15, Dec 2025
Odisha Unveils Ambitious Cold Chain Vision at Cold Storage Conclave & Buyer–Seller Meet 2025
Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: APICOL, in association with ASSOCHAM, successfully hosted the Cold Storage Conclave & Buyer Seller Meet 2025 at Welcomhotel by ITC, Bhubaneswar, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, agri-entrepreneurs, farmer groups, financial institutions, and technology providers to accelerate the growth of Odisha’s cold storage and post-harvest infrastructure.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, who formally opened the exhibition and visited various stalls showcasing Odisha’s agri-horti potential. During the inaugural session, approval letters were distributed to cold storage beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo stated, “The state government is committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in agriculture and allied sectors. Emphasising sustainability, we aim to establish cold storage units in 58 sub-divisions by FY 2029–30, with a proposed budget outlay of INR 252 crore.”
He highlighted key policy interventions such as capital investment subsidies and interest reimbursement to revitalise defunct cold storage units and ensure the long-term viability of new projects. He urged banks, industry associations, technology providers, and large buyers to collaborate closely with Odisha’s farmers and entrepreneurs, noting that strong value-chain partnerships are essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, highlighted Odisha’s transition towards market-led agriculture. He noted that the state has been rice-surplus for the past 16–17 years, supplying over 12 states, and produced nearly 15 million tonnes of food grains along with an equal volume of horticultural produce in the last agricultural year. Dr. Padhee emphasised the government’s concise yet comprehensive cold storage policy with attractive incentives to strengthen the ecosystem and attract private investment, highlighting that over 15 proposals have already been received from investors setting up units.
Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, IFS, Director of Horticulture, Government of Odisha, explained that the horticulture sector is entering a pivotal phase through the visionary Cold Storage Policy, which aims to strengthen post-harvest management by building a reliable cold storage and logistics network. The Horticulture Directorate, in collaboration with APICOL, is operationalising support mechanisms including capital assistance, time-bound completion of new units, and electricity tariff subsidies to ensure viable operations.
From the industry perspective, Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha (Mining, Steel, and Agri Council) and MD, SNM Group, emphasised that Odisha’s next growth leap depends on modernising post-harvest logistics and processing. He highlighted the importance of integrated cold storage solutions with pre-cooling, digital quality tracking, grading, sorting, and access to organised buyers, noting that market predictability and long-term procurement commitments are key to attracting private capital.
Shubhranshu Mishra, Managing Director, APICOL, reaffirmed the government’s vision for a robust and sustainable cold storage ecosystem. He highlighted new schemes under the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department aimed at reviving defunct units, ensuring sustainability beyond the scheme period, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
The event also featured panel discussions on scaling supply chains in Odisha, market access, branding and financing rural enterprises, and developing Odisha’s cold chain and market linkages. The Buyer–Seller Meet emerged as a major highlight, connecting producers, FPOs, SHGs, and entrepreneurs with national buyers from retail, export, and e-commerce sectors. A parallel exhibition showcased a diverse range of local and value-added products, including GI-tagged cashews, honey, spices, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables, facilitating direct business interactions and trade opportunities.
Experts from organisations such as APEDA, NABARD, DANFOS, and leading technology firms shared insights on strengthening cold chains, reducing food waste, improving market access, and integrating Odisha’s agri-enterprises with organised domestic and export value chains.
The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Geetashree Parhi, Additional Director, Directorate of Horticulture, reaffirming the collective commitment of the government and industry to build a resilient, market-linked, and investment-friendly agri-horti ecosystem in Odisha.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Dec 2025
MRF Tyres honoured with FIA ERC Team Title at FIA Awards Gala 2025
Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mr Arun Mammen received the trophy at the prestigious annual event held this year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Tashkent (UZB), Dec 15 — The night of Friday, December 12th, marked a high-point for MRF Tyres as its Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Arun Mammen, stepped on stage at the FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent to collect the official Team Trophy after securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Team Title.
The FIA Awards Gala, the annual season-closing ceremony organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), brings together champions, teams and leading figures from every major branch of international motorsport to celebrate and formally recognise their achievements over the past season. It is the highest institutional moment of the sport’s global calendar, where world titles are officially awarded.
The 2025 ERC campaign saw Team MRF Tyres deliver consistently outstanding performances across diverse terrain, rally by rally. Thanks to strong results, strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination with crews and engineers, MRF Tyres secured the ERC Team Championship for the third time, following the titles achieved in 2022 and 2023. The result stands as a testament to tyre performance, reliability and to the overall strength of the programme.
At the gala, Mr. Arun Mammen, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come”.
MRF Tyres extends warm congratulations to all drivers, co-drivers and team personnel who contributed to this achievement. The recognition at the FIA Awards Gala reinforces MRF Tyres’ commitment to excellence and confirms its position as a leading force in international motorsports.
15, Dec 2025
AESL Signs MoU with Indian Army to Support Personnel and Their Families
Bangalore,Dec 15:- Aakash Educational Services Limited the national leader in test preparatory services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Army to support the welfare of Army personnel and their families, including serving members, retirees, gallantry awardees, personnel with disabilities, and families of those who have died in service.
Under this MoU, AESL will provide benefits to Indian Army students who wish to enroll in its courses across its pan India centres and branches. The agreement was signed by Colonel, Ceremonial & Welfare 3&4, Indian Army, and Dr Yash Pal, Chief Academic & Business Head, Delhi-NCR, AESL.
The MoU focuses on promoting the welfare of Indian Army personnel and their families, including offering scholarships for courses at AESL centres nationwide:
- Only registration feepayable i.e. 100% waiver on all other fee components for the wards of personnel who died in service
- 100% tuition fee waiverfor the wards of personnel with more than 20% disability and gallantry awardees
- 20% tuition fee waiverfor the wards of serving and retired personnel, applicable after other scholarships are deducted
These scholarships are in addition to AESL’s existing scholarship programs, which are available to all students seeking admission.
Mr. Chandra Sekhar Garisa Reddy, (MD & CEO), Aakash Educational Services Limited, said;
“At AESL, we believe education is the strongest foundation for a brighter future. Partnering with the Indian Army allows us to honour the sacrifices of our brave soldiers by empowering their families with quality education and guidance. Through scholarships, mentoring, and counselling, we aim to ensure that the wards of our heroes are equipped to achieve their fullest potential and become leaders in their own right.”
During the tenure of the MoU, AESL will also provide comprehensive mentoring and counselling support to the wards of Indian Army personnel, addressing academic and career-related queries through both virtual and physical platforms.
AESL also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the recent past with the Central Reserve Police Force Family Welfare Association (CWA) to provide comprehensive academic support, scholarships, and career guidance to the children and families of CRPF personnel across India.
15, Dec 2025
UWA Announces Major MedTech Partnership, Establishes First India Centre in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Dec 15: The University of Western Australia one of the world’s top 100 universities, today unveiled a landmark collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) and leading institutions across Andhra Pradesh -positioning Visakhapatnam as a major Indo-Pacific hub for MedTech innovation, global research exchange, underwater domain awareness, and future-ready workforce development.
At the heart of today’s announcements is a strategic MedTech partnership between UWA and AMTZ, designed to accelerate innovation, enhance clinical capability, and strengthen industry-ready training. Through joint research, clinical trial knowledge exchange and pathways for internships with India’s top MedTech companies, the partnership will open new opportunities for students and researchers while solidifying Visakhapatnam’s position as a global center for health technology cooperation.
In parallel, aligned to Vizag’s significant defence base, through UWA Defence Security Institute, UWA’s growing role in regional maritime security and blue economy transformation through its ongoing work in Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is a critical component of India Australia Indo-Pacific cooperation. UWA is a core partner in the 24-month initiative, Enhancing Australia India Underwater Domain Awareness Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a joint effort between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under its SATP Initiative and New Delhi’s Council for Strategic and Defence Research (CSDR). The program strengthens bilateral capability across anti-submarine warfare, uncrewed undersea vehicles, deep-sea awareness, and undersea search and rescue, contributing to regional security and expanding India’s technological leadership in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Visakhapatnam – home to some of India’s most advanced maritime and naval infrastructure will play an important role as UWA deepens its engagement in India’s ocean science and underwater systems ecosystem.
In a significant milestone for UWA’s Indo-Pacific engagement, the University also announced the creation of its first-ever UWA India Centre, established in Visakhapatnam in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Andhra University. The Centre will act as a platform for academic exchange, industry collaboration and innovation programs supporting joint research, faculty partnerships and deep engagement between institutions across India, Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific. It will bring together MedTech, oceans, defence, sustainability, agriculture, data science and quantum computing to address shared global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Speaking at the announcement, Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia, said:
“Visakhapatnam represents one of India’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems, and we are proud to strengthen our engagement with the region. The UWA India Centre will enable long-term collaboration in areas that matter most to both our nations healthcare innovation, oceans and underwater systems, sustainability and global skills development. Our partnership with AMTZ and our ongoing work in underwater domain awareness will empower students, researchers and industry partners to co-create solutions with real-world impact across borders.”
The Centre will offer year-round programs that prepare students and professionals for future workforce needs across MedTech, maritime technologies, defence systems, agriculture, sustainability and advanced computing. Students from UWA Perth and its upcoming Chennai and Mumbai campuses will gain hands-on exposure to AMTZ’s cutting-edge MedTech manufacturing and testing facilities, as well as India’s rapidly expanding ocean, marine and defence sectors. Through internships, applied research and immersion programs, students will benefit from one of the world’s most robust industry–academia ecosystems.
With the launch of this Centre and the expansion of UWA’s Indo-Pacific agenda, today’s announcements mark a significant step toward cultivating a skilled talent pipeline, strengthening India–Australia cooperation and driving transformative innovation across health, oceans, security, and technology sectors.
15, Dec 2025
FUJIFILM India Expands Advanced MRI Access in East with APERTO Lucent Installation in Siliguri
Siliguri, Dec 15: FUJIFILM India, a leader in advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, has announced the installation of its state-of-the-art APERTO Lucent Open MRI system at Mothercare Centre Airport Plaza Building Bagdogra Naxalbari Block Close to Siliguri District, Darjeeling, strengthening a partnership that spans more than a decade. The centre, led by Director, Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, has long relied on FUJIFILM India’s CR, DR and ultrasound technologies, and this latest installation marks a transformative step forward in expanding high-quality MRI access for communities across North Bengal.
The APERTO Lucent brings together precision imaging and patient-centric design, offering a uniquely open, comfortable scanning experience through its single-pillar structure and True OPEN Bore architecture. Equipped with a 0.4T permanent magnet, the system delivers stable, high-clarity imaging at low running costs, while its IP-RAPID technology significantly reduces scan times without compromising detail, helping clinicians diagnose complex neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and oncological conditions with greater accuracy and efficiency.
The city, Siliguri, functions as a critical healthcare hub for a vast regional population spanning North Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar and the North-East, where access to advanced imaging has historically been uneven and sometimes delayed. With India steadily expanding MRI availability beyond large cities, the installation of this machine in Siliguri aims to bridge these gaps by offering faster, more accurate diagnosis within the region and ensuring that high-quality care is accessible to every family without the burden of long-distance travel.
Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, Director, Mother Care Center, added, “At Mother Care Center, our priority has always been to give patients access to the best possible care, supported by reliable and advanced technology. The APERTO Lucent Open MRI is a significant step forward for us, it delivers superior image quality while offering a more comfortable experience, especially for patients who feel anxious in closed scanners. This upgrade strengthens our ability to diagnose with confidence and ensures that our community benefits from modern, high-precision imaging right here in Siliguri.”
Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Shunsuke Honda, Business Advisor, Medical Systems Division, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, improving access to advanced imaging is central to our mission. Many communities in North Bengal and neighbouring regions have long faced delays in reaching specialised diagnostic services, and installations like this help bring high-quality MRI closer to the people who need it most. Our partnership with Mother Care Center reflects our commitment to strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that world-class imaging is not limited to metro cities. With the APERTO Lucent Open MRI, we aim to support more equitable, timely and patient-friendly diagnostics across Siliguri and nearby cities.”
This installation reinforces FUJIFILM India’s commitment to strengthening diagnostic ecosystems in emerging healthcare hubs, ensuring that access to advanced, equitable, and patient-friendly imaging continues to expand across the country.
13, Dec 2025
Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna Strengthens Management Education in Bihar
Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna Bihar, in collaboration with UNICEF and the School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, successfully organized the 5th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility 2025 under the CIMP Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation. The conference convened policymakers, academicians, corporate leaders, development practitioners, and students to explore emerging pathways for socially responsible and impact-driven CSR in Bihar.
In his welcome address, Professor Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, highlighted the evolution of CSR spending in India, from an initial estimate of INR 20,000 crore to nearly INR 2 lakh crore by 2020. He stressed the need to move beyond chequebook philanthropy toward evidence-based, outcome-focused interventions aligned with Bihar’s development priorities.
Dr. Indranil De, Axis Bank Chair Professor, delivered the keynote address, describing CSR as a mechanism for private firms to support public goods where state capacity is limited. He emphasized CSR’s potential to link corporate profitability with citizen welfare through targeted investments in health, sanitation, education, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, while advocating transparency, monitoring, and third-party evaluation to maintain credibility.
Ms. Margaret Gwada from UNICEF praised Bihar’s improving governance and called for deeper collaboration among government, corporates, and civil society. She highlighted UNICEF’s sanitation and community-based initiatives, urging Bihar to become a model for child-centric CSR innovation.
Dr. Hishmi Jamil Hussain emphasized CSR’s role in ensuring fundamental rights such as clean water, health, and dignity through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Mr. Lakshman Kumar of NABARD outlined CSR initiatives in climate resilience, health, education, water, and entrepreneurship, implemented via 43 partners across nearly 300 projects funded with over INR 2,000 crore. He highlighted the importance of addressing Bihar’s CSR location bias.
Policy expert Mr. Mathew Cherian connected CSR to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that Bihar receives only 1% of national CSR funds. He stressed principles of “do no harm,” focus on aspirational districts, and sustainability.
In a special address, Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, architect of India’s CSR framework, described CSR as a “bloodless revolution” built on a triangular partnership between corporates, civil society, and government. He highlighted India’s current CSR mobilization of INR 35,000 crore from 28,000 companies, projected to reach INR 1 lakh crore by 2035, positioning Bihar as a rising contributor.
The event also featured a CSR Roundtable on the newly gazetted Bihar CSR Policy with representatives from Palladium India, Apollo Medskills, TERI, ICICI Foundation, Dulux Paints, WABTEC, and Nalanda Charitable Trust, followed by the presentation of over 15 research papers from scholars across India.
13, Dec 2025
Cumin Co Partners with Chef Pooja Dhingra to Launch India’s First 100% Toxin-Free- Bakeware Collection
New Delhi, Dec 13: Cumin Co, India’s first patented, 100% toxin-free enamel cast iron kitchenware brand, has officially entered the bakeware category with a new porcelain-grade ceramic and enamel cast iron collection, fronted by India’s most influential baking voice, Pooja Dhingra. This collaboration marks a pivotal chapter in the brand’s evolution as it expands beyond cookware, bringing global-quality baking tools to a C home-baking community that has grown exponentially but continues to lack purpose-built, high-performance products.
The launch also marks a major strategic milestone for Cumin Co. The brand is targeting a ₹100 crore ARR milestone by next year, supported by category expansion, material innovation and growing consumer sentiment around toxin-free kitchenware. India’s bakeware market, currently pegged at $100 million, is at an inflection point, and Cumin Co aims to capture 10% of this market within the next 2–3 years. By expanding into bakeware with patented materials, global-standard performance and thoughtful design, the brand is building a holistic, innovation-led kitchenware ecosystem for Indian homes one that spans both everyday cooking and advanced baking.
At the centre of this launch is a collection crafted specifically for the needs of Indian kitchens. The porcelain-grade ceramic bakeware offers exceptional heat distribution, easy release, and resistance to stains, oils and lingering smells — challenges that most mass-market bakeware fails to solve. The 4-layer enamel cast iron range, including the Braiser and Bread Oven, is engineered for superior heat retention, even crust formation, better browning and more consistent results, making it suitable for everything from gratins to artisanal bread. Every product has been designed keeping in mind the realities of Indian kitchens: compact ovens, high heat settings, frequent usage, flavour-heavy recipes, and multi-purpose cooking needs.
The partnership with Pooja Dhingra adds emotional depth and cultural relevance to the launch. Her presence brings credibility and warmth to a category that is equal parts technical and nostalgic. As someone who has shaped India’s modern baking landscape, Pooja represents both the aspiration and the authenticity that home bakers across the country identify with.
Niharika Joshi & Udit Lekhi, Co-Founders of Cumin Co, said:
“Indian homes have embraced baking like never before, yet the tools have not kept pace. Most bakeware available today is not designed for Indian ovens, Indian ingredients or the intensity of Indian cooking routines. This collection is our answer to that gap. Having Pooja on board deepens this mission she stands for the emotional connection, creativity and cultural evolution that baking now holds in Indian households. This category expansion strengthens our ambition to build India’s most trusted, health-first kitchenware brand across every cooking and baking need.”
13, Dec 2025
TheCloudSEO Bootstrapped Marketing Firm Empowering MSMEs to Scale Category:
TheCloudSEO, founded in 2024, is a new-generation growth systems company helping MSMEs and startups simplify marketing using performance, storytelling, and AI. Bootstrapped with zero external support, the company has already served 46 clients, with 12 actively scaling today.
Born out of deep frustration with slow turnarounds, confusing agency workflows, and a massive gap in B2B lead generation, TheCloudSEO was created to fix the broken marketing processes that hold small businesses back. The company’s operating belief is simple: marketing should be fast, predictable, and system-driven.
TheCloudSEO runs on a signature 3-layer growth framework combining:
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Visibility Engine – brand story, content, ads, awareness
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Lead Engine – funnels, landing pages, AI-powered ads, audience intelligence
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Conversion Engine – CRM workflows, WhatsApp automation, retargeting, AI follow-ups
This model helps businesses build predictable revenue without increasing manpower or marketing spend.
Founder Krishna Gaur, who has led marketing transformations across India, GCC, and the US, says:
“MSMEs don’t need more manpower they need smarter systems. They don’t fail because of their product; they struggle because marketing feels overwhelming. We started TheCloudSEO to fix that with simpler, cleaner, more effective systems.”
With integrated services across performance marketing, social media marketing, AI-SEO, branding, e-commerce growth, and cloud infrastructure, TheCloudSEO is positioning itself as a dependable and system-driven growth partner for India’s emerging and fast-growing brands.
Built for Founders, Trusted by Founders
Despite being bootstrapped, TheCloudSEO has gained rapid trust because of its execution-first, operations-led culture. The agency runs its clients’ marketing “as if they were its own brands,” leading to strong retention and meaningful revenue outcomes.
With India’s MSME sector undergoing digital acceleration, TheCloudSEO aims to empower founders with the systems, tools, and execution models required to scale sustainably without complexity.
13, Dec 2025
Tata AIA Delivers Benchmark-Beating Fund Performance Across Its ULIP Offerings
Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to set benchmarks in fund performance through its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The company’s funds have outperformed market benchmarks. This offers policyholders an ideal combination of long-term growth and life insurance protection.
Fund Benchmark: Multi Cap Fund, India Consumption Fund, Top 200 Fund: S&P BSE 200.
Inception Dates: Top 200 Fund: 12 Jan 2009, Multi Cap Fund: 05 Oct 2015, India Consumption Fund: 05 Oct 2015.
Tata AIA has established its expertise in investment-linked plans, consistently delivering benchmark-beating fund performance. An impressive 96.06% of the company’s assets under management (AUM) is rated 4 or 5 star by Morningstar, a globally recognised rating agency, on a 5-year basis. In contrast, the average for the private life insurance industry is only 31%.
Tata AIA’s offerings provide policyholders with access to high-growth equity opportunities, backed by robust life and health insurance benefits. The funds focus on high-performing stocks, offering a balance of risk and return across all market caps.
Harshad Patil, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA, said,
“At Tata AIA Life, our investment philosophy is anchored in delivering sustainable, long-term value to our policyholders. India’s remarkable economic growth, powered by a young and dynamic population, rapid urbanisation, and an expanding middle class, is creating unprecedented opportunities across sectors. By leveraging rigorous research frameworks and a disciplined bottom-up stock selection process, we aim to capture this potential while ensuring consistent, risk-adjusted returns. This approach not only helps us build resilient portfolios but also reinforces our commitment to safeguarding and growing our customers’ wealth in one of the world’s most attractive markets..”
With a steadfast focus on policyholder benefits, Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to lead by delivering consistent, benchmark-beating returns and redefining life insurance through its integrated ULIP offerings.
As of 31st July 2025, Tata AIA has grown its Assets Under Management (AUM) significantly to INR 134,215 Crores, translating to 20.55% YoY growth. This has been possible due to robust Individual New Business Premium income and exceptional investment performance.
13, Dec 2025
FAI Annual Seminar 2025 Wraps Up, Emphasizes Green Agriculture and Farmer-Focused Innovation
New Delhi, Dec 13: The Fertiliser Association of India concluded its 61st Annual Seminar 2025 yesterday in New Delhi after three days of focused discussions centered around driving Atma Nirbharta in fertilisers, policy reforms, nutrient stewardship, green production technologies and digital marketing innovations. The seminar brought together senior government officials, international experts, industry leaders, global suppliers, scientists and farmer representatives to shape a collective roadmap for the country’s nutrient future.
Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Chairman, FAI, and MD & CEO, Coromandel International Ltd., said,
“Our journey towards a greener future begins with smarter, responsible fertiliser use. The fertiliser industry is working to strengthen domestic capacity, promote balanced and precise nutrient application, and ensure farmers have timely access to advanced technologies. FAI will continue to serve as a strong and unified voice of the industry, championing key policy reforms while working hand in hand with the farming community to advance sustainable agriculture. We also remain focused on the development and responsible marketing of novel solutions including nano fertilisers, ensuring their benefits are clearly and effectively communicated to the farming community.”
The Chief Guest, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, Hyderabad, commended the seminar for fostering meaningful dialogue on sustainable nutrient management and advancing innovations that directly benefit farmers.The event featured four thematic sessions- Session-I- Policies for Green Fertiliser, chaired by Ms. Aneeta C. Meshram, Additional Secretary, Department of Fertilizers; Session II: Nutrient Management to Empower Farmers, chaired by Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Session III: Green Solutions for Fertiliser Production, chaired by Mr. K.J. Patel, MD, IFFCO; and Session IV: Futuristic Fertiliser Marketing, chaired by Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, Co-chairman, FAI.
Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General, FAI delivered the welcome remarks. He highlighted how the proceedings of the seminar were structured across four technical sessions and referred to the concerns raised by the Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, during the inaugural session. He also mentioned the points made by the Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in the second session, which focused on agriculture.
Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, MD, HURL, concluded the seminar by presenting the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the speakers, participants, and organizers, acknowledging their contributions and the collaborative discussions that will advance sustainable, farmer-focused solutions in the fertiliser sector. These sessions brought together leading experts who highlighted the evolving global and domestic policy landscape, sustainability imperatives, and India’s shifting fertiliser ecosystem. Speakers underscored the changing global policy environment for green fertilisers, emphasized the need for reforms in the urea sector and reinforced the strategic importance of boosting indigenous P&K production to strengthen the nation’s self-sufficiency goals.
