NEXT GENERATION OF INDIAN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE 2014

Venue : HALL - D, CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex,Avinashi Road, Coimbatore, INDIA

Strategic Consultant Supported by Organized by

AGRI INTEX 2014 CONFERENCE

NEXT GENERATION OF INDIAN AGRICULTURESecond Edition

Date : 19th July, 2014Time : 9.30 AM - 6.30 PM

SOUVENIR

"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains

its original dimensions" - Oliver Wendell Holmes



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Keynote Presentations that can'Transform Indian Agriculture'

CONFERENCE SESSIONSSESSION – 1

SESSION - 2

9:30 to 10:00 AM - Inauguration

10:00 to 10:30 AM - Mr. Narayan Vellayan.

'Organic Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture'

10:45 to 11:15 AM - Mr. Mahesh Kumar R. 'Biological Crop Protection and Natural

Pollination'

11:30 to 11:45 AM - Tea Break

11:45 to 12:15 AM - Lt Cdr (Retd) CV Prakash. 'Commercial Hydroponics'

12:30 to 1:00 PM - Dr. Gnana Sekar R. 'Opportunities in dairy farming'

1:15 to 2:00 PM - Lunch Break

2:00 to 2:30 PM - Dr. Senthil Chinnasamy. 'Algae Biofuels'

2:45 to 3:15 PM - Lt Cdr (Retd) Lokanathan Nagahari Krishna. 'Cold Storage

Solutions for Agriculture'

3:30 to 4:00 PM - Mr. Ravi Saraogi. 'Mobile Tools for Agribusiness'

4:00 to 4:15 PM - Tea Break

4:15 to 4:45 PM - Mr. Pradeep Sharma. 'KBL Solar Pumping System'

5:00 to 5:30 PM - Dr. Arunkumar K.R. 'Opportunities in Farm Mechanization'

5: 45 to 6:30 PM - Conclusion



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Mr. Narayan VellayanHead - Organic Fertilizers & Waste ManagementCoromandel International Ltd.,

Mr. Narayanan Vellayan is the founder and head of organic fertilizers and waste management SBU in Coromandel International Ltd, a Murugappa Group Company. Mr. Narayanan hail from the promoters’ family of Murugappa Group, which was founded in 1900, the USD 4 billion Murugappa Group, is one of India's leading business conglomerates. The Group has 28 businesses including fertilizers, sugar and organic fertilizers as a core products range.

Mr. Narayanan on completion of his schooling joined Bristol University for his Law Degree. He served as an associate with KPMG, London for 2 years before joining Coromandel. He has been instrumental in setting up waste management business in Coromandel which he now leads and mentors. Mr. Narayanan has played an advisory role in designing suitable waste management strategy for the cities of Chennai and Pondicherry in India.

Mr. Narayanan was invited by World Bank, Hanoi and delivered his key note address on “Success story of one of the largest organic compost markets” on behalf of India in their “Waste workshop” organized on 13th November, 2013 at Hanoi, Vietnam.

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MR. MAHESH KUMAR R,TECHNICAL SALES CONSULTANT,KOPPERT BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Mr. Mahesh Kumar R is currently working at Koppert as technical sales consultant on biological control of pests and diseases by using predators, parasitoids, microbes, natural pollination by bumble bee and rejuvenation of soil health through microbes. Mr. Mahesh kumar completed his Master of Science in Nematology at Gent University, Belgium and Wageningen University, Netherlands and is a recipient of Erasmus Mundus grant for the Master of Science in Nematology, 2010-2012. Koppert is the international market leader in the field of biological crop protection and natural pollination. Koppert has a reputation internationally for reliability, innovation and quality. Koppert’s ongoing research and continuous production of beneficials and pollinators contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture and horticulture world-wide.

S P E A K E R P R O F I L E

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LT CDR (RETD) CV PRAKASH, CEO, PET BHARO PROJECT

CV as he is well known amongst his peers was born into a predominantly military oriented family. His early schooling was at Sainik School Bijapur in Karnataka State. He is also an alumnus of India’s premier institution, the National Defence Academy, where he transformed from a boy to a man.

CV is a former Officer of the Indian Navy and served in the elite submarine arm. Upon his retirement, he migrated to Australia in 2001. CV learnt the technique of Hydroponics from the best of growers and consultants and resources in the Hydroponics Industry in Australia and is a passionate proponent and pioneer in the field of Hydroponics in India. He wears several caps and plays the role of a hands-on Grower, a Consultant, an Agronomist and Trainer in Hydroponics both Simplified as well as Commercial. The works done by him can be seen on www.petbharoproject.co.in and makes for motivational food and his is an awe inspiring project that he commenced in India in late 2008. His mission is to bring technology of growing one’s own clean, green food to every person on the planet through tried and tested simplified and commercial technology.

Dr GNANA SEKAR R, PRINCIPAL CONSULTANTGS DAIRY FARM CONSULTING

Dr. Gnana Sekar, known as GS in the animal feed and health industry is a qualified post graduate in Animal Nutrition (Dairy cattle nutrition) from National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal with veterinary science as basic qualification from Nagpur veterinary college and is an active life member of Animal Nutrition Association and Animal Nutrition Society of India.

He acquired 14 years of strong experience of working in key dairy states in India with the dairy farmers holding one animal and with the large farms with more than 2000 animals. He has conducted more than 100 technical seminars for dairy farmers, veterinary practitioners, feed manufacturers throughout India focusing feeding of dairy animals for efficient production and reproduction, stress management in dairy animals, young stock rearing, transition cow management etc. He has provided more than 1000 feed formulations to the dairy farms to reduce the feeding cost and to improve the production. GS Dairy Farm Consulting provides support to progressive dairy farms enabling them to attain more profitability


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DR. SENTHIL CHINNASAMY, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER,ABAN INFRASTRUCTURE PVT LTD

Dr. Senthil Chinnasamy is heading the biotechnology division of “Aban” group based in Chennai as Chief Technology Officer with major research focus on developing commercial-scale technologies for the production of biofuels/bioenergy/green chemicals from algae. He has over 25 years of research experience in the area of environmental and agricultural biotechnology. He was instrumental in developing a novel zero effluent discharge “composting technology” to treat and utilize the distillery effluent for agriculture and aquaculture applications. During 2007, he initiated microalgae biofuels and anaerobic digestion research programs in the University of Georgia in the US funded by US Department of Energy (DOE). He has many publications and two US patents in the area of algae biofuels.

MR. RAVI SARAOGI, COO,UNIPHORE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS

Mr. Ravi Saraogi is the co-founder and COO of Uniphore Software Systems. Uniphore is Ravi's second company, and he harnesses vast experience in directing technology teams in initiatives spanning mobile theft security, wireless network development, and mobile learning applications. Ravi is currently an active member of the Mobile Payment Forum of India (MPFI), where he identifies and develops business opportunities in the field of mobile payments. He is renowned for his excellent analytic skills, his dexterity in problem resolution, and his proclivity for driving operational excellence in projects delivered to leading BFSI and Agribusinesses across India.


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MR. PRADEEP SHARMA, MANAGER, SOLAR BUSINESS GROUPKIRLOSKAR BROTHER LTD

Mr. Pradeep Sharma has more the eleven years of experience in the energy systems engineering with competencies in solar pumping systems, product development, marketing and project management. He has experience in creation and management of channel partners. He is an expert in Energy Systems Engineering and is a post graduate alumni from IIT Bombay. He has presented a paper on ‘Optimization of operational energy cost in a hybrid distributed generation system’ at the prestigious IEEE Conference on Industrial and Information Systems. He is currently the Manager of Solar Business Group at Kirloskar Brothers Ltd .

Dr. ARUNKUMAR K.R., DIRECTOR, AGRI INTEX

Dr. Arunkumar K.R. is the Technical Director of Victus Laboratories India Private Limited, a specialty plant nutrition company and is the strategic consultant for CODISSIA in agriculture. He was recipient of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarship for Doctoral Studies awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund and conducted part of his research work at Marine Biotechnology Institute, Japan. He was trained under world renowned carotenoid scientist Dr. Norihiko Misawa, an important contributor in the Golden Rice Project and received Dr. K. Balaraman award – Gold Medal for Best PhD thesis in biotechnology, TNAU. He has a vision to transform Indian Agriculture and envisages Coimbatore as a manufacturing hub for precision agricultural equipments and modern hydroponic systems.


Organic Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture 1 Narayan Vellayan

1Head – Organic Fertilisers and Waste Management, Coromandel International Limited,

e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract:

Keywords:

Manuscript Not Available

8

Koppert Biological Systems (India) Private Limited

Mahesh Kumar R, Technical Sales Consultant, Mobile: +91 9900744100, E-mail:

Udayanarayana Bhat, General Manager, Mobile: +91 8971635160, E-mail:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Our mission

The company

"Koppert's mission is to be the most preferred partner in developing and marketing pollination systems and integrated pest management for protected and high-value crops, by being a reliable provider of innovative, effective and top-quality solutions."

Koppert is the international market leader in the field of biological crop protection and natural pollination. Koppert has a reputation internationally for reliability, innovation and quality.

The ongoing research and continuous production of beneficial's and pollinators contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture and horticulture world-wide. An important characteristic of Koppert is the involvement in the everyday world of agricultural businesses. Koppert has a results-oriented research and development department, and world-wide network of contacts. Large-scale production of natural enemies and pollinators takes place in modern production facilities

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Quality

Distribution

I. NATURAL POLLINATION

'Quality' means that biological systems do what is important: protect the crop without unnecessary problems and minimum chemical corrections. Growing a product that can meet the standards of your partners in the chain.

Customer satisfaction is essential for Koppert. With reliable biological systems Koppert provides growers a convenient solution for their crop protection issues. Top-quality products are an indispensable tool to achieve this, backed up with advice of experienced specialists.

Koppert's principal place of business is active from 1967 and located in the Netherlands. In India, Koppert is working since 2012 and located in Bangalore.

Most of the Koppert products are living, delicate organisms. They are packed carefully, in such a way prepared for the journey that they are still fit after arrival. The distribution chain is designed to get the products at the final customer in the shortest possible time. This has resulted in a streamlined logistic network, with people along the line that are thoroughly trained how to handle the products. This network is operational in many countries.

Koppert India has successfully implemented biological crop protection in Sweet pepper, Chilli, Cucumber, strawberry, Roses, Chrysanthemum & Gerbera in the last 2 years by introducing beneficial insects against Thrips, Red Spider Mites, White Flies, Aphids, Leaf Miner & Mealy bug. We also are conducting trials on use of microbials, bio stimulants and botanicals against pest and diseases. The growers are satisfied by the results of bio control leading to increased yield which is residue free and safer produce.

In 1987 it became known that bumblebees could be an excellent alternative for the fruit set of tomatoes. This was a very labour-intensive job. At that very moment Koppert started producing bumblebees: Bombus terrestris for Europe and Asia. Meanwhile bumblebees are used world-wide for the pollination of tomato crops. Resulting in enormous savings in labour costs, improvements of fruit quality and increased production.

In recent years the use of bumblebees has expanded to a range of other crops. Also in the domain of seed selection and seed production, bumblebees have proven to be useful.

The benefits of natural pollination for the user are manifold:

l saving labour costsl improved fruit qualityl increased productivityl pollination less dependent on weather conditions or native pollinatorsl reduced pollen quantity in glasshouse gives better working environment

More Info: http://www.koppert.com/

10

Commercial Hydroponics- Relevance in India's Future

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REALITY CHECK

NEED FOR A SOLUTION

WHAT IS HYDROPONICS?

Lt Cdr (retd) CV Prakash,

ABSTRACT:

Keywords:

Farmer-in-ChiefHydroponic Greenhouse Technologies India Private Limited

102, Saptagiri Meadows, 24th Main Rd, 5th Phase, JP Nagar, Bangalore, 560078

This presentation aims to sensitise Indians into understanding the importance and relevance of Commercial Hydroponics/Soilless Cultivation in the context of modern horticulture and why this is now the technology of the future.

Commercial Hydroponics, Soilless Cultivation, Precision horticulture, horticulture, floriculture

India is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in the world, however these numbers do not speak much about the quality, consistency, reliability, supply chain efficiency of this produce and profitability, packing, sorting and grading standards. Not to mention the indiscrete use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Archaic horticultural practices, lack of efficient extension, percolation of information, lack of market intelligence, spurious inputs in case of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides has brought us to a grim situation.

Only by the adoption of modern scientific farming methods with high precision in irrigation and environmental control will it be possible to take horticulture to another level.

One solution that now comes in handy is the science of Soilless Cultivation/Hydroponics. Many countries in the developing world have already seen a rise in the use of this technique.

Indian Horticulturists face the following challenges:

1) Drought conditions and unpredictable weather2) Rising temperatures3) Polluted water systems4) Lack of irrigation5) Poor water management6) Under-nourished or over nourished crops

India today needs food security which entails that all people at all times have physical and economic access to safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs.

Lack of water for agriculture leads to production of lesser food which means more hunger and malnutrition

We are going to highlight the need for technology in agriculture that can contribute towards water savings and have a positive impact on food production and availability.

Hydroponics is one methodology of soil-less cultivation.

11

It is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil.

The earliest published work on growing terrestrial plants without soil was the 1627 book Sylva Sylvarum by Francis Bacon.

Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adopted around the world for food production are the following:

o No soil is needed for hydroponicso The water stays in the system and can be reused if requiredo It is possible to control the nutrition levels accuratelyo It is stable and provides high yields hence economically viableo Pests and diseases are easier to get rid ofo Ease of harvestingo It is better for consumption

There are two chief merits of the soil-less cultivation of plants. First, hydroponics may potentially produce much higher crop yields. Also, hydroponics can be used in places where in-ground agriculture or possible.

Greater control on environment, yields are predictable and budgeting is easierReduced labor time of digging and weedingTailored macro and micro nutrition for humans, by precision nutrition for plants.Reduced fungal disease, little exposure to moistureEffective recycle resulting reduced water usageSecondary BenefitsPlants are protected from UV radiation as they are within a green houseOffers safe biological control of insects and pestsWater is reused effectivelyAllows nutrients to be reclaimed, re-balanced and re-usedCan be protected from unpredictable weather patternsHave a good root system that is not at risk from contaminants and diseasesMake efficient use of labour, which is increasingly expensiveProduce outstanding crops by using optimum nutrient formulations

o The future lies in locally grown and sold produce limiting the 'road miles'.

o This method of growing our food is a more sustainable model than those currently practised.

o The consumer is becoming increasingly concerned over health issues, environmental issues, even water consumption cost and availability……… these all are drivers for the further development of hydroponic growing techniques.

Mobile: +91-7829448677 or by email on [email protected], Website : www.petbharoproject.co.in

ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPONICS

PRIMARY BENEFITS

THE FUTURE

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Opportunities in dairy farming

Introduction

Dr Gnana SekarGS Dairy Farming Consultancy, Bangalore

Email: Mobile: +91 96866 76647

India is heading towards doubling milk production by 2020. Demand of milk and milk products are growing every day. There is a general mindset among dairy producers that the dairy farming is not profitable. This reduces the motivation of a dairy farmer. On the other hand, there is a great potential in dairy farming sector provided they are managed properly with higher productivity. Productivity of dairy animals is influenced by feed, breed and management. Focus on these three factors is very critical to increase productivity and to reduce cost of production of milk. An attempt is given here to discuss about the challenges and opportunities in dairy farming and to make dairy farming profitable and convert that as a great opportunity!

Cost of production is influenced by milk production efficiency!

Today, our animals are underutilized in majority of the places due to poor feeding and management. Milk production efficiency (total milk produced for every kg of dry matter intake) of the dairy cows is around 0.6 – 0.8 in many farms in south India. That means we get less milk (0.6 – 0.8lits) per kg of dry matter fed. Profitability of the dairy farms can be improved when MPE moves towards higher side. We need to focus on improving milk production efficiency as this directly relates to cost of production of milk. A small example (this might vary depending on the practices) is given

[email protected]

This table gives us an idea about the feed expenses incurred to produce one kg of milk with different levels of milk production. Cost of production of milk can be reduced when we get more from the same animals. At the same time we need to be prepared to learn more to manage these high producing animals

Focus : Feeds and feeding

There are several types of feeding practices followed in India based on the traditional and modern dairy practices learnt from the extension specialists or based on the farmer's own experiences. One of the major factors that limit the production and reproduction parameters is energy. Majority of the cases results in negative energy balance in early lactation and that leads to loss of production as well as reproductive disorders like anoestrus or repeat breeding conditions.

13

Details

*Avg cost of concentrate Rs.20/kg, Green roughage Rs.2/kg. Dry roughage Rs.4/kg

Cost of production (on feed) Rs/kg

Milk Production Efficiency

Cost of feed Rs/kg of DM

Freeding cost Rs/head/day

Dry matter intake kg/day

Dry Roughage kg/day

Green Roughage kg/day

Concentrate kg/day

Milk production kg/day/animal

DM%

90%

25%

90%

15.6

0.76

11.9

156

13.1

4

20

5

10

13.1

1.01

13.2

196

16.7

4

20

7

15

11.8

1.20

14.1

236

4

4

20

9

20

Example1

Example2

Example3

Most of the parts of the country, dairy producers provide equal quantity of concentrate feeds and fodder irrespective of milk production of the dairy animals. This results in increased input costs and reduced profits. More awareness on the nutrient requirement of dairy animals required for the farmers and that will help them to reduce or increase the feeds and fodder according to milk production. This will reduce the cost of investment in low producers and increase milk output in high producers by meeting nutrient demand. Dairy producers should be encouraged for silage making and that will reduce the cost of production of milk and also help them to maintain good nutrition throughout year. Progressive dairy farmers association in Punjab is taking lots of initiatives to improve silage making practices in Punjab. Majority of the farmers in other area are not aware of silage or silage making.

Focus: Breeds and Breeding

Majority of the small cow farmers (less than 10 animals) are influenced by the local AI personals and use the semen available with them. This creates a challenge on maintaining a single breed or improvement in breeding. These small farmers sell the male and female calves (of improved genetics) instead of raising the female calves on the farm and replace the old cow or buffalo. On the other hand, dairy producers with more than 15 animals are gaining more knowledge on breeds and breeding. They discuss with the vets or AI people and use good quality semen and keep a record of the semen used in their farms. Many of the progressive dairy produces buy good quality semen and store it in their farm itself. This creates a positive trend on improving breeds in progressive dairy farms. Progressive dairy farmers understand the commercial value of a heifer with improved genetics and they give much focus on calf rearing and use them for replacement. This helped many of them to double the wet average of the farm in last 10 years. Creating confidence among AI workers regarding technological advances on feeding and management of cross bred dairy animals will help them to transfer the technology to small producers.

Focus: Management practices

Good quality cows are not able to produce expected milk production due to poor or improper management practices like cow comfort. They are still kept under no or poor quality shelters. This creates big stress for milk producing dairy cows and buffaloes. In particular, cross bred cows go under tremendous heat stress and resulted in loss of milk production. Dairy farmers report that they notice 15 - 20% reduction in milk production during heat stress periods. When the herd size is improved to say 10 animals are more, a proper shelter is built and dairy farming is focused as a business. Many improvements are happening in terms of shed designing, milking practices and feeding management at the farms with more than 10 or 15 animals in the dairy state like Punjab. Many progressive dairy producers make an attempt to reduce the heat by foggers, fans, sprinklers and tanks to cool the animals. This helps them to reduce heat stress and improves milk production. Education on proper record keeping on breeding, milk production, feeding practices will help the producers to understand and analyze the farm practices and improve profitability of dairy farming.

Conclusion

Focusing on feed, breed and management will definitely support in achieving the vision of doubling milk production by 2020. Extension department of several universities are playing a major role in extending their support to improve the knowledge level of the dairy farmers to increase productivity of dairy animals. Initiatives to influence influencers like vets and AI workers will help to establish proper breeding services and nutritional and management of improved breeds particularly at the small farms with less than 15 animals. Apart from making availability of good quality semen to improve breeds, the education regarding the usage of compound cattle feed, importance of energy and balanced nutrition, silage making and management of cross bred animals etc will help the influencers to influence the producers to support required milk production.

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Biofuels from AlgaeSenthil Chinnasamy

I. INTRODUCTION

II. ALGAE TO FUELS

1Biotechnology Division, Aban Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Janpriya Crest, 113 Pantheon Road,

Egmore, Chennai 600085, Tamilnadu, India.e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Production of alternative fuels is gaining importance all over the world. Among the various renewable sources identified, algae are considered as a potential biomass feedstock for the production of advanced biofuels. Biomass production potential of algae is much higher than terrestrial plants. Algal biomass has multiple uses and it can be converted into biofuels such as biocrude, biodiesel, bioethanol and biomethane. India has ideal climate and enough resources which include land, water and CO2 from industrial flue gases for algae farming to produce biofuels. This paper provides an overview of algae biofuels and their relevance to India.

Keywords: biofuel, biomass, industrial wastewater, microalgae, sewage

World is fast getting addicted to fossil fuel usage as the demand for energy and transportation fuels is increasing every year. In India, about 79% of the crude oil requirements i.e. 172 MMT is met through imports from Middle East and other countries. India spends about Rs. 8 lakh crores (USD 120 billion) per year for the import of crude oil which is a huge drain on our foreign exchange reserves. In view of increasing demand for fossil fuels and the environmental pollution caused by the release of CO2 from fossil fuel sources, production of alternative fuels from renewable sources is considered important to meet our future energy needs.

Currently, algae are considered as potential biomass feedstock sources for the production of advanced biofuels in view of their superlative biomass production potential compared to higher plants [1]. Biomass productivity of algae is 5-10 times higher than the terrestrial crops. Algae can be cultivated in unproductive lands and poor quality waters which include seawater, brackish water and municipal, agricultural and industrial wastewaters [1,2,3]. Algae biomass is currently used for a wide range of applications which include food, feed, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, biofertilizers and recently biofuels. Algae biomass is rich in lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Oil yield of microalgae per hectare is comparatively much higher than the traditional oil seed crops such as soybean (Table 1). Worldwide, the current research focus is mainly on identifying algal strains with higher lipid content and biomass productivity for mass cultivation. By growing lipid rich strains in large-scale, the oil yield can be enhanced which can be converted into biodiesel and blended with petrodiesel to replace significant quantities of fossil fuels. Similarly, algal strains rich in carbohydrates can be fermented to produce bioethanol. Also, biomethane can be produced through anaerobic digestion of algae. Energy content of algal biomass is about 20 MJ/kg (~4700 kcal/kg) which is better than the energy value of coal (i.e. 3600-4200 kcal/kg) used in thermal power plants.

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III. POTENTIAL OF ALGAE FARMING IN INDIA

India is a tropical country with abundant sunlight and an extensive coastline of 7517 KM. The average solar radiation is between 4 and 7 kWh m-2 day-1 with 1500 -2000 sunshine hours per year [4]. Researchers advocate production of algae in fresh water and seawater for biofuels production. However, growing algae in fresh water for biofuel production is not considered a sustainable approach as the fresh water sources are becoming scarce. India generates ~38000 MLD of sewage and 84000 MLD of industrial effluents [5,6]. Algae biomass production potential of sewage and industrial wastewaters and livestock resources in India is given in Table 2.

Table 2. Algae biomass production potential of wastewater and livestock resources available in India

ResourcesQuantity/ Population Algae biomass production potential (million T per annum)

India has great potential for biofuel algae farming. National Remote Sensing Agency (MRD-NRSA 2005) estimated that wastelands available in India are about 55 M ha [4]. Utilization of 17% of these wastelands for fuel algae farming would be sufficient to produce enough biomass to replace the entire quantity of petrocrude i.e. 200 million T, currently used for the production of petrol and diesel in our country . India is the 4th largest emitter of CO2 in the world. Industries in India emit 700-800 million T of CO2/year [4]. Capture of 50% of the CO2 emissions from the industry using algae will result in the production of 150-200 million T of biomass per year.

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Algaebiomass

productionpotential(million T

per annum)

Quantity /Population

38000

84000

304649

21216.5

5.5

12.2

Resources

I. Wastewater

bII. LivestockBoviness (millions)Poultry (milions)

Sewage (MLD)Industrial wastewater(MLD)

a Livestock population\b Algae biomass production potential : 680-700 and 29 kg/annum for bovinesand poultry, respectively(&). This production potential was estimated based onthe nutrients available in the livestock wastes.

Table 2. Algae biomass production potential of wastewaterand livestock resources available in India

Oil Yield (L/ha)

172

446

1190

1892

2689

5950

24620-98490

Crop

Corn

Soyabean

Canola

Jatropha

Coconut

Oil PlamaMicroalgae

a Pienkos and Darzins (2)

Table 1 Oil Yield from various crops and microlagae

Considering the increasing demand for petrocrude, a novel technology using subcritical water for biomass processing was developed by Aban and its collaborators to produce biocrude/biooil from algae as suitable replacement for conventional petrocrude to produce transportation fuels in the existing refineries. Studies conducted by Aban and its collaborators proved the feasibility of producing biofuel precursors such as biocrude to replace significant quantities of petrocrude used for the production of diesel, petrol and jet fuels. Various freshwater and marine algal biomass feedstocks were used and assessed for their suitability to produce biocrude.

Biocrude produced through this process can be upgraded and converted into drop-in fuels in the existing petrocrude refineries and hence no new infrastructure facilities are needed. Suitable catalytic upgradation technologies need to be developed for the production of green crude from algal biocrude to produce renewable diesel, jetfuels and petrol. Though this technology looks promising, more research need to be carried out to unveil the commercial potential of this process in future.

Algae are ideal biofuel feedstocks for the future. There are many drivers (Environmental, Socio-economic, Technological and Economic) for the development of microalgal industries which include climate change, increasing oil prices, CO2 capture and recycling, algae based bioremediation, rural development, large domestic market for fuels, utilization of wastelands and seawater and algae based biorefinery to produce multiple value added products. However, as algae biofuel technology is in its infancy, there is a dire need for financial and policy support from the Central and State Governments to promote R&D for technology development and investments in this vital area.

[1] Chisti, Y. 2007. "Biodiesel from Microalgae", Biotechnology Advances, 25, 294-306.

[2] Pienkos, P.T. and Darzins, A. 2009. "The Promise and Challenges of Microalgal-derived Biofuels", Biofuels, Bioproducts. Biorefining, 3, 431-440.

[3] Chinnasamy, S., Sood, A., Renuka, N., Prasanna, R., Ratha, S. K., Bhaskar, S., Rengasamy, R & Lewis, D. M. (2014). Ecobiological aspects of algae cultivation in wastewaters for recycling of nutrients and biofuel applications. Biofuels, 5(2), 141-158.

[4] Milbrandt, A and Jarvis, E. (2010). Resource evaluation and site selection for microalgae production in India. Available at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy10osti/48380.pdf. Last accessed on 9 July 2014.

[5] CPCB (2009). Status of water supply, wastewater generation and treatment in class-I cities & class-II towns of India. Available at: http://www.cpcb.nic.in/upload/NewItems/NewItem_153_Foreword.pdf. Last accessed on 9 July 2014.

[6] Aggarwal, S.C. and Kumar, S. 2011. Industrial water demand in India - challenges and implications f o r w a t e r p r i c i n g . I n d i a I n f r a s t r u c t u r e R e p o r t ( 2 0 11 ) , a v a i l a b l e a t http://www.idfc.com/pdf/report/2011/Chp-18-Industrial-Water-Demand-in-India-Challenges.pdf. Last accessed on 9 July 2014.

[7] Van Harmelen, T., & Oonk, H. (2006). Microalgae biofixation processes: applications and potential contributions to greenhouse gas mitigation options.TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, 56.

IV. CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

17

Sustainable Cold Chain Infrastructure

Abstract:

Keywords:

I. INTRODUCTION

Food Security

Nagahari Krishna L, Director, Danfoss Industries Private Limited; Email Address: [email protected]

Cold Chain is an essential component in ensuring an efficient supply chain network. A strong infrastructure of cold chain is must for any country to develop a processed food market. As India's population increases meeting future demand requires addressing the challenges of food security, food wastage which would be predominantly done through establishment of cold chain network. This would however place energy demand on the cold chain network. It is important that we take note while establishing the cold chain network to use energy efficient and climate friendly technologies which will ensure that the cold chain Infrastructure being established in the country would be sustainable.

Sustainable Cold Chain, Food Security, Food Wastage, Energy Security, Skill Development

Cold Chain is an essential component in ensuring an efficient supply chain network. Post-Harvest infrastructure is a vital link of the agriculture supply chain to minimize the moisture losses and prevent any bio-chemical change by keeping the product cool. Cold chain is a critical post-harvest management practices used to prolong shelf life and preserve quality of fruits and vegetables. While cold storages are established in few pack houses, market yards and some airports, the available capacity is substantially low particularly at the farm level.

A strong infrastructure of cold chain is must for any country to develop a processed food market. Also a number of Mega Food parks Pack Houses Collection centres, with packing sorting grading facilities are coming in near future which also requires a sound foundation of cold storage facilities across the country. When we talk of Cold Chain it is predominantly towards addressing two important areas i.e Food Security and Food Wastage and then amongst the challenges Land Cost, Energy demand and the high Operating Costs

As India's population increases meeting future demand for food while responding to the stresses placed on the food system due to the changing dietary preferences, resource competition, and climate will present significant challenges. This would change the way we farm, harvest, store, transport, process, distribute and consume food. These changes will be a major determinant on how we will live in the 21st century.

While increasing productivity to ensure food security will be important, equally important would be the connections between the farmers and the different markets of consumptions. This would be directly related to economic development of the regions as the middle class (whose numbers increase by the day) will require new food systems. This can be met only with the right kind of rural - urban supply chains

Towards meeting this increasing demand for perishable goods as the dietary preferences change it is important that the loss of perishable goods be reduced

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Food Wastage

Energy Security

While we do look at increasing the productivity and the supply chain it is equally important to also note the food wastage as not every apple produced reaches the fork i.e it is not consumed. While there could be different levels of percentage of wastage that studies refer to, we need to take note that this wastage is not just about the produce but also about the efforts that have gone in to produce including the resources such as energy, water etc…...By reducing food wastage we are not only ensuring that the challenge of food security is met but also reducing the carbon footprint.

It is apparent that this wastage can be reduced through the efficient cold chain system from the point of harvest to the point of consumption. As for technologies there are already many mature technologies available which can be either adopted or modified to suit Indian conditions. Even if we are able to reduce 50% of the losses or wastage from the current levels we would have added substantially to the income of the farmer, income to the exchequer and created rural employment. We have through some of our visits to farms, cold stores etc… have seen that the establishment of pack houses with sorting, grading, packaging and other facilities creates employment for the youth in these places. A central pack house with a capacity of handling around 1000 MT/day with the associated collection centres, packhouses, sorting grading, ripening and other facilities would create employment for close to 5000 people i.e direct and indirect. Even if we have a pack house for 2 to 3 districts together we will require about 10 pack houses in a state like Tamil Nadu. This in turn means we would be creating employment for approx.. 50,000 in number.

One of the major reasons why we need these pack houses, collection centres is to ensure that every Horticulture produce eg. Banana produced reaches the table. Conservatively if we estimate about 20% loss on an annual production of 9 Million tonnes we are losing 2700 Crores in rupee terms in Tamil Nadu. (INR 15/- per Kg Banana is the value used)

However while the technologies exist to build this infrastructure, one of the major challenge that still persists is the electricity costs in these cold chain. While we already are aware of the challenges of electricity in rural areas predominantly Diesel generator sets are used.

A cold Storage of 5000 MT capacity requires a capital expenditure of 10 to 12 crores. This requires an annual operational expenditure of 1 crore. In a normal cold store 10 to 15% of the annual operational expenditure is on electricity costs. Through appropriate use of energy efficient technology we can reduce this electricity cost by 30%.

It is hence important that we address this issue of energy demand and how we can find solutions for this.

Finding a Sustainable Solution to meet the energy security needs of cold chain technologies is crucial to development and delivering a more food secure world. This will not only ensure food security/food wastage but also avoid additional damage to climate.

Some of the options available to us are to use more energy efficient technology in the new cold stores, modernize existing cold stores with energy efficient or latest technologies. Increasing adoption of renewable energy for cold chain such as solar and also work towards development of new technologies such as LNG.

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Government has already taken initiatives towards incentivizing such solutions including having specific allocations for creating of Agri Infrastructure, Scientific Ware Housing and such other initiatives.

While these initiatives are being undertaken there are also specific initiatives being undertaken by States for modernization of existing Cold Stores

As an Industry we should work towards assisting in this modernization of cold stores and at the same time the new warehouses/packhouses which will be built across the country need to adopt the latest technologies not only in terms of equipment but also in the way they consume energy.

Lastly one of the areas that both Industry and Government will have to work together is in reducing the Skill gaps or capacity building for the Cold Chain Sector. While we do have technicians and professionals who are currently installing and commissioning the new projects, we will require skill sets to be developed for the rural jobs that will be created in this infrastructure set up.

There are efforts being undertaken individually both by Government and Industry to address the capacity building requirement. However there would be more concrete efforts required as we move forward.

1. A Tank of Cold: Leapfrog to a more food secure world. Institute of Mechanical Engineers

2. Agri Infratructure in India - YES BANK Report

Skill Development.

References

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How Speech Recognition technology is transforming today's agriculture in India

Ravi Saraogi,

ABSTRACT:

INTRODUCTION:

PRESENTATION OUTLINE:

SPEECH RECOGNITION - OVERVIEW:

CHALLENGES FACED BY AGRIBUSINESSES:

HOW DO WE DO IT? - CUSTOMER CONTACT AUTOMATION:

COOUniphore Software systems

Today, speech recognition is considered as one of the disruptive technologies that makes huge impact in banking, insurance, retail and manufacturing industries. In India, where 70% of the country's population is involved in the agriculture industry, speech technology has started playing a critical role in increasing agriculture productivity through user friendly speech solutions. This presentation will highlight the key roles played by speech solutions in Agriculture Industry.

Uniphore works with businesses across the agriculture industry to reduce operational costs through communication automation tools. With Multilingual Speech Recognition solutions, contract farming companies, agriculture extension service providers, and input businesses can gather and deliver critical information to farmers using even the most basic mobile phone.

This presentation will cover the following:l Overview on speech recognition technologiesl Challenges in agriculture industryl How do we do it?l Case study on how a leading agribusiness was able to reach 1.8 million farmers using speech

recognition and reduced the cost of farmer outreach by 50%

Speech Recognition is the ability of a program to understand and carry out spoken commands. The speech recognition enables natural, human-like conversations and satisfying interactions. Uniphore's Speech Recognition technology understands and responds to the particular characteristics and nuances of 14 languages and over 100 Indian dialects.

Every day, agribusinesses face very tough scenarios in terms of customer outreach - typically farmers are spread across remote places, illiterate and prefer closely knit trust based business models. For agribusinesses to grow, they need to ensure they establish constant communication with farmers to help them increase their produce. Timely information is the key because in agriculture industry, farmers need constant updates on weather conditions, market prices, etc. Irrespective of farmer's location, literacy rate, communication tool, agribusinesses have to reach them on a regular basis.

Uniphore's customer contact automation solution helps agribusinesses deliver personalized information to farmers through various ways:

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1. Send alerts and reminders - Send personalized voice and SMS alerts to farmers with weather conditions, market prices, input options, etc.

2. Query handling - Farmers record a question, an expert is notified through SMS and records a reply, and the sophisticated response is played back to the farmer

3. Mobile surveys - Send voice-based surveys to farmers to capture data about important crop information and satisfaction levels

4. Information portal - Farmers use speech to navigate a robust information database with important facts about crops, diseases, prices, etc.

Through speech recognition technology solutions, agribusinesses can achieve the following:

Contract farming - Improve quality of crop production through farmer education, and enhance the timely provision of input services

Agri extension services - Collect information from farmers over the voice channel, and send personalized tips and updates through automated outreach

Input providers - Establish a personalized, cost-effective channel to market your product to customers and develop engagement programs over the voice channel

The ability to use speech to communicate is a primary reason for the evolutionary success of the human race. Uniphore's solutions extend this insight to the evolution of human-machine interaction. Uniphore's solutions allow any machine to understand and respond to natural human speech, thus enabling humans to use the most natural of communication modes, speech, to engage and instruct machines. Enterprises across industry, size and geographies deploy Uniphore's solution to dramatically improve employee productivity and deliver superior customer service.

As a leader of voice-based solutions in India, Uniphore has pioneered the development of mobile applications with the combined capabilities of Speech Recognition, Voice Biometrics, and Data. Uniphore boasts a roster of high-profile, satisfied customers across multiple verticals - Agriculture, Financial Service Providers (mobile commerce & banking), FMCGs & NBFCs (sales force automation), and Healthcare, & Education (content delivery services).

Since its inception in 2008, the company has grown at an exponential rate, and today it supports nearly half a million registered end users on its platforms every month. For more information on Uniphore visit www.uniphore.com.

VALUES DELIVERED:

ABOUT UNIPHORE:

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KBL Solar Pumping System

Entering the Solar System

Mr. Pradeep SharmaKirloskar Brother Limited,

email: [email protected]

Kirloskar Brothers Limited is all set to mark its own green print, with the company’s solar pumps and technological solutions in India. The market is still untapped, huge and is the future of the continent’s second most populous nation.

In the recent report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization , the countries with the largest irrigated areas is India, followed by China and United States.

Unquestionably agriculture is the largest livelihood provider in India. Nearly 70 % of India’s rural population is having agriculture as their bread and butter. Since it is one of the most practiced occupation of the country, there is a good scope of solar powered irrigation. The numbers of irrigated pumps have increased up to 20 million by the end of 2011-12 (with a few million unaccounted electrical and diesel based pumps), of which around 8 million, approx 40% are solely running on diesel. Kerosene is the major fuel used in pumps.

The flip side of using these traditional pumps is the inflation in the prices of non renewable fuels. The diesel prices have hiked stealthily over the last decade, with on an average rise of 8% every year and more than 30 % in the last 3 years. The price rise is about 40 % of the crops produced. As a result of the undue expenses and the limited access to electricity, farmers focus on the production of crops which requires less water for irrigation, are rain fed, supplemented by second type which are farmed using diesel pumps for irrigation .

Indian government provides heavy subsidies on electricity. The electricity is given either free of cost or charged nominally. The supply of electricity is not continuous, and the farmer has no knowledge of the time the power will be supplied. The crops are nourished as per the time and availability of the power and not according to their suitability and requirement. The power is available during the off peak hours or during night. At night there is also a danger of snake bites in the fields.

The farmers are not the only sufferer in this partnership, but the government also has to undergo heavy financial losses every year, almost hitting India’s current account deficit ceiling, due to sponsoring the subsidies.

Due to the above stated reasons the government is also taking an eager interest in the solar powered manner of irrigation. It appears as the time to enter the solar system has arrived, with the government transacting around 26 million pumps with the solar powered devices. The future of solar energy in the field of irrigation looks critical. The government is planning to invest around $ 1.6 bn (INR 4 bn i.e $ 66 mn already mentioned in the budget 2014 – 15 towards funding solar powered water pumps for agriculture uses) to swap traditional pumps with the solar powered ones over the next 5 years.

The dips in the prices of photovoltaic cells which are used in the solar pumps have also

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strengthened the interest of the government in supplying water, the solar way.

Entering the Solar System

With the inward bound of the sun in the irrigation system, the productivity of the farmers will increase. According to a study publishes by journal nature communication, in the last 5 decades the yield of rice, wheat and corn has stagnated. The government will also be benefited by saving on the subsidies, provided on the carbon fuels, savings estimation of around $ 6 Bn .

Kirloskar Brothers Limited is offering the “Right idea at the Right Time” and providing Solar Photovoltaic Pumping Solutions for Off-Grid and Grid-Solar Hybrid Applications. It will also help in reducing the carbon footprint and encourage the cultivation of higher valued crops, which are avoided by the farmers, due to the sporadic supply of power. With the solar pumps the farmers will get power anytime of the day, as per their necessity. It will also lead to the judicious pumping of ground water, which is not so today due to free of cost availability of electricity and thus reduce ground water abuse.

The future of solar pumps is very sun- drenched especially in the Asian countries, where there are about 300 sunlit days in a year. India alone has a theoretical solar power reception on land of 600 TW.

India accounts for around 40% of the world’s irrigation market. The future of solar is bright in agriculture not only nationally but also internationally.

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Opportunities in Farm Mechanization

ABSTRACT:

Keywords:

INTRODUCTION

Arunkumar K.R., Director, AGRI INTEX 2014; email Address: [email protected]

CODISSIA AGRI INTEX Team has initiated Targeted Business Networking by inviting companies from abroad with critical technologies to bring in advanced concepts like vertical farming, hydroponic fodder production system, coir substrate based roof top agriculture and kitchen garden in urban areas (Urban Agriculture). We are also inviting technology based product companies focused on pivot irrigation, precision planters, precision sprayers and precision harvesters for open field agriculture.

This article is an attempt to help you understand the challenges facing Indian agriculture, health risks associated with depleted nutrition in foods and how a systematic approach can help regain crop productivity, nutrient density, effectively control climate change related stress conditions like drought, high heat and water stress. CODISSIA is working towards making Coimbatore an agricultural machinery manufacturing hub for the Indian Market.

Food Security, Nutrient Density, Precision Agriculture, Pivot Irrigation, Sugarcane harvester, Hydroponic Fodder Production

India has the highest degraded agricultural lands among Asia Pacific countries - 66 % of cultivated land. About 70% of the area under cultivation is heading in a direction where it will become incapable of supporting agriculture1. India is the world's largest user of groundwater for agriculture in the world. Increased dependence on groundwater irrigation is unsustainable due to high rates of documented depletion of groundwater. Groundwater levels are already in a critical condition in most regions.

By 2050 groundwater level in the Ganges basin (which provides water to UP) is projected to deplete by 50-75%. Groundwater levels in the Krishna, Cauvery and Godavari basins (which provide water to Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and AP) are projected to deplete by ~50% 2,3.

Fourteen percent of total river length in India is severely polluted and 19% is moderately polluted (based on BOD levels). India's future crop yields could fall by 30% by 2050 due to increased frequency of climate change scenarios like coastal flooding, drought and water stress.

India will need to grow its agricultural output by 12% to feed its population in 2020. Most of the soils in India are deficient in three or more essential nutrients for plant growth. Our fertilizer consumption is increasing but the crop yields are falling due to unbalanced usage of fertilizers in soils already deficient in many critical plant nutrients.

The extent of nutrient deficiency in Indian Soils can be correlated with the health of the population. Nearly 20% of the Indian population is undernourished implying a low calorie as well as nutrient intake. India lags behind even sub-Saharan African countries in terms of undernourishment 4,5. The intake of calorie rich foods may be high witnessed with increasing obesity levels and diabetics but the consumption of micronutrient rich foods is low resulting in significant micronutrient deficiencies in urban as well as rural areas. Modern high yielding

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varieties developed focusing on enhanced yield have actually reduced the nutritional value of food 6,7,8.

We are currently living in the era of peak oil, diminishing access to cheap natural resources and unsustainable way of high resource utilization exceeding the bio-capacity of our planet. Most essential plant nutrients are minerals and are a finite resource that needs to be managed efficiently.

To enhance our crop productivity we need targeted focus on the following core areas - soil health, plant nutrient management, seed management, water management and farm mechanization.

The engineering expertise and infrastructure available in Coimbatore due to its pumps, motors, gears and automotive components industries can help us in rapid mechanization of Indian Agriculture provided suitable technology companies are invited to form collaborations and reengineer their products to suit Indian agricultural market.

Conventional plow-based farming leaves soil vulnerable to erosion and promotes agricultural runoff. Recent advances in crop production technologies like no-till agriculture now helps us to preserve soil organic content, reduce soil erosion, enhance soil fertility and water holding capacity with low labour costs. Our challenge is in addressing the high equipment costs, steep learning curve hindering the widespread adoption of no-till practices.

Of 525 million farms worldwide, roughly 85 percent are less than five acres. The overwhelming majority of these small farms (87 percent) are located in Asia. The adoption of no-till farming in these regions, where the potential benefits are the greatest, is practically negligible 9.

Our country needs precision agriculture equipments like no-till precision planters, precision sprayers, precision harvesters to transform open field agriculture. Imagine a scenario where farmer do not plough their land, sowing is done precisely with GPS guidance and mechanized spraying is done by auto steered tractors and precision harvesters harvest the crop. Our challenge is in reengineering these existing technologies and making it affordable and reliable. CODISSIA is focused on developing affordable single row precision seeding equipment with fertilizer placement that is scalable to multiple rows.

Indian tractor industry is the largest in the world, accounting for one third of global production. 'A tractor alone is not of much use to a farmer. It is the heavy implements, which comes as attachments that are important. The total package - implements, along with the tractor - adds on to the growing indebtedness on the farm'10.

'With every second farm household in Punjab owning a tractor, and considering the average farm size is less than 4 acres, tractors have become uneconomical. But still worse, more than 20,000 tractors are being purchased every year. The tragedy is that the continuing agrarian crisis in the country, which has taken a heavy human toll with 290,470 deaths reported from suicides in past 15 years, provides a huge market for selling machines. In Punjab, despite heavy mechanisation, two farmers are killing themselves every day. Interestingly, the price of tractors has gone up by more than 100 per cent in the past five years'10. We at CODISSIA are working on developing a

CODISSIA INITIATIVE

ALTERNATIVE TO TRACTOR

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farm utility vehicle on the lines of Paco Lindoro's Sugarcane Harvester Concept as an alternative to tractors. The proposed farm utility vehicle would have ECU with ISOBUS connectivity option and scalable precision agricultural equipments like precision seeders with fertilizer placement, precision sprayers, precision harvesters can be attached to it. We are also working on bringing to production the Paco Lindoro's Sugarcane Harvester Concept11.

India has a severe fodder deficit and modern developments and advances in hydroponic fodder production systems provide us an opportunity to develop affordable solutions to meet the demand. Similarly pivot Irrigation is a concept that Coimbatore industry can successfully bring to the Indian Market. CODISSIA is working towards making Coimbatore the manufacturing hub for affordable hydroponic fodder production systems, pivot irrigation, sugarcane harvester, farm utility vehicle and precision agricultural equipments. We are the leaders in wet grinders, pumps, gears and with focused effort have the potential to transform Indian Agriculture.

1. India's Soil Crisis, Economic Times, Special Feature - State of the Soils, 2011.

2. Dynamic Groundwater Sources of India, Ministry of Water Resources, Reserve Bank of India database and publications, 2006.

3. Spatial Variation in Water Supply and Demand Across the River Basins of India, International Water Management Institute, 2003.

4. Global Hunger Index. International Food Policy Research Institute. 2008.

5. Dying Young. Exceptionally high levels of malnutrition take a heavy toll on Indian children. Frontline Magazine cover story, April 23, 2010.

6. Still No Free Lunch: Nutrient levels in U.S. food supply eroded by pursuit of high yields. The Organic Center Critical Issue Report. 2007. www.organic-center.org

7. Food Nutrition Decline. Nutrition Security Institute. 2012. www.nutritionsecurity.org

8. Decline in Nutrients Percent Change 1959 vs 1999. www.traditional-foods.com

9. No-till: The quiet revolution. Scientific American. 2008.

10. http://devinder-sharma.blogspot.in/2013/03/does-tractor-play-role-in-aggravating.html

11. http://pacolindoro.com/harvestingsugarcane

HYDROPONIC FODDER PRODUCTION AND PIVOT IRRIGATION

REFERENCES

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