Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-sustainability-daily/id1842028080
Sustainability Daily Podcast 12/06/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Karnataka Agri Minister inaugurates Electric Tractor Mela in Bengaluru
Read the full article | By BL Mangaluru Bureau | Published: December 5, 2025
A new NRDC report launched at the Electric Tractor Mela highlights electric tractors as a transformative solution for Indian agriculture, with up to 80% lower operating costs and nearly 50% lower total cost of ownership versus diesel, plus meaningful health benefits. Demonstrations from Moonrider (27HP, 50HP, 75HP) and partners showed how Custom Hiring Centres and FPO-run rental models can extend access to smallholders. The policy roadmap aims to accelerate statewide adoption and make clean mechanization practical and affordable.
TSPL’s circular biofuel ecosystem in Punjab helps reduce stubble burning
Read the full article | By BL Mangaluru Bureau | Published: December 5, 2025
Punjab’s Mansa district recorded an 87% drop in farm fires over two years after TSPL helped establish a 500 TPD torrefied bio-pellet facility and created an assured market for paddy straw. The plant has co-fired over 250,000 tonnes of biomass year-to-date, improving air quality while turning agricultural residue into high-value, carbon-neutral fuel. The model demonstrates how circular value chains can align farmer income, power sector decarbonization, and regional air-quality goals.
Vrutti partners with HSBC India to launch ‘FPO Shakti’ financing facility
Read the full article | By BL Pune Bureau | Published: December 6, 2025
FPO Shakti is a blended, stage-based facility designed to close the “missing middle” credit gap for Farmer Producer Organisations, combining revolving funds, guarantees, revenue-linked finance, and tailored technical assistance. Backed by HSBC India and managed by FWWB, it will support an initial 15 early-growth FPOs with plans to scale to 100+, strengthening governance, market linkages, and investment readiness over 24 months. The initiative aims to unlock sustainable growth and resilience across rural value chains.
Synthesis, antimicrobial, antioxidant studies of thermally stable nanocomposite films doped with CoO-NPs for active food packaging applications
Read the full article | By Maqam Ali, Muhammad Kaleem Khosa, Awal Noor, Sadaf Qayyum | Published: December 5, 2025
Researchers developed gelatin/PEG/chitosan films enhanced with cobalt oxide nanoparticles that improve mechanical strength, thermal stability, and water resistance while delivering strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and antibiofilm activity. Optimal performance was observed at up to 2.5% nanoparticle loading, pointing to practical use in active food packaging. The study underscores how bio-based materials can extend shelf life and reduce waste without relying on conventional plastics.
Crowd Farming Market Trends and Industry Outlook Report 2025–2030
Read the full article | By Research and Markets | Published: December 5, 2025
The global crowd farming market is projected to grow from USD 122.45 million in 2024 to USD 177.77 million by 2030 (6.41% CAGR), driven by consumer demand for organic, traceable products and expanded digital engagement. A key opportunity lies in channeling capital toward regenerative agriculture, though broader public awareness remains a hurdle. Platforms that bridge producers and consumers while proving impact and transparency are well-positioned to capture this growth.
