Welcome to today’s edition of GrowInAgri Daily.
From biological innovations and autonomous field machinery to significant shifts in regional policy and trade corridors, the agricultural value chain is undergoing rapid transformation.
In today’s briefing, we cover milestone developments across sustainable crop protection and inputs—including AgroSpheres and FMC advancing targeted RNA-based bioinsecticides to global field trials, Bayer previewing its five-way herbicide-tolerant Vyconic soybean stack, and Cargill commissioning an advanced fertilizer facility in Uruguay.
On the environmental front, the launch of predictive carbon models and direct soil-carbon payouts to smallholders in Punjab and Haryana signal a tangible move from theoretical sustainability to quantifiable farm-gate revenue.
Simultaneously, major processing investments—such as PepsiCo’s ₹778 crore plant in Assam—alongside aggressive state-backed crop diversification programs in Bihar and export expansions through APEDA illustrate how domestic production continues to align with global market opportunities.
Below are the key developments, analyses, and strategic shifts defining agriculture today.
USDA NASS Launches AgInsights to Modernize Agricultural Data Access
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has launched AgInsights, a new online platform designed to make agricultural statistics easier to access and analyze. Introduced on September 16, 2026, the tool brings tabular data, charts and interactive maps together in a single web-based interface.
Built on the existing Quick Stats database, AgInsights adds features such as choropleth maps, time-series charts, filtering and sorting tools. The platform is designed to provide producers and other agricultural data users with more interactive and mobile-friendly access to the latest statistics.
NASS developed the tool with feedback from agricultural data users across different commodity sectors. The launch forms part of the agency’s broader modernization strategy, including efforts to replace older and costly data applications.
CGIAR, ICRISAT, and ICAR Partner to Advance Agroecological Landscape Management in Ethiopia
The CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator (CapSha) and the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program, in collaboration with ICRISAT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), convened an international training program in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, to advance agroecological natural resource management.
The four-day initiative brought together nearly 28 Ethiopian stakeholders—representing government ministries, regional research bodies, agricultural universities, international development agencies, and NGOs—to foster bilateral South–South knowledge exchange.
Focusing on actionable solutions for land degradation, water scarcity, and climate vulnerabilities, ICAR and ICRISAT specialists shared field-proven methodologies from India, including case studies from Uttar Pradesh, hydrological water budgeting, and data-driven decision-support frameworks.
Classroom instruction was paired with experiential field modules at a local GIZ-supported micro-watershed, allowing participants to examine integrated landscape practices firsthand. Key technical discussions encompassed soil and water conservation techniques, aerobic composting, biochar preparation, ecosystem service valuation, and enterprise models such as the banana value chain.
Emphasizing co-creation over one-way technology transfer, leadership from ICRISAT and CGIAR stressed that practical, community-grounded capacity sharing is essential for building climate-resilient landscapes across the Global South.
AgroSpheres and FMC Advance Two RNA-Based Bioinsecticides to Global Field Trials
AgroSpheres and FMC Corporation have advanced two RNA-based bioinsecticide candidates into global field trials across the United States, Brazil and Asia. The candidates are being evaluated against major lepidopteran pests, including fall armyworm and diamondback moth.
Developed through a multi-year collaboration launched in 2024, the technologies have progressed from laboratory and greenhouse testing to commercial field environments. AgroSpheres’ biomodality platform is designed to target specific biological pathways in pests, while its AgriCell technology supports protection and controlled release of biological actives.
Earlier testing reportedly showed performance at or above benchmarks set by industry-standard insecticides. The field trials will assess the candidates across different crops, climates and pest pressures.
The companies are also evaluating their potential use alongside conventional insecticides as part of resistance-management programmes.
Greencovery Raises €1 Million to Upcycle Cocoa Waste into Functional Ingredients
Dutch food-tech startup Greencovery has raised €1 million to scale its technology for converting cocoa processing sidestreams into higher-value functional ingredients.
The Wageningen-based company uses a mild separation process to transform food industry byproducts into fibres, extracts, flavours, proteins and other specialty ingredients. Its current cocoa portfolio includes a fibre ingredient, soluble fibre and extract designed for food manufacturers.
The company plans to use the funding to expand commercial production and has secured commitments toward a further €3 million financing round. Greencovery is working with an industrial partner in North Holland and aims to reach production capacity of around 1,000 tonnes.
The approach could help reduce food waste while creating additional value from cocoa processing byproducts. The company is also developing similar applications for other food-industry sidestreams, including coffee, nuts, oil press cakes and okara.
Odd.Bot Upgrades Maverick Autonomous Weeding Robot With AI and Connectivity Features
Dutch agtech company Odd.Bot has upgraded its Maverick autonomous weeding robot with new software, connectivity, and battery improvements. The Maverick 2027 update introduces a redesigned mobile app, integrated GPS, geofenced working areas, and remote monitoring for improved field management.
The machine also receives around 25% more battery capacity to support longer autonomous operations. Its Weader module uses AI-powered vision and 3D depth recognition to identify and mechanically remove individual weeds without herbicides.
Odd.Bot says the system can operate day and night across crops including carrots, onions, and chicory, with each pulling arm capable of removing up to two weeds per second. The company is also offering the Weader module as a standalone technology for integration with third-party agricultural machinery.
Maverick robots are already operating across fields in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, with the latest system showcased at AgroTechniek Holland 2026.
Helios AI Launches Global Hunger Exposure Index With $3 Million Investment
Helios AI has launched a Hunger Exposure Index to assess countries’ vulnerability to climate, trade, and geopolitical shocks affecting food supplies.
The index scores 47 countries from 0 to 100 across four pillars covering climate risks, fertilizer and energy exposure, foreign-exchange constraints, and cereal import dependence. Scores of 70 or higher are classified as critical exposure, while scores from 50 to 69 indicate elevated exposure.
The launch is supported by a $3 million strategic investment from W23 Global, backed by major grocery retailers including Tesco, Ahold Delhaize, Woolworths Group, Shoprite Group, and Empire Company. Helios AI’s agricultural commodity intelligence platform tracks more than 80 commodities across over 100 countries.
The index also examines countries’ ability to finance cereal imports following potential harvest failures, highlighting significant differences in import-cover capacity. The company aims to use predictive intelligence to help retailers and food-sector stakeholders identify emerging supply, pricing, and food-security risks.
Bayer Unveils Vyconic Soybean Trait Stack Featuring Five-Way Herbicide Tolerance
Bayer Crop Science announced plans to introduce Vyconic, an advanced soybean trait technology that combines tolerance to five distinct herbicides: glyphosate, dicamba, glufosinate, 2,4-D, and mesotrione. Expanding on the existing XtendFlex platform by incorporating 2,4-D and mesotrione resistance, the stack provides growers with crucial flexibility to manage tough weeds and combat mounting herbicide resistance.
Beyond chemical options, Bayer utilized an accelerated trait-integration breeding approach to pair Vyconic with elite modern germplasm earlier in development, generating an average yield increase exceeding two bushels per acre. The anticipated rollout encompasses maturity groups ranging from triple-zero for Western Canada through Group 3 for Eastern Canada, addressing regional agronomic demands.
Broad commercial deployment hinges on pending regulatory milestones, including European trait stack authorization and Chinese import approvals alongside crop protection clearances. Subject to these approvals, Bayer aims for an initial release in 2027, followed by an expanded commercial launch and widespread multi-brand licensing in 2028.
Cargill Inaugurates Advanced Fertilizer Plant in Nueva Palmira to Advance Precision Agriculture in Uruguay
Cargill has officially inaugurated a new fertilizer facility at its Nueva Palmira hub in Uruguay, reinforcing its long-term commitment to enhancing productivity and sustainable resource management across the country’s agricultural sector.
Designed around three pillars—reinforcing workplace safety, expanding operational capacity, and elevating product quality standards—the modern site integrates upgraded infrastructure and process technologies to ensure reliable operations.
The facility significantly optimizes blending and dispatch workflows, allowing Cargill to respond with agility to increasingly compressed seasonal application windows. In addition to boosting bulk handling efficiency, the plant introduces sophisticated mixing capabilities that expand the portfolio of specialized plant nutrition solutions, including micronutrients and tailored input technologies calibrated to specific crop needs.
According to Cargill Uruguay leadership, this transition from broad-spectrum fertilization toward targeted crop nutrition equips growers with the exact tools needed to optimize input efficiency and maximize yields.
Ultimately, co-locating these enhanced fertilizer capabilities at this critical port gateway solidifies Cargill’s integrated supply chain, linking upstream agronomic solutions with global export channels.
BASF and IRRI Extend OPTIMA Rice Partnership to Target Emissions and Soil Health
BASF Agricultural Solutions and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have extended their joint initiative, “Optimizing Management for Reduction of Greenhouse Gases in Rice” (OPTIMA Rice), aimed at advancing low-emission, climate-smart cultivation practices.
Initially launched in 2024, the collaboration’s first phase proved that Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) combined with Direct Seeded Rice drastically cuts methane emissions and irrigation water usage without penalizing crop yields. These findings offer crucial operational pathways for growers seeking carbon farming credits, while improved straw management provides an additional lever to curb greenhouse gas release.
In this second phase, the partners are turning their attention below ground to evaluate the long-term impacts of altered irrigation on soil carbon, nitrogen dynamics, and overall fertility. The research program will also assess the application of biochar as a complementary intervention to enhance soil structure and accelerate carbon sequestration.
Rooted in field trials conducted in the Philippines, insights generated from the project are tailored for global scalability across major rice-producing economies, including India, China, Japan, Italy, and Brazil.
By bridging rigorous agronomic science with practical farm economics, the partnership seeks to safeguard global food security while decarbonizing staple crop production.
India’s Coconut Exports Surge 62% to ₹7,038 Crore as Centre Readies New Scheme for Southern States
At the Regional Agriculture Conference for Southern States in Hyderabad, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that India’s coconut exports surged by approximately 62% in a single year, climbing from ₹4,349 crore to ₹7,038 crore.
To sustain this momentum, the government is preparing to roll out a dedicated budget-announced coconut promotion scheme alongside structured plans to rejuvenate 60- to 70-year-old plantations through phased replanting with high-yielding varieties.
The deliberations also prioritized expanding high-value commercial horticulture across southern states, directing authorities to formulate tailored roadmaps for cashew, cocoa, spices, coffee, and sandalwood to maximize farmer earnings. State governments were urged to evaluate global demand trends under existing free trade agreements and adopt international quality standards throughout agricultural value chains.
Addressing agro-climatic variations, the conference emphasized moving away from uniform nationwide policies toward region-specific strategies, with targeted discussions on El Niño impacts, crop diversification, and resource coordination for the upcoming Rabi season.
Additionally, the forum established a cross-state framework to replicate proven, cost-effective agricultural practices and technologies across regions facing similar agro-ecological conditions.
APEDA Signs Strategic MoU with InD Events Dubai to Expand Global Agri-Food Market Access
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InD Events Dubai to broaden international market access for Indian food exporters and facilitate direct links with global buyers.
Aligned with India’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, the agreement leverages Dubai’s strategic role as a global trade hub to open commercial corridors across the GCC, the wider Middle East, and Africa. A central priority of the initiative is integrating underrepresented and grassroots entities into overseas trade, focusing specifically on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), startups, and women- and SC/ST-led enterprises.
By offering smaller producers structured exposure to international retail and distribution channels, the initiative aims to drive inclusive export growth. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted that deepening these overseas trade linkages highlights the rising global footprint of India’s agri-food sector while securing essential platforms for export scaling.
Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association Calls for One Nation, One License and 5% GST
The Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has called for a “One Nation, One License” digital framework to simplify fertilizer licensing across states. The proposal was discussed at the 3rd IMMA Industry–Government Roundtable in New Delhi, with government officials and representatives from the plant nutrition sector.
IMMA suggested that manufacturers should submit corporate, manufacturing and regulatory documents once through a national digital platform. The association also sought reforms under the Fertilizer Control Order, including clearer inspection rules and separate treatment of procedural and deliberate violations.
It proposed freer exports of non-subsidised Made-in-India specialty fertilizers and micronutrients where there is no domestic shortage. IMMA also called for time-bound digital export approvals and a framework for export-only formulations. On taxation, the association proposed a uniform 5% GST rate for all plant nutrition products notified under the FCO.
Punjab and Haryana Farmers Set to Receive First Soil Carbon Payments
More than 2,500 smallholder farmers in Punjab and Haryana are set to receive digital payments for adopting regenerative farming practices, marking the first reported instance in India of farmers being paid for carbon stored in their soil. The payments are part of the ‘Aadi’ farmer carbon programme launched by Grow Indigo in 2019 with technical guidance from ICAR.
Farmers adopted practices such as Direct Seeded Rice, reduced tillage and crop residue management between 2019 and 2022. The resulting greenhouse-gas reductions and increases in soil carbon were measured and independently verified before carbon credits were issued.
The first issuance covered around 30,000 acres and more than 50,000 carbon credits, with participating farmers set to receive approximately ₹3,000–₹15,000. The programme estimates 45 billion litres of water savings and more than two lakh tonnes of crop residue kept out of fires.
The initiative links verified environmental outcomes with additional farm income while supporting regenerative and climate-smart agriculture.’
ICAR-SBI Develops Three Disease-Resistant Sugarcane Varieties for India’s Cane Belt
The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI), Coimbatore, has developed three new sugarcane varieties with resistance to major fungal diseases, including red rot and smut. Co 20016, or Karan 20, is an early-maturing variety targeted at the Northwest Zone, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.
Co 18003 is a mid-late variety developed for the Peninsular Zone, while Co 09004 is intended for the East Coast Zone and offers resistance to both red rot and smut. The varieties have completed advanced evaluation and are awaiting government approval for formal release and notification. Developed through conventional sugarcane breeding, the varieties were tested across multiple locations to assess yield, disease resistance and juice quality.
Their introduction could help farmers reduce losses from destructive diseases while supporting improved cane yield and sugar recovery. Commercial availability is expected to follow formal notification and multiplication of quality planting material.
PepsiCo India Inaugurates ₹778 Crore Foods Manufacturing Facility in Assam to Anchor Northeast Expansion
PepsiCo India has inaugurated its first food manufacturing plant in Assam with an investment of ₹778 crore, marking the company’s fifth food production facility in India and a major step in its broader ₹5,700 crore domestic investment roadmap through 2030. Spanning 44.2 acres in Nalbari, the plant is dedicated to producing flagship brands Lay’s and Uncle Chipps, reinforcing the company’s distribution across Northeast India and West Bengal.
The facility is projected to create approximately 700 direct and indirect jobs, stimulate demand for regional MSMEs and logistics services, and target over 75% female workforce representation. On the agricultural front, the unit will source chip-grade potatoes from over 5,000 local farmers, build on an existing network of 600 growers with seed and technical support, and generate demand for roughly 60,000 tonnes of cold-storage capacity.
Operating under the Winning with pep+ sustainability framework, the plant integrates a rice-husk biofuel thermic heater, 1.2 MWp of rooftop solar power (scalable to 1.9 MWp), vapor-recovery and rainwater harvesting systems targeting 100% water replenishment, and electric container trucks to cut transport emissions.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and PepsiCo leadership noted that the hub will serve as an engine for economic growth by converting regional agricultural production into high-value manufactured goods.
Bihar Expands Oil Palm Cultivation with ₹29,000 per Hectare Subsidy Across Five Target Districts
The Government of Bihar has launched an initiative to expand oil palm cultivation under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), aiming to bolster farmer incomes and reduce national dependence on imported edible oils. In the initial phase, cultivation will be established across five agro-climatically suitable districts: Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, East Champaran, and West Champaran.
To offset establishment costs and ensure steady income for the crop’s 25-to-30-year lifecycle, the state is offering a planting material subsidy of ₹29,000 per hectare, alongside ₹10,500 per hectare for maintenance and intercropping over the first four years. The scheme also provides central-standard subsidies for drip irrigation equipment, processing machinery, and a Viability Price Guarantee to buffer growers against global crude palm oil market fluctuations.
Additionally, transparent direct-procurement networks are being coordinated with processing mills for fresh fruit bunches. Farmers can access program support and submit applications via the official DBT agriculture portal, the Bihar Krishi App, or through local district horticulture offices.