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Agrotech, R&D

The discovery will enable SMART researchers in precision agriculture to develop new plant sensors for hormones and nanoparticle carriers for gene engineering

Researchers from SMART, MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, have made a ground-breaking discovery that allows scientists to ‘look’ at the surface density of dispersed nanoparticles. This revolutionary technology enables researchers to ‘characterise’ or understand the properties of nanoparticles without disturbing the nanoparticle, and also at a much lower cost and far quicker too. New method to explore the surface of nanoparticles will accelerate Nano-engineering of materials and can be used to ‘characterise’ nanoparticles with any geometric shape as a universal characterisation technique.

The new process is explained in a paper titled “Measuring the Accessible Surface Area within the Nanoparticle Corona using Molecular Probe Adsorption”, published this month in the prestigious academic journal, Nano Letters. It was led by Michael Strano, co-lead principal investigator of DiSTAP and Carbon P. Dubbs Professor at MIT, and Minkyung Park, Graduate Student at MIT. DiSTAP, the Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) is a part of the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore. DiSTAP IRG develops new technologies to enable Singapore, a city-state which is dependent upon imported food and produce, to improve its agriculture yield to reduce external dependencies.

The Molecular Probe Adsorption (MPA) method is based on non-invasive adsorption of a fluorescent probe on the surface of colloidal nanoparticles in an aqueous phase. Researchers are able to calculate the surface coverage of dispersants on the nanoparticle surface – which are used to make it stable at room temperature – by the physical interaction between the probe and nanoparticle surface. The method is substantially faster and cheaper than existing chemical methods and does not damage the nanoparticle being studied. MPA will also aid researchers across all sectors to push nanoparticle research boundaries and current limits.

“We can now characterise the surface of the nanoparticle through its adsorption of the fluorescent probe. This allows us to understand the surface of the nanoparticle without damaging it, which is, unfortunately, the case with chemical processes widely used today,” said Park. “This new method also uses machines that are readily available in labs today, opening up a new easy method for the scientific community to develop nanoparticles that can help revolutionise different sectors and disciplines.”

The MPA method is also able to characterise a nanoparticle within minutes compared to several hours that the best chemical methods require today. Because it uses only fluorescent light, it is also substantially cheaper.

DiSTAP has started to use this method for nanoparticle sensors in plants and nanocarriers for delivery of molecular cargo into plants.

“We are already using the new MPA method within DiSTAP to aid us in creating sensors and nanocarriers for plants,” said Strano. “It has enabled us to discover and optimise more sensitive sensors, and understand the surface chemistry, which in turn allows for greater precision when monitoring plants. With higher quality data and insight into plant biochemistry, we can ultimately provide optimal nutrient levels or beneficial hormones for healthier plants and higher yields.”

 

The discovery will enable SMART researchers in

Agrotech, Start ups, Supply Chain

Rabobank, a leading global bank in food and agriculture and sustainability, recently shortlisted eight agri-start-ups from India which would go to the Pitch day of SustainableAg Asia Challenge.

Rabobank, a leading global bank in food and agriculture and sustainability, recently shortlisted 15 agri-tech startups and innovators. Out of 15 start-ups, eight agri-start-ups  from India would to go to the Pitch day of its SustainableAg Asia Challenge. The platform is aimed at creating a sustainable agri-food supply chain and promoting integrity and interconnectivity across the region’s vital agriculture and food supply chains.

With Asia’s population expected to increase from 4.6 billion to 5.3 billion in 2050 and with limited arable land and natural resources available for increased food production, Rabobank believes data and innovation are key to feeding this growing population sustainably.

Run in partnership with Padang & Co, the Challenge invited submissions from agri-tech companies with a market-ready solution that uses cutting-edge data-driven technology, analysis and interconnectivity to help meet Asia’s increasing demand for food. It aims to promote integrity and interconnectivity across the region’s vital agriculture and food supply chains.

 Alaïs Faucon, Sustainable Solutions Development Manager at Rabobank said: “We have been delighted by the calibre of submissions to our Sustainable Ag Asia Challenge. The 15 shortlisted companies all represent diverse, exciting and emerging agri-tech solutions that can drive effective changes for more efficient agri-food supply chains to ensure a more sustainable food production practice. Together with our partners and these innovative companies, we can contribute to feeding the world more sustainably.”

 

The Rabobank Sustainable Ag Asia Challenge is supported by Rabo Foundation, and in partnership with ADB Ventures, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Bayer, Bits & Bites, COFCO International, DSM, Future Group, Temasek and Olam International who are acting as judges.

Evaluated based on factors such as technology innovation, market readiness, scalability and extent of addressing integrity in the agri-food value chain in Asia, the shortlist of 15 entries cover wide-ranging solutions, from helping smallholders with their crops to financing options, and the creation of technology platforms across the agricultural supply chain that will boost productivity, efficiency and income for the farmers.

 

The shortlisted agritech start-ups pitched to a panel comprising senior management of the Rabobank Foundation, as well as senior representatives of the competition’s partners, ADB ventures, Archer Daniels Midland, Bayer, Bits & Bites, COFCO International, DSM, Future Group, Olam International, and Temasek.

 

Indian Agri-startups shortlisted by Rabobank

AgNext (India)- Builds data-driven value chains with the latest technologies that can transform the way we grow, procure, trade, store and consume food, benefiting all stakeholders of the agribusiness industry – www.agnext.com 

CropIn Technology Solutions (India) – Uses ground, weather and satellite data to help agribusinesses de-risk their supply chains through real-time monitoring and making data-driven decisions – www.cropin.com 

DeHaat (India). With a technology-enabled platform currently providing complete end-to-end services to more than 170,000 Indian farmers from “Seed to Market” with an aim to expand to a million by 2022 – www.agrevolution.in 

EM3 Agriservices (India) – Breaking the stereotypes for increasing agricultural productivity by bringing technology and mechanization for farming communities on a Pay-for-Use basis – www.em3agri.com 

FarMart (India) – Helps smallholder farmers get access to low cost digital credit by linking credit to purchase of farm inputs at merchant points – www.farmart.co 

FarmGuide (Lennon Agitech) (India) – Uses satellite imagery and mobile to digitize farms and farmers with agriculture insights and risk ratings on a single platform – Building an Agri data stack for the world – www.farmguide.in 

Jai Kisan (India)- Facilitates capital to under-banked and under-served rural emerging markets ensuring a low cost of capital and record low turnaround time with minimal documentation for the borrower – www.jai-kisan.com/main 

Stellapps Technologies (India)-  A full-stack IoT company that drives digitization of the dairy sector to significantly enhance income, profitability and yield per cow of farmers in emerging economies – www.stellapps.com

 

The winners of   Sustainable Ag Asia Challenge were announced recently. Stellapps Technologies, an Indian internet of thing (IoT) startup won first place  which specialises in  digitization of  the dairy sector to increase the income of producers.

Rabobank announced five top submissions in total. Besides Stellapps, the other four top submissions are DeHaat (2nd prize) also from India, Longcom IoT (3rd prize) from China, AgNext (merit prize) from India, and PT Crowde Membangun Bangsa (merit prize) from Indonesia.

 

Rabobank, a leading global bank in food

Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy

The Ministers signed a Joint Declaration of Intent between India & Germany on cooperation in agriculture market development.

 

Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently had meeting session with Julia Klockner, Minister of Food & Agriculture, Germany in New Delhi. The Ministers signed a Joint Declaration of Intent between India & Germany on cooperation in agriculture market development.
During the meeting, Tomar said that India’s priority has shifted from production centric to farmer centric, and the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 by improving productivity, lowering input cost, creating competitive markets and strengthening the value chain for agriculture and allied sectors. The Minister also mentioned that the Agriculture Export Policy 2018 targets doubling of agriculture exports to $60 million by 2022.
Julia Klockner said that Germany has expertise in Mechanization and Post-harvest Management and also added that she thinks this shall play a major role in achieving doubling farmers’ income. The German Minister also impressed upon continuing the discussions of Working Group started in 2008 on the issues like Food Safety, Consumer protection and hoped that topics discussed are implemented.Germany,
Both the Ministers affirmed that Agriculture is a priority for both Germany and India for fulfilment of ’Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2- End Hunger and Doubling Agricultural Productivity’, which is especially important since it will also impact the achievement of the other 16 SDGs.
The Ministers also discussed the areas of cooperation like Mechanization, Post-Harvest management, Supply chain, market access and Export issues. Stressing upon the importance and priority given to food safety and consumer protection the Ministers discussed upon further cooperation in the field such as support in setting up labs, conducting food testing workshops etc. India also placed a list of agricultural products being imported by Germany from other countries, which could be imported from India.

Both Ministers also expressed happiness on signing of MoU between National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) and the German Agriculture Academy – DEULA-Nienburg for technical and professional training of employees in the agricultural sector.

The Ministers signed a Joint

Agrotech, Finance, Start ups

Agricultural technology firm Fasal has raised $1.6 million (Rs 11 crore) in its seed round of funding led by impact investor Omnivore

Agricultural technology firm Fasal has raised $1.6 million (Rs 11 crore) in its seed round of funding led by impact investor Omnivore and early-stage venture capital firm Wavemaker Partners. Other investors that participated in the funding round include Mount Parker Ventures and Hong Kong-based Animoca and Japan’s Mistletoe.

The company has stated that existing investors Zeroth, an artificial intelligence-machine learning accelerator, and Australia-based Artesian Ventures also contributed to the round.
Fasal,which is operated by Wolkus Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd, said it will use the funds to build  AI capabilities for each horticulture value chain and to launch a lower-cost installable version of its field sensor array.

Ananda Prakash Verma, co-founder at Fasal, said, “Farmers are seeing major increases in  profitability and huge water savings after using Fasal. Ultimately, we will become a full- stack platform for horticulture farmers.”

About Fasal
Fasal was launched in 2018 by Ananda Prakash Verma and Shailendra Tiwari. It is an AI
(Artificial Intelligence)-powered IoT-SaaS platform for horticulture. It captures real-time  data on growing conditions from on-farm sensors and delivers farm-specific, actionable  advisories to farmers via mobile in vernacular languages.
Ananda Verma, an alumnus of IIIT-Bangalore, earlier launched tech-media start up
Fossbytes. Shailendra Tiwari is an alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology
(NIFT), and earlier worked with companies like Decathlon.
The company claims that its field sensor array can be installed by farmers in less than fifteen minutes and measures multiple dynamic variables, including micro-climate, soil, and crop conditions.

Horticulture Value Chain
The Company is presently operating in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, but plans to expand pan-India and also enter
markets across Southeast Asia. Fasal is currently working in horticulture value chains
such as grapes, pomegranate, mango, citrus, tea, coffee, and chili.

Mark Kahn, managing partner at Omnivore, said that “The firm plans to help Fasal to
accelerate the growth of their B2B2F business model by connecting them to leading
agribusinesses across the region and on boarding the farmers.”
Fasal is one of several agri-tech start-ups that have raised funds in recent years, as
entrepreneurs and investors look for solutions to solve myriad problems in India’s
agriculture sector.

 

Agricultural technology firm Fasal has raised $1.6

Agrotech, R&D

NUS researchers in Singapore reported that the genes responsible for providing defence responses against powdery mildew (RPW8) in the Arabidopsis thaliana plant, when duplicated as multiple copies in the genome, can misregulate immune receptors to trigger autoimmunity in hybrid plants.

Genomic information from plants can be used to enhance agricultural production and improve food security in a sustainable manner. Through a better understanding of the relationship between a plant’s genetic information and the resulting behaviour, improved crops with better traits (resistance to diseases, tolerance to drought, etc.) can be developed. This can be achieved through cross-pollinating plants with selected traits to produce a hybrid with the desired characteristics.

A research team led by Prof Eunyoung CHAE from the Department of Biological Sciences, NUS has discovered that in selective plant breeding, the genes responsible for providing defence responses against powdery mildew (RPW8) in the Arabidopsis thaliana plant, when duplicated as multiple copies in the genome, can misregulate immune receptors to trigger autoimmunity in hybrid plants. This can cause the premature gradual death of the foliage in these hybrids, known as hybrid necrosis.

The researchers applied a technique known as the genome-wide association mapping study (GWAS) to the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in this research. GWAS is an important tool to identify genetic variation in plants which are associated with a particular trait. It allows the researchers to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which mark the causal natural variation in the genome responsible for growth-immunity trade-off. These SNPs are like postal codes showing the genetic information that is associated with autoimmune symptoms in plants. The SNPs were found to be located adjacent to a multi-gene cluster which is known to confer resistance to powdery mildew (a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants). The team found that having multiple copies of this set of genetic codes (RPW8) in Arabidopsis thaliana is detrimental as it triggers its autoimmunity mechanism even in the absence of pathogens.

Prof Chae said, “The plant Arabidopsis thaliana used in our study belongs to the Brassicaceae family, and the family members include vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, mustard and bok choy. Our team is currently assessing the variability of the plant immune system, particularly on the powdery mildew resistance gene clusters in this family, and if the variability is associated with heightened resistance and/or trade-off between immunity and growth.”

NUS researchers in Singapore reported that the

Acquaculture, Live Stock

ICAR-CIFRI Barrackpore has ranched 586 of Hilsa Broodfish in the upstream of Farakka barrage for improving the Hilsa Fisheries

The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore has ranched 586 of Hilsa Broodfish in the upstream of Farakka barrage for improving the Hilsa Fisheries in the middle stretches of the River Ganga. The initiative was carried out under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Government of India during the month of September to October, 2019.

 During the process, a total of 372 fishes out of 586 Hilsa were tagged with a size range 223mm to 345 mm with Floy T-bar Anchor Tags of standard size with serial numbers printed. The tagged fishes were observed and showed fully active during the release indicating the suitability of the tags used. 

The main objective of the tagging is to understand the current migration pattern of Hilsa Broodfish in the middle stretches of the River Ganga, particularly, from the Farakka to the Prayagraj (Allahabad) and above, under the background of current non-functional of Fish pass existing in the Farakka barrage.

 Simultaneously, the ICAR-CIFRI team created the awareness among the fishermen on the reporting of tagged Hilsa and Hilsa conservation from Farakka to Prayagraj, all along the River Ganga namely Sultanganj, Rajmahal, Bhagalpur, Patna, Buxar, Balia, Varanasi, and Prayagraj covering the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

 The fishermen were distributed the information on Hilsa Life Story and Leaflets on Hilsa Conservation for future in Hindi and Bengali for better understanding on the work activities. The team is carrying out the detailed activities under the guidance of Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI.

 During the Year – 1962, the ICAR-CIFRI conducted the Hilsa tagging for the first time at Allahabad, Varanasi and Buxar with an objective on understanding the migratory behavior of the Hilsa.

 Further, the recent studies recorded that the Hilsa congregation in large number below the barrage and forming a good fishery ground. Therefore, the ranching and tagging of Hilsa Broodfish would support the current understanding on the Hilsa migration pattern after the Year – 1975.

 Accordingly, the policy decision could be taken to see the possibility of re-establishing/designing of fish passes or exploring other possibilities for upstream migration ensuring Hilsa fisheries improvement in the middle stretches of the River Ganga.

 

ICAR-CIFRI Barrackpore has ranched 586 of Hilsa

Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy

President Ram Nath Kovind given assent to the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Act.

Tamil Nadu becomes the first State in the country to enact a law on contract farming. President Ram Nath Kovind given assent to the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Act.

 The State government said in an official release that the new law would protect the farmers during times of bumper crop or when market prices fluctuate.  Farmers would be paid a pre-determined price, which had been arrived at the time of signing agreements with buyers. Such agreements would have to be registered with designated officers from the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business.

While  there is no exclusive legislation regarding contract farming in any state so far at the all-India level,  Tamil Nadu government has come up with such a law,” said the release.

 Contract Farming and Services Authority

 Tamil Nadu state would form a six member’s body known as Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Authority. The authority will ensure proper implementation of the Act and make suggestions to the State government for promotion and better performance of contract farming.

Farmers could get support from buyers for improving productivity by way of inputs, feed and fodder and technology. Also, farmers engaged in rearing of livestock for scale of economy in production and post-production activities would be covered.

No coverage for banned produce

The release mentioned that any produce, which is banned by the Central or the State government or the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), will not be covered under contract farming. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had given instructions to officers to complete finalization of rules & ensure early execution of the law.

  Based on Model Law

Most importantly, the release has mentioned that, the formulation of the Act is based on a model law prepared by Centre, which consulted different stakeholders, including the State governments. The Tamil Nadu government in its budget for 2018-19 had announced that it will come out with one such law. In February 2019, the Assembly adopted the bill.

 

 

 

 

President Ram Nath Kovind given assent to

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

The ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad have signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the transfer of technology

ICAR signs Tripartite MoA with VNMKV for technology transfer

The ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad have signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the transfer of technology on Five Row Broad Bed Furrow Planter-cum-Sprayer with Seed Covering Device (Tractor Drawn) with the VNMKV and Rohit Krishi Industries, Pune. The MoA was signed on the occasion of “Interaction Meeting on Farm Mechanization”.

The Chief Guest, Dr Ashok S. Dhawan, Vice-Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, (VNMKV), Parbhani stressed on the need for enhanced public-private partnerships in the farm mechanization in the Rain fed Agriculture with an emphasis on the small farm mechanization. He also appreciated the ICAR-CRIDA and VNMKV’s efforts in this direction.

The Guest of Honor, Dr B. Venkateswarlu, Former Vice-Chancellor, VNMKV, Parbhani stressed on the reduction of drudgery and timely farm operations.Dr G. Ravindra Chary, Director, ICAR-CRIDA highlighted the need for mechanization in the dryland agriculture and multi-institutional collaborations.

Rohit Kadam, Rohit Krishi Industries Pvt. Ltd., Pune highlighted about the technologies transferred by ICAR-CRIDA to the organization.

The ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture,

Agrotech, R&D

Pixxel, Bangluru based space startup company has joined hands with Skymet weather forcaster company to increase farm productivity

 

Pixxel, Indian space start-up company based in Bengaluru has joined hands with Skymet, a private weather forecaster to develop products that will help improve the output of small farms.

As told to media, the partnership with Pixxel will give Skymet access to the former’s high-resolution satellite imagery, which is designed to observe & map changes in agricultural phenomena such as crop & soil health, soil moisture & chlorophyll content. This will help boost small farm output and yield in India while reducing the costs, minimising the environmental impact with precision agriculture practices & better-managing agriculture production.

Pixxel is developing a constellation of earth imaging small satellites, which will provide worldwide coverage every 24 hours once it is fully deployed. After the image is beamed down to earth, the imagery from the company’s satellites are ingested into a web platform that tracks changes in agricultural farms & helps improve production.
Skymet told that it was already working closely with Non-Government Organizations to improve the sustenance of growers in different remote blocks of several states in India. It further said it has deployed 7,500 automated weather stations, 400 agricultural sensors and also a fleet of drones.

Awais Ahmed, the CEO of Pixxel said, “We are happy to partner with Skymet that enables us to fuse their weather dataset along with our unique imagery, helping millions of small farm holders in the country to improve their yields & lives. There have been several exciting advances in data, satellite imagery & machine learning for agriculture over the years. Only very little of these technologies have been available to Indian farms because of a lack of data-rich imagery”.

Jatin Singh, Skymet Managing Director said the accord will usher in an era of unique and innovative customized products for agriculture sector. It will help us provide farmers personalised advisory at farm level, he added.

 

Pixxel, Bangluru based space startup company has

Agrotech, E-commerce

Agrifuture conference will show future options for farmers in South-east Asia.

Agrifuture Conference & Exhibition  will take place in Bangkok in early December. It will cover a wide range of workshop topics to meet every interest. A One-day conference will be complemented by a day of visits to progressive Thai farms.


A brand new event from the organisers of Agritechnica Asia, the DLG (German Agricultural Society) and VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2019. The format of Agrifuture Conference & Exhibition is a one-day international conference and accompanying mini-exhibition, followed by a networking evening and a day of farm visits.


Bangkok’s True Digital Park, Thailand’s first and Southeast Asia’s largest start-up and tech entrepreneurs’ campus, will host the event, which has taken the theme “Prepare yourself for tomorrow’s agri-business”. It is expected to attract attendees involved in all sectors of agricultural production from across the region with its comprehensive conference and workshop programme featuring expert speakers.


Conference programme

The topic for the morning session at the Agrifuture Conference will be on “New Ag-Business Opportunities”. Speakers will include Dr Wolfgang H. Pfeiffer of HarvestPlus, an IFPRI program, with his presentation on “Catalysing bio fortified food systems with partners in supply chain and market development”. He will look at how to tackle malnutrition globally by breeding iron, zinc and vitamin A into staple food crops, and builds food systems through inclusive, sustainable markets.


Meanwhile, Martin Gummert (International Rice Research Institute, IRRI) will discuss “Value chain upgrading from harvesting to markets for sustainable rice production”. Djaja Wisman, whose roles include involvement with the Dairy Working Group of PISAgro and Vice Chairman of Committee for Food Processing & Dairy Industry at the KADIN/Indonesian Chamber of Trade and Industry, will look at “Dairy farming in Indonesia, current situation and outlook in the next five years”. Dr Dares Kittiyopas, who is President of the Thai Society of Agricultural Engineering, Deputy Director-General at Thailand’s Department of Agricultural Extension and Luminary of Agricultural Logistics of Thailand Research Fund, will discuss “Pre-conditions for smart farming in Southeast Asia”. All of them will highlight challenges as well as chances of new developments in farming and agri-business.


Choice of afternoon topics
Conference delegates will have a choice of presentations in the afternoon, with five sessions available:
Session 1 will look at “Novel tools for smart crop management” and includes Dr Michal Levy, the Senior Deputy Director-General of Agricultural Innovation at the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development talking about “Boosting agricultural innovation”.
Session 2 covers “Innovations in sugarcane farming” by Michael O’Connor of Gessner Industries, who will examine “Mechanisation of Sugarcane Farms in SE Asia”.
Session 3 is “Laser levelling in rice production” including a Round Table discussion with the title “Laser levelling in Thailand” moderated by the IRRI and Department of Rice, of Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Session 4 is “Upcoming concepts for financing mechanisation”, where speakers include Roland Treitler, Financial Advisor at German International Cooperation (GIZ), who will highlight “Financial innovation for mitigation measures in the agricultural sector”.
Session 5 is “Vertical farming – The future of Asia’s food security” by Assistant Professor Dr Siriwat Sakhonwasee of Faculty of Agricultural Production, Thailand’s Maejo University who will give a presentation titled “Upcoming trends in vertical farming”.

Field visits to progressive farms

On the second day of the conference there will be visits to selected farms, where experts will demonstrate and discuss the use of agricultural techniques and modern technology for optimising farming efficiency in various crops including rice, sugar cane, cassava, maize, oil palm and vegetables.


The highlight of the day will be an exclusive site visit to machinery manufacturer Kubota’s experienced modern farm in Chon Buri Province. Kubota is Innovation Partner of the Agrifuture Conference, and delegates will be able to hear more about the company’s vision to be a leader in farm and industrial machinery in Southeast Asia, with its Agri-innovative solutions helping farmers achieve a better and sustainable life.
The DLG’s Katharina Staske, the project manager of Agritechnica Asia, said the new Agrifuture Conference & Exhibition had been introduced to complement Agritechnica Asia, which will take place for the third time from 7th to 9th May 2020 in Bangkok.


“Along with our international farmers’ network, the DLG has expanded its relationship with farmers in Southeast Asia, including those in Thailand,” added Staske. “It is through working with these farmers that we have come up with this new conference. It will focus on specific production areas that require targeted technical solutions, and will bring together farmers motivated by opportunities for knowledge acquisition.”

Agrifuture conference will show future options for

Agro chems – Pesticides, Inputs

BASF presented innovative pre-emergent herbicide Zidua® to fight resistant Phalaris weed in Wheat.

 

BASF launched Zidua®, a new pre-emergent herbicide for wheat, which offers farmers a much-needed solution for controlling one of the most problematic weeds in their fields – Phalaris.Its unique mode of action delivers superior management of resistant Phalaris. It offers fast and long-lasting control combined with excellent crop safety

India is the second-largest wheat-producing country in the world. However, farmers in major wheat-growing areas have faced increased difficulty maintaining their yield levels due to outbreaks of Phalaris which has developed resistance to many conventional herbicides.

BASF offers a new mode of action compared to currently available solutions on the market, Zidua® begins to protect fields immediately after application. It provides superior and long-lasting control of Phalaris coupled with excellent crop safety.

Zidua® further strengthens BASF’s portfolio of innovative solutions for wheat growers in India, including products such as Opera®, which combines superior control of yellow rust with excellent plant health benefits.

“BASF is committed to helping Indian wheat growers maximize their potential. The growers deserve access to the most advanced solutions to help them achieve better yields. With this new launch, BASF once again demonstrates its commitment to supporting the growers to find innovative solutions to their problems,” said Rajendra Velagala, Business Director, Agricultural Solutions South Asia.

 

 

BASF presented innovative pre-emergent herbicide Zidua® to

Finance, Institutions

IFAD invests US$ 30 million in Samoa to make small-scale farming and fishing more profitable and climate-proof

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Samoa have signed a financing agreement to significantly increase agricultural production and incomes for 25,000 smallholder farmer and fisher families, and to help protect against natural disasters on Samoa’s Savai’i and Upolu islands.
The agreement for the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project was signed by Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD, and Sili Epa Tuioti, Minister of Finance, Samoa. The total cost of the national project is US$30.28 million, including a $3.6 million grant from IFAD. The project will be co-financed by the Government of Samoa ($.74 million), the International Development Association ($19.95 million), the private sector ($1.54 million), and beneficiaries ($4.45 million).

“IFAD is working with Pacific governments, regional and international partners, and Pacific Island communities to support rural livelihoods, increase household incomes and strengthen community resilience to better cope with the effects of extreme weather patterns,” said Tawfiq El-Zabri, IFAD Country Director for the Pacific Islands.

Samoa is a small and remote set of Pacific islands with a population of approximately 197,000 people. It suffers a high recurrence of cyclones and tropical storms with damage and losses from natural disasters estimated at just over 12 per cent of the country’s GDP.
Farming and fishing are mostly subsistence-based and few are able to produce enough food to sell or export. Because of the country’s remoteness, transport is costly. Imported food is predominantly of low value and poor quality, leading to poor health outcomes. Conservative estimates indicate that 30 per cent of men and over 50 per cent of women in Samoa suffer from obesity.


Help for rural household

The main goal of the project is to help rural households to increase incomes, improve nutrition and enhance their climate resilience by assisting smallholder farmers to produce local, diverse and climate-smart crops and integrate production into commercial value chains. These measures will help producers to access export and domestic markets.

The project will also help to improve infrastructure including restoring rural roads that connect upland farms to markets, building cocoa and coconut nurseries, and constructing rain-water harvesting structures and crop-drying facilities.


Better Infrastructure for fisheries
For the fisheries sector, improved infrastructure will include building cold storage facilities located at fish markets and protecting coastlines by planting trees and taking other measures. All infrastructure will be built or rehabilitated using disasters-resilient standards and materials, resistant to cyclones and natural disasters.


For almost 40 years, IFAD has been financing initiatives in the Pacific to help rural people improve their lives. IFAD currently has seven projects ongoing in the Pacific islands. Since 2013, IFAD investments for projects and programmes in the Pacific totals approximately US$91 million and is expected to reach US$99 million by the end of 2019.


IFAD invests in rural people for 40 years, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided about US$21.5 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached some 491 million people. IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency based in Rome – the UN’s food and agriculture hub.

IFAD invests US$ 30 million in Samoa

E-commerce, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Sonalika Group, largest tractor manufacturer announced its joint venture with Shandong Luyu to expand its product line up and offer ITL’s range of tractors in the Chinese market.

 

International Tractors (ITL), the flagship firm of Sonalika Group & the third-largest tractor manufacturer in the country recently announced its joint venture (JV) with Shandong Luyu Heavy Industry Co.   Shandong Luyu Heavy Industry, located at Laizhou Shahe Industrial Park of Shandong province. Shandong Yulu is a $ 400 million company with presence in small-sized loaders, small-medium-sized excavators & forklifts in China.  It also exports products to other countries outside China.   

With this joint venture Shandong Luyu will be able to expand its product line up & offer ITL’s range of tractors in the Chinese market. The joint venture will also accumulate the engines for the wheel loader application for captive consumption & other wheel loader construction machinery manufacturers in Beijing. 

 Most importantly, China is world’s second-largest tractor market and the JV will increase Sonalika’s global expansion plans. Sonalika group is the largest exporter of tractors from India. 

Managing Director, ITL, Deepak Mittal said, “China market has huge potential for our range of tractors & with our association with Shandong Luyu , we are confident of offering farmers in China with best in class technology at competitive price point.”  

International Tractors will also offer customized engines for the wheel loader construction machinery application. It is already exporting its engines for tractor application besides using its engines in its own brand of tractors sold all across the world. The Joint Venture Company would invest $10 million to create a capacity of 50000 engine & tractor assembly facility in phase-1 & later on further investments will be planned according to the future expansion.  

Founder & Chairman of Shandong Luyu Heavy Industry company, Yang Shao Jie said, “Today we are taking a leap ahead with the formation of this Joint venture & I am proud to say that Sonalika will set up an assembling plant in China – a first by an Indian company for engines.” 

 

 

 

Sonalika Group, largest tractor manufacturer announced its

Inputs, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Seeds

10th National Seed Congress -2019 held at ICAR Pusa in New Delhi. The theme of the congress was “Quality Seed for farmers’ Prosperity”


Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Government of India inaugurated the 10th National Seed Congress – 2019 at Dr. B.P. Pal Auditorium, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa, New Delhi.

The Congress based on the Theme “Quality Seed for farmers’ Prosperity” will be organized from 15th to 17th October, 2019. Agarwal highlighted the quality seed’s importance in ensuring the national food security and enhancing the farmers’ income. He also accentuated about the commitment of the Ministry to ensure the support for the supply of quality seeds to the farmers.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) stressed upon adopting the ways to trace and identify the spurious seeds by using bar-codes and other means. It would help in ensuring the supply of good quality seeds to the production systems, delivery chains and the ultimate users.

Ashwani Kumar, Joint Secretary (Seeds), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare underlined about the main objective of the programme. Kumar accentuated on the benefits of the programme for the stakeholders, scientists and officials. Earlier, Dr. D.K. Yadav, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, New Delhi briefed about the layout of the three-day long programme.

Dr. K.V. Prabhu, Chairperson, PPV & FRA, Government of India, New Delhi; Dr. S.K. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Plants Genetic Resources, New Delhi along with other dignitaries were present during the occasion.

Several important issues related to seed production, supply, quality assurance, marketing, pricing, etc., were discussed during the Panel discussion. More than 250 Delegates from across the country are participating in the Congress.

10th National Seed Congress -2019 held at