Author: Suchetana Choudhuri

New solution leverages Soil Mobile Technology to improve consistency, efficiency, and crop performance Vive Crop Protection today announced the launch of Averland SM, a next-generation in-season nematicide designed to provide growers with a more flexible and effective solution for managing nematodes in potatoes, onions, and other high-value crops. Powered by Vive’s proprietary Soil Mobile Technology platform, Averland SM enables the active ingredient, abamectin, to move deeper into the soil profile, creating an expanded zone of protection where nematodes are most active. This approach delivers more consistent control compared to traditional surface-applied treatments. “Averland SM gives growers the flexibility to respond…

Strategic expansion aligns with regulatory shift, accelerating the rise of drone-based crop protection In a calculated move that mirrors the changing contours of global agriculture, Agri Spray Drones has announced its expansion into Canada, positioning drone-based spraying as a scalable, next-generation solution for crop protection. The entry comes at a pivotal moment, as Canada’s agricultural landscape evolves under new regulatory philosophies and operational demands. Regulation as an Enabler, Not a Constraint Canada’s shift towards outcome-based pesticide regulation—prioritising performance, safety, and environmental impact over rigid application methods—is creating fertile ground for innovation. This progressive framework is enabling technologies such as drone…

State-of-the-art centre to accelerate breeding, strengthen R&D, and power the next generation of resilient crops In a decisive step towards advancing global agricultural innovation, Elsoms Seeds has announced a major investment in a cutting-edge Innovation Centre, designed to significantly expand its research and development capabilities. As one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent seed businesses with a growing global footprint, the company is reinforcing its commitment to plant science, improved varieties, and sustainable food production. Scaling Research, Accelerating Results The new facility will markedly increase R&D capacity, enabling faster development of high-performing, resilient crop varieties tailored to evolving agricultural challenges.…

AI-driven hydroponics unlock export-ready yields in Uzbekistan’s revitalised greenhouse economy In a striking example of technology-led agricultural renewal, a state-of-the-art smart greenhouse has been launched in the Yukorichirchik district of Uzbekistan, converting previously idle infrastructure into a high-performance strawberry production hub. Developed by a Korean smart farm company, the 1.5-hectare facility reflects a strategic effort to modernise underutilised assets while minimising capital expenditure and accelerating deployment. At the heart of the project lies the Korean-bred “1943 Firmmit” strawberry variety, with approximately 75,000 plants cultivated for export-focused production targeting Russia and Kazakhstan. Selected for its firmness, uniform fruit size, and suitability…

Regulatory approvals in Japan and Brazil unlock a new era of freshness, sustainability, and food security In a defining moment for agri-biotechnology, Tropic Biosciences has secured regulatory approval for its world-first non-browning banana in Japan and Brazil—two of the most influential fresh-produce markets globally. The decision paves the way for import, sale, and consumption in both nations, while also enabling cultivation in Brazil, opening vast new commercial and sustainability opportunities. Redefining Freshness in Premium Markets Known for its uncompromising standards of quality and consistency, Japan represents a critical import destination where Tropic’s innovation aligns seamlessly with consumer expectations. Meanwhile, in…

Next-generation fungicide moves closer to approval, redefining sustainable crop protection In a significant stride toward sustainable agriculture, Koppert has introduced KC2404, an advanced biological fungicide poised for regulatory approval in the third quarter of 2026. First showcased at the prestigious Crop Health Days hosted at the World Horti Center, the product offers growers an early glimpse into a powerful new solution for combating powdery mildew and a spectrum of fungal diseases across high-value crops. From Thermal Waters to Targeted Protection At the core of KC2404 lies a unique scientific foundation—a lysate derived from Willaertia, a single-celled amoeba sourced from thermal…

Subsidized loans unlock affordable fertilizer access and accelerate sustainable agriculture In a decisive move to shield its agricultural backbone from rising input costs, Thailand has unveiled a sweeping 30 billion baht ($820 million) subsidized loan programme aimed at improving farmers’ access to fertilizers and other essential inputs. The initiative reflects a broader national strategy to stabilize farm economics while strengthening long-term productivity in the face of volatile global prices. Implemented through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), the scheme allows eligible farmers to borrow up to 100,000 baht (approximately $2,700) at a preferential interest rate of just 3…

World’s first registered bacterial solution challenges chemical dominance In a landmark moment for sustainable agriculture, Sichuan Lomon Bio Technology Co., Ltd. has officially launched BIMIE, the world’s first fully registered bacterial acaricide. The unveiling, held during a high-profile virtual conference that drew over 10,000 viewers, marks the company’s strategic expansion from plant growth regulators into advanced biopesticide innovation—underscoring its ambition to lead the global biologicals revolution. At the heart of BIMIE lies its pioneering active ingredient, Bacillus velezensis LM-W2, formulated at 1 billion CFU/ml. Granted full regulatory registration in 2026, the product stands alone globally in its category. Developed from…

Export curbs, Middle East disruptions, and soaring input costs trigger a cascading crisis across agriculture, metals, and chemicals In a dramatic convergence of geopolitics and policy, global sulfuric acid markets have been thrust into turmoil. Escalating tensions in the Middle East—particularly around Iran—have choked key shipping arteries such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly half of seaborne sulfur trade flows. Simultaneously, production setbacks in Qatar and extended export restrictions from Russia have tightened global sulfur supply, sending prices soaring by over 65 per cent in a matter of weeks. In a decisive pivot, China—the world’s largest sulfuric acid…

New global campaign blends science, farm trials, and specialty feed solutions as climate volatility pushes animal agriculture deeper into productivity risk As rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns intensify pressure on livestock systems worldwide, animal nutrition company CCPA has launched a new global initiative aimed at tackling one of agriculture’s most persistent and costly challenges: heat stress. Unveiled on 13 April 2026, the company’s “Heat Stress 2026” campaign positions climate stress not as a single disruption event, but as a cascading biological chain reaction—what CCPA calls the “domino effect”—that quietly erodes productivity, reproduction, and long-term herd performance. At its core,…