Rallis India Q4 loss narrows to ₹21 crore
Rallis India, a Tata Group company, has reported net loss of ₹21 crore in March quarter against loss of ₹68 crore logged in same period last year, due to weak demand and lower exports.
Revenue was down at ₹436 crore (₹523 crore) in the quarter under review.
However, in FY24 the net profit doubled to ₹148 crore (₹92 crore) on lower cost. Revenue was down 11 per cent at ₹2,648 crore (₹2,967 crore).
Dr Gyanendra Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, Rallis India said the revenue for the fiscal was down on the back of continuing challenges in the exports demand and low agro-chemical prices.
There was positive low single-digit volume growth in the domestic formulation business while seeds revenue grew 21 per cent and delivered break-even profit, he added.
Exports business declined 35 per cent and the market continues to be under pressure due to geopolitical unrest and continuing de-stocking, he added.
The company has begun the work on new “Rallis Science and Technology Centre” to augment innovation capabilities. It has launched three new products in crop nutrition portfolio in the March quarter.
Our Bureau
In a significant achievement in India’s mariculture sector, the researchers of the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has succeeded in captive breeding of golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus), a high-value marine fish. Scientists at CMFRI’s Visakhapatnam Regional Centre achieved successful bloodstock development, captive breeding and larval rearing of the fish after five years of research.
The achievement is expected to open up a new avenue for sustainable seafood production and boost the country’s mariculture activities, including sea cage farming.
Golden trevally or golden king fish is an ideal candidate species for mariculture (marine aquaculture) due to its faster growth rates, good meat quality and huge market demand for both consumption and ornamental purposes. The farm-gate value of the fish is ₹400-500 per kg.
ORNAMENTAL VARIETY
It is a reef-associated fish and lives in the company of larger fishes like skates, sharks, groupers etc. Interestingly, juveniles of this species act as pilots for sharks. It is a silver grey fish with yellowish colouration on the belly, with scattered black patches and all fins coloured yellow and a black tail. The juveniles are more golden in colour with the black bands giving them a very attractive look and hence a preference for aquarium keeping. As an ornamental variety, the fish is priced between ₹150-250 per piece.