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Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, India

A World Economic Forum report estimates that digital agriculture could boost the agricultural GDP of low- and middle-income countries by $450 billion annually.

At the World Economic Forum (WEF), Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, presented the five key trends in AI that will define agriculture in 2025. During a panel discussion at Bloomberg House on the topic “From Soil to Silicon: How Advanced Technologies are Cultivating the Future of Sustainable Ag”, he outlined how 2025 will mark the first year AI truly revolutionizes agriculture – from lab to field.

The five key trends in AI identified by Syngenta are:

AI in R&D: Today at Syngenta, all research projects utilize machine learning models to identify novel active ingredients – for synthetic and biological products.

AI in the Field: The introduction of AI-driven systems for reliably monitoring and predicting soil health, enabling high-resolution soil nutrient, texture, and carbon maps for growers.

AI in Farmers’ Hands: GenAI-enabled digital tools acting as agronomic advisors to help farmers determine optimal crop management practices.

AI in Pest Management: Precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making solutions supporting farmers by targeting crop protection products only to infested areas.

AI in Supply Chain Management: Demand forecasting, market prediction, and the reduction of overproduction and waste to optimize logistics and improve efficiency.

Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, stated: “AI and digital tools are revolutionizing farming and sustainable practices. Advanced monitoring systems integrate satellite imagery, drones, and soil maps to enable precise crop management. Predictive analytics, powered by AI and machine learning, provide farmers with actionable insights, transforming reactive practices into proactive strategies.”

The global AgriTech market, valued at $24.19 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $54.17 billion by 2029 according to a recent report by AgriTech Market analysis. The global market for AI in agriculture is projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $4.7 billion by 2028 as estimated in a recent market analysis, underscoring the significant economic potential of these technologies. A WEF report estimates that digital agriculture could boost the agricultural GDP of low- and middle-income countries by $450 billion annually.

During the panel discussion with Suzanne DiBianca, Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce, both panellists emphasized the critical need for collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to reduce financial and technical barriers for farmers adopting technology.

The synergy between digital technologies and sustainable farming empowers farmers to tackle climate change while improving productivity. By integrating regenerative practices with cutting-edge technology, the agricultural sector is paving the way for a resilient food system that benefits both people and the planet, the speakers concluded.

A World Economic Forum report estimates that

Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, Foodgrains, R&D

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, the United States of America, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Germany, and the Center of Plant Systems Biology in Bulgaria.

 A team of researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has identified genes and markers responsible for low glycemic index (GI) and high protein content in rice, using genetics and artificial intelligence classification methods.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, the United States of America, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Germany, and the Center of Plant Systems Biology in Bulgaria.

Their study, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), revealed a superior set of lines that exhibited ultra-low GI (below 45 per cent) with an unprecedented protein level (15.99), which is twice the content usually found in conventional milled rice. Rice varieties with higher protein content may contribute to slower digestion and absorption rates, potentially helping control blood glucose levels, further enhancing its ultra-low GI characteristics.

“Collectively, these findings underscore the stacked potential and benefits of low GI and high protein rice to offer a substantial source of protein and essential amino acids such as lysine for consumers, particularly in regions where rice is a dietary staple,” said Dr Nese Sreenivasulu, corresponding author of the paper and Principal Scientist at the IRRI Grain Quality and Nutrition Center. He adds that the lines included in the study also generated yields comparable to existing high-yielding rice varieties.

The healthier rice lines were developed by intercrossing an inbred variety from Samba Mahsuri and the amylose extender of IR36. The results could help address the growing incidence of diabetes and the need for adequate protein intake for hundreds of millions of people at risk.

Globally, about 537 million adults suffer from diabetes, and the number is expected to grow to 783 million by 2045. Low- and middle-income countries account for more than three-quarters of diabetes incidences, with Asia accounting for 60 percent of the global diabetic population. High-protein rice may help boost the diets and health of half a billion protein-deficient consumers, many of whom live in South Asia and Central Africa.

“Considering that rice is a staple food for a substantial portion of the global population, it is crucial to deploy high-yielding rice cultivars with milled rice samples possessing high-quality protein and ultra-low glycemic index to address the triple burden of nutritional challenges among low- and middle-income communities,” said Dr. Gurdev S. Khush of the University of California, Davis, and co-corresponding author of the paper.

Dr. Sreenivasulu’s team and partners now seek to incorporate these genes into future breeding programs and popular varieties grown across Asia and Africa.

“With its remarkably low GI and protein content surpassing traditional rice varieties, these high-yielding nutritious rice varieties will pave the way to addressing critical food and nutritional security targets,” said IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto.

The study was conducted in collaboration with

Agbiologicals, Agrotech, Drones, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Sustainability

The shift towards sustainable farming is increasingly visible across the country with the adoption of modern technologies. The transition to sustainable farming is being facilitated with tools like remote sensors, crop nutrient management, farm management software, drones, predictive data analytics, bioengineering, and more. Technologies including agri-drones, blockchain technology, agri-biologicals, farm robotics, AI and IoT in farm management, and precision farming, are contributing to the growth of sustainable farming in India.

The global sustainable agriculture market is on a trajectory to reach over $31.35 billion by 2031, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.17 per cent from 2023 to 2031. India has a major role in this transformative journey, where sustainable farming is emerging not just as a necessity but as an economically viable, socially supportive, and ecologically sound approach to crop cultivation. This transformation has been enabled over the past year by a synergy between government support, the complementary development of cutting-edge technologies by industry and a proactive push from the corporate sector.

To explore the milestones in the growth of the sustainable agriculture market in India, the theme of the AgroSpectrum cover story is ‘Sustainable Agriculture,’ which is consistent with the outline set by 14th Agrovision i.e. “Sustainable Farming through Skilling and Technology”. In our special Dec ’23 issue, AgroSpectrum delves deep into the realm of growing sustainable farming technologies through a series of analytical and informative articles on advancements in sustainable agriculture.

On November 6, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) in collaboration with Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI) launched Krishi 24/7, the first-ever AI-powered solution for automated agricultural news monitoring and analysis, with support from Google.org. Krishi 24/7 will aid DA&FW to identify relevant news, generate timely alerts, and take prompt action to protect farmers’ interests and promote sustainable agricultural growth through improved decision-making.

The introduction of Krishi 24/7 addresses the need for an efficient mechanism to identify and manage agricultural news articles of interest to aid timely decision-making. The tool scans news articles in multiple languages and translates them into English. It extracts essential information from news articles, such as headline, crop name, event type, date, location, severity, summary, and source link, ensuring that the ministry receives timely updates on relevant events published on the web.

Wadhwani AI noted that it wants to build AI solutions for existing challenges where news monitoring and validation have been manual and time-consuming. A similar event tracking and analysis solution for disease outbreaks has been successfully deployed by the institute with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). By collaborating with the DA&FW and other central government bodies, it is dedicated to equipping the farmers with effective tools that improve the information flow through enhanced data-driven decisions.

The government of India in the last couple of years has taken various measures to provide access to technology and information across the country, through various Digital Initiatives as information technologies are finding increasing use in the agricultural value system, and farmers are increasingly becoming more informed. The aim of these measures is to achieve a doubling of farmers’ income in real terms. Keeping this in mind, the government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee in 2019, which, inter-alia, appreciated the role of Digital Technology, in modernising and organising how rural India performs its agricultural activities in a sustainable way. The technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics, Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things (IoT) etc. Using modern/advanced technologies and AI and giving accurate and timely information regarding crops, weather and insects etc. to the farmers may improve the crop productivity, reduce the risk and improve the income of farmers.

The shift towards sustainable farming is increasingly visible across the country with the adoption of modern technologies. The transition to sustainable farming is being facilitated with tools like remote sensors, crop nutrient management, farm management software, drones, predictive data analytics, bioengineering, and more. Technologies including agri-drones, blockchain technology, agri-biologicals, farm robotics, AI and IoT in farm management, and precision farming, are contributing to the growth of sustainable farming in India. Notable examples include Sikkim, achieving 100 per cent organic farming, and Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious goal to move to 100 per cent zero-budget natural farming by 2027.

The Indian corporate sector too has shown a growing commitment to building a future of sustainable agriculture. They have begun to focus on driving innovations in crop protection, post-harvest solutions, soil health improvement and planning simulations to identify and address farmers’ critical challenges. These corporate endeavours aim to provide a comprehensive solution platform to farmers, enhancing their resilience against climate risks and ensuring maximum farm yields at affordable costs. The industry’s partnership with farmers has helped them increase their yields and annual incomes.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

The shift towards sustainable farming is increasingly

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Seeds, Supply Chain

The report covers an in-depth analysis of the current state of agriculture, examining schemes, seed production systems, agrochemicals, and supply chains.

Technologies like artificial intelligence and analytics can significantly improve efficiency in Indian agriculture even as integration of data-driven practices will be pivotal for informed decision-making across the agri-supply chain, according to an ASSOCHAM report.

” Artificial intelligence and analytics can optimize routes, manage inventory and predict demand, contributing to overall efficiency in agriculture,” the ASSOCHAM study jointly undertaken with its knowledge partner Nangia Andersen emphasised.   It said financial incentives, credit and insurance plans are needed to encourage technology adoption.

The report commences with an in-depth analysis of the current state of agriculture, examining schemes, seed production systems, agrochemicals, and supply chains. Ongoing projects and research updates offer a dynamic snapshot of the agricultural landscape. Delving into agricultural productivity, it explores advancement in seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, shedding light on technologies like genetic modification, biofortification, and precision farming.

It also explores good farming practices and global benchmarks, in the form of case studies/success stories serving as a practical guide. A critical analysis of doubling farmers’ income explores technologies, productivity, and diversification.

Efforts to enhance farmer collectives, accessibility to inputs, and the impactful 10,000 FPOs scheme are scrutinized. The report also explores the policy environment, incentives for technology adoption, and a comprehensive database on inputs. Addressing challenges posed by climate change, it emphasizes farmer empowerment, sustainable practices, and the transformative role of technology.

Farmer training through extension education, capacity building, and promoting farmer-led enterprises can enhance soil productivity. Stakeholders must creatively use ICT in local contexts, adapting it to agricultural challenges and macroeconomic needs.

”Indian farmers are increasingly becoming open to new technologies and practices for enhancing productivity. They can be our champions of sustainability at the grassroot level, ‘ASSOCHAM Secretary General Mr Deepak Sood said, underscoring the importance of continued scientific advances in raising farm productivity.

The report also highlighted the role of biotechnology in agriculture. ” Role of biotechnology in agriculture is pivotal, particularly in precision breeding for climate-resilient crops and genetic modification for pest and disease resistance”.

The report also highlights successes in developing drought-tolerant varieties and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Addressing climate change challenges, it explores crop adaptation to shifting climatic patterns and sustainable water management practices, drawing insights from Bangladesh and Israel.

Continued focus must be placed on integrated agri logistics hubs strategically located to facilitate seamless connectivity between production centres and consumption zones. These hubs could incorporate warehousing, cold storage, processing units, and efficient transportation networks.

The report covers an in-depth analysis of

Agrotech, Company News, IT, Middle East countries, R&D

The project involved conducting a feasibility study of Fermata’s automated pest & disease detection platform, Croptimus™, with the goal of verifying the capabilities of this computer vision system.

 Agrochemical major Bayer Crop Science, Israel, has concluded a collaboration with Fermata on a project designed to validate a model for reducing the use of pesticides through the application of artificial intelligence. The project involved conducting a feasibility study of Fermata’s automated pest & disease detection platform, Croptimus™, with the goal of verifying the capabilities of this computer vision system and proving how early detection of pests and disease increases sustainability. To this end, Croptimus™ was installed to monitor melons growing in mesh covered tunnels within this harsh environment.

The system employs AI to analyse thousands of images collected daily by cameras installed within the facility to detect the tiniest indications of both pests and pathogens which, left untreated, quickly get out of hand — leading to crop loss and a reduction of produce quality. Early detection being key, Croptimus™ is designed to substantially reduce crop loss, crop inputs (including pesticides), and dramatically reduce scouting time — in aggregate a significant savings.

The endeavour was an unqualified success according to Imri Gabay, Crop Protection Customer Advisory Manager at Bayer, Israel, “The initial experiment was extremely successful, and the system copes well with the many challenges in the field. We are already working on continuing cooperation between our companies.” Commenting further, he elaborated, “Early detection enables the application of less toxic substances, quickly dealing with the pest or disease before a major outbreak, allowing for precise spraying of a small area — and as a result, saving pesticides while obtaining cleaner produce.”

With energy prices soaring and greenhouse profits shrinking, Croptimus™ boosts the bottom line for growers while simultaneously reducing the need for pesticides and other inputs which would be otherwise wasted on lost crops — dramatically improving sustainability in agriculture.

Fermata CEO, Valeria Kogan PhD, added, “We at Fermata very much appreciate the opportunity to work with Bayer on reducing the amount of chemicals applied by growers. We are looking forward to this continuing collaboration and making our AI for early pest and disease detection available to farmers around the globe.”

The project involved conducting a feasibility study

Agri Genomics, Agrotech, Company News, Start ups, Sustainability, World

It is building a platform that leverages gene editing techniques to fix the innate immune system of crops

Resurrect Bio, a biotechnology startup announce the completion of a seed investment round which totals £1.61million. The investment was led by SynBioVen and also included UKI2S, AgFunder and SHAKE Climate Change Accelerator.

Resurrect Bio is a spin-out company of The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich.  It is building a platform that leverages gene editing techniques to fix the innate immune system of crops and make crops more resistant to disease, which is critical if we want to reduce the use of agrichemicals while feeding an increasing world population.

Resurrect Bio uses the latest scientific discoveries, combining a unique blend of computational biology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and synthetic biology methods to rapidly identify and resurrect native disease-resistance genes in crops. With this new investment, Resurrect Bio will accelerate product development and strengthen its underlying disease-resistance trait-discovery platform.

The company partners with key members of the seed industry to enable the rapid delivery of gene-edited disease-resistant seeds so that farmers will be provided with the option to enhance their crop yield and reduce dependence on agrichemicals.

Recently the Precision Breeding Act received royal assent and it is anticipated that gene-edited crops will become much more accessible in England.

“Resurrect Bio is thrilled to have secured this investment from such a strong group of partners who share our vision of delivering disease-resistant crops to farmers,” said Dr Cian Duggan, CEO of Resurrect Bio. “This funding will enable us to accelerate our mission and make significant strides towards more sustainable agriculture.”

“Oliver Sexton, Investment Director UKI2S commented, ‘The fund backs world-changing technology at an early stage and Resurrect Bio is a great example of that ambition. Its platform will lead to reduced pesticide use and UKI2S is delighted to help Cian and the team build their technology.”

It is building a platform that leverages

Agrotech, Company News, India, IT, Latin America, R&D, Sustainability, World

The collaboration will promote resilient agriculture beginning with smallholder farms in India and commercial farms in Brazil

Agmatix, a start-up AgTech business specialising in turning agronomic big data into powerful models and insights, announced a partnership with NASA Harvest – NASA’s global Food Security and Agriculture Consortium – to support crop production in a sustainable way at the field level and mitigate the impact of climate change.

A combination of ground sampling and remote sensing data will be used to support farmers in their transition toward sustainable agriculture. The methodology developed within this partnership will track farmer efforts to improve conservation management and guide them to improve their sustainability levels.

“According to the World Economic Forum, sustainable agriculture practices must triple in order to prevent climate change. Currently, adoption is hindered by a lack of consistent and acceptable measurements at scale. Our collaboration will promote resilient agriculture beginning with smallholder farms in India and commercial farms in Brazil, and lead to further expansion worldwide,” comments Ron Baruchi, CEO of Agmatix.

“NASA Harvest is excited to partner with Agmatix to advance the use of satellite-based information to help inform on-farm decisions which can ultimately result in increased resilience while reducing waste,” comments Inbal Becker-Reshef, NASA Harvest Director.

NASA Harvest will provide its expertise on agricultural remote sensing and leverage tools developed by the consortium, which will then be combined with field data from Agmatix and processed using a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. These data-driven insights can help farmers make field-level decisions that impact sustainability most effectively, such as cover crop selection and fertiliser application.

The collaboration will promote resilient agriculture beginning

Agrotech, India, R&D, Start ups, Sustainability

Agriculture solutions will help farmers gain timely, localised, and accurate weather-related information, crop and other farm-related information.

The Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence has received a $1 million grant from Google.Org. Wadhwani AI will use this grant for building AI-powered agriculture solutions, according to the statement.

Agriculture solutions will help farmers gain timely, localised, and accurate weather-related information, crop and other farm-related information, the statement said.

“With roughly half of India’s population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, this is a sector where technological advancements can lead to pervasive benefits. We’re therefore happy to announce a new 1 million dollar grant to Wadhwani AI via Google.org to support their deployment of AI-based solutions to improve agricultural outcomes,” said Manish Gupta, Research Director, Google Research India.

In 2019 Wadhwani AI had received a USD 2 million grant from Google.org to support the CottonAce AI-powered pest management solution.

The Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence is an independent nonprofit institute developing and deploying AI-based solutions for underserved communities in developing countries.

Agriculture solutions will help farmers gain timely,

Agrotech

Growing stress on the food supply chain due to exponentially increasing population etc are some of the leading factors

The Global Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Market is estimated to grow from $893.43 million in 2019 to $8342.37 million in 2030 with a CAGR of 22.52 per cent. Factors such as growing stress on the food supply chain due to exponentially increasing population, rising implementation of the Internet of Things in the agricultural sector, improving the standard of living, growing focus on enhanced crop monitoring, and increased demand for higher agricultural yield, are driving growth in the artificial intelligence market.

Moreover, limited land for agriculture coupled with supportive government policies to encourage the use of AI technologies is anticipated to fuel the market growth. Nonetheless, insufficient knowledge of high technology machine learning solutions in agriculture can hamper the growth of artificial intelligence in the agriculture market. However, the increased use of drones in farms is expected to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence in the agriculture market.

“Growing global demand for food, farmers need to increase crop production either by increasing the amount of agricultural land or by adopting advanced agricultural methods such as precision farming”, said a lead analyst at Fatpos Global.

Growing stress on the food supply chain