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| Edited By: Mansi Taneja |Source: DNA |Updated: Dec 12, 2017, 01:40 AM IST
Y CUBE Holdings Ltd has developed a new product called Agri3, a growth enhancer for crops, which can be used for increasing yield of various crops including rice, wheat, corn, maize by about 20 per cent. In an interview with Mansi Taneja, Sam Yamdagni, Chairman and CEO of the company, talks about commercial launch of its product in India by March next year.
We are in discussions with three Indian state governments. Trials and testing is done. Now, we looking at doing it on a larger scale with government representatives and center of excellence to get a right kind of valuation. For a proof of concept, its is important to do it on a much larger scale.
A model is yet to be finalised — whether the state government will give subsidy to farmers or whether they will buy this product or any other model.
But we plan to start our first big commercial trial by next harvest season i.e March 2018.
It is a growth enhancer. It has to be sprayed over the crop. One hectare of land would need about 1.5 kg of this solution and roughly costs about Rs 4,500. We have conducted trials across India and Indonesia for last three years. It will increase productivity, shelf life and create more bio mass. The yield is estimated to go up by 20 per cent-50 per cent. This is to be used along with fertiliser.
If one will be able to make Rs 20,000 extra by spending Rs 4,000, am sure they will spend.
That's why we are going for large commercial trails to give touch and feel rather than giving out just statements. In water stressed areas, this will be very important as input costs per tonne will come down.
We have decided to launch this product in India first. Then, we will look for strategic partners and take it globally. We already have other business interests in areas such as solar farms in Thailand.
