-centric frameworks. “Water, soil and climate must be planned as one ecosystem. Budget 2026 should institutionalise watershed-scale irrigation planning, incentivise soil regeneration, and embed climate-risk analytics into district planning. This is not sustainability for compliance; it is sustainability for survival,” says Srinivas.  “Budget 2026 can back a flagship ‘Sulphur- and Potash-Secure India’ initiative that promotes sulphate-based potash and balanced secondary nutrients, improving taste, colour, shelf-life and exportability of fruits, vegetables and plantation crops while reducing import vulnerability.”--Dr. Manish Singh, AVP-Technical & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited “For a water-starved nation like India, drip should be made compulsory. This would conserve soils along with improving the area of irrigation. The river-joining project must have allocation for short, medium, and long term. Bonds must be raised to mobilise domestic and World Bank funds,” adds Sandeepa. Structural gaps in specialised inputs also demand urgent attention. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, President, Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) observes, “India’s agricultural ecosystem is at an inflection point, yet not structurally prepared for large-scale reforms. One major gap lies in the micronutrients and specialty fertilizer industry, which remains outside mainstream policy despite its direct link to soil health, crop quality, and farmer income. Fragmented licensing under FCO, uneven state compliance frameworks, and the absence of a unified national policy slow innovation, restrict ease of doing business, and prevent rapid scale-up of advanced nutrition technologies like chelates, water-soluble fertilizers, and fortified micronutrient blends.”  “Budget 2026 must anchor a long-term Viksit Bharat Kheti Vision 2047 by reforming fertiliser use. Mandating a 25:15:5 co-pack of chemical, organic and biofertilisers—and supporting OF/BF manufacturing through PLI—can strengthen soil health, raise nutrient-use efficiency, expand acreage coverage and build climate-resilient productivity. It is time subsidies drive transformation, not perpetuate inefficiency ” --- Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairman of BASAI and Managing Director of Kan Biosys Dr Singh underscores the strategic imperative: “Budget 2026 can back a flagship ‘Sulphur- and Potash-Secure India’ initiative that promotes sulphate-based potash and balanced secondary nutrients, improving taste, colour, shelf-life, and exportability of fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops while reducing import vulnerability.” Complementing this, Vinod Goyal, CEO, Agricare Corporation advocates a pragmatic DBT-based reform: “Fertilizers shall be sold on full cost price at dealer shops—farmers register purchases on a Point of Sale (POS) machine at the time of pick-up, and subsidies are directly transferred to their bank accounts.”  “Budget 2026 must treat water, soil and climate as one ecosystem by institutionalizing watershed-scale irrigation, incentivising soil regeneration and embedding climate-risk analytics in district planning. Equally critical is a legally robust Digital Land Ledger, interoperable with crop and credit data, to unlock formal finance, insurance and market access for millions of farmers still excluded from the system ” — Kuchibhotla Srinivas, Partner, Deloitte Sandeepa adds, “Chemical fertilizers should be bundled with organic and biofertilisers—25 kg of CF, 15 kg of OF, and 5 kg of BF per bag. This allows fertilizer to cover 30 per cent more land with improved use efficiency. Organic and biofertilizer industries can be supported through PLI schemes to attract private investment, improve soils, and build climate resilience.” As multiple industry leaders emphasise, this reform will determine whether Indian agriculture can truly align with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat 2047, delivering prosperity, sustainability, and global competitiveness for generations to come. Tech, Traceability, and Transformation: Budget 2026’s Agri-Vision Budget 2026 is not merely a fiscal exercise—it represents a strategic inflection point for Indian agriculture, an opportunity to pivot from incremental measures to transformative, technology-driven reforms.  “Agri-drones are no longer a novelty; they are an important part of the agritech landscape. Subsidies, public-private partnership models, and targeted R&D incentives can accelerate manufacturing and deployment, creating rural employment while increasing productivity. We must also potentially look at integrating drone data with national agricultural databases to enable smarter crop planning, soil monitoring, and weather resilience strategies,” says Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “ Fertiliser purchases must be linked to a unified Digital Farm ID, which allows tracking of nutrient use efficiency, preventing over-application and enabling customised advisory. It builds India’s first data-driven nutrient intelligence system’’ --- Yogesh Chandra, VP-Sales & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited Echoing this vision, Soundararadjane, stresses that Budget 2026 should introduce a Digital Farming Acceleration Subsidy—shifting support from traditional inputs to IoT and automation tools such as soil moisture sensors, disease-warning IoT nodes, digital soil intelligence kits, smart irrigation systems, automated grading and sorting units, and low-cost climate stations for cold stores. “A 40–60 per cent capital subsidy will democratise access and unlock predictive, precision farming at scale,” he asserts. Equally critical is the foundation of clear land rights and reliable credit. “When a farmer has clear land ownership and predictable finance, they can finally shift from reactive decisions to planned, technology-led farming,” observes Ankur.  “Budget 2026 must accelerate digital land records and frictionless credit so farmers can plan, invest and adopt modern crop protection responsibly. To compete in global markets, India’s supply chains need embedded traceability, quality assurance and sustainable input use. Strategic public–private collaboration can fast-track safe pesticide practices, surveillance systems and next-generation, environmentally responsible formulations ” — Ankur Aggarwal, Executive Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection Srinivas adds, “The Budget should focus on the two biggest unlocks for farmer prosperity: clean digital land records and frictionless credit. A legally robust Digital Land Ledger, interoperable with crop data and credit scoring, can unlock formal finance, insurance, and market contracts for millions of farmers currently outside the system.” The systemic importance of logistics and digital marketplaces is reinforced by Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director, ITC Ltd: “To truly raise farm incomes, storage, grading, logistics, and digital marketplaces must be treated as core agricultural infrastructure, not peripheral add-ons.”  “Budget 2026 should launch a National Potato Innovation Mission to transform India into a globally competitive processing potato hub. A strong public–private R&D partnership must fast-track CRISPR-based climate-resilient varieties, AI-driven breeding, drone phenotyping, automated trials and True Potato Seeds. This science-led upgrade is essential for predictable supply, higher productivity and world-class processing quality.” – S. Soundararadjane, CEO of HyFarm Nutrient management, too, must be integrated. Yogesh Chandra, VP-Sales & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited, explains, “Fertiliser purchases must be linked to a unified Digital Farm ID, allowing tracking of nutrient use efficiency, preventing over-application and enabling customised advisory. It builds India’s first data-driven nutrient intelligence system.” Budget 2026 must therefore deliver measurable, integrated reforms—embedding science, finance, technology, and policy into a unified, farmer-centric framework. It is the launchpad for the Viksit Bharat Kheti Vision 2047, enabling high-productivity, high-value, climate-smart agriculture and positioning India as a globally competitive agri-economy. ----- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3492/asia-agriculture-2025-climate-technology-and-resilience.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3492/asia-agriculture-2025-climate-technology-and-resilience.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:25:37 +0530 2025 marked a pivotal year for agriculture across Asia. Headlines captured extreme weather events, AI-driven agritech deployments, and climate-smart policy initiatives, yet beneath the surface, the region’s agricultural landscape quietly evolved. The sector is moving from reactive interventions to embedding resilience across systems, blending technology, policy innovation, and climate-smart practices to withstand unprecedented uncertainty. Across Asia, nearly half of agricultural production remains exposed to climate hazards. Cyclones, floods, and prolonged droughts disrupted key farming regions, from the rice belts of Southeast Asia to rainfed areas in South Asia. Cyclone Ditwah, for example, struck Sri Lanka in late 2025, devastating hundreds of thousands of hectares, displacing millions, and creating ripple effects in food prices, supply chains, and rural incomes. Such events are increasingly expected variables, forcing governments, firms, and farmers to rethink risk, finance, and resilience. Beyond immediate shocks, persistent weather volatility erodes predictability, undermines smallholder decision-making, and increases financial exposure. Against this backdrop, Asia’s agriculture is quietly pivoting toward anticipatory, climate-smart strategies that combine technology, finance, and policy to reduce vulnerability and enhance food security. Policy Evolution: From Concept to Action In 2025, several APAC countries moved beyond conceptual climate adaptation policies to operational programs. South Asia launched national climate adaptation atlases linking meteorological projections with agronomic and socioeconomic data, enabling governments to prioritize interventions based on localized risk profiles. Regional cooperation progressed notably. The ASEAN Climate Resilience Network implemented joint projects in climate-smart agriculture, including shared weather data platforms and cross-border pilot programs in precision irrigation and soil management. Southeast Asia also witnessed the scaling of climate-smart agriculture frameworks, integrating resilience measures into national planning and budget cycles. Governments increasingly tie climate adaptation to economic competitiveness. Countries implementing predictive, data-driven approaches are better positioned to access global markets, attract international finance, and partner in technology deployment. This marks a structural shift in agricultural governance, where climate adaptation is embedded as a core economic priority rather than a supplementary policy. Technology at the Core: AI, Data, and Agritech Ecosystems Technology transitioned from experimental pilot programs to operational infrastructure in 2025. Artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and remote sensing became integral to decision-making at farm, regional, and national levels. Singapore-based and regional startups scaled AI-powered platforms to optimize irrigation, forecast yields, monitor pests, and provide real-time weather intelligence. Farmers now have predictive tools that were previously accessible only to large-scale operations. In India, AI-driven platforms enabled precise nutrient management, automated irrigation scheduling, and early pest detection, reducing losses and improving input efficiency. Innovation ecosystems matured across APAC. Accelerators in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia connected startups, research institutions, and financial services providers, nurturing ventures in sustainable inputs, precision agriculture, and supply-chain traceability. By embedding technology into governance and finance frameworks, Asia is laying the foundation for scalable climate-smart agriculture that benefits both smallholders and commercial producers. Climate and Food Safety: Emerging Challenges Climate variability increasingly affects food safety. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity alter microbial dynamics, increase mycotoxin risk, and disrupt post-harvest storage conditions. Regulatory adaptation became central to maintaining food security. As Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary, and Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer, FAO explains: "Changing climate is also impacting food safety and this is also impacting the standard setting work of Codex. For example, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF) elaborated and CAC47 adopted the Code of practice for the prevention or reduction of ciguatera poisoning, in response to the evolving nature of this issue, which is related to climate factors. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene developed and CAC46 adopted Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing in response to Members concerns about the need to ensure that in the context of water resource challenges, the safety of food was not negatively impacted. There is a continued emphasis, particularly within CCCF, on the issue of mycotoxins, the threat of which is evolving and possibly expanding as climate factors change." Countries across Asia integrated climate intelligence into inspection systems and food safety protocols to mitigate risk, ensuring that resilience does not compromise quality or trade compliance. Climate and Food Security: Hydroponics and Controlled Environments Controlled environment agriculture, including hydroponics and vertical farming, scaled rapidly across India and Southeast Asia in 2025, mitigating risks from erratic rainfall, droughts, and extreme weather. Pravin Patel, Founder of Brio Hydroponics, highlights the potential: "India’s agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges from climate volatility, with erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather disrupting traditional farming cycles. Over half of Indian farmers depend entirely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable. Controlled Environment Agriculture systems like Unnati’s hydroponics offer a solution, creating fully controlled growing environments that eliminate weather dependency and enable consistent, year-round production." These systems stabilize production, optimize resource use, and reduce climate risk. While current adoption is concentrated on high-value crops, pilot programs are extending controlled environment cultivation to staples, demonstrating the potential to enhance broader food security. Seafood and Fisheries: Data-Driven Management and Trade Competitiveness The fisheries sector witnessed headline-making reforms in 2025. India completed the MFC 2025 fisheries census, providing the first comprehensive assessment of fleet health, fishing capacity, and ecosystem impact. George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, emphasizes: "International markets like the EU, US, and Japan demand proof of sustainability and traceability. The MFC 2025 provides the foundation for meeting these expectations. This Census is the foundational layer for a sustainable ecosystem-based fisheries management plan. It gives us a complete, scientifically-consolidated assessment of our fleet’s health and capacity." The initiative strengthens ecosystem-based management and aligns seafood production with global sustainability standards, enhancing export competitiveness. Rice Resilience: Lessons for Rainfed Systems Rainfed rice areas remain among the most climate-exposed agricultural systems. Climate shocks disproportionately affect yields, particularly in lowlands. Dr. Ismail Abdelbagi, Principal Scientist and Regional Representative for Africa at IRRI, notes: "Climate shocks are hitting rice hardest in rainfed lowlands, where 80 per cent of Africa’s farmers operate. How close are we to a breakthrough in drought- and heat-resilient varieties that can stabilize yields without costly irrigation infrastructure? Rainfed rice areas in Africa have not been given sufficient attention, and farmers still use traditional tools and technologies. This is contrary to progress in Asia, where rainfed areas have been transformed into productive lands with high and stable yields. The transformation became feasible after introducing varieties tolerant to drought, floods, and salt stress, coupled with modern production technologies, water management, fertilizer use, mechanized farming, and other suitable practices, increasing productivity and incomes for smallholders." This highlights the importance of combining genetic improvements, production technology, and agronomic practices to transform vulnerable systems into resilient landscapes. Carbon, Regeneration, and Climate Finance Regenerative and carbon-focused interventions expanded significantly in 2025. Biochar projects, combining carbon sequestration with soil fertility improvements, emerged as high-value initiatives. Dr. Nripanka Das, Subject Matter Expert in Carbon Projects (UAE), explains: "Unlike forestry or renewable projects, biochar delivers a dual benefit: carbon sequestration and soil regeneration. This creates 'stacked benefits'—carbon credits, improved yields, reduced fertilizer use, enhanced water retention, and often waste management solutions. Financially, a well-designed biochar project can generate over $1,000 per hectare annually when combining carbon and agricultural returns, while diversifying revenue and reducing risk—making it highly attractive for institutional investors." Blue carbon initiatives also gained traction. Brian Tsuyoshi Takeda, CEO & Co-Founder of Restorae, observes: "Voluntary carbon markets in Japan are already ready for kelp-based credits. J-Blue Credits, generated from kelp restoration, have been transacting for years at prices exceeding $400 per ton—more than ten times the price of traditional voluntary carbon credits globally." These approaches demonstrate how climate-smart practices can generate measurable environmental and financial returns while enhancing resilience. Financing Resilience: Opportunities and Bottlenecks Access to climate finance remains critical for scaling adaptation. Platforms supporting banks, microfinance institutions, and insurers expanded in 2025 to offer bundled climate-smart products combining credit, insurance, and solar-powered irrigation. Dr. Godefroy Grosjean, Co-lead of CGIAR’s Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) and Ena Derenoncourt, Senior Officer at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and ACT-H Project Lead highlight: "ImpactSF helps financial institutions design climate-smart, bankable products that reduce risk and deliver real impact for farmers. By combining capacity building, tools, and pipeline strengthening, it supports banks, MFIs, and insurers to create bundled credit, insurance, and solar-powered irrigation solutions. Using data from the ImpactSF Analyzer and a value-chain approach, it scales finance in priority sectors like horticulture and livestock while ensuring measurable outcomes in resilience, productivity, and gender inclusion." Data-driven climate finance is increasingly linking risk mitigation, sustainability, and measurable impact, expanding opportunities for smallholders. Trade and Market Resilience Regional trade is a critical lever for resilience. Fragmented intra-Asian trade and regulatory differences limit local food system equity. Dr. Ana Maria Loboguerrero, Director for Adaptive and Equitable Food Systems at the Gates Foundation, observes: "Today, South Asia primarily exports staple crops and processed products globally, missing opportunities to build resilient local ecosystems through regional collaboration. Variations in regulations and logistics limit progress, keeping intraregional trade fragmented. Harmonizing trade can reduce food prices, buffer against climate shocks, stimulate crop diversification, and support unified responses to climate-driven pest spread." In 2025, several countries advanced harmonization, streamlining certifications, improving logistics, and adopting risk-mitigating frameworks for climate-sensitive commodities, stabilizing prices and supporting crop diversification. Technology Goes Mainstream In 2025, digital agriculture in Asia crossed a point of no return. Artificial intelligence and climate-tech tools stopped being framed as pilots or “future-ready” concepts and instead became part of the operating backbone of agricultural systems across multiple countries. What distinguished the year was not innovation itself, but scale, speed, and institutional adoption. In India, AI-powered climate advisory systems reached operational maturity. Large-scale deployments began delivering hyper-local, real-time advisories to farmers across rainfed and irrigated regions, combining weather forecasts, soil moisture data, crop-stage intelligence, and pest-risk alerts. These advisories increasingly influenced sowing decisions, irrigation scheduling, and input use at the village level, reducing crop losses during erratic monsoon phases and prolonged dry spells. Importantly, these systems were not standalone apps; they were integrated with public extension networks, crop insurance triggers, and digital soil health programs—signaling a shift from fragmented pilots to systemic use. China accelerated the use of drones, sensors, and satellite-linked AI platforms across its rice belts and horticulture clusters. In several provinces, drone-assisted monitoring of crop health, nutrient stress, and water use became routine rather than exceptional. AI models processed high-frequency imagery to guide precision spraying, optimize irrigation intervals, and flag early pest outbreaks. The emphasis was not just productivity, but climate efficiency—reducing water use, lowering chemical runoff, and stabilizing yields amid heat stress events that have become more frequent across eastern China. Across Southeast Asia, climate intelligence became a national priority rather than a sectoral experiment. Vietnam and Thailand deployed machine-learning models to simulate flood scenarios in delta regions, helping authorities adjust planting calendars, pre-position inputs, and manage water releases. These systems informed both farmers and policymakers, aligning field-level decisions with basin-level water management. In Indonesia, AI-based drought prediction tools were linked to food logistics planning, enabling early interventions in vulnerable provinces before shortages escalated into price shocks. The Philippines took a different but equally significant route, integrating digital tools into climate-risk governance. AI-driven early warning systems for typhoons and floods were connected directly to agricultural insurance payouts and emergency credit lines. When climate thresholds were breached, farmers gained faster access to relief and recovery finance, reducing the lag between disaster and response that has historically deepened rural distress. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea focused on high-precision digital agriculture aligned with climate adaptation and labor constraints. Robotics, AI-driven greenhouse management, and sensor-based water control systems were scaled to stabilize production under heat stress and demographic pressure. These technologies also fed into traceability and sustainability reporting systems, strengthening market access and compliance in export-oriented supply chains. Underlying these country-level deployments was the rapid expansion of climate-focused agri-tech incubators and accelerators across APAC. In 2025, these platforms prioritized startups that could deliver precision farming, advanced water-use efficiency, and climate-resilient supply chains at scale. The shift was clear: solutions were evaluated not on novelty, but on their ability to operate under stress—poor connectivity, extreme weather, fragmented landholdings, and tight margins. The cumulative effect of these developments is structural. Technology in Asian agriculture is no longer an add-on or productivity enhancer; it has become a risk-management infrastructure. AI systems now sit alongside insurance, credit, and public policy as essential tools for coping with climate volatility. By the end of 2025, climate intelligence was no longer aspirational—it was operational, embedded, and increasingly indispensable to how Asia grows its food. A Sector Quietly Transforming 2025 was not merely a year of crises or headline-grabbing innovations; it marked the quiet transformation of Asia’s agricultural landscape. Technology, policy, finance, and on-farm practices converged to create systems capable of anticipating, absorbing, and adapting to climate shocks. Across the region, several developments underscored this shift. India completed the MFC 2025 fisheries Census, providing critical data for ecosystem-based management and ensuring traceability in seafood exports. In Japan, blue carbon and kelp restoration initiatives expanded significantly, creating measurable environmental benefits while generating high-value carbon credits. China deployed drone-assisted climate-smart agriculture across its rice belts, integrating real-time monitoring of soil, water, and pest conditions to optimize yields and resilience. Meanwhile, Indonesia and Vietnam piloted regenerative aquaculture and rice-straw-to-energy programs, linking circular economy principles with climate-smart food production. In the Philippines, community-managed solar-powered irrigation systems strengthened local resilience and reduced reliance on grid electricity, while Thailand and Malaysia launched AI-enabled early warning systems that connect flood and drought forecasts directly to insurance and credit mechanisms, helping farmers manage climate risk proactively. These initiatives, coupled with broader adoption of hydroponics, climate-resilient crops, biochar, and regional trade integration, illustrate how adaptation, market competitiveness, and systemic resilience are increasingly intertwined. The focus is not merely on technology deployment or policy announcements; it is on integrating solutions across the farm, market, and financial ecosystem to create durable, scalable outcomes. While challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to technology, finance, and infrastructure, the foundations for a smarter, adaptive, and climate-resilient agricultural sector are firmly established. The structural and technological shifts achieved in 2025 will have far-reaching consequences for food security, rural livelihoods, and economic stability across Asia for decades. In an era defined by climate uncertainty, the region’s agriculture demonstrates that meaningful transformation is possible not through headline-grabbing innovations alone, but through sustained, coordinated, and system-wide innovation. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3490/asias-agri-tech-reckoning-why-2025-became-defining-year-for-farm-inputs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3490/asias-agri-tech-reckoning-why-2025-became-defining-year-for-farm-inputs.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:06:31 +0530 From AI-guided seeds in China to microbial fertilisers in Southeast Asia and desert farming systems in West Asia, 2025 marked the moment agricultural technology in Asia-Pacific stopped being experimental — and became strategic. In 2025, Asia-Pacific agriculture crossed a quiet but consequential threshold. For years, agri-tech across the region had been framed as a future promise: pilots, proofs of concept, donor-funded trials, and glossy demonstrations that rarely survived the realities of fragmented landholdings, thin rural credit, and conservative farmer behaviour. This year, that framing collapsed. Climate volatility sharpened, fertiliser geopolitics resurfaced, export markets hardened residue and traceability standards, and governments began treating agricultural inputs not as commodities but as strategic infrastructure. What followed was not a single revolution, but a region-wide realignment. Digital advisories became operational tools. Biologicals moved from fringe to necessity. Precision equipment shifted from ownership to service. Seeds re-entered geopolitical calculations. And data — once an afterthought — became a new battleground of trust. Asia’s agri-tech story in 2025 was not about who invented the smartest tool. It was about who made technology stick. From Pilot Projects to Production Systems In 2025, the most consequential change in Asia-Pacific agriculture did not arrive with a product launch or a funding round. It arrived quietly, through the disappearance of a word that had dominated agri-tech discourse for over a decade: pilot. For years, digital agriculture in Asia lived in perpetual trial mode. AI-driven advisories, satellite imagery, weather-linked pest alerts, and soil analytics were showcased at conferences, tested on demonstration plots, and praised in reports—yet rarely embedded into everyday farming decisions. In 2025, that cycle finally broke. Across India, China, Vietnam, and much of Southeast Asia, digital agri-inputs stopped being marketed as standalone apps or dashboards. Instead, they were absorbed into the institutional plumbing of agriculture—extension services, farmer producer organisations, agribusiness procurement systems, and government programmes. Technology no longer asked farmers to change their behaviour first; systems changed around them. India’s Digital Agriculture Mission crystallised this shift. The state moved away from promoting isolated tools and focused instead on decision integration. AI-based, hyper-local input recommendations began factoring in groundwater stress, rainfall volatility, soil health records, and price signals—transforming advisories from generic suggestions into actionable instructions. The platforms that scaled fastest were not those with the most sophisticated models, but those that bundled input guidance with credit access, assured input delivery, and market linkage. In a landscape dominated by smallholders, integration proved more valuable than innovation. China’s trajectory was markedly different—and deliberately so. Digital agriculture there evolved as an industrial system rather than a farmer service. On large state farms in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, AI-guided fertilisation, autonomous tractors, and drone-based variable spraying were rolled out at scale. The goal was not incremental yield gains but radical input efficiency and labour substitution in a countryside grappling with demographic decline. In China’s model, digital inputs functioned less as advisory tools and more as instruments of operational discipline. Southeast Asia offered a third pathway. In Vietnam and Thailand, digital input systems became tightly linked to export compliance. Traceability requirements from European and Gulf markets forced agribusinesses to embed digital nutrient planning and pest forecasting into contract farming arrangements. Adoption followed not because farmers were convinced, but because market access depended on it. In South Asia’s poorer economies, necessity bred pragmatism. Nepal and Bangladesh leapfrogged capital-intensive models altogether, deploying mobile-first advisory systems that worked on basic phones and unreliable networks. These platforms compensated for weak mechanisation by optimising timing—when to plant, irrigate, fertilise, or protect crops—proving that digital agriculture could scale even where hardware could not. This transition marked the end of technology theatre in Asian agriculture. For the first time, digital tools stopped being optional add-ons that relied on farmer enthusiasm and became embedded decision infrastructure. Once input recommendations were wired into credit approval, procurement contracts, subsidy delivery, and extension workflows, adoption ceased to be voluntary. It became structural. That shift fundamentally altered the economics of agri-tech. Scaling no longer depended on persuading millions of individual farmers one by one. It depended on plugging into a handful of powerful systems—banks, buyers, cooperatives, and governments. The result was a dramatic acceleration in adoption speed, coverage, and consistency. More importantly, 2025 established a new rule for agri-tech success in Asia-Pacific: technology that does not integrate will not scale. The winners were not the smartest algorithms, but the ones that disappeared into the background—quietly shaping decisions, reducing risk, and making agriculture more governable in an increasingly volatile world. In that sense, 2025 did not make digital agriculture more visible.It made it unavoidable. The Year Chemistry Lost Its Monopoly: APAC Agri-Tech 2025 If 2025 had a defining theme in Asia-Pacific agriculture, it was integration under pressure. Across the region, digital advisories, biological inputs, and next-generation chemical technologies converged into system-level farm management platforms, reshaping how seeds were sown, nutrients applied, weeds controlled, and risks mitigated — from India’s vast paddy belts to China’s industrial grain corridors and Southeast Asia’s diversified cropping landscapes. The most visible shift was the quiet disappearance of the word pilot. Demonstration plots and experimental apps became operational infrastructure. AI-driven crop advisories, satellite-based nutrient planning, and weather-linked pest forecasts were embedded into extension services, credit pathways, and agribusiness procurement platforms. India’s Digital Agriculture Mission integrated hyper-local recommendations into government and cooperative systems; China’s Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia state farms scaled autonomous machinery, drone-based spraying, and AI-guided fertilization; Nepal and Bangladesh leapfrogged hardware-heavy models with mobile-first advisory platforms. Digital tools moved from optional add-ons to decision infrastructure, shaping adoption speed and scale region-wide. Yet while technology transformed how inputs were applied, geopolitical developments reshaped what inputs were available. China, a dominant global supplier of nitrogenous and phosphate fertilizers, restricted exports of specialty fertilizers in 2025 to preserve domestic supply and support strategic industries such as battery production. For importers like India, this triggered an acute fertilizer crunch, spiking prices, straining subsidy programs, and forcing urgent diversification toward alternative sources in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Analysts noted that these export controls functioned as a non-tariff trade lever, echoing prior Chinese tactics with rare earths and industrial chemicals. The disruption accelerated adoption of biologicals and precision digital tools, as microbial inoculants, bio-stimulants, and AI-driven nutrient optimization became essential to maintain crop performance under uncertain chemical supply. Biologicals themselves evolved from alternative inputs to core risk-management tools. In India, they became fiscal stabilizers, stretching subsidies while sustaining soil fertility. China embedded microbial inoculants into long-term soil health strategies. Vietnam and Thailand adopted biologicals to meet residue-compliant export requirements, while Indonesia and the Philippines embraced them to buffer climatic shocks. These products — ranging from China’s Neptunion biostimulant to the Philippines’ 7,200-MT biofertilizer facility producing nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and mycorrhizal inoculants — addressed gaps that chemistry or digital advisories alone could not, enhancing soil microbiome health, nutrient cycling, and adaptive stress resilience. Chemical innovation, meanwhile, became more targeted and integrated. BASF’s Provisia Herbicide-Tolerant Rice System in China allowed precise herbicide use on tolerant varieties, reducing weed pressure without compromising integrated management. Japan’s Kumiai Chemical introduced EFFEEDA-based herbicides (TESSHIN, SEITEN, ISSEN) for paddy, while India saw a wave of crop-specific launches — Altair, Pyankor, Dinkar, Torry Super, Brucia, Ashitaka, Pixxaro, Centurion EZ, Melody Duo, Tag-Proxy, Tag Fly Gold — addressing weeds, pests, and fungal threats across paddy, maize, wheat, soybean, cotton, and horticulture. These innovations reflect a shift from blanket chemistry to precision intervention, complementing digital advisories and biological risk buffers. In sum, 2025 crystallized a fundamental transformation in Asia-Pacific agriculture: digital tools became embedded infrastructure; biologicals emerged as essential risk-management assets; and chemistry evolved into precision instruments integrated with AI and microbial strategies. The geopolitical fertilizer crunch accelerated this transition, demonstrating that when conventional inputs falter, a combination of technology and biology can sustain productivity, profitability, and resilience. 2025 was the year chemistry lost its monopoly, digital intelligence gained operational dominance, and biologicals became indispensable, establishing the blueprint for Asia-Pacific agriculture in the decade ahead. Precision Agriculture: Scale Still Wins In 2025, precision agriculture proved its value — but it also laid bare a structural truth: scale still dictates adoption unless delivery models evolve. Across the Asia‑Pacific, regions with expansive, consolidated farms pushed precision tools into operational use. In Australia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, satellite‑guided fertilisation, AI‑based yield mapping, and variable‑rate application systems became standard in broadacre cereal and oilseed landscapes. China’s state farms blended autonomous tractors, robotic sprayers, and fleet‑wide AI decision engines to squeeze every unit of input for maximum efficiency. Malaysia’s oil palm sector emerged as one of the region’s most advanced applications, where integrated sensor networks and drone scouting optimized nutrition and protection regimes across tens of thousands of hectares. The technology landscape confirms this trajectory. Asia‑Pacific’s agri‑drones market alone — a key precision agriculture proxy — was valued at approximately $1.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow sharply through the decade, driven by crop monitoring, adaptive spraying, and IoT‑connected data systems that support real‑time decision‑making and labor substitution. Remote sensing, satellite imagery, and AI‑enhanced variable‑rate fertiliser application technologies reported estimated adoption rates above 55  per cent among modern commercial growers by 2025, supporting nutrient savings of up to 20‑25  per cent and yield uplifts in the mid‑teens.  But smallholder Asia told a different story. Precision agriculture’s capital intensity — GPS‑enabled machinery, sensors, and automated implements — remains a barrier for fragmented landholding systems where average farm sizes are often below two hectares. Empirical data shows that among smallholders globally, adoption of GPS‑guided systems rarely exceeds the low double digits, with variable‑rate technologies and remote sensing trailing even further. Investments in a $5,000–$20,000 technology stack can delay return on investment beyond a single cropping cycle in low‑margin systems, dampening farmer demand.  In this environment, precision agriculture succeeded only when delivered as a service. Drone spraying, soil health testing, and nutrient diagnostics increasingly appeared as on‑demand utilities rather than assets to be bought outright. Contract service providers and Agri‑Tech‑as‑a‑Service (Agri‑TaaS) models allowed even midsized farms to access variable‑rate application maps, crop health indices, and UAV‑enabled scouting without the upfront capital burden. Emerging Drone‑as‑a‑Service models — where operators lease UAV capabilities at daily or seasonal rates — have proliferated, making precision spraying and data capture accessible to farmers who would otherwise never own the hardware.  2025 shattered the myth that precision agriculture naturally democratizes farming. Instead, it demonstrated that precision follows scale unless proactively redesigned for fragmentation. Large farms could absorb the cost and complexity, turning precision tools into economic levers. Smallholder regions, by contrast, only saw tangible benefits through service‑based delivery, where expertise, hardware, and analytics were pooled and shared. This realization forced companies and governments to rethink precision adoption strategies — from hardware sales to service ecosystems, from one‑off subsidies to sustainable subscription models. It underscored a critical insight: technology delivery must match farm structure, not farm size, and only then can precision agriculture truly bridge the divide between commercial estates and smallholder fields. In 2025, precision agriculture did not flatten Asia’s farm landscape — but it did reshape the model of delivery, setting the stage for broader inclusion and impact in the decade ahead. Seeds Return to the Geopolitical Arena While digital tools, biologicals, and chemical innovations dominated public attention, the most strategic transformation of 2025 quietly unfolded beneath the soil. Seeds — long treated as commercial commodities — returned to the geopolitical stage, framed explicitly as instruments of national resilience and sovereignty. China accelerated gene-edited crop programs and AI-driven breeding platforms, prioritizing wheat, rice, and maize varieties that could sustain production under erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and constrained fertilizer access. Beijing’s investments were not only productivity-focused; they aimed to consolidate control over proprietary genetics, establishing seed systems as national strategic assets and reducing dependency on global germplasm flows. India, in parallel, expanded climate-resilient breeding partnerships, leveraging both public-private collaborations and international research networks to develop drought-tolerant rice and heat-resilient wheat varieties. State-led initiatives, such as ICAR’s accelerated trial programs, focused on integrating CRISPR-enabled traits and conventional breeding to safeguard staple crops against climate extremes. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, national breeding priorities concentrated on salt- and heat-tolerant rice and wheat, reflecting acute vulnerability in delta and arid regions. Bangladesh’s recently expanded saline-tolerant rice trials, covering over 15,000 hectares in the coastal belt, exemplified a shift from yield-maximization to risk hedging. Similarly, Pakistan invested in early-maturing, heat-resilient wheat varieties to buffer against both climatic shocks and export volatility. Central Asian states — particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan — poured resources into drought-hardy wheat and cotton genetics, ensuring stable export flows for regional markets heavily dependent on staple and fiber crops. AI-assisted selection and marker-assisted breeding accelerated cycles, compressing what once took a decade into 3–4 years of development. Even Southeast Asia and West Asia joined the trend: Vietnam prioritized flood-tolerant rice, Thailand expanded stress-resilient cassava, and Israel continued deploying precision breeding and controlled-environment trials to secure strategic horticultural crops. 2025 crystallized a fundamental shift: seeds re-emerged as long-term strategic infrastructure, not just inputs for yield maximization. In a world increasingly defined by climate volatility, geopolitical tensions, and trade uncertainties, genetic control became as important as productivity. Nations recognized that access to proprietary germplasm, rapid breeding capabilities, and AI-driven selection systems could safeguard food security, export stability, and economic sovereignty. The era of agri-input sovereignty — with seeds at its core — was no longer theoretical. 2025 marked the year when national strategies explicitly treated seed systems as instruments of resilience and leverage, signaling a profound recalibration of priorities across Asia-Pacific and beyond. West Asia: When Inputs Became National Security Nowhere was the strategic turn sharper than in West Asia. Israel continued exporting agricultural intelligence — irrigation algorithms, fertigation software, microbial platforms — embedding itself deeply into global food systems. Saudi Arabia scaled controlled-environment agriculture, saline-tolerant inputs, and AI irrigation as part of food security policy. Iraq focused on seed reform and digital planning to stabilise yields amid water scarcity. West Asia reframed agri-inputs as resilience infrastructure, not farm tools. This logic — agriculture as national security — is increasingly influencing Asia’s food policy debates, especially in water-stressed and import-dependent economies. The Barriers That Refused to Move Despite the rapid advance of digital advisories, biological inputs, and precision tools in 2025, three deep structural constraints remained stubbornly persistent — finance, fragmentation, and trust — limiting the pace and breadth of transformation in Asian agriculture. Finance Still Lags Behind Technology Across low‑ and middle‑income countries in the region, the gap between available technology and farmers’ ability to pay for it remained wide in 2025. Modern agri‑tech tools — from AI decision platforms to drones and multispectral sensors — carry high upfront costs that many smallholders simply cannot absorb. Studies as recent as 2025 indicate that financial constraints topped the list of barriers to technology adoption: high initial investments and limited access to credit or tailored financial products prevented farmers from experimenting with or fully deploying new tools. Lack of affordable, green lines of credit and risk‑sharing mechanisms further limited uptake, especially among cash‑constrained smallholders whose income fluctuates with seasonality and market price swings.  Even where financing exists, its structure often fails to match agricultural realities. Traditional bank loans require collateral that small farms rarely possess, and microfinance remains too limited to bridge the financing gap for digital and precision investments. In ASEAN economies, only a minority of rural producers reported receiving technical or capital assistance, underscoring how inadequate financing mechanisms continue to constrain adoption of even well‑proven technologies.  Fragmentation Defied Standardisation Fragmentation — of data, platforms, and institutional coordination — was another barrier that refused to budge in 2025. Asia-Pacific agriculture is characterised by enormous diversity in farm size, cropping systems, languages, and governance frameworks, and no unified data or regulatory architecture exists to harmonise digital tools across these contexts. Despite strong digital penetration in some countries, fragmented data ecosystems with inconsistent standards, limited interoperability, and little consensus on privacy and governance hindered scale. In markets like India, for example, multiple siloed databases across government agencies, startups, and cooperatives limited integration of advisory, finance, and market services into a seamless farmer experience.  In the ASEAN region, national policy frameworks often referenced digitalisation goals without converting them into operational roadmaps — leading to patchy deployment of IoT, blockchain, and traceability systems, and uneven delivery of digital agri‑services. Physical infrastructure fragmentation — from inconsistent broadband to underdeveloped logistics — compounded digital silos, making it difficult for solutions that worked well in one state or village to be replicated or interoperable in another.  Trust Limited Platform Reach Technology adoption in 2025 did not fail for want of innovation — it failed where trust and legitimacy were absent. Farmers rarely adopted new tools simply because they were available. They adopted them through relationships — with cooperatives, extension agents, input suppliers, and trusted peers — not through dashboards or automated alerts. For many smallholders, the risk of incorrect recommendations, questionable data privacy, or a bad investment outweighed anticipated benefits. In some surveys, farmers expressed concern about data misuse and unclear consent protocols, deterring them from sharing field data with digital platforms.  A deeper limitation was the lack of localized validation. When technologies did not demonstrably reflect local conditions — soil types, climate patterns, pests, or market access — farmers treated them with scepticism. Adoption rates in low‑trust settings remained low even when technologies were technically sound, reflecting a broader behavioural and cultural dimension of adoption that purely technical solutions cannot address. These barriers explain why innovation alone cannot transform Asian agriculture — even in a breakthrough year like 2025. While digital tools, biological inputs, and precision systems offered tangible productivity and resilience gains, their real‑world uptake was determined less by sophistication than by institutional design, economic fit, and social legitimacy. Finance mattered because without accessible, risk‑aligned capital, even proven technologies remained out of reach for most farmers. Fragmentation mattered because disconnected data and policy systems impeded coherent delivery and scale. Trust mattered because adoption depended on relationships, not algorithms, and farmers gravitated toward recommendations backed by human networks, peer verification, and clear economic outcomes. In other words, adoption followed institutional design before it followed technological capability — a lesson that is reshaping how agri‑tech is financed, regulated, deployed, and scaled across Asia‑Pacific. Developing solutions that align with farmers’ cash flows, harmonise across fragmented systems, and are anchored in trusted networks will be as important as the next breakthrough in AI, drones, or biological inputs. What 2025 Really Changed The importance of 2025 lies in alignment- Technology aligned with climate reality.Inputs aligned with export economics.Digital tools aligned with policy architecture.Biologicals aligned with soil exhaustion.Precision aligned with labour scarcity. Agri-tech in Asia-Pacific is no longer chasing novelty. It is chasing durability. The next phase will not be won by those who invent fastest, but by those who integrate best — across inputs, data, finance, and markets. In a region that feeds more than half the world, the future of food will not be decided in laboratories alone. It will be decided by who controls the systems that make technologies endure. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3476/enko-and-syngenta-advance-new-novel-mode-of-action-fungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3476/enko-and-syngenta-advance-new-novel-mode-of-action-fungicide.html Sat, 13 Dec 2025 23:27:25 +0530 Breakthrough addresses a scientific challenge and accelerates safer, more sustainable crop protection innovation Enko Chem, Inc. has developed a novel fungicide class of chemistry in collaboration with Syngenta Crop Protection has advanced to field testing. The chemistries, discovered through Enko’s ENKOMPASS™ discovery platform, represent a breakthrough in the discovery of effective and safe molecules targeting a novel mode of action that has been the focus of industry efforts for decades. The collaboration utilized Enko’s precision ENKOMPASS™ platform, which applies DNA-encoded libraries, machine learning, and structural biology to evaluate large numbers of potential molecules with an emphasis on critical performance characteristics. The ongoing program is focused on providing an additional tool to help manage fungal pathogens in cereal production worldwide. Fungal pathogens remain among the most economically damaging threats to global crop production, with yield losses in the billions of dollars annually. The development of resistance to existing chemistries makes the discovery of new modes of action a critical priority for sustainable agriculture. The collaboration utilized Enko’s precision ENKOMPASS platform, which applies DNA-encoded libraries, machine learning, and structural biology to evaluate large numbers of potential molecules with an emphasis on critical performance characteristics. Syngenta plans to conduct field testing next year at several locations to assess performance under typical grower conditions. The advancement to the next phase of the collaboration was based on data generated to date in controlled environments. “This milestone reflects steady progress in a complex area of crop protection research,” said Tony Klemm, CEO of Enko. “We look forward to the next stage of work with Syngenta as testing moves into field environments.” Enko’s collaboration with Syngenta focuses on discovering and developing new chemistry for novel modes of action for key crop protection challenges. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3463/dr-markandeya-gorantla-on-how-semiophore-will-make-india-epicenter-of-sustainable-pest-management.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3463/dr-markandeya-gorantla-on-how-semiophore-will-make-india-epicenter-of-sustainable-pest-management.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:34:59 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Chairman & Managing Director of ATGC Biotech, outlines how the newly formed Semiophore JV with Luxembourg Industries marks India’s first global-scale out-licensing of semiochemical IP and positions the country at the forefront of next-generation, residue-free pest management. He explains that the partnership merges ATGC’s decade-long leadership in pheromone biomanufacturing and controlled-release systems with Israel’s formidable regulatory and commercial networks, creating a platform capable of scaling 18 breakthrough technologies across world markets. Dr. Gorantla highlights the JV’s sustainability edge—from ultra-low-dose, zero-water delivery to massive reductions in CO₂e, plastic waste, and insecticide load—supported by rigorous field data and lifecycle metrics. Looking ahead, he notes that Semiophore’s long-term roadmap spans next-generation pheromone chemistry, automated deployment, and climate-smart pest-management platforms, aiming to redefine global crop protection and unlock multi-billion-dollar opportunities for India and Israel. Strategic Vision & Rationale What was the strategic rationale behind forming the Semiophore JV with Luxembourg Industries, and how does this partnership position ATGC Biotech in the global semiochemical and pheromone market ? The formation of Semiophore Ltd. with Luxembourg Industries is a strategic step that aligns ATGC’s scientific leadership with a global commercialization engine capable of taking India’s semiochemical technologies to international markets at scale. ATGC has spent more than a decade building deep capabilities in pheromone biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and material-science–driven controlled-release systems, areas in which India had no industrial presence prior to our work. Luxembourg Industries, on the other hand, brings more than 50 years of global experience in manufacturing, regulatory operations, and distribution across Israel, Europe, MENA, Latin America, and the United States. The rationale behind Semiophore is to combine India’s innovation strengths with Israel’s proven commercial networks in agriculture, enabling a partnership that neither company could achieve independently. The JV positions ATGC at the forefront of the global pheromone market one of the fastest-growing segments in sustainable agriculture. It allows India not only to compete, but to lead, in an area historically dominated by European and North American players. Semiophore represents India’s first international-scale out-licensing of semiochemical IP, a major milestone in India’s bioeconomy journey and a strong signal of confidence in the scientific quality of Indian innovation. Technology Differentiation Semiophore will deploy 18 advanced semiochemical and pheromone technologies. Could you elaborate on how these technologies differ from conventional chemical pest management methods in terms of efficacy, sustainability, and adoption potential? The 18 technologies being deployed through Semiophore represent a fundamentally different approach to crop protection compared to conventional pesticides. Traditional insecticides operate through chemical toxicity they kill insects through neurotoxic or metabolic disruption and require large quantities, repeated spraying, water usage, and leave behind residues that affect human health, export compliance, and ecosystems. In contrast, ATGC’s pheromone and semiochemical platforms work through behavioral ecology rather than toxicity. By interfering with the mating communication of pests what we describe as “Insect Family Planning” we prevent population buildup without killing beneficial organisms. This is a nature-aligned solution, not a chemical intervention. Our technologies require just 5 grams per acre, compared to hundreds of grams of conventional pesticides. They offer season-long (up to 6 months) protection through advanced controlled-release systems made from mesoporous materials, nano-enabled matrices, and semi-solid emulsion delivery platforms. They require zero water, eliminating the need for spray equipment and mitigating runoff. This combination of ultra-low dose, zero residues, and long-duration control positions the technology as one of the most sustainable pest management systems available worldwide, with adoption potential across smallholder and commercial agriculture. Global Market Deployment: Expected Challenges With regulatory approvals and registrations planned across Israel, Brazil, Australia, and Africa, what are the major scientific, regulatory, or market challenges you anticipate in scaling these technologies internationally? Scaling semiochemical technologies across Israel, Brazil, Australia, and Africa involves navigating scientific, regulatory, and market complexities. Scientifically, pheromone systems are highly pest-specific. Each geography has different climatic conditions temperature, humidity, canopy structure that influence release kinetics and behavioral response. Semiophore will work closely with agricultural universities, entomology departments, and local regulators to optimize dose, spacing, and delivery parameters for each region. From a regulatory standpoint, every country has its own framework for approving biochemical pesticides, which requires field trials, toxicology assessments, environmental impact data, and manufacturing audits. ATGC’s existing regulatory experience in the US, India, and multiple international programs provides a strong foundation for navigating these pathways. Marketwise, the largest challenge is behavioral farmers are accustomed to chemical sprays. Semiophore will address this through demonstration farms, season-long monitoring, and extension partnerships that show the tangible economic benefits of shifting to pheromone-based systems. Despite these challenges, the global shift toward residue-free, climate-positive agriculture creates unprecedented demand for precisely the technologies ATGC has developed. Sustainability Impact & Metrics Semiophore emphasizes residue-free, pollinator-safe, and climate-resilient crop protection. How do you quantify or measure the environmental benefits—such as reduced insecticide use, lower CO₂e, water, and plastic footprint—of these technologies? Semiophore’s technologies are inherently sustainable because they eliminate the externalities associated with conventional chemical pesticides. We quantify these benefits using a combination of field data, lifecycle assessment, and modeling. Insecticide reduction is measured by comparing conventional spray schedules with 8 to 15 sprays totaling hundreds of grams of active ingredient against pheromone technologies that require only 5 grams per acre. CO₂e avoidance is calculated from reductions in chemical synthesis, transportation, storage, and repeated spraying operations. Based on ATGC’s current deployments, we estimate 2.5 million tons of CO₂e could be avoided as the technology scales. Water savings come directly from the zero-water nature of the system; farmers no longer rely on 200–400 liters of water per spray round. Across millions of acres, this results in over 20 billion liters of water saved. Plastic waste reduction is measured through reduced pesticide container usage, eliminating up to 40,000 tons of plastic annually in large-scale programs. Together, these metrics create a compelling climate and ESG case for Semiophore, opening the door to carbon-credit generation, green financing, and sustainability-linked partnerships. Adoption by Farmers What strategies will Semiophore employ to drive adoption among smallholders and large-scale growers, particularly in regions where conventional chemical pest control is entrenched? Adoption depends on demonstrating a clear, tangible difference in farmer outcomes. Semiophore will deploy a multi-layered adoption strategy. For smallholders, the focus will be on simplicity and cost: A 5-gram product that requires no water Season-long control No need for repeated spraying Compatibility with organic and IPM systems These advantages significantly reduce farmer labor, costs, and risk. For large-scale growers, the emphasis is on export compliance and predictability. Pheromone solutions eliminate residues, protect pollinators, and reduce variability in pest pressure critical factors for global markets. Semiophore will also deploy drone-based deployment systems and automation for plantation crops. The JV will work closely with government programs, cooperatives, and agricultural extension networks, supported by strong data dashboards and field teams. Demonstration plots will serve as the anchor of adoption strategy, showing farmers real-season results. Innovation, IP, and R&D Leadership How will ATGC Biotech’s IP, R&D, and technology leadership be leveraged within the JV to ensure continuous innovation and competitive advantage in the global semiochemical space? ATGC contributes a deep technology stack to Semiophore: 26 granted patents, multiple international filings, and some of the world’s most advanced biochemical delivery systems. Our synthetic biology platform enables cost-efficient pheromone biomanufacturing an area where traditional chemical synthesis has historically been expensive. Semiophore will benefit not only from ATGC’s existing innovations but from a continuous pipeline of next-generation technologies: enhanced blends, improved release kinetics, hybrid peptide pheromone solutions, nano-enabled matrices, and drone compatible formats. The JV structure ensures that ATGC retains IP ownership while providing Semiophore with global commercialization rights. This creates a competitive moat that strengthens over time, allowing the JV to lead the semiochemical space with sustained innovation. Commercial & Economic Impact Could you share projections for revenue, market capture, and job creation across India and Israel, and how the JV aims to create measurable socio-economic impact in these regions? The Semiophore JV is expected to catalyze significant economic gains for both India and Israel. In India, it will expand ATGC’s R&D, regulatory, and manufacturing footprint, creating jobs in synthetic biology, analytical chemistry, formulation science, engineering, agronomy, and field operations. The India-based manufacturing and export ecosystem will grow as new markets scale. In Israel, the JV will generate new employment opportunities in manufacturing, quality control, agronomy, regulatory affairs, and distribution. It will also strengthen Israel’s portfolio of sustainable agricultural inputs, opening export channels for green technologies. The global semiochemical market is projected to surpass USD 10–12 billion over the coming decade; Semiophore aims to capture a meaningful share of this through differentiated technologies and strategic international partnerships. Long-term Roadmap & Expansion Beyond the initial 18 products, what is the long-term vision for Semiophore in terms of expanding the portfolio, integrating next-generation delivery systems, and shaping the global landscape of sustainable, behavior-based crop protection? Semiophore’s long-term vision extends far beyond the initial set of 18 products. The JV will progressively expand into: Next-generation pheromone blends Solid and semi-solid delivery systems optimized for varied climates Encapsulated peptides, kairomones, and biological synergists Automated application technologies, including drones and ground rigs End-to-end precision-pest-management platforms Integrated climate-smart solutions aligned with carbon markets The end goal is to build the world’s most advanced behavior-based crop protection platform one that replaces chemical insecticides across millions of acres while enabling nations to meet their sustainability and climate targets. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3462/basf-officially-launches-provisia-herbicide-tolerant-rice-system-in-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3462/basf-officially-launches-provisia-herbicide-tolerant-rice-system-in-china.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:23:19 +0530 Innovative scientifically formulated alternative rice cultivation system precisely addresses the weed control challenges as farmers practice direct-seeded rice cultivation BASF and Anhui Winall High-Tech Seed Co., Ltd. jointly launched the Provisia® Herbicide-Tolerant Rice System in China. This system consists of two core components: herbicide Provisia (300g/L quizalofop-p-ethyl) developed by BASF, and two quizalofop-p-ethyl-tolerant rice varieties, Quanyou 822 and Huiliangyou 898, bred by Winall. BASF’s Provisia is the first quizalofop-p-ethyl chemistry to obtain registration on herbicide-tolerant rice varieties in China. This scientific combination precisely addresses the weed control challenges of farmers as they practice direct-seeded rice cultivation. The implementation of Provisia rice system will significantly reduce labor costs, and injects efficient and carbon-reducing impetus into large-scale wet paddy rice farmers to consider the alternate solution of dry-direct seeded rice cultivation. In China, direct-seeding is widely favored by rice growers due to its labor-saving and high-efficiency advantages. However, weedy rice often grows synchronously with cultivated rice and  competes fiercely for nutrients and growing space. Manual weeding is costly, while traditional herbicides cannot distinguish between the two gramineous crops. Therefore, there is an urgent market demand for a weed control method that balances efficacy and rice crop safety. As a chemistry, quizalofop‑p‑ethyl is a highly effective post-emergence foliar herbicide that controls gramineous weeds in broad‑leaf crop fields, but it cannot be applied in cultivated rice fields. However, BASF’s Provisia Rice System  enables  the herbicide to be safely applied to the fields of the Huiliangyou 898 and Quanyou 822 rice varieties, as the hybrid seeds are designed to be herbicide-tolerant and remain unaffected by the herbicide application while target weeds are controlled. Huiliangyou 898 and Quanyou 822 are nationally registered, high-quality hybrid rice varieties developed by Winall in collaboration with Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Anhui Wannong Seed Industry respectively. These nationally certified varieties possess excellent traits such as high lodging resistance, strong resistance, high yield, good rice quality, and wide adaptability, and have been promoted in the market for over a decade. This upgrade of these varieties retains their original superior characteristics while adding quizalofop-p-ethyl tolerance, better meeting the needs of farmers. Provisia has a short residual period, ensuring safety for subsequent crops and surrounding broad-leaved crops, which is conducive to rice field rotation. Additionally, the system supports direct seeding, reducing water consumption and significantly lowering carbon dioxide emissions when compared to wet paddy cultivation. “The launch of Provisia Herbicide-Tolerant Rice System effectively addresses the core challenge of weed control in rice growing. Coupled with the water-saving and emission-reduction benefits brought by direct-seeding, this rice system perfectly aligns with the development needs of green agriculture. As a leading enterprise in China’s seed industry, we will leverage Winall’s domestic seed industry network to rapidly deploy this efficient and green solution to farmlands, supporting the green upgrading and sustainable development of China’s rice industry,” said Ms. Qin Zhang, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Winall. Following the launch of Provisia Rice Systems, BASF will collaborate with more partners to expand and deepen the availability of its herbicide-tolerant rice system as this will allow BASF to actively transform the rice growing landscape and support China’s sustainable agriculture ambitions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3455/brazils-biologicals-at-inflection-point-marcelo-de-godoy-oliveiras-vision-for-high-science-high-quality-bioeconomy.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3455/brazils-biologicals-at-inflection-point-marcelo-de-godoy-oliveiras-vision-for-high-science-high-quality-bioeconomy.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:30:33 +0530 In an exclusive Agrospectrum interview, Marcelo de Godoy Oliveira, President of ABINBIO, explains that Brazil’s more than 30 per cent bioinputs surge is driven by pest pressure, chemical resistance, fertilizer dependence, and rapid scientific advances. He stresses that strict MAPA–industry oversight is essential to prevent a “wild west” of substandard products as the sector scales. Brazil’s biodiversity, combined with strong public–private R&D and emerging IP frameworks in gene editing, positions the country for global leadership. Marcelo highlights that biologicals in Brazil already deliver >90 per cent positive ROI in monitored applications and are fast becoming core to decarbonisation strategies. Looking ahead to 2035, he predicts only companies with deep science, industrial scale, and elite agronomic support will survive in a rapidly maturing market. Market Dynamics & Inflection Point Brazil’s bioinputs market is growing 30 per cent + annually even as global agrichem slows. What is the real inflection point—scientific breakthroughs, fertiliser volatility, climate pressures, or structural shifts in Brazil’s agri-economy ? The growth in bio-input use in Brazil is associated with four fundamental factors. The first factor relates to the significant increase in pest and disease incidence in agricultural systems. Being a tropical climate country, Brazil develops high-intensity agriculture, characterized by so-called "green bridges," which offer constant food supply for the accelerated proliferation of pests. Consequently, there is an increase in the number of pesticide applications in crops. This scenario leads to the second factor: the development of pest and disease resistance to chemical pesticides, resulting from continuous and repeated exposure to these products. Faced with this, rural producers begin seeking complementary management tools, such as biodefensives, to achieve greater efficacy in controlling phytopathogenic agents. The third factor is related to the country's high dependence on fertilizer imports, combined with the high prices charged for these inputs. This situation encourages producers to seek alternatives that increase the utilization of nutrients already present in the soil or enhance the efficiency of applied fertilizers, allowing, in some cases, dose reduction. An example is the use of phosphorus solubilizers to reduce the need for phosphate fertilization. Finally, the fourth and, in my opinion, most important factor refers to the advancement of scientific research and development of microbiological technologies, as well as the modernization of manufacturing facilities dedicated to the sector. Brazilian industries have distinguished themselves through high production capacity, elevated technological level, and experienced professionals in manufacturing both pesticides and other microbiological inputs. The combination of these factors makes Brazil stand out globally in adoption, technological development, and business investment in the bio-inputs segment. Quality, Oversight & “Wild West” Risk With 400+ manufacturers and thousands of on-farm biofactories, how is ABINBIO working with MAPA to ensure enforceable quality standards and avoid a fragmented “wild west” of inconsistent products? Our work with the Federal Government aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining rigorous rules for bio-input production, preventing the entry or manufacture of low-quality products in the country. Brazil is a global reference in the microbiological segment applied to agribusiness, and therefore requires legislation that safeguards product quality and continuously stimulates technological development, guaranteeing effective and safe tools so that our main partner—the rural producer—achieves increasing success in their activity. Additionally, there is a determining factor for company competitiveness in the market: people. Producers will always prioritize technologies that deliver proven results and add intelligence to their operation. Therefore, companies that do not invest in high-performance professionals will hardly remain competitive in the long term, and this investment, while essential, requires resources. Finally, we have reinforced to the Federal Government that the national bio-inputs industry is a true diamond in the making, becoming an important source of income for countless Brazilian families. The sector has been generating a significant number of jobs, contributing directly to the country's social development. R&D Leadership & Microbiome Advantage Brazil’s biodiversity gives it a strong edge in nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilising and pest-suppressive microbes. What R&D platforms, public–private models, or IP frameworks can convert this into true global competitive advantage ? Yes, our biodiversity favors us extraordinarily. Brazil has different biomes that function as true open-air collections, providing numerous discoveries of microbiological actives that stand out in performance when processed through our advanced bioprocesses, formulations, quality standards, and high industrial capacity. Additionally, we have highly qualified public institutions that support the identification and study of these new actives, such as Embrapa, globally recognized as a reference in the bio-inputs segment. Regarding intellectual property protection, we are working together with the government and advancing in the use of gene editing and genetic engineering techniques. When associated with microorganism functions and our formulations, these technologies make products patentable, creating an important level of protection. However, biopiracy is still a reality and will continue to be combated by both industry and Brazilian regulatory agencies. Biologicals vs Chemicals: Real Economics Growers report variable field results. What does the real economic equation look like—yield stability, input substitution and ROI—when biologicals complement or replace synthetics at scale ? We have a rigorous performance monitoring system, advanced quality control, well-defined technical positioning, and differentiated follow-up conducted by our field specialists. As a consequence, more than 90 per cent of our technology applications show positive results. This level of efficiency is reflected in a high repurchase rate, since ultimately, we manage to generate excellent return on investment for the producer. As for the substitution or combined use of chemical and biological products, this depends greatly on the segment. A clear example is the use of biological nematicides, which has been growing for several years and, in many cases, already replaces the use of conventional pesticides. I believe that in the near future, bio-inputs will replace chemicals in other segments as well. However, it is important to understand that our main objective is to support rural producers in their mission to produce more food for the world. And for this, the combination of chemical and biological tools—when well positioned and integrated—makes all the difference. Brazil as a Global Bioinputs Powerhouse Foreign firms are validating products under Brazil’s tropical stress conditions. Can Brazil become a global exporter of biological technologies? What capabilities—regulatory strength, manufacturing, consortium science—must improve ? We are exporting, each year, a greater volume of microbiological technologies to various international markets. I believe that soon Brazil will globally lead this segment, as large foreign companies have been seeking to establish strategic partnerships with us. This movement is only possible thanks to the high quality of our products, the large industrial capacity installed in the country, consistent investments in international registrations, and the development of strong regulatory expertise by our teams, who work closely with regulatory agencies in other countries. I have no doubt that the global bio-inputs market will be largely led by major Brazilian players in the coming years. Fast-Tracking vs Environmental Risk Brazil’s fast regulatory approvals accelerate innovation but raise biosafety concerns. Do rapid pathways risk blind spots, especially for microbial consortia and next-gen metabolic boosters ? The rapid approval of biodefensives in Brazil is only possible due to the excellent work developed by our regulatory agencies (MAPA, Anvisa, and IBAMA). Our legislation is strict and requires, in addition to efficacy tests, various toxicological and ecotoxicological tests, thus generating low environmental risk when the product is approved by these agencies. Soil Carbon, ESG & Bioeconomy Transition With tighter MRL norms and carbon-linked premiums emerging, will biologicals become central to Brazil’s ESG and decarbonisation strategy ? What policy tools could speed this transition ? Undoubtedly, bio-inputs play a critical role in decarbonization mechanisms, as they act directly in reducing GHG emissions associated with the use of energy-intensive inputs and increasing the biogeochemical efficiency of production systems. Growth-promoting microorganisms, solubilizers, biological nitrogen fixers, and biocontrol agents contribute to reducing CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ emissions, while favoring carbon sequestration processes in soil through increased microbial biomass, enhanced aggregate stability, formation of humic substances, and improved nutrient cycling dynamics. For these impacts to be fully integrated into decarbonization policies, strengthening the regulatory and methodological framework is essential. Priority needs include: Enhancement of MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) protocols Inclusion of specific methodologies to quantify GHG reductions and removals resulting from bio-input application, with standardized parameters according to GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, ISO 14067, and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodologies. Harmonization of certification rules Creation of regulatory flows that enable official recognition of these gains in instruments such as voluntary carbon markets and regulated programs (e.g., methodologies analogous to RenovaBio, REDD+, and Carbon Farming frameworks). Integration with government agencies and technical institutions Establishment of guidelines for credit monetization, including definitions of baseline, additionality, emission factors, permanence, and reversal risks, providing legal certainty to the industrial sector and producers. Official recognition of biotechnological pathways Formalization of emission reduction routes via nutrient solubilization, biological fixation, energy-intensive pest biocontrol, and root biostimulation processes, ensuring eligibility in carbon markets. The consolidation of these elements will allow bio-input use to be robustly incorporated into mitigation policies, increasing national industry competitiveness and positioning Brazil as a scientific, regulatory, and commercial leader in the global carbon market associated with agricultural biotechnology. The 2035 Horizon By 2035, what will separate leaders from laggards in Brazil’s bioinputs industry—strain IP, digital agronomy, consortium formulations, farmer extension networks, or something else? There is no doubt that in the coming years, the national industry will undergo an intense differentiation process, in which only the most structured companies will remain competitive. This movement will be driven by the launch of truly disruptive technologies, the high production capacity of our industries, and the qualification of technical service offered to producers. Increasingly, rural producers will demand highly skilled professionals—well-compensated and up-to-date agronomists who bring not just products, but applied scientific knowledge to all areas of their business. These factors will be decisive in separating the wheat from the chaff, resulting in a competitive market, but one of higher quality and with fewer competitors. Although many wish to enter the bio-inputs sector, few have investment capacity, operational robustness, and technical preparation to maintain and grow, especially given the challenges faced in recent years. In other words, by 2035, only truly strong and technically prepared players will survive. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3432/chinas-state-grid-jinchang-power-supplies-tailors-services-to-boost-fertilizer-firms-winter-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3432/chinas-state-grid-jinchang-power-supplies-tailors-services-to-boost-fertilizer-firms-winter-production.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:28:05 +0530 Key fertilizer producer in northwest China's Gansu Province State Grid Jinchang Power Supply Company has launched a targeted power service initiative for Gansu Xinyangfeng Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., a key fertilizer producer in northwest China's Gansu Province, on November 24, ensuring stable electricity supply for agricultural production material manufacturing during the winter season. As a leading enterprise in China's phosphate compound fertilizer industry, Gansu Xinyangfeng plays a vital role in securing agricultural input supplies for the Hexi Corridor and the broader northwest China region. With winter marking a critical period for fertilizer production to support next year's spring sowing, State Grid Jinchang Power Supply Company dispatched professional teams to conduct on-site inspections of the firm's power distribution systems, electrical equipment, and production lines. The service included troubleshooting potential power risks, optimizing load allocation, and providing technical guidance for energy-efficient operations, laying a solid electrical foundation for the enterprise's full-capacity production. "Fertilizer production relies heavily on continuous and stable power. The tailored power services from State Grid have eliminated our concerns about production interruptions in winter," said a production manager at Gansu Xinyangfeng. Going forward, State Grid Jinchang Power Supply Company will continue to monitor the power demands of agricultural-related enterprises in its jurisdiction, strengthen real-time grid operation monitoring, and refine service measures. By delivering high-quality and efficient power support, the company aims to safeguard local agricultural production stability and drive the high-quality development of agro-industrial enterprises, sending a "warm current of electricity" to propel rural revitalization in the cold winter months. This initiative forms part of State Grid Corporation of China's broader strategy to support rural revitalization through reliable power infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of electricity in underpinning agricultural supply chains and regional economic development in rural China. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3425/global-biostimulant-market-reaches-4-47-bn-as-industry-signals-maturity.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3425/global-biostimulant-market-reaches-4-47-bn-as-industry-signals-maturity.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:48:01 +0530 New Dunham Trimmer report reveals sector resilience with 9.9 per cent CAGR projection through 2030 The global biostimulant market has achieved $ 4.47 billion in value with a visible shift from opportunistic to science-based market development, according to Dunham Trimmer's new 2025 Global Biostimulant Market Report, set to be unveiled at the Biostimulants World Congress in Barcelona, December 1-4, 2025. The comprehensive analysis projects a 9.9 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030—the first time future growth projections have dipped below the double-digit benchmarks historically associated with the broader biologicals sector. However, the firm emphasizes this reflects the natural evolution of a strong market rather than weakness. Dunham Trimmer Market Reports are widely regarded as the most accurate and insightful studies serving the biologicals industries. "Mathematics have been unyielding," said Manel Cervera, Managing Partner and Chief Commercial Officer at Dunham Trimmer, when speaking of the growth rate. "Two factors fundamentally explain this outcome: several of the largest markets are showing early signs of maturity while at the same time the market's critical mass has increased substantially—thus, even when absolute growth remains strong, relative growth rates decline." Notably, the Report reveals that market absolute values will increase by more than half a billion dollars annually through the end of the decade, underscoring the segment's robust (albeit moderating) expansion. Regional Dynamics Reshape Global Landscape Latin America has consolidated its position as the leading market in both value and growth, with Brazil contributing half the region's revenue. The USA maintains its status as the world's largest single market, with Dunham Trimmer citing the significant impact of major U.S. distributors who have evolved into formulation powerhouses. Europe's fourth-place ranking may surprise observers, given European companies' historical leadership in international market development. While Mediterranean markets created major industry leaders, growth elsewhere in the region has not reached critical mass to elevate overall trajectories. However, increasing interest in CE certification could reinvigorate the unified 27-country EU market. Africa remains relatively small overall, with structural constraints—including commercial-channel development and agricultural-system fragmentation—limiting widespread adoption, though DunhamTrimmer anticipates accelerated emergence as a growth pole early next decade. Product Innovation and Application Trends Amino acids reaffirm their leadership position among biostimulant substances, valued for versatility in formulations and strong alignment with circularity principles. Algae extracts also retain premium positioning as the second-largest segment, while humic and fulvic acids remain relevant, particularly as irrigated acreage expands. As a potential game-changer going into the future, Dunham Trimmer highlights the emerging Single Biostimulant Molecule (SBM) market, which is bringing forth products that offer higher specificity and more consistent efficacy (with reduced dependency on agronomic conditions)—potentially unlocking large-scale adoption in row crops and cereals. For the first time, the new Global Biostimulant Report takes on a major innovation by subdividing the market by product use. Spurred by segmentation aligned with EU Regulation 2019/1009 (Fertilising Products Regulation, or FPR) , nutrient use efficiency (NUE) represents the largest biostimulant application category, followed closely by abiotic stress resistance, which is capturing growing market share amid climate challenges in all geographies. Fruits and vegetables remain the primary crop segment, representing over half of total demand, though row crops and cereals are expanding most rapidly—positioned to become the next major growth driver. Despite moderated percentage growth, Dunham Trimmer concludes that the sector's proven resilience through pandemic disruptions and inflationary pressures, combined with emerging technological opportunities, strongly reinforces optimism for biostimulants' role in addressing agricultural challenges while advancing global sustainability objectives. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3420/basf-inaugurates-the-expansion-of-production-capacity-for-alkyl-polyglucosides-apgs-in-bangpakong-thailand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3420/basf-inaugurates-the-expansion-of-production-capacity-for-alkyl-polyglucosides-apgs-in-bangpakong-thailand.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:00:41 +0530 The enhancement complements BASF’s global APG production network—including sites in Germany, China, and a new facility scheduled for start-up in 2026 in the U.S. BASF announced the expansion of its Alkyl Polyglucosides (APGs) footprint in Asia with a new plant at the Bangpakong site in Thailand. The enhancement is a strategic response to strengthen its position in a growth geography and serve customers with greater agility and more flexibility from a robust regional network. “This investment reinforces our commitment to being a reliable partner for customers across personal care, home care, and industrial sectors. By expanding our APG production in Thailand, we’re enhancing regional supply capabilities, enabling faster, more flexible service, and supporting the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions”, said Mary Kurian, President Care Chemicals. BASF currently produces APGs at sites in Düsseldorf, Germany; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Jinshan, China—forming a robust global network to meet diverse industry needs. The expansion in Bangpakong strengthens regional supply capabilities in Asia, while a new APG production line in Cincinnati, scheduled for completion in 2026, will further enhance capacity in North America. Together, these investments reinforce Care Chemicals’ commitment to delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions with speed, flexibility, and reliability across key markets. APGs are bio-based and readily biodegradable, and mild secondary surfactants derived from 100 percent natural, renewable feedstocks. In addition, their sustainable and high-performance profile, along with the non-ionic nature of APGs makes them highly versatile for formulation with other surfactants. They are widely used in various applications across personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, industrial formulations, and agricultural markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3397/pupuk-indonesia-builds-indonesias-first-soda-ash-factory-to-aid-national-fertilizer-industrial-goals.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3397/pupuk-indonesia-builds-indonesias-first-soda-ash-factory-to-aid-national-fertilizer-industrial-goals.html Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:17:27 +0530 New chapter in the long journey of the national fertilizer and petrochemical industry Pupuk Indonesia Group, through its subsidiaries, PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) and PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind), officially started construction on the first soda ash factory in Indonesia. The start of factory construction was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony and the installation of the first pile, which took place in the Kaltim Industrial Estate (KIE) area in Bontang, East Kalimantan. The event was attended by the Senior Director of Business Performance & Asset Optimization of Danantara Asset Management, Bhimo Aryanto, along with the board of directors and commissioners of Pupuk Indonesia and Pupuk Kaltim, as well as representatives of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the City of Bontang. Pupuk Indonesia President & Director Rahmad Pribadi stated that this development marks a new chapter in the long journey of the national fertilizer and petrochemical industry, which has evolved since the establishment of the first factory in 1959. It also represents an important step toward downstreaming the strategic chemical industry and achieving a sustainable transformation with low emissions. Rahmad stated that the construction of this factory, along with Pupuk Indonesia Group's commitment to strengthening downstream industries and fostering national industrial independence, aligns with the Asta Cita vision of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. By utilizing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a by-product of the existing ammonia production facility, this factory will produce high-value-added chemical products, namely soda ash, which is essential for various national industrial sectors, including glass, detergent, food, pulp and paper, ceramics, and more. When fully operational, the plant will have a production capacity of 300,000 metric tons per year and is estimated to meet around 30% of the national soda ash needs, which have so far been dependent on imports. By reducing this dependence, the Pupuk Kaltim soda ash plant has the potential to save foreign exchange of up to IDR 1 trillion per year from soda ash import substitution, as well as around IDR 250 billion per year from ammonium chloride import substitution, which is a byproduct of the soda ash production process. Gusrizal, President & Managing Director of Pupuk Kaltim, added that the construction of the soda ash plant aligns with the government's policy direction in the Asta Cita vision and plays a crucial role in supporting downstream industries and the independence of the national chemical industry. He also stated that this project reflects Pupuk Kaltim's business transformation and diversification strategy, aiming for a broader, more efficient chemical business portfolio in line with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. "This project is part of Pupuk Kaltim’s commitment to implementing ESG principles and a circular economy, where CO₂ emissions from the existing plant are reused as the main raw material for soda ash production. We will ensure that the entire construction process is carried out with the highest safety and quality standards, as a manifestation of our responsibility to provide an efficient, safe, and competitive industry," said Gusrizal. The soda ash plant plays a crucial role in supporting the 2060 Net Zero Emission (NZE) agenda, as it is projected to absorb approximately 174,000 tons of CO₂ annually from existing facilities to be used as the primary raw material for soda ash production. Through the application of circular economy principles, these emissions are processed into value-added products that strengthen the supply chains of various domestic industries. Furthermore, the by-product of soda ash production, ammonium chloride, can also be utilized as a fertilizer from raw materials, which is essential for supporting food self-sufficiency. In addition to contributing to the transition to a low-carbon industry, the construction of the soda ash plant is also expected to have a broad economic impact, both at the regional and national levels. The construction of the soda ash plant is expected to absorb labor in the construction and operational processes; involve local industries in the procurement of soda ash raw materials, such as industrial salt; and encourage the empowerment of local MSMEs around the industrial area. Bhimo Aryanto, Senior Director of Business Performance & Asset Optimization at Danantara Asset Management, expressed Danantara’s support for the construction of the soda ash plant. He believes this project is not merely a business investment but also an investment in the nation’s future, in line with the spirit of economic transformation toward Indonesia's Emas 2045. “Pupuk Indonesia Group continues to innovate in developing efficient, low – emission, and sustainable industries. This project not only creates an industry but also optimizes existing resources and significantly reduces industrial waste. We want this plant to become a new benchmark for Indonesia’s green chemical industry” said Bhimo. For Pupuk Indonesia Group, the construction of the soda ash plant represents concrete support for national industrial resilience and food security, both of which are crucial pillars of the nation’s economic sovereignty. With a spirit of innovation and downstream development, Pupuk Indonesia Group is committed to continuously strengthening national competitiveness through sustainable and future-oriented industrial development. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3396/brazilian-bioinput-industry-faces-decisive-moment-as-regulatory-framework-takes-shape-says-abinbio.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3396/brazilian-bioinput-industry-faces-decisive-moment-as-regulatory-framework-takes-shape-says-abinbio.html Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:49:19 +0530 Brazil’s biological inputs industry is entering a decisive regulatory phase as the Ministry of Agriculture drafts rules under the newly approved Civil Framework for Biological Inputs. ABINBIO, which has secured a central role in the negotiations, is pushing for unified industry participation to shape regulations, correct outdated tax classifications, and unlock federal financing mechanisms. The association is also working to position Brazil globally, leveraging its biodiversity to expand international markets for biocontrol and biofertiliser products. With the domestic market expected to double to over $ 3 billion by 2030 and biologicals rapidly replacing synthetics, ABINBIO leaders warn that industry unity now will determine competitiveness for decades. Brazil's biological inputs industry stands at a critical juncture as regulators begin drafting rules that will govern one of the world's fastest-growing agricultural sectors, according to the Brazilian Association of Bioinput Industries (ABINBIO). The trade group is urging companies to unite during what it characterizes as a "historic window" that will determine competitive dynamics for decades. "We are at a historic moment. The rules of the game are being discussed now and will be established, with the Ministry of Agriculture as protagonist," said Auro Ruschel, ABINBIO's legal director and head of Auro Ruschel Advogados Associados, a firm specializing in agricultural input regulation. "The industry needs to unite around ABINBIO to participate in this public debate and build regulation that serves the sector's interests." Regulatory Architecture Under Construction The urgency stems from ongoing Ministry of Agriculture technical working groups tasked with implementing Brazil's newly approved Civil Framework for Biological Inputs. ABINBIO, which secured a seat at the negotiating table, successfully inserted key provisions into the legislation and now faces the challenge of translating broad legal principles into operational regulations. The association's "purposeful bias," as Ruschel describes it, focuses on pragmatic problem-solving for an industry previously constrained by regulatory frameworks designed for synthetic agrochemicals rather than biological alternatives. Since its official launch, ABINBIO has expanded beyond core regulatory advocacy to address taxation classification issues with the Federal Revenue Service, where biological products remain erroneously categorized alongside chemical pesticides for customs and tax purposes—a legacy classification system that creates compliance burdens and competitive disadvantages. Financial Infrastructure and Global Positioning The organization is simultaneously pursuing access to federal incentive mechanisms, including financing lines from FINEP (Financier of Studies and Projects), EMPRAPII (Brazilian Company for Research and Industrial Innovation), and BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development), which historically favored established chemical input manufacturers. International market development represents another strategic priority. "The bioinput industry in Brazil, due to our country's characteristics, can adapt and sell products for all biomes. Internationalization is fundamental for opening new markets," Ruschel explained, highlighting Brazil's unique biodiversity advantage in developing biological solutions applicable across diverse global agricultural systems. Despite its recent formation, ABINBIO has secured institutional recognition typically reserved for established trade associations. "Despite being a young association, ABINBIO already has relevant seats within the federal government and public debate, alongside traditional entities. We've achieved the same spaces and speaking opportunities despite our youth," Ruschel noted. Market Dynamics Drive Urgency The stakes justify the mobilization effort. According to Dunham Trimmer, an international bio-intelligence agency, Brazil's biological inputs market currently exceeds 1.5 billion and is projected to surpass 3 billion by decade's end. The country accounts for over 20 per cent of global biocontrol growth between 2021 and 2030. The sector comprises approximately 145 companies, with significant expansion anticipated as biological products increasingly substitute synthetic chemicals—a global trend driven by sustainability mandates and consumer preferences. Ruschel projects substantial market amplification through 2032, characterizing biological inputs as "a highly relevant, highly sustainable economic vertical with a significant growth trajectory." Coordination Imperative Ruschel's message echoes ABINBIO President Marcelo de Godoy Oliveira's positioning, distilled to a single directive: "Unity." "All sector companies must understand that the rules of the game are being discussed now. It is imperative that all input industries pay attention and participate," Ruschel warned. Participation channels through ABINBIO membership, which enables companies to integrate into regulatory discussions, designate board representatives, and collaborate on technical arguments presented to government working groups. The objective, Ruschel emphasized, centers on "building regulation that serves industry interests, without creating market reserves or impediments, but allowing the industry to grow increasingly." The call reflects recognition that regulatory architecture established during this formative period will either facilitate or constrain an industry positioned as a cornerstone of sustainable Brazilian agriculture. As synthetic input substitution accelerates globally, Brazil's regulatory approach could establish templates for emerging markets while determining whether domestic producers capture value or cede market share to international competitors operating under different frameworks. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3379/clearleafs-gotablanca-demonstrates-superior-performance-in-cornell-university-apple-and-grape-trials.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3379/clearleafs-gotablanca-demonstrates-superior-performance-in-cornell-university-apple-and-grape-trials.html Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:24:50 +0530 Comprehensive trials carried out by Cornell AgriTech confirm that GotaBlanca delivers excellent pathogen control, matching or exceeding conventional treatments in apples and grapes ClearLeaf, a Costa Rican company with proven success in formulating non-toxic agricultural products for crop protection, today announced that its GotaBlanca fungicide and bactericide proved highly effective in controlling pathogens in grapes and apples in field trials conducted by Cornell University’s Cornell AgriTech. The apple and grape field trials demonstrated that ClearLeaf's flagship product matched or outperformed currently recommended products in controlling both fungal and bacterial diseases, with its favorable safety profile for crops and the environment. In the apple trials, GotaBlanca achieved fire blight, scab, and powdery mildew disease control that significantly outperformed incumbents, including streptomycin antibiotics, which have been banned in organic production since 2014. This positions GotaBlanca as a viable organic-compatible alternative. When used in rotation programs, GotaBlanca matched or exceeded complex conventional programs while maintaining excellent crop health, with no damage or stress to plants across all applications. In the grape trials, GotaBlanca treatment in single product applications achieved excellent severity control of downy mildew and black rot, surpassing the grower standard. Rotation strategies boosted control even further, exceeding conventional programs by achieving superior control without the need for complex mixtures of synthetic crop protection products. Dr. Kerik Cox at Cornell AgriTech noted: "The apple trials provided valuable insights into GotaBlanca's potential as an alternative to conventional disease management strategies. In our fire blight trials, GotaBlanca achieved control levels of 90 per cent or greater for both blossom and shoot blight, significantly outperforming streptomycin antibiotics—results that are particularly relevant given the increasing restrictions on agricultural antibiotic use. What stood out was the performance in rotation programs for scab and powdery mildew, where it matched or exceeded complex conventional programs while maintaining excellent crop health. The absence of phytotoxicity across all apple applications represents a meaningful advantage for growers." Dr. Katie Gold and Dave Combs in the Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Laboratory at Cornell AgriTech, commented: "Our grape trials evaluated GotaBlanca across four major disease pressures, and the results demonstrate its versatility as both a standalone treatment and rotation partner. For downy mildew, GotaBlanca alone achieved 86 per cent severity control on clusters, surpassing our grower standard, with rotation strategies pushing control above 89 per cent.  The black rot trials were particularly interesting—GotaBlanca rotated with biologicals provided equivalent cluster incidence control to the grower standard (systemic synthetic fungicide), which is impressive given the pressure in our trials is incredibly high. What makes these findings significant is that GotaBlanca can deliver this level of control across multiple diseases and grape varieties, while offering flexible integration into existing IPM programs and supporting sustainable viticulture practices.” Dr. Agustín Büchert, CSO and Co-founder of ClearLeaf, remarked: "These comprehensive Cornell trials represent a milestone in validating what we've observed across dozens of controlled experiments and with our grower customers in Latin America— effective, broad-spectrum crop protection doesn't require a compromise between performance and safety. Significantly, GotaBlanca as a single standalone product matched or exceeded the control levels achieved by applications involving multiple conventional products. This translates directly into cost savings for farmers—they can achieve superior disease control with fewer products instead of purchasing and tank-mixing multiple products at each application, while also reducing chemical loads. Combined with zero phytotoxicity, superior crop health metrics, and in several cases better yields than conventional treatments, GotaBlanca delivers both economic and agronomic advantages. For farmers navigating increasing restrictions on antibiotics and synthetic fungicides, GotaBlanca offers a path forward that doesn't sacrifice disease control or profitability." GotaBlanca is currently registered for use or sale in select international markets.  GotaBlanca is not currently registered for use or sale in the U.S., a U.S. EPA registration is planned.  GotaBlanca stands out as a broad-spectrum fungi-bactericide with a favorable safety profile for crops and the environment, It does not cause microbial resistance, enhances plant growth, aligns with regenerative agriculture practices, and can be applied at any stage of the growing cycle. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3374/role-of-mancozeb-in-safeguarding-grapes-global-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3374/role-of-mancozeb-in-safeguarding-grapes-global-food-security.html Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:33:57 +0530 The agriculture sector, known for its high-value fruits and significant export potential, is facing a convergence of agronomic, economic, and regulatory pressures. On October 13, a distinguished panel of scientists, industry leaders, and regulatory experts convened virtually to discuss the multifaceted role of Mancozeb in sustainable agriculture, in Agrospectrum webinar titled - The Future of Mancozeb: Science, Stewardship, and Global Food Security. The webinar examined the fungicide’s scientific attributes, its integration into disease management programs, regulatory trends, and its broader implications for farm profitability and food security.  The virtually held discussions underscored that fungicide stewardship is no longer merely a technical matter; it is intricately linked to growers’ livelihoods, market access, and global food stability.  Economic Lessons from Disease Modeling The session commenced with a presentation by Dr Kaushik Banerjee, FRSC, FNAAS, Director of ICAR-NRC for Grapes and Honorary Professor at Queen's University Belfast and the University of Laval, Canada. Dr Banerjee framed the discussion by highlighting the economic and systemic impacts of grape disease outbreaks. Using advanced agronomic modeling, he demonstrated that fungal infections, particularly under high-pressure disease scenarios, can trigger cascading effects on farm profitability, regional supply chains, and even international markets. His analysis emphasised that targeted fungicide programs, including those employing Mancozeb, are not merely preventive measures at the field level but essential tools for stabilising grower income and maintaining global food security. "Every outbreak of grape disease is not just a threat to individual farms—it sends shockwaves through regional supply chains, export markets, and farmer livelihoods. Strategic fungicide programs, including judicious use of Mancozeb, are critical investments. Timely, science-driven interventions safeguard yields, stabilize income, and ensure that agriculture continues to feed both people and economies sustainably." – Dr Kaushik Banerjee, FRSC, FNAAS, Director of ICAR-NRC for Grapes and Honorary Professor at Queen's University Belfast and the University of Laval, Canada Dr Banerjee illustrated that under certain high-incidence conditions, the absence of an effective fungicide program could result in yield losses exceeding 30 to 40 percent, with downstream effects on pricing, processing capacity, and export viability. He stressed that investments in fungicide programs, though an upfront cost, are economically justified when considering the potential revenue losses avoided and the risk mitigation achieved.  Ensuring Safe Access to Mancozeb Worldwide Following Dr Banerjee’s presentation, the discussion shifted to regulatory science and risk assessment. Richard Mills, Global Director of Trade and Government Affairs at UPL, provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving global regulatory landscape for fungicides. Mills articulated the distinction between risk-based and hazard-based regulatory frameworks, emphasising that risk-based assessments evaluate the probability and impact of exposure under realistic use conditions, whereas hazard-based approaches may restrict chemicals based solely on intrinsic properties without contextual application data. He further elaborated on the importance of personal protective equipment compliance, residue monitoring, and data-driven stewardship programs to maintain both domestic and international access to Mancozeb. "Regulatory frameworks are only as effective as the practices behind them. Risk-based assessments let us evaluate real-world exposure, while hazard-based approaches can be overly restrictive. By combining compliance, PPE, residue monitoring, and proactive stewardship, we ensure safe, responsible use of Mancozeb, protecting both public health and growers’ market access across diverse international jurisdictions." –Richard Mills, Global Director of Trade and Government Affairs at UPL Mills highlighted that harmonizing regulatory compliance across countries is essential for exporters, as maximum residue limits (MRLs) vary widely across jurisdictions. He stressed that proactive engagement with regulators, transparent record-keeping, and adherence to recommended application practices are vital to safeguarding market access while ensuring public safety.  How Tech is Revolutionising Disease Control Building upon the regulatory perspective, Sandeep Jagtap, Senior Business Development Manager at Ross LifeScience, addressed the integration of Mancozeb into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and the role of digital agriculture. Jagtap elaborated on how precision tools, including digital disease forecasting models, remote monitoring platforms, and app-based advisory services, allow growers to optimise fungicide use, ensuring applications are timely and necessary, thereby minimizing both economic and environmental costs. He underscored that combining chemical interventions with cultural practices such as canopy management, crop rotation, and resistant varieties enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of disease control programs. "Integrating Mancozeb into IPM isn’t just about spraying—it’s about precision, timing, and sustainability. Digital tools like disease forecasting and remote monitoring help growers apply fungicides only when necessary, reducing costs and environmental impact. When combined with cultural practices like canopy management and resistant varieties, these strategies optimize yield, protect the ecosystem, and make viticulture smarter for every scale of farming." – Sandeep Jagtap, Senior Business Development Manager at Ross LifeScience By demonstrating case studies where digital tools helped reduce fungicide usage without compromising yield, Jagtap highlighted that technology adoption in viticulture can be scaled to support both large commercial growers and smaller farmers, providing actionable insights that translate into improved farm profitability and environmental stewardship.   Collaborative Approaches to Fungicide Stewardship Concluding the speaker presentations, Amiya Kumar Bartia, Strategic Marketing Head at Indofil, shared the industry’s perspective on stewardship and sustainable crop protection strategies. Bartia emphasized that ensuring responsible access to Mancozeb requires multi-level collaboration among growers, industry stakeholders, and regulators. He described initiatives such as educational outreach programs, grower training sessions, and digital monitoring tools that reinforce proper application practices and adherence to safety protocols. "Responsible access to Mancozeb demands collaboration across growers, industry, and regulators. Stewardship isn’t just compliance—it’s a strategic imperative. Through training, outreach, and digital monitoring, we ensure safe, effective application while safeguarding market continuity. By building trust and engagement, we balance crop protection, environmental responsibility, and social accountability, promoting sustainable practices in high-value horticulture." –Amiya Kumar Bartia, Strategic Marketing Head at Indofil Bartia noted that stewardship programs are not merely regulatory obligations but strategic imperatives that secure long-term market continuity and support sustainable agricultural systems. By fostering trust and engagement between stakeholders, the industry aims to balance crop protection needs with environmental and social responsibility, illustrating a pragmatic approach to chemical management in high-value horticulture. Following the formal presentations, the webinar hosted a dynamic Q&A session, providing participants an opportunity to engage directly with the expert panel. Key questions centered on practical challenges, including managing resistance to single-site fungicides, navigating divergent international MRLs, adopting digital forecasting tools, and understanding the cost-benefit dynamics of fungicide programs. In addressing resistance concerns, Dr Banerjee recommended adherence to rotation strategies and integration of multi-site fungicides like Mancozeb into IPM programs. Richard Mills responded to regulatory queries, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining meticulous residue records and proactively engaging with trade authorities to navigate changing international standards. When participants inquired about digital adoption among smallholder farmers, Sandeep Jagtap highlighted the scalability of mobile-based platforms and cloud-supported advisory services that enable data-driven decision-making even for resource-constrained growers. Dr Banerjee quantified the economic benefits of preventive fungicide programs, showing that costs incurred are substantially offset by avoided yield losses, revenue stabilization, and mitigation of downstream market risks. Finally, Bartia discussed the components of effective stewardship, including transparent application practices, grower partnerships, and continuous monitoring, which collectively ensure responsible fungicide use while safeguarding the environment. Several overarching themes emerged from the discussion. First, Mancozeb remains an indispensable tool in grape disease management, particularly in regions facing high disease pressure. Its multi-site activity not only provides immediate disease control but also preserves the efficacy of other fungicides, underpinning the sustainability of crop protection programs. Second, agronomic and economic modeling validates the cost-effectiveness of fungicide interventions, highlighting that upfront expenditure on well-planned programs mitigates larger financial risks from yield losses, quality deterioration, and compromised market access. Third, regulatory vigilance and proactive stewardship are crucial to ensuring safe, compliant access to fungicides in a rapidly evolving global trade environment. Fourth, the integration of digital agriculture and IPM enhances both efficacy and sustainability, enabling precision application, reducing environmental impact, and supporting data-driven farm management. Finally, collaborative industry frameworks, which align growers, regulatory bodies, and companies, are essential for maintaining market continuity, promoting responsible chemical use, and reinforcing sustainable agricultural practices. The webinar also underscored the broader implications of fungicide management beyond the vineyard. By mitigating disease losses and supporting yield stability, effective fungicide programs contribute to food security, particularly in regions dependent on horticultural exports for economic and nutritional resilience. In addition, the discussions highlighted that responsible fungicide stewardship intersects with environmental goals, including reduction of chemical overuse, protection of soil and water quality, and mitigation of pesticide resistance. As the agricultural sector navigates the dual pressures of climate variability and intensifying disease outbreaks, the integrated strategies discussed in this webinar offer a blueprint for sustainable crop protection. Participants and speakers alike noted that the convergence of scientific knowledge, regulatory compliance, economic modeling, and digital innovation is reshaping the landscape of viticulture. Mancozeb’s role, while sometimes viewed through the lens of regulatory scrutiny, remains pivotal in maintaining both productivity and market viability. The insights shared during the webinar demonstrate that strategic, data-driven approaches to fungicide use can yield multifaceted benefits, reinforcing economic resilience for growers, sustaining export markets, and protecting public health and the environment. The dialogue also highlighted the importance of ongoing education, capacity building, and collaboration among all stakeholders, as sustainable crop protection requires continuous adaptation to evolving challenges and opportunities. In conclusion, the Mancozeb stewardship webinar successfully illuminated the complex, interconnected dimensions of modern grape cultivation. The expert panel provided a comprehensive analysis of agronomic strategies, regulatory frameworks, digital innovations, and stewardship initiatives, offering actionable insights for growers, industry participants, and policymakers. The integration of scientific rigor, economic modeling, and regulatory understanding demonstrated that sustainable crop protection is achievable when multi-disciplinary approaches are applied thoughtfully and collaboratively. By emphasizing responsible fungicide use, digital integration, and stakeholder engagement, the webinar charted a pragmatic path forward for safeguarding grape yields, ensuring market access, and contributing to global food security. The discussions reaffirmed that effective disease management is not merely a technical endeavor but a critical component of resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting both economic and nutritional demands in a rapidly changing world. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3372/chemical-crunch-biological-breakthrough-rethinking-fertiliser-strategy-in-volatile-world.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3372/chemical-crunch-biological-breakthrough-rethinking-fertiliser-strategy-in-volatile-world.html Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:47:45 +0530 The 2025 fertiliser upheaval has laid bare the disquieting vulnerabilities of India’s nutrient security—an economy shackled to volatile global markets, skewed subsidies, and an unhealthy addiction to artificially cheap urea. What appears as a transient supply disturbance is, in reality, a geopolitical tremor triggered by China’s export restrictions, Russia’s selective opportunism, and the capriciousness of global energy prices, all converging to imperil the livelihoods of millions of smallholders. This article therefore discusses how emergency imports and ballooning subsidies merely anaesthetise a deeper malaise while the soil continues to suffer from decades of nutritional imbalance. It scrutinises the emerging promise of biofertilisers and microbial technologies—no naïve replacements, but synergistic enhancers capable of restoring soil vitality, improving nutrient-use efficiency, and relieving India’s fiscal burden. Ultimately, it calls for a paradigm shift toward a resilient hybrid nutrient strategy that embeds biological intelligence into mainstream agriculture, fortifying both food sovereignty and climate resilience. The global food system is once again under pressure from a fertilizer shock. In early 2025, prices surged sharply—Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Triple Superphosphate experiencing the steepest escalation, while nitrogen markets oscillated amid volatile energy costs. “Every fertilizer crunch is more than an input shock—it exposes the fragility of food systems intertwined with energy and mineral geopolitics. For India, with one of the world’s largest subsidy bills, surging global phosphate or nitrogen prices intensify fiscal strain and farmer vulnerability, while export curbs amplify these systemic risks “, stated Renuka Diwan, CEO, BioPrime. “Fertilizer crunches aren’t mere supply shocks—they expose how fragile food systems are when tied to global energy and mineral geopolitics. India’s fiscal and farmer vulnerabilities rise with every price surge. Crises like this urge systemic change: integrating biofertilisers, nutrient enhancers, and biostimulants can boost nutrient use efficiency, improve soil health, reduce subsidy burdens, and give farmers greater resilience and confidence.” - Renuka Diwan, CEO, BioPrime The crisis exposes systemic fragilities. “What we are witnessing is not merely a supply disruption but a systemic unravelling — where global export curbs, volatile energy costs, and our chronic import dependency have converged to expose the fragility of India’s fertiliser architecture. The perversity of artificially low urea prices has distorted nutrient balance, while bureaucratic inertia in logistics and subsidy flows has compounded the malaise. In truth, the crisis is less about scarcity and more about structural myopia,” added Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairman, Agriculture Committee, BCC&I. Ajay Kakra, Leader – Food and Agriculture, GIDAS, Forvis Mazars in India, further explains how fertiliser crunch directly straining farmers and household budgets. “Global fertiliser prices have surged, with the World Bank index up 15 per cent in 2025, while TSP and DAP jumped roughly 43 per cent and 23 per cent , respectively. In India, the landed import price of DAP approached Rs 54,160 per tonne, and urea averaged $546 per tonne internationally. Governments are underwriting enormous costs: India’s fertiliser subsidy outlays remain vast, with multi-thousand crore disbursements in recent years and targeted top-ups for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers of about $860 million in FY 2024–25 “, he analysed. “Bio-fertilizers are vital for resilient, efficient, and sustainable agriculture. They reduce dependence on volatile imports, enhance nutrient uptake, restore soil health, lower chemical use, and cut emissions. With India’s R&D, farmer networks, and supportive policies, rapid scale-up is possible. Immediate, medium, and long-term actions—from emergency imports to local production clusters—can embed bio-inputs at the heart of our nutrient strategy.”  - Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairman, Agriculture Committee, BCC&I Yet the crisis presents an inflection point. “ The fertiliser shortfall of 2025 isn’t just a supply glitch—it’s a wake-up call to the fragility of our food security, shackled to volatile energy markets, import dependencies, and subsidy distortions. Stopgap imports and capacity boosts may calm the panic, but they’re band-aids on a structural wound,” stated Sohit Satyawali, Chief Business Officer - Brand Business, Crystal Crop Protection Limited. “The real fix lies in rethinking our nutrient economy—treating biofertilisers and microbial inoculants as partners, not replacements, that boost efficiency, stabilise yields, and revive soil health. With fertiliser subsidies crossing Rs 2 lakh crore, even modest efficiency gains can unlock massive fiscal and farm-level payoffs. Field results already prove it: biological inputs are cutting chemical use by up to 15 per cent while keeping productivity intact—a rare win for both farmers and the exchequer ,”he opined. Chemical Crunch, Biological Boost The 2025 fertilizer crisis underscores that agricultural inputs are no longer mere commodities—they are instruments of geopolitical strategy. China, a leading producer of phosphatic fertilizers, imposed export restrictions in January 2025 to stabilise domestic prices, immediately affecting India, which imports nearly 90 per cent of its phosphate from China. Shipments were delayed, local stocks depleted, and costs surged, exemplifying “nutrient nationalism.” “Global fertiliser prices have surged, with the World Bank index up 15 per cent in 2025, while TSP and DAP jumped roughly 43 per cent and 23 per cent , respectively. In India, the landed import price of DAP approached Rs 54,160 per tonne, and urea averaged $546 per tonne internationally. Governments are underwriting enormous costs: India’s fertiliser subsidy outlays remain vast, with multi-thousand crore disbursements in recent years and targeted top-ups for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers of about $860 million in FY 2024–25  ’’  - Ajay Kakra, Leader – Food and Agriculture, GIDAS, Forvis Mazars in India Unlike the 2021–22 disruptions, this crisis coincided with climate-linked production shortfalls and high energy prices, intensifying risks for import-dependent economies. Meanwhile, Russia continued selective exports despite sanctions, exploiting regulatory gaps and exposing the fragility of a strategically vital yet concentrated market. The repercussions for Indian farmers during the Kharif season were acute. States including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh reported severe delays in urea, DAP, and NPK blends, with rationed allocations, long queues, and localized shortages threatening yields. Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals , therefore streamlined the root cause of disruption in fertilizer supply chain : “The very foundation of nitrogen production—the energy-guzzling Haber-Bosch process—rests uneasily on natural gas, itself a hostage to the caprices of geopolitics and volatile energy markets. Meanwhile, phosphorus fertilisers such as DAP languish under export curbs from China, and the potash trade remains ensnared in the web of international sanctions. For a nation like India, which imports its entire potash requirement, this confluence of constraints not only imperils soil nutrition but also exacts a heavy toll on our foreign exchange and food sovereignty.” Adding on to the perspective, Vineet Jain, Managing Director , R M Phosphates & Chemicals Pvt Ltd further recommended “Relying exclusively on emergency imports and inflated subsidies is but a palliative, addressing symptoms while leaving the underlying malady untouched. The true panacea lies in weaving biofertilisers and microbial inoculants into the very fabric of India’s nutrient strategy—arming farmers against price shocks, alleviating the fiscal weight of subsidies, and restoring our soils’ enduring fertility.” "At Crystal, we foresaw this transition early and steadily built our GreenAg portfolio, which today includes trusted bio stimulants / nutrition brands like Talwar Zinc, Nutrozen, Marvel, and Calbrozen. These solutions have not only reduced farmers’ dependency on imported fertilizers but have also delivered superior ROI for small and marginal growers—a critical factor in sustaining their livelihoods. What truly differentiates the GreenAg portfolio is the way it is supported by our agronomists, known as ‘Crystal Doctors’, who actively engage with farmers to promote the importance of balanced crop nutrition and healthier soil ecosystems. “ – Sohit Satyawali, Chief Business Officer - Brand Business, Crystal Crop Protection Limited Dr. Suhas Budhe, Legal Advisor, SFIA, rightly terms 2025 fertilizer crisis as a perfect storm of interlinked vulnerabilities, thereby vividly illustrating how geopolitics, energy markets, and import dependence can converge to imperil both agrarian livelihoods and fiscal stability - “China’s reimposition of specialty fertilizer export restrictions from October 2025 disrupted global supply chains, hitting India hardest, given its 80–95 per cent dependence on Chinese imports. Volatile natural gas prices compounded the shock, as energy accounts for 60–80 per cent of nitrogen fertilizer production costs. Domestically, urea stocks plummeted 57 per cent, from 86.4 to 37.2 lakh tonnes, just as the critical Kharif season began. Global DAP prices surged 36 per cent , from $583 to nearly $800 per tonne, sparking queues, protests, and panic buying among smallholders. The crisis also strained government finances, with India’s fertilizer subsidy burden exceeding Rs 1.77 lakh crore.” The 2025 fertilizer disruptions illuminate a cascade of agrarian vulnerabilities. Crop yields hang in the balance when timely and adequate nutrient supply falters, while smallholders grapple with inflated prices and black-market distortions that exacerbate financial distress. “Integrating bio-fertilizers into cropping systems is essential for resilient, sustainable agriculture. These microbial inoculants enhance nutrient solubilization, improve plant uptake, and can supply 25–40 per cent of soil nutrient needs. Combined with precision farming, they strengthen soil structure, support a healthy rhizosphere, and provide a scientifically sound, environmentally friendly, and economically viable path toward decentralized, future-ready nutrient management.” – Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals  Rising fertilizer costs, coupled with expanding crop acreage, further escalated production expenses and fueled wholesale price inflation. Domestic output struggled—urea dropped from 102.1 lt to 93.6 lt, DAP remained steady at 13.7 lt, and NPK complexes edged up only modestly. Declining imports and depleting stocks intensified shortages, with partial relief achieved through substitutions like SSP and 20:20:0:13. Beyond immediate productivity, the crisis imperils food security and underscores the insidious erosion of soil health caused by over-reliance on chemical nitrogen, reminding us that short-term fixes often compromise the foundations of sustainable agriculture. Amid this disruption, biofertilisers such as Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Bacillus megaterium, and phosphate-solubilising bacteria can buffer farmers, reduce chemical dependency, and mitigate exposure to global price volatility. “India’s vulnerability to global supply shocks underscores the imperative of self-reliance in agriculture. “Fertilizer subsidies make inputs affordable for farmers but can inadvertently curb innovation in the industry. Fixed pricing and high chemical fertilizer support discourage investment in advanced formulations and slow adoption of organic and biological inputs. Globally, combining chemical fertilizers with microbes, biostimulants, and bioactive components enhances nutrient efficiency and soil health. Policy frameworks should incentivize sustainable, incremental innovation to create this synergy while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.” – Shanmugam Sambanthan, Head-Agriculture, Middle East, South Asia and Africa, Novonesis By indigenising the production of chelated micronutrients, high-density NPKs, and crop-specific formulations, we reduce import dependence, stabilise prices for farmers, and conserve precious foreign exchange ,’’ opined Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman, Aries Agro Limited. “Our Make In India and import substitution initiatives have cut imported raw materials from 51 per cent in 2018‑19 to 18 per cent in 2024‑25. Localised manufacturing, R&D, and raw material sourcing are not mere operational choices—they are instruments of Atmanirbharta, shielding our agrarian economy from the vicissitudes of international markets,” he added. Toward a New Nutrient Paradigm Biosolutions are indeed making inroads among Indian farmers, yet their adoption remains embryonic. “Worth $ 100–127.5 million in India and growing 8–11 per cent annually, they can boost yields 10–40 per cent when used alongside chemical fertilisers “, opined Kakra. “ Yet adoption is limited—less than 5 per cent of farmers account for most usage. Scaling biologicals demands robust policy support: large field trials, quality certification, and strengthened extension services. Done right, they can curb import dependence, stretch subsidy funds, and restore long-term soil health,” he recommended. “Relying solely on emergency imports and higher subsidies is like treating symptoms without curing the disease. The real solution lies in integrating biofertilisers and microbial inoculants into the core of India’s nutrient strategy. These biological solutions can buffer farmers from future price shocks, lower the nation’s subsidy burden, and nurture soils for long-term fertility. ” – Vineet Jain, Managing Director , R M Phosphates & Chemicals Pvt Ltd  For India to realise the full promise of these biological inputs, a target of 50 per cent coverage across all cultivable land is imperative. Achieving such scale through standalone farmer adoption, however, would be protracted, particularly given the fragmented mosaic of India’s smallholder agriculture.  Infact, India is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. Existing initiatives—the National Mission on Natural Farming, PM-PRANAM, and the Soil Health Card program—provide institutional scaffolding for mainstreaming microbial inputs. “Biofertilisers are a potent alternative: a $2.5–2.8 billion global market growing 12–18 per cent annually. Brazil sees 15–30 per cent yield gains with 50 per cent less nitrogen; India reports 15–20 per cent gains with 30 per cent nitrogen reduction ”, advocated Dr. Buddhe . “They cost 30–50 per cent less than synthetics, improve soil health, sequester 0.5–1 t C/ha annually, cut emissions, and create sustainable nutrient cycles via nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilising microbes,” he stated. “Biofertilizers are a compelling alternative, with the global market projected to grow 12–18 per cent annually. Brazil’s 80 per cent adoption boosts yields 15–30 per cent while cutting nitrogen use by half; Indian trials show 15–20 per cent gains with 30 per cent nitrogen reduction. Cost-effective, climate-positive, and soil-friendly, biofertilizers can transform nutrient cycles. Coordinated policy, farmer education, and public-private partnerships can build resilience and secure sustainable food systems.” – Dr. Suhas Budhe, Legal Advisor, Soluble Fertilizers Industry Association (SFIA) While examining the drivers of the crisis, its local manifestations in India Shanmugam Sambanthan, Head-Agriculture, Middle East, South Asia and Africa, Novonesis, quantified the opportunity to integrate biofertilisers into new- age medium- and long-term nutrient strategies. “The global fertilizer paradigm is evolving: biologicals—microbes, bioactives, biostimulants such as seaweed extracts and humic acids—are increasingly being woven into conventional formulations to enhance efficiency and rejuvenate soils. Biofertilisers are not adversaries of chemical fertilizers; they are synergistic allies, amplifying natural soil processes while chemicals deliver immediate nutrient support. Integrating these during production offers a bespoke, sustainable approach, gradually curbing synthetic dependence and tailoring nutrients to specific crops and agroclimatic conditions ,” he opined. “The challenge ahead is not just shielding Indian agriculture from external shocks, but integrating sustainable, Made-in-India solutions like high-density NPKs, crop-targeted fertilizers, and biostimulants into mainstream nutrient management. Combined with a strong domestic manufacturing base and scalable biological solutions, India can secure inputs, reduce subsidy burdens, and build the foundation for climate-positive agriculture. Aries Agro is proud to lead this journey.” - Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman, Aries Agro Limited Fertilizer manufacturers are therefore, evolving beyond standard NPK formulations, designing products tailored to the specific nutritional needs of high-value crops. Encouraging them to integrate biosolutions—such as microbes (biofertilisers), enzymes, and biostimulants like cell-free microbials, protein hydrolysates, and amino acids—into chemical fertilizers during production, supported through subsidies and capacity-building, can provide farmers with the combined benefits of biological and chemical inputs. The 2025 crisis underscores that fertilizers are no longer mere chemical commodities but instruments of biological intelligence. In the words of Renuka, “It is a call to embed resilience into the very fabric of agricultural systems. By combining chemical inputs with next-generation biologicals, India and the world can move toward nutrient security that is cost-efficient, climate-positive, and farmer-centered. We are not seeking replacement strategies but a total rebalancing—one that diversifies risk, safeguards productivity, and aligns agriculture with global sustainability goals.” ---------- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3362/epa-issues-proposed-registration-decision-for-biotalys-evoca-biofungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3362/epa-issues-proposed-registration-decision-for-biotalys-evoca-biofungicide.html Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:59:03 +0530 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiates Public Participation Procedure Biotalys is pleased to announce that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its proposed registration decision to approve the company’s first biofungicide, EVOCA. The agency will now initiate the final phase in its regulatory review, allowing stakeholders such as growers and industry associations 15 days to provide feedback before finalizing its regulatory decision. The EPA has also posted a final rule exempting EVOCA’s active ingredient residues on treated crops from tolerance requirements, indicating that no maximum residue limits will apply and highlighting the product candidate’s exemplary safety profile. EVOCA is a precision biocontrol solution that targets the fungal pathogens botrytis (grey mold) and powdery mildew in high-value fruits and vegetables without harming beneficial organisms or the environment. The product candidate offers growers a new mode of action to manage resistance to existing fungicides, as was recognised by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), a panel of renowned industry experts. “The EPA’s recommendation to approve EVOCA marks a pivotal moment for Biotalys, and the advancement of the first protein-based biofungicide of its kind for approval in the United States. This achievement underscores Biotalys’ pioneering leadership in agricultural innovation and provides the company with a significant first-mover advantage in transforming how growers protect their crops safely and sustainably,” said Kevin Helash, CEO of Biotalys. “Our protein-based platform has the potential to transform crop protection by delivering next generation biological solutions with new modes of action, developed to create targeted, consistent and scalable products to meet farmers’ needs, as demonstrated today by the EPA’s publication,” he added. “This significant milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of the entire Biotalys team,” Helash concluded. “EVOCA is just the beginning for Biotalys, and we look forward to bringing our pipeline of fungicides and insecticides to the market in the coming years.” An approval of EVOCA paves the way for the regulatory submission of EVOCA NG, the next-generation version of the product candidate, and Biotalys’ anticipated first commercial launch. The company expects the review process for EVOCA NG to be significantly shorter as the product contains the same active ingredient as EVOCA and features enhanced formulation and production methods. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3358/rainbow-unveils-partner-production-center-in-champaign-illinois.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3358/rainbow-unveils-partner-production-center-in-champaign-illinois.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:39:07 +0530 New facility represents a major milestone in transforming the North American agrochemical supply chain Rainbow, a leading global crop protection company, announced the grand opening of its new Partner Production Center in Champaign, Illinois.  The state-of-the-art, 182,000-square-foot facility is purpose-built to transform the North American agrochemical supply chain. The tenth facility of its kind around the world, the new center embodies Rainbow's commitment to delivering integrated, tech-enabled, and flexible production solutions designed to power partner brands in the agriculture, turf, and ornamental markets. "We're thrilled to bring Rainbow's advanced global manufacturing capability to Champaign—the heart of Midwestern AgTech," said Tom Lyons, General Manager of Rainbow North America. "This facility represents our deep commitment to empowering our partners with a new standard for quality and efficiency—bringing agrochemical supply, unchained." The Grand Opening Ceremony celebrated the members of the Champaign and broader Illinois business community who contributed to the development of the facility. The City of Champaign Mayor's Office also made a special proclamation, declaring the day "Rainbow North America Day." A New Standard for Manufacturing Excellence The Champaign Partner Production Center features six fully-automated production lines capable of handling bulk, tote, and case packaging for both selective and non-selective herbicides. Along with 22 docks to support high-volume logistics, the site also boasts Free Trade Zone (FTZ) designation for its shipping and receiving operations, ensuring smooth and cost-efficient import and export processes. At the heart of the facility is a dedicated advanced formulation unit, equipped to produce suspension concentrate (SC), emulsifiable concentrate (EC), and ester formulations, enabling Rainbow to meet the diverse technical needs of its brand partners.  Further capabilities are planned for phase two of the facility, commencing next year. A team of Rainbow production technicians share full accountability for quality through a fully-integrated production process that provides complete oversight of every batch—from process management to final quality assurance. Strategically located in the heart of the Midwest, the facility also supports bulk service operations that allow for rapid loading and unloading of product material on-site—making it uniquely positioned to meet the fast-paced demands of Midwestern agriculture. Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, added: "Rainbow's investment in Champaign strengthens our growing AgTech ecosystem and brings new jobs, innovation, and advanced manufacturing expertise to the region. We're proud to welcome Rainbow to our thriving community." The Rainbow Partner Production Center in Champaign, Illinois, marks a major step forward in the company's North American growth strategy—delivering innovations that transform the supply chain for its brand partners. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3340/south-koreas-daewoo-engineering-construction-to-build-mineral-fertilizer-plant-in-turkmenistan-with-784-million-investment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3340/south-koreas-daewoo-engineering-construction-to-build-mineral-fertilizer-plant-in-turkmenistan-with-784-million-investment.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:07:11 +0530 Auxiliary facility produce 350,000 tons of phosphate fertilizers and 100,000 tons of ammonium sulfate per year will be built in 37 months Daewoo Engineering & Construction announced on the 17th that Chairman Jung Won-joo attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the "Mineral Fertilizer Plant" held in Turkmenistan's second-largest city of Turkmenistan on the 15th. The project, worth a total of $784 million (including KRW 1.810 trillion and VAT), is to build facilities and auxiliary facilities that produce 350,000 tons of phosphate fertilizers and 100,000 tons of ammonium sulfate per year, and the construction period is 37 months. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key officials from both sides, including President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Deputy Prime Minister for Construction, Power, and Production Bymyrat Annammedov, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction Chairman Jung Won-joo. "This groundbreaking ceremony is a new starting point for Turkmenistan's prosperous future and sustainable development," Chairman Jung Won-joo said. "As the mineral fertilizer plant is a key project to lead the gas chemical industry and national agricultural development, we will repay trust with the highest quality through close cooperation with the local government." Chairman Jung Won-joo, who paid a courtesy visit to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the national supreme leader and chairman of the People's Council, in the Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat on the 14th, said, "Thank you for your support in successfully holding a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the full-fledged project in Turkmenistan, and we will do our best to complete the project successfully with a great sense of responsibility." At the meeting, Chairman Chung shared the status of a number of new petrochemical plants and large-scale infrastructure projects that Daewoo E&C is seeking to participate in and asked for continued interest and support to contribute to Turkmenistan's industrial advancement and strengthening cooperation between the two countries through its accumulated technology and global construction experience. Chairman Jung Won-joo has visited Turkmenistan six times to foster it as a strategic growth base for Daewoo Engineering & Construction, meeting with high-level officials such as the country's supreme leader, president, and deputy prime minister to discuss business cooperation and local industrial development strategies in depth. As a result of these efforts, Daewoo Engineering & Construction's first mineral fertilizer plant project in Turkmenistan is a key project in the national strategy for Turkmenistan, the world's fourth-largest natural gas producer, to diversify its industry through the production of high value-added chemicals, away from the industrial structure centered on energy resources. This facility is expected to contribute not only to improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food security, but also to strengthen the industrial base by creating local jobs, transferring technology, and strengthening maintenance capabilities in the construction and operation stages. In line with Turkmenistan's industrial transition, Daewoo E&C established a branch in the capital Ashgabat in October 2023 and strengthened its local sales base. Through this, Daewoo E&C is actively responding to the growing investment demand in connection with the Turkmenistan government's economic diversification policy and continues to expand business opportunities in various fields such as urban development, large infrastructure, and petrochemical plants. "With this project, we plan to further solidify our cooperative relationship with Turkmenistan and continue winning additional projects in the future based on our accumulated global experience and excellent construction capabilities, further expanding our position in the local market," a Daewoo E&C official said. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3330/singapores-indorama-launches-210-mm-investment-program-to-boost-domestic-phosphate-and-fertilizer-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3330/singapores-indorama-launches-210-mm-investment-program-to-boost-domestic-phosphate-and-fertilizer-production.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:28:41 +0530 The investment will focus on modernizing and expanding ICS’s production facilities Singapore-based Indorama Group, through its Senegalese subsidiary Industries Chimiques du Sénégal (ICS), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Senegal’s Investment and Major Projects Promotion Agency (APIX) to launch a major $210 million investment program. Announced during the Senegal Investment Forum, the plan will be implemented between 2025 and 2028. The initiative aims to boost Senegal’s phosphate and fertilizer production capacity, reinforcing the country’s strategic role in the regional agricultural input market. The investment will focus on modernizing and expanding ICS’s production facilities. At the Mbao fertilizer plant, the company will increase NPK and DAP output from 250,000 to 400,000 tons per year. It also plans to build a new Single Super Phosphate (SSP) unit with a capacity of 350,000 tons annually. Meanwhile, production of phosphoric acid at Darou will rise to 660,000 tons per year, supported by a new sulfuric acid plant capable of producing 700 tons per day. These projects represent a significant scaling up of ICS’s operations and are expected to give Indorama a stronger foothold in Senegal’s growing fertilizer market. Senegal currently relies heavily on imports to meet its fertilizer needs, bringing in an annual average of 126,484 tons worth about $97.4 million between 2020 and 2024. Fertilizer usage in the country remains low: application rates were only 8.5 kg per hectare in 2022, far below both the sub-Saharan African average (18.5 kg) and the African Union’s 50 kg target set at the Abuja Fertilizer Summit in 2006. Consumption patterns show that NPK dominates the market (50%), followed by urea (30%), DAP (7%), and potassium muriate (3%). This expansion aligns with broader continental goals under the 2024 Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health, which calls on African nations to triple fertilizer production and distribution by 2034. By boosting domestic manufacturing, Senegal aims to reduce import dependency, make fertilizers more accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers, and ultimately improve agricultural productivity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3304/banned-in-europe-essential-in-india-global-regulatory-dilemma-of-mancozeb.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3304/banned-in-europe-essential-in-india-global-regulatory-dilemma-of-mancozeb.html Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:09:00 +0530 Mancozeb, that ubiquitous arbiter of phytopathological destiny, continues to bestride the globe as an indispensable fungicidal panacea, even as the European Union has cast it into regulatory obsolescence on grounds of speculative toxicology. Its multisite mode of action, coupled with an enviable paucity of resistance development, renders it indispensable for high-value horticultural and agronomic commodities—from India’s grapes and potatoes to Latin America’s bananas and Brazil’s soybeans. Yet the global regulatory tableau is a patchwork of prudence and profligacy: while North America permits its judicious deployment, India confronts an incomplete evidentiary edifice and the concomitant peril to trade and farmer livelihoods. Empirical case studies elucidate the stark economic and agronomic ramifications of an abrupt excision—diminished yields, escalated input costs, and disrupted export flows—which may well outweigh the conjectural health risks if employed under Good Agricultural Practices. Mancozeb thus embodies the quintessential conundrum of contemporary agriculture: the delicate dialectic between human health, agronomic imperatives, and global food security in an era of climate volatility and international interdependence. Mancozeb, an ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC), stands as one of the globe’s most extensively employed fungicides, esteemed for its broad-spectrum efficacy and remarkable cost-efficiency. Its multisite mode of action allows it to inhibit diverse fungal metabolic pathways, rendering the emergence of resistance exceedingly improbable. In an era in which crop diseases are evolving at a pace that outstrips chemical interventions, Mancozeb has remained an unwavering ally of farmers across continents. Yet, paradoxically, while it is proscribed in the European Union, it remains indispensable in India, Latin America, and other burgeoning agricultural economies. This regulatory disjunction epitomises a global dilemma: the delicate reconciliation of human health imperatives with the exigencies of agricultural productivity and food security. Mancozeb: A Fungicide with Global Reach Across the globe, Mancozeb finds application on a vast array of crops, from the potato fields and vineyards of India and the United Kingdom, to the banana plantations of Latin America, and the sprawling soybean belts of Brazil. Its paramount advantage lies in its multisite mode of action, whereby it simultaneously impedes multiple fungal metabolic pathways. Unlike systemic fungicides, which assail a solitary enzyme or receptor and thus succumb readily to pathogen adaptation, Mancozeb would necessitate the improbable mutation of myriad genes for resistance to arise. It is this very characteristic that has enshrined it as a cornerstone of integrated disease management, frequently deployed in concert with systemic fungicides to combat recalcitrant pathogens such as Plasmopara viticola, the agent responsible for downy mildew in grapes. According to statistics furnished by the Indian government, India alone produces an estimated 500,000 million tonnes of Mancozeb annually, available in a spectrum of formulations including 35% SC, 75% WG, and 75% WP. Beyond Indian shores, Mancozeb retains pre-eminence in the control of potato diseases in the U.K., bananas across Central and South America, and soybeans in Brazil. Its exceptional versatility, coupled with an affordability—generally ranging between $5 and $10 per kilogram—renders it indispensable not only to smallholder farmers but also to large-scale agribusiness enterprises, bridging the imperatives of economic prudence and agricultural efficacy. To understand Mancozeb’s global position, it is important to compare it with alternative fungicides: Fungicide TypeMode of ActionResistance RiskEnvironmental ImpactCost (USD/kg)MancozebMultisite inhibitorLowLow5–10BiofungicidesBiological controlVery LowVery Low15–25Copper FungicidesContact protectantModerateModerate10–20SDHI FungicidesSpecific enzyme inhibitorHighLow20–30 Source: ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, 2022; FAO Pesticide Data Regulatory Landscape: A Global Patchwork Mancozeb’s regulatory status varies sharply across regions, reflecting differences in risk assessment, agricultural priorities, and market sensitivity. European Union On the 14th of December, 2020, the European Commission promulgated Regulation (EU) 2020/2087, thereby proscribing the use of mancozeb, predicated upon its classification as a potential endocrine disruptor. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), whilst acknowledging the lacunae inherent in compound-specific analytical methodologies, nonetheless proceeded with the prohibition, invoking the precautionary principle as the lodestar of its regulatory reasoning. Although the European Union has rescinded approval, mancozeb continues to enjoy provisional sanction within the United Kingdom until the 31st of January, 2024. This interdiction has reverberated across the corridors of global commerce, for EU residue thresholds now exert a determinative influence upon exporters in India, Latin America, and sundry other trading partners, thereby entwining scientific prudence with the imperatives of international agrarian trade. United States In contradistinction, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has undertaken successive and scrupulous evaluations of mancozeb, ultimately adjudging that the acute, chronic, and carcinogenic dietary risks remain comfortably beneath the threshold of concern, provided the compound is employed in strict accordance with label directives. The EPA’s re-registration exercise of 2005 reaffirmed mancozeb’s safety profile, highlighting its negligible acute toxicity and the acceptably circumscribed risk associated with ETU metabolites, which frequently feature in toxicological disputations. A consonant appraisal has been rendered by Canadian authorities, who have sanctioned its continued utilisation within a framework of regulated oversight. India India, as the preeminent global purveyor of Mancozeb, finds itself ensnared in a regulatory quagmire of considerable complexity. In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare embarked upon a comprehensive review of Mancozeb, alongside twenty-six other agrochemicals, contemplating a prospective proscription. Critics, however, have decried the preliminary assessments as lamentably partial, predicated solely upon thyroid profiles from a singular locus, devoid of the rigorous crop residue analyses requisite for an informed decision. A constellation of Indian stakeholders—including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), farmers’ collectives, and agrochemical enterprises—have championed a measured, evidence-driven approach. They underscore that an abrupt excision of Mancozeb could imperil the export viability of table grapes, potatoes, and other high-value horticultural commodities, with attendant repercussions on both agrarian livelihoods and the nation’s foreign exchange inflows. Economic and Trade Implications Globally, Mancozeb undergirds the livelihoods of millions of agrarians and contributes billions of dollars to agricultural export revenues. In India, for instance, table grapes and potatoes—both high-value export commodities—rely extensively upon Mancozeb for efficacious disease management. Downy mildew in grapes and early and late blight in potatoes can wreak havoc on yields if left unchecked, and projections indicate that the excision of Mancozeb could truncate output by 20 to 30 per cent per hectare. Such a diminution would reverberate through India’s export markets, particularly the European Union, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, potentially eroding the nation’s competitive advantage and diminishing foreign exchange inflows derived from horticultural exports. The scenario in Latin America is no less grave, especially in the context of banana cultivation. Black sigatoka, engendered by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, exhibits formidable resistance to many fungicidal interventions, rendering EBDCs such as Mancozeb the most efficacious recourse. Withdrawal of this fungicide would likely escalate production costs by up to 30 per cent, as cultivators would be compelled to substitute either costlier or less effective alternatives, while yields might concomitantly decline due to suboptimal disease control. Such perturbations could undermine the global competitiveness of Latin American bananas, imperiling both large-scale exporters and the smallholder farmers whose very sustenance is entwined with this crop. In the United Kingdom, Mancozeb plays an indispensable role in potato cultivation, with over 90 per cent of the crop area routinely treated to mitigate the twin threats of late and early blight. Bereft of Mancozeb, farmers would be compelled to deploy alternative fungicides, such as SDHIs or strobilurins, which are not only more costly but also prone to engendering resistance. This substitution could conceivably double per-hectare fungicide expenditures, compressing margins within an already fiercely competitive agricultural sector. Brazilian soybean cultivation further exemplifies the global ramifications. Soybeans, a strategic commodity in both domestic and international markets, are vulnerable to diseases such as Asian soybean rust, which can inflict severe yield losses. Mancozeb has demonstrably curtailed disease incidence by 60 to 70 per cent in field trials, preserving both output volume and quality. Its withdrawal would imperil yield stability, destabilise global supply chains, and amplify dependence upon costlier, single-target fungicides, thereby exacerbating resistance pressures over time. Collectively, these vignettes underscore Mancozeb’s remarkable economic efficacy. It furnishes broad-spectrum disease control at modest cost, with minimal risk of resistance evolution, rendering it indispensable for both high-value and staple crops alike. The prospective consequences of its removal extend beyond mere yield diminution: they encompass escalated input costs, heightened financial vulnerability for farmers, and potential disruption of international trade flows. When juxtaposed with the posited health risks—which, under judicious adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), remain largely negligible—the economic and food security imperatives of sustaining Mancozeb arguably outweigh the speculative hazards, thereby accentuating the necessity for a nuanced, evidence-based regulatory paradigm. Conclusion Mancozeb occupies a singular and paradoxical nexus at the confluence of agriculture, public health, and international commerce—prohibited in Europe, yet indispensable across India, Latin America, and other emerging agrarian economies. Its multisite mode of action, combined with economic prudence and broad-spectrum disease control, renders it an essential instrument for safeguarding high-value crops such as grapes, bananas, potatoes, and soybeans. Global case studies consistently illuminate a salient truth: precipitous prohibitions risk imperilling both food security and economic resilience. While toxicological apprehensions warrant meticulous management and sustained scholarly inquiry, an indiscriminate withdrawal devoid of nuanced risk assessment could paradoxically engender greater detriment—manifesting as yield contractions, escalated market prices, and the erosion of farmer livelihoods. Confronted with the twin imperatives of climate change and the relentless emergence of phytopathogens, alongside the exacting demands of global trade standards, Mancozeb exemplifies the delicate equilibrium between scientific circumspection and pragmatic stewardship. Its narrative transcends the mere pharmacology of a fungicide; it epitomises the broader dialectic of global food security, responsible agrochemical governance, and harmonised regulatory praxis in an intricately interdependent world. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3264/verde-agritech-granted-patent-for-advanced-fertilizer-production-technology-combining-glauconitic-siltstone-and-beneficial-microbes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3264/verde-agritech-granted-patent-for-advanced-fertilizer-production-technology-combining-glauconitic-siltstone-and-beneficial-microbes.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:15:06 +0530 The patented process enables the production of powdered, granulated, or microgranulated fertilizers by combining glauconitic siltstone with beneficial microorganisms through industrial spraying techniques. Verde AgriTech Ltd., a specialty multi-nutrient potassium fertilizer innovator offering tailored solutions to support sustainable farming practices, has announced that its subsidiary Verde Fertilizantes LTDA has been granted a Brazilian pate for its industrial process, which produces powdered, granulated, or microgranulated mineral fertilizers enriched with biological additives; in addition, the product produced from this process is also protected under this patent. The patent, granted by Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) under the Ministry of Economy, covers a process that combines glauconitic siltstone – a sedimentary rock composed of silt-sized iron-potassium phyllosilicate minerals – with beneficial microorganisms, advancing sustainable fertilizer technology and strengthening Verde’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio. Cristiano Veloso, CEO and Founder said, “Fertilizers remain the most important technology for boosting agricultural productivity, and continuous innovation is essential to meeting farmers’ evolving needs. With growing demand for sustainable and biological solutions, this patent represents a breakthrough by applying diverse microorganisms with glauconitic siltstone to improve soil and plant health, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce chemical inputs, all while being cost effective.” The patented process enables the production of powdered, granulated, or microgranulated fertilizers by combining glauconitic siltstone with beneficial microorganisms through industrial spraying techniques. Unlike conventional fertilizer manufacturing, this innovation eliminates the drying stage, reducing production costs while preserving viability of beneficial microorganisms for up to 180 days. This allows the integration of a wide range of bacteria and fungi enhancing sustainable agriculture practices through: nitrogen fixation - process by which certain microorganisms convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms usable by plants; phosphate solubilization – the conversion of insoluble forms of phosphorus into soluble forms that plants can absorb; biocontrol – the use of living organisms to suppress pests, weeds, or plant diseases; and growth promotion, creating a differentiated offering for the global fertilizer market. This patent positions Verde at the forefront of agricultural innovation and allows the company to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable agriculture solutions. Verde remains dedicated to delivering advanced fertilizer technologies that meet farmers’ needs while supporting long-term business growth. The Company holds five patents in Brazil with INPI and has three patent applications pending. Singapore headquartered, Verde AgriTech is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through the innovation of specialty multi nutrient potassium fertilizers. With the mission to increase agricultural productivity, enhance soil health, and significantly contribute to environmental sustainability. Utilizing its unique position in Brazil, Verde AgriTech harness proprietary technologies to develop solutions that not only meet the immediate needs of farmers but also address global challenges such as food security and climate change. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3259/yara-international-and-atome-sign-a-10-year-offtake-agreement-for-low-carbon-fertilizer-production-in-paraguay.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3259/yara-international-and-atome-sign-a-10-year-offtake-agreement-for-low-carbon-fertilizer-production-in-paraguay.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:01:00 +0530 ATOME to supply 260,000 tons per year of low-carbon fertilizer, powered entirely by renewable energy, from its Villeta Project ATOME, a leading low-carbon fertilizer developer and the UK's only international industrial-scale low-carbon fertilizer company, has announced the signing of a definitive 10-year offtake agreement with Yara International ASA. The offtake agreement between ATOME and Yara represents a significant step forward in the global transition to sustainable agriculture. Under this agreement, ATOME will supply and Yara will purchase the entire production of 260,000 tons per year (tpy) of low-carbon fertilizer from ATOME's Villeta Project in Paraguay. The fertilizer will be produced using 100% renewable power. Yara and ATOME will collaborate to maximize the market potential and premium value of ATOME's low-carbon fertilizer. This partnership leverages Yara's extensive sales, marketing, and distribution network, coupled with its expertise in relevant markets, to position ATOME's product as a leading solution for decarbonizing agricultural supply chains. By producing low-carbon fertilizer at an industrial scale and powered entirely by renewable energy, ATOME is addressing critical environmental challenges while meeting the growing demand for sustainable food production solutions. With its strategic location in Mercosur and the backing of Yara's extensive distribution network, the Villeta Project is set to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the food sector and advancing regional climate and food security goals. Market Demand for Low-Carbon Fertilizers: The Villeta Project is set to produce low-carbon Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer, manufactured from green ammonia derived from 100% renewable baseload hydropower. This production process eliminates reliance on subsidies or grants and is strategically located near major demand centers. Positioned in the heart of Mercosur, the world's largest fertilizer import market, Villeta is poised to disrupt the heavy reliance on imported, fossil-fuel-based fertilizers in the region. The Mercosur region, encompassing major food-exporting nations like Argentina and Brazil, currently depends significantly on fossil-fuel-based fertilizers, much of which is imported from Russia and China. ATOME's low-carbon fertilizer offers a sustainable alternative, addressing both regional climate goals and food security challenges. Environmental Impact and Decarbonization Goals: According to United Nations data, approximately one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are linked to food production. Fertilizer production and use account for more emissions than the shipping and aviation industries combined. ATOME's low-carbon Calcium Ammonium Nitrate product aims to decarbonize the food sector by targeting emissions at the root of the food value chain. Unlike conventional nitrogen fertilizers like urea, which have a significant carbon footprint, ATOME's product is both environmentally friendly and promotes high crop yields. This makes it an essential tool for global food producers seeking cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions in their supply chains. Yara's Role in Advancing Low-Carbon Fertilizers: As a first mover in marketing low-carbon fertilizer alternatives, Yara has been actively selling such products directly into the agricultural supply chains of the world's largest food and beverage companies. The offtake agreement with ATOME will enable Yara to expand its portfolio of low-carbon products, strengthening its position in the market for sustainable agricultural solutions. Chrystel Monthean, EVP Americas at Yara, emphasized the company's commitment to a "nature-positive food future." She noted that Yara's collaboration with farmers, cooperatives, and distributors in South America aligns with the goal of responding competitively to market demand for renewable energy-based fertilizers. Next Steps to Final Investment Decision (FID) The signing of this definitive offtake agreement marks the final commercial milestone in ATOME's journey to reaching a final investment decision (FID). This achievement follows the successful completion of other critical commercial milestones, including the signing of a US$465 million fixed-price, lump-sum Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Casale. Terje Bakken, Director for Ammonia and Fertilizer Markets at ATOME, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “ATOME is pleased to sign this definitive and final offtake agreement with Yara. We know that making the switch to low-carbon fertilizer is one of the most effective ways to reduce food production emissions. The agreement with Yara is an important validation of our commercial model, underpinned by the market case for the world's biggest food and beverage producers to urgently address agricultural emissions in their supply chains.” Bakken also highlighted the strong and mutually beneficial relationship between ATOME and Yara, expressing gratitude for the trust and collaboration of the Yara team. Chrystel Monthean of Yara echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the company's ambition to contribute to a sustainable food future. She noted that the local supply of fertilizers based on renewable energy would enhance Yara's ability to meet market demand while leveraging its agronomic expertise. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3221/transforming-post-harvest-protection-clearleafs-gotablanca-post-redefines-future-of-zero-residue-crop-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3221/transforming-post-harvest-protection-clearleafs-gotablanca-post-redefines-future-of-zero-residue-crop-innovation.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:35:13 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Lawrence Pratt, President of ClearLeaf (Costa Rica), unveils how the company’s GotaBlanca Post platform is revolutionizing post-harvest crop protection with zero-detectable residues. Using a proprietary copolymer matrix that embeds elemental silver, the technology destroys pathogens through multiple mechanisms while keeping silver levels at natural background thresholds. Pratt highlights that in pineapples and bananas—two of the world’s largest tropical export crops—the product delivers fungicide-level efficacy without worker safety risks or environmental trade-offs. With EU bans tightening and consumers demanding residue-free produce, he sees the non-toxic post-harvest protection market growing exponentially over the next five years. Regulatory trials have already shown ClearLeaf’s formulations beat the strictest MRL limits, opening premium export markets to producers. Looking ahead, Pratt envisions GotaBlanca Post as a game-changer for global fresh produce trade, cutting waste, extending shelf life, and reshaping economics across long-distance supply chains. Transformative Innovation GotaBlanca Post extends a field-proven crop protection platform into post-harvest applications. Can you explain the science behind its ability to deliver uncompromised pathogen control while leaving zero detectable residues? The science lies in our innovative copolymer matrix design. GotaBlanca Post uses elemental silver embedded within a proprietary surface copolymer system that creates a protective microfilm on produce. The elemental silver of our formulation kills pathogens through multiple simultaneous mechanisms – shattering cell walls, disrupting nutrient uptake, damaging DNA, and causing oxidative stress. This multi-point mode of action is incredibly effective yet uses truly tiny amounts of silver. Our trials with Eurofins laboratory consistently show residues below detectable limits because the silver remains at naturally occurring background levels. The copolymer matrix keeps the active ingredient exactly where it needs to be – on the surface fighting pathogens – without interfering with natural processes or entering the food matrix. In comparison to conventional synthetic fungicides, how does GotaBlanca Post redefine the balance between efficacy, safety, and environmental stewardship? We’ve essentially solved the traditional trade-off between effectiveness and safety. In our trials, GotaBlanca Post matched or exceeded the performance of conventional fungicides like fludioxonil against major pathogens, with 95 per cent of treated pineapples showing no mold after 21 days of simulated transoceanic transit. But here’s what’s revolutionary – workers can handle treated produce without protective equipment, there’s zero environmental impact, and the product supports regenerative agriculture by promoting soil microbiome balance. This is a great complement to our field-use products which, unlike synthetics that require the plant to expend energy processing toxic chemicals, protects without the plant even “knowing” it’s there, eliminating metabolic stress entirely. Market Strategy and Global Positioning Among tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and papayas, which categories are expected to drive early adoption, and what commercial factors influence this trajectory? Pineapples and bananas are our core opportunity markets, and for compelling commercial reasons. Pineapples face particularly severe pathogen pressure during the 21+ day transoceanic journeys, and Costa Rica exports more than 2 million tonnes of pineapples annually – mostly to Europe and North America where residue standards are strictest. We’re already shipping one container weekly with a major Costa Rican exporter, and we’re in discussions with Southeast Asian exporters moving 10,000 to 40,000 containers annually. Bananas follow close behind due to their massive export volumes and susceptibility to anthracnose. The commercial drivers are clear: longer shelf life, access to premium markets demanding residue-free produce, and elimination of worker safety concerns that plague conventional treatments. Looking ahead, how do you anticipate the global market for non-toxic, post-harvest crop protection evolving over the next five years, and what role will ClearLeaf play in shaping this transformation? We’re witnessing a perfect storm driving this transformation. The EU continues banning conventional fungicides – mancozeb being the latest – while consumer demand for residue-free produce accelerates. Major retailers are already recommending our technology to their suppliers based on trial results. We expect the non-toxic post-harvest market to grow exponentially as exporters realize they can’t afford the regulatory and market access risks of conventional treatments. ClearLeaf is positioned to lead this shift because we’re one of the only companies offering broad-spectrum, non-toxic efficacy that actually works at scale. Our technology platform can be deployed across dozens of crops and geographies – something that biological solutions simply can’t match due to their pathogen-specific limitations. Sustainability, Regulation, and Consumer Confidence Could you share insights from the regulatory registration process in Costa Rica, and your roadmap for securing approvals in major export markets globally? Costa Rica proved our regulatory pathway works. We successfully obtained registration for our pre harvest (in-field) formulation in 2021, followed by Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama. The key insight is that elemental silver has a massive safety database – it’s one of the most studied substances on earth. For post-harvest applications, the critical hurdle is meeting Maximum Residue Level requirements in export destinations. Since there’s no specific MRL for silver, the default limit of 0.01 mg/kg applies, which we consistently beat by wide margins. Our trials with European CROs using ISO standard protocols show residues below detectable limits. We’re now targeting Australia, Colombia, Vietnam, and expanding into major export markets where our zero-residue profile eliminates traditional regulatory barriers. How does a zero-residue profile influence brand differentiation, consumer trust, and compliance in an increasingly trade-sensitive and health-conscious marketplace? Zero residues are increasingly non-negotiable for premium markets. Major retailers are demanding residue-free produce, and consumers increasingly view any detectable residues as unacceptable. Our technology transforms compliance from a cost center into a competitive advantage. Exporters using GotaBlanca Post can access the highest-value market segments, command premium prices, and never worry about shipments being rejected at borders due to residue violations. We’re seeing this play out with our commercial partners who report that zero-residue certification opens doors that were previously closed to conventional treatments. It’s not just about meeting standards anymore – it’s about exceeding them so dramatically that it becomes a marketing asset. Strategic Vision and Future Horizons Are there upcoming innovations within the GotaBlanca platform—such as next-generation formulations, delivery systems, or integration with precision agriculture—that could redefine post-harvest protection? Absolutely. We’re developing enhanced formulations optimized for specific transit conditions and crop requirements. The beauty of our platform is its modularity – we can adjust the copolymer matrix and delivery mechanisms while maintaining the core silver technology. The most exciting development is our work on extending the platform to new application methods, including integration with existing packing line equipment to make adoption seamless for large-scale operations. From a global supply chain perspective, how do you envision GotaBlanca Post reshaping economics, quality preservation, and food safety across long-duration shipping and export cycles? This technology fundamentally changes the economics of global fresh produce trade. Currently, exporters lose 20-40 per cent of their product to post-harvest losses, which forces them to overproduce and accept lower prices. GotaBlanca Post enables exporters to ship with confidence, reduce insurance costs, access longer-distance markets, and capture premium pricing for residue-free produce. We’re essentially expanding the geographic reach of fresh produce exports by extending viable shipping windows while ensuring products arrive in premium condition. This creates cascading benefits throughout the supply chain – reduced food waste, more efficient global distribution, and democratized access to premium export markets for producers who previously couldn’t meet strict residue requirements. — Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3219/syngenta-and-ms-technologies-announce-herbicide-tolerant-soybeans.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3219/syngenta-and-ms-technologies-announce-herbicide-tolerant-soybeans.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:05:12 +0530 Technology combines multiple tolerances, including unprecedented resistance to HPPD inhibitors Syngenta and MS Technologies announced the launch of herbicide-tolerant soybean technology, expected to arrive in the North American market in 2029. The new trait package will be commercialized through Syngenta's seed brands, Stine Seed Company, and other partners. The system is based on Enlist E3 technology and expands soybean's tolerance to more active ingredients. The list includes glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D choline, and several HPPD inhibitors. Among them are mesotrione, isoxaflutole, and bicyclopyrone, already used in corn. According to the companies, the new feature offers farmers flexibility, with additional control options at the beginning of the crop cycle. This feature can be particularly helpful in cases of delayed planting or cultivar changes. Syngenta plans to make commercial varieties available under the Golden Harvest and NK brands, as well as through its GreenLeaf Genetics network. MS Technologies plans launches through Stine Seed Company, Merschman Seeds, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, and Peterson Genetics ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3179/a-novel-herbicide-from-bayer-is-submitted-for-registration-in-four-major-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3179/a-novel-herbicide-from-bayer-is-submitted-for-registration-in-four-major-markets.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:29:14 +0530 Strives to achieves key regulatory milestone for Icafolin in Brazil, US, and Canada following EU Bayer advances its innovative herbicide pipeline by submitting registration applications for icafolin-methyl in the European Union, following earlier submissions in Brazil, the United States, and Canada. Icafolin represents the first new mode of action for post-emergent weed control in broadacre crops in over three decades. With an estimated peak sales potential of €750 million, Bayer anticipates launching Icafolin from 2028, starting in Brazil. The company’s new DSO operating model has played a crucial role in accelerating regulatory submissions for this groundbreaking product. Icafolin represents a new chemical class with unique properties that enable lower dose rates and more precise applications. It is anticipated to have an exceptional safety and sustainability profile. Additionally, Icafolin complements existing herbicides, such as glyphosate, providing a valuable solution to combat weed resistance—a critical concern for farmers. The rise of weed resistance globally poses a significant threat to food security, as resistant weeds compete with crops for sunlight and nutrients, reducing yields and harvest quality. “Weeds threaten food security and farmer livelihoods, which is why investing in game-changing innovations like Icafolin is so vitally important,” said Mike Graham, Head of Research & Development for the Crop Science division of Bayer. “Access to an entirely new herbicide class that complements the existing toolbox not only helps farmers combat and prevent weed resistance, but it also helps farmers adopt and maintain no-till and reduced tillage practices that improve soil health, which is a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture.” Icafolin has been developed for initial uses in soybean, cereals, pulses, and oil seed crops, as well as pome and stone fruits, tree nuts, grapes, and citrus. As a novel mode of action, it has unique properties and benefits. Treated weeds become “frozen” in the fields, meaning they stop competing with crops for water, nutrients and sunlight, but the dead weeds remain in the field longer because they largely maintain their structure. This creates a mulch layer that helps prevent erosion and trap moisture in the soil. By providing effective weed control it reduces the need for tillage, supporting regenerative practices in agriculture that can improve soil health. Additionally, Icafolin's intrinsic properties make it suitable for targeted spray applications and lower dose rates, which allowed Bayer to submit registration applications under reduced risk status. Icafolin is the first product to utilize CropKey, Bayer’s breakthrough R&D approach to developing new crop protection products, which optimized the formulation recipe by considering multiple dimensions including efficacy, safety and sustainability criteria, and farmer convenience. CropKey will continue to accelerate how researchers design instead of screen for new molecules, supporting faster development of future products targeting specific proteins in weeds, pests, and crop diseases. “With CropKey we're not just responding to current agricultural challenges more quickly, we're being proactive and anticipating future needs,” said Rachel Rama, Senior Vice President and Head of Small Molecules at Bayer's Crop Science division. “Leveraging artificial intelligence greatly accelerates our journey from concept to market, so farmers gain access to the most effective and environmentally responsible crop protection products.” Following the first expected launch from 2028 onward in Brazil, Bayer anticipates selling Icafolin in the U.S, Canada, EU and other geographies over subsequent years. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3175/pupuk-indonesia-and-petronas-chemicals-strengthen-strategic-synergy-for-food-security-and-industrial-downstreaming.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3175/pupuk-indonesia-and-petronas-chemicals-strengthen-strategic-synergy-for-food-security-and-industrial-downstreaming.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:14:09 +0530 Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Growth in Fertilizer and Petrochemical Industries PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) and PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) strengthened their strategic partnership by signing a follow-up memorandum of understanding (MoU) that opens up opportunities for broader collaboration in supporting national and regional food security, as well as encouraging the downstreaming of the fertilizer and petrochemical industry in Indonesia. This collaboration includes exploring potential synergies in urea and ammonia supply, transferring technical and operational knowledge, and strengthening corporate governance in the areas of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE). This collaboration is expected to be a catalyst for strengthening the national fertilizer and petrochemical industry, making it more sustainable and efficient, and capable of meeting regional food needs. At the same time, it ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.This collaboration also demonstrates Pupuk Indonesia's commitment to supporting regional food security by strengthening the fertilizer supply chain in Southeast Asia." This collaboration expands the scope for synergy, encompassing not only product supply but also capacity development, technology transfer, and exploration of downstream projects. This is a strategic step to strengthen the downstreaming of the national industry and improve the operational reliability of fertilizer factories," said Pupuk Indonesia President Director Rahmad Pribadi at the signing ceremony for the continuation of the collaboration in Jakarta. In addition, the two companies also agreed to a Joint Feasibility Study Agreement for the development of methanol plant technology to strengthen the downstream petrochemical industry in Indonesia. Methanol itself is a high-value commodity with a large market and is a strategic part of Pupuk Indonesia's sustainable expansion and diversification of its non-fertilizer business. Domestic methanol development is expected to reduce dependence on imports and promote national energy independence.Furthermore, this collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen Pupuk Indonesia's competitiveness as a major player in the fertilizer and petrochemical industry in Southeast Asia. By establishing this collaboration, Pupuk Indonesia has the potential to expand its partnership network to address increasingly complex industry challenges.  This collaboration also includes technology transfer, exchange of technical knowledge, and collaboration in the field of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) which will strengthen the operational reliability of both companies." This strategic partnership is concrete evidence of our commitment to continuing to build an efficient, competitive, and sustainable national fertilizer industry. We believe this collaboration will strengthen Indonesia's position in facing global challenges while simultaneously achieving stronger regional food security," Rahmad concluded. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3159/bioconsortia-to-launch-innovative-nitrogen-fixing-biofertilizer-globally.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3159/bioconsortia-to-launch-innovative-nitrogen-fixing-biofertilizer-globally.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:13:13 +0530 Always-N™ product poised to transform industrial corn production with sustainable, gene-edited microbe BioConsortia, Inc., a leader in microbial innovation for sustainable agriculture, has secured $15 million in additional funding, bringing its total investment to $95 million.  The new funding will accelerate the global launch of Always-N™, BioConsortia’s groundbreaking nitrogen-fixing seed treatment for industrial corn and support continued expansion of its discovery and development engine at the company’s Davis, California headquarters. BioConsortia continues development of its nitrogen-fixing microbial seed treatment product line, with more than 1,000 trials in the past five years. The new funding will accelerate the global launch of Always-N™, BioConsortia’s groundbreaking nitrogen-fixing seed treatment for industrial corn and support continued expansion of its discovery and development engine at the company’s Davis, California headquarters. Always-N enables farmers to maintain crop yields while reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers—significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health. Applied as a seed treatment, Always-N delivers consistent field performance and is the only nitrogen-fixing biofertilizer combining advanced gene editing and extended viability exceeding two years. "Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are essential to modern agriculture, but their overuse comes at a steep environmental cost,” said Meadows-Smith. “With Always-N, we offer a powerful, sustainable alternative—backed by cutting-edge science and built for real-world performance.” Roughly half of applied synthetic nitrogen is never absorbed by crops. Instead, it runs off into waterways or is broken down in soil, releasing nitrous oxide—a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than CO₂. As regulatory and market pressure builds for climate-smart farming, demand for sustainable alternatives like Always-N is growing rapidly. Following its successful commercial debut in New Zealand in 2024, Always-N is now preparing for broader market entry, supported by key global partners including The Mosaic Company in row crops in the Americas. The new funding enables BioConsortia to scale manufacturing, build inventory, and expand market access in anticipation of the upcoming growing season. Always-N is powered by BioConsortia’s discovery and development platform - an integrated engine using proprietary tools for microbial discovery, selection, and optimization. It begins with Advanced Microbial Selection™ (AMS) to identify high-performing plant-associated microbes, then uses GenExpress™ and GenePro™ tools to enhance traits such as nitrogen fixation, disease and pest control, and shelf-life. In addition to Always-N™, BioConsortia is advancing a robust pipeline of next-generation biostimulants, fungicides, nematicides, and insecticides—engineered for extended shelf life, ease of use, and superior field efficacy. BioConsortia has validated its platform across diverse crops, geographies, and soil types. Field trials have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of its microbial biofertilizers, fungicides, nematicides, and insecticides—delivering growers new tools for sustainable, high-yield farming. BioConsortia, pioneering next-generation agricultural biologicals through cutting-edge microbial gene editing. In nitrogen fixation, biocontrol, and biostimulants, breakthroughs in editing only the most stable microbes unlock unprecedented performance-delivering solutions that are more effective, more consistent, and easier to use than anything currently available. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3154/fmc-corporation-expands-footprint-in-europe-with-a-novel-herbicide-for-winter-wheat-and-barley.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3154/fmc-corporation-expands-footprint-in-europe-with-a-novel-herbicide-for-winter-wheat-and-barley.html Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:15:03 +0530 Secures registration in Great Britain for Fundatis® herbicide powered by Isoflex® active FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, announced it has received registration for Fundatis® herbicide powered by Isoflex® active in Great Britain for use in winter wheat and winter barley. Isoflex® active is a novel herbicide used on cereals and is classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as a Group 13 herbicide. Fundatis® herbicide provides growers with a new tool to help manage herbicide resistance across a wide range of agronomic practices. "Fundatis® herbicide introduces a new solution featuring two active ingredients previously unavailable in Great Britain," said Sebastià Pons, vice president, president FMC EMEA. "This registration underscores FMC's commitment and dedication to bringing innovative crop protection technologies to growers. By providing growers with solutions to overcome resistance challenges, they are empowered to enhance their farming practices and achieve greater success."  Fundatis® herbicide combines FMC's innovative molecule Isoflex® active with beflubutamid, providing growers with a new tool for resistance management. Fundatis® herbicide provides a strong foundation as part of an integrated weed management program, effectively contributing to the control of key annual grass weeds, including Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). It also offers control of key broadleaf weeds such as Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) and Speedwell (Veronica spp.). Fundatis® herbicide will be available to growers during the fall growing season in Great Britain. The registration in Great Britain marks another significant regulatory approval for FMC and Isoflex® active, which has already been registered and commercialized in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Pakistan, Uruguay and India. FMC has also submitted a regulatory application for Isoflex® active in the European Union. Products containing Isoflex® active have exhibited pre-plant, pre-emergence and early post-emergence selectivity in major crops across the globe, including canola, cereals, oilseed rape and pulses. Research on the use of Isoflex® active in additional crops and segments is ongoing. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3151/bayer-submits-registration-applications-for-novel-herbicide-in-four-key-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3151/bayer-submits-registration-applications-for-novel-herbicide-in-four-key-markets.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:37:42 +0530 First regulatory milestone in the EU has followed applications in Brazil, US, and Canada over recent months. Bayer advances its blockbuster pipeline submitting registration applications for icafolin-methyl in the European Union, following completed applications in Brazil, United States and Canada, the company announced today. Icafolin is agriculture's first new mode of action for post-emergent weed control for broadacre crops in over 30 years. With estimated peak sales potential around €750 million, Bayer expects Icafolin will be launched from 2028 onward with initial availability in Brazil. The new operating model DSO has been instrumental for advancing Icafolin regulatory submissions ahead of schedule. Following the first expected launch from 2028 onward in Brazil, Bayer anticipates selling Icafolin in the U.S, Canada, EU and other geographies over subsequent years. Icafolin belongs to a new chemical class providing unique properties that allow for lower dose rates, more targeted applications, and is expected to demonstrate an exceptional safety and sustainability profile. In addition, Icafolin is complementary to existing herbicides, such as glyphosate, adding a novel solution in the fight against weed resistance, a top priority for farmers. Weed resistances have increased globally over the last years and are a threat to food security as resistant weeds are competing with crops on sunlight and nutrients, thus significantly reducing yield and harvest quality. “Weeds threaten food security and farmer livelihoods, which is why investing in game-changing innovations like Icafolin is so vitally important,” said Mike Graham, Head of Research & Development for the Crop Science division of Bayer. “Access to an entirely new herbicide class that complements the existing toolbox not only helps farmers combat and prevent weed resistance, but it also helps farmers adopt and maintain no-till and reduced tillage practices that improve soil health, which is a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture.” Icafolin has been developed for initial uses in soybean, cereals, pulses, and oil seed crops, as well as pome and stone fruits, tree nuts, grapes, and citrus. As a novel mode of action, it has unique properties and benefits. Treated weeds become “frozen” in the fields, meaning they stop competing with crops for water, nutrients and sunlight, but the dead weeds remain in the field longer because they largely maintain their structure. This creates a mulch layer that helps prevent erosion and trap moisture in the soil. By providing effective weed control it reduces the need for tillage, supporting regenerative practices in agriculture that can improve soil health. “With CropKey we're not just responding to current agricultural challenges more quickly, we're being proactive and anticipating future needs,” said Rachel Rama, Senior Vice President and Head of Small Molecules at Bayer's Crop Science division. “Leveraging artificial intelligence greatly accelerates our journey from concept to market, so farmers gain access to the most effective and environmentally responsible crop protection products.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3149/red-sun-jiangnan-university-joint-innovation-research-center-to-explore-synthetic-biology-and-green-agrochemicals.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3149/red-sun-jiangnan-university-joint-innovation-research-center-to-explore-synthetic-biology-and-green-agrochemicals.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:11:49 +0530 Research center for key technologies, accelerating the application of scientific and technological achievements, and contributing to the high-quality development of the national regional economy Chinese company Nanjing Red Sun Co., Ltd. and Jiangnan University officially signed the Joint Innovation Research Center agreement on July 26 at Jiangnan University's Lihu campus. A member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Jiangnan University, Gu Zhengbiao, attended the signing ceremony along with Yang Yi, Party Secretary and Chairman of Nanjing Red Sun Co., Ltd. The Red Sun Central Research Institute and Jiangnan University Institute of Science and Technology signed a cooperation agreement at the event, according to Dong Weifu, President of Jiangnan University Institute of Science and Technology. A joint innovation research center involving Red Sun and Jiangnan University was unveiled by Gu Zhengbiao and Yang Yi. In his presentation, Gu Zhengbiao covered the university's history, organizational structure, scientific research, talent development, social services, and collaborative development. The university has consistently prioritized the "Healthy China" strategy, leveraging its "Double First-Class" disciplines to achieve significant progress in areas such as synthetic biology, specialty foods, and light industry technology. Establishing this joint innovation research center will promote collaboration between the two parties, accelerate the application of scientific and technological achievements, and contribute to the development of the national and regional economies. Based on national missions, the two parties will deeply integrate Jiangnan University's strong multidisciplinary basic research strengths with Red Sun's extensive industrialization experience and global market network resources. This will effectively accelerate the innovative application of biotechnology in the agrochemical field and the expansion of the industrial chain, jointly setting a new benchmark for industry-university integration. By collaborating, both parties will closely align with the national innovation-driven development strategy, focusing on synthetic biology, green chemistry, and new materials. The two companies will collaborate on breakthroughs in technology and accelerate the application of these findings. The center will initially establish a "Green Pesticide Joint Innovation Laboratory" and a "Synthetic Biology Joint Innovation Laboratory." A complete transformation system from laboratory testing to pilot scale-up to industrialization will also be developed through collaboration on a pilot incubation base. This will inject strong momentum into accelerating the achievement of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and the development of new-quality productivity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3120/pt-pupuk-indonesia-inks-mou-with-emp-to-strengthen-national-fertilizer-industry-and-support-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3120/pt-pupuk-indonesia-inks-mou-with-emp-to-strengthen-national-fertilizer-industry-and-support-food-security.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:21:21 +0530 Ensures fertilizer raw materials availability and accelerating the energy transition for the sustainability PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two subsidiaries of PT Energi Mega Persada (EMP) Tbk. The signing of these two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) marks a significant step in ensuring the availability of fertilizer raw materials and accelerating the energy transition for the sustainability of the national fertilizer industry and supporting food security. "Through these two strategic MoUs, Pupuk Indonesia is not only strengthening the availability of raw materials but also becoming an enabler of the clean energy transition to achieve food self-sufficiency and a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable fertilizer industry," said Pupuk Indonesia President Director Rahmad Pribadi at the signing ceremony of the two MoUs in Jakarta. The first MoU was signed by Pupuk Indonesia with EMP Gebang Limited, the operator of the Gebang Working Area. Through this signing, Pupuk Indonesia and EMP Gebang Limited will conduct a study, evaluation, and exchange information on opportunities for collaboration to utilize natural gas supplies from the Gebang Working Area in North Sumatra. In the MoU, Pupuk Indonesia is exploring the possibility of utilizing EMP Gebang's gas, with an estimated daily delivery volume of approximately 100 BBTUD.Rahmad stated that the Gebang Working Area offers a potential long-term domestic gas supply that is highly relevant and aligned with the development or revitalization of fertilizer factories in North Sumatra. Gas supplies from the Gerbang Working Area are expected to support operations and the planned revitalization of PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM)'s factory. "Through this memorandum of understanding, we will receive gas supply support from one of EMP's blocks. So, God willing, with this additional capacity, we can do a lot at PIM, including revitalizing it," said Rahmad.Rahmad emphasized that the availability of gas, a primary raw material, is crucial in meeting national fertilizer needs. He added that PIM's planned factory revitalization also relies heavily on a secure gas supply to maintain operational sustainability, increase production capacity, and boost efficiency. Meanwhile, the second MoU was signed by Pupuk Indonesia with PT Pema Global Energi (PGE) regarding the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Pupuk Indonesia and Pema Global Energi will explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in PGE's Working Area, particularly in the Arun Gas Field in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, for blue ammonia production.Rahmad stated that the Arun Special Economic Zone (KEK) was chosen as the location for CCS and CCUS development because the region holds significant potential as a center of economic growth in Aceh. With this potential, he hopes Aceh will become a global hub for clean ammonia trade. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3103/carbon-nanadot-technology-set-to-revolutionise-crop-protection-with-sustainable-pesticides.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3103/carbon-nanadot-technology-set-to-revolutionise-crop-protection-with-sustainable-pesticides.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:19:31 +0530 University of Bristol, spin-out CDotBio wins prestigious Armourers & Brasiers Venture Prize A pioneering carbon nanodot technology, originally developed for healthcare, is now poised to transform global agriculture through the development of next-generation, RNA-based biopesticides. Developed by CDotBio, a biotechnology spin-out from the University of Bristol, UK, this breakthrough promises to reduce reliance on traditional chemical pesticides and significantly lower the environmental impact of crop protection. CDotBio has been awarded the £25,000 Armourers & Brasiers Venture Prize, which recognises excellence in materials science innovation with high commercial potential. Carbon nanodots are ultra-small, biodegradable particles that enable precise, species-specific targeting in plants. Traditionally used in medical and biotech applications, these nanodots are now being repurposed to overcome key challenges in RNA-based biopesticides—such as poor stability, delivery, and cellular uptake. “Carbon nanodots enhance the stability and delivery of RNA, allowing biopesticides to reach pests or weeds more effectively,” said Teo Garcia-Millan, co-founder and CEO of CDotBio. “They prevent RNA from degrading too quickly, enabling more precise and reliable pest control.” Unlike conventional broad-spectrum chemical pesticides, which often persist in the environment and harm non-target organisms, RNA-based biopesticides offer targeted, biodegradable control—and can even contribute to improved soil health. CDotBio’s nanodots are manufactured from renewable organic materials and are cost-effective to scale, making the solution both sustainable and commercially viable. “Eighty percent of global food production depends on plants, yet we’re losing up to 40 percent of crop yields to pests and disease,” added Garcia-Millan. “The agricultural sector urgently needs better tools. Our technology unlocks the full potential of RNA-based crop protection.” From Lab to Field: A Commercial Platform for RNA Biopesticides CDotBio’s business model is built on strategic partnerships with agribusinesses, RNA manufacturers, and crop protection firms. The company co-develops targeted biopesticides and generates revenue through licensing, joint development agreements, and royalties. The platform is protected by two patents covering the synthesis and RNA conjugation of carbon nanodots. The initial target is blackgrass, an herbicide-resistant weed that causes over £400 million in losses annually to UK wheat farmers. CDotBio is also developing nanodot-enabled RNA solutions for major crop threats such as wheat rust, downy mildew, aphids, and other insect pests. Preliminary modelling indicates that nanodot-enabled RNA sprays could reduce synthetic pesticide use by up to 70% in targeted applications—delivering significant environmental and economic benefits to farmers. Strong Scientific and Entrepreneurial Foundation Founded by researchers from the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry and School of Biological Sciences, CDotBio combines cutting-edge nanotechnology and plant science expertise. The company’s leadership includes Dr. Teo Garcia-Millan, a materials chemist with a PhD in functional nanomaterials ; Dr. Veronica Greco, an engineering biologist with a background in genetic circuit design; and Dr. Fran Robson, a plant molecular geneticist with decades of expertise in plant biology and pathology. The £25,000 prize will fund crucial validation studies and field trials ahead of regulatory submission. Field trials are anticipated to begin in 2026, with market launch targeted for 2028, pending regulatory approvals. “CDotBio is an excellent example of how UK scientific innovation can drive environmentally friendly solutions in agriculture,” said Julian Beare, Chairman of the Armourers & Brasiers Venture Prize judging panel. “Our mission is to foster scientific entrepreneurship and help promising ventures achieve real-world impact.” Global Vision and Call for Partnerships With the global pesticide market valued at over $104 billion, CDotBio’s platform offers a scalable solution for crop protection across geographies. The company is actively seeking collaboration opportunities with international partners in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. “We welcome discussions with agri-tech partners, RNA manufacturers, and investors who share our vision for transforming crop protection,” said Garcia-Millan. “CDotBio’s nanodot technology is not only an innovation in materials science, it represents a critical leap toward more sustainable, precise, and resilient agriculture.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3100/bayer-unveils-felujit-fungicide-for-sheath-blight-control-in-paddy-in-india.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3100/bayer-unveils-felujit-fungicide-for-sheath-blight-control-in-paddy-in-india.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:24:00 +0530 The Felujit, an innovative fungicide will be available across key rice-growing states in the country starting from July. Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of agriculture and healthcare, announced the launch of Felujit, an innovative fungicide designed to provide protection to all plant parts against sheath blight in paddy cultivation. The product will be available across key rice-growing states in the country starting from July. As the agricultural sector grapples with increasing challenges from pests and diseases, Felujit, with its unique formulation combining Penflufen and Tebuconazole, is set to transform the way farmers manage this persistent disease that has origins in the soil. It effectively inhibits the growth of sheath blight by its dual mode of action throughout the entire body of the plant upon application, providing farmers with a reliable solution that enhances crop yields and quality. A single spray of Felujit offers superior efficacy that lasts more than twice the current market standards. This means farmers can achieve effective disease control without the burden of multiple applications, saving both time and labor costs. “Felujit is a highly effective solution for farmers, offering excellent control over sheath blight while streamlining their farming practices. Given the critical role of paddy in global food security, our innovation empowers farmers to manage disease effectively with fewer applications, optimizing their resources and enhancing their profitability amidst rising agricultural challenges”, said Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead, Crop Science Division of Bayer in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. Felujit’s unique selling proposition lies in its dual-action formulation, combining the strengths of two active ingredients to tackle Rhizoctonia, the main organism causing sheath blight. This innovative approach not only ensures effective control but also supports sustainable farming practices by optimizing the efficacy of the application. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3088/loveland-products-unveils-new-crop-solutions-for-canadian-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3088/loveland-products-unveils-new-crop-solutions-for-canadian-farmers.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:08:42 +0530 Enhances nutrient availability, improves plant vigor, and supports crop development throughout the season for stronger yield potential Loveland Products, Inc., the proprietary products company for Nutrien Ag Solutions and a leading providerof crop input solutions, is deepening its support for Canadian agriculture with the launch of three new performance-driven solutions. Each product is designed to address specific agronomic challenges - enhancing nutrient availability, improving plant vigor, and supporting season-long crop development for stronger yield potential. The new lineup includes:  BLACKMAX® WSG, a dry granular carbon-based solution to improve nutrient uptake and soil health. Radiate® Plus, a foliar-applied growth stimulant and nutrition package that supports early-season root vigor and stress resilience. Prevade™, a soil-applied utility modifier that improves herbicide performance in variable Canadian conditions.  “These latest additions to our portfolio drive stronger crop performance, and support greater return on investment for our grower customers. Innovation is about delivering solutions that help Canadian farmers succeed through science, technology, and practical application” says Jesse Hamonic, Vice President and Country Head of Nutrien Ag Solutions Canada.  BLACKMAX WSG: New Tool to Boost Nutrient Efficiency, Soil Health BLACKMAX WSG delivers Loveland’s leading carbon technology in a water-soluble, dry formulation ideal for Canadian farms. Using proprietary C2 Technology, a unique carbon extraction and reaction process, BLACKMAX WSG enhances nutrient availability, stimulates microbial activity, and improves overall soil function. By improving nutrient chelation and supporting root uptake, BLACKMAX WSG is especially valuable in compacted or nutrient-depleted soils, helping farmers build more resilient acres. “This product unlocks nutrients that are often tied up in the soil,” explains Casey McDaniel, Vice President of Loveland Products. “And because it integrates easily into dry fertilizer programs, it’s as practical as it is powerful.” Radiate Plus: Foliar Solution for Maximizing Root Zone ROI Radiate Plus arrives in Canada with a bold promise: stronger roots and stronger yields. Designed as a foliar-applied plant growth stimulant, Radiate Plus combines IBA and Kinetin with a robust blend of plant-available macro- and micronutrients to accelerate early-season root and shoot development. Compatible across a range of tank-mix partners, Radiate Plus fits seamlessly into early-season crop plans for canola, cereals, soybeans, lentils, peas, corn, and potatoes. “Western Canadian farmers often contend with unpredictable swings in moisture - from waterlogging to drought,” says McDaniel. “Radiate Plus helps plants establish deeper, more resilient root systems that access water and nutrients more effectively - even in challenging environments.”  Prevade: Enhancing Herbicide Efficiency from the Ground Up Designed specifically for pre-plant and pre-emergent herbicide applications, Prevade is a vegetable oil-based soil modifier utility modifier engineered to maximize herbicide performance under a wide range of field conditions. By improving herbicide deposition and retention in the soil’s target zone, Prevade reduces leaching and lateral movement due to rainfall or irrigation. This extends residual control, enhances herbicide activation, and protects against early weed competition, critical in crops like canola, cereals, soybeans, peas, and lentils. “Prevade gives farmers a simple yet powerful way to protect their herbicide investment. By helping keep herbicides in the weed control zone, Prevade delivers more reliable early-season control and greater peace of mind, especially in variable Prairie soil conditions” says McDaniel. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3052/kenya-withdraws-77-harmful-pesticides-amid-global-safety-alignment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3052/kenya-withdraws-77-harmful-pesticides-amid-global-safety-alignment.html Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:43:29 +0530 In a major step toward aligning with global safety standards, the Kenyan government has banned the use of 77 pesticide products after identifying harmful active ingredients that pose risks to human health, livestock, crops, and the environment. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that the decision follows a scientific review conducted by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB). The assessment evaluated 430 pesticide formulations currently in use across the country. "Based on scientific findings and stakeholder input, we've identified active ingredients in certain products that present unacceptable risks," Kagwe stated. Beyond the immediate withdrawal, the government has placed restrictions on 202 products for use on specific crops, while an additional 151 pesticides are under active review. The use and import of these 151 products will remain suspended until the review is concluded, expected by December this year. To further ensure safety, Kagwe directed importers to only bring in pest control products that are registered in their country of origin and meet international safety benchmarks. Registration of products banned under global environmental agreements will no longer be permitted. “Importation of any active ingredient under review—and not approved in the EU, USA, Australia, or Canada—will be prohibited pending final evaluation,” Kagwe emphasized. The move marks a significant tightening of pesticide regulation in Kenya, reflecting growing global concerns over chemical safety, environmental protection, and consumer health. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3045/indias-agrochemical-exports-expected-to-be-moderate-rebound-in-fy25-rubix-report.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3045/indias-agrochemical-exports-expected-to-be-moderate-rebound-in-fy25-rubix-report.html Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:56:39 +0530 The report highlights herbicides as the fastest-growing segment, driven by cost-effective manufacturing. Key markets include the US and Brazil, with Japan emerging as the second-largest destination for herbicides.  After steadily rising from FY2020 to FY2023, India’s agrochemical exports experienced a sharp year-on-year decline of nearly 22 per cent in FY2024 due to global destocking and pricing pressures. However, a moderate rebound is expected in FY2025, with improving demand and inventory normalisation, according to latest Rubix report.  The US and Brazil retained their spots as the top two export destinations for Indian insecticides and fungicides over the past five years. However, in FY2025, Japan displaced Brazil as the second-largest export destination for herbicides. Cross-Border Trade Dynamics  Exports are navigating headwinds but are expected to recover India’s agrochemical exports declined sharply in FY2024, by nearly 22 per cent compared to the previous year, primarily due to global inventory destocking, heightened price competition from China, and subdued demand in key export markets. Distributors worldwide reduced procurement to manage excess stock amid falling prices, while Chinese suppliers re-entered the market with aggressively priced products, making Indian exports less competitive. Additionally, erratic weather patterns impacted agricultural activity in importing countries, further dampening demand. However, exports are expected to recover in the coming years as global inventories stabilise, demand picks up with improved agricultural cycles, and Indian manufacturers adapt with cost-efficient production and diversified portfolios. As a result, the trade surplus (difference between exports and imports) came down from USD 3.6 billion in FY2023 and USD 2.8 billion in FY2024 to USD 2.3 billion in FY2025 (April 2024 February 2025). Importance of Herbicides in Exports  Herbicides have emerged as the leading export segment, experiencing the fastest growth at 20 per cent CAGR from FY2020 to FY2025. The share of herbicides in total agrochemical exports increased from 31% to 37 per cent during the same timeframe. This growth is driven by India’s cost-effective manufacturing, the rising global demand for affordable herbicides, and the increasing scarcity and cost of agricultural labour, making herbicide-based weed control a more viable choice for farmers. Concentration in Key Markets  The export landscape reveals a growing concentration in key markets, as the top five export destinations account for more than 50 per cent share for insecticides and fungicides and nearly 71 per cent for herbicides. Notably, the US and Brazil have maintained their positions as the top export destinations for insecticides and fungicides over the past five years. However, in FY2025, Japan displaced Brazil as the second-largest export destination for herbicides ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3038/syngenta-announces-breakthrough-in-fight-against-resistant-grass-weeds.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3038/syngenta-announces-breakthrough-in-fight-against-resistant-grass-weeds.html Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:54:14 +0530 Novel herbicide leverages Syngenta’s extensive expertise in ACCase-inhibitors and state-of-the-art computer modelling Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, announced that its latest weed control solution, metproxybicyclone, has been recognized under a new chemical subclass of herbicides by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), reflecting metproxybicyclone’s distinction as the fourth generation of ACCase-inhibitors, an important class of herbicides.  “Herbicide resistance has been officially reported in 75 countries and affects farmers of more than 100 crops; of the 273 weed species afflicted, 40 percent are grass weeds,” said Camilla Corsi, Syngenta’s Global Head of Research and Development. “At Syngenta, we push the boundaries of crop protection science to deliver solutions to support soybean and cotton farmers who now confront this challenge.” Subject to regulatory approvals, the new herbicide is currently expected to be introduced in Argentina in 2026. The novel herbicide was invented at Syngenta’s International Research Centre at Jealott’s Hill, UK. By leveraging Syngenta’s extensive expertise in ACCase-inhibitors and state-of-the-art computer modelling, scientists precisely designed a new subclass of herbicide capable of controlling grass weeds that had evolved resistance to herbicides such as glyphosate and clethodim, while optimizing the molecule’s sustainability profile. With its broad pipeline of innovative agricultural solutions, Syngenta's crop protection solutions includes products based on ADEPIDYN® technology, PLINAZOLIN® technology and TYMIRIUM® technology, as well as a wide and expanding array of biological and digital solutions ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3030/egypt-to-invest-573-mn-in-first-phase-of-phosphoric-acid-plant-by-2026.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3030/egypt-to-invest-573-mn-in-first-phase-of-phosphoric-acid-plant-by-2026.html Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:34:19 +0530 Egypt is set to launch a $573 million project aimed at producing phosphoric acid for fertilizer use, with the first phase targeting an annual output of 250,000 tons. Commercial production is expected to begin in 2028. The initiative is designed to reduce the country's reliance on imports and strengthen Egypt’s position in the global fertilizer market. Egypt is ramping up efforts to strengthen its fertilizer sector with a $573 million investment in a phosphoric acid production facility, slated to begin construction in 2026 in the Abu Tartour region of New Valley Governorate. The project, part of the Abu Tartour for Phosphoric Acid initiative, is planned in two phases and aims for a total annual output of 500,000 tons of phosphoric acid, with the initial phase contributing half that capacity. Commercial operations are expected to commence in 2028. Phosphoric acid, essential in manufacturing both solid and liquid phosphated fertilizers, is central to Egypt’s strategy to reduce reliance on imports and increase its share in global exports. Engineering, procurement, and construction contracts are projected to be finalized by mid-2025. Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi highlighted the project’s importance in leveraging Egypt’s mineral wealth, calling it a strategic move to boost local value addition and industrial self-reliance. Egypt, currently the second-largest exporter of chemical fertilizers in Africa, aims to enhance its foothold in the phosphate fertilizer segment. In 2024, the country exported $2.43 billion worth of fertilizers, including $549.5 million from phosphate-based products, accounting for over 22 per cent of total exports. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3021/progro-bio-introduces-organic-biocontrol-product-targeting-plant-fungal-pathogens-nematodes-and-foliar-insects.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3021/progro-bio-introduces-organic-biocontrol-product-targeting-plant-fungal-pathogens-nematodes-and-foliar-insects.html Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:50:15 +0530 Harnessing microbial combinations that can naturally suppress pests and pathogens through their metabolic by-products ProGro BIO, a leader in microbial-based agricultural solutions, has announced plans to seek U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for a new suite of organic, all-natural biocontrol products. The proposed formulations will be designed to target and control crop-damaging soil and foliar fungal pathogens, parasitic nematodes, and foliar insects - some of the most persistent threats to global crop production. ProGro BIO's envisioned biocontrol formulations are grounded in years of R&D focused on harnessing microbial combinations that can naturally suppress pests and pathogens through their metabolic by-products. "Our research has revealed promising modes of action driven by secondary metabolites—particularly polypeptides and polyphenols—produced by certain microbial blends," said Dr. Robert Bruck, Chief Scientist at ProGro BIO. "These compounds, naturally secreted during microbial metabolic activity, have demonstrated strong potential in field trials to disrupt the lifecyles and reproductive cycles of damaging soil and foliar pathogens, nematodes, and insects." ProGro BIO's flagship product, Rhizol, has recently been certified organic by OMRI, making it one of the most concentrated and effective soil inoculants available today. Rhizol was launched in late 2024. Its fully soluble dry formulation, containing 35 microbial isolates, is particularly well-suited for large-scale agricultural use. Extensive field trials conducted in 2023 and 2024—spanning tens of thousands of acres and involving hundreds of growers—demonstrated Rhizol's ability to promote root development, boost biomass, improve nutrient uptake, and significantly increase yields across a wide range of crops. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3010/envision-energy-and-marubeni-sign-green-ammonia-offtake-agreement.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3010/envision-energy-and-marubeni-sign-green-ammonia-offtake-agreement.html Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:32:09 +0530 Aims to fast-track the global transition to low-carbon energy solutions, particularly in industries such as chemicals and fertilizers Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, announced a historic green ammonia offtake agreement with Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan's five major trading companies. This pioneering agreement on a global scale validates the commercial viability of green ammonia as a scalable energy solution, sets a global benchmark for its trade, and highlights the vast potential of green hydrogen-ammonia energy across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The partnership brings together Envision Energy's leadership in integrated green hydrogen-ammonia solutions with Marubeni's expansive global network and energy trade expertise, facilitating large-scale production, supply, and commercialization of green ammonia. It aims to fast-track the global transition to low-carbon energy solutions, particularly in industries such as chemicals and fertilizers, driving sustainable growth across diverse sectors worldwide. This collaboration will also accelerate Japan's shift to a green economy, drive greater investment and innovation, and support the government's sustainability goals. "The global energy landscape is undergoing profound changes, with hydrogen-ammonia playing an increasingly pivotal role." said Mr. Frank Yu, Senior Vice President of Envision Energy, "Together with Marubeni, we are accelerating the commercialization of ammonia, turning it into a key energy solution that powers the world's transition to carbon-neutral fuels. This partnership lays the groundwork for ammonia-powered transportation and electricity generation, ultimately fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy ecosystem." Envision Energy is the world's leading green hydrogen producer and the only company that possesses core technologies in renewable energy, hydrogen production, and net-zero industrial park, targeting for decarbonization at scale by green hydrogen-ammonia solutions. By pioneering full-stack green hydrogen technologies, including alkaline and PEM electrolysis technologies, along with its engineering competences and system integration capabilities, the company aims to address key challenges in the green hydrogen arena, particularly those related to efficiency and the intermittency of renewable energy sources. The company is at the forefront of developing the world's largest commercial green hydrogen-ammonia plant, leveraging its innovative net-zero industrial park model and full-stack green hydrogen technologies. Fully powered by green electricity from directly coupled wind and solar energy, the plant efficiently integrates wind, solar and storage with hydrogen-ammonia production to optimize costs and enhance sustainability. The initial production phase, launched in early 2024, targets 300,000 tons of green ammonia annually and plans to scale up to a total annual capacity of 1.5 million tons upon completion. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3002/chinas-yunnan-yuntianhua-evaluates-limus-treated-fertilizer-to-reduce-co2-equivalent-emissions.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/3002/chinas-yunnan-yuntianhua-evaluates-limus-treated-fertilizer-to-reduce-co2-equivalent-emissions.html Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:16:57 +0530 BASF and Yuntianhua successfully verify and register greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the use of stabilized urea fertilizer  BASF and Yunnan Yuntianhua Co., Ltd., a China-based fertilizer manufacturer, launched a pilot project in China in 2023 to verify the reduction of CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2e) from the use of Yuntianhua’s stabilized urea fertilizer containing BASF's urease inhibitor Limus®. The pilot verified that Yuntianhua reduced roughly 46,584 tons of CO2e emissions by using Limus-treated fertilizer versus untreated fertilizer. This estimate is based on Yuntianhua’s sales of Limus-stabilized urea during the pilot. These results not only contribute to climate-smart agriculture initiatives in China., but they also demonstrate successful project implementation, enabling expansion opportunities globally. Around 15 percent of nitrogen in urea fertilizer is lost to the atmosphere as ammonia1, causing a deterioration in air quality and biodiversity. Additionally, applied nitrogen released as nitrous oxide can enter the atmosphere as greenhouse gas. Along with the detrimental environmental effects of nitrogen loss, farmers suffer economic and yield quality losses as less nitrogen is available to crops when they need it most. The successful project results reaffirm that applying Limus urease inhibitor on urea fertilizer stabilizes the urea, and this Limus-treated urea emits less ammonia and nitrous oxide than standard, non-treated fertilizers. As part of their climate-smart agriculture initiatives, Yuntianhua hosts field trial demonstrations for farmers, distributors, and retailers showcasing these benefits of stabilized urea. The project has been verified by an independent auditor according to the international ISO 14064 standard. The project is listed in the GHG CleanProjects®Registry, a public database of projects that intend to reduce or remove greenhouse gases using the ISO 14064 standard for greenhouse gas inventory and reporting. BASF also collaborated with First Climate, a leading global provider of carbon management and sustainability solutions, to develop the pilot project in China and monitor the project’s outcomes. “Together with Yuntianhua, we not only proved the feasibility of implementing this climate-smart agriculture initiative to verify emissions reductions but also its importance amidst global climate change, as agriculture is in a unique position to address it,” said Markus Schmid, Nitrogen Management business lead at BASF. “Now the second monitoring cycle is underway and can help set the stage to expand to partners in the food value chain.” “Limus is a uniquely innovative product, proven to both reduce urea application rate, and improve efficiency and crop yield while significantly decreasing nitrogen loss to the environment,” said Mr. Chen Jin, General Manager of Yunnan Yuntianhua Agricultural Material Chain Co., Ltd. “It is the triple win solution for the fertilizer industry, farmer, and society. By continuing this climate-smart agriculture initiative with BASF, we contribute to our strategic goals of modernizing agriculture and finding innovative solutions to address sustainable agriculture.” Based on learnings from the pilot project, including the creation of a robust and scalable monitoring procedure, BASF is conducting a second monitoring cycle with Yuntianhua to once again verify the reduction of CO2e of Limus-treated fertilizer from the 2024 calendar year. BASF is also exploring similar opportunities with fertilizer manufacturers in other countries globally. The aim is to enable upstream fertilizer producers in the agricultural value chain to participate in climate-smart agriculture initiatives, obtain verified emissions reductions from the use of stabilized nitrogen fertilizers, and reduce their carbon footprints. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2956/pupuk-indonesia-affirms-collaboration-between-energy-sector-and-fertilizer-industry-as-key-to-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2956/pupuk-indonesia-affirms-collaboration-between-energy-sector-and-fertilizer-industry-as-key-to-food-security.html Mon, 26 May 2025 10:11:20 +0530 A close operational alliance prevails between the fertilizer industry and the energy sector PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) emphasizes that close cooperation between the energy sector and the fertilizer industry is an important foundation for realizing national food security, which is part of the government's Asta Cita vision. The energy sector has an important role in Indonesia's success towards food self-sufficiency," said President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi at the Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2025, in Tangerang. As a form of commitment to strengthen the synergy, Pupuk Indonesia signed two initial agreement documents to explore the potential for cooperation in the utilization of natural gas from two oil and gas projects, namely the Masela Working Area and the South Andaman Working Area. The signing of the two documents was carried out in a series of events for the Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2025 which took place in Tangerang, May 20-21, 2025. The first agreement successfully made by Pupuk Indonesia was the signing of the Head of Agreement (HoA) with JV INPEX Masela Ltd - PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Masela and PETRONAS Masela Sdn. Bhd. The signing of the HoA between Pupuk Indonesia and the consortium managing the Masela block will be the initial step in the cooperation in utilizing gas from the Abadi Field in the Masela Working Area. Pupuk Indonesia plans to utilize gas supply from Abadi Field in Masela Working Area for the blue ammonia plant to be built on Yamdena Island, Maluku. The plant, targeted to start operating in 2030, is estimated to require a long-term gas supply of 150 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD). The construction of the blue ammonia factory on Yamdena Island not only represents Pupuk Indonesia's contribution in supporting the government's Asta Cita vision in the field of downstreaming and industrialization, but also becomes a driving force for economic growth in eastern Indonesia. By utilizing the giant gas reserves in the Abadi Masela Field, this project is expected to be able to create jobs for the local community, as well as encourage an increase in Regional Original Income (PAD). In addition to the signing of the HoA, Pupuk Indonesia and Mubadala Energy also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the potential for cooperation in utilizing gas from the South Andaman Working Area. Through this signing, both parties will explore the potential for utilizing natural gas from the South Andaman Working Area.The exploration of potential cooperation in gas procurement from the South Andaman Working Area is related to Pupuk Indonesia's plan to build a methanol and blue ammonia production facility. Pupuk Indonesia plans to build a methanol plant and develop blue ammonia in the Nangroe Aceh Darussalam area, which is located close to the South Andaman Working Area. The methanol plant facility is estimated to require a gas supply of 115 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD). Meanwhile, the blue ammonia plant is estimated to require a gas supply of 85 MMSCFD. Through the MoU with Mubadala Energy, Pupuk Indonesia is exploring the possibility of meeting the gas supply needs for the two facilities from the South Andaman Working Area gas field.The methanol and blue ammonia plant projects also play an important role in strengthening the downstreaming and transition of low-carbon energy. This is because methanol and blue ammonia are clean energy commodities that are increasingly needed in the future energy ecosystem. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2933/vietnams-farmers-enhance-xag-agricultural-drones-on-field-operations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2933/vietnams-farmers-enhance-xag-agricultural-drones-on-field-operations.html Wed, 21 May 2025 09:49:29 +0530 Annual output capacity of 80,000 metric tons of herbicides, fungicides, and functional chemicals CAC Nantong Chemical, a Chinese maker of pesticide products and functional chemicals, plans to invest up to $150 million to build a production base in Egypt. The plant will have an annual output capacity of 80,000 metric tons of herbicides, fungicides, and functional chemicals, the Jiangsu province-based firm announced. Construction is expected to be completed in two years. Egypt offers robust infrastructure, a relatively stable political and social environment, and a solid foundation for industrial investment, CAC Nantong noted, adding that a pesticide and functional chemicals plant in Egypt will enhance the company’s delivery efficiency and service responsiveness overseas, thus strengthening its international competitiveness. CAC Nantong sells directly to consumers in the Chinese market but instead adopts a business-to-business model overseas. Its sales network covers major agricultural markets in the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The company has established long-term partnerships with global industry leaders, such as Syngenta Group, Corteva, Nufarm, Adama, UPL, and Honeywell, which enabled it to have continuous access to first-hand market information. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2868/japans-ef-polymer-accelerates-global-expansion-and-rd-to-reduce-water-and-fertilizer-use-in-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2868/japans-ef-polymer-accelerates-global-expansion-and-rd-to-reduce-water-and-fertilizer-use-in-agriculture.html Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:25:45 +0530 EF Polymer is a pioneering deep-tech startup focused on creating 100% organic super absorbent polymers (SAP) to significantly benefit farmers and reduce production costs EF Polymer, a deep-tech startup developing 100% organic super absorbent polymers, announced that it has raised JPY 1 billion (approx. $6.6 million) in the first close of its Series B round. A new overseas manufacturing facility will be established with funds raised to accelerate R&D and business development. Founded with a mission to solve global water challenges and improve farmers’ livelihoods, EF Polymer has created a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived absorbents, helping reduce water and fertilizer use in agriculture while improving yields. Its materials are also expanding into non-agricultural applications such as cosmetics and personal care. EF Polymer has delivered products to farmers in Japan, the U.S., and France, with cumulative sales over 400 tons by 2025. Amid rising concerns over drought and fertilizer costs driven by climate change, global demand continues to rise, with commercial trials now underway in over 20 countries. By expanding into new markets like horticulture, landscaping, and urban greening, the company plans to meet this demand. EF Polymer is also scaling its presence in non-agricultural markets. Recent projects include a biodegradable ice pack, co-developed with Iwatani Corporation, and absorbent sheets in partnership with Soken Chemical. Its polymer solutions offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ingredients commonly used across industries, contributing to the green transformation. R&D Focus Areas EF Polymer will prioritize R&D efforts across the following areas: Raw material innovation: Diversifying sources beyond orange and banana peel Circular manufacturing: building a closed-loop, sustainable production model Scaling production: Piloting and implementation of multi-site manufacturing New product development: Expand polymer applications outside agriculture Narayan Gurjar, Founder and CEO of EF Polymer said: “EF Polymer exists to solve water-related challenges and improve farmers' lives. This Series B funding marks a major step forward in scaling our solutions globally and building a truly circular, sustainable business.” EF Polymer is a pioneering deep-tech startup focused on creating 100% organic super absorbent polymers (SAP) made from orange peels. In addition to reducing production costs, especially in water and fertilizer usage, EF Polymer's product boosts crop yields. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2856/envu-to-expand-its-stored-grain-portfolio-with-acquisition-of-syngentas-actellic-products.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2856/envu-to-expand-its-stored-grain-portfolio-with-acquisition-of-syngentas-actellic-products.html Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:19:00 +0530 Fully integrated solution for broader coverage against stored grain insects Envu, a global environmental sciences company delivering forward-thinking innovations to protect and improve the health of our environment around the world, announced it has signed an agreement with Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, to acquire several Actellic® products for global use in the stored grain segment. The products complement Envu’s existing portfolio, providing growers with a fully integrated solution for broader coverage against stored grain insects. Actellic insecticides are used to protecting food stores, offering broad-spectrum control both in and around grain storage silos. The acquisition includes several products, which are currently available in different regions globally, namely the following: Actellic® 50EC and ActellicPro® 500EC Insecticides: These liquid formulations are available in LatAm and EMEA. Both products provide knockdown and long-lasting control against a range of insect pests in stored grain. Actellic® Smoke Generator No. 20: This formulation is available in EMEA via a third-party partner. It provides knockdown and long-lasting control against the invasion of a range of insect pests in stored grain environments. Actellic® Gold Dusting Power: This dust formulation is available in Africa. It offers broad-spectrum control of stored grain pests through the synergistic effect of two active ingredients Around 14% of the world’s food is lost after harvest, resulting in losses estimated at $400 billion per year. In 2023, Envu products helped to protect 63 million tons of grain across the globe. Successful grain storage requires a combination of measures including proper sanitation, the right chemical protectant, proper aeration and other environmental controls, and careful monitoring. "We understand the sensitive nature of food-related applications and are committed to sustainable practices," Galliou added. "We work closely with our customers to manage our solutions well and ensure the proper use of these essential tools. This product acquisition will allow us to offer a comprehensive solution for grain producers and traders to employ a rotation strategy and effectively manage pest resistance to support their important mission." The acquisition pertains to product assets only; it does not include employee or facility assets. The agreement with Syngenta is expected to close sometime in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2854/agrifields-dmcc-to-expand-into-korea-to-introduce-water-soluble-fertilizer-in-india-by-end-fy26.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2854/agrifields-dmcc-to-expand-into-korea-to-introduce-water-soluble-fertilizer-in-india-by-end-fy26.html Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:28:07 +0530 Aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health, harnessing the organic bio chain Agrifields DMCC, a leading fertilizer and phosphate manufacturing company headquartered in Dubai, today announced its plans to expand into newer markets by the end of FY'26. Agrifields DMCC plans to expand its footprint into Korea which is driven by the growing demand for agricultural products and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices. The company aims to leverage its expertise and experience in the agricultural industry to tap into the new market and increase its global footprint. Speaking in detail about the plans, Mr Amit Gupta, Founder & CEO of Agrifields DMCC, said, "The expansion into Korea is a strategic move for Agrifields DMCC, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our goal is to become an important player in the global agricultural industry, and we believe that this expansion will help us achieve that goal." "We are confident that our expertise and experience in the agricultural industry will enable us to succeed in new markets. We look forward to exploring new opportunities and building strong relationships with our partners and customers," added Mr. Gupta. As part of its expansion plans, Agrifields DMCC will also introduce new age water soluble fertilizer products to the Indian market. These products are designed to promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health, harnessing the organic bio chain.  "The new fertilizer products we are introducing in India are a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We believe these products will play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing food security in the region and growth in yields, which will directly improve farmer netbacks," said Mr. Gupta. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2850/japans-tsubame-bhb-signs-loi-with-brazilian-company-on-green-ammonia-manufacturing-facilities-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2850/japans-tsubame-bhb-signs-loi-with-brazilian-company-on-green-ammonia-manufacturing-facilities-project.html Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:00:41 +0530 This new plant will produce 20,000 tons of ammonia per year to replace fossil-based fertilizers in agriculture Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. , which is aiming for the social implementation and commercialization of distributed ammonia manufacturing plants, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with ATVOS AGROINDUSTRIAL PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A in Brazil, one of the leading biofuels companies in Brazil regarding a green aqueous ammonia factory in Mineiros (GO), where Atvos's Morro Vermelho Unit (UMV) is located, responsible for ethanol production. The new plant will have an installed capacity of 20,000 tons of the product. It will be used to replace fossil-based fertilizers applied to agricultural areas at both UMV and the Alto Taquari Unit (UAT), located in the homonymous municipality in Mato Grosso. With this solution, Atvos estimates it will avoid the emission of approximately 11 thousand tons of CO2 per year, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The execution of this LOI was witnessed by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, at the Japan-Brazil Economic Forum held in Tokyo on March 26, 2025. On 28th March, Mr. Caio Dafico, Investment and Business Development VP at Atvos, visited Tsubame BHB for a tour of the pilot plant, and to conduct discussions on future directions for the project. Tsubame BHB will further accelerate its efforts to secure this first order for an overseas unit, and to rapidly promote overseas deployment. Atvos CEO Bruno Serapião said, "As one of the largest biofuels producers in Brazil with the purpose to lead the energy transition to move the world and transform lives, Atvos seeks to contribute to the decarbonization of the globe's leading economies while also reducing the carbon footprint of its own operations. Thus, the partnership with Tsubame to produce green ammonia represents a significant step toward achieving this goal, as it will enable us to reduce the use of fossil-based nitrogen fertilizers and further strengthen our commitment to fostering the social and economic development of the countryside cities where we are located through job and income generation. Tsubame BHB CEO Koji Nakamura explained "Brazil has great potential to become a major producer of green hydrogen, by leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, and it is also a major agricultural nation that consumes nitrogen-based fertilizers in high volumes. As such, I believe that it is one of the countries that can manufacture green ammonia as a fertilizer at the small distributed ammonia synthesis plants offered by Tsubame BHB. I consider it a great honor to be able to collaborate with a major Brazilian bioethanol manufacturing company like Atvos, and I hope that through this collaboration, we can contribute to the decarbonization of agriculture in Brazil. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2846/new-joint-venture-to-construct-worlds-largest-low-carbon-green-ammonia-plant-in-louisiana-by-2029.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2846/new-joint-venture-to-construct-worlds-largest-low-carbon-green-ammonia-plant-in-louisiana-by-2029.html Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:50:17 +0530 CF Industries announces Joint Venture with JERA Co., Inc., and Mitsui & Co., Inc., for production and offtake of Low-Carbon Ammonia CF Industries Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest producer of ammonia, has formed a joint venture with JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), Japan’s largest energy company, and Mitsui & Co., Inc. (Mitsui), a leading global investment and trading company, for the construction, production and offtake of low-carbon ammonia. Greenfield low-carbon ammonia is primarily used in the agricultural sector as a fertilizer, particularly for nitrogen. it also has potential for use as a low-emission fuel in industries like maritime shipping, power generation, and even as a hydrogen carrier. Additionally, it can be used in the chemical industry and for producing explosives. Yukio Kani, JERA Global CEO and Chair said, “Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of JERA’s strategy to achieve our decarbonization goals. This Blue Point project is a testament to the strong alliances we are building to advance low-carbon solutions. The U.S. remains a cornerstone market for JERA, and this initiative underscores our long-term commitment to expanding our presence with diversified and sustainable energy projects. As we move forward, we will continue to accelerate the availability of low-carbon fuels and develop their supply chains, driving meaningful progress toward a more stable and cleaner energy future.” Kenichi Hori, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd, said, “This is a landmark investment with CF Industries and JERA in this large-scale low-carbon ammonia project. Mitsui will establish a low-carbon ammonia value-chain worldwide by leveraging its presence in the US gas value chain from natural gas to chemicals including this project, and our strength and track record in the global trading of ammonia. We aim to lower carbon emissions across various industries through investment in projects of this kind.” Greenfield Low-Carbon Ammonia Capacity Construction Overview The companies estimate that the cost of the low-carbon ATR ammonia production facility with CCS technologies will be approximately $4 billion. Approximately half of the estimated cost is related to materials that will be imported to the United States, with the majority of imported materials expected to arrive in Louisiana in three years. The companies will divide the cost of the ammonia production facility engineering, procurement and construction according to their ownership percentage. Pre-construction activities and engineering evaluations will begin in 2025 at CF Industries’ Blue Point Complex in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Construction of the ammonia production facility is expected to begin in 2026, with low-carbon ammonia production expected in 2029. The ammonia production facility is designed with an annual nameplate capacity of approximately 1.4 million metric tons and is expected to capture greater than 95% of carbon dioxide generated from the production of ammonia. CF Industries will have operations and maintenance responsibility under a contract with the joint venture. Additionally, CF Industries will build and operate scalable infrastructure at the Blue Point site to supply the ammonia production facility with services including product storage and loading. CF Industries will invest approximately $550 million for these facilities and receive ongoing services revenue from the joint venture ammonia production facility. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2827/fmc-corporation-and-bayer-collaborate-to-bring-isoflex-active-herbicide-technology-to-european-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2827/fmc-corporation-and-bayer-collaborate-to-bring-isoflex-active-herbicide-technology-to-european-markets.html Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:44:02 +0530 A powerful new solution for resistant grass weeds in cereals and other crops FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, announced an agreement with Bayer to commercialize products containing Isoflex™ active in the European Union (EU) and Great Britain. The partnership will expand access to FMC's breakthrough weed control technology, offering European growers a powerful new solution for resistant grass weeds in cereals and other crops. Isoflex™ active, classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as a Group 13 herbicide, received registration in Great Britain in 2024. Pending regulatory decisions, EU registration is anticipated in 2025. The novel herbicide provides lasting control of key grass weeds, including those resistant to other herbicides, addressing a critical need in European agriculture. "This agreement will allow FMC to expand market access in the European Union and Great Britain, which has an estimated 30 million planted hectares of winter cereals, reaching new growers and distributors with our novel Isoflex™ active ingredient," said Ronaldo Pereira, FMC president. "We believe that Isoflex™ active will serve as a vital new rotational tool for European growers looking to control resistant weeds, especially grass weeds." Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will bring products containing Isoflex™ active to the winter cereals and oilseed rape markets in the European Union and Great Britain. FMC plans to commercialize its own formulations powered by Isoflex™ active in the winter cereals, corn, oilseed rape and potato markets, while Bayer will submit registrations and commercialize mixtures containing Isoflex™ active for use in winter cereals and distribute a formulation developed by FMC for use in oilseed rape. Bayer will jointly promote the Isoflex™ active brand when referencing their mixtures and formulated product brands. "In the face of climate change and pressure on food systems, farmers need effective tools to control weeds," said Frank Terhorst, executive vice president of strategy and sustainability at Bayer's Crop Science Division. "Herbicides like Isoflex™ active play an important part in that, to eventually contribute to food security. We are happy to make use of synergies with FMC to achieve this goal." The European launches will build on FMC's successful global rollout of products powered by Isoflex™ active, which have already been registered and commercialized in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Pakistan, Uruguay and India. Product launches are anticipated in Great Britain later this year and in the EU in 2027, pending regulatory decisions. Products containing Isoflex™ active have exhibited pre-plant, pre-emergence and early post-emergence selectivity in major crops across the globe, including canola, cereals, oilseed rape and pulses. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2825/an-organic-nitrogen-fertilizer-plant-building-a-first-of-a-kind-foak-organic-fertilizer-facility-receives-10-million.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2825/an-organic-nitrogen-fertilizer-plant-building-a-first-of-a-kind-foak-organic-fertilizer-facility-receives-10-million.html Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:26:22 +0530 The facility will brew Nitricity's flagship organic nitrogen fertilizer using recycled almond shells and renewable power Electrifying nitrogen fertilizer production, Nitricity Inc., announced $10 million in project funding to build a unique organic fertilizer plant in Delhi, California (FOAK). A strategic mixture of capital providers, including Elemental Impact and Trellis Climate, are funding the project. Nitricity's FOAK plant represents a major milestone, marking a 100-fold increase in production capacity to achieve commercial-scale volumes. Slated for operation in 2026, the plant's full production capacity is already sold out through 2028 under binding offtake agreements with local organic growers. Located in Merced County, the project is expected to create approximately 20 jobs supporting fabrication, deployment, and maintenance. Globally, traditional fertilizers account for about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Elemental Impact and Trellis Climate are delighted to support Nitricity's FOAK plant as a first step to addressing this massive source of emissions, while also providing economic benefits to the Merced community and the environmental benefit of transforming agricultural waste into a valuable product. "We are proud to scale up our manufacturing capacity of a product that creates value for California growers—made locally with local ingredients," said Nicolas Pinkowski, CEO of Nitricity. "In a market where most nitrogen is imported, our solution onshores production to deliver exactly what growers have been asking for: a sustainable, organic alternative that strengthens farmers' bottom lines and benefits our community and environment." The facility will brew Nitricity's flagship organic nitrogen fertilizer using recycled almond shells and renewable power. This cost-competitive, plant-based solution is pathogen-free, odor-free, and designed for application through irrigation lines. The product is approved for use in organic farming, registered with OMRI and CDFA OIM. By leveraging local agricultural byproducts, the project strengthens the region's circular bioeconomy and aims to produce hundreds of tons of low-carbon nitrogen by 2028. "As one of dozens of FOAKs we've funded, Nitricity's facility proves sustainable fertilizer can be produced at scale while providing local economic benefits," said Danya Hakeem, VP of Portfolio at Elemental Impact. "Building on our initial investment in 2022, which supported the construction of their Fremont facility and successful field trials in the Central Valley, we're confident they're ready for this next frontier. There's clear market demand." "Nitricity's solution is unique in the industry in that it addresses both the production emissions from making fertilizers and the on-field emissions from applying them," said Lara Pierpoint, Managing Director of Trellis Climate. "We're excited to accelerate the scale-up of this technology and to partner with a company that recognizes the critical role of community engagement in project success. By integrating technology development with meaningful collaboration with local partners, Nitricity is well-positioned to scale rapidly and effectively." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2773/syngenta-and-ceres-biotics-collaborate-to-bring-innovative-biological-solutions-to-global-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2773/syngenta-and-ceres-biotics-collaborate-to-bring-innovative-biological-solutions-to-global-agriculture.html Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:24:21 +0530 VIXERAN® enables farmers to optimize nitrogen fertilizer use and transition to more sustainable on-farm practices Syngenta Crop Protection and Ceres Biotics have entered into an agreement aimed at increasing farmer access to VIXERAN® in order to optimize nitrogen fertilizer use globally.  VIXERAN® offers farmers greater flexibility in their nitrogen management strategies and optimizes crop performance in two key ways: it complements standard nitrogen fertilization programs to effectively boost yield potential beyond traditional methods, and, in situations where nitrogen availability is reduced due to environmental factors or supply constraints, VIXERAN® can help farmers maintain their yield targets.  VIXERAN® is an innovative biostimulant based on the endophytic bacteria Azotobacter salinestris strain number CECT9690, meaning the microbes can inhabit internal tissues of plants without causing disease. The biostimulant features multiple modes of action, enabling the plant to efficiently access nitrogen available from the environment through its leaves and root system. VIXERAN® is designed to complement traditional nitrogen fertilizers. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is energy-intensive and costly to produce, and its widespread use increases greenhouse gas emissions and lowers agriculture's sustainability. As the most abundant, naturally-occurring gas, nitrogen is essential to plants' growth, leaf area expansion, and biomass yield production. However, plants cannot readily obtain nitrogen from the environment. Jonathan Brown, Global Head Seed care and Biologicals, said: “Syngenta is investing significantly to bring the most innovative biological solutions to farmers around the world. Biostimulants that boost crop nutrient use efficiency have a significant role in strengthening the sustainabiilty of agriculture, and are integral to Syngenta’s efforts to improve both crop yields and soil health.”  Emilio Marin, CEO and co-founder of Ceres Biotics, highlights: “ VIXERAN® will be accessible to farmers globally, and this is a big step towards building up more sustainable crop management systems”.   The agreement follows an earlier collaboration to launch VIXERAN® in the European Union. Under the current agreement, VIXERAN will be introduced to markets globally. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2766/bayer-introduces-vyconic-soybeans-a-groundbreaking-advance-in-weed-management.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2766/bayer-introduces-vyconic-soybeans-a-groundbreaking-advance-in-weed-management.html Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:01:33 +0530 Crop Science division of Bayer announced the introduction of Vyconic™ soybeans, a new trait technology that will be the first to feature five herbicide tolerances all in one breakthrough trait. The unveiling took place at Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Vyconic soybeans will represent a leap forward in weed control, enabling farmers to manage their fields with unparalleled flexibility. Key Highlights of Vyconic Soybeans: Five Herbicide Tolerances in One Trait: Vyconic soybeans will be the first in the industry to offer tolerance to five herbicides: dicamba, glufosinate, mesotrione, 2,4-D and glyphosate. This complex trait package will provide farmers with unparalleled flexibility to enable excellent weed control programs based on their specific needs and individual preferences. Two Additional Herbicide Tolerance Options: With mesotrione and 2,4-D, Bayer is adding two new herbicide tolerances to its previous generation of soybean traits. Both herbicides are effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds, including Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. Excellent Yield Potential From Industry-Leading Genetics: Vyconic soybeans will feature the very latest soybean genetics along with various beneficial agronomic traits to deliver outstanding yield potential. “Vyconic soybeans will offer farmers an unparalleled level of flexibility and control options in their weed management practices,” said Kacy Perry, North America soybean business lead, Crop Science division of Bayer. “Bayer knows that no two fields are alike, and that's why it’s important to provide farmers with products like Vyconic soybeans that empower them to create custom weed management plans that fit their specific needs, which could lead to increased effectiveness, better outcomes and, ultimately, higher yield potential.” Vyconic soybeans will offer several critical benefits for soybean farmers: Unparalleled Weed Control Flexibility: Will enable the use of five herbicides for a more robust integrated weed management program to help address specific field needs and challenges. Multiple Effective Weed Management Options: Broad-spectrum herbicide options will enable a wide range of weeds to be managed, pending EPA approval. Proactive Resistance Management: Enabling the use of multiple herbicides with different modes of action will help reduce the likelihood that weeds will develop resistance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2731/indonesia-continues-to-foster-the-fertilizer-industry-to-expand-subsidized-stock-to-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2731/indonesia-continues-to-foster-the-fertilizer-industry-to-expand-subsidized-stock-to-farmers.html Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:43:50 +0530 Indonesia continues to foster the fertilizer industry to expand subsidized stock to farmers Indonesia-based PT Pupuk Kujang's "Kujang Kampioen" research farm was inaugurated on 7th February in Cikampek, Karawang, West Java by the Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) of the Republic of Indonesia, Aminuddin Ma'ruf. He ensured that fertilizer would be available to farmers in the form of subsidized fertilizer stocks. Deputy Minister Amin inspected the fertilizer packaging facilities and fertilizer stock in the warehouse of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) along with Tina T. Kemala Intan, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero)'s Director of Human Resources, and Maryono, the President and Director of Pupuk Kujang. In addition to inaugurating the Kujang Kampioen research farm, Deputy Minister Amin also inspected fertilizer production and ready-in stock. In his remarks, he emphasized that innovation and technological advancements are crucial to meeting the country's food needs. During this visit, he also toured several research demonstration plots within the 8-hectare facility. Through this research farm, Pupuk Indonesia aims to conduct studies to enhance agricultural productivity in support of accelerating national food self-sufficiency. Maryono, President Director of Pupuk Kujang, explained that the Kujang Kampioen research farm is equipped with various research facilities, including greenhouses, agricultural land, and rice fields. It serves as a testing ground for various cutting-edge agricultural technologies, new cultivation techniques, as well as fertilizer and plant nutrition formulations. "Kampioen is an innovation by Pupuk Kujang to implement a technological approach in improving agricultural productivity. Technology-driven approaches are essential for enhancing food production. Land availability remains constant, but food demand increases. The key lies in intensification, one of which is the application of technology," said Deputy Minister Amin. At the warehouse of Pupuk Kujang, we have ensured that fertilizer stocks are secure, and we assure our farmer friends that supply and distribution will remain safe, said Deputy Minister Amin. Deputy Minister Amin further emphasized that the fertilizer industry is a highly strategic sector. The goal of Asta Cita, which focuses on promoting national self-sufficiency in food production, is one of the key factors in realizing the grand vision of Prabowo Subianto. The recorded stock of subsidized fertilizers reached 133,671 tons on February 6, 2025, consisting of 99,191.4 tons of Urea, 29,056.9 tons of NPK, and 5,422.6 tons of organic fertilizer. Meanwhile, non-subsidized fertilizers totaled 10,218.9 tons, comprising 2,661.6 tons of NPK and 7,557.3 tons of Urea. Meanwhile, Tina T. Kemala Intan, Director of Human Resources at Pupuk Indonesia, highlighted that Pupuk Kujang's operational area, as part of Pupuk Indonesia, is strategically located at the heart of the national food hub. Since the company does not have direct access to the sea, it must continuously innovate to support national food security. "The Kujang Kampioen research farm stands as proof of our company’s transformation, for which we are truly grateful. The establishment of this research farm is expected to motivate company performance, making it more productive and efficient," concluded Maryono. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2715/landus-and-talusag-commences-first-local-green-ammonia-production-in-north-america.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2715/landus-and-talusag-commences-first-local-green-ammonia-production-in-north-america.html Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:42:03 +0530 The innovative solution ensures resilience in the fertilizer supply chain Landus, an Iowa-based agriculture solutions company, and TalusAg, an agriculture technology company, announced that they have successfully commenced commercial green ammonia production with the first and only modular systems in North America. Local, domestic production of green ammonia enabled by TalusAg’s rapidly deployable systems ensures cost-competitive, reliable and sustainable fertilizer supply for American farmers. “Any import tariffs are likely to disrupt fertilizer supply chains and could have a detrimental impact on American farmers. We are committed to supporting farming communities in Iowa and across the country with locally produced green ammonia. Our partnership with Landus is critical to building supply chain reliability and resilience within the United States,” said Hiro Iwanaga, founder and CEO of TalusAg. Nitrogen contained in ammonia is essential for growing crops but availability is heavily dependent on global supply chains that are vulnerable to disruptions, whether due to geopolitical dynamics or price spikes caused by unforeseen physical interruptions. Research from the US Department of Agriculture found that fertilizer prices in the US “more than doubled between 2021 and 2022 due to many factors including a Russia price hike, a limited supply of the relevant minerals and high energy costs, high global demand and agricultural commodity prices, reliance on fertilizer imports, and lack of competition in the fertilizer industry.” “At Landus, we strive to keep the farmer at the center. Taking links out of the supply chain as well as offering more sustainable options to our farmers is essential to that mission, and we are constantly looking to partner with like-minded, creative problem solvers like TalusAg,” said Matt Carstens, Landus and Conduit President & CEO. “This announcement represents a major milestone in our ability to bring a more price-stable and sustainable ammonia fertilizer option to our farmers. In addition to creating long-term price stability, green ammonia can immediately reduce the carbon intensity score of biofuel feedstocks by as much as 25%, providing significant value to domestic biofuels producers.” Supported by the Federal clean hydrogen production tax credit, TalusAg’s commercial, modular system locally produces up to 20 tons of ammonia per day, using only renewable power, water and air. Via their strategic partnership, TalusAg and Landus are actively deploying additional systems across the Corn Belt with expansion planned throughout the United States. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2701/syzygy-plasmonics-and-lotte-chemical-unlock-ammonia-as-a-hydrogen-carrier-in-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2701/syzygy-plasmonics-and-lotte-chemical-unlock-ammonia-as-a-hydrogen-carrier-in-asia.html Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:25:10 +0530 Successfully completes Trial of Ammonia e-Cracking Unit in Ulsan, South Korea opening the door to the hydrogen economy The world's largest all-electric ammonia cracking system has been commissioned and tested by Syzygy Plasmonics and Lotte Chemical in Ulsan, South Korea with logistical support from Sumitomo Corporation of America and Sumitomo Corporation Korea. This marks the second installation of Syzygy's Rigel™ reactor cell, the other located at the company's demonstration facility in Houston, Texas. The results in Ulsan confirm the viability of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, drawing on positive results from over 2500 hours of testing in Houston. This paves the way for energy importing regions such as Korea to import clean ammonia. The new clean ammonia segments being developed will fundamentally speed up the growth of the ammonia business. Those new segments are for shipping fuel, power production, ammonia as hydrogen carrier and clean fertilizer for food segments. Low-carbon hydrogen is widely seen as a key to reducing global emissions. However, it must be compressed, liquefied, and transported at -423°F(-253°C) in order to reach energy-importing countries.The combination of nitrogen and low-carbon hydrogen from regions with renewable electricity yields low-carbon ammonia, which is easier to store and transport. With Syzygy's Ammonia e-CrackingTM systems, ammonia can be cracked on site to provide low-carbon hydrogen energy importers. The successful testing of this technology opens the door to the hydrogen economy. Dr. Suman Khatiwada, Co-founder and CTO at Syzygy said "Lotte and Syzygy made history with this project. This is the breakthrough that Korea, Japan, and Eastern Europe have been waiting for. They now have an efficient, proven way to crack imported ammonia for hydrogen." With support from Sumitomo Corporation Group, Lotte installed a Rigel cell at its Ulsan facility, completed plant construction in November, and completed field testing in December 2024. The Rigel cell quickly achieved desired performance levels following KOSHA certification and installation. During separate testing phases, the cell produced all-time best results of 11 kWh/kg, 81 percent energy efficiency, 99 percent conversion, and 290 kg/d of hydrogen with steady-state operation. In future Rigel cell designs, Syzygy will be able to achieve 8 kWh/kg of hydrogen. "We look forward to commercializing this technology in South Korea. Over the coming years we plan to work with Syzygy to identify a suitable application for building a small commercial plant together, which will be a big step towards meeting South Korea's growing hydrogen needs," said Hans Shin, Project Manager at Lotte Chemical. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2665/h2-global-energy-consortium-prepares-to-establish-1m-metric-ton-green-ammonia-production-plant-in-aqaba-jordan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2665/h2-global-energy-consortium-prepares-to-establish-1m-metric-ton-green-ammonia-production-plant-in-aqaba-jordan.html Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:39:12 +0530 With global demand surging for sustainable energy alternatives as a clean fuel for various applications, including agriculture and shipping, MENA region emerging as a potential hub H2 Global Energy, in partnership with a consortium of industry leaders, is gearing up to establish a one-million metric ton green ammonia production plant in Aqaba, Jordan. A technical report for the pioneering Green Ammonia Production Facility has been submitted by the partnership, marking a significant step towards the advancement of the green hydrogen and green ammonia sectors, taking advantage of Jordan's strategic location and potential to produce renewable energy.  The push towards green hydrogen and green ammonia has gained momentum worldwide, as these technologies are critical to achieving decarbonization goals and addressing the climate crisis. Green ammonia, produced using green hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources, serves as a clean fuel for various applications, including agriculture, shipping, and power generation. With global demand for sustainable energy alternatives on the rise, this facility will position Jordan as a key player in the renewable energy industry and a hub for green fuel production in the MENA region. In Jordan, green hydrogen and green ammonia are especially impactful, aligning with national goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen reliance on fossil fuel imports. This project represents a unique opportunity for Jordan to enhance its energy security, stimulate economic growth, and establish itself as a leader in the green economy. Waleed AlHallaj, Chief Commercial Officer of H2 Global Energy, commented on the significance of this project: “The Aqaba green ammonia facility is not only a testament to Jordan's commitment to sustainability but also a landmark development in the global green energy landscape. By capitalizing on Jordan’s renewable resources, we are creating a scalable, green energy solution that will drive long-term environmental and economic benefits. This project demonstrates our dedication to spearheading impactful, sustainable energy projects that serve both regional and global needs.” The technical report outlines the detailed framework for the development, construction, and operation of the facility, with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation. Once operational, the plant will significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions across various industries while supporting Jordan’s renewable energy objectives. The project is anticipated to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and strengthen Jordan’s role in the global green hydrogen economy. H2 Global Energy and its consortium partners are committed to accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon economy, with this project in Amman as a key driver. With ongoing support from the government of Jordan and collaboration with international stakeholders, the consortium aims to make the Amman facility a flagship model for green ammonia production worldwide. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2651/albanian-minerals-to-launch-eco-friendly-green-magnesium-charting-a-path-to-global-environmental-harmony.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2651/albanian-minerals-to-launch-eco-friendly-green-magnesium-charting-a-path-to-global-environmental-harmony.html Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:44:35 +0530 Albanian Minerals to Unveil Revolutionary Green Magnesium Product in 2025: A Breakthrough for Sustainability and Global Health Albanian Minerals, a vanguard in sustainable innovation, is set to unveil a groundbreaking green magnesium product in 2025, a revolutionary step toward enhancing both global health and environmental sustainability. This 100% natural green magnesium, enriched with 20 essential life elements, marks a significant leap in scientific discovery and technological progress, offering solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges. With wide-reaching applications across industries, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, and environmental conservation, this green magnesium product promises to reshape our approach to a healthier planet and humanity's future. Harnessing the power of the world's largest green magnesium reserves, Albanian Minerals is unlocking a mineral blend capable of transforming billions of tons of CO2 into vital nutrients for biodiversity. By reducing land and ocean acidity, this innovation paves the way for a healthier planet, fostering fertile soil, vibrant ecosystems, and improved human health. Green magnesium promises enhanced plant growth, superior soil quality, and a boost to global food security. Furthermore, its inclusion in health supplements could offer essential support for muscles, nerves, metabolism, and bone strength, meeting the growing demand for eco-conscious, naturally derived products. Beyond being a mere product, green magnesium represents a catalyst for a sustainable future. Albanian Minerals is tapping into the potential of this groundbreaking material to address some of the most pressing global challenges while opening the door to a future where sustainability and innovation coexist harmoniously. Albanian Minerals’ CEO, Sahit Muja, aptly sums up the company’s mission: “We draw our inspiration from the natural world, with solutions rooted in the wisdom of nature itself. Our approach to solving the planet's greatest challenges is centered around eco-friendly green magnesium, which has already demonstrated remarkable results in restoring both land and water. As we face the ongoing crises of climate change and environmental degradation, green magnesium's role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem stability is more critical than ever. It is in every leaf, every drop of water, and every heartbeat. Magnesium stands as the unsung hero of life on Earth, quietly ensuring that the story of life continues to thrive.” The green magnesium product from Albanian Minerals stands poised to redefine the future of environmental conservation, human health, and agricultural productivity, ushering in a new era of innovation driven by nature’s most essential element. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2634/south-koreas-dl-ec-marks-first-entry-into-canadian-blue-ammonia-fertilizer-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2634/south-koreas-dl-ec-marks-first-entry-into-canadian-blue-ammonia-fertilizer-market.html Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:28:00 +0530 Producing over 1 Million Tons of Eco-Friendly Fertilizer using Blue Ammonia and Captured CO₂ DL Engineering & Construction (DL E&C), one of South Korea's top five construction companies, has made its debut in the Canadian fertilizer plant project, paving the way for its entry into the North American blue ammonia market. With a projected total value of $2 billion, the larger EPC phase of the project presents a significant opportunity for DL E&C to solidify its position in the region, marking a strong future for sustainable development initiatives.  On November 20, DL E&C signed a contract with Genesis Fertilizers, a Canadian fertilizer company, at the Embassy of Canada in Seoul. Under the contract, DL E&C will carry out the high-tech Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase, while its subsidiary CARBONCO will provide licensing for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. The ammonia production process will be based on technology licensed from thyssenkrupp Uhde of Germany. The project involves building a fertilizer plant in Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan, that will process 1,500 tons of blue ammonia daily to produce fertilizer. Once complete, the plant will produce approximately 1.05 million tons of fertilizer annually. The total contract value is $35 million, and the FEED phase is scheduled for completion by 2026. Genesis Fertilizers plans to issue a follow-up Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract once the FEED phase is completed in 14 months. As mentioned, CARBONCO's CCUS technology will be applied to the facility. Ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizer, is typically extracted from natural gas, a process that generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). CARBONCO's amine-based absorbent, which has a high technology maturity and large-scale capture capability, will capture around 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The proposed facility will eliminate 95% of the carbon emissions generated by the plant. The captured carbon dioxide will be sent via pipeline to an underground storage site approximately 16 km (10 miles) away, where it will be permanently stored. This setup not only produces blue ammonia by removing carbon dioxide but also enables the production of eco-friendly fertilizer. North American countries, including the U.S. and Canada, are increasingly announcing support for green business initiatives, leading to a surge in new eco-friendly plant project opportunities. In particular, the Canadian government's Bill C-59, announced in June, has made Genesis Fertilizers' fertilizer plant eligible for tax credits, which is seen as a positive development. Investment in the green sector is also growing. According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), North America accounted for $19.5 trillion in green investments in 2020, making up about 55% of global investment totals ($35.3 trillion). Previously, DL E&C built two ammonia plants (Units 2 and 3) for Ma'aden in Saudi Arabia, using the same process as the current project. The plants, with a daily production capacity of up to 6,600 tons, are the world's largest ammonia plants. Unit 2 started commercial operations in 2016, and Unit 3 began in 2022. DL E&C is the only South Korean company currently performing EPC projects in the U.S. It is currently executing the world's largest polyethylene production project in Texas. This involves a 2 million-ton high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plant being built by the joint venture of U.S. petrochemical company Chevron Phillips Chemical and Qatar's state-owned energy company Qatar Energy, scheduled to start commercial operations in 2026. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2625/adama-launches-innovative-fungicide-with-new-active-ingredient-gilboa.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2625/adama-launches-innovative-fungicide-with-new-active-ingredient-gilboa.html Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:28:02 +0530 Opening new possibilities for farmers in Europe to combat key cereal diseases while enhancing crop quality ADAMA Ltd., a leading global crop protection company, will very soon introduce a novel fungicidal Active Ingredient, Gilboa™, targeting key cereal and oilseed rape diseases including Septoria, Ramularia, and Sclerotinia. The company has submitted this innovative molecule to the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), where it is expected to be assigned to a new mode of action group for cereals. This innovation will offer European farmers a valuable resistance management tool, enabling the use of Gilboa™-based fungicides in conjunction with, or instead of, existing fungicides.  In the past five years, EU farmers have lost access to 68 conventional pesticide active ingredients due to regulatory changes. Moreover, it has been some years since a new molecule targeting Septoria in wheat, Ramularia in barley, or Sclerotinia in oilseed rape has been introduced to market. Unlike existing solutions, many of which are based on SDHI and DMI’s, Gilboa™ targets a different pathway. This new approach offers farmers an innovative way to tackle serious fungal diseases while enhancing crop quality.  “Based on our extensive field trials, Gilboa™ is a major game-changer for cereal farmers in Great Britain, Europe and globally,” said Florian Wagner, EVP Portfolio and Innovation at ADAMA. “Based on its mode of action, this new chemistry exemplifies ADAMA's leadership in developing advanced solutions to protect cereal crops while reducing the risk of resistance development.”  "We expect Gilboa™ to be a standout solution to challenges faced by farmers worldwide," said Gaël Hili, President and CEO at ADAMA. “Farmers today need more diverse and effective tools in their toolkit, and Gilboa™ delivers exactly that. By complementing ADAMA's existing portfolio of cereal fungicides, it provides growers with a broader range of solutions to manage disease pressure more effectively. This aligns with our strategy to deliver innovative solutions that address growers' evolving needs, improve disease management, and support sustainable agriculture.”  Gilboa™ was submitted for registration in 2023 and is expected to be approved in Great Britain in 2027 and the EU in 2029. Subsequent registrations are planned for additional territories.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2602/indonesia-strives-for-broader-and-more-affordable-access-to-subsidized-fertilizers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2602/indonesia-strives-for-broader-and-more-affordable-access-to-subsidized-fertilizers.html Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:58:21 +0530 The government has increased the volume of subsidized fertilizers this year from the initial allocation of 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons At the "Rembuk Tani" event held in Kabupaten Semarang, Central Java, on 22 Nov, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) invited farmers to redeem subsidized fertilizers. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Vice President of Indonesia, attended the initiative aimed at ensuring broader and more affordable access to subsidized fertilizers. Rembuk Tani is an initiative to facilitate farmers in expediting the redemption of subsidized fertilizers. The program is expected to help farmers achieve optimal harvests at efficient costs. The government has increased the volume of subsidized fertilizers this year from the initial allocation of 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons, with additional volumes allocated for Central Java. Therefore, registered farmers in the region were encouraged to redeem their fertilizers before the end of the year. As of November 20, 2024, national subsidized fertilizer absorption has reached 6,437,703 tons, or about 67.4% of the updated allocation provided by the government. Through Rembuk Tani, held across various regions, Pupuk Indonesia continues to encourage farmers to redeem their allocations promptly. Gusrizal, Deputy President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, explained that “We want to ensure that farmers' fertilizer needs are met, particularly in terms of availability and stock. We hope the support from Pupuk Indonesia, together with the Vice President, will boost the spirit and optimism of farmers as they face this planting season. With the rainy season now upon us, we are optimistic that farmers' absorption of subsidized fertilizers will be optimal. To facilitate the smooth redemption of subsidized fertilizers, Pupuk Indonesia has prepared sufficient national stocks, exceeding the government-mandated minimum. The company has allocated 1,106,035 tons of subsidized fertilizer, consisting of 638,024 tons of urea and 468,011 tons of NPK. “In terms of stock, we have more than enough—130% of the government’s minimum requirement. Additionally, the redemption process at official kiosks has become much faster and easier. Registered farmers only need to bring their National Identity Card (KTP) as their primary form of identification when redeeming fertilizers at authorized kiosks,” Gusrizal explained. The Rembuk Tani event also featured a discussion session involving Pupuk Indonesia, local agricultural agencies, and farmers. These discussions provided farmers with information on accessing and distributing fertilizers, practical tips for effective fertilizer use to achieve optimal harvests, and guidance on becoming registered recipients of subsidized fertilizers through the e-RDKK (Electronic Definitive Group Needs Plan). This two-way interaction aimed to strengthen communication between Pupuk Indonesia and the farming community while fostering sustainable collaboration to achieve national food self-sufficiency. “Rembuk Tani is a critical program that aligns farmers, the government, and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It reflects Pupuk Indonesia’s commitment to connecting with farmers, listening to their concerns, and working together to find solutions for the challenges faced by agriculture in Indonesia,” concluded Gusrizal. Rembuk Tani in Semarang was attended by approximately 5,310 farmers from Demak, Semarang, Salatiga, Kendal, Karanganyar, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri, and Klaten. During the event, Pupuk Indonesia donated 10 tons of non-subsidized fertilizer to 10 farmer groups. Rembuk Tani has been conducted across 77 subdistricts in North Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), engaging around 17,000 farmers from nine provinces. Between November and December, the program has reached nine of the 11 scheduled locations in Central Java, involving 5,325 farmers from Brebes, Magelang, Tegal, Karanganyar, Klaten, Grobogan, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, and Wonogiri. The remaining sessions are set to take place in Sragen on November 22 and Temanggung on December 2, 2024.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2581/malaysias-cropmate-sets-to-raise-rm42-0-million-from-ace-market-ipo-reinforcing-fertiliser-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2581/malaysias-cropmate-sets-to-raise-rm42-0-million-from-ace-market-ipo-reinforcing-fertiliser-industry.html Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:25:29 +0530 IPO to Enhance Operations and Customer Service Capability in Malaysia's Fertiliser Industry Cropmate Berhad, a key player in the conventional and specialty fertiliser manufacturing industry in Malaysia, has launched its prospectus for the upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”). The IPO aims to raise RM42.0 million through the issuance of 210.0 million new shares at a retail price of RM0.20 per share. The proceeds from the IPO will be allocated as follows: RM17.1 million for working capital to support Cropmate's growing operations. RM16.7 million to part finance the purchase considerations of Factory Lot 8949 and Factory Lot 8950 where Cropmate’s operations are located. RM3.2 million for capital expenditure including setting up of a Research and Development (R&D) and test laboratory. RM5.0 million to defray listing expenses. Managing Director of Cropmate, Mr. Lee Chin Yok, stated, “This is a defining moment for Cropmate with the launch of our prospectus. As the first-ever pure-play fertiliser company to be listed on Bursa Malaysia, this IPO represents our commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Malaysia. With the proceeds, we aim to expand our R&D capabilities and continue to innovate in the fertiliser industry. We are excited about the opportunities this IPO opens for Cropmate as we strengthen our presence in the Malaysian agricultural sector.” He further added, “Our focus on expanding our R&D capabilities and securing strategic assets aligns with our long-term vision of becoming a leading force in the industry. The additional working capital will also provide us the necessary resources to meet the rising demand for high-quality fertilisers, especially amongst the durian orchards and oil palm plantations, while ensuring continuous innovation and excellence in our operations.” Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HLIB, Ms. Lee Jim Leng, expressed her support, stating, “Cropmate is well-positioned to capture the growth in Malaysia’s agricultural sector, especially with its focus on innovation and sustainability, which allows them to play a pivotal role in strengthening food security as our population continues to grow. Their strategic initiatives, backed by a strong operational foundation, ensure that Cropmate will continue to thrive and lead the fertiliser industry moving forward.” Cropmate’s growth is anchored in its expertise in the formulation and blending of conventional and specialty fertilisers, as well as trading of straight fertilisers. The Company’s commitment to supporting farmers with innovative, high-quality fertilisers has established it as a trusted name in Malaysia’s agricultural industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2575/the-worlds-first-hybrid-green-ammonia-project-to-be-built-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2575/the-worlds-first-hybrid-green-ammonia-project-to-be-built-in-indonesia.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:46:31 +0530 Ammonia plant of Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM), a subsidiary of Pupuk Indonesia, located in Aceh PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), one of the major fertilizer producers in Asia is reinforcing Indonesia's position in the global green energy transition through the GAIA Project (Green Ammonia Initiative from Aceh), to be the world’s first hybrid green ammonia facility. This groundbreaking project leverages the ammonia plant of Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM), a subsidiary of Pupuk Indonesia, located in Aceh. In addition to producing ammonia using natural gas, the plant will also generate green ammonia from hydrogen produced through water electrolysis. Rahmad Pribadi, President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, stated, "The GAIA Project is not just an effort to enhance the efficiency of existing assets but is also an innovation aimed at creating sustainable solutions that positively impact the environment, the economy, and support food and energy security." Rahmad further explained that if green ammonia could be produced consistently, Indonesia could position it as a strategic commodity with high economic value, especially given the increasing global demand. This effort also supports Indonesia's Net Zero Emission target by 2060. To bring this project to life, Pupuk Indonesia collaborates with two Japanese firms, Toyo Engineering Corporation and ITOCHU Corporation, forming a joint venture that will support the production and distribution value chain of green ammonia. This partnership not only accelerates the implementation of low-carbon technology in Indonesia but also reflects Pupuk Indonesia's commitment to combating climate change through international collaboration. By integrating expertise from various countries, Project GAIA is expected to emerge as a global clean energy solution and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global green energy transition landscape. In the ecosystem of Project GAIA, electricity for producing green hydrogen will be sourced from renewable energy supplied by PLN, with engineering and construction technology from Toyo, and marine fuel supply chain support from ITOCHU. Persero is also a member of Indonesia's delegation at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan.  The GAIA Project also aims to accelerate the downstream chemical industry in Indonesia, promoting sustainability through renewable energy. This initiative will position Indonesia as a pioneer in hybrid green ammonia production, benefiting both domestic needs and creating a high-value export commodity. In the future, this business model could be replicated at other ammonia production facilities in Indonesia and internationally, supporting sustainable downstreaming through green energy. Economic and Environmental Benefits of Project GAIA The GAIA Project is projected to contribute positively to Indonesia's economy. In addition to attracting investment, the project is expected to create new job opportunities in the green energy sector. Moreover, in the long term, Project GAIA could be expanded to other ammonia production facilities across Indonesia and even abroad. The extension of the GAIA Project’s business model to Pupuk Indonesia Group's ammonia production facilities is anticipated to ensure a steady supply of eco-friendly fertilizer raw materials. This is crucial as fertilizers play a significant role in boosting agricultural productivity, thus supporting both domestic and regional food needs. The Arun Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Lhokseumawe, the site of Project GAIA, provides infrastructure that supports green investment and accelerates the economic potential of this project. With over 50 years of experience in producing, storing, and distributing ammonia, Pupuk Indonesia is strategically positioned to make Indonesia a key player in the global green ammonia market. Beyond fertilizers and food security, the development of green ammonia could also bolster the global maritime sector, which is projected to adopt green ammonia as an eco-friendly fuel by 2050. "Through Project GAIA, Pupuk Indonesia is at the forefront of low-carbon technology innovation. This initiative is not only a milestone for decarbonizing the national fertilizer industry but also has the potential to become a model for other countries looking to develop green ammonia," Rahmad concluded. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2565/adama-opens-advanced-state-of-the-art-chloralkali-facility-for-fungicide-ingredients.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2565/adama-opens-advanced-state-of-the-art-chloralkali-facility-for-fungicide-ingredients.html Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:08:06 +0530 Strengthening Market Position by increasing capacity while reducing environmental impact ADAMA Ltd., a global leader in crop protection solutions has opened its new chloralkali production facility. This state-of-the-art plant will supply essential components for the company's highly regarded active ingredients, Captan and Folpet, used for fungicides to protects crops worldwide. The facility, which has been under construction since 2021, represents a significant investment and highlights ADAMA's commitment to sustainable practices and increased production efficiency. The facility was built at a cost of tens of millions of dollars and incorporates advanced technology to boost capacity while reducing environmental impact. Hadran Olami, ADAMA's Head of Global Manufacturing "This new facility strengthens ADAMA's independence and reliability in chlorine production while providing a major capacity boost. The advanced technology allows us to produce chlorine up to 40% more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and ensuring a safer, more sustainable process. This positions ADAMA to continue delivering essential crop protection products to our customers while meeting stringent environmental standards." The chloralkali plant utilizes cutting-edge membrane cell technology, replacing the company's mercury-based system. This transition not only eliminates the risks associated with mercury, but also significantly improves energy efficiency. The plant is expected to produce 40,000 metric tons of chlorine annually, with the ability to scale up to 50,000 metric tons as demand grows. This represents a substantial increase from the previous plant's capacity of around 27,000 tons per year. In addition to boosting production, the new facility enables ADAMA to utilize the hydrogen generated as byproduct to fuel its air emission treatment system, replacing fossil fuels and reducing its carbon footprint. Moreover, the new facility supports strategic infrastructures companies in Israel, such as the electricity and water companies, by supplying chlorine and its byproducts, including caustic soda and sodium hypochlorite.  ADAMA is in early-stage assessment of integrating a solar field near the plant to power its operations. This initiative would enable the company to generate "green chlorine," further aligning with its environmental goals. ADAMA's new chloralkali facility is now fully operational, providing enhanced supply security, increased capacity, and significant energy savings. With this state-of-the-art plant, ADAMA is better positioned to meet the needs of its global agricultural partners while reducing its environmental footprint. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2518/shomax-receives-municipal-approval-for-first-of-its-kind-green-ammonia-facility.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2518/shomax-receives-municipal-approval-for-first-of-its-kind-green-ammonia-facility.html Wed, 16 Oct 2024 02:16:00 +0530 Ammonia created from the facility will be combined with a proprietary additive to produce 65,000 tons per annum of its Green UREA product, called NitroMax Shomax Energy US Inc. has announced that it has received permit for its 6000 ton per annum Green Anhydrous Ammonia facility located in Wichita Falls. The use permit will allow Shomax to finish its development of the facility and begin construction in early 2025, pending final licensing and engineering. The first plant in a string of facilities to be constructed over the next decade, Shomax expects its distributed facility approach established throughout the US to drastically reduce both end-user costs and carbon emissions associated with the transportation of the final product. The 43MW solar facility will be coupled with an ultra-long duration battery to allow it to operate off-grid and avoid lengthy interconnection delays that are currently experienced by solar and battery developers. At this size, the project will represent the largest off-grid facility ever constructed globally to its knowledge, leveraging one of the best solar resources in the world. “In order to avoid IRA 45V additionality and time matching concerns expressed by the Internal Revenue Service and ensure that every ton of product we produce is in fact green, we took an off-grid approach from day one.”, stated Tom Bowker, the Shomax Chief Strategy Officer. “We have leveraged very strategic technology and a system architecture that will ensure that we can produce the facility in a cost-effective and repeatable manner, giving us a considerable edge in the fertilizer market with the ability to develop sites quickly and predictably”. Ammonia created from the facility will be combined with a proprietary additive to produce 65,000 tons per annum of its Green UREA product, called NitroMax, which will be distributed to local farmers through established distribution channels. The final product is delivered to farmers at an ultra-low price that does not vary with the price of natural gas since it is made using only water and air. In addition, Shomax will help farmers monetize the resulting carbon credits from the use of the product, establishing new revenue sources for them accordingly. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2415/landus-co-op-acquires-crop-protection-provider-wickman-chemical.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2415/landus-co-op-acquires-crop-protection-provider-wickman-chemical.html Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:18:11 +0530 Landus, an Iowa-based agriculture solutions company, announced the purchase of Wickman Chemical, an independent Iowa-based agricultural chemicals provider, to expand its chemical products and services offerings. Wickman Chemical has been a reliable and trusted supplier of chemicals for farmers in the Southwest Iowa and Kansas regions for many years. Landus' acquisition of this company represents its continued commitment to delivering innovation to the farm and empowering our farmers with the tools they need to succeed. "Our purchase of Wickman Chemical reinforces our business strategy to bring the tools and innovation farmer-owners need to thrive," said Matt Carstens, President & CEO of Landus and Conduit. "Erich and Tammy Wickman have built a tremendous operation that, like Landus, keeps the farmer in the center. We welcome both their team and customers from across Iowa and Kansas to Landus and look forward to building upon the great reputation of service Erich and Tammy established." Wickman Chemical, founded by Erich and Tammy Wickman in 1998, started from humble beginnings on a dirt floor machine shed and grew into one of the region's prominent agricultural chemical suppliers. The company's focus on building relationships with farmers and providing personalized service is what makes their operation unique. Their team consists of professionals with backgrounds in agronomy, sales, accounting, and technology, all dedicated to helping customers find the right chemicals for their farms. "It's taken a lot of hard work and many years to build this company alongside my wife Tammy, and we knew we didn't want to sell our life's work to just any company," said Erich Wickman, Founder and CEO of Wickman Chemical. "When we met Matt Carstens and the Landus team, we could see this was a company that shares our focus on making farmers more economically productive. They understand the importance of building relationships with and serving the unique needs of farmers, making Landus the best choice for our team and customers into the future." The purchase agreement will go into effect on October 1, 2024, with Erich Wickman remaining with the company as a Chemical Marketing Specialist, while Tammy Wickman will exit to focus on family and the farm. Wickman Chemical employees will remain in their roles to continue providing premium service to farmers, only now as Landus employees. The company will experience no major operational changes other than Wickman Chemical customers having access to all services provided by Landus. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2371/yara-and-atome-plc-sign-heads-of-terms-for-sale-of-renewable-calcium-ammonium-nitrate-can-fertilizer.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2371/yara-and-atome-plc-sign-heads-of-terms-for-sale-of-renewable-calcium-ammonium-nitrate-can-fertilizer.html Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:21:59 +0530 Yara would market and sell this fertilizer as part of the YaraBela product line Yara, a global crop nutrition leader, and ATOME PLC, a leading developer of international green fertilizer projects, sign Heads of Terms for offtake from ATOME’s renewable CAN project in Villeta, Paraguay. The Heads of Terms covers the long-term supply of all of the Calcium Ammonium Nitrate from ATOME’s renewable production facility in Villeta, Paraguay. Yara would market and sell this fertilizer as part of the YaraBela product line. The 145 MW fertilizer project will produce and export fertilizers derived from baseload renewable power from 2027. The Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study was completed in the first half of 2024, and ATOME PLC targets to reach Final Investment Decision this year. Once completed, Villeta will produce up to 264,000 tons per year of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate fertilizer, expected to displace significant emissions in the sector. “The entry into this strategic relationship with global crop nutrition leader Yara is a significant milestone for ATOME on the path to realize our flagship Villeta Project which will be one of the largest renewable fertilizer production facilities in the Western Hemisphere. Proving significant off-taker interest for our renewable product gives a clear path to the finalization of funding, FID and the commencement of work onsite at Villeta" said Olivier Mussat, CEO of ATOME. ATOME can now accelerate the development of its project pipeline, including the 300MW Yguazu project in Paraguay and the 120MW Costa Rica projects. "Decarbonizing the food systems is at the forefront of our strategy. Many of the food companies active in South America have committed to decarbonization targets and our collaboration with them reveals that the decarbonization of the production of fertilizers combined with the use of agronomical best practices can significantly reduce the crops’ carbon footprint. Signing the Heads of Terms for the Villeta project is a first step to open the opportunity to further expand our portfolio with fertilizers produced with renewable energy in the Americas. The fertilizers from Villeta will become part of a new portfolio called Yara Climate Choice, including fertilizers based upon renewable energy and carbon, capture and storage. The project’s in-land location could open logistical advantages for some of our growing markets in Mercosur” said Chrystel Monthean, EVP Americas at Yara. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2382/australia-approves-cortevas-novel-fungicides-to-curtail-powdery-mildew-in-grapevines.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2382/australia-approves-cortevas-novel-fungicides-to-curtail-powdery-mildew-in-grapevines.html Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:19:57 +0530 Verpixo Adavelt active presents a new mode of action for effective disease control. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has this week approved Corteva Agriscience’s new fungicide, Verpixo® Adavelt® active, for the control of botrytis and powdery mildew in grapevines. Powdery mildew poses the greatest threat to the Australian wine grape industry, estimated to have an impact of more than $75m each year, with botrytis and other bunch rots estimated to cost $52m per annum.  With existing chemistries vulnerable to resistance, Verpixo Adavelt active presents a new mode of action for effective disease control. The FRAC Group 21 fungicide has no known cross resistance to other fungicide groups, is compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programs and can be used across a wide range of crops at multiple growth stages allowing growers to achieve improved efficiency. The flexibility of the naturally inspired product also gives more time to manage disease control programs throughout the growing season providing outstanding control where other products are losing effectiveness. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2366/adama-and-elemental-enzymes-partners-to-launch-innovative-bio-fungicide-to-the-australian-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2366/adama-and-elemental-enzymes-partners-to-launch-innovative-bio-fungicide-to-the-australian-market.html Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:53:41 +0530 The Bio-Fungicide will combat Foliar Diseases in Australian Crops and Turf ADAMA, a global leader in crop protection solutions, has announced a partnership with Elemental Enzymes, a US-based life sciences company, to introduce an innovative biological fungicide to the Australian market. The new bio-fungicide, set to launch in 2026 for winter crops and spring turf, addresses the growing challenge of foliar diseases in cereals, canola and turf applications. Utilizing Elemental Enzymes’ patented peptide technology, the product will offer a novel mode of action to protect against fungal diseases like septoria tritici and septoria nodorum in wheat. By stimulating plants’ natural defenses, the bio-fungicide will complement existing chemical fungicides, helping to manage disease resistance and improve crop health. This innovative peptide technology will support conventional fungicides by activating the plant’s natural immune response to diseases. ADAMA Australia will exclusively distribute the bio-fungicide for broadacre crops and turf, while also exploring additional applications through its research and development program. “We are excited to partner with Elemental Enzymes to bring this innovative technology to Australian growers,” said Steve Scott, General Manager of ADAMA Australia. “The increasing prevalence of fungal diseases and the growing resistance to traditional fungicides highlight the urgent need for new solutions. This bio-fungicide offers a promising approach to enhance crop protection and sustainability. We are committed to rigorous testing and development to ensure this product delivers tangible benefits to Australian farmers.” This partnership aligns with ADAMA’s strategy to provide innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions that deliver high return on investment and meet the evolving needs of farmers worldwide ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2360/mitsubishi-heavy-industries-and-taiwan-fertilizer-to-develop-fuel-ammonia-value-chain-in-taiwan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2360/mitsubishi-heavy-industries-and-taiwan-fertilizer-to-develop-fuel-ammonia-value-chain-in-taiwan.html Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:20:08 +0530 MHI and TFC to jointly assess the feasibility of developing a fuel ammonia value chain, including ammonia receiving, storage, handling, delivery, and combustion Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd. (TFC) to conduct a joint pre-feasibility study that will explore the establishment of an ammonia value chain in Taiwan. This is in support of Taiwan's "2050 Net-Zero Emissions" goal. Under this MoU, MHI and TFC will assess facilities and economic feasibility of the fuel ammonia value chain, including ammonia receiving, storage, handling, and delivery to power plants, as well as using ammonia as a fuel for power generation. Through this study, both companies aim to lay a strong foundation for a robust ammonia value chain in Taiwan. Ammonia, a compound comprised of hydrogen and nitrogen, serves as an efficient carrier for transporting hydrogen and can also be directly combusted as a fuel without producing CO2. As ammonia emerges as a clean fuel of the future, the establishment of a comprehensive value chain, from production to utilization, will greatly contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society. In March 2022, the Taiwanese government announced its climate target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting the adoption of less carbon intensive fuels. To achieve this, TFC is committed to promoting the use of blue ammonia and green ammonia as a fuel in Taiwan, as demonstrated by its importation of Taiwan's first low-carbon ammonia in June 2023 and establishment of an Ammonia Energy Division in January 2024. Blue ammonia: ammonia produced by using the hydrogen derived from fossil fuels using CO2 capture. Green ammonia: ammonia produced by using renewable energy power, water, and air as raw materials and using process that does not emit CO2. Low-carbon ammonia: ammonia that has reduced CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain, achieved through processes such as CO2 separation and capture during production.MHI Group is pursuing a growth strategy in the area of Energy Transition, aiming for decarbonization on the energy supply side to support the Company's goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040. Through this collaboration with TFC, MHI Group will support the establishment of the fuel ammonia value chain in Taiwan to meet the decarbonization needs of various industries, including the power generation sector, and as a way of contributing to the realization of a sustainable, Carbon Neutral world. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2332/council-of-the-eu-adopts-legislation-on-fertilisers-labelling.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2332/council-of-the-eu-adopts-legislation-on-fertilisers-labelling.html Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:11:00 +0530 Promotes the use of digital labelling to reduce the costs, bureaucracy, and environmental footprint for producers The European Union Council has adopted a regulation for digital labelling of fertilising products. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The regulation approved promotes the use of digital labels on EU fertilising products while keeping physical labels where they are necessary. It also improves the readability of labels and simplifies the labelling obligations of suppliers.  Following the Council’s approval of the European Parliament's position, the legislative act has been adopted. The regulation updates the existing regulation about fertilizers’ labels. It promotes the use of digital labelling to reduce the costs, bureaucracy, and environmental footprint for producers. Digital labels will have a life-time of at least 10 years since a product is placed on the market. The regulation also ensures the availability of information by physical means to protect vulnerable consumers or people with limited digital competences. Digital labels will also be proposed for products sold in bulk, provided that the necessary information is also displayed in physical format in a visible place at the point of sale. The Commission will be empowered to update the general digital labelling requirements through delegated acts. Digital labels are QR or bar codes that redirect the user to a web page where the information of the label is stored. Digital solutions reduce substantially the cost of labelling and at the same time make it easy to update its content. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of the information that can be stored in a digital label are much higher compared with a physical label, whose readability can prove difficult, especially small packages. However, the level of digital literacy varies among social groups and ages, and some vulnerable groups may have difficulties to understand the functioning of digital labels or smart devices. In the EU, digital labelling is already used for some products containing chemicals, for instance batteries, and rules for digital labelling are under consideration for other products (i.e. detergents, cosmetics and other chemicals). The simplification of labelling obligations is expected to reduce annual costs by, on average, €57 000 for a large company and €4 500 for an SME. Up until now, regulation (EU) 2019/1009 stablished the requirements for the labelling of fertilisers. The Commission’s proposal was published on 27 February 2023. Co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on 22 January 2024. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2320/shanghai-yuelians-innovative-nano-me-containing-fluxapyroxad-hit-the-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2320/shanghai-yuelians-innovative-nano-me-containing-fluxapyroxad-hit-the-market.html Fri, 26 Jul 2024 07:32:00 +0530 Jianmeiling is effective against banana leaf spot disease caused by higher fungi such as M.fijiensis Shanghai Yuellian 22.5% Fluxapyroxad · Propiconazole ME was registered as a pesticide product by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The product is registered in the banana leaf spot disease, which can effectively prevent and control the diseases caused by higher fungi such as M.fijiensis. Fluxapyroxad, one of the active ingredients of the fungicide, is the leading variety of SDHI fungicides, and its patent is still under protection. The unique structure of trifluorobenzene enables it to quickly penetrate biofilms, effectively act on succinate dehydrogenase, promote plant photosynthesis, and have a broad spectrum protection effect against a variety of fungal diseases. Another effective ingredient, Propiconazole, as a triazole fungicide, is known for its long-term performance and strong control ability of leaf spots, white powder and other diseases, and can be evenly distributed in crops after spraying to ensure ideal control effect. This product is the only nano ME in the Fluxapyroxad compound formulations at present. Compared with other competitive products, it has the advantages of high dispersion into water and no precipitation; real nano; High efficacy; Rapid spread, deep sterilization and other differential advantages. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2318/yara-and-petrobras-sign-master-agreement.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2318/yara-and-petrobras-sign-master-agreement.html Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:27:00 +0530 Yara Brasil Fertilizantes S.A. (Yara) and Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras have signed a non-binding Master Agreement, as next step forward in the negotiations to structure a potential business partnership. In the next phase Yara and Petrobras will jointly finalize the analysis on the potential synergies between their operations, to increase efficiencies in the local fertilizer and industrial products market, including possible decarbonization paths. Brazil is a significant market for both agricultural and industrial applications with focus on domestic production growth and future decarbonization. Yara is playing a leading role in tackling the food crisis and is committed to decarbonizing the food value chain, essential industrial and air-quality applications, and zero-emission shipping fuel and energy solutions. To be successful, collaboration across the entire value chain is essential. Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, Yara pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain. Yara is developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through focus on clean ammonia production, Yara aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production and other energy intensive industries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2326/malaysian-croplife-public-health-association-urges-action-against-illegal-pesticides.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2326/malaysian-croplife-public-health-association-urges-action-against-illegal-pesticides.html Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:53:13 +0530 MCPA and its members ensure only pesticides meeting stringent safety, toxicology, bioefficacy, and other standards are approved by the Pesticides Board (PB)The Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA), a national association representing the plant science and public health industries of Malaysia, calls for action against illegal pesticides after the tragic poisoning incidents of consumption of rat poison-laced snacks. These unfortunate events are underscoring the urgent need for stringent measures against the use and sale of illegal pesticides. “The proliferation of unregistered and illegal pesticides through online platforms is a growing concern. We urge the authorities to intensify efforts to govern the online sale of pesticides. Ensuring that all pesticides sold online are properly registered and comply with safety standards is crucial to prevent further tragedies. The use of illegal and unregistered pesticides poses significant risks not just to public health but also to the environment and economies. We strongly condemn the use of such products,” said Marie Goh Chooi Fong, Associate Director, Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA). In Malaysia, the pesticide industry is rigorously regulated by the Pesticides Board (PB) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Only pesticides that comply with stringent safety, toxicology, bio-efficacy, and other standards are approved by PB for sale. MCPA members, as registrants, strictly adhere to the Act, rules, and guidelines provided by PB to ensure safety while supporting national needs, including food security. Additionally, MCPA members adhere to the International Code of Conduct on Pesticides Management (ICOC) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). MCPA and its members have been actively promoting Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) and stewardship programs for decades. These stewardship programs include educating users and promoting practices that encourage the responsible, safe and efficient use of pesticides. This is undertaken within the context of promoting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and forms an important part of the industry’s life-cycle approach to product stewardship. MCPA also partners with the food value chain and government agencies to ensure food safety. Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA) is a non-profit trade association, the voice of the plant science and public health industry in Malaysia which advocate a safe, secure food supply, and vision for food security enabled by innovative agriculture. MCPA is one of the 15 national associations under CropLife Asia, based in Singapore. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2317/pepsico-europe-and-yara-partner-to-decarbonize-crop-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2317/pepsico-europe-and-yara-partner-to-decarbonize-crop-production.html Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:25:00 +0530 Partnership, which spans multiple countries, participating PepsiCo Europe farmers will be equipped with best-in-class crop nutrition products and advice as well as precision farming digital tools. PepsiCo Europe and Yara announced a long-term partnership in Europe aimed at providing farmers with crop nutrition programs to help decarbonize the food value chain. As part of the partnership, which spans multiple countries, participating PepsiCo Europe farmers will be equipped with best-in-class crop nutrition products and advice as well as precision farming digital tools. This will allow them to increase nutrient use efficiency (NUE), boost yields and reduce the carbon footprint of their crops. Yara, the leading crop nutrition company in Europe, will supply PepsiCo with the products and services. Yara will deliver up to 165,000 tons of fertilizer per year to PepsiCo, covering around 25% of their crop fertilizer needs in Europe by 2030. These fertilizers will be mostly Yara Climate Choice fertilizers, which include low-carbon footprint fertilizers produced from either renewable ammonia or low-carbon ammonia via carbon capture and storage (CCS), currently under construction in Yara Sluiskil. The mix will also include Yara’s standard premium nitrate-based mineral fertilizers produced using natural gas, which have a carbon footprint that is around 50% lower than most non-EU fertilizers thanks to the use of catalyst technology. The aim of the partnership is to upgrade to Yara Climate Choice fertilizers over time as production scales up and technologies mature so that all of the 165,000 p.a. tons are Yara Climate Choice fertilizers by 2030. Fertilizers are the biggest opportunity to reduce emissions as fertilizer production and in-field emissions account for half of PepsiCo’s average potato carbon footprint in Europe. The collaboration underlines the companies’ shared commitment to building a more sustainable food system in line with the European Union’s climate targets. At the same time, it will support farmers through transition costs to ensure their livelihoods are not adversely impacted. “This partnership with Yara aligns with our end-to-end transformation known as PepsiCo Positive (pep+) and will be critical as we transition towards the net-zero food system of the future. Targeting Scope 3 emissions is central to our pep+ agenda, but it can be one of the most challenging areas to directly influence. Providing our farmers with fertilizers that have a lower carbon footprint and supporting them to improve crop nutrition end-to-end will allow us to make a significant step towards our target of achieving net zero by 2040,” said Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo Europe. The collaboration is also in line with Yara’s mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. “To grow a nature-positive food future and transform our food system, we need to collaborate across the food value chain. We’re excited to work with first movers like PepsiCo to help make this a reality. Decarbonizing food production will be critical to delivering on the Paris Agreement – and farmers will play a key role in helping us get there,” said Mónica Andrés Enríquez, Executive Vice President for Europe at Yara. The partnership, which will help drive the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, will include approximately 1,000 farms, covering a total of around 128,000 hectares across the European Union and the UK. Efforts will initially focus on potatoes, a key crop for PepsiCo, and then expand to other crops such as oats and corn. This partnership will also further scale up sustainable nutrient management practices across the PepsiCo farmer groups. This will include full season crop and soil data capture and monitoring using PepsiCo’s CropTrak and ML Analytics tool, and will be complemented by Yara's digital solutions offering, for example digital satellite imagery via the AtFarm platform and the MegaLab soil analysis. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2307/australias-grdc-announces-17m-project-to-unlock-enhanced-efficiency-fertiliser-potential.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2307/australias-grdc-announces-17m-project-to-unlock-enhanced-efficiency-fertiliser-potential.html Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:36:41 +0530 Aim to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss by better synchronising the supply of fertiliser to the demands of the crop Australian grain growers could unlock tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a national research project examining enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs). EEFs use chemical or physical approaches to regulate the release of nitrogen and its availability to plants. They aim to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss by better synchronising the supply of fertiliser to the demands of the crop. The four-year, $17.33M project is a co-investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and will be led by the University of Melbourne alongside several research organisations and industry partners. The project Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilisers in the grains industry: an opportunity to reduce GHG emissions and increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) will run for four years, with results anticipated to be available to growers from 2028. GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart says the strategic investment had been developed in response to grain grower needs with managing input costs and sustainability front of mind for the industry. “As an organisation investing on behalf of Australian grain growers, we are keenly aware of the pressures our sector is facing from high input costs, particularly for nitrogen. There is a very real need to ensure we are using the most efficient fertilisers in the most efficient way,” Mr Hart says. Project lead Associate Professor Helen Suter from the University of Melbourne says a number of EEF technologies are commercially available but relatively little is known about their efficacy in different climates and agroecosystems, and their economic and environmental benefits to the grains industry. “Growers are looking for recommendations of what technologies work where, when, why and how, to make informed decisions about their nitrogen management strategies. The project will establish a network of field trials across Australia in representative soils and cropping systems, where commercially available EEF technologies will be evaluated alongside conventional nitrogen fertilisers. These technologies include urease inhibitors (to reduce ammonia loss), nitrification inhibitors (to reduce nitrous oxide, nitrogen and leaching loss), dual (urease and nitrification) inhibitors and controlled release fertilisers (both targeting all loss pathways)" A/Prof Suter says. Controlled-environment studies will complement the field-based activities, allowing a mechanistic understanding of soil nitrogen cycling and loss pathways, and will support modelling activities aimed at quantifying the environmental impact and potential nitrogen use efficiency gains associated with the use of EEFs across the grains industry. The EEFs trialled will target key nitrogen loss mechanisms (denitrification, nitrate leaching, volatilisation) in different cropping regions and quantify crop nitrogen uptake to determine nitrogen use efficiency and return on investment. The fate of nitrogen will be tracked in soils and plants using nitrogen-15 stable isotope labelled fertilisers. Project research partners include the University of Melbourne, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia, University of Queensland, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, CSIRO, Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, La Trobe University, Birchip Cropping Group and Hart Field Site Group. Industry partners include CSBP Limited, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, Nutrien Ag Solutions, N-Shield and Fertiliser Australia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2305/basf-agricultural-solutions-plans-to-change-production-network-of-glufosinate-ammonium.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2305/basf-agricultural-solutions-plans-to-change-production-network-of-glufosinate-ammonium.html Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:54:32 +0530 Production at Knapsack and Frankfurt sites expected to stop by 2024/2025 BASF plans to cease production of the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium (GA) at the Knapsack and Frankfurt sites in Germany by the end of 2024 due to economic reasons. The GA formulation in Frankfurt will end in 2025. Subsequently, both production facilities will be shut down. Glufosinate-ammonium remains a key component of BASF’s global herbicide portfolio. The active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium is one of the most widely used broad-spectrum herbicides and controls weeds in a vatiety of crops worldwide. BASF’s GA production is increasingly affected by rising competition from generic manufacturers, alternative technologies as well as high energy and raw material costs. Despite both production facilities achieving cost reductions, BASF’s volume and profitability development is insufficient. BASF is therefore restructuring its production network and will source the active ingredient from third-party suppliers in the future. In doing so, the company is securing its long-term competitiveness and profitability in the GA market. Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors at BASF said “We remain committed to providing our customers with top-quality GA solutions. At the same time, we will continue to focus on the development of next-generation GA solutions that achieve the same results with significantly lower application rates, benefiting farmers in the Americas and Asia.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2297/cf-industries-and-poet-to-demonstrate-use-of-low-carbon-fertilizer-in-corn-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2297/cf-industries-and-poet-to-demonstrate-use-of-low-carbon-fertilizer-in-corn-production.html Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:45:30 +0530 Aim to Reduce Carbon Intensity of Ethanol CF Industries Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products and the world’s largest producer of ammonia, and POET LLC, the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, today announced a collaboration to pilot the use of low-carbon ammonia fertilizer to reduce the carbon intensity of corn production and ethanol. Demand for ethanol with a lower carbon intensity is expected to increase significantly to meet low-carbon fuel standards. Ammonia is commonly used as a direct application fertilizer for U.S. corn production, but the conventional ammonia production process is emissions intensive. As a result, ammonia production is a significant contributor to the lifecycle carbon intensity of corn production and thus ethanol production. Producing ethanol with corn grown using low-carbon ammonia can reduce the carbon intensity of ethanol up to 10 percent. The companies are targeting the fall of 2024 for the first applications of low-carbon ammonia with subsequent applications in spring of 2025, to produce a first crop to be harvested in the fall of 2025. The companies intend to jointly develop a low-carbon fertilizer supply chain to track, validate and certify carbon intensity reduction originating from low-carbon ammonia manufacturing at CF Industries’ Donaldsonville Complex in Louisiana, through ethanol production at POET’s locations in Bingham Lake, MN, Emmetsburg, IA, Fairmont, NE and North Manchester, IN. This includes implementing supply plans with fertilizer retailers serving farms that supply corn to these POET bioprocessing plants and developing monetization opportunities for farmers who use this low-carbon fertilizer. Producers can reach out to their local POET grain merchandiser for more information. For the demonstration project’s fall 2024 and spring 2025 low-carbon ammonia applications, the companies will leverage green ammonia produced at CF Industries’ Donaldsonville Complex. Green ammonia refers to ammonia produced with hydrogen sourced from an electrolysis-based production process that produces no carbon dioxide emissions but is otherwise identical to commodity ammonia. CF Industries recently completed installation of a 20MW electrolyzer at its Donaldsonville Complex. Start-up of the electrolyzer is imminent and the Company intends to purchase renewable energy certificates to pair with the start-up to enable green ammonia production. CF Industries will have additional low-carbon ammonia at the Donaldsonville Complex beginning in 2025 when a large-scale carbon capture and sequestration project at the facility commences. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2292/syngenta-unveils-new-effective-fungicide-to-protect-barley-crops-in-new-zealand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2292/syngenta-unveils-new-effective-fungicide-to-protect-barley-crops-in-new-zealand.html Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:44:15 +0530 A powerful new foliar fungicide to protect barley crops from Ramularia leaf spot and scald is available to farmers this season MIRAVIS® Flexi is a fourth generation SDHI fungicide (Group 7) from Syngenta and is powered by the active ingredient ADEPIDYN® technology. It is a new active ingredient for barley growers offering powerful activity and long-lasting control of these key diseases. “Barley growers understand that Ramularia leaf spot and scald can both cause significant yield losses if not properly controlled, so they’ll be pleased to know that based on seven years of pre-release trials by Syngenta and our industry partners, MIRAVIS® Flexi provides market-leading control of Ramularia. Multiple trials have demonstrated significantly higher levels of control of this disease compared to older generation SDHI fungicides" says Paul Hassan, Technical Services Lead for Syngenta New Zealand. After applying MIRAVIS® Flexi preventatively, a reservoir of ADEPIDYN® technology is formed within the waxy layers of the leaf.  From here, the active ingredient moves acropetally, from base to tip and into the leaf tissue over an extended period, delivering very long-lasting disease control. Paul Hassan, further adds “When MIRAVIS® Flexi is sprayed onto the leaf, it moves steadily towards the tip via the xylem protecting the whole leaf.  The yield-building leaves are protected from the damaging effects of disease for longer, keeping the canopy green and driving yield.” “MIRAVIS® Flexi is a solo-active formulation, which means growers have the flexibility to add the most suitable tank-mix partner to control the spectrum of diseases that present a threat at the time. It has been thoroughly tested with other products and has shown excellent compatibility with a wide range of other fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators that may be used in a tank mixture with it”. MIRAVIS® Flexi is best used at T2 – typically GS39-49 – to take best advantage of its high efficacy on Ramularia. MIRAVIS® Flexi should always be applied preventatively and at a rate of 1.2 L per hectare in mixture with another approved, non-cross resistant fungicide recommended for the control of the same target disease. The addition of an approved triazole fungicide is recommended. Make no more than two applications per season or any foliar sprays containing a group 7 fungicide. Paul concludes: “Syngenta has a long history of providing high-quality fungicide solutions to the cereal market including AMISTAR® and ELATUS® Plus. MIRAVIS® Flexi is the third product from the MIRAVIS® fungicide family to be launched in New Zealand following the introduction of MIRAVIS® 200SC for potatoes and MIRAVIS® Prime for grapes.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2284/vietnam-fertilizer-firm-explore-partnership-deal-with-philippines-da.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2284/vietnam-fertilizer-firm-explore-partnership-deal-with-philippines-da.html Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:02:33 +0530 Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Co. in Vietnam discusses on the potential partnership to manufacture fertilizer in the Philippines A delegation led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. met executives of Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Co. in Vietnam to explore areas of cooperation, particularly the potential for the firm to supply — or if viable — to manufacture fertilizer in the Philippines. During the visit to Binh Dien’s facilities, the DA chief highlighted the need for the Vietnamese fertilizer giant’s presence in the Philippines to help increase local farm production. Established in 1975, Binh Dien has grown to become Vietnam’s leading producer of NPK (a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in fertilizers) and a major driver of agricultural and rural development in the country. It has several factories with a combined capacity of 1 million metric tons that supplies 30 percent of Vietnam’s fertilizer requirements. Vietnam is a major exporter of rice and is currently the Philippines’ main source of the staple. Just recently, Vietnam agreed to a five-year trade deal to supply through the private sector up to 2 million metric tons of white rice every year to the Philippines at a competitive and affordable price. “We see great potential in partnering with Binh Dien,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said, adding that the Philippines will benefit significantly from the advanced technology and expertise in agriculture of the company. The DA chief said Binh Dien could initially agree to a distribution agreement that could eventually lead to transfer of technology and even potential investment in a manufacturing facility in the Philippines. “We have high expectations following our visit to Binh Dien’s factory. Their management and technical team’s expertise is impressive and much needed in the Philippines, Sec. Tiu Laurel said.” Conversely, the Vietnamese company sees the Philippine market as a strategic opportunity to expand internationally. They aim to contribute their specialized knowledge to enhance agricultural practices in the Philippines while fostering their own growth outside Vietnam. The discussions concluded with optimism for a fruitful partnership, highlighting mutual benefits and the potential for significant advancements in agricultural technologies between the two countries ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2273/syngenta-nantong-in-china-to-establish-new-plant-protection-formulation-production-base-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2273/syngenta-nantong-in-china-to-establish-new-plant-protection-formulation-production-base-project.html Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:08:48 +0530 After completion, the Nantong plant will achieve a production capacity of over 20,000 tons, focusing on high-value-added patented insecticides and fungicides Syngenta's new crop protection formulation production base project in Nantong was held in Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone in last week of June. As the strategic importance of the Chinese market to Syngenta Group continues to increase, the new plant has been upgraded and positioned as Syngenta Group's global benchmark plant for formulation production. Su Fu, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Syngenta Group China, Zhang Tong, Deputy Secretary of the Nantong Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, and Gao Yifan, Deputy Consul General of the Swiss Consulate General in Shanghai, laid the foundation for the project. Maitian", China's first wheat fusarium head blight control product, was born in the Nantong plant and has become a plant protection tool to ensure a bumper summer grain harvest in China. Over the past three years, the cumulative application area of ​​the "Tian" series of products has exceeded 150 million mu, bringing farmers an increase in production of more than 12.2 billion catties. As an important production base for Syngenta Group's brand formulation business, the Nantong plant has contributed more than 60% of the product delivery of Syngenta's brand formulation business in China. Through a series of "intelligent manufacturing" processes, including the launch of smart safety and health environment, automated warehousing and logistics management, and digital system deployment, it has completed the construction of data centers, network security, and digital interconnection. It aims to create an industry-leading intelligent manufacturing "lighthouse factory" , actively promote energy conservation and emission reduction and sustainable development, and become a global and industry HSEQ benchmark. After completion, the Nantong plant will achieve a production capacity of over 20,000 tons, focusing on the production of high-efficiency, low-toxic, environmentally friendly, high-value-added patented insecticides and fungicides for plant protection products, filling a number of domestic production gaps while meeting the rapidly growing needs of the Chinese and global plant protection formulation markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2272/japans-mitsui-begins-construction-of-clean-ammonia-production-facility-in-uae.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2272/japans-mitsui-begins-construction-of-clean-ammonia-production-facility-in-uae.html Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:58:38 +0530 Partners with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and South Korea's GS Energy Corporation to embark on the project in Al Ruwais, UAE starting from 2027 to produce 1 million tons per year of ammonia Mitsui & Co., Ltd., alongside TA'ZIZ (owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)), Fertiglobe, and South Korea's GS Energy Corporation, has agreed to commence construction of an ammonia production facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition, Mitsui has signed a loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to finance the development of the project. The project involves the construction of an ammonia production facility in Al Ruwais, UAE. Starting from 2027, the plant is expected to produce 1 million tons per year of ammonia with lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional ammonia. To achieve CO2 emission reductions, additional facilities will be installed in the plant to capture and store CO2 emitted in the manufacturing process, with plans to begin production of clean ammonia by 2030. In addition to its participation in the project, Mitsui will offtake a certain volume of the clean ammonia produced at the plant for supplying Japan and other Asian markets, thereby contributing to the decarbonization of society as a whole, through its use in fuel applications, chemical and fertilizer feedstock applications, and other industries. Mitsui has been handling ammonia for about 50 years, and continues to be the largest importer to Japan for many years. Mitsui and ADNOC have been jointly developing and managing liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the UAE since the 1970s. By combining cross-industry expertise and partnerships cultivated through our existing businesses, we will promote the establishment of a clean ammonia supply chain, and respond to the decarbonization needs of each country and region. In its Medium-term Management Plan 2026, Mitsui has designated Global Energy Transition as one of its Key Strategic Initiatives, and positioned clean ammonia, which does not emit CO2 during combustion, as one of the promising options for next-generation fuels, and will strive to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through this business initiative. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2265/syngenta-biologicals-and-lithos-crop-protect-collaborate-to-fight-major-corn-pest-in-europe.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2265/syngenta-biologicals-and-lithos-crop-protect-collaborate-to-fight-major-corn-pest-in-europe.html Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:17:00 +0530 First sprayable pheromone disrupts mating of the Western Corn Rootworm, which poses an increasing threat to European agriculture as an impact of climate change. Syngenta and Lithos Crop Protect have signed a distribution agreement to supply a sprayable pheromone formulation for mating disruption to control a key pest in corn, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Western Corn Rootworm). This innovative solution features Lithos' patented lithos micro dispenser® technology, which utilizes a natural carrier material with pherolit®-d (the pheromone of Diabrotica v.v. L.), a naturally derived female pheromone that causes mating disruption in corn crops for large-scale use. The companies have now entered into the next phase of their collaboration to optimize the features and benefits of this innovation and rigorously test for safety and efficacy. The Western Corn Rootworm poses a significant threat to European agriculture, particularly in regions with continuous maize cultivation and insecticide resistance. It’s increased prevalence poses a significant threat to the industry, with climate change also intensifying its invasion into new territories. Targeting corn crops, its larvae feeds on roots, stunting plant growth and causing economic losses. Growing insecticide resistance and environmental concerns have increased the need for new, sustainable control methods with a lower environmental footprint. “This partnership between Syngenta Biologicals and Lithos Crop Protect represents another significant stride in expanding our biological portfolio with forward-thinking and disruptive solutions, while filling gaps in pest control due to the current EU regulatory landscape,” said Matthew Pickard, Head of Europe Biologicals and Seedcare, Syngenta. “The introduction of this solution will add a new tool to the current integrated pest management (IPM) strategies employed by the growers to safeguard crops and curb the advance of pests.” “We are actively seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to combat pests such as the Western Corn Rootworm,’’ said Lithos Crop Protect Managing Director and Founder Dr. Franz Reitbauer. ‘‘With the active ingredient pherolit®-d, we have the means to naturally disrupt pest mating behaviors, thus maintaining pest populations below the economically damaging threshold, without any negative effects on other organisms or the environment.” The introduction of pherolit®-d for European farmers will be the third pheromone technology in Syngenta’s portfolio. Registration in key European markets is expected for 2026. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2206/biowish-crop-liquid-earns-regulatory-approval-in-canada.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2206/biowish-crop-liquid-earns-regulatory-approval-in-canada.html Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:19:31 +0530 BiOWiSH Technologies, Inc. announces that BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid has received regulatory approval by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for sale and use in agriculture production. In conjunction with this CFIA certification, ADM is now offering BiOWiSH® Enhanced Fertilizer at five new terminal locations across the U.S. and Canada, and four more locations will be added later in the year. "Earning CFIA approval is a testament to our innovative, natural and non-GMO technology, which helps farmers improve crop production in a sustainable way,″ said BiOWiSH Chief Innovation Officer Bill Diederich. ″Partnering with an industry leader like ADM allows us to work together to advance productivity and climate-smart practices in a way that is practical for farmers to implement.″ The BiOWiSH® Fertilizer Enhancement is a blend of proprietary microbial cultures coated onto dry fertilizer or mixed with liquid fertilizer to create an enhanced efficiency fertilizer. It is applied directly by the fertilizer supplier, and it arrives on-farm, ready to use. Available through ADM, the BiOWiSH® Fertilizer Enhancement can be added to Urea, Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), UAN, NPK blends, and more. It works by creating a high-performance partnership between the plant and soil microbes, which results in optimized yield potential by improved nutrient uptake. It is proven to achieve consistent desired results across a broad range of operating conditions, climates, and environments – all at a low cost to farmers. Meta-analysis of profit change results for replicated cereal grain studies of the BiOWiSH® Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer, compared to Control treatments, modeled profit changes of $50 per acre for wheat and $58 per acre for corn using USA 5-year (2018-2023) commodity value ranges ($/bu). Paired with the ADM re:generations program, which rewards farmers for climate-smart practices, wheat and corn growers have the potential to earn an additional $2 per acre. ″BiOWiSH is an industry leader with a strong track record of helping farmers achieve success globally,″ said ADM Director of Biologicals and New Technology Graig Whitehead. ″With our extensive years of agricultural product expertise and expansion to more ADM locations, BiOWiSH and ADM are poised to help farmers across Canada and the U.S. optimize yield potential and profits.″ ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2199/frontier-invests-in-ccm-technologies-and-carbon-negative-fertiliser.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2199/frontier-invests-in-ccm-technologies-and-carbon-negative-fertiliser.html Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:55:14 +0530 The collaboration aims to provide farmers with a more sustainable input solution while helping to reduce Scope 3 emissions UK-based CCm Technologies is an innovative environmental technology company which combines captured carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with recycled nutrients from other agricultural waste, such as livestock manure and digestates, to produce organo-mineral fertiliser. Its flagship product, CCm Growth®, contains nitrogen, phosphate and potash, but due to the inclusion of natural organic material, it also holds valuable fibre to help deliver organic matter and carbon back to the soil to improve soil health and sustainability. Frontier will have an exclusive distribution agreement across England, Scotland and Wales for all available CCm Growth® product as part of the agreement and while its technical make-up looks set to deliver a range of practical benefits on farm, Frontier’s direct investment signals further opportunities for growth, new plant development and increased production. Frontier’s investment in CCm Technologies comes after a period of collaboration to put CCm Growth® to the test, with 2024 marking the third year of trials undertaken in its 3D Thinking research programme. To date the product has been trialled at Frontier’s Haywold and Bleasby demonstration sites, with positive results seen for both harvest 2022 and 2023. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2196/international-fertilizer-association-ifa-elected-seven-new-representatives-to-its-board-of-directors.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2196/international-fertilizer-association-ifa-elected-seven-new-representatives-to-its-board-of-directors.html Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:22:00 +0530 The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) is the only global fertilizer association, with a mission to promote the efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) elected seven new representatives to its Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Singapore on 22 May. The AGM took place on the final day of the IFA Annual Conference 2024. The seven new Board Directors elected by the membership are: Bruce Bodine, Mosaic Soufiyane El Kassi, OCP Nutricrops Xiaofeng Hou, China BlueChemical Dmitry Konyaev, Uralchem, JSC Jahangir Piracha, Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd Edward Weiner, Trammo, Inc. Kelvin Wickham, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Additionally, IFA welcomed 34 new members to the Association – five Ordinary Members, 24 Associate Members, two Affiliate Members and three Correspondent Members. The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) was founded in 1927 and is the only global fertilizer association, with over 480 members from more than 80 countries and a mission to promote the efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients. This mission plays a critical role in helping to feed the world sustainably. IFA represents providers of plant nutrition solutions. Members include fertilizer producers, traders and distributors, as well as their associations, service providers to the industry, research organizations, AgTech startups and non-governmental organizations. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2193/basf-launches-new-insecticide-cimegra-in-australia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2193/basf-launches-new-insecticide-cimegra-in-australia.html Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:34:00 +0530 Equips Australian farmers with effective, flexible and long-lasting protection of their crops BASF has launched its novel insecticide Cimegra® in Australia, powered by a new active ingredient, Broflanilide®, formulated with BASF technology. Following the successful registration and launch in China in 2021, and Indonesia in 2023, BASF is excited to help farmers by providing effective and long duration protection against tough insect pests across a wide variety of crops. With its novel mode of action, Cimegra insecticide is among the first in the market introduced under the IRAC group 30 MoA, representing a new class of insecticides with meta-diamides and isoxazolines. Cimegra has no known cross-resistance with existing products in the market, making it a superior insecticide resistance management tool. Cimegra is registered for use on Brassica vegetables and offers farmers a powerful solution for controlling critical insect pests such as Diamondback moth, and when used as part of integrated pest management program, it also helps combat resistance. “Farming is the biggest job on earth as farmers balance the needs of putting food on our tables, whilst taking into account their livelihoods, practicing good environmental stewardship, and coping with today’s unpredictable weather conditions, pests, and diseases. At BASF, we work alongside farmers to understand their needs, and this launch of Cimegra will allow farmers to control critical insect pests that they are struggling to deal with,” said Gavin Jackson, Head of Agricultural Solutions at BASF. Cimegra is very effective at controlling Diamondback moth, with its translaminar movement. This versatile insecticide is able to work on insects feeding underneath the leaves, providing comprehensive coverage for growers. A valuable aspect of Cimegra is its ability to be effective on the toughest resistant insects by attacking their nervous system. Supported by its fast-spreading ability, Cimegra performs excellent control of insects in different crops at various stages. This new technology is highly versatile and offers excellent resistance management at a low application rate. It is also compatible with a wide range of products when mixed in a tank. "This innovation demonstrates BASF’s commitment to providing innovative solutions to farmers for controlling various pests," said Gavin Jackson. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2188/azotics-envita-approved-by-fertilizer-and-pesticide-authority-of-the-philippines.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2188/azotics-envita-approved-by-fertilizer-and-pesticide-authority-of-the-philippines.html Wed, 05 Jun 2024 11:30:23 +0530 Envita is a highly effective nitrogen-fixing solution leading global crop protection sector Azotic Technologies Limited has announced that the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority of the Philippines has approved the registration of Envita®, a systemic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, for use on rice. Envita is a unique nitrogen-fixing microbe based on the microbe Gd (Gluconocetobacter diazotrophicus), that works by creating a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, stems, and leaves, fixing nitrogen inside plant cells, thereby making Envita one of the most efficient N-fixing microbes available for use in agricultural applications. Envita is distributed through Texicon Agri Ventures Corp, the leading distributor of high-quality products serving the agricultural sector in the Philippines. Tom Chavez, VP of Commercial for Azotic® points out that “Rice is an important crop in the Philippines, which ranks among the top ten producers in the world with the fifth highest per capita consumption. Envita allows growers to boost production significantly with an effective product safe for the environment and the population. During the last two years, Azotic has been busy confirming results (N-fixation) of Envita across many crops.” Envita is a highly effective nitrogen-fixing solution that has delivered exceptional crop results worldwide. Azotic has established scientifically proven statistical results in various crops that ensure significant benefits to growers. The company is working to obtain certification for additional crops produced in the Philippines, including corn and cereals, cabbage and other vegetables, fruits including mangos and bananas, potatoes and tomatoes, and sugar cane. Carl Harvey Abugan, Business Unit Lead, Texicon adds, “We are proud to introduce Envita to growers in the Philippines. Field test results for Envita in rice have proven exceptional with yield increases that have far surpassed expectations. We are confident that this product will be a game-changer for growers.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2183/basfs-suweida-natural-pyrethrin-pesticide-aerosol-is-launched-in-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2183/basfs-suweida-natural-pyrethrin-pesticide-aerosol-is-launched-in-china.html Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:28:06 +0530 Its active ingredient pyrethrin comes from the natural essential oil extracted from the herb pyrethrum, making it one of the least toxic active ingredients among existing pesticides BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division, Professional & Specialty Solutions business unit has launched a new household pesticide spray: SUWEIDA® natural pyrethrin pesticide aerosol. This product could help plant lovers to solve various pest problems. With the natural pyrethrin as its active ingredient, SUWEIDA pesticide aerosol is friendly to humans and pets alike. BASF’s SUWEIDA pesticide aerosol’s active ingredient pyrethrin comes from the natural essential oil extracted from the herb pyrethrum. Pyrethrin is quickly degradable into water and carbon dioxide in the environment due to its reaction with light and air, leaving no residue after use. At the same time, pyrethrin is of very low toxicity to mammals, making it one of the least toxic active ingredients among existing pesticides. The pyrethrin used in this product is extracted from the pyrethrum flowers in Yuxi, Yunnan, one of the three major planting areas globally. The source has also been certified by two prestigious organic certification organizations at home and abroad. Pyrethrin is friendly to human beings and animals, but deadly to pests. It contains six kinds of insecticidal active ingredients, which could act on the sodium channels of neurons, affecting nerve impulse transmission, thereby bringing to pests movement disorders, paralysis, and finally death. In addition to mosquitoes, they are also fast-acting and effective on flies, cockroaches, etc. SUWEIDA pesticide aerosol adopts synergistic formula technology, achieving an A-level efficacy; it can exterminate pests within one minute and achieve 100% lethality. Different from conventional aerosol products, SUWEIDA aerosol has also upgraded its nozzle with a fix-dosage spray design to control the dosage more accurately, reducing waste during application and preventing adverse impact on human beings, animals, and the environment caused by excessive application. Pyrethrin has already been recognized by the organic industry, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It is recognized worldwide as a reliable and effective pesticide ingredient. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2170/indias-coromandel-international-strengthens-its-crop-protection-portfolio-with-new-launches.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2170/indias-coromandel-international-strengthens-its-crop-protection-portfolio-with-new-launches.html Wed, 29 May 2024 10:17:01 +0530 Coromnadel introduces 5 new products in its crop protection range: 3 Insecticides, 1 Herbicide & 1 Fungicides into their portfolio Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading Agri solutions provider with a business of Fertilisers, Crop Protection, Biopesticides, Specialty Nutrients, Organic Fertiliser and Retail has now launched 5 new products to fortify their portfolio. Coromnadel introduces 5 new products in its crop protection range: 3 Insecticides, 1 Herbicide & 1 Fungicides into their portfolio. Farmers in India now have a new option to protect their crops with the newly launched products by Coromandel International Limited. Introducing the product, OFFICER which is a new generation selective herbicide. It is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide that controls almost all categories of weeds in paddy. ORTAIN SUPER is a combination insecticide for paddy, has a dual mode of action for resistance management and provides effective control over both lepidopteran and sucking pests. PHENDAL PLUS insecticide for paddy prevents resistance development with its dual mode of action and has a knockdown effect causing faster kill of target pests. CANISTER is a broad-spectrum insecticide for chilli having effective control on mites, whiteflies, thrips, has control in all stages of mite’s lifecycle and a long residual action that results in long-duration control. PROP – PLUS is a combination of two highly systemic triazole fungicides resulting in two different modes of action help in resistance management for paddy, offers effective disease control, has less foam formation and good rain fastness. Sameer Goel, Managing Director, Coromandel International Limited said, “CIL is working to strengthen its product portfolio across segments of Crop Protection in major crops. It gives me immense pleasure that these combination products have been developed in house for complex pest problems. Coromandel will continue to develop innovative products in Nutrition and Crop Protection segments to serve the farming community. “ ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1208/achieving-high-yields-through-sustainable-controlled-release-fertilizer-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1208/achieving-high-yields-through-sustainable-controlled-release-fertilizer-technology.html Tue, 21 May 2024 11:11:00 +0530 By, Adrian Wong Ling Yung, Director, Kimia Utama and SK Specialties, Malaysia Can you elaborate on the polymer-encapsulated fertilizer technique? How beneficial is a controlled release of fertilizers and plant nutrients? It has long been established that plant nutrition plays an important role in crop production. The method to fertilize crops has changed much over the years. However, the past decades have seen advances driven by convenience and environmental concerns. Our team at SK Specialties is able to develop an ultra thin polymer coating (20 to 100 microns) which we can use to encapsulate on high quality water soluble fertilizers, which we manufacture under the brand name SK Cote. SK Cote contains an ultra thin polymer coating surrounding a water soluble fertilizer inner core. This creates a water impermeable layer protecting the water soluble fertilizer inner core from rapid dissolution. Soil water gradually penetrates the ultra thin polymer coating via its nanometre pores, dissolving the fertilizer nutrients. The fertilizer nutrients then slowly diffuse out from inside of the coating providing nutrition directly to plants. These types of highly advanced fertilizers are called controlled release fertilizers, which is broadly grouped under the Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer category. SK Cote can be fine-tuned to match a plant's nutrient requirements over a single growing season. Therefore, only one single application is required for the growing season. This brings convenience to farmers as much labor is saved when compared to traditional methods which requires several applications of fertilizers a season. It also reduces fertilizer leaching which ends up in waterways and thus it is environmentally friendly. Usage of SK Cote is safe also for plants as the ultra thin polymer coating prevents the plant’s roots from coming into direct contact with high salt content fertilizer which can cause salt damage or scorching. All these benefits combined have been shown to contribute to uniform and consistently higher yields while using less fertilizers.   How do Slow Release Fertilizers (SRF) and Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) differ from each other? What is the current market outlook for these technologies? Slow Release Fertilizers (SRF) and Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) have been used interchangeably sometimes, however strictly speaking they are different. Both SRF and CRF offer sustained or extended compared to conventional fertilizers and are categorized under Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers. Both these types of advanced fertilizers try to bring convenience to crop production and to increase yield. However, CRFs are superior to SRFs in one major aspect. The key reason is the release or availability of nutrients to plants from CRFs are only affected by one factor, which is soil temperature. The dissolution of the nutrients to the plants or release pattern can be measured in the lab and consistently reproduced for every batch. Even though technically the release pattern for controlled release fertilizers such as SK Cote are affected by soil temperature and the polymer coating thickness, the polymer coating thickness is set during manufacturing. Therefore, controlled release fertilizers are truly “controlled” by only one factor. For SRFs, soil temperature, bacterial activity, soil moisture, soil pH and surface area all affect its release. SRFs are usually limited to controlling a few nutrients only at one time. SRFs usually only reduce immediate availability of nutrients, mainly nitrogen, to plants and there is no consistent release pattern as there are too many factors affecting the nutrient availability of the SRF. How does SK Cote's Controlled Release Fertilizer strategy perform? How does it contribute to the optimal utilization of plant micronutrients and promotes yields? At the moment, the market for CRFs is growing as there is shortage of labor worldwide. There is also an awareness of pollution from farming, that is leaching of fertilizers into waterways and also release of Nitrous Oxide into the atmosphere. Traditionally, CRFs are mainly accepted in the ornamental industry due to its intensive labor requirements. Usage of CRFs has successfully alleviated labor requirements which is a major cost factor in ornamental production. SK Cote as a CRF is able to match plant nutrient requirements over its growing season. This ensures precise usage of nutrition by the crop and thus ensures the best plant growth. With optimal plant growth, maximum potential yield can be achieved. This has been shown and observed in various trials around the world. As mentioned previously, CRFs are widely accepted in the ornamental industry. At SK, we endeavor to bring CRFs into horticulture, agriculture and silviculture. In Malaysia and Indonesia, SK Cote has been used successfully in oil palm plantations for growing nursery seedlings and also field planting. Trial is ongoing on mature yielding oil palms and results have been encouraging. SK Cote has also been used on other crops in these countries such as rice, maize, chilli, eggplants, ginger, sugarcane, tapioca, and many others and yields have been consistently high. We have also successfully introduced SK Cote to the agroforestry industry for forest plantations and reforestation. SK Cote has also been widely used overseas such as in Japan and South Korea for rice and vegetable production. In Australia and New Zealand, SK Cote has been widely used in pasture, maize, wheat, sugar cane, sugar beet and vegetable farming. In Latin America countries, SK Cote is extensively promoted in horticulture for vegetable and fruit crops and also in the reforestation industry as well. SK Cote is also commonly used as a premium fertilizer for maintenance of turf and greens in many countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Turkey, Qatar, Dubai and many others. Will external environmental factors affect Controlled Release Fertilizer release rates? What crops/fields are ideal for this approach? Only temperature affects the release of nutrients for SK Cote. SK Cote has been broadly used in the horticulture industry. With advancement of coating technology, the cost to produce CRF has been reduced and we can begin to introduce SK Cote into the horticulture, agriculture and silviculture industry. SK Cote has already been proven and used in several crops as mentioned above. The main factor limiting SK Cote or CRF being used universally in mainstream agriculture is the price point. We are working hard to bring prices of SK Cote CRF down to a point where it can be accepted widely as compared to the benefits it brings. We believe it is a matter of time as the shortage of labor in agriculture is becoming a major issue worldwide. Not only that, many countries are starting to pay attention to pollution from the agriculture industry. With SK Cote, the volume of fertilizer required is much lesser than that of conventional fertilizers and therefore less wastage will enter the environment causing pollution. How do you foresee market prospects in Malaysia and the Asia region? What other countries benefit from SK Cote's innovations? Another major factor with regards to CRFs is the biodegradability of the polymer shell coating. We at SK are aware of this and have taken proactive steps to overcome this. Many CRFs in the market are not biodegradable. We at SK have developed our polymer coating to be biodegradable. SK Cote’s coating is ultra thin too, therefore there are more nutrients and less polymer per unit fertilizer. We strive to continue to improve our product to ensure its safety.  We see limitless potential for our product and we believe SK Cote will not only bring convenience to farmers but also will increase their income through increased yield. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2133/eurochem-launches-ph-iii-of-kazakhstan-investment-project-valued-at-over-1bn.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2133/eurochem-launches-ph-iii-of-kazakhstan-investment-project-valued-at-over-1bn.html Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:56 +0530 The total annual output will exceed 1 million tonnes of mineral fertilizers and associated industrial products EuroChem has signed an agreement with China National Chemical Engineering Co. (CNCEC) for the design, construction and commissioning of a chemical complex in Janatas, Jambyl Region, Kazakhstan. CNCEC is a global provider of industrial engineering technologies with 70 years of experience in constructing petrochemical facilities. The combined total investment to date and planned CAPEX will exceed over $1bn, and the project is included in the Integrated Kazakhstan Industrialization Roadmap. During Phase I, a phosphate mining complex was built and commissioned. As part of Phase II, a contract has been signed and the Company has started construction of a sulfuric acid facility to be commissioned in 2026. Following the realization of Phase III, in 2027, the Group will launch a chemical complex. “The total annual output will exceed 1 million tonnes of mineral fertilizers and associated industrial products. The products from the new complex will be in high demand in Kazakhstan, other Central Asian countries, as well as in China, Russia and European countries”, said EuroChem Group President, Oleg Shiryaev. The new plant’s unique technology will enable it to avoid phosphogypsum waste, common in such operations, replacing it with eco-friendly synthetic gypsum and calcium chloride – by-products used in construction materials and as reagents for the road construction, coal and hydrocarbon industries. EuroChem is a global fertilizer leader producing and supplying all primary nutrient groups: nitrogen, phosphate and potash. It employs 32,000 people worldwide, and over the past decade, EuroChem has invested more than $11bn in proprietary capacity development.  During the last few years, EuroChem launched a number of new large-capital projects: the EuroChem Northwest ammonia plant, the Usolskiy and VolgaKaliy potash complexes in Russia, as well as the Serra do Salitre phosphate complex in Brazil. The Company is currently building the EuroChem Northwest 2 ammonia and urea plant and an NOP project.  Founded in 1953, CNCEC (China National Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd.) is one of the biggest construction engineering and design companies in the world. In China, CNCEC plays a key role in the development of the petrochemical industry. More than 90% of China’s chemical engineering projects and over 50% of the country’s oil refining and petrochemical projects have been executed by CNCEC.  CNCEC provides integrated solutions for the industrial sector and delivers world-class engineering projects harnessing cutting-edge technology. It runs projects in more than 50 countries and has been listed among the top Global Contractors in the Engineering News Record (ENR) ranking. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2129/agrochemical-market-is-expected-to-reach-a-revenue-of-usd-343-6-bn-by-2033.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2129/agrochemical-market-is-expected-to-reach-a-revenue-of-usd-343-6-bn-by-2033.html Tue, 14 May 2024 11:29:22 +0530 Agrochemical market expected to reach a revenue of $343.6 Bn by 2033_ Analysis by Dimension Market Research The Global Agrochemical Market is expected to constant growth driven by technological innovations, expansion into emerging markets, and a focus on sustainable solutions. However, challenges like regulatory pressures, resistance concerns, and trade barriers may temper the pace of expansion, requiring adaptation & investment in green alternatives and precision agriculture. The Global Agrochemical Market size is expected to reach $256.0 billion by 2024 and is further anticipated to reach $343.6 billion by 2033 according to Dimension Market Research. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 3.3% from 2024 to 2033. Asia Pacific region is expected to secure a significant 30.3% market share in 2024, driven by major agricultural regions like China, India, and Japan. China's distinction as the world's leading pesticide manufacturer & exporter, along with India's position as the fourth-largest global agrochemical producer, as per the OECD and FAO, contribute to the region's growth, which is vital, influencing per capita income & consumer spending. Further, in North America, the US is expected to lead in the agrochemical market, driven by its dominance in key crops and favorable agricultural conditions. Agrochemicals, containing chemical & biological formulations, play a major role in enhancing crop quality & productivity. Pesticides protect against pests & weeds, while fertilizers enrich soil & crop quality, providing global efforts to improve agricultural output on existing land during challenges like urbanization & industrialization. The fertilizer segment is expected to claim a significant revenue share in 2024, driven by its vast usage to enhance crop production, mainly in cereals & grains. Further, the agrochemical sector's growth depends on proper & effective applications to boost yields. In addition, the crop protection chemicals market is expected to experience major growth, mainly led by herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, along with other products like bactericides and rodenticides. Important Insights The global agrochemical market is expected to grow by USD 87.6 billion by 2033 from 2024 with a CAGR of 3.3%. The fertilizer segment is anticipated to secure a significant revenue share in 2024, mainly in cereals and grains. Further, effective applications for yield enhancement drive the growth in the agrochemical market through crop protection chemicals. The cereal & grains category is set to lead the market in 2024, fueled by growing consumption in the Asia-Pacific region & global fertilizer demand. In addition, the fruits and vegetables category anticipates steady growth due to rising global demand, particularly from health-conscious consumers. Asia Pacific is set to claim a substantial 30.3% market share in 2024, boosted by major agricultural players like China, India, and Japan, while North America, led by the US, anticipates agrochemical market growth in the coming years. Global Agrochemical Market: Trends Digital Agriculture: The integration of digital technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT is transforming farming practices, improving efficiency, and driving the need for smart agrochemical solutions. Biologicals Boom: There's a major shift towards bio-based agrochemicals driven by consumer preferences for sustainable products and regulatory pressures, creating a growth in demand for biopesticides and biostimulants. Climate Resilience: Growing climate variability & extreme weather events are driving the requirement for agrochemicals that improve crop dependency and adaptability, like drought-tolerant seeds and stress-tolerant pesticides. Precision Application: The adoption of better agriculture techniques, like targeted spraying & variable rate application, is on the growth, optimizing agrochemical usage, lowering environmental impact, and enhancing crop yields. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2109/syngenta-extends-leadership-in-fungicides-with-adepidyn-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2109/syngenta-extends-leadership-in-fungicides-with-adepidyn-technology.html Wed, 08 May 2024 11:08:38 +0530 ADEPIDYN® technology on track to be first of Syngenta’s crop protection active ingredients to attain billion-dollar annual sales within eight years of commercialization Syngenta Group, one of the world’s largest agricultural technology companies, is extending its leadership in fungicides with the success of its patented ADEPIDYN® technology (trademark for active ingredient: pydiflumetofen). Following its recent registration in Great Britain, farmers in more than 55 countries globally are now able to access this powerful fungicide, with strong sales across continents reflecting farmer demand for effective control of a broad range of crop diseases. The company is on track to achieve one billion US dollars in sales of products containing ADEPIDYN® technology, marking the first time its active ingredient achieves this milestone in only eight years.    “ADEPIDYN® technology is a game-changer for modern agriculture and enables farmers to grow crops more sustainably,” said Ioana Tudor, Global Head of Marketing at Syngenta Crop Protection. “It represents a significant milestone in our efforts to secure high yields with low impact to the planet and is exciting because of its high levels of consistency and effectiveness. We’re very proud that our innovation is delivering such impact.” Worldwide, farmers lose an estimated 10-23 percent of their crops to fungal diseases each year. An additional 10-20 percent is lost post-harvest. In the top five most important calorie crops – rice, wheat, corn, soybeans and potatoes – fungal infections have been estimated to cause yield losses that could feed at least 600 million people every day for a year. ADEPIDYN® technology offers a new solution that effectively fights fusarium head blight in wheat, which produces mycotoxins that contaminate harvests and threaten human and animal health. In addition, it offers a step-change in performance against a wide spectrum of other important diseases, such as septoria in wheat and net blotch in barley. ADEPIDYN® technology is registered in more than 100 crops including corn, soybean, peanuts, vegetables, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes and fruit crops. ADEPIDYN® technology embodies Syngenta’s commitment to sustainable innovation, core to its new Group-wide sustainability priorities announced in April. The effectiveness and long-lasting activity of the technology enable low use rates and potentially fewer sprays especially in leaf spot diseases, while safeguarding beneficial organisms. It is also an important tool for resistance management. The technology works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that is essential for fungal respiration, starving the fungi from the energy they need to survive. It is designed to adhere to the plant surface and to penetrate rapidly through the leaf surface – creating a reservoir of active ingredient in the waxy layer of the plant tissue that enables even distribution and long-lasting protection as the plant grows. The technology further highlights Syngenta’s success with the SDHI (Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) mode of action and the company’s ability to effectively design active ingredients that address various farmer challenges. Following its first SDHI seed treatment sedaxane, Syngenta launched its SDHI fungicide isopyrazam which transformed farmers’ ability to control sheath blight in rice, and later SOLATENOL® technology to protect crops against septoria and rusts. In Brazil, SOLATENOL® technology is today regarded as crucial in farmers’ fight against soybean pod anomaly – a new fungal disease which spread within just three years to 12 states across the country since it was first identified. Beyond innovation in research and development, Syngenta’s success isunderpinned by its commitment to invest in cutting-edge manufacturing operations. Strong global demand has fueled investments aimed at increasing the efficiency of manufacturing of ADEPIDYN® technology. These set the foundation for the production of a growing portfolio of formulations containing ADEPIDYN® technology that target specific grower needs in different markets. The latest Syngenta innovation in the SDHI family is TYMIRIUM® technology, which was launched globally in 2022. In addition to protecting crops against key fungal diseases, TYMIRIUM® technology provides broad-spectrum protection against plant-parasitic nematodes that reduce global crop yield by an estimated 12 percent a year. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2092/adama-launches-new-cereal-fungicide-avastel.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2092/adama-launches-new-cereal-fungicide-avastel.html Fri, 03 May 2024 08:48:01 +0530 For superior disease control and long-lasting protection ADAMA Ltd., a leading crop protection company, announced the launch of Avastel®, a new broad-spectrum T2 fungicide for cereal growers across Europe, that delivers a new standard of efficacy, control, and long-lasting protection against a broad spectrum of diseases.  Avastel® combines two trusted Active Ingredients – a carboxamide (SDHI) with triazole (DMI) – for outstanding control of Septoria, Brown Rust, Yellow Rust, Net Blotch, and other diseases in various cereals. It’s powered by ADAMA’s unique Asorbital® Formulation Technology for better uptake and faster migration within the leaf tissue, ensuring increased resistance to washout and excellent retention that mitigates weather uncertainty around spray times.  With Avastel®, European farmers who are under pressure to combat Septoria, Rust, and other key diseases can gain peace of mind. Avastel® has powerful curative and long-term preventive effects against disease, resulting in a stronger flag leaf which is crucial for maximizing yields. In field trials, Avastel® brought better protection against Septoria and increased yields, compared with competing products.  “European farmers are facing increased resistance to Septoria and other diseases, while simultaneously needing to produce a high yield,” said Alex Mills, Global Head of Fungicides at ADAMA. “At ADAMA, we invested in developing Avastel®, a breakthrough fungicide that contains two best-in-class Active Ingredients as well as our innovative Formulation Technology.  Avastel®’s curative and preventive effects deliver consistent high performance for high-risk, high-yield crops in a single smart solution. Thanks to ADAMA’s proprietary Asorbital® Formulation Technology, farmers in complex agronomic situations have a solution they can rely on.” Avastel® is a broad label fungicide that is suitable for use in crops such as wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It is part of ADAMA’s new European cereal fungicide portfolio which began rolling out in 2023. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2088/bayer-to-launch-first-bioinsecticide-for-arable-crops-by-2028.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2088/bayer-to-launch-first-bioinsecticide-for-arable-crops-by-2028.html Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:43:00 +0530 Bayer gains exclusive rights to market the first ever biological insecticide which will help farmers control pests in arable crops / Product is expected to launch in 2028 Bayer announced that it has signed an agreement with UK-based company AlphaBio Control to secure an exclusive license for a new biological insecticide. The new product will be the first available for arable crops, including oilseed rape and cereals. Targeted for initial launch in 2028 pending further development and registration, this new insecticide was discovered by AlphaBio, with whom Bayer distributes FLiPPER® an award-winning bioinsecticide-acaricide. “Farmers need innovative new solutions as they seek to continue to feed a growing population, overcome the impacts of climate change, and meet enhanced safety and sustainability standards,” said Benoit Hartmann, Head of Biologics at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Biocontrols are a perfect fit to our approach to scaling regenerative agriculture, and we’re excited to work to bring a new biological crop protection option to farmers that can be used for arable crops.” The new bioinsecticide has potential for use against coleoptera insects like the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), a pest insect that can damage oilseed rape crops throughout the growing season and even cause seedling death. The beetle is widespread in the United Kingdom and throughout much of Europe, and damage caused by adult CSFB feeding gives rise to ‘shot-holing’ symptoms which affect young plants and early leaves, resulting in stunted growth and poor plant health. “We are delighted to license Bayer exclusive rights to our latest bioinsecticide which will significantly improve the choices available to arable farmers wishing to reduce the environmental impact of food production,” said Marta Ruiz, General Manager for AlphaBio Control.” While many biological options are available for high-value vegetable and horticulture crops, where their cost can be offset by consumer-supported price premiums, arable crops require solutions that can be applied cost-effectively at larger scale in order to be competitive. Bayer’s systems approach, which combines various solutions, will help to maximize the cost efficiencies of this new product by including it in a digitally-supported integrated pest management system. “With increasingly strong demand from farmers and changing consumer preferences, we see major growth potential for biological crop protections like this one,” said Ralf Glaubitz, Head of Global Asset Management for Seed Growth & Biologics at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “We’re working to outgrow the market and achieve more than 1.5 billion euro in biological sales by 2035. That’s only going to happen if we innovate to solve the challenges that farmers face in all fields.” The as-yet-unnamed biological insecticide will also be a supporting part of Bayer's commitment to help reduce the environmental impact of crop protection products by 30 percent by 2030 without negatively impacting crop yields and health. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2089/pursell-biodegradable-coating-paves-way-for-sustainable-fertilizer-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2089/pursell-biodegradable-coating-paves-way-for-sustainable-fertilizer-innovation.html Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:09:00 +0530 USPTO patent application filed on novel coating technology that will make biodegradable controlled-release fertilizer a viable solution to address industry sustainability challenges Pursell has filed a non-provisional patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect Intellectual Property related to its biodegradable coating components and application process. The company is currently in end-stage research and development of a novel coating technology that will enable commercialization of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) products meeting European Union (EU) biodegradability standards. Pursell's patented, lower-temperature coating process enables the incorporation and survival of best-in-breed biostimulants and microbes. This unique capability allows Pursell to deliver a biodegradable CRF product with nutrient uptake and a biostimulant package tailored to a crop’s specific needs. “Our current coating technology utilizes an extremely thin membrane, which already decreases the amount of polyurethane used in the process. This biodegradable technology, coupled with biostimulant inclusion, has the potential to be a true game-changer for both Pursell and the fertilizer industry at large,” said Joe Brady, Pursell CFO and Sustainability Initiatives Lead. “When introduced, our biofortified, biodegradable CRF products will offer the broad benefits of our current products, without any of the potential effects of non-biodegradable coatings.” Application of Pursell biofortified, biodegradable CRF products will not require growers to change their standard growing practices and will help them achieve: Increased plant and soil health Higher yields and crop quality Substantial sustainability benefits through minimization of nutrient leaching into waterways, GHG emissions and volatilization “Ultimately, nature provided the key to unlocking the possibility of biodegradable controlled-release fertilizers,” said Brady. “Our coating technology will allow us to introduce a simple-to-use, single-source product that offers meaningful benefits to farmers and the public.” “Our research has shown that the use of controlled-release fertilizers is an effective approach to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental pollutants,” said Dr. Upendra Singh, IFDC Vice President, Research. “We are currently performing degradation tests on Pursell’s biodegradable coating technology and are excited about the additional soil health benefits it may offer.” Initial biodegradable product field trials are being conducted this spring in university and industry grower trials in the Midwest, Southeast and Canada, targeting corn production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2074/japans-sumitomo-corp-invests-in-bio-insumos-nativa-to-strengthen-agrochemical-supply-chain.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2074/japans-sumitomo-corp-invests-in-bio-insumos-nativa-to-strengthen-agrochemical-supply-chain.html Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:54:26 +0530 Partnership with Chilean biocontrol manufacturing company to serve the biocontrol market from upstream to downstream Sumitomo Corporation is investing in Bio Insumos Nativa (BIN), a Chilean biocontrol manufacturing company, through Summit Agro South America, an agrochemical distribution company in South America. This investment will be deemed official once the various procedures required by law have been completed.With the growing global population making it essential to increase crop yields, the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers has been increasing year by year. The accompanying upsurge in environmental impact has become a major concern for the agricultural industry, and demand for biocontrol is rising in response. BIN is a biocontrol manufacturing company established in Chile in 2002. In the microbial biocontrol sector, its primary focus, BIN is the largest player in the Chilean market, accounting for a 30% share. The company is currently the main supplier of the biocontrol products handled by Summit Agro South America and it has proven its market competitiveness through existing transactions and its development in Latin American countries, particularly Chile and Peru. In addition to the products currently on the market, there are several new biocontrol under development that are expected to expand the company’s sales in future. Prompted by this investment, BIN will begin participating in R&D/manufacturing from a more market-oriented perspective. Since biocontrol have less environmental impact and milder control effects than agrochemical, the company will also encourage wider use of biocontrol throughout the value chain by providing farmers with farm management/technical guidance to enable them to use biocontrol more effectively. The market for biocontrol was on the order of $8,000 million (approximately 1.2 trillion yen) in 2023, representing a 16-fold increase over 18 years from $500 million (approximately 75 billion yen) in 2005, and it is forecast to grow to $15 billion (over 2 trillion yen) by 2029, accounting for approximately 20% of the total agrochemicals market of $75 billion (approximately 11 trillion yen). The Latin American market for biocontrol is expected to expand at an average annual growth rate of 15% through 2029 due to the registration system that encourages the use of biocontrol and their greater use among soybean growers and other large-scale dry-field farmers. Sumitomo Corporation Group initiatives in the agrochemicals field The Sumitomo Corporation Group has been engaged in agrochemical-related businesses for more than 40 years, and it is currently involved in the sale and distribution of agrochemicals, specialty fertilizers and other agricultural materials in about 40 countries worldwide, contributing alongside producers to global agricultural production. In 2017, the Group invested in Futureco Bioscience S.A., a manufacturer of biocontrol in Spain, thereby obtaining access to that company’s expertise in biocontrol R&D, manufacturing/formulation processing, and sales networks. With this latest investment, the Group is intent on acquiring an even broader product portfolio in the areas of biocontrol R&D, manufacturing, and formulation processing and on further expanding the products it handles and the extent of its sales customer network to achieve the growth required for the Group to meet the needs of the biocontrol market’s entire value chain from upstream to downstream. The Group will leverage the strength of its global network to address sustainable agricultural production with an eye to responding to megatrends such as environmental regulations and biodiversity efforts. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2069/harpe-bioherbicide-board-names-peter-eckes-as-new-director.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2069/harpe-bioherbicide-board-names-peter-eckes-as-new-director.html Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:58:54 +0530 New director brings deep innovation marketplace experience to company developing new, natural weed control options for farmers and consumers An agricultural technology company focused on providing sustainable and natural herbicide solutions, Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions, Inc., has announced that Dr. Peter Eckes, former President of BASF, has joined its board and will serve as its chairperson. Eckes led Crop Protection R&D, Seed and Trait R&D and Regulatory in the Agricultural Solutions division. Harpe aims to support and accelerate Harpe's efforts to meet the critical need for the next generation of weed control and consumer demands for more natural inputs. Eckes assumes board leadership from Aidan J. Connolly, President of AgriTech Capital, who will remain as a Harpe Bioherbicide board member. "We're thrilled to bring Peter's vast, global experience developing and delivering innovation to our mission of creating new, natural weed control options for farmers and consumers," said Bill Buckner, CEO of Harpe Bioherbicide. Eckes' extensive experience in the agricultural industry provides a unique perspective on bringing innovation to the modern agriculture marketplace at scale without losing sight of farmer and consumer needs. Additional Harpe Bioherbicide board members include CEO Buckner; Kip Tom, CEO of Tom Farms and former UN Ambassador; Robb Fraley, former CTO for Monsanto Co.; Chad Brommer, Harpe Bioherbicide co-founder and CTO; and Daniel Pepitone, Harpe Bioherbicide co-founder and COO. Besides serving as the Board chair, Eckes will chair the company's scientific advisory committee, which includes Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative at North Carolina State University; Stephen Powles, Professor at University of Western Australia; and Wesley Everman, Associate Professor and Extension Weed Specialist at North Carolina State University. Through wide-spectrum control of broadleaf and grass seeds or weeds, the platform of Harpe Bioherbicide products will deliver new opportunities for organic agriculture through a series of all natural herbicide formulations for pre, post and desiccation use patterns. In addition, a series of tailored Harpe Bioherbicide pre and tank mix formulations will improve control of tough-to-kill weeds, including those resistant to current synthetic chemistries, facilitating the reduction, replacement, and enhancement of synthetic herbicides used in row and specialty crop, and commercial markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2068/asia-pacific-crop-protection-chemicals-market-landscape.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2068/asia-pacific-crop-protection-chemicals-market-landscape.html Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:46:48 +0530 As of 2024, the Asia Pacific Crop Protection Chemicals Market is estimated to be worth $16.40 billion, and is projected to hit $20.75 billion by 2029, registering a 4.81% CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2029). A share of 16.3% by value of the global crop protection chemicals market was held by Asia-Pacific in 2022. The Asia-Pacific crop protection chemicals market was dominated by insecticides with 39.2% of the market share. In many countries across the region, rice is the most important crop. There are, however, various pests that have caused severe damage to the crop and, consequently, its yield. A further 34.6% of the value of the market was occupied by herbicides in 2022.  The region faces significant challenges due to horticultural crops, which impair agricultural productivity, due to a variety of weeds attacking staple crops and commercial crops. Fruit weeds cause substantial economic damage to the region because the fruit industry contributes significantly to its economic growth. There are two types of weeds most common to the regional fruit industry: Amaranthus retroflexus (Redroot pigweed) and Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass). By value, Asia-Pacific held 16.2% of the global insecticide market in 2022. Pesticides play a critical role in the region and are constantly evolving. As a result, it contributes greatly to the promotion of productive and sustainable agricultural practices across a wide range of countries. Asia-Pacific's pesticide market experienced consistent growth over the historical period, with a CAGR of 3.2%. In 2023-2027, Technavio estimates the global crop protection chemicals market will grow by $25.12 billion. It is estimated that the market will grow at a CAGR of 3.54% during the forecast period.  Herbicides such as glyphosates, Difenoconazole, Imidacloprids, and Bifenthrin are included in the crop protection chemicals market. Herbicides that are eco-friendly and decomposable are also developed with the help of biotechnology and microbiology.  A wide range of products are available to manage pests, diseases, weeds, and other threats to agricultural productivity in the Crop Protection Chemicals market. Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and bactericides are some of the chemicals in this category. Crop protection chemicals have a significant global market, with a number of companies operating in the sector.  Glyphosate, Difenoconazole, Imidacloprids, and Bifenthrin are a few of the products available in the Crop Protection Chemicals Market. APAC is experiencing significant growth, particularly in developing regions like APAC where the herbicide segment is thriving in cereals, oilseeds, rice cultivation, and other agricultural applications.  Invasive pests and emerging diseases pose significant challenges to the global agriculture industry, especially in APAC. A crucial role is played by crop protection chemicals in mitigating these threats. The safety and environmental impact of these solutions are ensured by stringent regulations and pesticide registration requirements. Food preferences for staple foods such as cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oilseeds and pulses, drive the demand for chemical solutions. The market for cereals, oilseeds, and rice cultivation is driven by environmental benefits and regulatory pressures. Herbicide formulation technologies, nanotechnology, and encapsulation techniques are employed by agribusinesses to produce effective, low-emission herbicides. Trends in the market are influenced by consumer preferences for fruits, vegetables, and staple foods, while invasive pests and emerging diseases require continuous innovation.  Biologicals, biopesticides, and herbicides, including synthetic chemicals such as glyphosates, Difenoconazole, imidacloprids, and bifenthrin, are essential for maintaining crop yields. As a result of pesticide residues, malnutrition, and food insecurity, a balanced approach is needed. In addition to offering environmental benefits, innovations in biotechnology and microbiology contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from tillage and herbicides. The market landscape continues to be dominated by small and medium-sized manufacturers and agricultural companies. There are a number of players in this field, including DuPont, Syngenta, BASF, Bayer, and Corteva. Increasing agricultural productivity, rising food demand, and the need for sustainable farming practices drive the market. These chemicals pose challenges to the market, however, due to concerns about the environment and the development of pest-resistance. In order to remain competitive, market participants must focus on regulatory frameworks and research and development efforts. Crop protection chemicals also benefit from biotechnology and other innovative approaches. As Asia-Pacific countries like China and India have a diverse agricultural landscape, some crops are more vulnerable to pests and diseases, leading to increased pesticide usage. Additionally, intensive farming practices and monocultures contribute to pest populations flourishing. A significant population means ensuring food security is a top priority, which leads to a greater need to protect crop yields and minimize pest losses, so pesticides become more prevalent. In addition to the adoption of modern agricultural practices and the expansion of cultivated lands, the market is also experiencing growth because of the expansion of agriculture. A total of 662.2 million ha will be cultivated in the region by 2022, up from 624.5 million ha in 2019. In conjunction with the growth of agricultural activities, the demand for efficient pest control solutions is also on the rise. In terms of value, Thailand is projected to exhibit the fastest growth rate in the region during the forecast period (2023-2029). Farmers in the country are expected to use more pesticides because of the rising threat of pests and increasing crop losses, which is contributing to this rapid growth. By reducing pesticide use and greenhouse gas emissions, biotechnology and microbiology are driving innovation. The use of formulation technologies, such as nanotechnology and encapsulation techniques, can improve efficacy and reduce regulatory burdens for small manufacturers and agribusiness companies. Farming practices are being revolutionized by precision agriculture technologies, including GPS-guided equipment, drones, and sensors.  Stringent regulations and pesticide registration requirements require a focus on reducing the environmental impact and meeting consumer preferences for staple foods and luxury crops. Biopesticides and biologicals, as well as synthetic solutions, are becoming increasingly important in this context. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2063/corteva-agriscience-presents-hector-the-new-herbicide-for-weed-control-in-corn-crops.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2063/corteva-agriscience-presents-hector-the-new-herbicide-for-weed-control-in-corn-crops.html Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:36:14 +0530 Offers post-emergence control of broadleaf and narrowleaf weeds The current situation of weed control in this crop, marked by the drop in important active substances or the restriction of many others, makes the arrival of Hector® very good news for farmers and technicians. Thanks to its wide spectrum of control, flexibility of use, high selectivity and being a tool that does not condition crop rotation, it is a very interesting solution for corn cultivation. Corn is a crop with an important commercial crop. The main corn-producing Autonomous Communities are Castilla y León (27.42% of total production), Aragón (20%) and Galicia (19.82%). These three are followed by Catalonia (11.52%) and Extremadura (4.61%). Hector® is formulated with three active substances, which allow weed control to be addressed with two differentiated modes of action: ALS inhibitors, HRAC group 2 (nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron) and synthetic auxins, HRAC group 4 (dicamba). Furthermore, to improve its selectivity, Hector® incorporates the protector Isoxadifen-ethyl, which improves the crop's tolerance to the herbicide by boosting the action of the GSTs and P450 enzymes. This protector allows you to safely combine this product with Vivolt® (non-ionic wetting agent), without affecting the productive potential of the crop. In near future Corteva will launch Dragster®*, Emir®* and Lortama®* “Rinskor™ active, new tools that, together with Hector® and Arigo®, will allow Corteva to have a very complete portfolio of corn herbicides, helping the farmer in protecting your crop and improving its profitability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2062/plant-health-care-announces-china-distribution-with-amvac.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2062/plant-health-care-announces-china-distribution-with-amvac.html Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:29:40 +0530 The agreement will support commercial sales of the Harpinαβ technology in combination with a novel AMVAC fertilizer Plant Health Care® (AIM.PHC.L), a leading provider of peptides used by growers to improve crop production and quality within global agricultural markets, is pleased to announce it has signed a distribution agreement (the "Agreement") with AMVAC®, an American Vanguard Company, to support commercialization of novel fertilizer products in China.  Highlights: -    AMVAC, through its subsidiary in China, will distribute a novel fertilizer product incorporating PHC's Harpinαβ technology designed for use within vegetable and row crops to promote plant health and yield. -    AMVAC continues to evaluate PHC's technology within other markets including Australia, Central America, and Brazil as novel products to deliver disease and nematode control in crops such as bananas, potatoes, and soybeans. The Agreement will support commercial sales of the Harpinαβ technology in combination with a novel AMVAC fertilizer. The first AMVAC product launches to bring widespread availability of the Harpinαβ technology to growers in China will occur in 2024. This novel product will help growers improve crop quality and yield as part of an integrated and environmentally responsible crop production program. Harpinαβ strengthens the innate immune defense systems common within all plants in a manner similar to vaccinations in humans, with crops responding with improved nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress and ultimately, increased yield and crop quality. Relative to alternative biological products in the market, Harpinαβ-based products provide highly consistent product efficacy across a wide range of application and environmental conditions and is compatible with synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides commonly used within commercial agriculture.    Lawrence Yu, AMVAC Head of Asia-Pacific Region, said: "AMVAC looks forward to increasing our biological product offerings in China through this new partnership with Plant Health Care. We look forward to expanding other distribution opportunities globally, by utilizing AMVAC's strong market access across its global footprint." Jim Thompson, Director of Business Development for GreenSolutions at AMVAC, added: "The Harpinαβ-technology is a proven multi-crop solution that complements our GreenSolutions portfolio of biological and specialty nutrition products, which will provide our distribution partners and growers more flexibility and increased ROI."  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2037/croplife-international-joins-call-for-action-on-illicit-pesticidee-commerce-as-new-tracit-report-is-launched-at-oecd.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2037/croplife-international-joins-call-for-action-on-illicit-pesticidee-commerce-as-new-tracit-report-is-launched-at-oecd.html Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:27:16 +0530 CropLife International to work on the prevalence of illicit products in burgeoning e-commerce markets CropLife International joined calls for greater control measures and enforcement regarding the online sale of illicit pesticides, following the publication of a report by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade1 (TRACIT) regarding counterfeit and illicit crop protection products on e-commerce platforms. TRACIT’s report Tackling the Sale of Illicit Pesticides on E-Commerce Platforms will today be presentedto the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Working Party on CounteringIllicit Trade, taking place in Paris. In it, researchers highlight the presence of counterfeit and illicit cropprotection products across all major e-commerce platforms, and point to the large gap between theplatforms’ stated policies, their enforcement, and how law makers are regulating online sales. As the global association for the plant-science industry, CropLife International worked with TRACIT inthe development of this report, and is committed to supporting their calls for implementation of therecommendations it contains. The association has been active in the fight against counterfeit pesticides for many years, most notably as an active partner in Operation Silver Axe2 , EUROPOL’s annual operationtargeting counterfeit and illegal pesticides. The pesticide industry is a highly regulated one, with pesticides counting amongst the most regulatedproducts in the world. Counterfeit and illegal pesticides threaten human health, the environment and,potentially, farmer livelihoods. Like TRACIT, CropLife International is highly concerned by theprevalence of illicit products in burgeoning e-commerce markets. Chief amongst TRACIT’srecommendations to the e-commerce platforms are: Ensure sellers have a licence for sale of the pesticide Store such a licence for verification by regulators Ensure the pesticide for sale is registered in the country of intended use. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2026/corteva-announces-new-paxeo-technology-against-eleusine-indica.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2026/corteva-announces-new-paxeo-technology-against-eleusine-indica.html Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:10:36 +0530 Corteva Agriscience has launched its new herbicide, Paxeo, in Brazil to control various broadleaf and narrowleaf weeds for a long time.  Among these targets is Eleusine indica, commonly known as goosegrass, which is one of the main weeds in soybean crops. According to the Brazilian Association for Action Against Weed Resistance to Herbicides, Eleusine indica can potentially cause losses of up to 80% in productivity. Goosegrass is considered a difficult-to-control weed and is present not only in soybeans but also in corn, cotton, beans, sorghum, and wheat. This weed is characterized by forming multiple plants close together, forming a tuft, making it challenging to apply pesticides and, consequently, achieve effective control. Effective management is often only possible with different management strategies, combining pre-emergent, and post-emergent applications, and the use of contact herbicides subsequently. Paxeo is a solution belonging to a new family of Corteva soybean desiccation herbicides, combining excellent post-emergent action in controlling the main broadleaf weeds. The product has residual and systemic action, long-lasting control, and is formulated with Arylex Active technology, without antagonism with grass herbicides. After application, the herbicide is absorbed by the leaves and roots, with the main translocation route in the phloem, allowing it to act on the root system and growth points of these weeds. In addition to goosegrass, Paxeo is efficient in controlling various weeds common to soybeans, such as hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), sourgrass (Digitaria insularis), morning glory (Ipomoea grandifolia), hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa), false buttonweed (Spermacoce verticillata), and wandering Jew (Commelina benghalensis), among others. "To ensure that soybeans continue to achieve successive records of productivity, profitability, and planted area, the producer must identify the existing weeds in the region, know the damage and losses caused by them, and implement effective management, avoiding losses due to weed competition," emphasizes André Baptista, Herbicide Portfolio Leader at Corteva for Brazil and Paraguay. "Goosegrass is one of the main weeds present in Brazil, and now soybean growers have Paxeo as an effective solution for pre-emergent control," Baptista said in conclusion. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2019/redox-bio-nutrients-acquires-axxion-corporation-stocks-for-expansion-in-japan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2019/redox-bio-nutrients-acquires-axxion-corporation-stocks-for-expansion-in-japan.html Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:44:00 +0530 The acquisition will boost plant nutrition for traditional agricultural crops in the country, including rice Redox Bio-Nutrients has acquired 10% of the Axxion Corporation LLC, marking an important step in the companies expanding international presence. Axxion is specialised in fertilizers and moisture management surfactants to golf courses throughout Japan. The company has also seen steady growth in plant nutrition for traditional agricultural crops in the country, including rice. At the same time, Qvou, Inc., a fast growing marketing company, is the majority shareholder of this new partnership, with 80% of the total. “The quality of courses and increasing interest in golf make Japan a highly-valuable market for our company,” remarked Redox Bio-Nutrients President Colton Moon, who will serve on the Axxion Board with Kubo and Ogata. “Mory has done an exceptional job expanding interest in our products, and there’s tremendous promise for our technology with many of Japan’s agricultural crops. We are excited about the opportunity to grow our agricultural product sales throughout East Asia.” Axxion has long term purchase contractors with Redox and one other supplier for exclusive distribution rights in Japan. Agriculture is a principal industry throughout East Asia, and Redox Bio-Nutrients technology can help growers bolster quality and yield of a variety of bountiful crops that flourish in the region. For the past 30 years, Redox Bio-Nutrients has provided superior plant nutrition with added biostimulants to help growers grow abundant, high quality crops through Redox Homeostasis, or plant charge balance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2013/african-development-bank-to-boost-indoramas-fertilizer-production-and-export-capacity-with-75m-investment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/2013/african-development-bank-to-boost-indoramas-fertilizer-production-and-export-capacity-with-75m-investment.html Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:23:20 +0530 The loan will enable Singapore's Indorama to increase its fertilizer production and develop a port terminal for exports, supporting food production and food security The African Development Bank has signed a $75 million loan agreement with Nigeria’s Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited. The loan will enable Indorama to increase its fertilizer production and develop a port terminal for exports, supporting food production and food security across regional and international markets, while fostering job creation in Nigeria. The expansion will include the development of a third urea fertilizer production line and a new shipping terminal at Indorama’s facilities in Port Harcourt. The new production line is expected to have an annual capacity of 1.4 million metric tons of urea, one of the most widely used fertilizers worldwide. Indorama’s two operational urea fertilizer lines serve Nigeria’s domestic market, supporting the country’s agricultural sector, which accounts for a quarter of its GDP and employs about a third of its labor force. The new production line and terminal, which will help meet growing global demand for fertilizer, are expected to create up to 8,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria. “The African Development Bank is proud of its continued partnership with Indorama, the IFC and other lenders on this critical project as it is aligned with our strategic priorities to Feed Africa and Industrialize Africa while generating significant development outcomes in Nigeria” said Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development Department at the African Development Bank. Speaking on the development, Manish Mundra, Group Director for Africa, Indorama Corporation said, “The establishment of this fertilizer plant underscores Indorama’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth, economic diversification, and leveraging its strategic geographic location. This landmark financing represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a major player in the global fertilizer market. With the addition of this third line, Nigeria is prepared to significantly ramp up its export capacity, thereby enhancing its position as a key exporter of fertilizers to Africa and the world. Furthermore, the establishment of this fertilizer plant will not only address critical issues such as broader food security but will also stimulate agricultural growth and create employment opportunities in Nigeria.” The African Development Bank’s loan follows a strategy to support investment in private sector development to promote the growth of the real sector. The $75 million senior loan is part of a $ 1.25 billion facility arranged by IFC. The financing package includes a $215.5 million loan from IFC’s own account, a $94.5 million loan through the Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), and $940 million in parallel loans mobilized from other development finance institutions and commercial banks, such as the African Development Bank, Bangkok Bank, British International Investment, Citibank, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), DZ Bank, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), Rand Merchant Bank, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO), Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank), Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), the Standard Bank Group, Standard Chartered Bank, and the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1957/atlas-agro-commences-engineering-for-the-first-green-nitrogen-fertilizer-plant-in-brazil.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1957/atlas-agro-commences-engineering-for-the-first-green-nitrogen-fertilizer-plant-in-brazil.html Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:16:00 +0530 The company expects to start construction in 2025 and enter commercial operation in 2028. Atlas Agro, the green fertilizer company, announced that it had awarded a dual competitive engineering contract to two engineering and construction consortiums to perform parallel competitive project engineering development for the Company’s first Brazilian green nitrogen fertilizer plant in Uberaba, MG, Brazil. After this first development phase, Atlas Agro plans to roll the project over into FEED (Front-End Engineering Design). The company expects to start construction in 2025 and enter commercial operation in 2028. Atlas Agro’s plant will consume 2.5 TWh of renewable energy annually. In an integrated industrial operation, it will produce green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green ammonium nitrate. The final products will serve local Brazilian farmers. The plant will leverage Atlas Agro’s know-how and experience gained at the Company’s first green nitrogen fertilizer project in the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Knut Karlsen, Atlas Agro’s Co-Founder and President of South America said ″Today, Brazil imports more than 90% of its nitrogen fertilizer, all produced using fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. By leveraging the country’s natural advantages in green energy, Brazil can substitute its fossil nitrogen fertilizer imports with local, green production. We in Atlas Agro are excited to contribute to the green re-industrialization of Brazil″. Atlas Agro is a green nitrogen fertilizer company, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. The company is dedicated to developing, constructing and operating green nitrate fertilizer plants to decarbonise and boost the efficiency of global agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1919/indonesia-increases-subsidized-fertilizer-to-9-55million-tons-in-2024.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1919/indonesia-increases-subsidized-fertilizer-to-9-55million-tons-in-2024.html Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:39:14 +0530 Increase from earlier 4.7 million tons efeective from 2024 Feb budget Indonesia Government has decided to increase subsidized fertilizer from 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons for the 2024 budget allocation. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said that the increase will ease the burden of farmers by securing fertilizer supply for them. Thus, they can focus on increasing productivity to achieve food self-sufficiency. He added that the stock of rice will increase in upcoming months as we are entering harvest season. “We planted rice in more than one million hectares of land in December 2023 and January- February 2024. The yield is expected to exceed 3.5 million of tons in March, and exceed the people’s demand in April and May,” he said in a press statement at the Presidential Palace compound, Jakarta. Amran underscored that the Ministry will continue to make endeavor to reduce the impact of El Nino on the agricultural sector. “We accelerate planting by pumping water from rivers in the island of Java, such as Bengawan Solo River, Cimanuk River and so on. We pumped water from these rivers and channel it to irrigate paddy fields, rainfed paddy fields. That is the strategy to mitigate the risk of El Nino. The other one is optimizing swamp land [for farming] by enhancing IP (cropping index) from once to twice or thrice [a year],” he explained.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1994/corteva-agriscience-launches-enversa-herbicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1994/corteva-agriscience-launches-enversa-herbicide.html Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:31:00 +0530 Enversa™ herbicide to deliver flexible and lasting weed control in soybean and cotton fields Corteva continues its drive to deliver farmer-focused solutions with the launch of Enversa™ herbicide (Active Ingredient: acetochlor). The new versatile solution received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration in December 2023. Pending state registrations, Enversa herbicide is expected to be available for use on soybeans, cotton, corn, sorghum, peanuts and sugar beets in the 2025 growing season. ″Enversa is a residual herbicide that will handle some of the toughest, hard-to-control broadleaf and grass weeds that farmers face today,″ says Shawna Hubbard, Strategic Marketing Manager, Corteva Agriscience. ″This will be the first soybean and cotton herbicide in Corteva’s portfolio to feature a proprietary encapsulated acetochlor component to help protect plants from emerging weeds.″ The encapsulated acetochlor complements tank-mix partners by allowing Enversa herbicide to move from the leaf surface and drive to the soil, resulting in a residual barrier around the soybean or cotton plant. In addition to its versatility across crops, Enversa herbicide provides farmers with a wide application window — preplant up to R2 for soybeans and preplant up to first bloom for cotton — to help navigate challenging weather conditions. Enversa herbicide offers easy handling and tank-mix compatibility, particularly with Enlist One® herbicide for Enlist E3® soybeans and Enlist® cotton. ″Enversa is designed to serve farmers by providing high crop tolerance along with the residual weed control they’ve come to expect with Group 15 herbicides as part of their weed control program,″ Hubbard says.  Enversa herbicide delivers extended weed control for up to four weeks on more than 25 of the toughest broadleaf and grass weeds, including Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. In addition to compatibility with Enlist One herbicide for Enlist E3 soybeans, Enversa herbicide will fit perfectly into a program approach along with other Corteva Agriscience™ soybean herbicides, such as Sonic® and Trivence®. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1861/swedens-first-fossil-free-mineral-fertilizer-factory-to-reduced-climate-impact-and-strengthen-food-supply-by-2028.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1861/swedens-first-fossil-free-mineral-fertilizer-factory-to-reduced-climate-impact-and-strengthen-food-supply-by-2028.html Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:35:07 +0530 Nordics, Fertiberia, Lantmännen and Nordion Energi partners with total investment estimated to amount to around 2 billion euros In the largest investment of its kind in the Nordics, Fertiberia, Lantmännen and Nordion Energi announce a partnership that aims to establish Sweden's first fossil-free mineral fertilizer production, through the joint initiative Power2Earth. Through its hydrogen-based production process based on fossil-free energy, Power2Earth has the potential to greatly reduce the climate impact of food production. The investment is also an important step in enabling robust Swedish food preparedness. The start of production is planned for the end of 2028 and the total investment is estimated to amount to around 2 billion euros, with the partners in the final investment phase planning to enter with different stakes. The establishment means a big step in Sweden's green transition and a strengthened food preparedness. Power2Earth builds on a technology developed by Fertiberia, a leading producer of fossil-free mineral fertilizers. The collaboration is based on a shared vision of a sustainable and robust agricultural and food production and combines the respective partners' strengths, expertise and experience. By using an electrolysis technology based on fossil-free energy, Power2Earth strives for the lowest possible emissions in the production process. The project began in 2021, since then a number of preliminary studies have been completed in combination with securing land for the factory establishment in Luleå. Preparations are currently underway for an environmental permit application which, according to the schedule, is to be submitted during the second quarter of 2024. Javier Goñi, Fertiberia's CEO says: “Fertiberia brings over five decades of experience in the manufacturing, operation and logistics of mineral fertilizers and ammonia. We are reducing agriculture's carbon dioxide emissions through the transition to the production of fossil-free mineral fertilizers with the help of hydrogen gas". Through Power2Earth's production of fossil-free mineral fertilizer in Luleå, there is a potential to reduce emissions by around 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which corresponds to around 25% of the emissions from Swedish agriculture. The innovative technology based on fossil-free hydrogen positions Power2Earth as a key player in the green transformation of food production. With a production capacity of one million tons of mineral fertilizer annually, Power2Earth also has great potential to increase the robustness of Swedish food production, in line with Sweden's national food strategy and ambitions regarding enhanced preparedness. This by reducing dependence on imports and improving the conditions for domestic food production and increased Swedish self-sufficiency. Per Arfvidsson, vice president and CTO at Lantmännen says: "Power2Earth is revolutionary for the Swedish agricultural and food industry as fossil-free mineral fertilizers are crucial for creating a sustainable, efficient and future-proof food value chain. A domestic production of mineral fertilizer reduces Sweden's complete dependence on fertilizer imports and is absolutely necessary for the development of a robust food security. We are happy to now be able to take the next step and establish Power2Earth together with Fertiberia and Nordion Energi". Power2Earth will also be a positive addition to Norrbotten's industrial landscape. By introducing the production of fossil-free mineral fertilizers and access to renewable hydrogen in the region, Norrbotten is positioned as a center for hydrogen's continued expansion. The establishment also strengthens regional growth and diversifies the region's industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1856/2blades-delivers-on-project-with-bayer-crop-science-in-effort-to-combat-asian-soybean-rust.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1856/2blades-delivers-on-project-with-bayer-crop-science-in-effort-to-combat-asian-soybean-rust.html Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:02:16 +0530 The joint collaboration has focused on identifying novel sources of genetic resistance to Asian soybean rust (ASR) 2Blades announces that it has successfully delivered on goals in a project launched in 2018 and extended in 2023 with Bayer Crop Science to identify resistance genes against Asian Soybean Rust (ASR). The project also involved partners at The Sainsbury Laboratory (Norwich, UK) and the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Minas Gerais, Brazil). This achievement marks the successful completion of the collaboration, paving the way for Bayer to advance new targeted strategies for controlling and combating this destructive disease. The joint collaboration has focused on identifying novel sources of genetic resistance to Asian soybean rust (ASR), the leading cause of crop losses in Brazil and other soy-producing countries. The collaboration included partners at The Sainsbury Laboratory (Norwich, UK) and the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Minas Gerais, Brazil). “Asian soybean rust is one of the most significant threats to soybean production globally,” said Ty Vaughn, Head of Plant Biotechnology for Bayer Crop Science. “The successful work that we’ve been able to accomplish with 2Blades will allow us to bring the solutions that growers need to farms more quickly.” Asian soybean rust is a fast-moving disease caused by the airborne fungus, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, that can cause rapid crop losses of up to 90% within just 3 weeks of initial infection. ASR thrives in tropical regions and is the leading cause of soybean disease across the large soy production areas of Brazil, causing crop losses of more than US$ 10 billion since 2001. While fungicides have historically been used to combat P. pachyrhizi, the pathogen is rapidly adapting and building tolerance to these chemical controls. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1851/syngenta-korea-launches-vaniva-an-innovative-new-product-for-nematode-control.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1851/syngenta-korea-launches-vaniva-an-innovative-new-product-for-nematode-control.html Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:06:29 +0530 Controls the entire life cycle of plant parasitic nematodes from eggs to adults. Syngenta Korea  debuts its innovative new nematode control product, ‘ Vaniva ® ’ to control the entire life cycle of plant parasitic nematodes from eggs to adults. ' Vaniva '  granule is the first product to be released in Korea using Syngenta's newly developed ' TYMIRIUM TM technology '  ,  blocking the invasion, movement and reproduction of nematodes , blocking the entire life cycle of nematodes from eggs to adults . Effectively controls .  It has a strong root protection effect through its excellent nematicidal effect , and  it does not affect growth even when used in the early stages of planting crops, so farmers can use it with confidence . Plant parasitic nematodes mainly damage crop roots and inhibit crop growth . ' Vaniva ' protects roots by removing nematodes by contacting and absorbing the skin surface of nematodes moving through the soil after treating the entire soil.  This makes crops strong and healthy and improves yield .  'Vaniva', which has proven to have excellent nematicidal effects through various tests at home and abroad, will be a solution that can maximize crop production by protecting roots from nematodes with its powerful effects . The ' Vaniva '  formulation is currently applicable to melon root-knot nematode and cabbage cyst nematode , and  is scheduled to be expanded to apply to watermelon ,  cucumber , and  tomato after April 2024 . “' Vaniva ' is an innovative product developed by Syngenta Global after about 10 years of research and development. Worldwide, more than 10%  of crop yields are lost to plant parasitic nematodes. Based on estimates , we expect that ‘ Baniba ’ will increase farmers’ yields and be of great help to sustainable agriculture” said Park Jin-bo, CEO of Syngenta Korea. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1837/18th-edition-of-icsce-held-in-dubai-uae-convening-global-agribusiness-leaders.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1837/18th-edition-of-icsce-held-in-dubai-uae-convening-global-agribusiness-leaders.html Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:54:37 +0530 Flagship event of PMFAI’s International Crop Science Conference & Exhibition (ICSCE 2024 Dubai) took place in Dubai on 8-9 February 2024 gathering agrochemicals, agri-biological and allied products industry, to develop strategic and sourcing relationships with international companies ICSCE is a major Agri Input event for Agrochemicals (includes Fungicides, Herbicides, Insecticides), Bioproducts (includes Bio pesticides, Bio Fertilizers, Bio stimulants and all biological products), AI and intermediate ( solvents, Surfactants, intermediates etc.), Fertilizer, Packaging, Seeds, Storage & Logistics, Research Laboratories. PMFAI President Pradip Dave opened the two-day event with a warm welcome address on 8 February 2024. David highlighted the importance of the event which has come a long way since PMFAI's first event in 1997.  The ICSCE is an international trade platform for the agrochemical, agri-biological, and allied industries, designed to develop strategic partnerships with international companies and develop an understanding of current trends in agrochemical, agri-biological, and allied industries. Aside from improving the health of the generic pesticide industry, ICSCE is a global event organized by PMFAI that brings together researchers in agriculture, pesticide manufacturers, agrochemical traders, agricultural biological industries, and allied industries. After organizing its first event in Mumbai, India in 1997, ICSCE has emerged as a premier Agri Inputs event connecting the world of agrochemicals, agri-biology, and agriculture. ICSCE provides opportunities for business expansion by way of joint ventures, bilateral trade, subcontracting / contract manufacturing and distribution and networking opportunities for buyers and sellers to benefit mutually.  ICSCE 2024 Dubai witnessed tremendous response with active participation of delegates from across the globe. Around 91 leading companies showcased their product portfolios during the two days of ICSCE 2024 Dubai. With over 1,200 plus registered delegates participation and over 2,500 footfalls, the event was a great success. The event also hosted PMFAI- SML Annual Agchem Awards ceremony at the gala night to award the contribution by the Industry in various category, witness the ceremony to know emerging global leaders from India. The ICSCE provided great opportunity to stand distinguished amongst more than 1200 delegates to promote the business, and you may choose from various types of Sponsorship’s and exhibiting opportunities. Position yourself and stand out from others. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1804/usda-aphis-makes-gains-removing-asian-longhorned-beetle-in-new-york.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1804/usda-aphis-makes-gains-removing-asian-longhorned-beetle-in-new-york.html Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:07:35 +0530 The ALB Eradication Program is found to be very efficient in pest control measures The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), together with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, is announcing that the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) quarantine on Long Island is now smaller and on the verge of eradication. New York is now closer to being ALB-free. The ALB Eradication Program recently completed its last round of tree inspections in portions of Babylon, Huntington, and Oyster Bay townships, finding no signs of the beetle. Trees are inspected many times. Not just to find any infested trees and remove them, but also to ensure that the beetle is no longer in the area. Around 53 square mile quarantine on Long Island, N.Y. is reduced inward by 10.1 square miles. The remaining 42.9 square miles will stay under quarantine. This includes the other parts of Babylon, Huntington, and Oyster Bay townships. People who live in these areas can help the eradication effort by: Reporting beetle or tree damage, by calling the eradication program at 1-866-265-0301 or by submitting an online report at www.AsianLonghornedBeetle.com. Allowing eradication program officials access to your property to inspect trees and to remove any infested trees that are found. Hiring tree or landscape companies that have compliance agreements with the eradication program to ensure that woody material is disposed of properly. The ALB program eradicated beetle infestations in Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; New Jersey; Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Islip in New York; and a portion of East Fork State Park, and Stonelick and Monroe townships in Ohio. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1795/zhongnong-lihua-and-yangnong-chemical-partner-to-boost-pesticide-supply-chain-in-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1795/zhongnong-lihua-and-yangnong-chemical-partner-to-boost-pesticide-supply-chain-in-china.html Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:55:41 +0530 Signed a strategic cooperation agreement in the field of pesticide circulation Zhongnong Lihua Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Co., Ltd. held a strategic cooperation exchange meeting and jointly signed a strategy Cooperation agreement, officially becoming a strategic partner for pesticide manufacturing.  Chairman Su Yi of Zhongnong Lihua, General Manager Huang Baiji, Executive Deputy General Manager Li Mingguang, General Manager of Crop Health Division Liu Shuncai, General Manager of International Business Department Zhang Aijuan, Director of R&D Center Zhang Xiaojun, General Manager of Yangnong Chemical Wu Xiaoju, General Manager Senior Consultant Dong Zhaoyun, Deputy General Manager Shenyang, Director of the International API Department Lu Juan, and Deputy Director of the Domestic API Department Jin Yuhe attended the exchange meeting and signing ceremony. China is encouraging to build a community with a shared future for mankind, adhering to the responsibilities of a major country, and using internal circulation to drive external circulation have been completely implemented during the realization of this strategic cooperation. The two parties have achieved leapfrog development in particular during the winter of 2023, and the scale of cooperation has reached an all-time high. The two parties reached a consensus to give full play to the channel advantages of Sino-Nong Lihua's " national team " in the field of pesticide circulation and Yangnong Chemical's R&D and production advantages in technological innovation and pesticide creation, in the fields of technical materials, intermediates, preparations and international market development.  Achieve all-round strategic cooperation, realize resource sharing, collaboration, integration and complementarity, and strengthen in-depth linkage and collaboration in the upstream and downstream industrial chains to achieve future market strategic expansion of both parties and create greater business value for both parties.. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1766/australias-grdc-announces-major-investments-to-combat-septoria-tritici-blotch-in-wheat.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1766/australias-grdc-announces-major-investments-to-combat-septoria-tritici-blotch-in-wheat.html Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:11:25 +0530 NSW DPI, ANU and GRDC are investing $8 million over five years to identify novel STB resistance genes and incorporate them into new Australian wheat varieties. Australia's Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has announced a series of investments to reduce the impact of the wheat disease Septoria tritici blotch (STB). The three GRDC investments are: Project 1: Identifying genes for STB resistance Project 2: Testing gene combinations for STB resistance Project 3: Understanding the cause of STB STB is a persistent issue for wheat growers in the high and medium rainfall zones of the northern and southern grain growing regions. If left unmanaged STB can reduce yields by up to 50%. Traditional control by fungicides is estimated to cost the industry $121 million per year, however resistance to some common fungicides including triazoles and strobilurin used to control STB is evolving. Together, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), the Australian National University (ANU) and GRDC are investing $8 million over five years to identify novel STB resistance genes and incorporate them into new Australian wheat varieties. GRDC genetic technologies officer Prameela Vanambathina says the investments will approach the STB problem from three different angles. “We are seeking to identify novel resistance genes, optimal combinations of adult plant resistance genes and understand plant pathogen interactions. We hope these three investments will provide tools and knowledge essential to reduce the impact of the disease for Australian grain growers. Most wheat varieties are susceptible to STB, leading to increased use of fungicides to control the disease. There’s a growing fungicide resistance problem, and the identification of new seed sources resistant to Australian pathotypes is crucial. Previous GRDC investment with NSW DPI and ANU has already identified genes that can contribute to adult plant resistance to STB” explains Vanambathina. Project 1 – Identifying genes for STB resistance The first of the three projects aims to discover and transfer novel adult plant resistance genes for STB resistance into wheat breeding programs. The project will be led by Dr Andrew Milgate (NSW DPI) and aims to identify novel genetic resources that are resistant to STB under Australian environments. The investment’s objectives include identifying and characterising novel sources of adult plant resistance from international and Australian germplasm pools, validating these genes and transferring the genetic potential into elite Australian wheat lines. Project 2 – Testing gene combinations for STB resistance The focus of the second project is on testing optimal combinations of these genes to identify the best ones, and a smaller number of genes for stable adult plant resistance. Dr Milgate says this partnership will see different combinations of resistance genes, previously identified by NSW DPI researchers in Wagga Wagga, to be bred into wheat varieties. Combining these high-quality genes together provides added, more stable protection and ensures the genes continue to be effective against STB, which can evolve new virulence rapidly. Having molecular markers makes it much faster and more accurate to bred wheat with the desirable resistance genes, meaning new wheat with improved STB resistance can be delivered to growers sooner. Project 3 – Understanding the cause of STB ANU Professor Peter Solomon says the University is pleased to continue its long-standing partnership with GRDC to tackle diseases that affect the viability and productivity of wheat in the third STB project. “Despite the impact that STB has on growers, disease and genetic resistance remains poorly understood. “This investment by GRDC will enable us to work with colleagues at Birmingham University in the UK to dissect the interaction between key pathogen proteins responsible for virulence and their corresponding host resistance genes in progressing disease. The outcomes will significantly advance our understanding of how the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici causes STB. The data generated will be used to develop an approach for screening disease-resistant cultivars" Professor Solomon says. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1739/syngenta-and-enko-discover-innovative-digital-solutions-for-crop-protection.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1739/syngenta-and-enko-discover-innovative-digital-solutions-for-crop-protection.html Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:33:36 +0530 The discovery of novel chemistry for fungal control demonstrates digital technologies reduce the time needed for R&D discovery, while building in safety guardrails early Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in agricultural innovation, and crop health company Enko announced the discovery of novel chemistry to control fungal disease in crops, using a platform that reduces the time required for R&D discovery. With its newest collaboration, Enko and Syngenta will focus on discovering herbicide solutions to combat widespread resistance and eliminate aggressive weeds, such as Palmer Amaranth. The new chemistry features a new mode of action designed to target diseases that can devastate cereal crops. This breakthrough was achieved by screening billions of chemical molecules within Enko’s DNA-encoded libraries, and then using artificial intelligence and machine learning models to identify potent, selective molecules. This significantly shortens the time required for the discovery process, while ensuring molecules meet specified safety criteria. Fungal pathogens are a major challenge to the health of crops worldwide. Diseases caused by these pathogens alone cause growers to lose between 10-23% of their yield; for the top 5 staple crops – rice, wheat, corn, soybeans and potatoes – this is estimated to be enough to feed as much as 4 billion people a daily diet of 2,000 calories for a whole year. Experts predict such losses will worsen with global warming widening the spread of fungal infections, as well as rising resistance to existing fungicides. The fungicide discovery milestone is part of Syngenta and Enko’s multi-year collaboration to bring new, affordable, safe and sustainable crop protection solutions to farmers globally. The companies have now entered into the next phase of their collaboration, to optimize the fungicide’s attributes and rigorously test them for safety and efficacy. The two companies further aim to build on the success of the fungicide collaboration, and have signed a new agreement to discover novel chemical starting points for a new herbicide. “We are excited to partner with Enko to apply the latest in drug discovery and development approaches used in the pharmaceutical industry to agriculture, and to be able to bring new and effective agricultural solutions even more quickly to farmers,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research at Syngenta Crop Protection. “With a new mode of action, this novel chemistry promises to help farmers sustainably manage crops, protect yields, and combat resistance.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1730/adama-launches-5-innovative-formulation-cereal-fungicides-in-europe.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1730/adama-launches-5-innovative-formulation-cereal-fungicides-in-europe.html Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:42:58 +0530 Deliver Excellent Results and Respond to Diverse Farmer Needs ADAMA Ltd. , a leading crop protection company, has announced the launch of five new cereal fungicide products across Europe to tackle the most serious diseases impacting farmer yields at each stage of the crop's reproductive phase. Together, these products offer ADAMA's customers a comprehensive portfolio of innovative solutions designed to deliver excellent results in the field and address different application stages (T1, T2, and T3) and various value segments.  With the launch of these new products ADAMA will have one of the most robust portfolios in the industry for cereal disease control in Europe. The five products are based on a leading DMI molecule, cementing them as the foundation for treatment of cereal diseases after the regulatory phase-out of other key active ingredients in the market.  The company also introduced its novel and proprietary Asorbital® Formulation Technology to enhance the activity of its products, delivering improved penetration, excellent systemic movement in the leaf tissue, improved and long-lasting disease control, and excellent rainfastness. "Our new, enhanced cereal fungicide portfolio is a powerful demonstration of our ability to deliver value and innovation through enhancing the performance of existing molecules with proprietary formulation technologies and delivering products to our customers that provide excellent disease control, keep the crop safe and address the different value segments in the market." said Alex Mills, Head of Global Fungicides at ADAMA. ADAMA's European cereal fungicide portfolio includes: Soratel®, a versatile and broad-spectrum solution powered by ADAMA's proprietary Asorbital® Formulation Technology, which can be used in various segments alone or in a mixture. Maxentis®, is a broad-spectrum, multi-crop, convenient and easy to use fungicide with flexible timing that can easily be plugged into any wheat spray program as a T1 or T2 application. Forapro®, is a broad-spectrum fungicide powered by Asorbital® Formulation Technology that controls all the major T1 diseases in wheat such as Septoria, Rust and Powdery Mildew. Maganic®, powered by Asorbital® Formulation Technology, is a T3 fungicide that protects wheat against all ear diseases including Fusarium spp. resulting in lower mycotoxin levels and higher quality grain. Avastel®, is ADAMA`s premium T2 broad-spectrum fungicide with both curative and preventative disease control, powered by Asorbital® Formulation Technology delivering a new standard of efficacy and long-lasting protection. "We set a strategy 10 years ago to invest in Europe's cereal growers given the anticipation of the regulatory phase-out of key active ingredients in this market. We devised a plan to ensure farmers have the products they need today to address rising disease pressure, new agronomic challenges, and an increased focus on sustainability. Our enhanced portfolio with five new products ticks all of these boxes," said Sergio Dedominici Paz, EVP EAME at ADAMA. ADAMA began rolling out its new cereal fungicide portfolio in 2023 with the introduction of Soratel® in the UK, and the launches will continue across the continent, UK, and Ireland throughout 2024. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1716/hkust-and-apel-establish-joint-laboratory-to-develop-novel-health-and-environmental-innovations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1716/hkust-and-apel-establish-joint-laboratory-to-develop-novel-health-and-environmental-innovations.html Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:50:00 +0530 With an initial funding of HK$20 million from APEL, an affiliated subsidiary of the listed company Yee Hop, the Joint Lab will contribute sustainable solutions Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has jointly established a laboratory with Absolute Pure EnviroSci Limited (APEL) to develop and translate novel discoveries into groundbreaking health and environmental innovations.  These include highly effective and long-lasting pest repellent against bedbugs that can also inactivate up to 99.9% of highly-infectious viruses, bacteria and hard-to-kill spores, as well as artificial organoids that could help quantify pollution’s risks on human health and provide essential data for establishing a health monitoring system in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area (GBA). Prof. YEUNG King-Lun from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST and Dr. Pat YEUNG, Director of APEL, signed the memorandum today on the establishment of HKUST-AP EnviroSci Ltd Joint Laboratory (the Joint Lab). With an initial funding of HK$20 million from APEL, an affiliated subsidiary of the listed company Yee Hop, the Joint Lab will contribute sustainable solutions to support water resources management, reduce and revalorize food waste and support decarbonization by enhancing energy efficiency from conditioning to power plant. The advanced formula, derived from the anti-pathogenic Multilevel Antimicrobial Polymer (MAP-1) – one of the earliest disinfectants to provide long-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 during the global COVID-19 pandemic – has been certified by two labs in Mainland China and Switzerland of having 100% repellency against bedbugs. This eco-friendly anti-pest spray is set to be adopted by Hong Kong athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in response to a growing bedbug issue in Europe. The formula can also be incorporated into fabrics such as cotton and linen without altering their texture, providing long-lasting anti-pathogenic protection to clothing and accessories, especially those worn or used by patients, elderly or infants.   HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim Cheng said, “These units provide a platform for collaboration between academia and industry, allowing us to leverage our strengths and expertise to tackle complex problems and develop innovative solutions. They also provide students with unique opportunities to gain practical experience and exposure to industry-relevant projects, preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields".  APEL Chairman Dr. David Chung said, “The four main areas we will be focusing on are: environmental hygiene and sanitation, air and water purification, net-zero, circular resource utilization, and energy-saving decarbonization processes." Researchers led by Prof. Yeung have also built 3D-printed cellular scaffoldings of human skin, lung, kidney, and heart cells to create artificial organoids* for monitoring air and water pollutions to directly measure their potential harm to human health. The cellular viability, functional changes, and biological expressions data from these artificial organoids will provide important health index to inform policy-makers locally and across the GBA on pollutions and pave the way to improving citizen’s health and well-being. Other innovative solutions being developing by the Joint Lab included Algi-Gel, an award-winning hydrogel that controls and prevents the rapid proliferation of algae in fresh and seawater.  It is currently being tested in partnership with the Water Supplies Department. The Joint Lab has also embarked on developing a sustainable washable air filter for better indoor air quality and an enhanced cooling surface to improve air conditioning and cooling systems. * An organoid is a miniaturized and simplified version of an organ produced in vitro in three dimensions that mimics the key functional, structural, and biological complexity of that organ. Scientists use organoids to study development and disease in the laboratory. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1717/australian-grain-growers-receive-updated-editions-of-two-essential-herbicide-manuals.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1717/australian-grain-growers-receive-updated-editions-of-two-essential-herbicide-manuals.html Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:08:00 +0530 Key updates includes the incorporation of new herbicides and modes of action in the pre-emergent herbicide manual. GRDC has released updated editions of two essential herbicide manuals for Australian grain growers: ‘Soil behaviour of pre-emergent herbicide in Australian farming systems’ and ‘Understanding post-emergent herbicide weed control in Australian farming systems’. These manuals, first published in 2019 and 2020, have undergone a revision that incorporates the latest in herbicide research and practice, including the transition to an international numbering system for herbicide mode of action. This change aligns Australian agricultural practices with global standards, ensuring that Australian farmers and agronomists have access to the most current and relevant information. According to GRDC Manager Chemical Regulation Gordon Cumming, key updates include the incorporation of new herbicides and modes of action in the pre-emergent herbicide manual. “Notable additions are new modes of action such as Group 13 bixlozone (Overwatch®), Group 23 carbetamide (Ultro®), Group 30 cinmethylin (Luximax®), Group 32 aclonifen (in Mateno® Complete), and Group O napropamide (Devrinol®),” Mr Cumming says. “The post-emergent herbicide manual has seen fewer changes, with minor improvements in understanding certain herbicide modes of action, however, new research improving our understanding of the Group 10 herbicide glufosinate has been included, which is an increasingly important non-selective knockdown herbicide.” According to Mark Congreve, senior consultant with Independent Consultants Australia Network (ICAN), both manuals aim to simplify the complex interactions of herbicide chemistry with environmental conditions. “They are valuable resources for agronomists, researchers and growers, providing insights into the behaviour of herbicides under various conditions, the interaction of different products, application techniques, crop safety, and environmental dissipation,” Congreve says. Complementing these manuals and in collaboration with ICAN, GRDC offers specialised workshops to further assist agronomists in putting this information into context. The 1.5-day workshops focus on the principles of herbicide biochemistry and their practical applications. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1704/upl-to-strengthen-fungicide-portfolio-with-planned-acquisition-of-cortevas-mancozeb-business.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1704/upl-to-strengthen-fungicide-portfolio-with-planned-acquisition-of-cortevas-mancozeb-business.html Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:18:12 +0530 UPL to acquire Corteva Agriscience's global mancozeb fungicide business outside of China, Japan, South Korea and EU member countries UPL Ltd., the global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, has planned acquisition of Corteva Agriscience's solo mancozeb global fungicide business outside of China, Japan, South Korea, and EU member countries. The acquisition will give UPL ownership of Dithane®, the original global mancozeb brand which has provided farmers with a reliable disease management solution, as well as access to Rainshield™ technology which enables crop protection in wet weather conditions. Mancozeb is a highly effective protective fungicide used to prevent plant diseases across a range of crops, including rice, soybean, wheat, onions, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits. Across the crop protection industry, mancozeb is also an increasingly important tool in managing fungicide resistance. UPL, the market leader in this technology, was instrumental in introducing mancozeb for soybean production in 2014, where it proved effective in controlling fungal diseases and boosting growth and yield. Christina Coen, Chief Marketing Officer of UPL Corporation Ltd., said: "This acquisition is a meaningful milestone for UPL and for farmers, it strengthens our portfolio of solutions and leadership in the multisite fungicide market. We are committed to expanding our offering for plant disease management, and supporting farmers globally to achieve sustainable crop yields and enhanced food security outcomes." The acquisition is limited to Corteva's solo formulations of mancozeb, with Corteva retaining ownership of premix formulations. The transaction is subject to customary approvals and expected to conclude Q1 of FY24-25. This acquisition includes all data, registrations, trademarks for Corteva's solo mancozeb products, and a license to the Rainshield™ technology but excludes manufacturing and formulation facilities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1663/international-fertilizer-association-ifa-and-agri-benchmark-launch-major-global-fertilizer-consumption-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1663/international-fertilizer-association-ifa-and-agri-benchmark-launch-major-global-fertilizer-consumption-project.html Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:47:35 +0530 The global project aim is to make the use of fertilizers in global crop production transparent to the public and to all stakeholders, The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) and agri benchmark Cash Crop have announced the start of a joint project aimed at collecting data on the quantity of fertilizer used in key crops within all major fertilizer-consuming countries. The project represents a significant move to further monitor fertilizer usage in crop production around the world. Following the completion of a successful pilot project to test and refine a methodology across seven countries in six continents, the global project roll-out will now begin. Its aim is to make the use of fertilizers in global crop production transparent to the public and to all stakeholders, using agri benchmark’s bottom-up approach to data collection to understand at a sub-regional level how a country’s key crops contribute to the national quantity of fertilizer consumed.] Fertilizer use in crop production is a topical and important issue: on the one hand, fertilizers are the cornerstone of improved crop growth and an important means to ensure global food security. On the other hand, inefficient use of fertilizers can be harmful to the environment. Furthermore, nitrogen is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The new project will deliver the following key outputs: Regional and national averages in nutrient application per hectare of the key field crops and perennial crops that make up >70% of arable land use. Regional and national averages in nutrient application per hectare of grassland. Estimates for national fertilizer use in crop production and grassland in total. Specific fertilizer use per ton of crop output. The global roll-out of the project will be phased over three years with a focus on different global regions in each year. Dr Yelto Zimmer, head of agri benchmark, said, "We are very excited to be expanding our collaboration with IFA to work on the global roll-out in monitoring fertilizer use in crop production. Our aim is to become a hub for knowledge in global crop production, and this project will certainly strengthen the breadth and depth of data that we collect in that regard.” Achim Dobermann, Chief Scientist at IFA, commented, "This project will systematically collect information on fertilizer use and other important agronomic practices, which we urgently need for improving global and national databases on nutrient use, balance and efficiency". ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1659/fundecitrus-to-tackle-the-leprosis-mite-by-enhancing-pesticides-efficacy.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1659/fundecitrus-to-tackle-the-leprosis-mite-by-enhancing-pesticides-efficacy.html Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:55:00 +0530 The Citrus Defense Fund (Fundecitrus) has expressed concern about the lack of pesticides for controlling the leprosis mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis). According to the association, which brings together Brazilian citrus growers and juice industries, the development of new technologies is urgently needed. "We have few acaricides for leprosis mite control in citrus," said Fundecitrus researcher Renato Bassanesi, who stressed that the continuous use of the same acaricides leads to losses in their effectiveness due to the selection of resistant mites. "Therefore, it is important for pesticide companies to understand the size of our citrus industry and the importance of leprosis, so they can develop new acaricides to assist in controlling this disease," he added. Fundecitrus recently hosted a visit from representatives of the agrochemical companies, Gowan Brasil and Agro-Kanesho. Also attending the meeting was Daniel Júnior de Andrade, acarologist professor at the São Paulo State University (UNESP Jaboticabal). Some of the representatives came from the US, Japan and South Korea, and closely observed the work carried out by the institution. Additionally, they sought to understand the potential of the citrus industry market, to decide whether to invest in the development of acaricides for controlling leprosis mite, a disease that causes significant losses to citrus growers. Caused by the Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV) and transmitted by the Brevipalpus phoenicis mite, leprosis can cause production losses and reduce the lifespan of weakened trees. The disease affects tropical and subtropical regions and is restricted to the Americas. There are reported cases in South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela) and, more recently, in Central America (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras), as well as in North America (Mexico). ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1634/global-specialty-chemicals-leader-nouryon-obtain-iscc-plus-certification-for-green-monochloroacetic-acid-mca.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1634/global-specialty-chemicals-leader-nouryon-obtain-iscc-plus-certification-for-green-monochloroacetic-acid-mca.html Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:09:46 +0530 Nouryon supports farmers around the world, including the Netherlands, India, China, Japan, and the US. Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced that it is now certified to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification standard ISCC PLUS for the production of green monochloroacetic acid (MCA) at its site in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. The Company is a leading global supplier of MCA, and the first and only producer of green MCA that is derived from sustainably sourced raw materials1. ″We are pleased to be the first supplier to offer green MCA as a building block for our customers that contributes to their sustainability goals,″ said Joppe Smit, Senior Vice President of Natural Resources and Intermediates at Nouryon. ″Today’s announcement underscores our efforts to deliver solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.″ MCA is used in the manufacture of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), agrochemicals, surfactants, and other functional chemical building blocks that are essential to building and construction, crop protection, food additives, personal care products, cleaning goods, and pharmaceuticals. Nouryon’s green MCA is a sustainable alternative offering a significant reduction in product carbon footprint while delivering the same quality and performance. As a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, Nouryon works to ensure that its products meet or exceed industry benchmarks for sustainability without sacrificing performance. Learn more about the Company’s overall strategy to reduce Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions and water-use intensity, and other sustainability targets. Nouryon supports customer needs around the world through several regional sites, including the Netherlands, India, China, Japan, and the US. Learn more about Nouryon’s full monochloroacetic acid product line, including green MCA, and contact Nouryon to discover how the Company can help you achieve more sustainable formulations. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1627/nouryon-first-to-obtain-iscc-plus-certification-for-green-mca.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1627/nouryon-first-to-obtain-iscc-plus-certification-for-green-mca.html Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:45:17 +0530 The Company is a leading global supplier of MCA and the first and only producer of green MCA Nouryon, a global speciality chemicals leader, announced that it is now certified to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification standard ISCC PLUS for the production of green monochloroacetic acid (MCA) at its site in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. The Company is a leading global supplier of MCA and the first and only producer of green MCA that is derived from sustainably sourced raw materials. “We are pleased to be the first supplier to offer green MCA as a building block for our customers that contributes to their sustainability goals,” said Joppe Smit, Senior Vice President of Natural Resources and Intermediates at Nouryon. “Today’s announcement underscores our efforts to deliver solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.” MCA is used in the manufacture of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), agrochemicals, surfactants, and other functional chemical building blocks that are essential to building and construction, crop protection, food additives, personal care products, cleaning goods, and pharmaceuticals. Nouryon’s green MCA is a sustainable alternative offering a significant reduction in product carbon footprint while delivering the same quality and performance. As a manufacturer of speciality chemicals, Nouryon works to ensure that its products meet or exceed industry benchmarks for sustainability without sacrificing performance. Learn more about the Company’s overall strategy to reduce Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions water-use intensity, and other sustainability targets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1593/cf-industries-completes-acquisition-of-waggaman-ammonia-production-facility.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1593/cf-industries-completes-acquisition-of-waggaman-ammonia-production-facility.html Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:03:43 +0530 CF Industries Holdings, Inc. has closed its acquisition of Incitec Pivot Limited’s (“IPL”) ammonia production complex located in Waggaman, Louisiana. Under the terms of the agreement, CF Industries purchased the Waggaman ammonia plant and related assets for $1.675 billion, subject to adjustments. The companies allocated approximately $425 million of the purchase price to a long-term ammonia offtake agreement under which CF Industries will supply up to 200,000 tons of ammonia per year to IPL’s Dyno Nobel subsidiary at production economics. CF Industries funded the remaining purchase price with cash on hand. Tony Will, president and chief executive officer, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. “We are growing our industry-leading ammonia production capabilities with the addition of IPL’s Waggaman ammonia production facility and team. This transaction deploys our capital efficiently, delivering immediate profitable growth by adding one of the newest ammonia production units in North America into our existing network while advancing our long-term strategic focus on low-carbon ammonia as a clean energy source.” Along with its offtake agreement with IPL, CF Industries will continue to fulfill medium- and long-term offtake agreements with two customers that were in-place prior to the acquisition. The Company estimates that these agreements will generate gross margin per ton commensurate with its existing ammonia segment prior to the greater capacity utilization and operational and logistics optimization CF Industries expects to achieve with the site’s integration into the Company. Additionally, CF Industries anticipates implementing carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies at the site on an accelerated timeline, increasing its network’s low-carbon ammonia production capability while earning 45Q tax credits for sequestered carbon dioxide. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1549/global-organic-fertilizers-market-valued-at-13-5-billion-by-2028-unveils-bcc-research.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1549/global-organic-fertilizers-market-valued-at-13-5-billion-by-2028-unveils-bcc-research.html Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:19:43 +0530 The global organic fertilizers market is witnessing significant expansion, driven by increasing awareness of sustainable agricultural practices and the rising preference for eco-friendly products. With advancements in production techniques and technology, accessibility to organic fertilizers has improved, fostering market growth. A shift towards organic and holistic farming approaches further propels the market, although challenges such as cost differentials and supply-demand gaps persist. An analysis of the competitive landscape, market dynamics, value chain, consumer preferences, and emerging trends can provide valuable insights into this thriving sector. "According to the latest research Study by BCC, the demand for Organic Fertilizers: Global Markets is estimated to increase from $9.7 billion in 2023 to reach $13.5 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2023 through 2028." This comprehensive report provides a thorough examination of the organic fertilizer market, offering insightful market estimates and projections up to 2028. With a focus on various aspects, including source, crop type, type, and form, the report delves into key market players, competitive strategies, technological advancements, and regional prospects. Through an analysis of the industry's CAGR, recent developments, and product portfolios of major players, the report facilitates a comprehensive understanding of market trends. Moreover, it segments the global market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & and Africa, and Latin America, presenting data from 2022 as the base year, alongside forecasts until the conclusion of 2028. Emphasizing the drivers, dynamics, and prevalent trends within each regional organic fertilizer market, the report offers valuable insights into the market landscape, featuring detailed profiles of prominent vendors. The growing concerns over food safety have led to an increased demand for organic food worldwide. Instances of food contamination with harmful chemical residues, such as the European Union's ban on Mexico's strawberries and the US CDC's warning about lead in apple juice, have intensified this shift. With Australia leading as the largest organic food producer, the organic market is experiencing heightened competition as traditional chemical fertilizer companies diversify into the organic sector. Notably, the investment of $9.4 million by the USDA, combined with the rising trend of tobacco farmers in Brazil transitioning to organic farming, emphasizes the favourable timing and lucrative prospects in the organic food industry. As more agricultural land globally is converted to organic cultivation, innovative approaches like biofertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi products continue to gain traction, contributing to the market's overall momentum. Driving forces behind the organic fertilizer market's growth comprise: Global expansion of organic farming has ushered in a significant surge in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, amplifying the demand for organic fertilizers worldwide. The increasing adoption of organic practices by conventional farmers reflects a growing awareness of the long-term benefits associated with organic fertilizers, promoting soil health and sustainable crop yields. With emerging markets showcasing a rising preference for organic produce, the heightened demand for organic fertilizers has spurred innovation and investment in this sector, catering to the evolving needs of agricultural economies. Tailored organic fertilizer formulations designed for specific crops have revolutionized the agricultural landscape, offering targeted and effective solutions that enhance crop quality and yield, thereby driving market growth. Collaborative efforts with sustainable agriculture initiatives have reinforced the commitment to environmentally friendly farming practices, fostering partnerships that prioritize eco-conscious methods, including the use of organic fertilizers for sustainable crop production. The integration of organic fertilizers within regenerative farming systems has proven instrumental in enhancing soil fertility, reducing environmental impact, and promoting overall ecosystem health, contributing to the sustained expansion of the organic fertilizer market.  The Rising Demand for Organic Fertilizers: The growing awareness of the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers on both human health and the environment has fueled the demand for organic fertilizers worldwide. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing organic produce, leading to a surge in the adoption of organic farming methods. As a result, the global market for organic fertilizers is experiencing an upward trajectory, projected to reach unprecedented heights in the coming years. Trends and Innovations: In response to this heightened demand, the organic fertilizer market has witnessed notable innovations and trends. From tailored organic formulations for specific crop types to the integration of advanced technologies like biofertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi products, the industry is continuously evolving. Additionally, strategic collaborations with sustainable agriculture initiatives have paved the way for the development of circular supply chains, emphasizing eco-friendly and regenerative farming practices. Challenges and Opportunities: While the organic fertilizer industry is flourishing, it is not without its challenges. Factors such as cost differentials compared to conventional fertilizers and the existing gap between supply and demand pose significant hurdles. However, these challenges also present opportunities for further innovation and investment in the sector, especially as government initiatives and investments continue to support the growth of organic farming practices globally. The Global Landscape: With Australia leading as the largest organic food producer and various countries worldwide transitioning towards sustainable agricultural practices, the organic fertilizer market's global landscape is both dynamic and promising. Regions like Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe are at the forefront of this transformation, emphasizing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices on a global scale. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1520/nano-yield-introduces-nanocote-a-revolutionary-nanotechnology-for-granular-fertilizers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1520/nano-yield-introduces-nanocote-a-revolutionary-nanotechnology-for-granular-fertilizers.html Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:25:12 +0530 Leading the charge in nanotechnology innovation for fertilizers, adjuvants, and crop chemistries, Nano-Yield® proudly unveils the NanoCote™ brand, a ground breaking nanotechnology-based granular fertilizer coating. NanoCote Core is the first product engineered to complement existing fertilizers, elevating the performance of the granular fertilizer industry to new heights.  Nano-Yield CEO and CoFounder Clark Bell expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled with the development of NanoCote over the past several years. Through extensive lab and field trials, we have harnessed the incredible potential of nanotechnology to enhance every aspect of the farming experience when added to granular fertilizers." Nano-Yield President and COO Mark Slavens highlighted the ease of use and benefits of this technology, saying, "Our team is proud to have engineered this technology in a way that is seamless for blending operations. You can spray it on any type of dry granular fertilizer. It dries very quickly without heat or any other specialized equipment." Director of Research & Development, Garrett Olsen, explains that the nanoparticles serve as a delivery mechanism, with a primary focus on increasing nutrient uptake by plants. "Our goal was to create a user-friendly formulation that maximizes plant nutrition. Every component in NanoCote products serves a purpose and drives the entire formulation." NanoCote Core brings substantial benefits to farmers and blenders, along with positive impacts on soils and the environment. Brooke Rosqvist, NanoCote Brand Manager, emphasized these outcomes, stating, "NanoCote Core reduces dust, cleans machinery, and minimizes wear and tear on equipment, benefiting both farmers and blenders. Moreover, it boasts impressive sustainability credentials by being biodegradable, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly granular applications. This will especially be appealing to those interested in regenerative ag practices."  The NanoCote brand marks the Nano-Yield Company's entry into granular fertilizer applications, compatible with any coating, allowing farmers to enhance their preferred products while improving nutrient uptake. NanoCote Core is now available for distribution in the United States. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1391/corteva-agriscience-launches-revolutionary-nematicide-and-preserves-soil-health.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1391/corteva-agriscience-launches-revolutionary-nematicide-and-preserves-soil-health.html Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:26:40 +0530 Launches ReklemelTM active, a new nematicide Corteva has launched ReklemelTM active, a new nematicide that helps reduce the damage caused by plant-parasitic nematodes; without disrupting the balance of beneficial organisms in soil. Corteva discovered and developed Reklemel active after more than a decade of research and development. Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic organisms found in soil that feed on the roots of plants. Because they are notoriously difficult for farmers to identify and control, plant-parasitic nematodes represent a significant constraint to the delivery of global food security, causing damage estimated at or exceeding $80 billion per year. Reklemel received a Reduced Risk designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the product's ability to selectively target plant-parasitic nematodes, its lower use rates than older nematicides, and its highly favorable environmental and toxicological profile as compared to alternatives. Reklemel is one of the first new active ingredients to be registered under EPA's updated policy incorporating Endangered Species Act assessments into the pesticide registration process. Reklemel also received the National Association of Manufacturers' Sustainability and the Circular Economy Award in recognition that it, through lower use-rates, enables the potential to avoid more than 500M Kg of CO2 - equivalent emissions over the next five years. Salibro™ nematicide with Reklemel™ active will be available in the United States, India and Mexico beginning in late 2023, and is currently available for sale in Canada and Australia. Additional registrations are planned globally, including in the European Union, subject to regulatory approvals. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1371/hebang-biotech-plans-to-invest-in-building-a-chemical-production-base-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1371/hebang-biotech-plans-to-invest-in-building-a-chemical-production-base-in-indonesia.html Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:45:09 +0530 The project plans to invest $800 million, and the factory area is 67 hectares, with the main products being sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride, and glyphosate. The JIIPE Industrial Park in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, will serve as a chemical production base for Sichuan Hebang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., after signing an agreement with BKMS and AKR for $800 million in investments. AKR Group President Haryanto (Weng Weiguang) and Zeng Xiaoping signed the "Letter of Investment Intent" with Haryanto (Weng Weiguang), President of Hebang Group. Hebang Biotechnology Indonesia will receive project land from BKMS. A joint venture company will be formed between Hebang Biology and AKR in JIIPE, in which Hebang Biology (or any subsidiary or affiliated company) will hold 90% of the shares, while AKR (or any subsidiaries or affiliated companies) will hold 10%, in order to invest in, construct and operate Indonesian projects. According to Hebang Biology, the project plans to invest $800 million, and the factory area is 67 hectares, with the main products being sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride, and glyphosate. After the completion of the project, it will have the capacity to produce 600,000 tons of sodium carbonate annually, also will achieve an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons of ammonium chloride. and annual production capacity of 200,000 Kg of glyphosate. Hebang Biotech has superior technology, talent, and operational experience in the domestic and international markets for its products as a publicly traded company that integrates chemicals, photovoltaics, and minerals. As the world's largest supplier of glyphosate, the company's soda ash products hold a commanding market share. A significant country along the "Belt and Road" investment corridor is Indonesia, which is also China's most important trading partner. A special economic zone has been designated for JIIPE Industrial Park by the Indonesian government. Indonesia's first comprehensive industrial complex with a deep-sea facility. The park is managed by PT BERKAH KAWASAN MANYAR SEJAHTERA (BKMS). Hebang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. capitalizes on the geographical advantages of JIIPE in Surabaya, Indonesia, and Indonesia's resource advantages through overseas investment and the construction of factories to expand its current market and increase its products' international influence. In the next phase, the company will vigorously promote the application of pertinent approval documents, reinforce project docking and implementation, actively seek markets, and pursue efficiency so that the construction results will be beneficial to both China and Indonesia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1366/adama-launches-first-off-patent-ctpr-based-insecticides-in-india.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1366/adama-launches-first-off-patent-ctpr-based-insecticides-in-india.html Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:57:54 +0530 Global Chinese firm ADAMA Ltd., a leading global crop protection company, has launched Cosayr® and Lapidos® in India, its first insecticides containing the active ingredient Chlorantraniliprole (CTPR), benefiting from its new in-house production. ADAMA India has launched Lapidos® and Cosayr® insecticides for paddy and sugar cane growers, offering effective defense against various pests, ensuring improved yields and crop quality. Lapidos® is a GR formulation designed for broad application ensuring crop protection at the early growth stage. Cosayr® is a foliar solution that combats stem borer and leaf folders that attack rice paddy crops which are responsible for major crop losses every year. "ADAMA has recognized CTPR as an important active ingredient for its future insecticide portfolio, part of our 'Core Leap' strategy," said Walter Costa, VP Marketing and Product Strategy at ADAMA. "The significance of this active ingredient for ADAMA is also evident in the strong cost position having fully backward integrated manufacturing capabilities. We are happy to add these important products to our offering in India and look forward to developing and providing more products based on CTPR."  "We take great pride in introducing Cosayr® and Lapidos® to Indian farmers, a testament to our commitment to delivering solutions and enhancing agricultural productivity," said Sahin Ozkan, ADAMA India General Manager. "CTPR is becoming a significant ingredient in our portfolio in India to meet farmers' needs, delivering on our promise to provide a comprehensive range of crop protection solutions." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1355/revolutionizing-modern-agriculture-with-nano-fertilizers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1355/revolutionizing-modern-agriculture-with-nano-fertilizers.html Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:16:35 +0530 A nano fertilizer can deliver nutrients more efficiently than traditional fertilizers, reducing waste and improving plant growth. A relatively new development in fertilizers, nano fertilizers deliver nutrients to plants more effectively and efficiently than traditional fertilizers. Nano fertilizers are composed of tiny particles with dimensions of one billionth of a meter or smaller. They are composed of nanonutrients, which are ultra-minute particles of nutrient ions. Plants grow better and produce more when nutrients are delivered specifically to specific tissues. Fertilizers traditionally consist of macro-sized particles that dissolve in soil and release nutrients for plants to absorb. Nanofertilizers typically have particle sizes of less than 1000 nanometers and are about 40,000 times smaller than human hair. A nanofertilizer consists of particles that are much smaller and are designed to penetrate plant tissue and deliver nutrients directly into cells. Plant nutrients are delivered to plants more efficiently and effectively with nano fertilizers. A variety of materials can be utilized for the manufacture of nano fertilizers, including silica, zinc oxide, and carbon nanotubes. In addition to foliar spraying, seed coating, and root dipping, they can also be applied to plants through a number of different methods. Plant growth and productivity are improved by an effective targeted delivery system that ensures plants receive the nutrients in the right amounts. Agricultural productivity and sustainability can be enhanced with nano fertilizers. Using them can make fertilizers more efficient, reduce environmental pollution, and make plants more resistant to diseases and droughts. Advantages and benefits of the nan0-fertiliser process: Various nano fertilizers can be used, such as nanochelated micronutrient fertilizers, nanosilicon fertilizers, nanoorganic fertilizers, nanoslow-release fertilizers, and nanobiofertilizers. Nano fertilizers offer several advantages over traditional fertilizers, including improved efficiency, reduced waste, and increased nutrient uptake. Some drawbacks of these materials, however, include potential toxicity and high production costs.  Nevertheless, Nano fertilizers are considered to be having the potential to reduce environmental pollution by minimizing the amount of excess nutrients that are released into the environment. Furthermore, nano fertilizers help plants resist environmental stressors such as droughts and diseases. Plant defense mechanisms are activated by some types of nano fertilizers, such as silicon nanoparticle fertilizers, which can increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Associated challenges and regulatory policies  A potential health risk associated with nano fertilizers is one of their concerns. Because nanoparticles are so small, soil and water systems may have difficulties accumulating them. Silver nanoparticles, for example, have been shown to have toxic effects on soil microbes and other organisms. Silica and carbon nanoparticles, however, have been found to be relatively safe. Many countries have regulations and policies governing the production, use, and disposal of nano fertilizers in order to ensure their safety. A major consideration for the widespread adoption of nano fertilizers in agriculture is their cost-effectiveness. In spite of the higher cost of nano fertilizers, their targeted delivery system may increase efficiency and reduce waste, which might offset the higher price. Nano fertilizers are cost-effective when used in combination with certain crops and conditions. Production costs, application rates, and crop types all play a role in their cost-effectiveness. Nano fertilizers market dynamics and key players The nano fertilizer market is segmented on the raw materials, methods of applications and application. Based on raw materials, the market is segmented into nitrogen, silver, carbon, zinc and others. Based on the methods of applications, the nano fertilizer market is segmented into a spray or foliar and soil. Based on applications, the nano fertilizer market is segmented into cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables and others In recent year, EuroChem Group AG entered into exclusive discussions to buy the nitrogen business of the Borealis group. Borealis is also a melamine market leader, with plants in Austria and Germany supplying the critical raw ingredient principally to the woodworking sector. Melamine and technical nitrogen solutions are significant new business streams for EuroChem as it seeks to extend its nitrogen-based product range throughout Europe. Some other major key players in the Nano Fertilizer market are: Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited Lazuriton Nano Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Fanavar Nano-Pazhoohesh Markazi Company Tropical Agrosystem India (P) Ltd. EuroChem Shan Maw Myae Trading Co., Ltd Geolife Group AG CHEMI Group, s.r.o. JU Agri Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Nano Solutions and more Nano fertilizers are projected to grow in the coming years as chemical fertilizers are increasingly replaced by nano fertilizers. Innovative developments in nanotechnology have made it possible to synthesize nanoparticles at large scales to create nano-fertilizers. Globally, the demand for nano fertilizers is expected to grow due to the growing population over the next five years. A growing demand for crops with higher yields will further support the growth of the nano fertilizer industry worldwide. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1330/fmc-corporation-announces-dodhylex-active-as-global-trademark-for-novel-grass-herbicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1330/fmc-corporation-announces-dodhylex-active-as-global-trademark-for-novel-grass-herbicide.html Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:01:13 +0530 The global brand will ensure growers around the world recognize this novel mode of action in the newest herbicide products FMC expects to begin launching in 2025, FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, today announced Dodhylex™ active (pronounced DOH'-deh-leks) as the global brand name for tetflupyrolimet, a new mode of action herbicide effective on the most challenging grass weeds in rice. "The global brand will ensure growers around the world recognize this novel mode of action in the newest herbicide products FMC expects to begin launching in 2025," said Diane Allemang, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Growers worldwide will have the confidence that products powered by Dodhylex™ active contain FMC's patented active ingredient that's backed by seven years of research, development and field testing." The Dodhylex™ name is derived from the site of action – dihydroorotate dehydrogenase – combined with the flexibility of use in both transplanted and direct-seeded rice and the herbicide's ability to block the nutrients needed for the weed to survive. "Dodhylex™ active is the first active ingredient in the HRAC/WSSA Group 28 and the first new herbicide with a novel mode of action in the industry in over three decades," said Seva Rostovtsev, vice president and chief technology officer. "This new mode of action herbicide was discovered at the FMC Stine Research Center and is a testament to FMC's commitment to innovation and our disciplined approach to advancing the most promising new molecules. The molecule is a significant advancement for the agriculture industry as it will help combat resistant weeds." Studies show Dodhylex™ active provides season-long control of important grass weeds in the rice market, as well as key broadleaf weeds and sedges. FMC is also testing Dodhylex™ active in other crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean and corn.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1268/amvac-expands-growth-regulator-portfolio-in-citrus-plant-product.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1268/amvac-expands-growth-regulator-portfolio-in-citrus-plant-product.html Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:05:27 +0530 Mandolin offers citrus growers a solution to promote size and quality improvements in mandarins AMVAC®, a global technology solutions provider in agriculture, has added Mandolin® plant growth regulator specifically formulated for thinning citrus fruit, to its citrus product portfolio. Mandolin received EPA registration in California for use on mandarins, including tangerines, tangelos, tangors and clementines, as well as oranges.   By effectively thinning immature fruit at the appropriate time, Mandolin offers citrus growers a solution to promote size and quality improvements in mandarins. Mandolin helps growers combat problems caused by overcrowded fruit, such as limited quality and carbohydrate drain, which can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to pests and sun damage.  Mandolin is an addition to AMVAC’s citrus product portfolio, which includes AbbA ULTRA® miticide/insecticide helping growers fight damaging mites and insects; Citrus Fix® plant growth regulator that provides preharvest fruit-drop control; Deadline® molluscicide products for fast, effective, and long-lasting control of slugs and snails; and Krovar® DF Crop herbicide with two modes of action for built-in resistance management and residual control of key annual and perennial broadleaf and grass weeds.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1269/veyong-to-expand-capacity-for-bio-chemical-production-for-pest-control.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1269/veyong-to-expand-capacity-for-bio-chemical-production-for-pest-control.html Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0530 Launches technological transformation project to produce 700 tonne per annum of emamectin benzoate TC pesticide China's Veyong Bio-chemical has planned to launch an expansion and technological transformation project to increase its capacity for emamectin benzoate TC to 500 t/a and that for pymetrozine TC to 700 t/a. The two TC products are the company's leading products. Emamectin benzoate is a non-persistent high-efficacy novel insecticide and semi-synthetic antibiotic with low toxicity and small residue. Synthesised from abamectin TC, it is widely used in the control of pests on vegetables, fruit trees, cotton, etc.; it can, in particular, effectively control Spodoptera frugiperda. Currently, in China, emamectin benzoate is not only one of the leading insecticides consumed in domestic market, but also one of the main insecticides exported. Company decided to build the capacity expansion and technological transformation project for emamectin benzoate TC and pymetrozine TC, which will expand its emamectin benzoate TC capacity from existing 300 t/a to 500 t/a and pymetrozine TC from 500 t/a to 700 t/a. Meanwhile, the company has also planned a 1,000 t/a glufosinate-ammonium and 10,000 t/a glufosinate-p project. For both projects, Veyong Bio-chemical has acquired recordation certificates. Veyong Bio-chemical, with 60 plus years of experience in pesticide production and business, is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Limin Group Co., Ltd. Its production plant is located in the Shijiazhuang Circular Chemical Industrial Park, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. Aside from production lines for emamectin benzoate TC and pymetrozine TC, it has active production capacity for glufosinate-ammonium TC, azoxystrobin TC, fosthiazate TC, dinotefuran TC, clothianidin TC, diflubenzuron TC, hexaflumuron TC and a series of pesticide formulations. In China's pesticide industry in recent years as many quality pesticide enterprises have seized up opportunities in the market by technological upgrade and capacity expansion. Industry is also getting rid of a large quantity of backward and unqualified capacity under the pressures of supply side reform, increasingly higher standards on environmental protection and workplace safety, and more. Overall competitive landscape in China's pesticide industry has been profoundly affected and restructured. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1252/chinas-limin-chemical-embarks-into-high-capacity-pesticide-expansion-project.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1252/chinas-limin-chemical-embarks-into-high-capacity-pesticide-expansion-project.html Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:29:09 +0530 Aims to develop 12,600ton/year pesticide TC technological transformation project with high-efficiency and low-toxicity China’s Limin Group is set to invest in its subsidiary Limin Chemical's 12,600 t/a high-efficiency and low-toxicity pesticide expansion project. The project includes 1,100 t/a difenoconazole TC, 5,000 t/a Fosetyl-Na AS, 2,000 t/a amobam AS, 500 t/a tembotrione TC, 1,000 t/a mesotrione TC, 3,000 t/a zineb TC and series by-products. In July 2023, the 12,600 t/a pesticide TC technology renovation project of Limin Chemical Co., Ltd. (Limin Chemical), a subsidiary of Limin Group Co., Ltd. (Limin Group), passed the expert review, which intends to broaden the advantageous product variety with lower production cost and higher quality, and strengthen product competitiveness and increase profit. The project involves crop protection products including 1,100 t/a difenoconazole TC, 5,000 t/a fosetyl-Na AS, 2,000 t/a amobam AS, 500 t/a tembotrione TC, 1,000 t/a mesotrione TC, 3,000 t/a zineb TC and by-products. Among them, difenoconazole is a highly efficient triazole fungicide with broad spectrum, low toxicity and low dosage. On 28 Nov., 2022, Limin Chemical obtained the independent registration of difenoconazole TC in Brazil, the world's second-largest market for the product, where difenoconazole is mainly used on soybean and cotton. In addition, Limin Group's another technological transformation project of 12,000 t/a fosetyl-Al TC, also run by Limin Chemical, entered trial production on 20 April, 2022, with an investment of $31.87 million (RMB230 million). Fosetyl-Al is a systemic and novel anti-infection fungicide with high efficiency and broad spectrum. Enjoying strong market demand and huge growth potential in recent years, this high-end fungicide is mainly used on wine grapes. The project will help the company expand the scale of superior products, improve product quality and reduce production costs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1242/vietnam-embarks-to-implement-framework-for-sustainable-pesticide-management.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1242/vietnam-embarks-to-implement-framework-for-sustainable-pesticide-management.html Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:20:27 +0530 The Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF) is a program with an overall, comprehensive and long-term impact scale to facilitate the transition to systems. In July 2023, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Plant Protection Department and the Asian Croplife Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in implementing the Drug Management Framework program. sustainable plant protection in the period of 2023-2028.  The Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF) is a program with an overall, comprehensive and long-term impact scale to facilitate the transition to systems. sustainable food system. According to MoU, Croplife will maximize the industry's efforts, strengthen cooperation with many partners in Vietnam to promote the implementation of a framework for the use and management of sustainable plant protection solutions in parallel with the accelerate the application of scientific innovation in agriculture. This program will further demonstrate Croplife's commitment to supporting the Government and MARD in their transition to more sustainable food and environmental systems that protect human health, the environment, and improve health. high quality agricultural products. Following the successes and achievements of the cooperation contents in the period of 2019 - 2023, the Parties agreed to implement the cooperation project in the next 5 years with a comprehensive, extensive and long-term approach. To support the sustainable and responsible application of pesticides in Vietnam, promote the systematic transition of the management and use of pesticide solutions towards the “Sustainable Pesticides Management Framework” firm is marked by the signing ceremony. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Trung, Managing Director of Croplife Asia – Mr. Tan Siang Hee and senior leaders of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Croplife Asia and Croplife Vietnam witnessed the MoU signing ceremony. As part of the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Trung expressed his appreciation for Croplife Vietnam's recent contributions to Vietnam. As the co-leader of the agrochemical group of the Office of Sustainable Agricultural Development Partnership (PSAV) in Vietnam, he worked towards strengthening and sharing with Vietnamese people about the effective use of pesticide products, plant varieties have contributed to promoting a sustainable agricultural system, in line with the goal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to improve the efficiency of management of the safe, transparent and sustainable food system of the Vietnam.s Within the framework of public-private partnership through PSAV, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung suggested that the Asian CropLife Association continue to accompany, support and have more activities to promote and implement long-term strategies, aims to support farmers to access scientific solutions in agricultural farming to promote growth, improve crop productivity, and create high-quality agricultural products while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. “I suggest that Croplife Association actively call for businesses to participate in the quartet to effectively implement PSAV activities. This is a model highly appreciated by the World Economic Forum, so the participation of the private sector needs to be implemented more actively", the Deputy Minister emphasized. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1234/australia-commits-au2-8m-to-strengthen-biosecurity-in-north-to-combat-plant-pest-and-diseases.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1234/australia-commits-au2-8m-to-strengthen-biosecurity-in-north-to-combat-plant-pest-and-diseases.html Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:20:03 +0530 Northern Australia Plant Capacity and Response Network (NAPCaRN) to better detect, prepare and respond to biosecurity threats, like black sigatoka, Asian citrus psyllid and citrus canker. Australia government is pledging to invest AU$2.8 million to bolster biosecurity capability and create the Northern Australia Plant Capacity and Response Network (NAPCaRN) to better detect, prepare and respond to biosecurity threats, like black sigatoka, Asian citrus psyllid and citrus canker.   NAPCaRN will operate as an inter-jurisdictional plant biosecurity network to tackle plant biosecurity threats in partnership with industry and communities. The investment will integrate resources and actions of industry and four governments through the appointment of nine positions—significantly bolstering biosecurity risk management across the north. The new grant is built on the ongoing biosecurity work already in action in Northern Australia, including: $4 million Northern Australia Coordination Network established last October to improve surveillance and preparedness to foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD). Ongoing investment in the Indigenous Biosecurity Rangers Program, which provides vital surveillance needed for the early detection of biosecurity threats along the Northern Australian coastline. Biosecurity Business Grants for Indigenous businesses, organisations or other organisations working with Indigenous people to support business opportunities relating to biosecurity activities for Northern Australia. Northern Australia will get another line of defense in the fight against plant pests and diseases, with more federal support for biosecurity in the region. The initiative will be coordinated by the Northern Territory Government, with support from the Queensland and Western Australian Governments. The Network will invest in more frontline staff, including technical staff and interns in each northern jurisdiction.  Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said: “towards Queensland’s Biosecurity we’re are investing AU$21.7 million over 5 years, and AU$2.8 million each year thereafter, for action against current and emerging plant pests and diseases which is in addition to AU$22 million over 5 years , and AU$2.5 million each year thereafter, already announced to address increasing animal biosecurity risks.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1232/syngenta-launches-next-gen-insecticides.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1232/syngenta-launches-next-gen-insecticides.html Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:20:00 +0530 VERDAVIS® and SPONTA®, innovative solutions developed from PLINAZOLIN® technology Syngenta Crop Protection strengthens its portfolio of solutions to boost large-scale production in the field with the launch of two insecticides, VERDAVIS® and SPONTA® . These are the first solutions of a revolutionary family of products developed from the PLINAZOLIN® Technology molecule , an unprecedented chemical group with a new mode of action and which arrives to transform the management of difficult-to-control pests in the country, reinforcing innovation, performance and flexibility of technology. Already registered for large crops such as soybeans and corn, VERDAVIS® presents itself as an acaricidal insecticide, composed of two highly effective actives, PLINAZOLIN® and Lambda Cyhalothrin, and has multiple characteristics that, in synergy, provide more shock, more spectrum of action and more control days. The product inaugurates a new shock concept, as in addition to the traditional knock-down effect (pest drop), it immediately paralyzes the pest feeding process. Its composition materializes in an extraordinary intrinsic ability to control a wide spectrum of pests, even the most resistant and difficult to control. In addition to having characteristics of high persistence, high selectivity for crops, low degradation by UV rays and is practically not washed off by rain. According to Marcos Queiros, Manager of Innovations in Insecticides at Syngenta, the product arrives at a crucial time for the control of pests in soybean and corn crops. "The intensification of the soy and off-season corn cultivation system has brought important implications for current technologies, due to the increase in pressure and the number of pests in the crop. VERDAVIS® arrives to transform this dynamic, with a new product concept for the control of the main soy and corn pests, a performance never seen before. It is an insecticide capable of controlling all stages of the pests (eggs, nymphs and adults) breaking the cycle and that is why we reinforce that this innovation enables unprecedented control . In soy, the product inaugurates a new concept, 'Percevejo Marrom Mais', which endorses its excellence in control against the entire complex of bedbugs (including green bellies) in addition to its high effectiveness in combating mites, caterpillars and thrips. In corn, VERDAVIS® brings the concept 'Scigarette More', due to its extremely high efficiency in the control of leafhoppers, more bedbugs and caterpillars due to its wide spectrum of action", says Marcos. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1220/syngenta-launches-broad-spectrum-fungicides-targeting-soybean-spot-control.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1220/syngenta-launches-broad-spectrum-fungicides-targeting-soybean-spot-control.html Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:05:10 +0530 MIRAVIS® Pro is an innovative solution with a broad spectrum of action for target spot control in soybeans. Syngenta Agricultural Protection presents MIRAVIS® Pro, a product developed from the ADEPIDYN® technology molecule, which enables a new generation of fungicides that provide greater control power, in addition to a broad spectrum of action.  During field tests, the novelty demonstrated great effectiveness for the first applications in target spot scenarios, an increasingly common disease in  soybean crops , caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola . Combining the excellent preventive effect of ADEPIDYN® with the curative effect of Protioconazole amplifies target spot control in high pressure environments. In addition, MIRAVIS® Pro also stands out in the complex of DFC's (end-of-cycle diseases), especially septoria and cercospora , considered as some of the main problems in crops in the Brazilian Cerrado. “ For a efficient management of diseases in the soybean crop Syngenta launches MIRAVIS® Pro,an innovative product that has high control power, long residual and broad spectrum of action, which can increase productivity by more than 4.4 bags per hectare”, explains Pedro Altomar, Product Marketing Manager at Syngenta Protection of Crops. The use of MIRAVIS® Pro is indicated in the first applications, providing an excellent control of the main diseases that affect the soybean crop in this period. In addition, the new technology brings convenience to the farmer, since its formulation has the Empowered Control Technology , responsible for increasing the effectiveness of the product, dispensing with the use of adjuvants or additional solutions. Currently, MIRAVIS® Pro is used to provide excellent control of damage caused by target spot in soybean crops in the Cerrado in Brazil. l ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1159/chinas-shandong-jingbo-biotech-to-build-capacity-for-insecticide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1159/chinas-shandong-jingbo-biotech-to-build-capacity-for-insecticide.html Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:35:00 +0530 Build capacity for flonicamid TC and tebufenozide TC A crucial project to extend production of green high-end chemicals by Shandong Jingbo Biotech's industrial chain to 16,000 tons per annum has been approved by China for phase I of the technological upgrading and transformation project. The company plans to build production lines for flonicamid TC and tebufenozide TC with this project. The Bureau of Administrative Examination and Approval of Binzhou City announced that it had approved the environmental impact (EI) report of Shandong Jingbo Biotech Co., Ltd. (Shandong Jingbo Biotech)'s industrial chain The phase I will add some new equipment to its existing line for 4-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinoyl chloride (molecular formula: C7H3F3OClN), and extend to the production of flonicamid TC with capacity of 500 t/a. Previously in March and May this year, local government announced acceptance of the EI reports for the company's industrial chain extension and technological upgrading and transformation project phase I and phase II.  The project has already acquired a record certificate for construction projects (project code: 2301-371603-07-02-212392) issued by the Shandong provincial government. Shandong Jingbo Biotech has planned to invest USD4.23 million (RMB30.04 million) in the whole project, which will transform its existing refining workshops No.3 and No.4. According to its plan, in refining workshops No.3, new equipment will be added to use 4-trifluoromethylnicotinoyl chloride as a main raw material to produce flonicamid TC, and in refining workshops No.4, already existed 1,200 t/a line for the product 4-amino-1-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one will be made use of and a new line of 400 t/a tebufenozide TC will be added. Shandong Jingbo Biotech was established by Shandong Jingbo Agrochemicals Technology Co., Ltd. in Nov. 2019. Its registered business scope covers R&D, production and sale of chemical products, development, transfer and services of technologies in biological and environmental protection sectors, etc. Its plant is located in the Chemical Industrial Park of Zhanhua Economic Development Zone, Binzhou City, Shandong Province. The park is a provincial-level accredited chemical park. The company believes the industrial chain extension and technological upgrading and transformation project will boost its competitiveness both at home and abroad, speed up its structural adjustment, facilitate healthy development in the future, promote improvement in related industries and better satisfy the needs for a variety of high-end products in the market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1027/syngenta-seedcare-launches-a-novel-mode-of-action-to-control-soil-pests.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1027/syngenta-seedcare-launches-a-novel-mode-of-action-to-control-soil-pests.html Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:53:57 +0530 Introduces EQUENTO® with best-in-class PLINAZOLIN® technology, a novel seed treatment for next-gen sustainability in pest control Syngenta Crop Protection’s Seedcare business introduces EQUENTO®, a novel seed treatment that provides outstanding control of various soil pests while helping farmers increase the sustainability of their farming operations. Syngenta will mark its global launch of EQUENTO® in Australia later this year, under the trademark EQUENTO® Extreme. Further registrations are expected to follow in other markets worldwide. EQUENTO®, based on Syngenta’s cutting-edge PLINAZOLIN® technology, is applied onto seeds, protecting the crop right from the start of its life. Based on a new mode of action (IRAC Group 30), it breaks the critical rise in insect resistance, while offering precise control of a broad variety of soil pests – including difficult-to-control pests such as wireworm and the red-legged earth mite. The seed treatment can be applied across multiple crops including cereals and canola. Among the key benefits EQUENTO® brings is its ability to increase the sustainability of a farm’s operations. Safe for both seed and plant, this seed treatment is highly effective at very low dose rates and is not easily soluble or mobile in soil. This provides precise and effective pest control in the area immediately surrounding a plant’s roots and ensures healthier roots that contribute to better soil health and biodiversity. This innovative seed treatment also offers farmers greater flexibility in farming decisions – ranging from application timings, dose rates to choices of mixtures with other insecticides and fungicides. It is effective even in low soil temperatures, controlling pests that either ingest or come in contact with the plant, and reducing pest populations in the soil. In addition, EQUENTO® features exceptional target specificity, which enables farmers to precisely tailor their dose rates to meet particular pest challenges. “EQUENTO®'s combination of a novel mode of action, broad spectrum pest control, as well as superior seed and crop safety reflects Syngenta's commitment to innovation,” said Jonathan Brown, Global Head of Syngenta Seedcare. “It transforms the ability of farmers to manage wireworms and other hard to control pests, establish a healthy young crop crucial for good yields, while protecting soil health, bio-diversity and the planet.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/993/tecnicas-reunidas-to-develop-worlds-first-zero-emission-nitrogen-fertiliser-plant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/993/tecnicas-reunidas-to-develop-worlds-first-zero-emission-nitrogen-fertiliser-plant.html Mon, 29 May 2023 09:46:57 +0530 New plant to establish in USA with approx. $1 billion investment using proprietary technology that utilizes only air, water, and zero-carbon electricity as raw materials. Técnicas Reunidas has signed a contract with the green fertilizer company, Atlas Agro, for the development of a zero-carbon fertilizer plant, Pacific Green Fertilizer (PGF), in Richland, Washington, US. The plant will be the first of a series that Atlas Agro plans to build in multiple regions across the world. The estimated total investment is close to $1 billion. The nitrogen fertilizer plant will use proprietary technology for the main process units and will be one of the world’s first full scale zero-carbon nitrogen plant, using only air, water and zero-carbon electricity as raw materials.  Técnicas Reunidas will start the execution of the plant through an EPC contract. It will have the capacity to produce 650 000 tpy of calcium ammonium nitrate and will be composed of the following main units: ammonia, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, electrolyzers and air separation. Atlas Agro is building a series of plants to provide the farmers with truly sustainable zero-carbon nitrogen fertilizer, made locally. Atlas Agro’s fertilizers not only improve crop yield and quality and help farmers care for their land and reduce their environmental impact, but also earns farmers premiums for their crops thereby increasing their incomes.  The Spanish company Técnicas Reunidas dominates in the sector internationally, with a presence in 25 countries and a track record of more than 1,000 industrial plants throughout its 60 years of experience. Técnicas Reunidas’ is mainly focused on the development of engineering projects, design and construction of industrial plants for the production of clean fuels, natural gas and chemical products, and solutions linked to the energy transition, circular economy and decarbonization (renewable hydrogen, biofuels, waste recovery, CO2 capture and storage, etc.). ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/985/new-global-fertilizer-and-biostimulant-plant-to-be-built-by-yara.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/985/new-global-fertilizer-and-biostimulant-plant-to-be-built-by-yara.html Thu, 25 May 2023 12:48:12 +0530 The new facility is scheduled to be operational by late 2025 in UK, expanding the specialty crop nutrition business with foliar fertilizers and biostimulants production. Yara International is set to build its new global production plant for specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants intended to increase yields and improve quality. The plant will be one of the largest in the world for these products, which are crucial for achieving food security and combating climate change. The new plant will enable Yara to increase its footprint in this specialty crop nutrition business, one of the fastest-growing agriculture markets. The specialty crop nutrition products are formulated to meet crops' specific needs throughout the growing season and increase their resilience to climate change. While the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, YaraVita aims to double its production capacity and further increase its capacity if needed. To facilitate this, the new plant will be built close to the company’s existing site in Yorkshire, UK. The plant will export almost all of its output to global markets. “Our specialty crop nutrition products help farmers increase yields and quality without increasing land use. That not only benefits farmers but also helpful for the planet,” says Mónica Andrés Enríquez, Executive Vice President for Europe at Yara International. The special nutrients provided by foliar fertilizers (applied directly to the leaf or fruit) are equally important for crop growth and quality as the traditional mineral fertilizers applied directly to the soil. Biostimulants eventually help the plants adapt better to climate change and improve nutrient use efficiency. The global specialty fertilizers market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2022 and 2027, according to MarketsandMarkets. The CAGR for biostimulants is growing at an even higher rate – more than 12% – DunhamTrimmer estimates, referring to the period from 2018 to 2030. “If one nutrient is lacking or under stress, crop growth, yield and quality can be reduced. Specialty crop nutrition products are complementary to traditional mineral fertilizers and are crucial for achieving balanced crop nutrition. Just in micro quantity usage, they ensure a lower carbon footprint for food production by increasing yield per unit of land,” says Rejane Souza, Senior Vice President of Global Innovation at Yara International. Yara is a global leader in specialty crop nutrition products and one of Europe's largest producers. By combining crop nutrition solutions with agronomic advice and digital tools, Yara offers a comprehensive range of crop nutrition solutions. With its agronomic expertise in foliar nutrients, biostimulants and soils spaning more than 50 years Yara also records 100 years of agronomic knowledge in crops and soils. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/984/yara-to-build-new-global-plant-for-specialty-fertilizers-and-biostimulants-in-uk.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/984/yara-to-build-new-global-plant-for-specialty-fertilizers-and-biostimulants-in-uk.html Thu, 25 May 2023 11:36:56 +0530  By the end of 2025, YaraVita's capacity will be doubled when the facility is operational. Yara International announced that it will build a new global production plant for specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants designed to increase yields and improve quality. The plant will be one of the largest in the world for these products, which are crucial for achieving food security and combating climate change. The new plant will allow Yara to increase its footprint in this specialty crop nutrition business, one of the fastest growing markets in agriculture. Sales of YaraVita specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants have grown fivefold in the last 20 years. These products are formulated to meet the specific needs of crops throughout the growing season and to help them increase their resilience to climate change. The plant, to be built close to the company’s existing site in Yorkshire, UK, will allow Yara to double the capacity of its YaraVita products when the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 and further expand production capacity if needed. Virtually all the output from the plant will be exported to markets around the world. “Our specialty crop nutrition products help farmers increase yields and quality without increasing land use. That not only benefits farmers but is also good for the planet,” says Mónica Andrés Enríquez, Executive Vice President for Europe at Yara International. “It’s no wonder that this market is growing exponentially. Amid today’s food security and climate change challenges, it’s more important than ever to feed the world with nutritious food while also protecting the planet,” she adds. “If one nutrient is lacking or under stress, crop growth, yield and quality can be reduced. Specialty crop nutrition products are complementary to traditional mineral fertilizers and are crucial for achieving balanced crop nutrition. Although only needed in small amounts, they can make a big difference for farmers and are critical to ensure a lower carbon footprint for food production by increasing yield per unit of land,” says Rejane Souza, Senior Vice President of Global Innovation at Yara International. Yara is a global leader in specialty crop nutrition products and one of the biggest producers in Europe. The company has more than 50 years of agronomic expertise in foliar nutrients and biostimulants and more than 100 years of agronomic knowledge in crops and soils. This extensive knowledge enables Yara to offer a comprehensive range of crop nutrition solutions combined with agronomic advice and digital tools. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/972/indonesian-fertilizer-giant-pupuk-kaltim-timur-pkt-to-invest-4b-on-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/972/indonesian-fertilizer-giant-pupuk-kaltim-timur-pkt-to-invest-4b-on-expansion.html Tue, 23 May 2023 09:27:00 +0530 Enters a multiorganisational partnership over a joint study on green ammonia production aimed at building a facility that can produce 1 million tones of green ammonia annually Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (PKT), the fertilizer giant with five Ammonia plant units and five Urea plant units in Indonesia has entered into a multiorganizational partnership on a research project investigating green ammonia production. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), PKT marks a significant milestone in efforts to achieve carbon-free ammonia production. PKT has collaborated with Copenhagen Atomics, Topsoe, Alfa Laval, Aalborg CSP, and Pertamina New & Renewable Energy to study green ammonia production by signing the MOU in Copenhagen, Denmark.The joint study will focus on building a facility that can produce 1 million tonnes of green ammonia per year, with an estimated investment of $4 billion.Green ammonia production involves the use of 100% renewable and carbon-free processes to manufacture ammonia. With the use of green hydrogen generated via water electrolysis, ammonia is produced without harmful carbon emissions. This breakthrough technology promises to transform ammonia production, ushering in a new era of sustainability and eco-friendliness. The study aims to overcome the challenge of energy intensity in producing green ammonia. Conventionally, the separation of ammonia from its reactants involves significant temperature and pressure fluctuations that rely on the use of fossil fuel energy. However, the study seeks to ascertain whether the use of Thorium-based nuclear technology can enable the production of ammonia without the use of hydrocarbon raw materials while remaining competitive in price.In line with its commitment to sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, PKT aims to replace all grey ammonia products produced using hydrocarbon raw materials with green ammonia, creating a more sustainable future for all. The President Director of PKT, Rahmad Pribadi stated that: "PKT views the joint study as an essential step towards achieving our sustainability goals. We are honoured to work with industry leaders to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a greener planet. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our focus on innovation to revolutionise the agricultural sector. As consumers increasingly prefer sustainable and eco-friendly products, PKT is proud to be at the forefront of this movement." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/965/bayer-unveils-its-first-physical-outlet-for-farmers-in-rio-verde-go.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/965/bayer-unveils-its-first-physical-outlet-for-farmers-in-rio-verde-go.html Mon, 22 May 2023 10:04:39 +0530 The new Agro Bayer Store extends solutions in the third largest agribusiness hub in Rio Verde-GO in the Brazilian state of Goiás Bayer has unveiled its first-ever physical store pilot project in Rio Verde (GO), Brazil. The 700 m² space "Agro Bayer Store" is Bayer's first and only physical store. The Store is part of the distribution strategy of the company's agricultural division. It will act as an additional channel to ensure farmers in the region have access to seed and biotechnology solutions, crop protection, and digital tools. "Bayer has been present in Brazil for 126 years and we reinforced our strategy of focusing on the farmer, constantly seeking proximity to him to ensure that all Brazilian farmers have access to our solutions, providing more productivity and profitability to rural producers", explains the marketing director for Bayer in Brazil, Tiago Santos. The store will act as a catalyst with current partners in the region, strengthening demand generation, presence in the field, generating closer proximity and connection with the farmer, according to the director. According to the marketing director, the store itself will function as a large laboratory, making it possible to establish even closer ties with farmers. "We will learn more about the reality of our retail partners, thus modeling new solutions for the farmer and network of strategic partners, including distributors and cooperatives", emphasized Santos. "We are experiencing a major transformation in the market. Farmers are increasingly demanding and in recent years we have experienced an accelerated transformation in market access with the entry of new players seeking consolidation", says Santos. "In some regions this process was more accelerated, causing ruptures in the reciprocity of consolidated partnerships between distributors and Bayer". ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/952/novel-herbicide-technology-to-enter-asian-markets-for-grass-weed-control-in-paddy-field.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/952/novel-herbicide-technology-to-enter-asian-markets-for-grass-weed-control-in-paddy-field.html Wed, 17 May 2023 08:00:00 +0530 FMC Corporation and Syngenta to commercialize breakthrough technology that transforms grass weed control FMC Corporation and Syngenta Crop Protection have signed an agreement to bring weed-control technology to Asia. The newly developed active ingredient, tetflupyrolimet, was discovered and developed by FMC with support from Syngenta for rice development. DHODH - HRAC Group 28 is the first major herbicide with a novel mode of action in over three decades, providing relief to farmers who struggle with weed resistance. In accordance with the agreement, FMC and Syngenta will each bring tetflupyrolimet-based products to key rice markets in Asia. FMC will register and commercialize tetflupyrolimet, as well as a broad array of tetflupyrolimet formulations for rice throughout Asia. In the China rice market, FMC will focus on mixtures only. Syngenta will register and commercialize the compound and an array of products in China for the rice market. It will also offer mixtures for use on rice in India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. Syngenta will also commercialize the compound for rice in Bangladesh. In addition, FMC will register and commercialize tetflupyrolimet and a full portfolio of tetflupyrolimet formulations in markets globally for rice and other crops. "Tetflupyrolimet is a transformative herbicide that provides season-long control of important grass weeds with just one application in the growing season," said Diane Allemang, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Due to its new mode of action, tetflupyrolimet has no known cross-resistance and will provide millions of growers around the world with a critical weed management tool. It provides outstanding residual control with very low dose rates and an exceptional sustainability profile." Tetflupyrolimet enhances rice yield and quality by controlling destructive grass weeds that compete with the crop for water, nutrients, light, and space. In addition to being easy to apply to traditional transplanted rice, the herbicide is also highly suited to direct-seeded rice. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/927/corteva-agriscience-launches-global-herbicide-active-ingredient-brand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/927/corteva-agriscience-launches-global-herbicide-active-ingredient-brand.html Sun, 14 May 2023 08:20:17 +0530 Bexoveld™ Active is a innovative proprietary Herbicide molecule discovered by Corteva Corteva Agriscience has launched "Bexoveld™ active" as the newest herbicide brand from its robust innovation pipeline. The active ingredient will offer cereal farmers another tool for controlling broadleaf weeds. Bexoveld is expected to launch in North America in 2028 and in Europe in 2030, pending regulatory approval. “Bexoveld demonstrates Corteva Agriscience’s commitment to bringing farmers innovative, sustainable crop protection solutions. With Bexoveld, Corteva will continue adding value to the cereal herbicide market by providing an expanded spectrum of weed control through differentiated products” said Robert King, Executive Vice President – Crop Protection Business, Corteva Agriscience. Bexoveld is an innovative proprietary molecule discovered by Corteva and is a third-generation 6-Arylpicolinate (6-AP) herbicide built upon the company’s deep knowledge of Arylex™ active and Rinskor™ active herbicides.  “We are very excited about the novel class of auxin herbicides that we are bringing to the market. These new molecules interact with auxin receptors in a unique manner providing resistance management and differentiated attributes, while also meeting our sustainable innovation criteria” said Sam Eathington, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, Corteva Agriscience. Bexoveld has demonstrated remarkable control of broadleaf weeds, including key resistant species in cereal crops. It is effective at low use rates against Kochia, the number one broadleaf weed in cereal crops in North America, as well as poppy, Veronica and wild mustard, which are common weeds impacting wheat, rye, triticale and barley farmers in Europe. Arylpicolinate herbicides are noted for their favorable regulatory, toxicological, and environmental profiles. Bexoveld's environmental profile stands out among other auxin mimic herbicides due to its low dose use rate and superior efficacy. Bexoveld breaks down quickly in soil, reducing crop restrictions in the following season to a minimum. Residue levels of Bexoveld and its metabolites are below the Limit of Quantification in cereal grains. Bexoveld is highly complementary to Corteva’s current cereal herbicide portfolio and will be offered in several pre-mixed formulations with leading Corteva herbicides. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/910/azelis-novozymes-to-set-agricultural-environmental-solutions-market-in-malaysia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/910/azelis-novozymes-to-set-agricultural-environmental-solutions-market-in-malaysia.html Wed, 10 May 2023 07:57:00 +0530 In Malaysia, Azelis will distribute Novozymes' best-in-class bio-based agriculture ("BioAg") solutions, including its microbial inoculants, biostimulants and biocontrol solutions. Azelis, a global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, has expanded its distribution partnership with Novozymes, a leader in biological solutions. In Malaysia, Azelis will distribute Novozymes' best-in-class bio-based agriculture ("BioAg") solutions, including its microbial inoculants, biostimulants and biocontrol solutions. The new mandate builds on Azelis' successful partnership with Novozymes in other markets across Asia Pacific, such as Home Care & Industrial Cleaning in the Philippines and Food & Nutrition in New Zealand. Novozymes’ dynamic biological solutions are derived from naturally occurring microbes and biomolecules. Their portfolio of solutions drives crop performance, improves nutrient use efficiency, and helps crops manage abiotic stresses through natural processes. The addition of Novozymes’ innovative products strengthens Azelis’ lateral value chain in the Agricultural & Environmental Solutions (“A&ES”) industry, allowing the group to offer technical solutions that include the latest BioAg technology and solutions. Muhammad Iqbal, Commercial Head Agriculture SEA, Novozymes, says: “Through this partnership, customers will have access to solutions that leverage our combined expertise – Novozymes’ BioAg knowledge and Azelis’ in-depth crop nutrition expertise, leading to new opportunities for growth. Additionally, Azelis’ experienced teams of sales and technical experts, along with their established agrochemical presence across Southeast Asia, will ensure Novozymes’ innovative portfolio of bio solutions reach a wider range of customers in the region.” Antonius Prihantono, Azelis Asia Pacific Market Segment Director Agrochemicals, comments, "We are pleased to be able to include Novozymes’ biological solutions in our portfolio, as BioAg products are the future of the Agricultural industry. By collaborating with Novozymes, we will be able to tap into their knowledge and solutions for the benefit of our long-term A&ES strategy in Asia Pacific. Together we plan to develop field trial protocols, evaluate trial results, and share best practices to ensure our common goal of bringing first-class BioAg solutions to the market.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/894/the-agfunder-grow-impact-accelerator-announces-2023-cohort-of-agrifoodtech-startups.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/894/the-agfunder-grow-impact-accelerator-announces-2023-cohort-of-agrifoodtech-startups.html Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 +0530 The 10 chosen startups focus on a range of themes including food as medicine, climate-smart agriculture, food system decarbonization, agri-fintech for financial inclusion of farmers, and planetary health. GROW, the Singapore-based agrifoodtech ecosystem builder backed by agrifoodtech investor AgFunder, has unveiled the 10 startups participating in the 2023 AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator. The accelerator launched in 2019 with the aim of supporting the growth of emerging technologies in the agrifood space while strengthening their efforts towards sustainability.   GROW chose this year’s startups from its largest-ever pool of applicants: 600 companies from 82 countries applied to the program, nearly double the number received for the previous cohort. The 10 chosen startups focus on a range of themes including food as medicine, climate-smart agriculture, food system decarbonization, agri-fintech for financial inclusion of farmers, and planetary health. Half of the startups are led by women founders or have women in leadership roles. Chosen startups are:  AgriFi (India): Digital credit platform increasing financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and reducing lending risk for institutions. Amatera (France): Accelerating the breeding of climate-resilient perennial crops, starting with coffee and woody crops. CarbonFarm (France): Providing satellite-verified carbon credits to help rice farmers accurately quantify their emissions and fund their transition to sustainable practices. DHF Platforms (Vietnam): Smallholder-driven fresh produce platform delivering traceability, transparency and tech-optimized logistics to reduce waste. Exosomm (Israel): Improving health with a novel bioactive food ingredient containing natural miRNA, milk exosomes. FaunaTech (India): Novel smartphone-based diagnostics platform for rapid testing of milk and bovine health at the farmgate. IIF (Australia): A platform enabling everyday folks to invest in agriculture without owning a farm. The Kawa Project (US): Upcycling coffee waste to create valuable, less-toxic cocoa powder alternatives. NTP Technologies (US): Enabling on-site, salt-free, sustainable and organic nitrogen fertilizer production.  OlsAro (Sweden): Developing salt-tolerant crops using AI-enabled trait discovery.  Participation in the 20-week programme comes with a $100,000 investment in each company from AgFunder along with access to AgFunder’s co-investors and GROW’s network.  “GROW Impact Fund's vision is to attract the smartest, most innovative entrepreneurs with a passion for revolutionizing the food system. With climate change beginning to materially impact crop production, animal health and productivity, fisheries and water availability, particularly in emerging markets, we have no time to waste in accelerating these potentially transformative technologies” says AgFunder’s founding partner Michael Dean.  The programme’s demo day will coincide with the Singapore International Agri-Food Week which will run from 30 October to 3 November, 2023.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/860/indias-absolute-xenesis-institute-excels-in-bio-agriculture-biomaterials-and-biocare-rd.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/860/indias-absolute-xenesis-institute-excels-in-bio-agriculture-biomaterials-and-biocare-rd.html Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:16:09 +0530 Xenesis' Nature Intelligence PlatformTM (NIPTM) is one of the world's largest databases of microorganisms, secondary metabolites, signaling molecules, and other biomolecules. An Indian bioscience company, Absolute, is developing powerful and safe bioengineered agricultural inputs through its R&D arm Xenesis Institute. The research team is working on groundbreaking research on renewable and sustainable biomaterials. Xenesis pioneers bio-enabled agriculture in order to improve access to clean and nutritious food. In addition to biomaterials and biocare research at Xenesis, the company's pioneering agriculture research is channeled through the Ag Frontier group. Over 5 million square feet of product development and testing space are available at Xenesis, including state-of-the-art research laboratories headquartered in New Delhi with further expansion in Pune. The team at Xenesis comprises 150+ leading scientists many of whom have returned from Israel, the US, South Korea, and Africa. Xenesis scientists include experts in plant biology, microbiology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, strain engineering, biomaterial development, and bioprocess engineering. Since its inception in 2015, Xenesis has developed a gamut of proprietary platforms for discovery and technology. Xenesis' Nature Intelligence PlatformTM (NIPTM) is one of the world's largest databases of microorganisms, secondary metabolites, signaling molecules, and other biomolecules. Additionally, the AgFrontier group at Xenesis has developed a new technology called Signal Triggered Regenerative Activity Complex (STREAC), which provides farm biologicals with superior stability, extended shelf life, and beneficial effects on target crops. Biocare at Xenesis has introduced XenDHA, a novel approach to addressing quality, yield, and contamination challenges in Omega-3 fatty acids supplements. XenDHA is capable of producing high-quality DHA for human consumption. Bio-Cat Insta TechnologyTM (BCITTM) is a proprietary technology developed by Xenesis that enables the company to utilize novel microbial strains to produce biocatalysts with incredible endurance. Enhance biocatalysts have industrial applications – baking, brewing, detergents, fermented products, biofuels pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Xenesis Observatory (XenO), another new tool developed at Xenesis using Absolute's proprietary agri data stack, provides detailed insights into smart farms connected to Absolute's network. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/857/bangkok-to-host-agriconnect-conference-exhibition2023.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/857/bangkok-to-host-agriconnect-conference-exhibition2023.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:17:01 +0530 Address Southeast Asia's agriculture industry challenges with smart farming innovations ; On May 24/25, at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand The AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023, organized by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and VNU Asia Pacific with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as official co-host, is set to address the challenges facing Southeast Asia's agriculture industry. The conference and exhibition will take place on May 24, 2023, at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will convene over 300 participants from various sectors to discuss sustainable agriculture practices and farm visit options on May 25, 2023. The theme of this transformative event is "Eco-efficiency: Solutions for Environmental Farming Business." Eco-efficiency combines cross-cutting topics to integrate sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment, the economy, and society. The AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 is powered by AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA, Southeast Asia's leading exhibitions in agriculture. The event will feature more than 30 speakers from nine countries and innovative sponsors. In addition, keynote speakers and representatives from international organizations, such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), will share their best practices and solutions in more than 15 sessions. On May 24, 2023, the exhibitors will showcase their latest agriculture-related services and products. In addition, the AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 offers a diverse range of sessions and speakers covering various topics relevant to sustainable agriculture. Some of the highlights include:Environmental Protection: Narapat Kaeothong, Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who will provide an overview of the ministry’s initiatives on environmental protection.; Takayuki Hagiwara, Regional Programme Leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will discuss the graduation process from farmer to entrepreneur. Innovations in Smart Farming: Matthew McDonald, APAC Precision Technology Product Manager at CNH Industrial will speak on Pivotal role of technology in securing a prosperous future for Southeast Asia; Stewart Andrews, CEO of BioSci(Thailand), Ltd., will expound on his experiences in implementing actionable data insights and intelligent farming.; Tobias Fausch, CIO of BayWa AG will explain Sustainable food security and digital Twin German-Thai Cooperation Project for Clusterfarms, the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Thai Society of Agricultural Engineering will discuss views on the achievements, challenges and opportunities of adopting Smart Farming technologies in Thailand. Dr. Bjöern Ole Sander, Country Representative of Vietnam for the International Rice Research Institute will discuss Carbon market regulations in Southeast Asia agricultural sector. A exclusive panel discussion on vertical farming will discuss characteristics of successful business models in vertical farming. Panel features Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the Association for Vertical Farming, Ralph Becker, CEO/Founder of Urban Greens Hydroponics Systems, Inc., and Sansin Sriphiromrak, CEO of Distar Fresh. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions and roundtable discussions. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany (BMEL) will offer an in-depth exploration of the challenges related to sustainable production in Southeast Asian agriculture, providing valuable insights into opportunities for German agribusiness companies. Similarly, the Sino-Thai Agricultural Young Farmers Exchange Conference will conduct an interactive workshop on "Future Farmer: Strategies for Success in Sustainable and entrepreneurial agriculture by Young Chinese and Thai Farmers," featuring the perspectives of young farmers from China and Thailand. May 25, 2023, will involve farm visits. Participants can visit the Choncharoen Farm in Kanchanaburi, run by Chia Tai x True Digital Solutions to witness technologies surrounding irrigation systems, weather stations, drones, and robotics, are integrated into sustainable farming practices. Alternatively, participants can visit DiStar Fresh Farm, Thailand's largest indoor vertical farming facility. Participants can see how soilless growing using Perlite and Vermiculite provides protection from pests and pathogens while maintaining optimal water usage and an ideal environment for crops. All this is accomplished while controlling LEDs, AC, nutrients, and CO2 levels for an ideal balance of light, atmosphere, and nutrients. AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 will bring experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders in the agriculture sector to discuss and showcase sustainable agriculture practices, innovative technologies, and best practices for achieving eco-efficient farming. The event promises to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and new business collaborations for participants from various sectors, including agribusiness, the food industry, and agriculture. To register for the AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 visit www.agritechnica.com/agriconnect/ ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/838/syngenta-launches-axial-herbicide-to-control-grasses-in-wheat-and-barley-crops.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/838/syngenta-launches-axial-herbicide-to-control-grasses-in-wheat-and-barley-crops.html Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:47:07 +0530 With Pinoxaden as the active ingredient, Axial rapidly penetrates through weed cuticles by selectively excluding main crops Syngenta Crop Protection announces the launch of new herbicide "Axial" for the control of grasses in winter cereals, especially ryegrass and oats. Pinoxaden, an active ingredient that has a post-emergence action and can be used in wheat and barley crops. Pinoxaden unprecedented in Brazil. Axial is an innovative solution from the company to control weeds, which reduces productivity considerably. Ryegrass, for instance, can reduce wheat productivity by as much as 30%. Axial's main advantages are its rapid penetration through weed cuticles, its selectivity to wheat and barley crops, and its high efficiency in controlling oats and ryegrass. Rafael Berta, Herbicide Marketing Manager at Syngenta, explains that the weed scenario for winter cereals has become very complex with the evolution of resistance cases. "Redgrass and oats are very competitive weeds, with an annual appearance in crops and often several emergency flows making control difficult. Axial brings an enhanced level of grass control, becoming a fundamental ally for the control strategies in the short, medium, and long term of the farmers”. As one of the most anticipated technologies by the national cereal sector in 2023, Axial will be used by rural producers based in Europe and other continents. The National Supply Company (CONAB) expects this year's wheat harvest to reach 10.5 million tons, an increase of around 10% over last year's harvest. Syngenta's investment in graminicides is significant. Brazil has approximately 3 million hectares destined for wheat and barley production. The main producing areas are Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina. Currently, the Cerrado region has been showing a trend towards an increase in both crops planted area. Approximately 61% of national wheat and barley farmers apply post-emergent graminicides to their crops, according to a Syngenta survey. Winter cereal producers, however, face a number of challenges due to the evolution of weed resistance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/834/stamicarbon-bv-bags-contract-for-ultra-low-energy-urea-plant-in-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/834/stamicarbon-bv-bags-contract-for-ultra-low-energy-urea-plant-in-china.html Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:06:14 +0530 Stamicarbon will deliver the Process Design Package and the proprietary Safurex® high-pressure equipment and associated services for the urea melt and prilling plant.  Netherlands based Stamicarbon, the innovation and license company of MAIRE Group, has signed a contract covering PDP, licensing and equipment supply for an Ultra-Low Energy grassroots urea plant in Jiangxi province, China. This will be the largest Stamicarbon Ultra-Low Energy plant with a design capacity of 3850 MTPD and already the seventh plant based on this innovative design. Stamicarbon will deliver the Process Design Package and the proprietary Safurex® high-pressure equipment and associated services for the urea melt and prilling plant. Unlike the previous Ultra-Low Energy plants, which featured Pool Reactor technology, this design will apply the Ultra-Low Energy principle to the Pool Condenser. The Ultra-Low Energy Design allows heat supplied as high-pressure steam to be used three times instead of two, reducing steam consumption by about 35% and cooling water consumption by about 16% compared to traditional CO2 stripping processes, as demonstrated in two plants currently in operation. This technology brings energy savings unrivalled by any competitor. “This award is significant, being Stamicarbon’s largest Ultra-Low Energy urea plant to date and the first plant where this breakthrough technology is applied to a pool condenser. It shows Stamicarbon’s commitment to innovation and technology development to improve the sustainability of the fertilizer industry,” said Pejman Djavdan, Stamicarbon CEO. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/815/mustgrow-launches-soil-amendment-and-biofertility-programs-for-sustainable-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/815/mustgrow-launches-soil-amendment-and-biofertility-programs-for-sustainable-agriculture.html Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:45:00 +0530 Plant-based programs to focus on soil and microbiome health, nutrient and water use efficiencies, and plant yields for Sustainable Agriculture MustGrow Biologics Corp., an global agriculture biotech company developing organic Biocontrol has extended its capabilities to capitalize on sustainable agriculture opportunities in the “Soil Amendment” and “Biofertility” marketplaces. MustGrow’s Soil Amendment and Biofertility development programs will focus on soil and soil microbiome health, nutrient and water use efficiencies, and plant yields. Throughout 2022, MustGrow engaged in extensive market research, formulation activities, and prospective partnership discussions, and has now added Soil Amendment and Biofertility programs to its growing list of global target applications, which now covers: preplant soil fumigation (under the brand name TerraMGTM), postharvest food preservation and bioherbicide (together “Biocontrol”), and now Soil Amendment and Biofertility applications. Currently under development with four global partners: Janssen PMP, Bayer, Sumitomo Corporation, and NexusBioAg, MustGrow believes the Soil Amendment and Biofertility initiative will complement its existing Biocontrol programs in soil fumigation, postharvest food preservation, and bioherbicide. A key goal of partnership programs in 2023 will be to expand their scope and investments globally. Commercial and strategic advancements will be pivotal in certain regions and crops. Plant-based technologies are being developed by MustGrow to improve soil health as well as the surrounding ecosystem. As a soil conditioner in mixable form, TerraSanteTM contain nutritious plant proteins and carbohydrates that feed soil microbes, improving beneficial microbial activity and ensuring long-term soil health. Increasing nutrient availability can increase plant vigor and yields, while reducing plant stress.  TerraSanteTM improves crop nutrient uptake and, therefore, crop performance.  No additives or preservatives are used during manufacturing. Initially, MustGrow will pursue TerraSanteTM registrations in North America for Soil Amendment applications, followed by formulations and brands for Biofertility applications.  Plant-based extracts from mustard and possibly other sources will be used in the Soil Amendment and Biofertility products. Weighing fertilizer reduction targets against the need to increase farm production, farm profitability, economic growth and global food security points to sustainable Soil Amendment and Biofertility innovation and development as a key agriculture solution. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/799/harpe-bioherbicide-advances-rd-of-natural-herbicide-portfolio.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/799/harpe-bioherbicide-advances-rd-of-natural-herbicide-portfolio.html Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:45:35 +0530 Raises $10.5 million with ADM to advance R&D of natural herbicide portfolio and herbicide-tolerant row crop systems Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions, Inc., an agricultural technology company focused on providing natural and sustainable herbicide solutions, has announced a $10.5 million round of fundraising, led by ADM. Follow-on investments in the oversubscribed round included iSelect Fund Management and Alexandria Investment Ventures as well as company leadership and private agricultural industry investors. The financing provides North Carolina-based Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions the resources to further advance research and development of its portfolio of natural, non-selective herbicide formulations, which use a series of active ingredient compounds found in plant extracts, to reach a commercial-ready phase. In addition, the financing supports the next development stages of Harpe herbicide-tolerant row crop systems, which will further expand and strengthen Harpe's intellectual property portfolio. A.J. Todd, vice president of commercial development for ADM's mint business said "ADM's unique position spanning the food and ag value chain gives us the opportunity to propel change in multiple ways. In this case, we are a world leader in mint production, and will be providing key inputs to Harpe Bioherbicide's innovative product. Simultaneously, we're rapidly ramping up our regenerative agriculture work, which benefits from environmentally friendly herbicides". Harpe's portfolio of products, which features new sites and modes of action, offer wide-spectrum control of broadleaf and grass seeds or weeds. "Through a series of all-natural herbicide formulations, our products will deliver new opportunities for organic and regenerative agriculture for pre, post and desiccation use patterns," noted Bill Buckner, CEO of Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions. In addition, a series of tailored Harpe premix formulations will improve control of tough-to-kill weeds, including those resistant to current synthetic chemistries, thus facilitating the reduction and replacement of, and rotation with, synthetic herbicides used in row and specialty crop, commercial and consumer markets. The further development of crops tolerant to Harpe herbicide formulations will pioneer the way for in-season use of the company's proprietary series of plant-based herbicidal active compounds and offer growers additional tools to help produce abundant, healthy crops. "Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions exists to serve farmers on a global scale by developing novel and natural herbicide solutions to help mitigate increasing weed resistance challenges while seeking to advance sustainable practices in global food production," said Daniel Pepitone, COO of Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions. "The strategic commitment and support of a global leader like ADM, along with further backing from existing investors, enables Harpe to advance our portfolio of novel, natural herbicides and related herbicide tolerant trait technology closer to the market, and closer to the farmers in need of new solutions." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/779/green-ammonia-technology-to-produce-zero-carbon-nitrogen-fertilizer-for-the-us-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/779/green-ammonia-technology-to-produce-zero-carbon-nitrogen-fertilizer-for-the-us-market.html Fri, 14 Apr 2023 10:03:09 +0530 Atlas Agro implements KBR's Green Ammonia Technology for its Series of green nitrate plants The global tech-solution expert, KBR has partnered with Atlas Agro AG to license KBR's innovative K-GreeN® technology for Atlas' planned investment in a series of green nitrate plants. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce zero-carbon nitrogen fertilizers. Under the terms of the MoU, KBR will provide technology licensing, basic engineering design, proprietary equipment and catalyst for the plants. The engineering design for the first plant located in the United States commenced in March 2023.  KBR is the world leader in ammonia technology with approximately 50% market share of licensed capacity. Since 1943, KBR has licensed, engineered, or constructed over 250 grassroot ammonia plants worldwide. "We are excited to support Atlas Agro's vision of zero-carbon fertilizer production through our market leading green ammonia technology, K-GreeN, We are driving schedule synergies across the series of plants to accelerate availability of clean ammonia globally." said Doug Kelly, KBR President, Technology. "We are proud to partner with KBR and use its K-GreeN process for our green fertilizer facilities," said Petter Østbø, CEO, Atlas Agro. "Each of our green ammonia plants will produce fertilizer that will help feed nearly 16 million people and avoid global carbon emissions of more than one million tons per year." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/773/basf-groups-preliminary-figures-reports-13-4-drop-in-sales-in-q1-fy2023.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/773/basf-groups-preliminary-figures-reports-13-4-drop-in-sales-in-q1-fy2023.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:57:14 +0530 Sales declined by 13.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 to €19,991 million (Q1 2022: €23,083 million). Germany based BASF has released preliminary figures for the first quarter of 2023. Sales declined by 13.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 to €19,991 million (Q1 2022: €23,083 million). This was mainly driven by considerably lower volumes. Sales were considerably lower than average analyst estimates for the first quarter of 2023 (Vara: €21,819 million). EBIT before special items of BASF Group amounted to an expected €1,931 million in the first quarter of 2023, a decline of 31.5 per cent compared with the prior-year quarter (Q1 2022: €2,818 million) but considerably above the analyst consensus for the first quarter of 2023 (Vara: €1,599 million). In particular, EBIT before special items in the Agricultural Solutions segment considerably exceeded average analyst estimates. Chemicals, Materials and Surface Technologies were also considerably above the respective average analyst estimates for EBIT before special items in the first quarter of 2023. In the Industrial Solutions and Nutrition & Care segments, EBIT before special items missed average analyst estimates slightly and considerably, respectively. In Other, EBIT before special items was weaker than expected by analysts on average. The BASF Group’s EBIT amounted to an expected €1,867 million in the first quarter of 2023, considerably below the figure for the prior-year quarter (Q1 2022: €2,785 million) but considerably above the analyst consensus (Vara: €1,533 million). Net income reached €1,562 million, considerably above the figure in the prior-year quarter (Q1 2022: €1,221 million) and considerably above average analyst estimates for the first quarter of 2023 (Vara: €1,081 million). In the prior-year quarter, impairments on the participation in Wintershall Dea had burdened net income of BASF Group. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/721/adama-announces-steve-hawkins-as-president-and-ceo.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/721/adama-announces-steve-hawkins-as-president-and-ceo.html Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:30:09 +0530 Hawkins succeeds Ignacio Dominguez, who has elected to retire from the company after serving in a series of senior roles at ADAMA.  Israel based ADAMA Ltd.  a leading crop protection company, announced that its board of directors has appointed Steve Hawkins, currently ADAMA’s Senior Vice President, Americas, as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2023. Hawkins succeeds Ignacio Dominguez, who has elected to retire from the company after serving in a series of senior roles at ADAMA, including as a key member of its Management and Executive Committee for more than a decade. Erik Fyrwald, Chairman of ADAMA Board and President and CEO of Syngenta Group, said: “Steve brings extensive international leadership experience to his new role, having worked across many markets and businesses in a broad range of leadership positions. He will report to me as a member of the Group Leadership Team as we work together to maintain the momentum of our strategy andaccelerate ADAMA’s transformation to an even more prosperous future.” Hawkins has spent his entire career in agriculture, beginning in sales with GROWMARK in Canada before joining one of Syngenta’s legacy companies, ICI Canada, nearly three decades ago. He has held a number of senior roles during his time with the company, including Regional Director EAME, Head of Sales CP & Seeds USA, Head of Commercial Operations for NA Corn & Soya Seeds, Country Head for Japan and South Korea, and Regional Director APAC for both CP and Seeds. As ADAMA’s Senior Vice President, Americas since 2021, he has overseen its North American and Latin American businesses, as well as its Consumer and Professional (non-crop) businesses globally. Under his leadership, the team delivered strong business performance in 2022 while making significantprogress in transforming the product portfolio, advancing the company’s go-to-market strategy and powering business development.  Hawkins holds a Diploma in Agriculture and an Executive MBA in Food and Agribusiness, both from the Ontario Agricultural College, at the University of Guelph, and has a bachelor’s degree in Administrative Studies from Toronto’s York University.  Fyrwald also thanked the outgoing Mr. Dominguez for his exemplary work at ADAMA, where he started in 2001: “As a key member of ADAMA’s Management and Executive Committee for more than a decade, Ignacio has been instrumental in crafting and implementing its global strategy. As its CEO since 2020, he guided the organization through many changes, including through it becoming a distinctive member of Syngenta Group while strengthening the collaboration with the different Syngenta Group Business units, as well as some important leadership changes. He did this while combining the courage to drive change, a sharp focus on delivering results, and attention and care for our people and culture.”  Dominguez will work closely with Hawkins in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/696/corteva-agriscience-launches-adavelt-active-new-fungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/696/corteva-agriscience-launches-adavelt-active-new-fungicide.html Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:54:41 +0530 Novel, Natural-origin disease control product available for commercial sale in Canada, South Korea and Australia Corteva Agriscience announced the commercial launch of Adavelt active, with recent product registrations in three countries – Australia, Canada and South Korea. Adavelt active is a novel fungicide with a new mode of action that protects against a wide range of diseases that can impact crop yields. Zetigo PRM fungicide with Adavelt active, now approved for sale in Canada, will be available for the 2023 growing season for use in lentil crops. Commercial sales of products containing Adavelt active will also begin this year in Australia and in South Korea. Corteva plans to offer Adavelt active in additional countries and pending appropriate crop registrations in the following years, subject to regulatory approvals. "Farmers have a critical need for innovative fungicides to address the challenges they face today. Adavelt actively delivers exactly that – a new, flexible option to protect crops and preserve yield potential," said Robert King, Executive Vice President of, the Crop Protection Business Unit, Corteva Agriscience. "Corteva is investing in R&D to bring farmers differentiated, sustainable solutions like Adavelt active. The commercialisation of Adavelt active is a testament to our strong pipeline." Adavelt active is built on the discovery of Inatreq active, a natural origin fungicide developed by Corteva with proven effectiveness for many crops. Adavelt active (florylpicoxamid/FRAC Group 21) is the first broad-spectrum picolinamide fungicide for use against Ascomycota pathogens in major crops grown worldwide. Adavelt active features a novel target site of action in many crops with no cross-resistance to other modes of action, and it has a strong fit in existing integrated pest management programs as a resistance management tool.  Adavelt active offers preventative properties against a wide range of diseases severely impacting yield, along with curative properties when used in the early stages of infection. By adding Adavelt active to disease management programs, farmers can simplify fungal control efforts and reduce resistance risks, while protecting the yield potential and quality of crops, both now and in future seasons. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/691/provectus-algae-expands-carbon-negative-biomanufacturing-ingredients-platform-in-australia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/691/provectus-algae-expands-carbon-negative-biomanufacturing-ingredients-platform-in-australia.html Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:40:40 +0530 Provectus Algae is set to introduce a non-GMO, red and natural colorant for meat alternatives that changes color when cooked, as well as new ingredients for cosmetics market Sugar-eating organisms such as yeast and bacteria dominate industrial fermentation today. According to Australian food and cosmetic ingredients startup Provectus Algae, organisms that consume more sustainable feedstocks will be the 'predominant biomanufacturing platforms of tomorrow'. Nusqe Spanton, the CEO and founder of Nusqe, has developed a "carbon negative" growth platform that he claims can unlock the potential of algae as a source of high-value ingredients. The innovative start-up advocating decarbonizing supply chain has just secured a strategic investment from CJ Bio, part of Korean biomanufacturing giant CJ CheilJedang. Provectus Algae is set to introduce a non-GMO, red and natural colorant for meat alternatives that changes color when cooked, as well as new ingredients for cosmetics market from two demonstration plants in Australia. “Our production technology allows us to deliver a more stable red color at a price over the next two years that will be able to compete with beetroot powder. We’re expecting regulatory approvals this year in Australia, New Zealand, the US and potentially moving forward into Singapore next year. And then we’ll look at the European market” he adds. By contrast, yeast, fungi, and bacteria rely on sugar as a feedstock, an agricultural product with an environmental footprint that is also subject to pricing fluctuations that could make the economics of precision fermentation increasingly challenging. “A 200,000-liter precision fermentation facility using Pichia [yeast] making 50 tons of product generates about 250-300 tons of carbon dioxide. Whereas our facilities are carbon negative. We pump air into our reactors and the microbes capture the carbon dioxide, convert it into carbon and release oxygen and clean water. We need lighting, but if facilities run on renewable energy, you’re looking at an extremely low cost of operating and a carbon negative positioning, which we must move towards if we want to decarbonize the supply chain. But yeast cells are not well equipped to produce some of the more complex molecules found in nature, which is prompting renewed interest in algae and plant cells, which have different internal machinery” adds Spanton. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/669/malaysia-pledges-to-advance-regional-petrochemical-and-fertilizer-industries.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/669/malaysia-pledges-to-advance-regional-petrochemical-and-fertilizer-industries.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:35:00 +0530 Industry leaders shared insights into new technologies and optimization of fertilizer plants in Malaysia Over 150 representatives from across Malaysia petrochemical and fertilizer sectors gathered on 23 MArch to discuss pathways to make their industries more sustainable and competitive in the region. The initiative was programed to highlight the effects of climate change and rising food security concerns, while sharing insights into new technologies and optimisation of fertilizer plants. Industry leaders presented a collective opine on Sustainable Fertilizer Technologies at a event organised by Stamicarbon, the innovation and license company of Maire Group and a global provider of urea technology. The seminar event was supported by the Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA), Fertilizer Industry Association of Malaysia (FIAM) and Oil and Gas Asia (OGA) trade show. Discussions included government, regulatory, and corporate sectors from the region. Stamicarbon, designs and licenses fertilizer plant technologies, with urea, green ammonia, and nitric acid being the core businesses. As a global leader in fertilizer technologies, they have licensed more than 260 urea plants and realized more than 100 revamping and optimization projects. Stamicarbon aims to improve and optimize plants in every stage of their life cycle, focusing on sustainable fertilizer production. Malaysia is prioritizing role of smart fertilizers to reduce Malaysia's current heavy dependence on imported fertilizers and to increase crop yields for farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/671/bayer-presents-unprecedented-fungicide-new-business-models-and-seed-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/671/bayer-presents-unprecedented-fungicide-new-business-models-and-seed-innovation.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:08:00 +0530 Invests more than €2.8 billion per year in Research and Development (R&D) for agriculture globaly The 20th edition of Tecnoshow Comigo, a multinational agricultural trade event, will take place between the 27th and 31st of March in the municipality of Rio Verde (GO), the U.S. Participating in the major event, Bayer is presenting its Innovations in seeds, an unprecedented fungicide for soy farming, state-of-the-art digital tools and new business models at the occasion. With global investments of more than €2.8 billion per year in Research and Development (R&D) for agriculture, the multinational will present the most advanced in biotechnologies, crop protection and digital tools for the field, demonstrating directly to farmers of the region how modern solutions can contribute to the growth of agricultural production in a sustainable way. Bayer is introducing Supra , a new systemic fungicide, ideal for use in controlling diseases in soybeans. The formulation demonstrates effectiveness in different stages of the infectious process of diseases such as Asian rust, target spot, brown spot, anthracnose, cercospora and powdery mildew. Similarly, for corn, Bayer is presenting two innovative products, the insecticide Curbix® , which has a highly efficient contact effect against both leafhoppers and bedbugs, helping in the integrated management of pests, and the Verango Prime nematicide , for the effective and long-term control of nematodes in maize, such as root-knot nematode ( Pratylenchus zeae ) and root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ). To unlock new opportunities to transform agriculture, Bayer portfolio is leveraging digital field innovation solutions and many crop protection solutions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/665/ecorobotix-introduces-novel-smart-herbicide-biospray-device.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/665/ecorobotix-introduces-novel-smart-herbicide-biospray-device.html Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:09:00 +0530 UHP-spraying solution is efficient and more cost-effective solution which can be used for both selective and non-selective herbicides Ecorobotix has introduced a UHP-spraying solution for spot-spraying herbicide application, making it more efficient and more cost-effective solution which can be used for both selective and non-selective herbicides. The ARA Precision Sprayer is a revolutionary ultra-high precision sprayer with an ability to treat plant-by-plant with an unprecedented accuracy of 6x6 cm and a breakthrough in targeted herbicide delivery. ARA's technology can accurately detect, classify, and spray only individual weeds (avoiding surrounding soil and crops), thanks to its AI based plant recognition capability and ultra-high precision (UHP). Ecorobotix's UHP-spraying solution is radically different from conventional and spot-spraying herbicide application, making it more efficient and more cost-effective solution which can be used for both selective and non-selective herbicides. Under the Biospray project, ARA proved its potential for Sustainable and Non-Selective Herbicide & Pesticide Use in Agriculture. The EU-funded agROBOfood project has supported the Biospray industrial challenge project to adapt Ecorobotix's ultra-high precision technology to meet the needs of biocontrol applications and to conduct field trials for three types of applications.  The novel Biocontrol are derived from natural ingredients (such as vinegar and geranium) and offer effective crop treatment.  These simpler molecules are assumed to be highly effective herbicides and pesticides, to degrade totally (so don't remain in the soil/environment) and to require less energy to produce (reducing the CO2 footprint). "For example, 'natural' herbicides can be used to treat weeds but can also harm the crops if they were broadly sprayed so they are best delivered by an ultra-high precision sprayer which targets individual plants (spraying only weeds but not crops)", explains Steve Tanner, CTO Ecorobotix. The products can be used both in conventional farming and bio/organic farming.  However, formal homologation of these biocontrol products is still ongoing for use in organic/bio farming. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/661/adama-posts-16-sales-growth-in-fy2022.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/661/adama-posts-16-sales-growth-in-fy2022.html Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:07:35 +0530 The growth for the whole year which was led by Brazil and China reflected strong market demand for crop protection products. Israel based agrochemical major ADAMA Ltd. has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve-month period ended December 31, 2022.In the full year 2022, sales of the Company reached a record high of RMB 37.38 billion (USD 5.57 billion) million, up by 20 per cent in RMB terms and 16 per cent in USD, driven by a 16 per cent increase in prices and a 4 per cent growth in volume. The growth for the whole year which was led by Brazil and China reflected strong market demand for crop protection products. The Company reported an EBITDA of RMB 4.88 billion (USD 730 million), with a growth rate of 28 per cent in RMB and 23 per cent in U.S. dollars on a year-on-year basis. The significant increase in prices as well as the growth of sales volume for the full year outweighed the negative impact of higher costs for procurement, production and logistics, unfavourable exchange rate fluctuations and escalating operating expenses due to intensifying inflation pressure. Full Year 2022 Highlights: Sales up 16 per cent to a record-high of $5,570 million (+20 per cent in RMB terms; +19 per cent in CER terms), driven by 16 per cent higher prices and 4 per cent volume growth Improvement of Opex/Sales ratio of 19.9 per cent vs. 20.5 per cent in 2021; Adjusted operating income up 8 per cent to $458 million (RMB: +11 per cent) Adjusted EBITDA up 10 per cent to $740 million (RMB: +14 per cent) vs. $671 million in the full year of 2021. Adjusted net income amounted to $118 million; Reported net income nearly tripled to $96 million Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights: Sales down 2 per cent to $1,312 million (+9 per cent in RMB terms; +1% in CER terms), 6% higher prices and 6 per cent decrease in volume Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $129 million vs. $207 million in Q4 2021 Adjusted net loss of $42 million; Reported net loss of $22 million Ignacio Dominguez, President and CEO of ADAMA, said, "As we enter the year of 2023, we reflect on the remarkable year that was 2022. This was a year in which the crop protection market experienced exceptional growth, both in volumes, and especially in prices largely aimed to offset increases in costs. I am happy to say that ADAMA grew with the market reaching record sales and EBITDA in 2022. "As 2022 proceeded, crop commodity prices came down from their peak, maintaining historically elevated levels. This has continued into 2023, while fertilizer and energy prices declined at a slower pace, leading to lower but still historically high farmer profitability. With high inventories in the market, we anticipate a gradual return to normalization in the crop protection market towards the second half of 2023. "We believe that in 2023 farmers will continue to invest in crop protection products that bring them incremental value. In 2022 ADAMA introduced many differentiated products to the market, optimizing its offering to farmers around the globe while maintaining simplicity in doing business, and intends to continue to do so in 2023." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/648/basf-advances-innovation-pipeline-to-accelerate-agricultures-transformation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/648/basf-advances-innovation-pipeline-to-accelerate-agricultures-transformation.html Wed, 22 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0530 Expanding options for weed management, leveraging chemistry, biotech and data insights with integrated solutions BASF has unraveled the latest advancements in its agricultural innovation pipeline of crop protection, seeds and traits, and digital solutions. Their focus is to provide much-needed solutions for farmers to overcome local and crop system specific pest pressures, climate challenges, changing regulatory requirements and rising consumer expectations. Executing on its strategy in agriculture announced in 2019, the company is directing its innovations to improve outcomes for major regional crops, such as soy in the Americas, fruits and vegetables in Europe and rice in Asia Pacific. The value of the innovation pipeline remains strong, with an estimated peak sales potential of more than €7.5 billion fueled by products launched within the next ten years. “Our goal is to become an ever more integrated provider of agricultural solutions and to expand the options we can offer to farmers. This is why we continue to invest substantially across our broad pipeline of agricultural technologies, with €944 million spent on Research & Development in 2022,” said Dr. Livio Tedeschi, President of BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Farmers can continue to rely on us to innovate and deliver new active ingredients, innovative formulations, and traits to get more value from their production, both economically and environmentally.” “Our pipeline demonstrates that we are not only leveraging our deep expertise in chemistry and environmental sciences, but also matching it with leading biotechnology and digitalization approaches for next generation solutions,” added Dr. Peter Eckes, President R&D and Regulatory of BASF Agricultural Solutions. “BASF’s industry-leading weed-control pipeline is a premier example of how our multidisciplinary approach yields solutions that balance the needs of farmers, society and the environment.” Broad portfolio of solutions to improve outcomes in rice in Asia Pacific Farmers growing rice – the major crop for the main continent of Asia – face growing pressure from resistant weeds, diseases, and pest insects. BASF actively supports farmers to overcome these challenges through a broad portfolio of technologies. Multiple new chemistries and formulations are expected before mid-decade aimed at improving outcomes in rice: A new insecticide mode of action for rice hopper control is under development by BASF in collaboration with industry partners. BASF has accelerated the development of the insecticide to reach farmers in Asia Pacific by mid-decade. BASF’s new Luximo® herbicide belongs to a chemistry class that was the first new mode of action classification update introduced in the last four decades. Luximo will be launched in Indonesia in 2024, with other countries in the Asian market to follow by mid-decade. Kixor® CS is a new herbicide formulation of Kixor® Active that can be applied beyond pre-emergence to early-post, providing growers the flexibility to apply further into the season. The innovative encapsulation of the herbicide provides a physical barrier that increases crop safety while enabling long-lasting residual control of broadleaf weeds. Revysol®-based products will be launched within the next two years to control major diseases in rice such as sheath blight, and dirty panicles. These new formulations will be available to rice farmers in the region under the product names Cevya®, Mibelya®, and Revyrize®. Seltima® Plus is a disease management solution for rice with built in resistance management that will be introduced in the region in the next years. The combination of two fungicides provides yield and seed quality increases over market standards. In 2022, registration was granted in Indonesia with India, China and other countries to follow. The Provisia® rice system and Clearfield® production system for direct seeded rice enable growers to continuously make better use of the limited arable land and are an alternative to wet paddy cultivation. These yield-preserving technologies will debut in India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines in the second half of the decade. Additionally, Provisia will enter the Chinese rice market by 2025. As an introductory step, BASF announced a long-term partnership with Seedworks Philippines to introduce BASF’s non-GM trait for Provisia herbicide-tolerance into the Philippines’ hybrid rice market. This collaboration is one of ten different seed partnerships across five countries in Asia that will launch Clearfield and Provisia herbicide tolerant traits in rice. The decision-making quality of xarvio® FIELD MANAGER is continuously improving to optimize sustainable rice production in Japan. To support more efficient use of pesticides, BASF is updating the platform with new insect pest models expected to be available by 2025. Disease models will also be enhanced to support more precise fungicide timing, dosing, and product selection recommendations. Owing to the accurate, and continuously improving model-based insights, xarvio has evolved into the de facto standard tool for crop protection. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/641/albaugh-acquires-corteva-agrisciences-glyphosate-business.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/641/albaugh-acquires-corteva-agrisciences-glyphosate-business.html Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:47:59 +0530 With this latest acquisition, the company will expand its coverage of straight glyphosate DMA salt formulations and registrations globally US based Albaugh, LLC., largest privately held supplier of crop protection products in the world, has announced the acquisition of Corteva Agriscience’s straight-goods glyphosate business. The purchase includes intangible assets only, including trade names, registrations, regulatory data, formulations, patents, and know-how, used in Corteva's straight-goods glyphosate business throughout the world, with the exception of Argentina. Albaugh previously acquired Corteva’s glyphosate business in Europe. With this latest acquisition, the company will expand its coverage of straight glyphosate DMA salt formulations and registrations globally. All glyphosate DMA salt registrations will be integrated into Albaugh’s existing regional sales structure, and Albaugh's sales teams in each region look forward to working with all existing glyphosate DMA salt customers on continuing this business together. “This latest acquisition of Corteva Agriscience’s glyphosate business is a perfect fit for Albaugh,” said Jens Thorsen, Chief Marketing Officer. “This will expand our direct access to glyphosate markets in areas where we have not previously had a strong presence, including such countries as Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia, as well as supplementing our existing glyphosate offerings in the U.S., Canada and Brazil.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/536/japans-green-science-alliance-invents-fluorescent-fertilizer-using-qdnf-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/536/japans-green-science-alliance-invents-fluorescent-fertilizer-using-qdnf-technology.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:46:40 +0530 Fluorescent quantum dot nano fertilizer (QDNF) are designed to be pesticide, herbicide, or as an antibacterial residue sensor to absorb nutrients from both the soil and leaves Japan headquartered Green Science Alliance has developed a fluorescent fertilizer using super tiny materials (0.5–9 nm) called fluorescent quantum dot nano fertilizer (QDNF).  QDNF are prepared in any forms such as pesticide, herbicide, or as an antibacterial residue sensor. QDNF can also be a carrier of essential metal ( Zn, Cu, and Fe) into plants. A fluorescent plant (Japanese Musterd Greens) has been grown from seeds using QDNF.  Dr. Ryohei Mori, CEO of Green Science Alliance has synthesized graphene quantum dots with chemical composition comprising the three key fertilizer elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When such plants exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet-light and blue light irradiation, it indicates that QDNF is absorbed in plant system supporting their growth. Currently used commercial fertilizers have higher particle size, resulting in prolonged decomposition and absorption. Studies have reported that at least half of the fertilizers applied on the soil are wasted due to draining out by rain or evaporation. In contrast,  "nano fertilizer" which has particle size in the range of nanometers runs through the path between the cells of plants. Hence, the fertilizers can be absorbed in plants without the assistance of bacterial decomposition. As a result, nano fertilizers result in higher yields than commercial solid or liquid fertilizers. Since nano fertilizers can absorb nutrients from both the soil and leaves, it can also be sprayed using drones. Along with fertilizer components, nano fertilizers contain components of the pesticides, herbicides, and metals required for plant growth. Furthermore, researchers are working towards introducing recombinant genes into plants using nano fertilizers as the gene carrier. In addition, some quantum dots can act as stress sensors because their fluorescent light disappears when they react with stress-induced substances such as H 2 O 2, Ca 2+, and NO. Quantum dots on plant leaves can convert solar light into the light with a wavelength more favorable for plant growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/525/new-adama-plant-in-brazil-to-manufacture-key-fungicide-active-ingredients-ais.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/525/new-adama-plant-in-brazil-to-manufacture-key-fungicide-active-ingredients-ais.html Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:05:51 +0530 The New Multi-Purpose Plant (MPP) in Taquari (Brazil) intend to be a leading global producer of Prothioconazole in the crop protection industry ADAMA, one of the world's leading crop protection companies, has opened a new multi-purpose plant (MPP) in Taquari, Brazil. The new plant produces key active ingredients (AIs) for the crop protection industry, including Prothioconazole, an important fungicide which protects Brazil's soybean crops against Asian Soybean Rust.  In the global fungicide market, Prothioconazole accounts for $1.2 billion in sales. Over $50 million has been invested in ADAMA's new plant, of which approximately 30% went to implementing sustainable practices. With its global Prothioconazole manufacturing facilities, ADAMA is one of the top global producers and suppliers of this important molecule. With the MPP facility, ADAMA intends to launch a variety of prothioconazole-based products in Brazil within the next five years. The new plant has the capacity to fully supply its global future pipeline of Prothioconazole-based products. ARMERO, one of ADAMA Brazil's leading products, is already in production.  Bruce Morris, Head of Active Ingredients Manufacturing & Sourcing explains, "The in-house production of this key active ingredient provides ADAMA a competitive advantage in Brazil, and reduces import. Our competitive, backward-integrated capability allows us to engage in new partnerships as a major supplier in the global Prothioconazole market".  In recent years, ADAMA Brazil launched several leading products including Armero™ (fungicide); Araddo® (herbicide) and Arremate® (herbicide for pasture).  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/464/azelis-acquires-israels-lidorr-elements.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/464/azelis-acquires-israels-lidorr-elements.html Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:56:23 +0530 The acquisition expands Azelis’ footprint in Israel, further building on its growing network in the region following the acquisition of Orokia in 2020. Azelis (Brussels AZE), a leading global innovation service provider in the speciality chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Lidorr Elements (Lidorr), one of Israel's leading speciality chemical distributors in crop-protection, industrial materials, and care & nutrition. The acquisition expands Azelis’ footprint in Israel, further building on its growing network in the region following the acquisition of Orokia in 2020. Lidorr’s wide portfolio of hundreds of products significantly strengthens Azelis’ lateral value chain in the Agricultural & Environmental Solutions as well as in Advanced Materials & Additives market segments. Ami Lidor, CEO of Lidorr Elements, comments, “We are delighted to join Azelis and bring over 50 years of excellence to the Israeli market so that we can prosper together. By accessing Azelis' technical and digital capabilities, we will be able to further develop and promote innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. Joining the Azelis family offers many opportunities for synergies that will enable us to serve our customers and principals better, and outperform in the future.” Anna Bertona, Regional CEO Azelis EMEA adds, “The acquisition of Lidorr Elements is a great opportunity for Azelis to strengthen its presence in Israel in our common markets of agriculture, industrial materials and personal care. This transaction will not only provide us with many business opportunities in crop protection, polymers, and care and nutrition but also reinforce our relationships with our long-lasting and historical principals within EMEA.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/439/lier-chemicals-profit-up-by-68-97-in-2022.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/439/lier-chemicals-profit-up-by-68-97-in-2022.html Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:18:16 +0530 Lier Chemical expressed that in the face of a complex market environment in 2022, the company actively overcame adverse factors. The Chinese company, Lier Chemical achieved total revenue of ¥10.124 billion in 2022, a year-on-year growth of 55.90 per cent, a net profit attributable to shareholders of listed companies reached ¥1.812 billion, up 68.97 per cent year on year, and a non-net-profit was ¥1.852 billion, up 74.18 per cent year on year. Lier Chemical expressed that in the face of a complex market environment in 2022, the company actively overcame adverse factors such as repeated domestic epidemics, high-temperature power limit and production limit and raw material price increase to actively expand the market, stabilise the supply chain and effectively organise production. Due to the year-on-year increase in sales volume and prices of the company's main products, the company's total operating revenue, operating profit and net profit attributable to shareholders of listed companies increased respectively compared with the same period last year, and the performance increased year-on-year. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/435/icl-signs-strategic-partnership-agreement-with-general-mills.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/435/icl-signs-strategic-partnership-agreement-with-general-mills.html Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:17:11 +0530 The long-term agreement will begin in June of 2023 and will initially be focused on supply in North America. Israel based ICL, a leading global speciality minerals company, announced it will be the strategic speciality phosphate solutions supplier to General Mills. The long-term agreement will begin in June of 2023 and will initially be focused on supply in North America, with the potential for international expansion. “Our focus is always on the customer and on delivering best-in-class products, quality and service. We’re pleased General Mills appreciates our efforts and is also dedicated to providing best-in-class products to their customers,” said Phil Brown, president of ICL Phosphate Specialties and managing director of North America for ICL. “We’re looking forward to working with their R&D team to find new ways to support their product development and are excited to turn to our global innovation team for support.” “As part of our strategy to develop long-term partnerships with key suppliers, we’re excited to work with ICL and leverage their technical expertise to support our business growth plans,” said Sebastiao Pinho, global sourcing director for General Mills. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1675/smaller-and-medium-sized-markets-are-mostly-replenishing-inventories-in-2023-analysis.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1675/smaller-and-medium-sized-markets-are-mostly-replenishing-inventories-in-2023-analysis.html Mon, 02 Jan 2023 10:56:45 +0530 A report summery of Global Major Agrochemical Market Inventory Survey An "inventory survey", investigating the global major agrochemical markets’ inventory status in 2023 has been published by the leading Agropages, with the purpose of make a clearer situation judgment in the critical period of recent months, through the inventory levels, stocked products, procurement plans and supply shortages in the major agrochemical markets.  Soaring or falling prices of bulk agri-inputs in the short term is not conducive to ensuring the stability of agricultural production. "Inventory" is undoubtedly one of the key factors affecting the market trend price fluctuations this year, and the speed of inventory reduction will also affect the market trend in the rest of this year and next year.  The samples are distributed in different countries from Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia to Africa, covering upstream and downstream enterprises such as manufacturers, trading companies, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and large growers. The product categories cover herbicides, fungicides, Insecticides, fertilizers and other types.  Moving forward to interpret the key inventory survey findings and connect the points behind the data. For example, higher inventory levels directly pressing on trading companies and wholesalers reflect market dynamics. Such contextual analysis intends to reveal the cause-effect relations and empower agribusinesses to navigate effectively, especially trading companies and manufacturers of overstocked herbicides facing current acute pressures. By logically considering through survey quantification, this report aims for readers to obtain an understanding of the global agrochemical market for critical decision-making. The comparation of inventory rate in different regions The data shows that Latin America and Asia (excluding China & India) facing greater inventory pressure with higher average inventory rates of 40-50% , while Southeast Asia, India, and Africa are around 30-40% on average currently. US and European respondents reported lower average inventory rates under 30%. Overstocked status The survey responses indicate the most overstocked agrochemical categories presently are herbicides and insecticides. Looking at the specific products, Glyphosate, Azoxystrobin and Abamectin have the highest number of mentions for being in excess. Inventory rates of different industry players Comparing the average inventory rate of different samples’ positions in the agrochemical industry, the Trading companies carry the highest at 47%, then Manufacturers and Wholesalers both at 38%. Trading companies and Wholesalers play a vital role linking upstream production to downstream markets; Keeping inventory levels in moderation to support sales but not tie up too much working capital is an ongoing balancing act for Trading companies and Wholesalers in agricultural inputs. However, there is also large gap between the maximum and minimum inventory level among companies in the same segments. Overview of Regional Procurement Plans The survey highlights that most companies in Latin America, Southeast Asia and India plan purchases on an as-needed basis for advance replenishing to meet in-season demand rather than pre-stocking excess volumes this year. There might be some procurement concentrated in Q1 2024, especially from February to March.  In summary, the overall inventory level is high this year; The stocked products are mainly herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. This year may only be a stage of replenishment, concentrated procurement is not expected for the rest of 2023. In comparison, companies in Asia and Latin America are more optimistic with relatively proactive procurement plans, expecting gradual improvement from February to March 2024. Those in North America and Europe are recovering slower due to inflation.  Entering 2024, the agricultural market is expected to restore gradually, driving agrochemical procurement recover to help reduce inventories. This suggests potential geographic, supply chain, or temporal mismatches between inventory buildups and agricultural demand ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/343/lier-chemical-plans-to-launch-glyphosate-as-and-pesticide-technical-projects.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/343/lier-chemical-plans-to-launch-glyphosate-as-and-pesticide-technical-projects.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:46:21 +0530 The company is divided into the Matang plant (currently no production project), the East Plant of Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park and the West Plant of Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park. China’s Kuaida agrochemical’s annual output of 5,200 tons of pesticide technical, 5,000 tons of Benzoyl chloride, 8,000 tons of Glyphosate AS and 15,932 tons of by-products of the technical transformation project’s environmental impact assessment was published for the first time on the company's website. Kuaida is now a joint-stock company with 51 per cent shares held by Lier Chemical. It has more than 50 varieties of three series of pesticide products, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, and more than 80 varieties of pesticide, medicine and dye chemical intermediates such as Acyl chloride series and photogasification products.  The company is divided into the Matang plant (currently no production project), the East Plant of Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park and the West Plant of Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park. Among them, the East plant has built 50,000 t/a photogasification products, annual output of 2,750 tons of pesticides and intermediates, 3,781 tons of by-products and an annual output of 6,150 tons of pesticide formulations and supporting the construction of public auxiliary engineering and environmental protection facilities, which have passed the acceptance. The project of 2850 t/a pesticide formulation has been tested and accepted. The 11,000 t/a pesticide formulation technical transformation project has been approved. At present, 3,000 tons/year of Chlorpyrifos technical, 5,000 t/a of Chlorpyrifos EC 5,000 t/a of Benzoyl chloride and 300 t/a of Quinclorac in the West Plant have passed environmental acceptance. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/306/azelis-establishes-its-presence-in-bangladesh.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/306/azelis-establishes-its-presence-in-bangladesh.html Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:49:17 +0530 Azelis’ Bangladesh office serves the pharma, food, agricultural, CASE and personal care markets. Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the chemicals and food ingredients industry has announced the opening of its first office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is an integral part of the group’s organic growth strategy to strengthen its footprint across the South Asian continent and provide additional solutions and expertise to customers. Azelis’ rapid growth in South Asia, along with the support of its partners, enabled Azelis to further invest in its geographical expansion. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Bangladesh is an important hub that offers many new business opportunities in key markets across the life sciences and industrial chemicals industries. Azelis’ Bangladesh office serves the pharma, food, agricultural, CASE and personal care markets, complementing its more than 30 offices across the region. This new expansion brings Azelis closer to its customers in Bangladesh, deepening customer intimacy and supporting growth in Asia Pacific, while also enabling closer collaboration with partners and reducing complexity for their sales organization. Aparna Khurana, Azelis India Managing Director, said, “Expanding into Bangladesh is a strong reflection of our commitment to organic business growth and remaining a leader in our industry through providing innovative solutions to a wider audience.” Vivek Pandey, Bangladesh Country Manager, said, “Through our new Bangladesh office, we aim to support our existing principals by bringing their product portfolio to a larger audience, leading to new and untapped opportunities in a market with high potential. We will also be able to better support local customers directly, by bringing our sales capabilities, technical expertise and supply chain solutions closer to them, along with better sourcing and product availability, as we collaborate to develop solutions that meet their needs.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/295/production-of-primary-crops-in-the-world-up-by-52-from-2000-to-2020-fao.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/295/production-of-primary-crops-in-the-world-up-by-52-from-2000-to-2020-fao.html Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:42:22 +0530 Global pesticide use peaked in 2012 and began declining in 2017, reveals FAO's Annual Statistical Yearbook The production of primary crops in the world, such as sugarcane, maize, wheat and rice, grew by 52 per cent from 2000 to 2020 to reach 9.3 billion tonne, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) annual Statistical Yearbook. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) published its annual Statistical Yearbook. FAO Yearbook stated vegetable oil production increased by 125 per cent over the period, with palm oil output growing by 236 per cent. Meat output, led by chicken, grew by 45 per cent, while the growth rate for fruits and vegetables was 20 per cent or below. Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop by volume, with 1. 9 billion tonnes annually. Maize is next at 1.2 billion tonnes. Global food exports have risen to $1.42 trillion, up by a factor of 3.7 since 2000. Worldwide, the largest food-exporting countries in gross terms are the United States of America, the Netherlands and China. The largest exporters in net terms were Brazil, by far, followed by Argentina and Spain. The largest net importing countries were China, Japan and the United Kingdom. Some 4.74 billion hectare of the planet’s surface is agricultural land, including meadows and pastures as well as crops. That figure is down 3 per cent from 2000, but down six times as much in per capita terms, with Africa again in the lead. Worldwide pesticide use peaked in 2012 and began declining in 2017. The countries with the highest pesticide application per hectare are Saint Lucia, Maldives and Oman. According to the report, Dietary energy supply, a key indicator for food security, went up in all regions since 2000 and did so the most in Asia. The world average is now 2 960 calories per person per day, up 9 per cent, with the level peaking at 3 540 calories per day per person in Europe and North America. Today, some 866 million people work in agriculture, more than a quarter of the global workforce, and produced $3.6 trillion in value-added. Compared to 2000, those figures represent a 78 per cent increase in economic value, produced by 16 per cent fewer people, with Africa posting double that pace of growth. The report says the Average temperature in 2021 was 1.44 °C hotter than the average from 1951 to 1980. Europe has had the highest temperature change, followed by Asia, with Oceania reporting by far the least change. Greenhouse gas emissions on agricultural land declined by 4 per cent between 2000 and 2020, with 70 per cent of them generated within the farm gate. Cattle and sheep meat account for most carbon dioxide emissions, with cattle averaging 50 times more than chicken. The emissions intensity of cereals is much lower, although rice emits more than five times more than wheat and coarse grains. The rate of greenhouse gas emissions changes significantly across regions, reflecting large differences in efficiencies of production. For instance, the emissions intensity of cattle meat in Africa is almost four times as great as in Europe. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/271/nouryon-acquires-alkoxylation-plant-in-singapore.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/271/nouryon-acquires-alkoxylation-plant-in-singapore.html Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:25:54 +0530 The alkoxylation plant in Singapore will enhance our ability to serve fast-growing end markets in the Asia Pacific.   Nouryon announced that it has expanded its alkoxylation footprint in Southeast Asia through an asset purchase on Jurong Island, Singapore. The acquired plant will enhance Nouryon’s ability to serve growing regional customer demand in key end-markets including Agriculture and Food, Home and Personal Care, Natural Resources and Paints and Coatings. “This acquisition of a speciality surfactant alkoxylation plant in Singapore will enhance our ability to serve fast-growing end-markets in Asia Pacific and adds to our existing alkoxylation network of manufacturing facilities in China, Sweden and the United States,” said Larry Ryan, Nouryon Executive Vice President and President, Performance Formulations and the Americas. “We will continue to look at strategic opportunities to expand our manufacturing footprint and product offering to serve customers and support company growth.”  The new site adds to Nouryon’s manufacturing operations in Southeast Asia, supports the company’s Emerging Markets growth strategy and is backed by its leadership and business team based in Singapore. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/269/china-to-reduce-use-of-pesticide-by-10.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/269/china-to-reduce-use-of-pesticide-by-10.html Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:59:04 +0530 Agriculture Ministry decided to cut the use of pesticides on rice, wheat and corn by 5 per cent and increase the use of organic fertilisers by 2025. China to reduce the use of pesticides in the cultivation of vegetables and fruit by 10 per cent within three years, according to China’s Ministry of Agriculture. China is one of the largest users of pesticides, and overuse of pesticides can spoil the quality of the soil. Agriculture Ministry decided to cut the use of pesticides on rice, wheat and corn by 5 per cent and increase the use of organic fertilisers by 2025. China is handling the problem since 2015 and started a campaign to decline the use of chemicals by 2020. Since then use of pesticides and fertilisers has dropped by 16.8 per cent and 13.8 per cent in 2021. China will focus on the use of biopesticides by more than 55 per cent to protect crops from pests and disease by 2025. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/228/adama-bags-crop-science-award-for-araddo-herbicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/228/adama-bags-crop-science-award-for-araddo-herbicide.html Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:37:33 +0530 The company plans to expand into additional markets across Latin America, following Araddo® successful 2021 launch in Brazil. Israel-based crop protection company ADAMA was recently recognized for its innovative Araddo® herbicide, winning the prestigious award for Best Formulation Innovation at this year’s IHS Markit Crop Science Forum and Awards. The news comes as ADAMA registers Araddo® for sales in Paraguay and plans to expand into additional markets across Latin America, following its successful 2021 launch in Brazil. Farmers in Latin America are increasingly concerned about the spread of three weeds – Conyza, Sourgrass, and Goosegrass – which are advancing across agricultural areas and showing signs of resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides. Araddo®, a pre-crop, burndown dual-mode herbicide, effectively controls grasses and broadleaf weeds such as these and helps overcome the growing resistance problem. This innovative mixture for soybean, corn, and wheat crops, enables farmers in Brazil, and now Paraguay, to achieve higher crop yields. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our ground-breaking Araddo®, which is the first to combine ACC’ase Inhibition and Auxin herbicidal modes of action, overcoming the chemical degradation between the two active ingredients. Our focus on cutting-edge formulation technologies enables us to bring differentiation to our portfolio and add value to the farmers,” said Alexandre Pires, Head of Marketing of ADAMA Brazil. Previously, the common use of Auxins required a safety interval of 10 to 30 days between application and planting. However, Araddo® allows farmers to spray and plant immediately, benefiting from gains in time and the ability to take advantage of the best possible planting window, resulting in higher productivity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/186/icl-posts-net-income-of-633-million-in-q3-fy22-23.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/186/icl-posts-net-income-of-633-million-in-q3-fy22-23.html Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:48:12 +0530 Company’s consolidated sales of $2,519 million were up 41 per cent year-over-year versus $1,790 million. Israel based leading global specialty minerals company, ICL reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. Consolidated sales of $2,519 million were up 41 per cent year-over-year versus $1,790 million. Operating income of $935 million was up 191 per cent versus $321 million, while adjusted operating income of $928 million was up 195 per cent versus $315 million. Net income of $633 million was up 181 per cent, while adjusted net income of $628 million was up 192 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA of $1,049 million was up 139 per cent versus $438 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 41.6 per cent was up versus 24 per cent. Earnings per share of $0.49 were up 188 per cent versus $0.17. Once again, ICL’s focus on long-term specialties solutions benefitted the company, as did additional upside from commodity prices, which began to ease following record-setting rates in the first half of the year. “ICL delivered another quarter of record results, with record third quarter and year-to-date sales, operating income, EBITDA, operating cash flow and net profit, as well as a new production record at our Dead Sea site and year-to-date records for free cash flow and EPS. All three of our specialties businesses delivered record third quarter results, even with shifts in demand and continued global supply chain challenges,” said Raviv Zoller, president and CEO of ICL. “Our third quarter results reinforce our recent investor day message, which stressed our commitment to growing our leadership position across our differentiated businesses, as these represent significant long-term opportunities for ICL to deliver sustainable shareholder value.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/180/iffco-cg-corp-launches-nano-urea-in-nepal.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/180/iffco-cg-corp-launches-nano-urea-in-nepal.html Mon, 14 Nov 2022 13:13:14 +0530 IFFCO CG Corp launched Nano urea in Nepal to boost crop cultivation and increase productivity. Former Union Minister of India Suresh Prabhu launched the product at an event in Kathmandu.  IFFCO’s Marketing Director Yogendra Kumar, Nirvan Choudhary, MD, CG Corp, Nepal were also present. IFFCO MD Dr U.S. Awasthi announced it on their official tweeter handle.   To make Nano urea available to the farmers in Nepal, IFFCO has tied up with the leading company C G Corp- a leading enterprise comprising over 160 companies and 123 brands in the global market with a strength of over 1500 employees. C G Corp is a company born and growing in Nepal with an aim to take Nepalese businesses to the world. Its bear recalling that Nano Urea has already made its mark in several foreign countries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/176/yunnan-university-cabi-to-establish-lab-for-food-security-in-southwest-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/176/yunnan-university-cabi-to-establish-lab-for-food-security-in-southwest-china.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 14:47:24 +0530 The new facility will make enhanced contributions to biosecurity and ecological development in the region. Yunnan Agricultural University  (YAU) and CABI have agreed to establish the Yunnan-CABI Joint Laboratory for Integrated Prevention and Control of Transboundary Pests to help ensure greater food security in Southwest China. The new facility, which will also make enhanced contributions to biosecurity and ecological development in the region, has been created under the framework of the China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection (IPP), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). It will strengthen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation between CABI and YAU in the field of plant protection and biosafety. It will also promote the existing talents, platforms and technological advantages of both parties for mutual benefit and common development. Yunnan Province is not only the main producing area of paddy rice, tea and tropical fruit in the world but also the major pathway for many transboundary pests and diseases such as Crofton weed, fall armyworm, yellow-spined bamboo locust, fruit flies, rice planthopper, southern black-streaked dwarf disease of rice and wheat blast to enter mainland China. Prof Yonghe Li, President of YAU, said, “The purpose of the Yunnan Laboratory is to strengthen international cooperation and establish a transboundary pest management laboratory in Yunnan Province. This will radiate to Southeast Asia, South Asia and other regions, so as to ensure food security, biosecurity and ecological security.” A plaque to mark the opening of the Yunnan Laboratory was unveiled by Prof Youyong Zhu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, YAU, and Dr Feng Zhang, CABI’s Regional Director, East & South-East Asia, during the International Symposium on Joint Management of Cross-border Crop Pests in China and Southeast Asian Countries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/147/chinas-maxunitech-acquires-shares-of-inner-mongolia-shijie-chemical.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/147/chinas-maxunitech-acquires-shares-of-inner-mongolia-shijie-chemical.html Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:14:56 +0530 China’s agrochemical company Maxunitech has acquired the majority shares of Inner Mongolia Shijie Chemical with its own funds to control this company. Inner Mongolia, Shijie is a manufacturing enterprise integrating the research, development, production and sales of pesticides and fine chemicals. Shijie also has production lines of Sulfentrazone, Flumioxazin and several chemical intermediates. Maxunitech lnc, which was established in 2000, is a multinational enterprise engaged in plant protection, water ecological restoration and reconstruction, and environmental engineering. Maxunitech lnc already has the production capacity of Sulfentrazone and Flumioxazin. However, after holding the shares of Shijie Chemical, Maxunitech lnc will jump to the forefront of the world with an annual production capacity of 4,000 tons of Sulfentrazone and 3,000 tons of Flumioxazin. Dr Huang, the general manager of Maxunitech, expressed that the company has conducted product registration and market layout in North America, South America, Australia, China and other major agrochemical markets around soybeans, sugarcane, cotton, wheat and other crops and non-agricultural markets in North America and China, creating a product portfolio for specific markets and crops to meet the needs of customers and farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/53/dutv-announces-acquisition-of-feed-earth-now.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/53/dutv-announces-acquisition-of-feed-earth-now.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:52:54 +0530 As part of the agreement, an additional 84 million restricted shares of DUTV were authorised and are being placed into Escrow Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc (DUTV), has announced the execution of an agreement with Feed Earth Now, LLC, a privately owned limited liability company of Skokie, IL, in which, as part of the agreement, DUTV will become the majority shareholder. Also, as part of the agreement, an additional 84 million restricted shares of DUTV were authorised and are being placed into Escrow. For the last 10 years, Feed Earth Now, LLC (FEN) have been developing a revolutionary, proprietary soil microbe formula (Terreplenish) from food waste that absorbs plant-available nitrates through absorbing atmospheric N2, and other beneficial microbes that thrive in soils and assist with enhanced plant growth and disease control while releasing tied up legacy phosphorus already in the soil. This Terreplenish microbe formula in essence pulls 1/3 of the much-needed fertiliser for agricultural crops from the air, versus requiring it to be manufactured in large factories utilising CO2 emitting fossil fuels. The Terreplenish Microbial product has been commercially available in limited quantities to end-use customers for several years.  Mark Gaalswyk, CEO of Easy Energy Systems, Inc, observed the technology and then developed a factory built Modular System to fully automate the entire process of making the Terreplenish microbe product from green waste material.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/52/improving-agi-business-value-chain-through-better-nutrition-management.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/52/improving-agi-business-value-chain-through-better-nutrition-management.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:51:52 +0530 By Mahesh Girdhar President – Crop Nutrition, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Agriculture being backbone of the country, and economic development being directly impacted by growth in agriculture sector, makes all agri value chain equally responsible to continuously work on products output and innovation.  Use of balance nutrition and nutrient use efficiency will help farmer to increase quality, quantity and shelf life of their produce and help agri value chain. There has been significant focus on improving agricultural production and a lot has been achieved. However, a large portion of food is lost at the end of the supply chain, known as food waste. “Food waste” can be defined as food discarded or alternatively the intentional non-food use of the food or due to spoilage/expiration of food. Globally, around 14 percent of food produced is lost between harvest and retail. This equates to a loss of $400 billion per year in food value, while an estimated 17 percent of total global food production is wasted (11 percent in households, 5 percent in the food service and 2 percent in retail).  In India around 90000 Cr value farm produce is wasted every year. Food loss includes the food loss across the food supply chain from harvesting of crops until its consumption. The losses can broadly be categorized as weight loss due to spoilage, quality loss, nutritional loss, seed viability loss, and commercial loss. Magnitude of food losses in the food supply chain vary greatly among different crops, areas, and economies. a significant amount of produce is lost in postharvest operations due to a lack of agriculture nutrition knowledge, in efficient use of fertilizer, inadequate harvesting technology and poor storage infrastructure.  Significant percentage of post-harvest losses can be controlled through improving pre harvest factors which are causing losses. We can improve post-harvest losses through intervention in the field production to a large extent. This needs improvised intervention during in field operations. One Such intervention to improve pre harvest is supplying balanced nutrition which significantly improves Quality, yield and shelf life which will help to reduce losses in the agri value chain. Role of Balance Nutrition Crop requires an adequate supply of all essential nutrients for optimum growth. If more than one is limiting/short, growth is determined by the nutrient which is in lowest/limited supply. Seventeen essential Nutrients are required for optimal growth and development of plants. A deficiency of even one Nutrient negatively affects the crop’s life cycle. This has been explained justly by the ‘Law of the Minimum – Liebig Principle’.   This is similar to the fact that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If several nutrients are in short supply, it is necessary to apply all of them to derive optimum production. Balanced plant nutrition (BPN) is an integrated approach to meet the nutritional requirements of the crop throughout its lifecycle. Use of BNP will help in maximizing crop yield and Crop shelf life. Providing balanced nutrition to crops throughout their growing season encompasses all aspects of the 4R stewardship.  Essential Nutrients are required to be available to crops at the right time, at right dose through right Source and at right stage of crop. The productivity, quality & shelf life of produce depends on how nutrient balancing is happening in crops because balanced nutrition plays an important role in increasing the shelf life of the produce. Shelf life of produce increased due to increase in total dry matter or total soluble solid and for increasing the dry matter, there is need of NPKS and micronutrients in balanced proportion. With aim in Increasing farmer Income through use of Innovative fertiliser technology. Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL) started journey of developing innovative nutrient solutions since 2018. We first launched a high nutrient use efficiency solution by name of Smartek.  Then we have started introducing crop specific and stage specific balance nutrition solution with brand name Croptek (Crop nutrient solution with all essential major and Micro nutrient) and Solutek (crop and stage Specific product with required nutrient for crops). Nutrient Unlock Technology (NUT) which unlocks nutrients and enhances bio-availability there by enhancing nutrient use efficiency. By adopting these balance nutrition solutions and Nutrient use efficiency, farmers can minimize wastage and under-dosing of the required nutrients at different stages of the crop growth. Our Croptek Onion which launched in November last year.  Onion Crop Shows improved growth parameters like plant height and number of leaves, neck thickness and overall vigour of crop. This led to significant increase in marketable A&B quality onion over farmer practices. There is also increase in shelf life for more than 6 months.  All above factors have contributed to farmer increase absolute marketable produce and flexibility to sell at right market price.  Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited has developed and Launched Crop & stage specific Water-soluble solution Called Solutek based on 3-4 years of internal research and it is validated through various Institute. Soultek is research-based solution containing balanced nutrition as required at different stages of plant growth. Solutek helped farmers to reduce the cost of fertiliser application. Farmer realises   increase in yield, good quality, colour and increased shelf life in all crops. This helps farmer to realise well in export market. There is significant reduction in greenhouse gas emission that leads to lower greenhouse gases, soil pollution and improvement in Soil health. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/51/seipasa-launches-fungisei-biofungicide-in-france.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/51/seipasa-launches-fungisei-biofungicide-in-france.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:47:11 +0530 With this step, the Spanish company provides farmers with a unique, differential solution in the market segment for controlling diseases Seipasa, a Spanish company specialized in the development, formulation and manufacture of bioinsecticides, biofungicides, biostimulants and fertilizers, has announced the launch of its Fungisei biofungicide in France after obtaining its phytosanitary registration. With this step, the Spanish company provides farmers with a unique, differential solution in the market segment for controlling diseases such as botrytis, powdery mildew, and mildew in a wide variety of crops. In addition to France, Fungisei now forms part of the catalogue of tools available to producers in the farming systems of Mexico, USA, Peru, Turkey, Morocco, or Côte d’Ivoire. Fungisei is a microbiological fungicide developed from a highly efficient strain of Bacillus subtilis, whose formulation is patented by Seipasa. For Dr Inmaculada del Castillo, Head of Seipasa’s Microbiology Department, “the exclusive Furity technology applied by Seipasa guarantees the microbial stability of the active ingredient for the two-year shelf life required for phytosanitary products, in a liquid formulation free of chemical preservatives.” Pepe Martínez, Seipasa’s Business Development Manager in Europe said, “With Fungisei we are providing fruit and vegetable producers with a revolutionary tool with an extraordinary high added value within the disease control segment. It is not just that the product is highly effective, on top of that its patented formulation and Furity technology guarantees the product’s homogeneity in any conditions and its stability over a wide range of temperatures.”Natural Technology DNA Martinez also underlined that Fungisei is a product with Seipasa’s DNA, capable of encapsulating all the innovation of the company’s Natural Technology in one single solution. Fungisei is classed as a low-risk product by the European Commission and commented that within the framework of EU crop protection there are only 35 active ingredients with this classification out of a total of 452 substances. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/50/adama-launches-chrome-broad-spectrum-herbicide-for-winter-cereals.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/50/adama-launches-chrome-broad-spectrum-herbicide-for-winter-cereals.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:45:04 +0530 Chrome is currently registered in the Czech Republic and is expected to be available later this year in additional countries across the region such as Germany, France, Poland and the UK. ADAMA Ltd, a leading global crop protection company, announced the launch of Chrome®, a ready-to-use broad spectrum weed control solution that combines three complementary Modes-of-Action in a single product that is effective for all main winter cereal crops. Chrome is a liquid herbicide composed of a pre-mixture of three active ingredients (AI’s) Flufenacet, Diflufenican, and Chlorotoluron, which together help manage resistance issues in grass and broadleaf weeds, delivering long term weed control. As a ready-to-use formulation, Chrome is simple to use, while providing farmers the flexibility to add complementary solutions in the tank mix. Chrome® builds upon the success of ADAMA’s Merkur®, a pre-mixture of Flufenacet, Diflufenican and Pendimethalin which is registered in multiple EU countries. “Farmers in Europe need an effective broad-spectrum herbicide and a weed resistance management tool, as many herbicides are being removed from the market due to increasing regulatory restrictions, thus limiting their options.” said Renato Castagna, Head of Portfolio for ADAMA Europe. Both products broad-spectrum efficacy has been confirmed in over 140 field development trials across the EU and the UK, making it a complementary part of a full herbicide program for cereals. The wide application window, long lasting performance, and superior formulation provide farmers ease of use, while its mixability allows them to create a full crop treatment program. Chrome is currently registered in the Czech Republic and is expected to be available later this year in additional countries across the region such as Germany, France, Poland and the UK. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/10/chandigarh-university-develops-a-bio-insecticide-spray-to-protect-fruits.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/10/chandigarh-university-develops-a-bio-insecticide-spray-to-protect-fruits.html Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:53:04 +0530 Bio-insecticide will be effective in preventing the outbreak of fruit flies in guava and mangoes. Dr Seema Ramnivas and Dr Divya Singh of the Department for Research and Development, Chandigarh University have developed a bio-insecticide spray, which will be effective in preventing rotting of fruits. While giving information about Bio Insecticides, Dr Divya said that the use of chemicals to control fruit fly is harmful to the consumers, as it leaves a toxic residue on the fruits. In such a situation, this bio-pesticide developed by the university will prove to be a boon for consumers and gardeners, because it will not cause any harm to health due to its biological nature, while it will be effective in preventing the outbreak of fruit flies. Fruits like guava and mango are cultivated in various states of India including Punjab. Guava is cultivated in an area of 8,000 hectares in Punjab alone, but the horticulture sector has been severely affected by the attack of fruit bees (Bactrocera dorsalis) in the past few decades. Most guava growers face low yields during the rainy season due to infestations of fruit flies and insects. Especially during the rainy season, fruit flies cause a loss of 27 to 42 per cent to the gardeners, while they have to suffer up to 80 percent of the loss during the rainy season. If Punjab is considered, then farmers of the state have to suffer up to 70 percent loss in fruit production due to not taking proper measures. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “The bio-pesticide spray developed by the faculty of the university would prove to be effective in tackling the challenges faced by the fruit growers.” He further said that a budget provision of Rs 12 crore has been made by Chandigarh University to encourage its students towards research and as an institution. “We also have a responsibility towards the society and various projects have been started at the social level by the faculty and students of the university.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/9/6-cr-bottles-of-nano-urea-will-be-produced-in-fy-2022-23-fertilizer-ministry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/9/6-cr-bottles-of-nano-urea-will-be-produced-in-fy-2022-23-fertilizer-ministry.html Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:44:34 +0530 A total of 3.27 crore bottles of Nano Urea sold between 1 August 2021 to 10 August 2022. Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed progress of Nano Urea (liquid) production and sales for the FY 2022-23. During the meeting he also reviewed progress of nano urea in terms of acceptability by the farmers, its production, supply plan and steps initiated by Dept. of Fertilizers (DoF) for enhancing its reach to farmers and retailers. The Minister was apprised that during the period from 1st April, 2022 to 10th August, 2022 nano urea production and dispatches had been 1.23 crore bottles. From 1st August 2021, a total of 3.27 crore bottles have been sold, of which 2.15 crore bottles were sold during FY 2021-22 and 1.125 crore bottles (500 mL) during FY 2022-22 up to 10th August 2022.  The existing unit of nano urea has a production capacity of 1.5 lakh bottles per day. From September – December, 2022 and January – March 2023; additional 4.60 crore bottles will be produced. Thus, during the FY 2022-23, about 6.0 crore bottles of nano urea will be produced and made available to farmers. These 6.0 crore bottles will be equivalent to 27 lakh MT quantity of conventional urea. During the review, Dr Mandaviya observed that nano urea is now being widely accepted by farmers across the country. He stated that with the inclusion of Nano Urea in the monthly supply plan of the states by Dept. of Fertilizers, its availability and reach to the farmers will increase manifold. The Minister directed the department officials for promotion of Nano urea in mission mode to harness its benefits. He also directed for sensitization of retailers by organizing retailers’ meetings at periodic intervals in coordination with other state departments. He also pointed out that nano urea promotion and its acceptance by the farmers will indeed be a game changer for the fertilizer scenario of the country. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/8/icrisat-alumnus-prof-rajeev-varshney-to-receive-the-2022-international-crop-science-award.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/8/icrisat-alumnus-prof-rajeev-varshney-to-receive-the-2022-international-crop-science-award.html Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:40:29 +0530 Prof Varshney will receive award for his innovation in bringing improvements to crop science, primarily based on his work at ICRISAT during his 17-year tenure. Prof. Varshney will receive the prestigious International Crop Science Award from the Crop Science Society of America for his innovation in bringing improvements to crop science, primarily based on his work at ICRISAT during his 17-year tenure. Each year the Crop Science Society of America honours and celebrates the achievements of crop scientists to recognize excellence and leadership in research, education, industry, and mentorship; and bestows the prestigious designation of Fellow. At the 2022 Annual Meeting at the Awards Breakfast on November 9, Prof. Varshney will receive a personalized poster of the award added to the Awards Hall of Fame in Baltimore, United States. Prof. Varshney thanked the present and previous leadership of ICRISAT for their support and guidance during his tenure. “I cherish my stint at ICRISAT, working with outstanding researchers and collaborating with partners in Asia and Africa, which is resulting in recognition for me. I will always be a strong supporter of ICRISAT’s impact-oriented research,” said Prof Varshney. Prof. Varshney’s research at ICRISAT contributed to significant positive impacts on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in many developing countries in Asia and Africa. Late last year, he joined Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute as Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation. He is also the Director of the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch and the University’s International Chair in Agriculture and Food Security. Prof. Varshney has also been invited to deliver a Plenary Talk at the prestigious International Plant and Animal Genome (PAG 30) Conference in San Diego in January next year. Previous speakers at the conference include Noble Laureates and Fellows of Royal Society/ US National Academy of Sciences. In his plenary talk, Prof. Varshney will present his landmark contributions in integrating advanced genome discoveries in crop improvement for delivering climate resilient, high-yielding, and nutritious varieties to industry and farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1921/nutrien-ag-solution-launches-new-liquid-fertiliser-bulk-n-storage-facility-in-western-australia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/1/1921/nutrien-ag-solution-launches-new-liquid-fertiliser-bulk-n-storage-facility-in-western-australia.html Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:50:00 +0530 New facility for Urea Ammonium Nitrate with the capacity 50,000mt Nutrien Ag Solutions has expanded its fertiliser business, with the launch of a new liquid fertiliser Bulk N (Urea Ammonium Nitrate) storage facility to sure up access for WA farmers to a vital crop input. With the facility located at Kwinana, Nutrien Ag Solutions Managing Director Rob Clayton says West Australian farmers are the beneficiary of this significant investment in capacity. “This increase in the supply and consistency of Bulk N in WA is about setting farmers up for success and reflects our confidence in the future growth of the industry here in Australia,” says Clayton. The long-term bulk storage and services agreement between Nutrien Ag Solutions and local WA company, Coogee Chemicals, has increased Nutrien’s liquid storage capacity in WA to 50,000mt – complementing its granular fertiliser storage capacity of more than 200,000mt across an additional five depot locations in WA. The Bulk N facility was commissioned in June 2021 in preparation for the expected strong in-season demand. Nutrien Ag Solutions West Region Manager Andrew Duperouzel says Nutrien Ag Solutions is focused on making investments to safeguard growers in the face of global uncertainty. ]]>