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HomePosts Tagged "farming"
Acquaculture, Agrotech, Live Stock, Taiwan

This innovative approach bolsters yields and revenues while conserving water resources through the recycling of up to 90 per cent of the aquaculture water

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the quantity of captive-bred shrimp has officially surpassed wild-caught shrimp since 2007, fostering a colossal industry with an annual production value exceeding $10 million. While the global demand for shrimp products is substantial, the aquaculture sector grapples with environmental challenges, including diseases and elevated mortality rates resulting from erratic climate patterns.

Situated within the subtropical region, there are substantial climatic variations in Taiwan throughout its four seasons. Furthermore, the impact of extreme weather events has critically impacted the traditional shrimp farming sector in the coastal regions. Excessive rainfall has resulted in devastating losses. Moreover, diverse regional conditions, including water and soil quality, present challenges to the standardisation of shrimp farming practices.


Kazuo Aquaculture, Ltd. has constructed an inland greenhouse recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), fortifying risk management within the farm environment. This innovative approach also bolsters yields and revenues while conserving water resources through the recycling of up to 90 per cent of the aquaculture water. Evaporation losses are offset through rainwater, with salinity adjustments achieved through salt supplementation. Given that the upfront costs exceed those of traditional earthen ponds, this approach has found limited adoption in Taiwan. Acknowledging this, Charlie Hsu, the company’s general manager, concedes that the expenses of establishing a comprehensive greenhouse RAS are significantly higher. However, successful high-yield aquaculture should lead to satisfactory returns on investment. As experience accumulates and technology matures, the expenses for constructing similar indoor aquaculture ponds are expected to decrease, coupled with improvements in pond quality.


Despite the initial higher costs, this innovative technology proves highly effective in curbing the transmission of diseases through waterbirds and mitigating the impacts of severe weather events. According to Hsu, “Since the inception of the farm, we have placed paramount importance on both biological control and water purity. Our approach involves nurturing shrimp within specialized greenhouses equipped with a recirculating aquaculture system. This necessitates the construction of greenhouses in various sizes for precise environmental controls. Furthermore, shrimplets are sterilised and examined before they are allowed entry into the farm, avoiding the intrusion of any pathogens.”

Moreover, an Internet of Things (IoT) network has been established to provide real-time monitoring of water quality through a mobile phone application. These parameters include temperature, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen content. This technological innovation has enhanced farmers’ decision-making, reduced labour requirements and elevated survival rates of shrimplets to approximately 90 per cent. This technology also enables year-round farming, accommodating diverse seasons and species, including vannamei schrimp, kurumaprawns, and groupers. Kazuo Aquaculture’s exceptional sapphire tiger prawns are cultivated without the use of pharmaceutical interventions, offering sweet and succulent meat. Adorned with a captivating translucent blue hue, these shrimp are suitable for raw consumption and versatile for various culinary delights.

This innovative approach bolsters yields and revenues while conserving

Company News, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Controlled environment farms offer a sustainable solution to grow clean and healthy food where it is needed

Thanks to advances in farming technology, non-profit organisations, schools, places of worship, and civic groups can now grow food in an automated, controlled system, right within the communities they serve.

Controlled Environment Farms such as GrowPods, can provide a sustainable, consistent, predictable supply of certain fresh fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens virtually anywhere.

Farming is generally not commonplace among food banks. Feeding America reports that only 29 of its 200 members operate farms and distribute that produce to food insecure families. This is mostly because land is expensive to acquire or lease; growing food is time- and labor-intensive and requires specialised knowledge; and many food banks choose instead to focus their efforts on the logistics of getting food to people in need.

But Controlled Environment Farms like GrowPods could bring about a shift in food banks’ willingness to grow their own food. Unlike greenhouses, which can lack light and temperature control, thereby limiting the growing season, Controlled Environment Farms offer food banks the ability to grow food year-round.

“GrowPods provide a simple yet effective method to grow healthy food, year-round,” said Doug Heldoorn, CEO of ACTX.  “These systems are affordable and easy to operate, so that a variety of fresh leafy greens, vegetables and fruits can be available on a consistent basis to those who need it most.”

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Controlled environment farms offer a sustainable solution

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, India

The agreement will reduce Supply and Price volatility and ensure stable long-term supply of Potassic fertiliser to India

India’s fertiliser companies- Coromandel International, Chambal Fertilisers and Indian Potash Limited signed an MoU with Canpotex, Canada. The MoU was presented to Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers . Canpotex, Canada is amongst the largest suppliers of Potash globally, exporting around 130 LMT of product annually.

“The MOU will reduce both supply and price volatility and ensure stable long-term supply of Potassic fertiliser to India. Government of India has been encouraging the domestic fertiliser industry for establishing supply linkages through long term partnerships with resource rich nations. Given India’s high dependence on imports of raw material and fertiliser minerals, these partnerships provide secured availability of fertilisers and raw materials over a period of time and also offer price stability in volatile market conditions. This supply partnership is expected to improve the fertiliser availability within the country and reduce supply side and price vulnerabilities”. Said Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. 

Dr Mandaviya stated that “This is a significant initiative as it will improve the availability of MOP for the farming community, uphold their welfare and contribute towards ensuring food security in the country”. 

He added that this MOU will lead to “strengthening of our mutual relationship and furthering bilateral relations between the two countries”.

The agreement will reduce Supply and Price

Acquaculture, India

Household economy of rural women to get a boost

Ornamental fish farming is an enterprise which will boost the household economy of rural women and will play a significant role in the Indian export as well as domestic market. 

To popularise ornamental farming activity among the women of Sundarbans, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore has initiated promotion of ornamental farming in the Pachapara-Narayantala village involving five Self Help Groups with 50 Scheduled caste (SC) women beneficiaries.

Under the SC Programme 50 beneficiaries were selected on a mission mode approach in a cluster basis for hands on training, demonstration as well as providing initial inputs such as 500 Litre Fiber tank, aerator and other accessories like thermostat, live-bearer fish fingerlings, ornamental fish feed.

Dr B K Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI inaugurated the mass awareness cum training cum input distribution to empower rural women of Pachapara-Narayantala village, South 24 Parganas in association with Kultali Milon Tirtha Society and Rotary International. 

Das stressed upon various aspects of ornamental fish farming and its avenue to boost the rural economy and household income for a long run without any labour migration, which will provide additional income of Rs. 500-2000/ family/month when adopted

ICAR-CIFRI has also adopted 50  families from this area, who are now scaling up and getting their livelihood from this source.

The innovative approach developed by the ICAR-CIFRI to create an ornamental fish village is a step towards developing rural enterprise among the women to address the SDG- 5 of UN.

Household economy of rural women to get

India, Oilseeds, Pulses, Seeds

Increase in production to result in higher income for farmers and benefit the country’s agricultural eco system 

The Government’s priority is to increase production of oilseeds and pulses and thus fulfilling the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The formulated strategies are to increase production through area expansion, productivity through HYVs, MSP support and procurement.. Availability of good seeds for farming increases production and productivity by 20-25 per cent, resulting in higher income for farmers and benefitting the agriculture eco system and the nation’s economy. Due to the erratic and deficit rainfall in some states, the need for early sowing of rabi crops especially pulses and oilseeds has increased. 

For Rabi 2022-23, the focus of the Government is also to provide seed minikits of pulses & oilseeds targeting monsoon deficit regions in the states apart from the regular distribution. The minikits are being provided by the Central Agencies such as National Seeds Corporation (NSC), NAFED etc and these are wholly funded by the Government of India through the National Food Security Mission.

The objective of the Seed Minikit Programme is to:

  • Popularise the latest crop varieties among the farmers to increase the production and productivity.
  • To distribute seed minikits of pulses and oilseeds in the states where rainfall receiving low/deficit during Kharif, 2022 such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, part of the Madhya Pradesh & West Bengal.
  • To cover non- traditional area for rapeseeds & mustard (R&M) in Vidharbha Region of Maharashtra.
  • To distribute major rabi oilseeds as Groundnut for southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka and minor oilseeds such as linseed in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, & Rajasthan and safflower in Maharashtra, Karnataka & Telangana.

Increase in production to result in higher

Agrotech, R&D, World

Newest Indoor Vertical Farm Capable of Growing Over 3 Million Pounds of Fresh Leafy Greens Annually To Meet Increased Customer Demand

AeroFarms a certified B Corporation and world leader in indoor vertical farming, debuts AeroFarms Danville, its newest cutting-edge indoor vertical farm, growing award-winning leafy greens that are prized for their elevated flavour by top chefs and home makers alike.

Joined by Matthew Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Congressman Good and elected officials from Virginia and the city of Danville and Pittsylvania County, the AeroFarms Team celebrated the official Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of AeroFarms Danville to meet increased customer demand.  

“This Grand Opening is an incredible milestone for AeroFarms as we scale our company to meet increased customer demand both here in the United States and globally,” said David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms. “We have amazing people aligned with our mission and focused on growing a distinctive, flavourful product that our customers love. AeroFarms Danville will help us bring safe, pesticide-free, great-tasting products to even more people.

AeroFarms leafy greens are safely grown indoors in state-of-the art commercial indoor vertical farms that are certified for USDA Good Agricultural Practices, SQF Level 2 Good Manufacturing Practices, Non-GMO Project Verification, OU Kosher, and the industry-leading CEA Food Safety Seal that was developed to differentiate indoor clean growing practices from the traditional challenges in the field. AeroFarms leafy greens are completely pesticide free and are ready-to-eat without any need to wash, providing a major benefit to customers looking for safety and convenience.   

Newest Indoor Vertical Farm Capable of Growing

Agrotech, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is also a deep-rooted researcher, has shared some of the Agritech innovations developed by him with Union Minister of State (IC) Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (IC) Ministry of Earth Science; MoS of Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh, at Raj Bhavan. 

Devvrat, who is a great votary of natural farming as a way to avoid the ill effects of chemicals used in conventional farming, said that he has launched a PhD programme in Natural Agriculture by Gujarat University at the Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS), which will cover various aspects like rural management, environment management, innovation, Agri-entrepreneurship, Agribusiness and Value Chain Management.  He also endorses the idea of an integrated approach to promote Agri-tech Start-ups to make farming easy and more profitable. Dr Jitendra Singh also informed Acharya Devvrat the success of Purple Revolution in J&K is now being replicated in other hilly States with similar climatic conditions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and in North-Eastern States as a pilot project

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is also

Company News

The ADAMA Eagle Eye enables the collection of highly accurate data layers of crop fields to optimise the management of field trials and demo plots

ADAMA has recently introduced ADAMA Eagle Eye, a drone analytics farming platform, in partnership with Agremo, a leading aerial analytics provider.

The ADAMA Eagle Eye enables the collection of highly accurate data layers of crop fields to optimise the management of field trials and demo plots. It is a digital platform that uses AI to perform analytics from drone imagery, allowing ADAMA agronomists and experts to virtually visit the field, collect 3-D images, crop health data and document the progress of our field trials. This knowledge allows ADAMA’s product development and marketing teams to provide better accessibility to crop information for industry professionals and growers across the world.

ADAMA Eagle Eye analysis reports take the guesswork out of crop progress and significantly help the ADAMA team and growers to better understand what is going on in their fields. The software extracts critical information on plant populations, weeds, stress, pests, disease, drought, field arable area, and more, from a drone map to provide field and crop reports. The additional data layer helps ADAMA to make smarter decisions about pipeline projects, providing vital insights using visual data points. In addition, the report helps to provide more focused discussions with growers to deliver optimal solutions.

The ADAMA Eagle Eye enables the collection

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Sustainability

The Rs 227-crore programme will benefit over nine lakh farming families

MK Stalin, Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu launched the Kalaignarin All Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme. The programme is to be implemented for Rs 227 crore and will benefit over nine lakh farming families in 1,997 village panchayats across the state.

The programme will be implemented in all 12,525 village panchayats across Tamil Nadu in five years. It will be implemented by the Agriculture Department in close coordination with the Rural Development Department.

According to an official release, under this scheme, coconut saplings, home farming saplings, horticultural saplings, sprays needed for farming and kit for the vegetable garden will be distributed and a 100 per cent subsidy would be provided to Adi Dravida farmers for sinking wells in drylands, employ drip irrigation, to dig farm ponds, among others.

The Rs 227-crore programme will benefit over

AgroPolicy, Agrotech

The technology will support in enhancing productivity even in small private landholding and ensure financial benefits for the farmers

The Government of Sikkim has announced to launch modern farming technology of Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Rooftop farming in the state on February 22, 2022. The launching programme is scheduled to be held in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at Sokeythang, Gangtok. This was informed by the Minister, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Lok Nath Sharma while addressing a press conference held at the Training Hall of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Sokeythang.

The Minister highlighted the objectives and purpose for launching the newly developed farming technology of Aquaponics, Hydroponics and Rooftop farming. The technology will support in enhancing productivity even in small private landholding and ensure financial benefits for the farmers, he stated.

Sharma said that hydroponics is the technique of growing plants without soil by using organic nutrients. It would be very beneficial for farmers because it assures higher yield and economic returns compared to natural agricultural practices, because of higher number of harvest cycles. Aquaponics is an integrated food production system that combines raising fish in tanks with soilless plant culture. The nutrient -rich water generated in the procedure while raising fish provides natural fertiliser for plants and these plants help to purify water for the fish.

He informed that the concerned departments have developed four different models of Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Roof top farming of both low cost and high-cost green house at designated premises. The models will remain open for interested individuals to explore wherein the technical experts will guide and educate visitors about the procedure, benefits, structural set-up after scheduled launching of Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Rooftop farming. Besides, the department will provide essential technical support and guidance. An absolute mechanism will be developed to ensure quick response to queries and grievances of the people, he added.

The technology will support in enhancing productivity

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Transportation

Garuda Aerospace has set a target of making one lakh ‘Made in India’ drones in the next two years

Kisan drones were recently launched at 100 places across the country from Manesar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of the kisan drones said, “Till a few years back, a drone was considered to be technology related to the Army, or something used to combat enemies. Our thoughts used to be limited to that particular use only. But today we are inaugurating Kisan drone facilities in Manesar. This is a new chapter in the direction of the modern farming system of the 21st century.”

He added, “I am sure this launch will not only prove to be a milestone in the development of the drone sector but will also open endless doors of possibilities. I am also told that Garuda Aerospace has set a target of making one lakh ‘Made in India’ drones in the next two years. This will generate new jobs and new opportunities for several youngsters. I congratulate the team of Garuda Aerospace.”

According to the PM, kisan drone is now the beginning of a new age revolution in this direction. For example, in the coming times, with the help of high-capacity drones, farmers can send fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers from their fields to the markets. People associated with pisciculture can send fresh fish catch directly to the market from ponds, rivers and sea. The produce of the fishermen and farmers will reach the market in the shortest possible time with minimum damage.

Garuda Aerospace has set a target of

AgroPolicy, Biofuel industry, Biostimulants, Dairy, Environment, Live Stock, Sustainable Energy

Gobar Dhan plants will be set up in villages that will help to generate extra income for farmers and also to deal with the problem of stray and unsupported cattle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Gobar-Dhan (Bio-CNG) plant in Indore through video conferencing. Governor Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai C Patel; Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Dr Virendra Kumar and Kaushal Kishore were present.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of Gobar Dhan and said wet urban household waste and waste from cattle and farm is Gobar Dhan. He said that Gobardhan from waste, clean fuel from Gobar Dhan, energy from clean fuel is a life-affirming chain. The Prime Minister informed that in the coming two years, Gober Dhan Bio CNG plants will be established in 75 big municipal bodies.

“This campaign will go a long way in making Indian cities clean, pollution-free and in the direction of clean energy”, he said. The Prime Minister said that not only in cities, Gobar Dhan plants are being set up in villages also, getting extra income for the farmers. This will help in dealing with the problem of stray and unsupported cattle along with meeting India’s climate commitments, he said.

The Prime Minister mentioned an increase in ethanol blending in petrol which has risen from 1 per cent to around 8 per cent in the last seven to eight years. The supply of ethanol increased significantly during this period from 40 crore litres to 300 crore litres, helping sugar mills and farmers.

The Prime Minister also talked about a significant decision in the Budget. It has been decided that coal-based electricity plants will also use parali or stubble. “This will help alleviate farmers’ troubles and will also provide extra income for farmers from agri-waste”, he said.

Gobar Dhan plants will be set up

AgroPolicy, Interaction

Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat underlined the components of the natural farming like use of Bijamrut, Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Mulching and multiple cropping systems

The ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra organise Virtual Sensitisation Workshop on “Natural Farming for Healthy Nation for Krishi Vigyan Kendras” on February 10, 2022.

Inaugurating the Workshop, the Chief Guest, Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat underlined the components of the natural farming like use of Bijamrut, Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Mulching and multiple cropping systems. He stressed that by using these methods, the natural farming can be done without affecting the yield and dependency on the import of agriculture fertilisers and other inputs can be reduced.

Devvrat highlighted the concept and philosophy of the natural farming. He stated that the natural farming helps in reducing the cultivation cost, enhancing the soil fertility and yields and protecting from uncertainties of climate change by adopting agro-ecology based principles.

The Special Guest, Jagdish Vishwakarma Panchal, Minister of State for Cooperation and Cottage Industries, Government of Gujarat underlined the Department’s working towards providing the marketing facilities to the farmers practicing natural farming in the state. He also urged the participants for taking the concept of natural farming at the village level too.

Dr CK Timbadia, Director of Extension Education, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari, Gujarat outlined the success of forming the natural farming groups and master trainers for orienting the farmers and development functionaries.

Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat underlined the

Organic

The company has trademarked the name “Healing the Earth Farms” as its brand name for all growing activities.

Green Planet Group an emerging leader in green technology, announced recently that its wholly owned subsidiary, Healing the Earth (HTE) has launched its urban farm operation. The company has trademarked the name “Healing the Earth Farms” as its brand name for all growing activities.

The farm will utilise its patented growing technology to both demonstrate its effectiveness in growing 100 per cent organic food with 97 per cent less water, using no soil or chemical fertilizers, while accelerating growing time by as much as 300 per cent. The farm will begin growing three varieties of micro-greens, a Kalefetti, Radish, and a Spicy Micro mix. The ‘living’ micro-greens are harvested with their roots intact which improves shelf life while maintaining taste and nutrition values.

The Healing the Earth Farms label includes a QR code which will permit the retail customer to connect directly to its website to obtain additional product information and suggested recipes from Chef Alex. In addition, Chef Alex will begin a promotion whereby customers can submit their recipes for cash rewards.

The farm will harvest food every day, 365 days per year, and will begin delivering its products to up-scale grocery chains in the fourth week of this month, at the rate of 280 units per day or 8,500 units per month.

The company has trademarked the name "Healing