TDB and Aloe Ecell Join Hands in Support of 'Mission LiFE' for Sustainable Innovation
Author: BI Bureau
New Delhi: In a significant stride towards fostering sustainability and indigenous creativity, the Technology Development Board (TDB) join hands with Aloe Ecell Pvt. Ltd., an innovative startup hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiative, 'Mission LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment), which calls for sustainable practices and the promotion of eco-friendly innovations.
TDB, steadfast in its commitment to support groundbreaking solutions in line with 'Mission LiFE,' is extending its support to Aloe Ecell's groundbreaking project, "Commercialization of Eco-friendly-1.5V AA size Aloe Vera-based batteries." With a project valuation of Rs. 2.98 crores, TDB's substantial contribution of Rs. 1.91 crores as a soft loan underscores the potential of this project to revolutionize eco-friendly technology.
Aloe Ecell's inventive approach revolves around the development of an eco-friendly 1.5V AA size battery, offering an alternative to conventional batteries laden with heavy metals and harmful chemicals. Leveraging the unique properties of Aloe Vera, Aloe Ecell has formulated an electrolyte that not only matches the performance of existing market standards but also champions environmental responsibility. The company is set to establish production facilities for primary batteries in Bundi, Rajasthan.
The central objective of this project perfectly aligns with the core values of 'Mission LiFE' – the introduction of lifestyle choices that prioritize ecological well-being. By leading the charge in the development of eco-friendly primary batteries, Aloe ECell aims to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment while addressing the long-standing concerns associated with toxic components in traditional batteries.
Aloe ECell's remarkable journey has already garnered recognition, including the National Startup Award in the Energy Sector 2020 by Startup India under DPIIT, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, and the prestigious Global Winners 2019 award by Schneider Electric, according to a PIB release.
This collaboration between TDB and Aloe Ecell stands as a testament to the commitment of both organizations towards promoting sustainable technology and fostering a brighter, greener future for India and the world.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, emphasized, "Our collaboration with Aloe ECell Pvt. Ltd. epitomizes TDB's commitment to support sustainable innovation. This partnership signifies our dedication to supporting visionary projects that blend technological advancement with environmental stewardship. As the startup forges ahead bolstered by TDB's steadfast support, it exemplifies the capability of government-industry collaboration in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for our nation." /BI/
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The exports of agricultural commodities from March to June 2020 shot up by 23.24 percent on-year to Rs 25,552.7 crores.
As the economy comes to a standstill amid the coronavirus-led lockdown, India’s agriculture sector has taken the baton of economic growth in its hands. The exports of agricultural commodities from March to June 2020 shot up by 23.24 percent on-year to Rs 25,552.7 crores, according to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The government said that self-reliant agriculture is critical for the goal of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and for this, agricultural export is extremely important as besides earning foreign exchange for the country, the exports help farmers, producers, and exporters to take advantage of the wider international market and increase their income.
The surge in exports has also resulted in increased production in the farm sector by increasing coverage area and productivity. The share of India’s agricultural exports and imports in the world agriculture trade in 2017 was 2.27 percent and 1.90 percent, respectively. Even during the difficult time of pandemic lockdown, India took care not to disturb the world food supply chain and continued to export, the government said.
Ministry of Agriculture has prepared a comprehensive action plan for the promotion of Agri trade; the twofold approach focuses on boosting Agri Export with emphasis on value addition and action plan for Import Substitution. Recently, the Agriculture sector has witnessed a series of reforms, giving more choices to the farmers to sell their produce at competitive rates.
To mention a few, the Export strategy focuses on the export promotion of fast-evolving niche markets of Wellness food/ Health-conscious food/nutraceuticals, Development of “Brand India” in campaign mode to help penetration into new foreign markets and of new products which automatically translates into higher value realization, Gulf countries have been identified as focus destination to increase the market share which is a strong market for India though presently India caters to only 10-12% share of their total imports. A product-market matrix has been made containing a list of products of strength that could be expanded in new geographies and a list of known markets which can be introduced with newer products.
At the behest of the Department of Agricultural Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, product-specific Export Promotion Forums have been created to lead Agri exports to new heights. Each Export Promotion Forum shall be having exporters of the related commodity as its members along with official members representing concerned Ministries/Departments of the Central and State Governments. Chairman APEDA shall be the chairman of each of these forums. The forums will meet at least once every two months, to discuss recommendations on issues pertaining to the export.
The recommendations of the forum will be placed in the product committee / Authority of APEDA. The Forum will keep in close contact with the concerned organization of the Ministry of Agriculture such as MIDH, Extension, NPPO, etc., DGFT, Ministry of Civil Aviation, MoFPI, etc. to further the interest of agricultural export.
