Author: Hithaishi CB

Spray drift has long been recognised as a significant multimillion-dollar problem for agriculture costing $250,000 for each impacted grower A world-first, Australian-developed Weather and Networked Data (WAND) system to minimize spray drift in real-time and limit the damage it causes to food and fiber crops and the environment. In Australia’s QLD and NSW, more than 2,400 grain and cotton growers and spray contractors have adopted the novel technology. Around 60% of growers who have accessed WAND have made a change in their spray application. Spray drift has long been recognised as a significant, multimillion-dollar problem for agriculture. This is highlighted…

Nutricell, a pioneering company in the field of nutritional science and technology, has participated in the Trade Mission led by The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan, in December 2023. This esteemed delegation aimed to foster bilateral relations and explore new technological advancements in various sectors. Nutricell played a crucial role in these discussions, sharing its expertise and innovations with key Japanese institutions and industry leaders. The trade mission concluded with Nutricell securing new trade commitments with renowned Japanese companies such as Sari Raya and Sky Global. This venture will enhance the presence of Nutricell’s…

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China has stepped up efforts to maintain production and supply of crops, vegetables, fruits, and livestock amid sweeping cold waves. Following the issuance of detailed precautionary measures on crops and husbandry, the ministry dispatched working groups to provide on-site guidance to local authorities and farmers and launched the highest emergency response of the four-tier system for low-temperature rain, snow and freezing disasters in 18 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Guangdong and Chongqing. Comprising experts in wheat, rapeseed, vegetables, fruit, and disaster prevention and mitigation, 25 working groups were dispatched to…

Appoints of Minhthy Nguyen as R&D Chief Technology Officer CJ BIO, a South Korean biotechnology and solution company, is a subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang, the leading food and biomaterial company. By utilizing the advanced research and development capabilities in bio-based materials and microbes, CJ BIO aims to strengthen its Plant Nutrition & Health (PNH) business and expand its strategic partnerships in the agricultural industries. Dr. Minhthy Nguyen, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new Chief Technology Officer for Research and Development of CJ Food & Nutrition Tech. Dr. Nguyen will be the key leader in research & development, which includes…

Discovery holds great promise for sustainable food security across diverse soils and crops A study conducted by NUS and the Singapore Center for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) uncovered the most powerful tool in nature’s arsenal for combating agricultural challenges today: agro-microbials, or agro-chemicals of natural origin, that can enhance crop productivity and yield by enhancing synergy between crops and microbes. In a study conducted over five years from 2018, the scientists discovered that a well-known protective hormone typically released by plants above ground during periods of stress – a volatile organic compound (VOC) known as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) –…

An anaerobic digester, which converts organic matter into biogas Philippines Muntinlupa City shows a way to turn farm waste into clean cooking fuel. Key to this innovation is a simple set-up called an anaerobic digester, which converts organic matter into biogas. With this technology, along with composting machines, the city takes the path to zero-waste agriculture and circular economy. Inspired by the potential of waste-to-energy benefits, a team from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) investigated the biogas digester technology at the Environmental Sanitation Center (ESC) in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. As an implementer…

Follows SpeedFlower protocol Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) successfully developed a robust, first-of-its-kind speed breeding protocol that reduces the generation times required in a year for growing indica and japonica rice. The current rate of genetic gain attained in rice crops through breeding is inadequate to meet the increasing future rice demand of a growing population. The development of new varieties is further hindered by longer generation times and seasonal constraints. Through the SpeedFlower protocol, these factors will no longer impact the acceleration of varietal development, by reducing generation times by almost half which allows growing four to five generations of indica and japonica rice…

The global project aim is to make the use of fertilizers in global crop production transparent to the public and to all stakeholders, The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) and agri benchmark Cash Crop have announced the start of a joint project aimed at collecting data on the quantity of fertilizer used in key crops within all major fertilizer-consuming countries. The project represents a significant move to further monitor fertilizer usage in crop production around the world. Following the completion of a successful pilot project to test and refine a methodology across seven countries in six continents, the global project roll-out will now…

Soybean varieties featuring elite genetics from Corteva Agriscience The 2024 class of Brevant® brand soybeans is the largest to date, with 24 new Enlist E3® soybean varieties featuring elite genetics from Corteva Agriscience and a focus on consistent performance in any growing season. “The 2024 soybean class is our most exciting launch class to date,” said Travis Belt, Portfolio and Technology Leader for Brevant® seeds. “With new germplasm, we can set new yield expectations. The depth of the Brevant seeds portfolio fills agronomic gaps to give farmers more choice, and it sets up ag retail to deliver yield wins on their customers’ acres.”…

Yara is further expanding its sector to mineral fertilizers to help promote regenerative agriculture and improve soil health. Yara is acquiring the organic-based fertilizer business of Agribios Italiana, the company’s second bolt-on acquisition supporting its organic strategy in Europe. Yara is further expanding its sector to mineral fertilizers to help promote regenerative agriculture and improve soil health. By combining Agribios’ expertise in high-quality organic-based fertilizers in Italy with Yara’s scale and reach in Europe, we can continue to meet the evolving needs of European farmers, regardless of their farming method. The acquisition will also allow Yara to continue to play…