Tag: Prittle Prattle News agriculture coverage

  • Next Generation Water Soluble Fertilizer Introduced as Fertinex Debuts with Smart Signalling Technology 

    Developed through in house research and agronomic trials, the new fertilizer is designed for fertigation systems and enhanced plant microbe interaction across multiple crop categories

    A next generation water soluble fertilizer aimed at advancing fertigation practices in Indian agriculture has been introduced with the launch of Fertinex by Coromandel International Limited. Announced on 22 December 2025, the product is positioned as a research driven solution for efficient crop nutrition, developed to meet the evolving needs of farmers seeking precision, consistency, and sustainability in nutrient delivery.
    Fertinex has been developed through extensive in house research and agronomic trials, with a formulation tailored specifically for fertigation applications. The fertilizer features an optimized nutrient composition that delivers balanced nutrition directly through irrigation systems, allowing crops to receive essential nutrients in a readily available form. This approach aligns with the increasing adoption of fertigation across Indian farms, where efficient water and nutrient use has become central to improving productivity and managing input costs.

    A defining feature of Fertinex is its integration of proprietary Smart Signalling Technology™, a patented innovation designed to enhance communication between plant roots and beneficial soil micro organisms. The technology works at the rhizosphere level, stimulating positive biological interactions that support nutrient uptake, root development, and soil health. By activating natural signalling pathways, the formulation is intended to improve nutrient use efficiency while strengthening the plant’s inherent ability to cope with stress conditions.
    According to the company, Fertinex has been designed to support early crop establishment, a critical phase that influences yield potential across crop cycles. The readily soluble nutrients ensure uniform distribution through fertigation systems, while the Smart Signalling Technology™ supports improved assimilation of nutrients within the plant system. This combined effect is expected to contribute to robust vegetative growth and stable crop development across varying field conditions.

    The patented Smart Signalling Technology™ relies on unique signalling molecules that encourage a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and beneficial microbes in the soil. This interaction promotes improved root architecture, enhanced nutrient absorption, and better tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress factors. Over time, such biological activity also contributes to improved soil vitality, which remains a key concern in intensive farming systems.
    Fertinex is suitable for a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, and plantation crops. Its broad applicability reflects a focus on versatility, allowing farmers across different agro climatic zones to integrate the product into existing fertigation schedules. By offering a consistent and reliable nutrient delivery mechanism, the fertilizer aims to support the production of high quality crops while maintaining long term soil health.

    The first batch of Fertinex was flagged off at the Visakhapatnam manufacturing facility of Coromandel International Limited. The event was led by S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, marking the formal rollout of the product for commercial distribution. The launch from the Visakhapatnam plant underscores the company’s focus on scaling research led innovations through its established manufacturing infrastructure.
    Commenting on the introduction of Fertinex, Avinash Thakur, Vice President and Business Head SND and Organic at Coromandel International Limited, said that innovation continues to be central to the company’s approach to crop nutrition. He noted that Fertinex reflects sustained investments in research, agronomic validation, and collaboration with technology partners, with the objective of delivering solutions that enhance soil health, improve nutrient efficiency, and support farmer productivity.

    He further stated that the company’s focus remains on building a sustainable and self reliant agricultural ecosystem in India. Through continued farmer education, field trials, and research initiatives, Coromandel aims to ensure that advanced nutrient solutions are both accessible and relevant to on ground farming realities.
    One of the operational advantages of Fertinex lies in its complete solubility in water, which allows for even nutrient distribution across fertigation systems. This characteristic minimizes the risk of clogging and ensures that crops receive uniform nutrition throughout the field. Combined with the Smart Signalling Technology™, the formulation is designed to reduce nutrient losses and limit environmental impact, addressing growing concerns around resource efficiency in agriculture.

    With the launch of Fertinex, Coromandel International Limited is also introducing what it describes as the foundation of a broader Fertinex range. The company indicated that this portfolio will evolve into a comprehensive line of high quality, research driven water soluble fertilizers tailored to diverse crop and soil requirements. The expanded range is expected to support farmers across India in adopting more precise and sustainable nutrient management practices.
    As fertigation continues to gain prominence as a method for improving water and nutrient efficiency, the introduction of Fertinex reflects a wider shift within the agri inputs sector toward science led solutions. By combining optimized nutrition with biological signalling mechanisms, the new fertilizer represents an effort to align crop productivity goals with long term soil and ecosystem health.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • Turmeric Farmers’ Interests Take Centre Stage at Hyderabad Meet Backed by Telangana Government

    Agriculture Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao spoke at a summit organised by CII Telangana with the National Turmeric Board

     Issues related to farmer income, market access, quality standards, and long-term sustainability in turmeric cultivation were discussed at the Turmeric Value Chain Summit 2025, held in Hyderabad. The maiden edition of the summit was organised by CII Telangana in collaboration with the National Turmeric Board.
    Addressing the inaugural session, Agriculture and Cooperation Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao said the Telangana government would extend full support to the National Turmeric Board and stressed that all interventions in the sector must be designed with farmers’ interests at the centre. He said regular income, access to appropriate technology, and protection of traditional practices were essential to ensure that farmers continue cultivating turmeric rather than shifting to other crops.

    The Minister noted that factors such as soil conditions, profitability, and farmers’ ability to manage risk play a significant role in crop selection. He also pointed out that turmeric could be cultivated as an intercrop in palm oil plantations and said there was a need to strengthen horticulture and vegetable farming alongside forest revival efforts. Describing turmeric as a crop closely linked to Indian culture and tradition, he said the decision to establish a separate National Turmeric Board in Telangana was a positive step expected to further strengthen turmeric production.
    Chairman of the National Turmeric Board, Mr Palle Ganga Reddy, said turmeric was the only spice among the country’s 53 spices to have a dedicated board. He stated that turmeric is cultivated across nearly eight lakh acres in India, with Telangana accounting for around 48,000 acres officially, though actual cultivation could be closer to 60,000 acres. He added that turmeric cultivation continues to expand in several states and said scientific studies were needed to document and promote the multiple uses of turmeric.

    Mr Reddy emphasised the role of market committees in improving farmer awareness about quality enhancement, particularly in major trading centres such as Nizamabad, Metpally, and Mahaboobabad. He said improving facilities at these markets would directly benefit turmeric farmers.
    Mr K Surendra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of Telangana, said the State’s Vision 2047 places farmer welfare as a priority, with twelve focus areas identified to achieve this objective. While economic growth remains important, he said increasing farmer incomes must receive equal attention. He noted that Telangana contributes around ten percent of global turmeric production and said farmer producer organisations and value addition would play a key role in strengthening exports.

    Ms N Bhavani Sri, IAS, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, said India currently meets over seventy percent of global turmeric demand but faces increasing competition from countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and several African nations. She highlighted the need to improve turmeric quality to global standards, particularly by increasing curcumin content and reducing moisture levels below ten percent. Continued engagement between farmers and food processing companies, she said, would help address quality challenges.
    Highlighting the importance of Telangana’s turmeric markets, Mr R Sivaprasad Reddy, Chairman, CII Telangana and Managing Director of Rachamallu Forgings Ltd, said Nizamabad remains a key trading centre and that the establishment of the National Turmeric Board in the State is expected to provide a significant boost to turmeric production.

    Dr V Praveen Rao, Adviser to the CII Telangana Agri and Food Processing Panel and Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University, described turmeric as the “Golden Spice of India” due to its preventive, therapeutic, and curative properties. He said the sector must transition from bulk commodity trading to higher-value, quality-driven and compliance-led supply chains.
    Mr M Jayasankar M, Head of Strategic Sourcing, Agronomy and Sustainability at Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd., said stable and high curcumin production remains a key challenge. He pointed to pesticide residue as a concern, particularly for pharmaceutical and export markets, and said public–private partnerships and backward integration would be important to build credible turmeric supply chains.
    The Turmeric Value Chain Summit 2025 saw participation from over 200 policymakers, industry representatives, farmers, and stakeholders from across the turmeric value chain, including representatives from the Spices Board.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.