https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/industry/agri%20machinery agri machinery https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4615/gosun-enters-farm-machinery-market-with-solar-powered-electric-tractor.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4615/gosun-enters-farm-machinery-market-with-solar-powered-electric-tractor.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:35:30 +0530 The Cincinnati-based clean-energy company has launched the GoSun Moonrider, an all-electric tractor designed to provide farmers, smallholders and property owners with a lower-cost alternative to conventional diesel-powered equipment. The tractor combines a high-torque electric drivetrain with an optional integrated solar charging system, extending the company’s off-grid energy proposition into agricultural machinery. “Farmers need to cut their fuel costs. The GoSun Moonrider solar electric tractor provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive diesel tractors. Electric tractors are the future of farming,” said Patrick Sherwin. The new tractor is designed for field operations including hauling, tilling, mowing and navigating challenging terrain. Unlike internal-combustion tractors, the electric drivetrain delivers immediate low-end torque without engine lag, while eliminating diesel exhaust and reducing operating noise. The solar component is central to GoSun’s pitch. An optional high-efficiency, fold-out solar panel array can charge the tractor’s onboard battery while the machine is working in the field or parked outdoors. GoSun also offers a solar charging station, allowing operators to supplement conventional grid charging and potentially increase the tractor’s operating range. For farmers, the economics could be as important as the emissions profile. Electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts than conventional engines, reducing the number of components that require routine servicing. Combined with lower fuel requirements, that could translate into lower operating and maintenance costs over the tractor’s working life. The Moonrider is priced at $19,995, putting it in a price range that GoSun says is competitive with diesel tractors. The company is positioning the machine particularly toward small farms, homesteaders and property-maintenance users, rather than as a direct replacement for every high-horsepower tractor used in large-scale commercial agriculture. The tractor is manufactured by Moonrider in India, with GoSun and Moonrider entering into a cooperation and marketing agreement to distribute the vehicle in North America.  The Moonrider also extends the tractor’s role beyond farm machinery. An optional power generator can turn the vehicle into a mobile energy source, allowing users to operate electric tools, water pumps and emergency equipment from the tractor’s battery system. That versatility reflects a broader shift in how electric agricultural equipment is being positioned. Rather than simply replacing a diesel engine with an electric motor, manufacturers are increasingly looking at farm machinery as part of a distributed energy system—one that can generate, store and supply electricity as well as perform fieldwork. GoSun’s entry comes as farmers face pressure to control input costs while reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural operations. The economics of electrification remain highly dependent on factors such as tractor size, workload, battery capacity, charging infrastructure and local electricity costs. But for smaller operations with moderate-duty requirements, the combination of electric power, solar charging and mobile energy storage could make a new category of farm equipment increasingly attractive. With the Moonrider, GoSun is betting that the next generation of agricultural machinery will not simply consume less fuel—it will increasingly draw its power from the farm’s own energy ecosystem. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4513/zoomlions-350-hp-hybrid-tractor-breaks-into-global-awards-race.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4513/zoomlions-350-hp-hybrid-tractor-breaks-into-global-awards-race.html Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:10:00 +0530 China’s agricultural machinery industry has cleared a new international hurdle. Zoomlion’s DV3504 hybrid tractor has been shortlisted in two categories of the Tractor of the Year 2027 (TOTY 2027) awards—HighPower and Sustainable—making it the first Chinese high-horsepower tractor to reach the shortlist since the awards were established. The recognition is more than an awards milestone. It signals the growing ambition of Chinese machinery manufacturers to move beyond cost-competitive equipment and compete internationally on power, electrification, intelligent control and sustainability. The 2027 TOTY competition features 23 tractors from 18 global brands, evaluated by an independent jury of 26 agricultural machinery journalists from 25 countries. For Zoomlion, the nomination puts its high-horsepower agricultural technology directly into a field traditionally dominated by established European and North American machinery manufacturers. A 350-hp bet on hybrid power The DV3504 is built for large-scale farming and delivers 350 hp, placing it firmly in the high-horsepower segment. At the heart of the tractor is Zoomlion’s proprietary MiDD (Meshed intelligent Direct Drive) distributed intelligent electric drive system. Rather than relying entirely on a conventional mechanical transmission architecture, the system uses multiple motors to independently drive the tractor’s travel, PTO and hydraulic functions. Zoomlion says the architecture enables a modular continuously variable transmission while reducing mechanical transmission components by approximately 70 per cent. That design is central to the company’s pitch: electrification does not necessarily mean abandoning high-power diesel-based agricultural machinery, but can instead be used to make heavy-duty tractors more efficient, intelligent and flexible. Why hybrid matters at 350 hp The high-horsepower agricultural machinery market presents a more difficult electrification challenge than passenger vehicles or smaller agricultural equipment. Large tractors operate for extended periods under heavy loads, making battery-only solutions difficult where long endurance, rapid refuelling and continuous power are required. Hybrid systems offer a potential middle ground. The DV3504 combines conventional power with electric drive technology to target long operating range, high power output and improved energy efficiency. For large farms, where machinery utilisation and operating time directly affect productivity, that balance could be more important than electrification for its own sake. The broader significance is that Chinese manufacturers are increasingly developing powertrain technologies specifically for the operating realities of agricultural machinery rather than simply adapting technologies developed for other vehicle categories. From construction equipment to agriculture Zoomlion is also leveraging capabilities developed through its construction machinery business. The company has accumulated expertise in new-energy systems, intelligent control and advanced manufacturing through its broader machinery operations. It is now transferring those capabilities into agricultural equipment as the global farm machinery market moves towards greater automation, electrification and connectivity. The DV3504 therefore represents more than a new tractor model. It is part of Zoomlion’s strategy to use its industrial technology base to establish a stronger position in premium agricultural machinery. That strategy is particularly significant as Chinese agricultural machinery manufacturers look to expand internationally. From AGRITECHNICA to the TOTY shortlist The timing is notable. Zoomlion introduced the DV3504 internationally at AGRITECHNICA 2025 in Hanover, Germany. Less than a year later, the tractor has reached the shortlist of one of the industry's most recognised awards. That progression—from international exhibition to global award contender—signals a more aggressive phase of internationalisation for Zoomlion’s agricultural machinery business. For Chinese manufacturers, global recognition is becoming an increasingly important part of competing in premium equipment markets. Price remains a competitive advantage, but winning acceptance from international machinery experts requires demonstrating engineering capability, reliability, operator value and technology differentiation. The DV3504’s dual nomination puts those capabilities under international scrutiny. A bigger test for Chinese farm machinery The more important question is what happens after the shortlist. TOTY recognition could strengthen Zoomlion’s credibility as it seeks to establish itself in international agricultural machinery markets. But competing successfully against established global manufacturers will require more than technology demonstrations and awards. After-sales service, dealer networks, spare-parts availability, financing, local adaptation and long-term machine reliability will ultimately determine whether Chinese high-horsepower tractors can build meaningful market share overseas. The DV3504 nevertheless represents an important shift. China is no longer competing only in the lower and mid-horsepower segments of agricultural machinery. Its manufacturers are increasingly targeting the high-power, intelligent and lower-carbon end of the market. The final winners of TOTY 2027 will be announced at EIMA International in Bologna in November 2026. For Zoomlion, the award result will be closely watched. But reaching the shortlist has already delivered a larger message: China’s agricultural machinery industry is moving from manufacturing scale to technology-led global competition—and high-horsepower tractors are becoming one of the proving grounds. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4444/burt-machinery-takes-custom-maize-processing-solutions-to-zambia-as-demand-for-local-milling-capacity-grows.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4444/burt-machinery-takes-custom-maize-processing-solutions-to-zambia-as-demand-for-local-milling-capacity-grows.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:36:01 +0530 As Zambia looks to strengthen agricultural value chains and expand local grain-processing capacity, the economics of maize milling are increasingly moving beyond the purchase of individual machines. For processors and investors, the bigger challenge is designing plants that can match local power conditions, available space, production targets and the type of maize products the market demands. That was the focus of Burt Machinery’s showcase at Zambia’s 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show, where the Chinese machinery manufacturer presented customised maize processing plants spanning small commercial operations to automated facilities capable of processing 100 to 200 tonnes of maize per day. The company used the exhibition to shift the conversation from equipment procurement to complete plant engineering, engaging with regional grain processors, project developers and investment groups on capacity planning, process configuration and project execution. As a China-based supplier of customised maize processing plants, Burt Machinery positioned its solutions around a simple proposition: milling capacity needs to be designed around the operating environment rather than imposed through a standard equipment package. That distinction is increasingly important in markets where infrastructure, electricity supply, facility dimensions and product requirements can vary substantially from one project to another. A plant designed for one operating environment may not necessarily deliver the same economics or performance elsewhere without modifications. At the Zambia exhibition, discussions therefore focused on translating commercial objectives into technical specifications. Burt Machinery said it assesses factors including required daily capacity, desired flour fineness, finished-product mix, available workshop dimensions and local voltage standards before developing a proposed configuration. The company’s capacity range covers systems from 5 to 50 tonnes per 24 hours, with configurations spanning 5–10 tonnes, 20–30 tonnes and 50 tonnes per day. At the larger end, its automated 100–200 tonnes-per-day lines are designed for higher-volume commercial and industrial operations. The different capacity tiers are intended to give investors flexibility in matching processing scale with available capital, infrastructure and market demand. A smaller plant serving local or regional markets, for example, requires a fundamentally different equipment configuration and facility footprint from an industrial-scale operation supplying multiple commercial channels. Product requirements also influence the plant design. Depending on the target market, the processing lines can be configured to produce maize meal, fine maize flour and different grades of maize grits. Behind those finished products is a continuous processing chain designed to move maize from raw-material intake to packaged output. Depending on the plant configuration, the process can include raw-material storage, cleaning, destoning, magnetic separation, dampening, peeling or degerming, milling, sifting, packing and stacking. For larger facilities, Burt Machinery said raw maize can be stored in silos or warehouses before entering the processing line. A 50-tonne-per-day configuration, meanwhile, can incorporate equipment such as vibrating screens, destoners, magnetic separators, degermers, roller mills, sifters and automated packing systems. The emphasis on an integrated process is significant because milling performance depends on how individual stages work together. Effective cleaning and impurity removal affect downstream processing, while degerming, milling and sifting determine the characteristics and consistency of the final product. Packaging and material handling then determine how efficiently finished products move into storage and distribution. For investors, that integration also has implications for operating costs, labour requirements, plant utilisation and future expansion. Burt Machinery’s larger 100–200 tonnes-per-day systems are therefore positioned as engineered projects rather than off-the-shelf machinery packages. Plant layouts can be developed around the client’s raw-material characteristics, desired output, site dimensions and production targets. The company’s approach reflects a broader shift in agricultural processing equipment markets, where buyers are increasingly evaluating machinery on the basis of total project economics rather than headline capacity alone. Power consumption, site utilisation, product recovery, automation, installation requirements and after-sales support can all influence the eventual return on investment. This makes the engineering phase particularly important. Matching equipment to local conditions before manufacturing can help reduce the need for expensive modifications once machinery reaches the site. Burt Machinery said its involvement extends beyond equipment supply. Its project support covers feasibility analysis, plant-layout planning, equipment selection, manufacturing, installation, operator training, commissioning and after-sales service. The company also provides overseas engineering support for installation and worker training. Machinery is tested and adjusted before delivery as part of its project-preparation process, with the aim of ensuring that equipment is ready for commissioning once installed. For projects in emerging agricultural-processing markets, such support can be as important as the equipment itself. Limited technical manpower, unfamiliarity with new processing systems and differences in local infrastructure can complicate commissioning if engineering support ends at shipment. The Zambia showcase consequently served as more than a machinery exhibition for Burt Machinery. It provided a platform to demonstrate how processing plants can be configured around specific investment requirements, from relatively small commercial mills to high-capacity automated operations. The broader opportunity lies in connecting maize production with more local processing capacity. For Zambia and other grain-producing markets, expanding milling infrastructure can allow a greater share of agricultural value to be captured closer to the source while creating processing capacity for differentiated maize products. Burt Machinery’s pitch is that achieving that objective requires more than installing milling equipment. It requires a plant designed around the realities of the market—from raw-material handling and electricity supply to product specifications, facility constraints and long-term operating requirements. By bringing those considerations into the equipment-selection process, the company is seeking to turn maize-processing investment from a machinery purchase into a more structured engineering and project-development decision. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4380/trackman-expands-premium-rubber-track-portfolio-with-t700-fitments-for-john-deere-x9-and-s7-combines.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4380/trackman-expands-premium-rubber-track-portfolio-with-t700-fitments-for-john-deere-x9-and-s7-combines.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:23:30 +0530 Agricultural track manufacturer Trackman has expanded its harvesting equipment portfolio with the launch of new T700 rubber track fitments for John Deere X9 and S7 Series combines, strengthening its presence in the high-horsepower harvesting segment. The latest additions are engineered to support the demanding operating conditions of modern combines, combining reinforced structural components, an upgraded tread design and proprietary drive lug technology to enhance durability, machine uptime and field performance during intensive harvest operations. The T700 tracks will be offered in 30-inch and 36-inch widths, providing growers with options suited to different harvesting environments and soil conditions. Reinforced Design Targets Longer Service Life Trackman said the T700 platform has been developed around a new 6-inch pitch tread pattern featuring 2.38-inch tread bars, designed to improve traction while delivering smoother ride characteristics and consistent performance across varying field conditions. According to the company, the track system integrates its proprietary ARMORLUG drive lug technology, which has been engineered to withstand the high mechanical loads experienced during harvesting operations. The reinforced drive lug construction has undergone extensive field testing to improve durability in one of the track's highest-stress areas. The structural package is further strengthened by four layers of MAXXTUFF steel belting reinforcement embedded within a 1.25-inch-thick carcass, while dual biased reinforcement plies enhance overall stability and provide additional protection through both the drive lug and wheel path. Dan Fullenkamp, Director of Business Strategy at Trackman, said the latest product reflects the company's focus on developing track systems capable of supporting increasingly powerful agricultural machinery while helping growers reduce downtime and improve long-term operating value. Performance Enhancements Focus on Reliability Beyond structural reinforcement, the T700 incorporates several engineering improvements intended to extend operating life under demanding harvesting conditions. The tracks utilise brass-coated steel cables to improve resistance to corrosion, while fully moulded tread lugs are designed to increase wear resistance during prolonged field use. Trackman also employs proprietary rubber compounds aimed at improving durability under heavy loads and variable terrain. The company estimates the reinforced construction can deliver up to 23% longer service life compared with conventional track designs, potentially lowering maintenance requirements and replacement frequency for operators during successive harvest seasons. To support product longevity, the T700 range will be covered by Trackman's four-year agricultural warranty, one of the longer warranty offerings available in the agricultural rubber track segment. Commercial Rollout Begins in August Trackman plans a phased market introduction for the new fitments. The 36-inch T700 configuration is scheduled to become commercially available in early August, while 30-inch models are expected to reach the market in early September. The launch expands compatibility for John Deere's flagship combine platforms and reflects growing demand for high-performance undercarriage systems capable of supporting larger harvesting equipment as farms continue to scale operations and prioritise machine productivity. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4358/philmech-deploys-1700-farm-machines-as-philippines-accelerates-rice-mechanization-drive.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4358/philmech-deploys-1700-farm-machines-as-philippines-accelerates-rice-mechanization-drive.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:26:41 +0530 The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has intensified the country's agricultural modernization programme by deploying more than 1,700 farm machines during the first half of 2026, advancing the Philippines' transition towards a more mechanized, productive and resilient rice sector. Backed by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), the latest rollout underscores the government's continued investment in reducing labour dependence, improving farm efficiency and enhancing long-term food security. As of 30 June 2026, PhilMech had distributed 1,731 agricultural machines, representing nearly 76 percent of the 2,289 units procured under the 2025 RCEF allocation. The machinery has been delivered to 1,238 farmers' cooperatives, associations and local government units across the country, with procurement for the remaining units already completed and distribution scheduled in the coming months. The latest deployment includes 900 four-wheel tractors, 700 combine harvesters, 95 recirculating dryers and 36 precision seeders, equipment designed to mechanize critical farming operations, improve planting and harvesting efficiency, reduce labour requirements and minimise postharvest losses. The investment reflects the government's broader strategy of modernising rice production through technology adoption and improved postharvest infrastructure. The continued expansion of mechanization is already translating into measurable improvements in farm productivity. By the end of 2025, the Philippines' rice farm mechanization level had increased to 2.81 horsepower per hectare, compared with 2.68 horsepower per hectare in 2022, driven primarily by wider adoption of four-wheel tractors and combine harvesters. PhilMech expects mechanization intensity to reach 3.40 horsepower per hectare as RCEF implementation progresses, bringing the country closer to the mechanization levels achieved by regional rice-producing economies. Beyond improving operational efficiency, mechanization is generating tangible economic benefits for farmers. According to a PhilMech impact assessment covering 895 farmers' cooperatives and 5,428 farmers across 57 provinces, mechanized farming has reduced labour costs by approximately P2 per kilogram of palay, increasing farm income by around P9,000 per hectare. Across farms supported under the RCEF programme, these productivity gains translate into an estimated P2.66 billion in additional annual farmer income. Mechanization has also delivered significant improvements in postharvest management. The study estimates that the programme prevents approximately 31,841 metric tonnes of postharvest losses annually—equivalent to nearly P541.3 million worth of rice—through the wider deployment of combine harvesters, mechanical dryers and integrated rice processing systems that improve grain quality while reducing waste throughout the value chain. The latest rollout builds on the progress achieved since the launch of the RCEF mechanization component in 2019. During the programme's first phase, PhilMech distributed 32,990 production and postharvest machines to 7,588 farmers' cooperatives, associations and local government units, exceeding original deployment targets through procurement savings generated from competitive bidding. Including this year's deliveries, total nationwide deployments have reached 34,721 agricultural machines, making it one of the country's largest farm mechanization initiatives. PhilMech said every additional machine contributes to higher productivity by lowering labour costs, accelerating time-sensitive field operations and reducing production losses from planting through postharvest handling. The agency noted that investments in postharvest technologies—including combine harvesters, mechanical dryers and integrated rice processing systems—are equally critical in preserving grain quality, improving market value and strengthening national rice supply. The Department of Agriculture also reaffirmed mechanization as a cornerstone of the country's long-term food security strategy. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said expanding mechanization and rice processing infrastructure will enable farmers to harvest, dry and process rice more efficiently while addressing labour shortages associated with an ageing farming population. According to the department, continued investment in modern agricultural equipment will play a critical role in improving farmer incomes, enhancing the global competitiveness of Philippine rice and supporting more resilient rural economies. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4321/zetor-shifts-tractor-assembly-to-asia-as-rising-european-costs-reshape-manufacturing-strategy.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4321/zetor-shifts-tractor-assembly-to-asia-as-rising-european-costs-reshape-manufacturing-strategy.html Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:33:52 +0530 After eight decades of building tractors in the Czech Republic, Zetor Tractors is bringing an era to a close. The company has announced it will end tractor assembly at its Brno manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, relocating production to India and accelerating plans to establish a manufacturing presence in China as it responds to mounting production costs and intensifying global competition. The move marks one of the most significant strategic transformations in Zetor's 80-year history. While manufacturing will leave Europe, the company emphasized that Brno will remain the nerve centre of its global business, housing its headquarters, research and development operations, spare parts distribution, and international sales and marketing teams. Production of all tractors currently on the assembly line, along with existing customer orders, will continue over the coming months before manufacturing at the Brno plant officially concludes by year-end. Future tractor production will primarily be handled at Zetor India, the company's joint venture with VST Tractors, where two new tractor models are already under development. One of these models is scheduled to be introduced to the European market next year, underscoring Zetor's strategy of manufacturing in Asia while continuing to serve European customers. Beyond India, the company is actively evaluating manufacturing opportunities in China, where it is seeking a production partner while simultaneously preparing its own manufacturing facility to strengthen long-term production capabilities and reduce dependence on external suppliers. Chief Executive Officer Róbert Harman said the decision reflects a fundamental shift in the economics of tractor manufacturing. "Manufacturing small and medium-sized tractors in Europe no longer makes economic sense under current market conditions," Harman said. "High energy prices, labour costs and, above all, material costs have significantly reduced our competitiveness. Like many global manufacturers, we must produce where manufacturing is economically sustainable." The economics behind the decision are difficult to ignore. According to the company, raw materials including steel, aluminium and plastics, along with energy costs, have increased steadily across Europe in recent years. At the same time, intense competition and weak market demand have limited manufacturers' ability to raise tractor prices, squeezing margins across the industry. For tractors below 130 horsepower, Zetor believes European production has become commercially unsustainable. The company estimates that manufacturing materials sourced in India and China are approximately 30 to 35 percent cheaper than in Europe, enabling overall production costs to fall by 25 to 30 percent. Those savings have become increasingly important as many of Zetor's long-standing European component suppliers—including manufacturers of front axles, transmissions, hydraulic systems and engines—have already relocated their own production to Asia. Rather than shipping individual components back to Europe for final assembly, Zetor believes locating production closer to its supplier base will significantly improve cost efficiency while shortening development cycles. The company also noted that new product launches and serial production in China can be completed roughly twice as fast as in Europe, supported by a highly integrated supplier ecosystem and faster engineering processes. Despite the manufacturing transition, Brno will continue to play a central role in the company's future. The Czech facility will remain home to Zetor's global headquarters, engineering and product development teams, European spare parts distribution centre, logistics operations and worldwide sales, finance and marketing functions. The company also expects its aftermarket business to become increasingly important as its installed tractor fleet continues to grow. Spare parts distribution and customer support will remain fully managed from Brno, ensuring continuity for existing customers across Europe and other international markets. The strategic shift also reflects Zetor's changing geographic priorities. While the European market remains important, the company sees stronger long-term growth in Africa, Latin America and Asia, particularly in countries where emission regulations are less restrictive and demand for affordable agricultural machinery continues to expand. Over the next five years, Zetor aims to export approximately 5,000 tractors from India, with a similar production target planned for China once manufacturing operations are established. Although assembly will move to Asia, the company said it will continue using key components from globally recognised suppliers, including Carraro front axles, Carraro and ZF transmissions, Mita hydraulic systems, Fritzmeier cabs, and Deutz and Cummins engines for tractors serving European markets. Since many of these suppliers already manufacture in Asia, relocating final assembly closer to component production is expected to improve efficiency while preserving product quality. For Zetor, the relocation represents more than a manufacturing decision. It reflects the broader transformation underway across the global agricultural machinery industry, where supply chains, production economics and competitive pressures are increasingly shifting toward Asia. By separating manufacturing from research and product development, the company is betting it can reduce costs, accelerate innovation and strengthen its position in both established and emerging agricultural markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4297/krone-invests-2-9-million-to-strengthen-agricultural-machinery-business-in-china.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4297/krone-invests-2-9-million-to-strengthen-agricultural-machinery-business-in-china.html Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:34:27 +0530 German agricultural machinery manufacturer Krone has strengthened its long-term commitment to China with a fresh investment of 19.6 million yuan (approximately $2.89 million) into its Tianjin-based sales and service subsidiary, reinforcing its strategy to capture growing opportunities in one of the world's fastest-modernising agricultural markets. The latest capital injection comes a decade after the company established its Chinese headquarters and reflects increasing confidence in China's drive toward large-scale, technology-enabled agriculture. The investment will be used to enhance Krone's nationwide sales and after-sales service capabilities, expand spare parts availability, accelerate the introduction of advanced machinery from its global portfolio and strengthen its local technical workforce. As Chinese agriculture undergoes rapid structural transformation, demand for premium forage harvesting equipment is rising sharply, particularly in response to farm consolidation, expanding dairy production and increasing emphasis on productivity, forage quality and operational efficiency. According to Huo Hongyan, General Manager of Krone China, the additional funding is aimed at improving customer support through faster maintenance services, broader product availability and enhanced technical expertise. The company also plans to increase investments in brand development and customer engagement while strengthening its nationwide service network to better support professional farming enterprises. Founded more than a century ago, Krone has evolved from a family-owned blacksmith workshop into one of the world's leading manufacturers of forage harvesting machinery, with operations spanning over 70 countries. The company specialises in equipment for mowing, raking, baling, forage transport and silage production, serving commercial livestock producers and large-scale agricultural enterprises worldwide. Since establishing operations in Tianjin in 2016, Krone has steadily expanded its presence in China, benefiting from the country's improving business environment and increasing adoption of mechanised farming practices. The company has progressively strengthened its local operational capabilities while expanding market coverage and technical support services. Bernard Krone, the fourth-generation leader of the family-owned business, described China as one of the company's most strategically important growth markets, highlighting the country's accelerating agricultural modernisation and rising demand for sophisticated farm equipment. China's agricultural transformation is being driven by policy reforms encouraging larger farm operations, improved land utilisation and higher levels of mechanisation. Simultaneously, the rapid development of the dairy and livestock sectors is creating greater demand for advanced forage production systems capable of improving feed quality while reducing harvesting costs. Krone's latest investment aligns with the Chinese government's broader agricultural development agenda under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), which prioritises agricultural modernisation, green production systems, rural infrastructure upgrades, seed industry development and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. Government initiatives supporting high-standard farmland development, diversified food production systems and environmentally sustainable farming are expected to accelerate the adoption of high-performance agricultural machinery, creating significant opportunities for global equipment manufacturers operating in China. Looking ahead, Krone plans to further expand its sales and service footprint, introduce additional products tailored to local farming requirements and increase participation in industry exhibitions and customer engagement programmes. The company also intends to accelerate the localisation of technologies and services to better support the evolving needs of China's commercial farming sector. As precision agriculture, mechanisation and large-scale farming continue to reshape China's agricultural landscape, Krone is positioning itself to play a larger role in supplying the advanced forage harvesting solutions required to improve efficiency, productivity and long-term sustainability across the country's livestock and dairy industries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4229/kubota-increases-stake-in-uv-boosting-to-expand-climate-smart-crop-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4229/kubota-increases-stake-in-uv-boosting-to-expand-climate-smart-crop-solutions.html Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:31:03 +0530 Kubota Corporation has expanded its commitment to sustainable agriculture by making an additional investment in French agri-tech startup UV Boosting through its European holding company, Kubota Holdings Europe (KHE). The move is aimed at accelerating the commercialization of innovative UV-based crop protection technologies across Europe while reinforcing the long-term strategic partnership between the two companies. The latest investment builds on Kubota's initial backing of UV Boosting in 2024, after which the companies collaborated on demonstration trials to evaluate the technology under commercial farming conditions. Following encouraging results, Kubota began marketing UV Boosting's products this year through its established European distribution network, marking a significant step toward wider adoption. The partnership comes at a time when European agriculture is increasingly prioritizing technologies that lower environmental impact and reduce dependence on conventional chemical crop protection products. Regulatory pressures, sustainability targets, and growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible farming practices are driving interest in alternative disease management solutions. UV Boosting has developed a proprietary UV flash technology that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to activate plants' natural defense mechanisms. Rather than targeting pathogens directly, the technology stimulates the production of salicylic acid and other plant hormones, strengthening the plant's own resistance against diseases while improving tolerance to environmental stresses such as frost and drought. The technology has broad applicability across high-value crops, including vineyards, orchards, and vegetable production, where disease pressure and pesticide use remain significant challenges. By enhancing natural plant immunity, the solution offers growers an opportunity to reduce chemical inputs without compromising productivity. Independent field evaluations have demonstrated promising performance in vineyards, where the technology achieved a 40% reduction in disease incidence alongside a 13% increase in yield. These outcomes highlight its potential to support both economic and environmental sustainability in specialty crop production. With the additional investment, Kubota intends to expand the deployment of UV Boosting's technology across Europe, helping growers improve disease management, strengthen climate resilience, and advance more sustainable agricultural production systems. The collaboration also aligns with Kubota's broader strategy of investing in innovative technologies that address emerging challenges in global agriculture while supporting the transition toward low-impact farming.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4222/japans-drone-breakthrough-could-transform-potato-farming.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/4222/japans-drone-breakthrough-could-transform-potato-farming.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:00:43 +0530 In a development that could reshape precision agriculture, researchers at the University of Tokyo and Kubota Corporation have unveiled a drone-based system capable of predicting potato yields weeks before harvest—without digging up a single tuber. The breakthrough combines drone imagery, machine learning and crop growth modelling to estimate underground potato biomass, giving farmers an unprecedented ability to forecast production, optimise harvest schedules and improve farm management decisions long before crops reach maturity. The innovation represents another step towards data-driven agriculture, where artificial intelligence and remote sensing are increasingly replacing traditional field sampling. A Digital Window Beneath the Soil Unlike cereals or fruits, potato yields have traditionally remained hidden beneath the soil surface until harvest. Farmers have relied on destructive sampling—digging up representative plants—to estimate production, a process that is labour-intensive, costly and often inaccurate across large fields. The Japanese research team has developed a non-destructive alternative. Using drones equipped with RGB and multispectral cameras, researchers periodically captured aerial images throughout the growing season. These images were analysed to extract key crop characteristics, including canopy height, vegetation indices, plant cover and colour profiles. Machine-learning algorithms then translated these above-ground signals into estimates of underground tuber biomass. To forecast final production, researchers integrated the biomass estimates with a Gompertz growth curve—an S-shaped mathematical model widely used to describe biological growth—allowing yield predictions before harvest. Accuracy That Matters The technology was validated during two years of field trials conducted in 2023 and 2024 at the University of Tokyo's Field Science Center. Researchers tested multiple cultivation conditions, including different planting densities and seed tuber treatments. According to the research team, the system achieved a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.8 for estimating underground biomass and more than 0.7 for predicting final harvest yields—levels considered highly promising for commercial agricultural applications. The findings demonstrate that reliable yield estimates can be generated using only above-ground drone observations, eliminating the need for destructive crop sampling. Precision Agriculture's Next Frontier The implications extend well beyond potatoes. Reliable pre-harvest yield forecasting enables farmers to optimise irrigation, fertiliser application, storage planning, logistics and labour deployment. Processors can better anticipate raw material supplies, while retailers and policymakers gain earlier visibility into food production. The technology also opens opportunities for variable-rate management, enabling producers to identify underperforming areas within fields and intervene before harvest. As climate variability increases production uncertainty, predictive analytics are becoming essential tools for improving agricultural resilience. Fueling Japan's Smart Farming Ambitions The breakthrough comes as Japan rapidly expands its agricultural drone ecosystem. Growing labour shortages, an ageing farming population and increasing demand for digital agriculture are accelerating investments in remote sensing, automation and artificial intelligence. Industry analysts project Japan's agricultural drone market to witness strong growth over the coming decade, driven by technologies capable of transforming field-level data into real-time management decisions. The potato prediction system illustrates how drones are evolving beyond aerial spraying and crop monitoring into sophisticated decision-support platforms capable of forecasting yields before harvest. From Research to Commercial Agriculture The study was led by doctoral researcher Yuto Imachi, Professor Hiroyoshi Iwata and Associate Professor Wei Guo from the University of Tokyo, in collaboration with researchers from Kubota Corporation's Next-Generation Research Department, Masahiro Okada of Sarabetsu Prediction Co., Ltd., and Pieter M. Blok, now at Eindhoven University of Technology. Developed under the joint Kubota Todai Lab initiative, the researchers believe the technology could eventually help farmers determine optimal harvest timing, improve cultivation strategies and strengthen food production planning. As artificial intelligence, drone technology and predictive analytics continue to converge, innovations like this suggest the future of farming may depend as much on algorithms in the sky as on crops beneath the soil. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3984/zoomlion-accelerates-latin-america-growth-with-full-service-agricultural-hub-in-aguascalientes.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3984/zoomlion-accelerates-latin-america-growth-with-full-service-agricultural-hub-in-aguascalientes.html Thu, 28 May 2026 15:00:00 +0530 Pivoting from market entry to full-service localization, the new hub positions Zoomlion to deepen its agricultural machinery footprint across Latin America China’s construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer Zoomlion has opened a new Latin America Agri-Machinery Hub in Aguascalientes, marking a deeper push into localized operations across one of the company’s fastest-growing overseas markets. The facility integrates product exhibition, technical training, after-sales service, maintenance, spare parts management, and customer experience functions under one roof—positioning it as a regional service and support center for agricultural machinery customers across Latin America. Company officials described the hub as a step beyond traditional market entry, shifting toward full lifecycle support and localized operations as competition intensifies in global agricultural equipment markets. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Governor of Aguascalientes, who highlighted the potential of the investment to support industrial development and agricultural modernization in the region. The move reflects a broader trend among global equipment manufacturers expanding overseas service ecosystems to improve uptime, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen customer retention in emerging markets. With the Aguascalientes hub now operational, Zoomlion is accelerating its Latin American strategy from sales-driven expansion toward infrastructure-backed service localization. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3910/korea-deepens-farm-tech-exports-as-uzbekistan-partnership-accelerates.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3910/korea-deepens-farm-tech-exports-as-uzbekistan-partnership-accelerates.html Fri, 15 May 2026 12:24:54 +0530 Korean technologies report higher dairy pregnancy rates and significant gains in milk output and rice farming efficiency The Republic of Korea is strengthening its agricultural cooperation with Uzbekistan through a series of new technology transfer initiatives aimed at modernising livestock production, improving crop yields, and accelerating the adoption of precision farming systems across Central Asia. The initiative is led by the Rural Development Administration, which advanced a multi-track partnership covering dairy breeding technologies, rice mechanisation, and livestock reproduction systems during a high-level visit to Uzbekistan. Administrator Lee Seung-don visited Uzbekistan over two days to deepen bilateral agricultural cooperation and expand the deployment of Korean-developed farming technologies through joint projects with Uzbek counterparts. A key milestone of the visit was a field demonstration at Sultan Farm in the Syrdarya region, where Korean embryo exporters and Uzbek partners signed a letter of intent to expand cooperation in the export and import of Korean dairy cattle embryos. The agreement formalises growing interest in Korean livestock genetics, supported by reported performance gains in reproductive efficiency. According to the Rural Development Administration, pregnancy success rates for cattle using Korean dairy embryos reached 50 per cent, compared with 30 per cent for other imported embryos. In addition, dairy cows treated with Korean veterinary medicines recorded an average increase of 2.4 kilograms of milk per day. The delegation also visited Uzbekistan’s Rice Research Institute, where discussions focused on a Korean-supported rice mechanisation programme that has been underway since 2018 in collaboration with local agricultural institutions. Officials reported that the introduction of Korean rice-transplanting machinery has reduced labour requirements by up to 70 per cent while increasing productivity by as much as 52 per cent, underscoring the impact of mechanisation on farm efficiency in labour-intensive systems. During meetings with senior Uzbek agricultural officials, including Jamshidjon Abdujakhurov, Deputy Agriculture Minister, Korea and Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in livestock artificial insemination technologies. The agreement outlines joint research initiatives in animal breeding, expanded exchange of agricultural specialists, and streamlined registration procedures for veterinary medicines, reflecting a broader effort to integrate scientific collaboration with regulatory alignment. Additional discussions involved Namazov Shadman Ergashevich, head of the Agricultural Knowledge Innovation Agency, and Mansurov Abdullo Marufovich, director of the Rice Research Institute, focusing on long-term development of high-yield rice systems supported by Korean mechanisation and agronomic expertise. Officials described the cooperation as part of a broader strategy to embed agricultural innovation into Uzbekistan’s national development framework while creating export opportunities for Korean agri-technology firms. “This achievement goes beyond simply transferring technology,” said Lee Seung-don. “It represents a virtuous cycle in which cooperation becomes embedded in local policy and connected to export partnerships.” The latest agreements signal a deepening agricultural partnership between Korea and Uzbekistan, with a shared focus on boosting productivity, strengthening food security, and accelerating the adoption of advanced farming technologies across Central Asia. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3908/maschio-gaspardo-extends-growth-trajectory-with-strong-2025-performance-and-global-expansion-drive.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3908/maschio-gaspardo-extends-growth-trajectory-with-strong-2025-performance-and-global-expansion-drive.html Fri, 15 May 2026 12:01:21 +0530 Italian agricultural machinery group Maschio Gaspardo has reported continued growth for the year ended 31 December 2025, delivering double-digit revenue expansion and stable profitability in a global sector marked by broader contraction. The company posted revenue of €390 million, representing an increase of approximately 12 per cent year-on-year, underscoring its ability to outperform industry trends through geographic diversification, product breadth, and sustained investment in innovation. EBIT margin held steady at 11.5 per cent of revenue, matching the previous year and reflecting operational resilience despite volatile market conditions. Group net profit reached €11.2 million, while the net financial position improved by around €18 million to €69 million, supported by reduced bank debt and stronger cash generation. Consolidated equity rose to €141 million, reinforcing the group’s financial stability as it continues to expand internationally and invest in manufacturing modernization. Throughout 2025, Maschio Gaspardo invested more than €12 million in plants, machinery, equipment, and digital systems across its global operations, advancing its industrial footprint under Industry 4.0 and 5.0 transformation frameworks. The company highlighted Italy and Europe as its core production base, operating six manufacturing facilities across the region, with ongoing upgrades in automation, robotics, and research and development. A key innovation focus is being driven through its subsidiary Free Green Nature Srl, which specializes in agricultural robotics and mechatronic systems for high-value crops such as vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. Within this segment, Maschio Gaspardo is coordinating a research initiative under the EU LIFE Programme for Environment and Climate Action, aimed at developing UV-C-based robotic systems for phytosanitary treatment in orchards. The project seeks to reduce reliance on chemical inputs while advancing sustainable crop protection technologies toward commercial readiness. International expansion remained a central pillar of the group’s strategy in 2025, with several strategic moves designed to strengthen its presence in high-growth markets. In North America, Maschio Gaspardo acquired a stake in Lynx AG LLC and established Maschio Gaspardo USA Inc. as a joint venture, with field testing underway for next-generation large-scale planters targeting the U.S. market. Commercial launch is expected at the upcoming Farm Progress Show in September. The group also expanded its footprint in Canada through the establishment of Équipements MG Canada Inc., which became operational in late 2025 to strengthen regional distribution and logistics capabilities. In Asia, Maschio Gaspardo is accelerating investment in India with a €30 million industrial expansion supported by Simest S.p.A., including the acquisition of a 100,000-square-meter site and construction of a new manufacturing facility aimed at doubling local production capacity. Strategic cooperation with Grégoire Besson SAS also continued to deepen, with new distribution arrangements extending the group’s presence in China and Canada through localized import and sales structures. With 15 commercial subsidiaries now operating globally, Maschio Gaspardo is reinforcing its full-line strategy, offering machinery across the entire agronomic cycle—from tillage and seeding to fertilization, crop protection, and forage systems. Chairman Mirco Maschio attributed the company’s performance to long-term strategic execution and customer trust, emphasizing agriculture’s ongoing structural transformation driven by sustainability and technological adoption. Chairman of Maschio Holding Andrea Maschio highlighted continued investment in automation and robotics, underscoring the group’s ambition to deliver increasingly intuitive and efficient machinery tailored to evolving farm requirements. CEO Luigi De Puppi noted that while geopolitical uncertainty remains a challenge heading into 2026, the company’s geographic diversification across Europe, North America, India, and Latin America provides a strong foundation for resilient growth. Despite sector-wide pressures, Maschio Gaspardo’s latest results reinforce its position as one of the more resilient players in the global agricultural machinery landscape, combining steady profitability with an increasingly international industrial footprint. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3907/deutz-builds-strong-2026-foundation-with-broad-based-growth-across-core-segments.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3907/deutz-builds-strong-2026-foundation-with-broad-based-growth-across-core-segments.html Fri, 15 May 2026 11:56:18 +0530 The company’s “Future Fit” program exceeded savings targets while strengthening margins and operational performance Cologne-based engine manufacturer Deutz has opened the 2026 financial year with a robust performance, reporting sharp increases in new orders, revenue, and earnings in the first quarter, underscoring continued momentum from its ongoing strategic transformation. The company recorded new orders of €771.0 million, a 41.2 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting renewed demand across key industrial end markets, particularly construction equipment and agricultural machinery. Revenue rose 8.4 per cent year-on-year to €530.0 million, while adjusted EBIT increased by 45.7 per cent to €37.3 million. The adjusted EBIT margin improved to 7.0 per cent, up from 5.2 per cent in Q1 2025, signaling stronger underlying profitability despite traditionally softer first-quarter seasonality. CEO Sebastian C. Schulte said the company’s diversified strategy continues to deliver results across multiple business segments, including engines, new energy, defense-related activities, and services. “New orders, revenue, and earnings are all up sharply. Deutz has begun the new year with momentum, and the strategic transformation is increasingly paying off,” he said, noting that market conditions remain challenging but are being offset by operational progress and portfolio expansion. Chief Financial Officer Oliver Neu highlighted the successful completion of the company’s “Future Fit” action plan, which has now been fully implemented and is expected to exceed its original €50 million savings target by approximately 10 per cent. According to the company, more than €40 million in savings were generated within the Engines segment alone, which has returned to strong profitability, supported by efficiency gains and improved cost structures. Deutz also pointed to early signs of recovery in key end markets, particularly construction and agricultural machinery, which contributed to organic growth in its engines business and strengthened order intake during the quarter. The company emphasized that service operations continue to play an increasingly important role in its business mix, adding resilience to earnings while supporting long-term customer relationships across industrial segments. While management acknowledged that geopolitical uncertainty and broader macroeconomic pressures continue to weigh on global industrial markets, the results indicate that Deutz is entering 2026 with a strengthened balance sheet, improved margins, and growing strategic flexibility. The company stated that its transformation efforts are now increasingly reflected in financial performance, positioning it for sustained progress through the remainder of the year. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3690/new-farm-engine-runs-on-data-not-diesel.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3690/new-farm-engine-runs-on-data-not-diesel.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:42:49 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Simon Henry outlines how aerial intelligence is cutting inputs, boosting yields, and driving ESG outcomes Simon Henry, Vice President of Business Development – EMEA / Ireland at ZenaTech, outlines how precision agriculture is rapidly shifting from a niche innovation to a necessity across EMEA, driven by regulatory pressure, rising costs, and climate volatility. He emphasizes that ZenaTech’s Drone-as-a-Service model is breaking down cost and complexity barriers, making advanced aerial intelligence accessible to farms of all sizes. The company is tackling one of the sector’s biggest challenges—turning complex data into actionable insights—by embedding AI-driven analytics that deliver real-time, field-level decisions. Henry highlights how drone-led automation can significantly cut input waste, improve water efficiency, and boost profitability while aligning with sustainability and ESG goals. Looking ahead, he envisions a digitally integrated farming ecosystem powered by AI, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies, positioning drones as a critical support system rather than a replacement for farmers. Precision Agriculture at Scale ZenaTech’s drone solutions enable plant health monitoring, crop mapping, and early stress detection using multispectral imaging. How do you see precision agriculture evolving from a niche technology to a mainstream farming necessity across EMEA markets? In the EMEA region, precision agriculture is already considered a structural necessity, rather than a luxury, in many regions. This has been driven by increasingly rigorous EU mandates, rising input costs, and fluctuating supply markets. The reason this may not be illustrated in practice is because mainstream adoption has been hindered by the high cost of entry and technical complexity required by many solutions currently on the market.  ZenaTech is bridging this gap through our Drone as a Service (DaaS) model. By building precision agriculture as a scalable utility, we enable farmers to meet strict targets and maximise their inputs without the burden of hardware ownership. As climate volatility increases, our real-time multispectral insights will provide the essential resilience needed to transform localized data into a universal standard for sustainable, high-yield farming. Harnessing this resilience will become crucial to safeguarding yields throughout the coming decades, as farms of all sizes and specialisms worldwide grapple with intensifying climate volatility. From Data to Decisions Your platforms generate high-resolution, real-time agricultural data. What are the biggest barriers farmers face in translating this data into actionable decisions, and how is ZenaTech addressing this gap? For most farmers, the primary barrier is the challenge of translating complex multispectral maps into practical field-level actions. Most platforms provide data that requires manual interpretation, creating a technical gap that stalls decision-making and in doing so, lessens impact. ZenaTech is focused on addressing this by integrating AI-powered analytics directly into our ZenaDrone ecosystem. Our software processes raw data into prescription maps that identify specific issues like nitrogen deficiency or pest outbreaks in real-time, cutting out the middleman entirely. By providing actionable insights and ensuring our software platform integrates with existing farm management systems, we turn aerial intelligence into a practical tool for increasing crop yields and operational efficiency. This allows farmers to make better, faster decisions with confidence,  based on our data-based insights. Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) vs Ownership Models ZenaTech’s DaaS model removes the need for upfront drone investment. How disruptive is this model for traditional agri-tech adoption, especially among small and mid-sized farms? DaaS model is cutting-edge in innovating legacy and low-tech processes. Historically, precision agriculture required six-figure investments in hardware, specialized pilot training, and complex regulatory compliance. As a result, the largest industrial farms could avail of this technology. By removing the capital expenditure wall and supporting users with a skilled DaaS consultant who provides in-person setup and ongoing customer support tailored to clients' needs, we have democratized access through our drone technology. Small and mid-sized farmers can now access advanced multispectral imaging and precision spraying through a manageable, predictable operational expense. We also manage the technical overhead, including AI data processing and flight certifications, to ensure farmers are provided with actionable insights without the need for deep technical knowledge on their end. This pay-per-use flexibility ensures that cutting-edge aerial intelligence is no longer a luxury but an accessible tool for increasing profit and enhancing sustainability across the entire agricultural spectrum. AI, Automation & Farm Economics With AI-driven plant counting, disease detection, and yield optimization, how significantly can drone-led automation reduce input costs and improve farm profitability in real terms? Crucially, our drone technology has the capacity to eliminate the need to "blanket spray” fertilizer, which is a traditional approach that wastes a substantial amount of chemical input for the average farmer annually, while also stifling their ability to meet key sustainable targets. Instead, our multispectral drone imaging enables precise, variable-rate application, reducing fertilizer and pesticide costs. By moving operations to the air, we also have the capacity to eliminate soil compaction caused by heavy machinery, which can improve yields significantly. Meanwhile, our disease and pest detection software helps to mitigate unforeseen risks, ensuring farmers can maximise yield from their inputs. Ultimately, Zenatech’s Drone as a Service model replaces high-risk investments with a “pay-per-use” service that slashes labour, input waste, and mitigates profit lost through avoidable risks, ensuring precision agriculture is the most profitable path for any modern farm. Water & Climate Intelligence Given increasing climate stress and water scarcity, how can drone-based 3D mapping and irrigation analytics reshape water-use efficiency in agriculture? We tackle this in a similar way to how we effectively manage fertilizer use; through the insights provided by our drone-based 3D mapping, we replace broad irrigation tactics with 3D-driven precision irrigation. Through our ZenaDrone technology, we create high-resolution topographic maps that reveal exactly how water moves across a field, identifying drainage issues and high-risk drought zones. Complementing this, our multispectral and thermal sensors detect crop water stress in real time, allowing for localized, variable-rate irrigation. By targeting only the areas in need, farmers can significantly reduce water (and energy waste) while maintaining optimal plant hydration. Through our DaaS model, this high-level irrigation intelligence becomes an affordable necessity for every kind of farm navigating the challenges of global water scarcity. Integration with Broader Agri-Tech Ecosystems How does ZenaTech envision integrating drone data with farm management systems, satellite analytics, and IoT platforms to create a unified “digital farm” ecosystem? In ZenaTech’s vision for a unified “digital farm” ecosystem, ZenaDrone serves as the primary engine for real-time intelligence. We integrate aerial data with IoT ground sensors and satellite analytics via our Enterprise SaaS platform, creating a single source of truth for farmers to refer to. By using open APIs, our AI-driven insights flow directly into existing farm management systems and smart machinery, enabling automated, variable-rate applications. This seamless integration (supported by our upcoming quantum-enhanced processing) transforms fragmented data points into a cohesive, predictive toolset, allowing farmers to optimize every acre with unprecedented speed and precision. Regulatory & Airspace Challenges in EMEA Drone deployment in agriculture is often constrained by regulatory frameworks. What are the key policy bottlenecks across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and how can they be streamlined to unlock scale? As with any set of tech-focused regulatory frameworks, this is an ongoing conversation across many jurisdictions. Specifically, governments around the world have placed a focus on developing regulatory frameworks for the new world of drones for a number of years already, with the aim of opening airspace to enable businesses to use this technology. The good news is that ZenaTech’s DaaS model is specifically designed to manage these considerations on behalf of the end-user. Rather than forcing farmers to carry the regulatory burden, we can offer Drone as a Service as an end-to-end solution, controlling all aspects of the drone analytics process from hardware, software, and AI-driven analytics to operational flight services. This gives farmers peace of mind that the regulatory aspect of our operation is compliant within the areas we service. Sustainability & ESG Alignment With increasing focus on carbon footprint and sustainable farming, how can drone-enabled agriculture contribute to measurable ESG outcomes for farmers, agribusinesses, and investors? On the environmental side, our ZenaDrone technology enables a significant reduction in chemical inputs through precision variable-rate spraying, which directly lowers nitrous oxide emissions and prevents nitrogen run-off. By replacing heavy, diesel-burning tractors with autonomous aerial systems, we also eliminate soil compaction, which restores soil health and improves carbon sequestration, while reducing the farm’s overall footprint. From a monitoring and governance perspective, our integrated Enterprise SaaS platform provides an automated, immutable audit trail for every field action. This high-level transparency provides the comprehensive proof required for agribusinesses to validate sustainable practices, comply with the EU Green Deal, and secure green financing from ESG-focused investors. The Future: Autonomous Farming Systems Looking ahead to 2030, do you see agriculture moving toward fully autonomous, drone-led farm management systems? What role will AI, predictive analytics, and possibly quantum computing play in that transition? Our Drone-as-a-Service model is not engineered to realize a fully autonomous, drone-led farm management system but to permanently alleviate the time, environmental, and safety burdens associated with traditional management systems from farmers, while boosting their confidence to make more informed strategic decisions. We recognize the many plates that the modern farmer has to spin, from business strategy to supply chain management to everyday risk management and execution. We want to position ourselves as supporting staff, easing the day-to-day burden for farmers by providing them with detailed, actionable insights, specific to their operation, thereby enhancing their decision-making, without requiring extra elbow work. By 2030, we want to be facilitating as many farmers as possible to leverage the benefits of AI, predictive analytics, and quantum computing in their everyday practice to enhance sustainability, mitigate risk, reduce costs, and increase yield, while lessening their workload. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3544/agriculture-isnt-just-load-its-grid-infrastructure.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3544/agriculture-isnt-just-load-its-grid-infrastructure.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:21:31 +0530 How agricultural load flexibility can compete with peaker plants, batteries, and grid upgrades—at a fraction of the cost Agricultural flexibility isn’t a temporary workaround—it’s a permanent pillar of the future grid. As renewables increase and variability becomes the norm, the grid needs distributed, dispatchable flexibility everywhere, and farms are uniquely positioned to provide it. Yield’s roadmap expands beyond irrigation into a broader portfolio of farm DERs, orchestrated like a virtual power plant. In an exclusive Agrospectrum interview, Tyler Nuss, CEO of Yield Energy, explains why farmers aren’t just energy users—they’re infrastructure partners in the energy transition. Agriculture as Grid Infrastructure You describe agriculture as a new class of grid resource. What would need to change in utility planning, market rules, or regulatory frameworks for agricultural load flexibility to be treated on par with traditional infrastructure like peaker plants or batteries? Utilities need to formally recognize flexible load as capacity—not just generation. That means valuing demand-side resources based on performance, predictability, and response speed rather than asset type. Agriculture already represents large, concentrated loads—irrigation alone accounts for roughly 1 per cent of U.S. electricity use. With the right market rules, those loads can deliver grid services faster and at far lower cost than building new infrastructure. What’s changing now is visibility and control. Platforms like Yield Edge DERMS make agricultural flexibility measurable, dispatchable, and verifiable, allowing it to be planned and relied on just like peaker plants or batteries. Reliability vs. Variability Risk Farming operations are inherently seasonal and weather-dependent. How do you ensure the reliability and predictability of agricultural load as a grid resource, particularly during extreme weather events when the grid is most stressed? Reliability comes from program design and automation that respect farm operations. Farmers only enroll in programs that work for their crop, season, and geography, and participation is automated through equipment they already use. The results speak for themselves: across thousands of enrolled devices, Yield has delivered an average of 100 per cent performance in demand response dispatches and demonstrated 67 per cent load-shift potential during peak hours. Extreme weather is exactly when flexible load is most valuable. Our platform coordinates assets so utilities get predictable response, while growers retain full control of which programs they opt-in to. Scalability Beyond California California has unique regulatory incentives and grid conditions. What barriers—technical, regulatory, or economic—do you anticipate when scaling this model nationally or internationally, and how central is policy alignment to your growth strategy? California is a leading market, but the underlying drivers—load growth, electrification, and the need for fast, cost-effective capacity—are global. The biggest barriers are regulatory recognition and program availability, not technology. Yield Edge is hardware-agnostic and built to integrate with existing farm automation systems, which allows us to scale quickly wherever utilities are ready to engage agriculture. Policy alignment accelerates adoption, but our strategy is focused on proving performance. When utilities see consistent results, programs follow. Comparative Economics of Flexibility You position agricultural load flexibility as cheaper and faster than new storage or grid upgrades. How do the economics compare on a per-megawatt basis over time, especially once transaction, integration, and farmer participation costs are fully accounted for? Agricultural flexibility avoids the largest cost drivers of traditional infrastructure: long development timelines and capital-intensive buildouts. Because Yield integrates with equipment farmers already own, deployment costs are low and timelines are measured in months, not years. Utilities gain capacity at a fraction of the cost of new generation or transmission, while growers earn $20–30k annually through demand response or save 10–20 per cent on energy bills through dynamic rates. That combination—low cost, fast deployment, and dual-sided value—is what makes agricultural flexibility economically compelling over time. Farmer Incentives and Risk Allocation How are operational and financial risks shared between Yield Energy, utilities, and growers—particularly if grid dispatch conflicts with critical farm activities or if utility programs change over time? Growers are always in control. Participation is voluntary, program-based, and aligned with operational realities. We don’t enroll farmers in programs that could disrupt their operations. Yield handles program design, enrollment, and performance management, while utilities pay for flexible capacity via our DERMS platform. If a grower needs to opt out due to operational constraints, they can do so. This structure ensures risk is shared appropriately and that growers benefit financially without taking on undue operational risk. Data, Control, and Cybersecurity As you aggregate and control thousands of on-farm devices, how do you address concerns around data ownership, cybersecurity, and operational control—especially for growers wary of external interference in farm systems? We’re very deliberate about this: growers own their data, we don’t sell it, and only the minimum required information is shared for program participation and verification. The platform is built with strong cybersecurity controls, secure integrations with trusted AgTech partners, and continuous monitoring. Most importantly, growers define the operating guardrails and always retain override control—if anything is uncertain, the system defaults back to normal farm operations. Market Design and Equity Do you see a risk that flexibility markets disproportionately reward large, capital-intensive farms while leaving smaller growers behind, and how does Yield Energy design its platform to ensure broad participation across farm sizes? Agriculture’s strength lies in aggregation. Yield enables farms of all sizes to participate by pooling flexible load into unified resources that meet utility thresholds. Because participation leverages existing equipment, smaller growers can access the same programs without new capital investment. Our goal is to make flexibility revenue and savings accessible across the agricultural spectrum—not just to the largest operations. Long-Term Grid Transition Is agricultural flexibility a transitional solution to bridge current grid constraints, or do you see it as a permanent pillar of a decarbonized grid—and how does that vision influence your product roadmap and partnerships? Agricultural flexibility isn’t a stopgap—it’s a permanent pillar of the future grid. As renewables grow and electrification accelerates, the grid needs fast, distributed, dispatchable flexibility everywhere, and agriculture is one of the largest and most controllable load categories that can provide it through VPP-style orchestration without disrupting operations. That belief drives our roadmap to expand beyond irrigation into a broader farm DER portfolio (cold storage, charging, solar, batteries, generation) and to deepen hardware-agnostic partnerships with AgTech automation platforms so growers can participate seamlessly at scale. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3504/union-budget-2026-expectations.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3504/union-budget-2026-expectations.html Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:40:55 +0530 Resilience, efficiency & prosperity As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils Budget 2026, the nation demands more than routine allocations. Indian agriculture is at a historic inflection point. This Budget is expected to operationalise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming to transform farming from a low-margin, input-heavy, staple-focused sector into a high-productivity, high-value, globally competitive engine. Economists, industry leaders, and multilateral agencies concur: Incremental tweaks have run out of runway, and structural reforms are imperative to bridge productivity gaps, restore soil and water health, and secure farmers’ livelihoods. “Budget 2026 must signal a decisive move from blanket input subsidies to outcome-linked support that rewards water-use efficiency, balanced fertilisation, and low-emission practices at the farm level,” asserts Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog.  Dr Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)and former Chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), echoes the call for digitally verifiable, efficiency-led support: “Linking direct benefit transfers with soil health cards, precision nutrient management, and diversified cropping will reduce fiscal stress while lifting total factor productivity across both rainfed and irrigated systems.” The imperative is clear: Budget 2026 must transition from fragmented schemes to a coherent, science-led, productivity-centric agricultural strategy — a structural foundation for a globally competitive, climate-smart, and high-income Indian agriculture. The Foundation of 2025: From Intent to Implementation Budget 2025 laid important groundwork, signaling a shift from stop-gap support toward structural measures aimed at productivity and resilience. The launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, targeting 100 low-productivity districts, marked the start of district-level agricultural renewal. Coupled with a six-year protein security initiative under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, it created stable procurement for tur, urad, and masoor, reducing India’s import dependence in key pulses. “Budget 2026 must accelerate India’s shift to a climate-resilient, value-enhanced agri-economy by scaling biologicals and unlocking the waste-to-wealth opportunity. Targeted fiscal support for biosolutions, soil health and circularity can boost productivity while reducing chemical dependence. ’’ — Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, (Middle East, India and Africa), Novonesis Experts argue the next step must embed climate intelligence into farm-level decisions. “Budget 2026 must fund monsoon-contingent nutrition advisories at scale — using rainfall analytics and soil data to dynamically adjust fertiliser recommendations — so farmers can shift from fixed schedules to climate-responsive feeding of crops,” says Dr Manish Singh, AVP–Technical & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited. He proposes a unified Nutrient Efficiency Index (NEI), integrating soil-test data, cropping patterns, water use efficiency, and fertiliser balance. “Budgets and subsidies should be allocated based on NEI improvement, not fertiliser consumption. This drives balanced nutrition and scientific fertiliser use rather than volume-driven demand,” he added. “Budget 2026 must signal a decisive move from blanket input subsidies to outcome-linked support that rewards water use efficiency, balanced fertilisation and low-emission practices at the farm level.”​ — Dr Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog Budget 2026 also sought to ease liquidity bottlenecks by raising Kisan Credit Card limits from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, supporting smallholders, dairy farmers, fishers, and allied producers. Sectoral reforms — from the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds and a five-year cotton revitalisation plan to institutions like Bihar’s Makhana Board — aimed to modernise production, while allocations for storage, logistics, and market infrastructure addressed post-harvest losses. “Budget 2026 must prioritise digital infrastructure, credit linkages, and rural capacity building to scale precision agriculture. Agri-drones, IoT and data analytics can boost yields, conserve resources and strengthen climate resilience. Targeted subsidies, public–private partnerships and R&D incentives will accelerate adoption, integrate technology with national agricultural databases, and shift India from subsidy dependence to self-reliant, innovation-led farming.”  – Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace Yet, experts insist these gains must now converge into a coherent resilience architecture. “The next Budget should consolidate irrigation, watershed, soil health, and climate missions into a single ‘National Resilient Farms Mission’ with district-level targets for water productivity and soil organic carbon,” says Dr V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA).  “Linking direct benefit transfers with soil health cards, precision nutrient management and diversified cropping will reduce fiscal stress while lifting total factor productivity across rainfed and irrigated systems.”​ — Dr. Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former Chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), adds, “Every rupee for irrigation must be co-anchored with micro-irrigation, fertigation-ready soils, and climate-resilient varieties so public investment translates into real resilience on farmers’ fields.” Budget 2026 will ultimately be judged on whether it can convert these incremental foundations into a mission-driven, 2047-ready agricultural architecture that delivers genuine resilience, competitiveness, and prosperity for India’s farmers. Fixing the Foundations: The Budget That Must Rewire Subsidies, Markets and Science As Budget 2026 approaches, it is evident that Indian agriculture stands at a pivotal crossroads. The long-standing promise of doubling farmers’ incomes, once a political mantra, now demands a sober re-examination. Structural pressures—from climate volatility and shrinking margins to global competitiveness and rising nutritional expectations—have made incrementalism insufficient.  “The allocation of the budget should be done across three horizons: the immediate year, the next five years, and the long-term vision through 2047,” asserts Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairman of BASAI and Managing Director of Kan Biosys, highlighting that India’s agricultural budget—barely 2 per cent of total expenditure—is glaringly inadequate for a sector that contributes 17 per cent of GDP, sustains 55 per cent of the population, and underpins the nutrition of 140 crore citizens. “The next Budget should consolidate irrigation, watershed, soil health and climate missions into a single ‘National Resilient Farms Mission’ with clear district targets for water productivity and soil organic carbon.”​ — Dr V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–CRIDA The inefficiencies of current spending are stark when viewed through the prism of subsidies. India invests roughly Rs 1.75 – 2 lakh crore annually on fertilisers, electricity, MSP procurement, crop insurance, and other input-linked supports, yet the returns in productivity, soil health, water security, and farmer incomes remain worryingly low.  “Subsidies have historically encouraged consumption rather than efficiency,” Sandeepa notes. Cheap urea drives over-application, subsidised electricity has accelerated groundwater depletion, irrigation grants rarely incentivise precision water use, and MSP procurement entrenches cropping patterns that undermine soil regeneration. For sectoral leaders, Budget 2026 must mark a decisive philosophical pivot—from input-heavy, subsidy-driven policies to a science-led, technology-driven, and outcome-oriented framework.  Every rupee for irrigation must be co-anchored with micro-irrigation, fertigation-ready soils and climate-resilient varieties so that public investment translates into real resilience on farmers’ fields.”​ — Dr Himanshu Pathak, Ex- Director General, ICAR & Secretary, DARE S. Soundararadjane, CEO of HyFarm, points to the potato sector as a model: “India could build the world’s most advanced, predictable, and globally competitive potato ecosystem through a National Potato Innovation Mission. CRISPR-edited varieties, AI-powered breeding, drone-led phenotyping, and mass deployment of True Potato Seeds can transform production while reducing costs and disease risks. Region-specific varieties are not optional anymore—they are strategic imperatives.” “Budget 2026 must reform subsidies by shifting from consumption-based support to science-led, Package of Practice–linked incentives tied to production outcomes. Performance-based support will improve soil health, enhance resource efficiency, and raise farmer incomes. Mechanisation assistance should be delivered via DBT and limited to FMTTI/BIS-approved equipment to ensure quality, effectiveness, and measurable impact on the ground.”  - Ravindra Agrawal, Chairman, KisanKraft Ltd Sandeepa further advocates restructuring through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). “Subsidies must be given through DBT to farmers and allow them to use this money as per their wish. This has started with Kisan Samman Nidhi but must be extrapolated by diverting subsidies given for insurance, fertilisers, electricity, and water to DBT,” she explains. Such a shift would correct long-standing distortions, empower decision-making, sharply reduce leakages, and create the fiscal headroom necessary to invest in science, innovation, and climate resilience. “To truly raise farm incomes, storage, grading, logistics and digital marketplaces must be treated as core agricultural infrastructure, not peripheral add-ons.”​ — Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director, ITC Ltd “A key priority must be efficiency-driven subsidy reform. We need to shift from consumption-based subsidies to scientifically designed, Package of Practice (PoP)–linked incentives tied directly to production outcomes. Performance-based support improves soil health, enhances resource efficiency, and strengthens farmer incomes. Mechanisation support should be delivered through DBT and restricted strictly to FMTTI/BIS-approved equipment to ensure quality and impact in the field,” says Ravindra Agrawal, Chairman, KisanKraft Ltd, emphasizing that combining DBT with outcome-linked incentives can amplify impact across mechanisation, inputs, and farm management practices. “India’s next big leap will come from shifting towards processed, residue-compliant, traceable and climate-smart agri-exports rather than relying mainly on bulk commodity shipments.”​ — Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA Markets, too, are evolving in ways that demand more sophisticated production systems. The rising domestic and global appetite for residue-free food is already accelerating India’s biopesticide segment. Sandeepa emphasises that a formal residue-free label—jointly administered by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture—could unlock higher farmer incomes through premium market categories. “Blanket reduction on CIB-registered biopesticides must be done at the earliest to 5 per cent,” she cautions, noting that inconsistent GST categorisation is harming both growers and industry participants seeking safer input adoption. “Targeted support for FPOs, agri-startups and interoperable e-market platforms can cut post-harvest losses, stabilise prices and make climate risk more manageable for smallholders.”​ — Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC); Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture The export ecosystem is entering a decisive phase. “India must position itself as a trusted global supplier,” says Kuchibhotla Srinivas, Partner, Deloitte. Strategic export corridors, residue-free clusters, bilateral agreements, and harmonisation with global standards, he argues, can convert India’s scale into global influence.  “If India wants to lead in exports, supply chains must embed traceability, quality assurance, and sustainable input use,” adds Ankur Aggarwal, Executive Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection. The global opportunity is clear. “India’s next big leap will come from shifting towards processed, residue-compliant, traceable, and climate-smart agri-exports rather than relying mainly on bulk commodity shipments,” says Abhishek Dev, Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). “The agri sector needs a unified national framework, science-based standards, and simplified licensing to enable innovation in high-value micronutrients and specialty fertilisers. Streamlined regulation will accelerate advanced nutrition technologies, strengthen soil health, and unlock productivity and profitability gains essential for truly transformative agricultural reform.”  — Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, President, IMMA  Value addition must become central to India’s strategy, particularly in crops like sugarcane. “Exports of sugar quota have to be restricted to further increase production of alcohol for oil substitution. Value addition is the key. Targets of 20 per cent plus substitution have to be the new target for easing some oil dollars. The money thus freed up can be used to improve irrigation, research, and perfecting models which are customised for Indian agriculture,” adds Sandeepa. Circularity, too, must become integral. Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, (Middle East, India and Africa), Novonesis stresses, “Adequate support must be provided for harnessing the waste-to-wealth potential in agriculture, including robust logistics for storage and transportation of agricultural waste feedstocks that can be transformed into fertilizers and bioenergy.” “A direct benefit transfer model for fertilisers—sold at full cost with farmers claiming subsidy via POS authentication—can be a game-changer. It ensures manufacturers receive full value, the government gains full GST, markets maintain adequate supply, leakages and black-marketing are curbed, and subsidy outlay reflects actual use. Budget 2026 should prioritise this transparent, efficient reform.” – Vinod Goyal, CEO, Agricare Corporation Domestic market architecture requires equal attention. Dr Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, notes, “Targeted support for FPOs, agri-startups, and interoperable e-market platforms can cut post-harvest losses, stabilise prices, and make climate risk more manageable for smallholders.” Institutional strengthening, he stresses, is vital for farmers to remain competitive amid market volatility. Budget 2026, therefore, must reimagine subsidies, shifting from input-centric to outcome-centric frameworks. “Water, soil and climate must be planned as one ecosystem. Budget 2026 should institutionalise watershed-scale irrigation planning, incentivise soil regeneration, and embed climate-risk analytics into district planning. This is not sustainability for compliance; it is sustainability for survival,” says Srinivas.  “Budget 2026 can back a flagship ‘Sulphur- and Potash-Secure India’ initiative that promotes sulphate-based potash and balanced secondary nutrients, improving taste, colour, shelf-life and exportability of fruits, vegetables and plantation crops while reducing import vulnerability.”--Dr. Manish Singh, AVP-Technical & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited “For a water-starved nation like India, drip should be made compulsory. This would conserve soils along with improving the area of irrigation. The river-joining project must have allocation for short, medium, and long term. Bonds must be raised to mobilise domestic and World Bank funds,” adds Sandeepa. Structural gaps in specialised inputs also demand urgent attention. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, President, Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) observes, “India’s agricultural ecosystem is at an inflection point, yet not structurally prepared for large-scale reforms. One major gap lies in the micronutrients and specialty fertilizer industry, which remains outside mainstream policy despite its direct link to soil health, crop quality, and farmer income. Fragmented licensing under FCO, uneven state compliance frameworks, and the absence of a unified national policy slow innovation, restrict ease of doing business, and prevent rapid scale-up of advanced nutrition technologies like chelates, water-soluble fertilizers, and fortified micronutrient blends.”  “Budget 2026 must anchor a long-term Viksit Bharat Kheti Vision 2047 by reforming fertiliser use. Mandating a 25:15:5 co-pack of chemical, organic and biofertilisers—and supporting OF/BF manufacturing through PLI—can strengthen soil health, raise nutrient-use efficiency, expand acreage coverage and build climate-resilient productivity. It is time subsidies drive transformation, not perpetuate inefficiency ” --- Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairman of BASAI and Managing Director of Kan Biosys Dr Singh underscores the strategic imperative: “Budget 2026 can back a flagship ‘Sulphur- and Potash-Secure India’ initiative that promotes sulphate-based potash and balanced secondary nutrients, improving taste, colour, shelf-life, and exportability of fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops while reducing import vulnerability.” Complementing this, Vinod Goyal, CEO, Agricare Corporation advocates a pragmatic DBT-based reform: “Fertilizers shall be sold on full cost price at dealer shops—farmers register purchases on a Point of Sale (POS) machine at the time of pick-up, and subsidies are directly transferred to their bank accounts.”  “Budget 2026 must treat water, soil and climate as one ecosystem by institutionalizing watershed-scale irrigation, incentivising soil regeneration and embedding climate-risk analytics in district planning. Equally critical is a legally robust Digital Land Ledger, interoperable with crop and credit data, to unlock formal finance, insurance and market access for millions of farmers still excluded from the system ” — Kuchibhotla Srinivas, Partner, Deloitte Sandeepa adds, “Chemical fertilizers should be bundled with organic and biofertilisers—25 kg of CF, 15 kg of OF, and 5 kg of BF per bag. This allows fertilizer to cover 30 per cent more land with improved use efficiency. Organic and biofertilizer industries can be supported through PLI schemes to attract private investment, improve soils, and build climate resilience.” As multiple industry leaders emphasise, this reform will determine whether Indian agriculture can truly align with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat 2047, delivering prosperity, sustainability, and global competitiveness for generations to come. Tech, Traceability, and Transformation: Budget 2026’s Agri-Vision Budget 2026 is not merely a fiscal exercise—it represents a strategic inflection point for Indian agriculture, an opportunity to pivot from incremental measures to transformative, technology-driven reforms.  “Agri-drones are no longer a novelty; they are an important part of the agritech landscape. Subsidies, public-private partnership models, and targeted R&D incentives can accelerate manufacturing and deployment, creating rural employment while increasing productivity. We must also potentially look at integrating drone data with national agricultural databases to enable smarter crop planning, soil monitoring, and weather resilience strategies,” says Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “ Fertiliser purchases must be linked to a unified Digital Farm ID, which allows tracking of nutrient use efficiency, preventing over-application and enabling customised advisory. It builds India’s first data-driven nutrient intelligence system’’ --- Yogesh Chandra, VP-Sales & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited Echoing this vision, Soundararadjane, stresses that Budget 2026 should introduce a Digital Farming Acceleration Subsidy—shifting support from traditional inputs to IoT and automation tools such as soil moisture sensors, disease-warning IoT nodes, digital soil intelligence kits, smart irrigation systems, automated grading and sorting units, and low-cost climate stations for cold stores. “A 40–60 per cent capital subsidy will democratise access and unlock predictive, precision farming at scale,” he asserts. Equally critical is the foundation of clear land rights and reliable credit. “When a farmer has clear land ownership and predictable finance, they can finally shift from reactive decisions to planned, technology-led farming,” observes Ankur.  “Budget 2026 must accelerate digital land records and frictionless credit so farmers can plan, invest and adopt modern crop protection responsibly. To compete in global markets, India’s supply chains need embedded traceability, quality assurance and sustainable input use. Strategic public–private collaboration can fast-track safe pesticide practices, surveillance systems and next-generation, environmentally responsible formulations ” — Ankur Aggarwal, Executive Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection Srinivas adds, “The Budget should focus on the two biggest unlocks for farmer prosperity: clean digital land records and frictionless credit. A legally robust Digital Land Ledger, interoperable with crop data and credit scoring, can unlock formal finance, insurance, and market contracts for millions of farmers currently outside the system.” The systemic importance of logistics and digital marketplaces is reinforced by Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director, ITC Ltd: “To truly raise farm incomes, storage, grading, logistics, and digital marketplaces must be treated as core agricultural infrastructure, not peripheral add-ons.”  “Budget 2026 should launch a National Potato Innovation Mission to transform India into a globally competitive processing potato hub. A strong public–private R&D partnership must fast-track CRISPR-based climate-resilient varieties, AI-driven breeding, drone phenotyping, automated trials and True Potato Seeds. This science-led upgrade is essential for predictable supply, higher productivity and world-class processing quality.” – S. Soundararadjane, CEO of HyFarm Nutrient management, too, must be integrated. Yogesh Chandra, VP-Sales & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited, explains, “Fertiliser purchases must be linked to a unified Digital Farm ID, allowing tracking of nutrient use efficiency, preventing over-application and enabling customised advisory. It builds India’s first data-driven nutrient intelligence system.” Budget 2026 must therefore deliver measurable, integrated reforms—embedding science, finance, technology, and policy into a unified, farmer-centric framework. It is the launchpad for the Viksit Bharat Kheti Vision 2047, enabling high-productivity, high-value, climate-smart agriculture and positioning India as a globally competitive agri-economy. ----- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3413/inside-factory-how-komet-irrigation-is-rewriting-rules-of-agri-manufacturing.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3413/inside-factory-how-komet-irrigation-is-rewriting-rules-of-agri-manufacturing.html Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:45:26 +0530 In a quiet Alpine town better known for its panoramic peaks than production lines, Komet Irrigation is building what may be the most advanced manufacturing ecosystem in the global irrigation industry. While sector growth worldwide remains steady, Komet is breaking away from the pack—setting new benchmarks in precision, agility, and engineering discipline that resemble elite automotive and aerospace standards more than traditional agri-equipment norms. At the heart of its rise is a factory floor driven by an almost obsessive commitment to accuracy. Komet’s lean, data-driven plant manufactures components with tolerances far tighter than industry expectations, supported by poka-yoke error-proofing systems and a “quality at the source” philosophy. The mandate is simple: defects aren’t inspected out—they are designed out. This approach ensures first-time-right performance, even at scale. “You don’t control the quality; you must produce the quality. Komet is really doing this,” says Sacha Hoffmann, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Komet Irrigation. Despite growing global demand and increasingly complex logistics, Komet has maintained world-leading on-time delivery through an agile production system that combines speed with engineering discipline. Orders move through the workflow with near-clinical precision, proving that high output and high quality can reinforce each other rather than compete. Designed to withstand extreme terrains and climates, Komet’s irrigation components continue performing where many competitors fail. Reliability is not just promised—it is engineered into every design decision and constantly refined through real-world farmer feedback. This deep understanding of field performance has become a competitive advantage that shapes both product design and factory operations. “Our philosophy is clear: operators don’t just run machines; they are problem-solvers who own quality,” Hoffmann notes. “There’s not a single customer who visits our factory and isn’t impressed by the production process.” Stepping into Komet’s Lienz facility feels more like entering an advanced aerospace or automotive plant than a typical irrigation equipment workshop. The site is 5S-disciplined, hospital-clean, digitally tracked, and standardized down to the smallest detail. Real-time performance dashboards help prevent breakdowns before they occur, while continuous-improvement teams make incremental yet compounding gains week after week. Every operator understands how each part performs in the field and why its reliability matters to the farmer. The factory is, in essence, directly connected to the realities of agriculture around the world. This manufacturing culture has made Komet a destination for industry learning. Last year, a major agricultural conglomerate sent 14 team members to Lienz to study the company’s systems firsthand—a sign that Komet’s operational playbook is becoming an aspirational model across the sector. “Compared to the automotive industry, we still have room to grow,” Hoffmann acknowledges. “But within irrigation, Komet is already the benchmark. We’re setting the new standard, not just catching up.” Komet’s rise is rooted in a long-term strategy focused on manufacturing excellence, operational agility, and sustainable innovation. Quality is engineered from design sketch to final inspection through high-grade materials, sub-millimeter tolerances, and rigorous testing regimes. Agility is achieved by relentlessly removing waste, optimizing flow across the shop floor, and empowering cross-trained teams who can adjust quickly to shifting market demands while maintaining cost discipline and delivery reliability. Sustainability is embedded into the factory’s architecture, which maximizes natural light, minimizes energy and water consumption, and advances material choices to reduce environmental impact. In the field, Komet’s low-pressure irrigation systems help farmers cut energy use, reduce water consumption, and lower their overall carbon footprint. For growers, these decisions translate into equipment that lasts longer, breaks down less often, and keeps operations running smoothly through tough seasons. Komet is also working to educate farmers about product longevity; just as with any vehicle or machine, irrigation components have a finite lifespan, and proactive replacement can prevent costly downtime. Looking ahead, Komet is doubling down on its manufacturing vision by investing in Industry 4.0 machinery, expanding workforce training, and accelerating advanced materials research. These investments are designed to pull the company ahead of the next global growth cycle. “Manufacturing is not a support function; it’s a strategic advantage,” Hoffmann concludes. “By investing in our people, our processes, and our factory, we are shaping the irrigation industry’s first true Lean benchmark. This means building better products and empowering farmers to be more resilient, more competitive, and fully prepared for the future.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3410/digitizing-sugar-guillermo-medina-llarena-on-new-economics-of-agrobiodiversity-and-trade.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3410/digitizing-sugar-guillermo-medina-llarena-on-new-economics-of-agrobiodiversity-and-trade.html Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:54:42 +0530 Agrospectrum presents an exclusive interview with Guillermo José Medina Llarena, Chief Digital & Analytics Officer at Pantaleon (PSH) and Lead at Stomata Labs, a division of Findability Sciences. In this wide-ranging conversation, he explains how Pantaleon is navigating tightening U.S. tariff-rate quotas by doubling down on customer relationships and quality-driven value addition rather than reactive market shifts. Medina outlines why proximity to the U.S. premium market remains an advantage even as the company expands strategically into Africa and the Middle East, aiming for 20 per cent export share in emerging demand centers by 2030. He delves into Pantaleon’s transformation into a tech-powered sugar major—moving beyond commodity pricing through AI-enabled diversification, green chemistry, and precision fermentation—while strengthening digital traceability and logistics intelligence amid Panama Canal constraints and freight volatility. Looking ahead to 2030, he envisions Pantaleon as a resilient, low-cost regional champion that leverages sugarcane’s carbon-capture efficiency and deep data insights to thrive in a future of declining sugar consumption but rising trade and climate complexity. A. Trade Strategy & Geopolitical Balancing From a portfolio perspective, how is Pantaleon re-optimizing market exposure as the U.S. tightens tariff-rate quotas and renegotiates regional preferences? From a portfolio perspective, Pantaleon views sugar as a foundational commodity where clear, equitable trade rules are essential for all participants. Rather than reactive re-optimization amid U.S. tariff-rate quota tightenings — we emphasize enduring strategies like deepening customer relationships and enhancing product quality through value-added offerings. This ensures resilience without necessitating major shifts, allowing us to sustain exposure while exploring complementary markets. Does the industry need to hedge against structural over-dependence on the United States — or is proximity to a premium market still a net advantage? The sugar industry operates at the intersection of local efficiencies and global dynamics, where hedging against over-dependence on any single market, including the United States, must be weighed against its advantages. Proximity to this premium market—yielding prices around $500+ per ton versus the global average of $400—remains a net positive for swift delivery and higher margins. Our strategy focuses on low-cost production, superior quality, and composure during periods of turbulence, avoiding drastic directional changes that could disrupt established efficiencies. Which emerging demand centers — Asia, the Middle East, Africa — are realistic diversification targets for Central American supply chains? Emerging demand centers in Africa and the Middle East represent viable diversification targets for Central American supply chains, driven by above-average consumption growth and a preference for high-quality products. These regions, with urbanization fueling demand at 4-5 per cent annually, align well with our capabilities; Pantaleon is already active there and plans measured expansion to capture 20 per cent of our export share by 2030, leveraging reliable logistics and certifications to build long-term partnerships. B. Competitive Edge & Supply Chain Intelligence Pantaleon operates one of the most advanced export supply chains in the region. Is digital traceability now a cost of compliance — or a market differentiator capable of commanding premiums? Digital traceability is transitioning from a mere compliance requirement to an industry norm, potentially evolving toward on-chain transactions for enhanced security and collaborative efficiency. While it may not yield sustained premiums or act as a long-term differentiator, we plan to integrate it seamlessly at minimal cost to support operational smoothness, ensuring it complements rather than burdens our processes. How do port infrastructure risks, Panama Canal constraints, and rising freight volatility reshape your contracting strategy ? Port infrastructure risks, Panama Canal constraints (e.g., transits reduced to 33 per day in 2025 due to droughts), and freight volatility (up 20 per cent year-over-year) underscore the need for data-driven agility in contracting. Greater visibility into logistics variables enables superior competitiveness; our approach prioritizes optimizing known factors over predicting unpredictable geopolitical or climatic events, fostering consistent, assertive decisions with a long-term mindset to outperform peers. C. Market Power & Pricing Architecture The global sugar trade is still largely commodity-priced. What is Pantaleon’s strategy to escape the commodity trap through segmentation — such as low-carbon sugar, specialty sweeteners, or identity-preserved lots? To escape the commodity trap, we recognize sugarcane's potential as an efficient energy crop and are advancing diversification through AI-enabled innovations, green chemicals, materials & supplies, and precision fermentation. This positions us to command premiums for segmented products, transforming traditional trade into value-driven opportunities. With volatility accelerating, do you foresee greater mill-consolidation and regional champions emerging to counterbalance Brazil’s dominance? Accelerating volatility is likely to spur greater mill consolidation, as seen in past agricultural trends, while emerging technologies could balance this with tokenization for broader investor alignment. Regional champions may emerge to counterbalance Brazil's 44 million ton dominance, fostering more inclusive and scalable structures in the industry. D. Digital Transformation as Trade Armor Where does AI-driven risk management make the strongest business case today — crop yields, mill efficiency, or market intelligence? AI-driven risk management delivers the strongest business case through holistic value chain optimization—from enhancing crop yields and mill efficiency to securing margins—ensuring comprehensive risk mitigation in volatile environments. E. Security of Supply & Climate Risk The Gulf of Mexico and Central American corridor is increasingly disaster-prone. Could water scarcity force a regional pivot in planting zones — shifting the competitive map of cane production by 2035? In disaster-prone regions like the Gulf of Mexico and Central America, water scarcity (projected to rise by 2050) could necessitate pivots in planting zones by 2035. Enhanced anticipation capabilities will reveal optimal decisions, determining sustained competitiveness in a shifting production landscape. Climate is a non-controllable aspect of farming; thus we focus more in making the best optimization decisions with the given climatic conditions. Closing Vision What does Pantaleon 2030 look like in a world where sugar consumption is falling but trade complexity and technology intensity are rising? Pantaleon in 2030 envisions a resilient leader preserving core competencies in cane production, harvesting, sugar recovery, and logistics while embracing technology-driven diversification into AI, new chemistry, materials, and food innovations. In a world of declining sugar consumption but rising trade complexity, sugarcane's inherent carbon-capture efficiency will remain a planetary advantage, enabling harmony and efficacy in sustainable operations. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3394/chinas-xag-unveils-p150-max-drone-and-r-series-rover.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3394/chinas-xag-unveils-p150-max-drone-and-r-series-rover.html Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:36:50 +0530 XAG P150 Max delivers upgraded structural design, intelligent control, and enhanced terrain adaptability, providing consistent, high-efficiency performance in real-world farming environments At Agritechnica 2025, the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, XAG unveiled its latest innovations, introducing the P150 Max Agricultural Drone and the R Series Agricultural Rover. The new drone offers high payload capacity and full autonomy, while the rover is designed for precision crop protection in orchards and greenhouses. Together, they demonstrate how XAG integrates robotics and intelligence to make field operations smarter and more productive. Held every two years in Hanover, Germany, Agritechnica drew around 500,000 visitors and over 2,700 exhibitors from 53 countries. As a global leader in agricultural robotics, XAG presented its full suite of smart farming technologies, including multifunction drones, lightweight rovers, autopilot consoles for tractors and transplanters, smart fertigation systems and IoT sensors. The exhibits highlighted how automation and AI-driven solutions are helping farmers enhance efficiency, optimize resources, and narrow the yield gap. XAG P150 Max Agricultural Drone: High-Payload, Autonomous EfficiencyThe XAG P150 Max Agricultural Drone delivers next-level performance, intelligence, and stability to take on a wide range of field operations. Swapping task systems for precision spraying, spreading, field mapping, and logistics, it enables farmers to complete tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency. With an 80‑kilogram payload capacity and a maximum flight speed of 20 meters per second, the P150 Max handles demanding tasks across challenging terrains. Its RevoSpray 5 System, featuring an 80‑liter smart liquid tank and dual centrifugal nozzles, applies up to 32 liters per minute. When configured with the four‑nozzle upgrade kit, the flow rate increases to 46 liters per minute, enabling effective spraying even in orchards with dense canopies. Adjustable droplet sizes ranging from 60 to 500 microns allow precise application across different crops. For spreading applications such as direct seeding, fertilizing, or powder scattering, the RevoCast 5 System delivers up to 300 kilograms per minute from a 115‑liter smart granule container. Its vertical waving broadcast mechanism improves wind resistance and ensures uniform coverage. The drone is also equipped with a built‑in RealTerra Field Mapping System, supporting autonomous survey missions covering up to 20 hectares per flight. High‑definition images are processed instantly into detailed field maps, while onboard AI automatically identifies obstacles and field structures to enhance operational safety. Switching to the RevoSling Module transforms the P150 Max into an aerial transport platform capable of carrying up to 80 kilograms of farm inputs, produce, or other cargo across rough or hard-to-reach terrain, streamlining logistics between plots. At its core, the SuperX 5 Ultra Intelligent Control System enables fully autonomous flight with centimeter‑level precision. Supported by 4D Imaging Radar and a wide‑angle FPV camera, the drone detects and avoids obstacles such as irrigation pivots, power poles, and overhead lines, maintaining safe and stable performance even in complex environments. Operators can plan and manage missions via the XAG One App on a smartphone or the SRC 5 Remote Controller, which automatically generates optimal routes based on field shape and terrain. High-precision positioning is maintained by the XRTK 7 Mobile Station, even in remote areas with low signal or without internet access. Powered by the Smart SuperCharge Battery, the P150 Max can recharge in as little as seven minutes using the Parallel Charging Kit, minimizing downtime between flights. Built on 18 years of research and field experience, the P150 Max delivers upgraded structural design, intelligent control, and enhanced terrain adaptability, providing consistent, high-efficiency performance in real-world farming environments. XAG R Series Agricultural Rover: Smart Co-Pilot for Specialty Crops The all-new XAG R Series Agricultural Rover brings intelligent navigation and smart control to ground operations, from plant protection to farm material delivery. Compact and fully electric, the rovers can access terrains where traditional tractors struggle, from dense orchards to narrow vineyard and greenhouse rows. The R Series includes two models tailored to different farming needs. The R100 Agricultural Rover, with a 120-liter tank, four-wheel drive, and two JetSprayers, offers precise coverage for closely spaced crops such as greenhouse vegetables. The R200 Agricultural Rover, equipped with a 240-liter tank, six-wheel drive, and four JetSprayers, delivers higher capacity for orchards and vineyards with wider spacing. Both models share XAG's precision engineering, built on an all-aluminum chassis with a suspended portal axle that maintains balance and traction on uneven terrain. High-speed centrifugal JetSprayers produce 60–200 micron droplets, achieving uniform coverage while reducing chemical and water use. Farmers can operate the rover remotely using the SRC 5 Smart Remote Controller that features a responsive touchscreen, dual-joystick design, wide-angle FPV live view, and XLink connectivity. This keeps operators safely away from chemicals, protecting their health. The onboard control system supports handy functions such as Cruise Mode, Path Tracking, and Repeat Mode to simplify daily tasks. With built-in AI safety assistance and RealTerra onboard mapping, the rover analyzes its surroundings, detects obstacles, and adjusts routes in real time to ensure safe and accurate navigation. For farmers facing labor shortages or rising workloads, the R Series reduces physical strain and transforms repetitive fieldwork into precise and automated tasks. Its expandable platform supports DIY customization for weeding, transport, and other applications, making it a reliable co‑pilot for high-value crop management. Automated Steering and Smart Irrigation Complementing its agricultural drone and rover lineup, XAG also showcased the APC2 Series AutoPilot Console and Smart Fertigation System at Agritechnica, highlighting their role as key components of a fully connected smart farm ecosystem. Launched this year, the APC2 Flex AutoPilot Console brings automated steering to small-and-medium tractors. It enables centimeter-level accuracy in field navigation with minimal effort, reducing fuel consumption and operator fatigue. The console installs in as little as 20 minutes without replacing the steering wheel and is compatible with most tractor and machinery brands. It integrates seamlessly through the XAG AutoPilot App to support precise and consistent operation across different field types and terrains. The Smart Fertigation System and IoT products extend automation to irrigation and nutrient management while offering a lower entry barrier for farmers. Featuring smart electric valves and fertilizer injectors, the system delivers water and nutrients directly to plant roots with precision. Farmers can plan, manage, and monitor operations remotely through an app at any time. Supported by the XAG Local Server and Wireless Relay, the system maintains stable connectivity and data security even in areas without network coverage. The launch of the P150 Max Agricultural Drone and R Series Rover marks XAG's latest step in advancing smart farming. Designed to tackle labor shortages and rising operational costs, these new products enable farmers to complete spraying, spreading, and logistics tasks with precision, efficiency, and minimal manual effort, setting a practical benchmark for sustainable, high-yield agriculture. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3373/komet-unveils-precision-wave-irrigation-breakthrough-in-pivot-performance.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3373/komet-unveils-precision-wave-irrigation-breakthrough-in-pivot-performance.html Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:47:52 +0530 Komet Irrigation, a global leader in sprinkler irrigation solutions since 1952, has unveiled the Komet Precision Wave (KPW), a next-generation pivot sprinkler engineered to dramatically elevate water distribution uniformity and irrigation efficiency. The KPW will take center stage at Agritechnica 2025, where the company will also introduce the Komet Experience Hub—a forward-looking research and testing facility designed to advance the science of irrigation performance. Uneven water delivery at the outer end of pivot systems has long been one of agriculture’s most persistent efficiency gaps. The KPW tackles this challenge head-on through an innovative oscillating deflector that creates a highly uniform droplet pattern across the full pivot radius. With stronger plant hydration and less water lost to runoff or evaporation, farmers can expect improved yields, healthier crop stands, and measurable gains in water-use efficiency—critical advantages in a world where climate variability and water scarcity reshape how food is grown. Built to European engineering standards at Komet’s manufacturing headquarters in Lienz, Austria, the KPW spans a versatile performance range with a 9–15 meter throw radius and multiple flow options designed to adapt to diverse pivot configurations, soil types, and crop conditions. It is available in both head-up and head-down models, clearly identified by white and yellow deflectors, ensuring farmers and OEMs can easily match the right solution to the right field scenario. “Uniform irrigation is one of the biggest drivers of yield and efficiency,” said Andree Groos, CEO of Komet Irrigation. “The KPW gives farmers peace of mind that every plant—from the center to the outer edge—gets the water it needs, consistently and efficiently. It’s the kind of innovation that helps our customers grow more with less.” The unveiling of the KPW is only one part of Komet’s innovation narrative at Agritechnica. The company will also offer an exclusive preview of the Komet Experience Hub, a 1,000-square-meter R&D center built to reshape how irrigation products are tested, validated, and optimized. The facility brings together IoT-enabled monitoring, automated performance analytics, and controlled simulation of wind, evaporation, and droplet trajectory—conditions notoriously difficult to measure accurately in the field. The result is reliable, reproducible data that empowers farmers, agronomists, and pivot manufacturers to make smarter water-management decisions. “For the first time, farmers can see exactly how sprinklers and regulators perform under controlled yet realistic conditions,” added Groos. “The Experience Hub represents our commitment to transparency, precision, and progress in irrigation design.” Throughout Agritechnica, visitors to Komet’s stand will be among the first to witness how real-world performance insights are shaping the next generation of irrigation technology. To celebrate the launch, Komet will host a visitor competition featuring premium prizes, including a guided tour of the company’s precision manufacturing facility in Austria—home to a legacy of engineering expertise and innovation that spans more than 70 years. Komet invites all attendees to Hall 9, Booth A09, to experience the KPW firsthand and discover how cutting-edge research is reimagining irrigation performance for a more efficient agricultural future. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3366/agco-power-unveils-next-generation-sustainable-powertrain-innovations.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3366/agco-power-unveils-next-generation-sustainable-powertrain-innovations.html Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:20:48 +0530 AGCO Power unveil a bold vision for the future of agricultural and forestry machinery powertrain solutions—combining cutting-edge diesel technology with pioneering low-carbon innovations designed to meet the evolving needs of farmers worldwide. Highlights include the newest and next‑generation CORE diesel engine family—the 8‑liter, 252 kW CORE80 powering the new 5th‑generation of the Fendt 800 Vario—alongside the AGCO Power CO₂ Calculator concept and a 150 kWh Future Battery Concept developed in‑house by AGCO Power, and cost-effective remanufactured engines that extend machine lifespans while reducing environmental impact. AGCO Power’s innovations support farmers as they transition from fossil diesel to sustainable, low‑carbon options—and address today’s realities as well, from emissions reduction to continuous improvements in total cost of ownership. AGCO Power designs and manufactures engines and power sources for AGCO’s world-leading tractor brands—Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra—as well as for other off-road machinery and work equipment. AGCO Power Future Battery Concept Making its world premiere at Agritechnica, AGCO Power’s Future Battery Concept is the company’s latest product development project. The concept battery is based on NMC cell chemistry and offers 150 kWh of capacity. The battery is designed by AGCO Power. AGCO Power is closely tracking advances in battery cell technology and evaluating multiple chemistries, including solid‑state batteries. According to Director Engineering Kari Aaltonen, battery technology currently appears promising for agricultural applications. Electric powertrains also offer clear advantages for work machines: lower operating costs than conventional powertrains and an almost service‑free setup. Aaltonen estimates that powertrains based on the concept battery could reach production in 5–7 years. New CORE80 powering the new Fendt 800 Vario Gen5 At Agritechnica, the newest member of AGCO’s modern CORE diesel engine family, the CORE80, powers the new Fendt 800 Vario Gen5. As the biggest and smartest of the family, the 8‑liter CORE80 delivers even more torque (1680 Nm) and power (252 kW). AGCO Power CORE engines have already proven top‑tier efficiency according to measurements by the independent DLG Test Centre. In the PowerMix Test 2.0 of the German Agricultural Society (DLG, Deutsche Landwirtschafts‑Gesellschaft), tractors are assessed for fuel and AdBlue consumption under typical workloads on a rolling test bench to determine overall energy efficiency. The smaller CORE50 and CORE75 engines will also be on display at Agritechnica. All CORE engines are manufactured at AGCO Power’s Linnavuori site in Finland. The new, low‑emission and energy‑efficient CORE engines are already in use in leading Fendt models: the 5‑liter, four‑cylinder AGCO Power CORE50 powers the Fendt 500 Vario Gen4 and Fendt 600 Vario series, while the 7.5‑liter CORE75 powers the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7 series. AGCO Power CO₂ Calculator concept with Valtra In collaboration with Valtra, AGCO Power will present its CO₂ Calculator concept at Agritechnica. The solution detects the type of fuel used and calculates the operational carbon footprint of agricultural machinery. It combines an engine-mounted fuel sensor with a cloud-based software solution that calculates accurate CO₂ emissions in real time. The visualized and stored data enables farmers to present verified figures to customers and supply chain partners. “Reliable data on the operational carbon footprint is a major competitive advantage for farmers. It enables more informed decisions and allows them to track, visualize, and verify their environmental impact,” says Jarno Ratia, Director of Product Management of AGCO Power. Agricultural traders also recognize the value of the solution. Bianca Lind, Managing Director of VERAVIS GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Agravis Raiffeisen AG states: “VERAVIS GmbH is committed to supporting farmers in meeting the requirements of the EU Green Deal while ensuring sustainable and profitable crop production. By integrating the AGCO Power CO₂ Calculator, we enhance the accuracy of our site- and crop-specific Product Carbon Footprint calculations. Validated, site-specific fuel usage data strengthens the credibility of sustainability reporting and simplifies documentation for all stakeholders—especially the farmer.” Remanufactured engines: a cost‑effective solution for older machines AGCO will also demonstrate at Agritechnica how the company supports farmers by remanufacturing used diesel engines to new condition. For the end user, a factory‑remanufactured engine offers fast availability as a replacement for a worn unit and significantly lower investment costs compared to a brand‑new engine. At AGCO Power’s Linnavuori factory in Finland, a renewed remanufacturing production line has just been completed, increasing capacity from over 1,000 engines to 2,500 engines per year. This expansion supports the company’s long‑term strategy and Farmer First approach. “Remanufacturing can lower total cost of ownership and reduce the carbon footprint versus a new machine—and, crucially, it can minimize downtime when engine problems occur. Remanufactured engines extend machine lifespans and enable up to 80% of an engine’s mass to be reused, including all cast‑iron components,” says Jussi Rinne, Director, Quality and Aftermarket. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3344/ceat-specialty-partners-with-mahindra-mahindra-for-oja-tractor-launch-in-australia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3344/ceat-specialty-partners-with-mahindra-mahindra-for-oja-tractor-launch-in-australia.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:11:12 +0530 Built for superior traction and durability in agriculture CEAT Specialty partners with Mahindra & Mahindra's next-generation OJA tractor range, launched in Australia this September. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), the world's largest tractor manufacturer by volume, unveiled its future-ready OJA series in Brisbane with CEAT as its first-source tyre supplier. Ahead of the launch, CEAT supplied desired quantities to Mahindra Australia in August 2025. With in-house rim assembly capability at CEAT's Ambernath facility, the company ensured complete, ready-to-fit solutions for Mahindra's OJA tractors. The supply covers Farm/Industrial as well as Turf applications, supporting tractors equipped with loaders, backhoes and mowers designed for hobby farming. CEAT Specialty, already an established brand in the Australian market, has developed tyres precisely engineered to meet the unique demands and challenging terrains of the region. Leveraging its deep understanding of local requirements, CEAT's engineers worked closely with the M&M team to deliver a meticulously designed range of products tailored for Australian customers. FARMAX – built for superior traction and durability in agriculture. TYROCK Super X3 – designed for industrial strength with loaders and backhoes. TURF XL – ensuring low compaction and smooth turf care for hobby farmers. Built tough and purpose-driven, Mahindra & Mahindra's OJA tractors are engineered with robust construction to take on demanding Australian conditions while offering longevity, reliability, and operator comfort. By offering superior traction, durability, and low-compaction performance, CEAT Specialty tyres further strengthen the OJA series, benefiting farmers and hobby users alike Amit Tolani, Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said: "We are proud to partner with Mahindra once again, this time for their future-ready OJA launch in Australia. Our tyres are engineered to deliver performance across industries and applications. This partnership is another step forward in our journey with Mahindra, and a strong example of how CEAT is enabling farmers worldwide with trusted, efficient products." Ravindra S Shahane – Head, Global Product Planning & International Operations (ASEAN & ROW), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., commented, "We are proud to introduce the globally acclaimed Mahindra OJA tractor range in an important market like Australia. CEAT Specialty and Mahindra already share a long-standing partnership in the United States, where CEAT has been delivering high performing tyres for farmers. This extension into Australia further strengthens the bond between the two brands, both committed to offering future-ready solutions." Setting new standards for Australian farmers and property owners, the OJA range is based on an ergonomic platform with advanced technologies, powerful engine technology and first in segment innovations like button-operated PTO and loader with class-leading lift capacity. The new Mahindra tractors are equipped with features like a digital driver display panel, advanced hydraulics, power steering system and optional cabin configurations – delivering unmatched comfort and control. With this milestone, CEAT Specialty further cements its position as a global OEM partner of choice, delivering tyres that power some of the world's most trusted tractor brands. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3315/sabanto-expands-autonomous-tractor-technology-to-australia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3315/sabanto-expands-autonomous-tractor-technology-to-australia.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:30:58 +0530 Exclusive partnerships with OneAg and Vantage NSW bring Retrofit autonomy systems to farmers across Australia Sabanto, a leader in agricultural autonomy, announced its expansion into the Australian agriculture market. Through exclusive partnerships with OneAg and Vantage NSW, Sabanto will provide farmers with retrofit autonomy systems that convert existing tractors into fully autonomous machines, boosting operational efficiency and productivity without the high costs of new equipment. “Australia’s agricultural sector is highly innovative, and we’re eager to partner with local experts to deliver affordable autonomy to farmers,” said Craig Rupp, CEO and Founder of Sabanto. “Together with OneAg and Vantage NSW, we’re helping farmers adopt this technology with the local expertise and service they already trust." OneAg, a precision agriculture dealer known for high-performance solutions, will integrate Sabanto’s retrofit autonomy kits into its offerings, continuing its commitment to next-generation farming technology. “Autonomy represents one of the biggest shifts in how we’ll approach farming over the next decade. Sabanto’s technology allows us to expand what’s possible for productivity,” said Michael Munro, Head of Autonomy at OneAg. Vantage NSW brings deep expertise in precision ag solutions for all stages of farming operations. By incorporating Sabanto’s solutions, Vantage NSW helps farmers modernize operations and extend the life of their equipment. Michael Casey, Founder and Director of Vantage NSW says, “Partnering with Sabanto allows us to deliver advanced autonomy solutions, helping farmers improve efficiency while addressing labor and cost challenges.” Sabanto’s retrofit kits integrate with existing machinery, converting tractors into autonomous machines capable of operating 24/7. The systems help farmers reduce capital expenditures, overcome labor shortages, and maximize operational uptime. With the addition of OneAg and Vantage NSW to its dealer network, Sabanto continues to advance its mission of accelerating agricultural autonomy worldwide, enabling more farmers to benefit from smaller, smarter, more affordable machinery. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3301/kubota-unveils-next-generation-grand-l70-series-compact-tractors.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3301/kubota-unveils-next-generation-grand-l70-series-compact-tractors.html Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:17:49 +0530 An innovative leap forward in elevating the operator experience by seamlessly integrating technology Kubota Tractor Corporation introduces the new Grand L70 Series, the further evolution of its flagship compact tractor. Engineered for residential and commercial operators, the Grand L70 Series includes three model options (premium, deluxe and cold weather) and delivers advanced technology in the operator seat with a multi-function loader joystick and Intelligent Hydrostatic Transmission (iHST). Plus, the all-new Kubota ProCab allows for optimal comfort and productivity year-round. All this, backed by Kubota's quality, durability, and reliable performance, reinforces its position as the No. 1 selling compact tractor in the U.S.* Intelligent Tractor TechnologyThe Grand L70 is tech-forward with a suite of premium features led by its new iHST and digital display and controls. Kubota's advanced three-range iHST allows the operator to tailor the tractor performance to match the job at hand, with adjustable pedal sensitivity and an auto-throttle advance function. The tractor features a hydro-dual speed that allows the operator to switch between high and low within each range (low, medium and high) for a total of six speed ranges and pre-programmed yet customizable drive modes, including road, snow, loader, and cutter. Other tech advancements include a K-Command Display, which is a vibrant, easy to navigate color screen with Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling, that gives easy access to all the customizable tractor settings and performance data. A digital stall guard helps protect the engine and power take-off from stalling by sensing engine load and making real-time adjustments to keep productivity high whether cutting grass or pushing dirt. A multi-function loader joystick offers up to nine pre-programmed functions, including cruise control, drive mode selection, and iHST settings at your fingertips. An Elevated Operator Experience with Kubota's New ProCabThe Kubota Grand L70 is available in three model options: deluxe, premium and cold-weather. Both the deluxe and premium models are available with an open-air ROPS (roll over protective structure) or factory-installed Kubota ProCab for all-season operation. The new Kubota ProCab four-post design with rounded glass provides clear, commanding sightlines for the operator, while keeping the operator climate-controlled and productive with remote start, heated glass, rear wiper, and rear and side defrosters. The all-new ProCab provides a quiet, comfortable workspace with increased airflow, and heated swivel seat options for long days on the job. Leveled-Up Power and PerformanceThe Grand L70 runs on a Kubota diesel engine and offers horsepower options ranging from 37 to 60 hp, empowering operators to tackle a wide variety of jobs with power, confidence and efficiency. The Grand L70 utilizes Kubota's Common-Rail System (CRS) with electronically controlled fuel injection for smooth, efficient operation. Both models are available in 3- or 4-cylinder configurations; the deluxe model features a naturally aspirated engine, while the premium model steps up to a turbo-charged performance, exceeding expectations of power ranges in this compact tractor segment. Engineered for  the Modern Tractor OperatorFor residential users, the Grand L70 brings new levels of comfort and customization to loader work and land management. The newly introduced multi-function loader joystick allows operators to set cruise control, adjust drive modes, and fine-tune transmission settings, all while completing loader tasks such as moving brush or stacking hay bales. An optional mechanical self-leveling loader further enhances productivity for material handling and stacking. A performance-matched backhoe (BH92A) and three performance-matched loaders (LA806, LA1056, LM1056) are available to pair with the Grand L70, boasting a loader lift capacity of up to 3,029 pounds, over 9 feet of digging depth and rapid attach/detach systems. With the new K-Command Display screen with jog dial navigation and the multi-functional loader joystick, operability is easy to understand, navigate, and tackle daily tasks. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3290/rovensa-next-launches-biosolutionize-agriculture-a-global-campaign-to-demonstrate-biosolutions-potential-to-drive-sustainable-profitable-farming.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3290/rovensa-next-launches-biosolutionize-agriculture-a-global-campaign-to-demonstrate-biosolutions-potential-to-drive-sustainable-profitable-farming.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:08:02 +0530 Rovensa Next, the global leader in biosolutions, is launching Biosolutionize Agriculture, a science-backed campaign that showcases how biosolutions help growers improve performance and profitability, reduce synthetic load and farm more sustainably across crops and climates worldwide. On farms, the results are measurable and often striking. Rovensa Next agronomical trials demonstrate: improved yields under heat and drought, increased fruit weights and quality, and earlier harvests. In soils, benefits include higher phosphorus availability, reduced water usage, enhanced spray efficiency, and farmers cutting synthetic inputs without compromising performance. Addressing a Global Need According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food systems account for about one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, which makes farm-level efficiency and resilience central to climate goals. Given that agriculture accounts for roughly 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, enhancing water-use efficiency is paramount, especially in drought-prone regions. Moreover, with 33% of soils already degraded – a figure projected to rise sharply by 2050 if current trends persist – protecting soil functions and vitality becomes an urgent imperative. Rovensa Next biosolutions are built to tackle current real-world pressures through integrated crop strategies.  More than just products, they represent a comprehensive solution, combining biological and natural-based products, innovative technologies, and farming practices. This approach equips growers with essential tools to promote sustainable agriculture and address the global challenges facing the sector today. This is why the company offers the widest science-backed portfolio in the market, spanning biostimulants, biofertilizers, bionutrition, biocontrol (bioinsecticides, bionematicides, biofungicides), and adjuvants. It includes bespoke crop programs and local expertise in over ninety countries, effectively blending global reach with local insights. Measurable Impact: Driving Profitability and Sustainability Rovensa Next's biosolutions deliver tangible results, showcasing how integrated strategies enhance farm profitability and sustainability. Recent highlights include: Abiotic Stress Resilience:  Integrated biostimulation strategies, like Biostimulation 360º, boost crop tolerance to heat and drought, and drive yield gains (e.g., Phylgreen delivered an average 12.8% yield increase, while Delfan Plus delivered a 9.6% increase in 167 trials). Enhanced Soil Vitality:  Biosolutions programs such as Wiibio or Humifirst regenerate soils by increasing root biomass. (e.g., Wiibio showed an 18% increase in root biomass and a 69% rise in plant-available phosphorus in trials while also promoting soil microbial activity and diversity). Optimized Water Use: Integrated solutions that combine cornerstone products such as Transformer and Humistar improve water retention and distribution, with the potential to reduce irrigation volumes by up to 25% in trials, depending on crop and conditions. Crop Quality and Resilience: Innovative biostimulant technologies, powered by biological fermentation, such as Biimore, boost fruit setting and individual fruit weight while maintaining or increasing brix, avoiding dilution effects. (e.g., Biimore delivered on average +10.6% yield increase across 374 trials, with consistent examples of pack out yield increases >20% in horticultural crops). Other solutions, including Maxi-Grow Excel help maintain or improve quality traits under challenging growth conditions while boosting size and overall crop performance. Lower Synthetic Inputs: Integrated programs combining biocontrol, adjuvants, and biofertilizers have achieved up to 20% reductions in synthetic inputs in fruit and vegetable systems while maintaining or improving yield and quality. (e.g., Prev-Am and Pyrethrin sequences reduced synthetic insecticide applications by 30–40%). Effective Pest & Disease Management: Integrated biocontrol and adjuvant strategies, combining differing modes of action such as mixing Ospo Vi55, Prev-Am, and/or Tec-Fort with Wetcit, achieved >90% knockdown of pests such as whitefly and mites, and reductions up to 85% in powdery mildew, supporting resistance management. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3285/chinas-zoomlion-unveils-dx7004-the-most-advanced-and-powerful-hybrid-wheeled-tractor-to-date.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3285/chinas-zoomlion-unveils-dx7004-the-most-advanced-and-powerful-hybrid-wheeled-tractor-to-date.html Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:25:17 +0530 The nearly four-meter-high machine incorporates advanced hybrid drive technology, setting a new global standard for high-horsepower agricultural equipment Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. officially launched the world's most powerful hybrid wheeled tractor, the DX7004, at its Smart Industry City in Changsha. Announced by Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin, the nearly four-meter-high machine features cutting-edge hybrid drive technology and sets a new benchmark for high-horsepower agricultural equipment worldwide. With a peak output of 1,200 horsepower, the DX7004 is purpose-built for high-intensity, large-scale farming operations. The machine integrates Zoomlion's proprietary innovations, including a digital chassis, smart control systems, and core components developed in-house. It represents a major step forward in the company's vision to advance intelligent and sustainable agricultural production. Fu Ling, Vice President and Chief Engineer at Zoomlion said "Zoomlion has successfully leveraged its strength in construction equipment to accelerate the transformation of the agricultural sector. We are committed to driving the modernization of agricultural machinery by setting new standards in performance, powertrain efficiency, and intelligence." The DX7004 adopts a dual-motor hybrid powertrain with a rated output of 700 horsepower and a peak torque of 4,500 Nm. It is capable of covering up to 7,200 mu (approx. 480 hectares) in 12 hours of continuous operation. The distributed electric drive system enables stepless field-speed control, while the electric motor-driven hydraulic output ensures precision for large-scale multi-functional implements. The model also incorporates Zoomlion's self-developed EPiot smart driving system and AOS intelligent operations platform, which together enable autonomous driving and centimeter-level precision, even at high speeds. "The DX7004 sets new standards in power, efficiency, and intelligent control," said Liu Yuxin, General Manager of Zoomlion's Agricultural Machinery Company. "With innovations such as electric continuously variable transmission, adaptive electric coordination, and full-speed-domain autonomous driving, these technologies are helping drive the evolution of agricultural machinery toward greater intelligence and sustainability." Zoomlion entered the agricultural equipment sector in 2014 and became the first Chinese company selected for the UN's long-term procurement program for agricultural machinery in 2021. The company now offers a full range of solutions for plowing, planting, crop management, harvesting, and storage, covering both paddy and dryland farming. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3215/smarter-agriculture-telematics-razor-tracking-integrates-with-claas-equipment.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3215/smarter-agriculture-telematics-razor-tracking-integrates-with-claas-equipment.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:39:55 +0530 Razor Tracking + CLAAS: A Top-Tier Integration Powering Telematics and Fleet Operations Across All Industries CLAAS and Razor Tracking have partnered to integrate their platforms, providing customers with enhanced visibility and management of their farm equipment and support vehicles. This collaboration allows users to track and monitor their assets across both the Razor Tracking and CLAAS connect platforms. The integration enables customers to view their equipment, service vehicles, and non-powered assets in real time. Beyond GPS location, Razor Tracking devices offer detailed data, including vehicle VIN, fuel levels, operating hours, engine status, location history, heading, weather overlays, and speed. This comprehensive tracking system ensures that crew members are in the correct field and making deliveries to the right locations, increasing operational transparency. Eric Raby, Senior Vice President of CLAAS Americas, emphasized the importance of smart logistics in modern farming. "Knowledge is power. Nowhere is that more evident than on a modern farm where smart logistics and equipment tracking are crucial for saving both time and money," he said. The partnership aims to provide advanced fleet management solutions that extend beyond CLAAS equipment, helping farmers optimize their operations. Eric Mauch, Managing Partner of Razor Tracking, highlighted the synergy between the two companies. "We're proud to be a GPS Telematics integration partner with CLAAS in North America," he said. "This partnership combines our advanced GPS tracking technology with our deep roots in agriculture, allowing customers to seamlessly monitor and manage all of their equipment across multiple farm locations from one powerful platform." The integration is expected to improve efficiency and transparency for farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about their operations. By combining the strengths of both platforms, CLAAS and Razor Tracking aim to provide a comprehensive solution for equipment tracking and fleet management in the agricultural sector. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3162/dtn-acquires-grain-discovery-expanding-digital-capabilities-for-agribusinesses.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3162/dtn-acquires-grain-discovery-expanding-digital-capabilities-for-agribusinesses.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:53:21 +0530 Accelerates time to market for multiple DTN ag and sustainability solutions – particularly for ethanol plants DTN, the global leader in operational decisioning for energy, agriculture, and weather-driven industries, announced the acquisition of Grain Discovery. The Canadian agtech company’s platform enables seamless grain transactions, CRM-style tools for managing grower relationships, farm-level sustainability data capture, and end-to-end traceability, providing a complete digital workflow for grain buyers, advisors and producers. This acquisition enhances DTN Ag Hub, which launches in the fall. DTN Ag Hub is a real-time digital twin of U.S. agriculture at the farm level of detail to answer the most vital questions faced by all ag supply chain players. It will include a suite of solutions for retail and upstream, grain procurement, farmers, and sustainability leaders. “Grain buyers and producers need to have immediate access to each other in order to make real-time decisions whether they're at their desk, in a truck, or standing in a field,” said Grey Montgomery, General Manager for Agriculture at DTN. “Grain Discovery accelerates our time to market for multiple DTN ag solutions including the MyDTN app, AgHost, and Grain Portal and our sustainability solutions – particularly for ethanol plants seeking details to qualify for 45z tax credits." The Grain Discovery Farmer Portal connects grain originators and farmers with a branded mobile app that streamlines bid, offer, and contract management, and opens new opportunities to participate in digital sustainability programs. “We have built a great product and are making major investments in traceability and AI,” said Rory O’Sullivan, co-founder and CEO of Grain Discovery. “DTN delivers us brand trust and access to hundreds of customers across the U.S. market. Further, it feels like the right time to join DTN as they have made significant investments in luring top agtech talent and are on the verge of launching a suite of new intelligence solutions.” Existing Grain Discovery customers will experience business as usual in the immediate term, with all current tools and apps remaining fully operational and supported. Over the next year customers will gain access to expanded DTN insights, sustainability tools, and commercial network. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3127/topcon-agriculture-launches-next-gen-agricultural-spraying-applications.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3127/topcon-agriculture-launches-next-gen-agricultural-spraying-applications.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:53:32 +0530 Enhanced Boom Height Control Solution With UC7 Plus Topcon Agriculture has introduced the next generation of its boom height control technology for agricultural spraying applications with the launch of the UC7 Plus. Built on the foundation of Topcon’s Norac boom height control technologies, the UC7 Plus allows farmers and crop service providers to further reduce inputs, improve crop performance, and reduce equipment maintenance costs with improved height and spray control capabilities. Compatible with most self-propelled and pull-type sprayers, the new technology features new sensor technology that improves performance and reliability. This includes the new dynamic chassis sensor (DCS-1) that enhances the stability and response of the boom control system, and the latest MS-1 sensors with MAX Sense ultrasonic technology for improved performance in challenging terrain. These sensors are designed to withstand the rigors of the field with corrosion-resistant GF nylon housing, a protective transducer screen, and multi-axis vents. “The combination of proven legacy solutions with the latest in precision technology serves up an extreme opportunity for lower operating and input costs, and lower equipment repair costs,” said Nick Townsend, Topcon Agriculture vice president and segment leader for smart implements. “Spraying system advances increasingly provide farmers and service providers with an opportunity to achieve a greater return on investment on their equipment, either through upgrades or new investments. The UC7 Plus directly drives those savings,” he said. “These new capabilities also improve sustainability efforts in applying only the needed amount of spray, where it is needed, to achieve the best results — supporting compliance efforts, cost savings, and optimal crop performance.” In addition to practical cost savings and sustainability benefits, the technology also significantly reduces operator stress and fatigue through spraying automation: boom control automatically adjusts boom height to match the contours of the land. This reduces the operator’s need to constantly monitor field terrain. The solution delivers varying levels of control to suit a wide range of applications, crops and operating styles, and it is compatible with a wide range of sprayers, making it ideal for incremental growth and upgrades on existing spraying systems. Topcon testing data and research indicates the new UC7 Plus may improve overall spraying performance by 30 percent when taking into account all savings and efficiencies. “We believe in accessibility to these technologies and the practical benefits they deliver to farms around the world — this is a simple and powerful example of intelligent technology evolution for the greater good of all farms and systems.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3111/chinas-dji-launches-advanced-high-impact-agricultural-drones-globally.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3111/chinas-dji-launches-advanced-high-impact-agricultural-drones-globally.html Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:18:47 +0530 DJI Agras T100, T70P and T25P agricultural drones offer higher efficiency, improved safety, and better capabilities to support spraying, spreading — and now lifting DJI, the world leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, announces the global launch of the DJI Agras T100, DJI Agras T70P, and DJI Agras T25P. The newest generation of DJI Agriculture's popular spray drones builds on over 12 years of dedicated research and development. Not only can they carry heavier payloads, but these agricultural drones can also support multiple application scenarios with higher operational efficiency. Each drone features industry-leading safety systems and more intelligent features for fully automated operations. "For more than a decade, DJI Agriculture has advanced precision farming globally with our advanced drone technology. With nearly 500,000 trained operators worldwide as of May, the industry is maturing, and the demand for spray drones continues to grow annually. Today, more than 500,000 DJI Agriculture drones are used to treat 300 types of crops in 100 countries, " said Yuan Zhang, Head of Global Sales at DJI Agriculture. "With the next generation of DJI Agriculture drones, we continue to innovate how we farm and feed communities, while reducing the environmental costs to our planet." Tackle Bigger Jobs with the Agras T100 Designed for large-scale commercial growers, the Agras T100 can carry a maximum payload of 100 L for spraying,  150 L for spreading, or 100 kg for lifting, with the maximum operation speed increased to 20 m/s**.  Compared to its predecessor, it is twice as efficient for high-volume spraying and faster for large-capacity spreading. With an industry-leading safety system equipped with LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and a Penta-Vision system, it delivers an unparalleledly safe and intelligent operational experience. Work More Efficiently with the Agras T70P The Agras T70P features multiple upgrades to increase operational efficiency, with the maximum operation speed increased to 20 m/s**. It can carry a maximum payload of 70 L for spraying, 100 L for spreading, or 65 kg for lifting. At the same time, it offers the same flow rates and fine mist droplet size as the Agras T100, along with its new spreading system and lifting system. The Agras T70P is equipped with the Safety System 3.0, which features millimeter-wave radar and a Tri-Vision system for obstacle detection, smarter route selection, and significantly improved obstacle clearance rates. Compact and Flexible for Solo Operations with the Agras T25P The Agras T25P retains its predecessor's compact and foldable design but offers the upgraded 25 kg high-precision screw feeder spreading system 4.0 and the Safety System 3.0. Ideal for solo operations, the Agras T25P is easy to transport, set up, and allows for fully automated operations in aerial mapping and plant protection. New Training Program for Agriculture Drone Operations DJI Agriculture now offers new pilot training courses under DJI Academy. The program will first be available in 15 countries in the Americas and Asia. Pilots will learn essential skills for operating agricultural drones, including crop protection spraying and spreading, safe piloting practices, and improving efficiency with maximum effectiveness. The DJI Agras T100, T70P, and T25P will be available for sale globally starting in Southeast Asia and Latin America.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3006/chinas-zoomlion-advances-intelligent-agricultural-machinery-to-safeguard-summer-grain-harvest.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/3006/chinas-zoomlion-advances-intelligent-agricultural-machinery-to-safeguard-summer-grain-harvest.html Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:01:36 +0530 Revolution in China's agritech sector Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is spearheading all-out efforts to safeguard the summer harvest as China's "Three Summer" jobs – summer harvesting, planting, and field management – are now in full swing. Among the high-quality grain combine harvesters in Changzhuang Town, Suiping County, Zhumadian City, Henan Province are Zoomlion's grain combine harvesters; the crawler-type PL80 harvester achieved outstanding results at the mechanical harvesting loss reduction skills competition in Anhui as well. Zoomlion TE100-DH harvester is powered by an electric motor, offering fast response times and simplified gear shifting. It can adjust power output intelligently to keep the engine running at optimal conditions, resulting in fuel savings of 30% compared to traditional models. The TE100-DH not only has a very low failure rate, Zoomlion's after-safes team can also respond 24 hours a day to guarantee the harvesting. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, Zoomlion's intelligent technologies are advancing the agricultural jobs to reach new heights. By leveraging the BeiDou positioning system alongside AI-driven path planning, automatic obstacle avoidance, and remote instruction capabilities, Zoomlion's unmanned harvesting machines have achieved impressive precision and efficiency, leading to significantly increased harvest yields. By implementing comprehensive digital and intelligent strategies, Zoomlion has transformed its service offerings. An intelligent control center, four service columns, and four support centers have been developed to boost operational efficiency. A large-scale service team of 2,200 professionals has been formed to provide quick responses, on-site assistance, and immediate troubleshooting as part of the expansion of its network with 107 new standard agricultural machinery service stations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2946/hoyer-introduces-ec-motors-and-establishes-local-cooperation-for-energy-efficient-farming-in-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2946/hoyer-introduces-ec-motors-and-establishes-local-cooperation-for-energy-efficient-farming-in-asia.html Fri, 23 May 2025 09:34:39 +0530 Hoyer is deepening its presence in China through a formal cooperation with Stienen and its joint venture operations in China. Hoyer, a global leader in electric motors and automation solutions, officially launches its new product, EC Motor at the China Animal Husbandry Expo in Qingdao. Designed for agricultural ventilation systems, the motors deliver up to 20% energy savings, operate quietly, and feature a compact design for easy integration – helping China and Asian livestock industrial scale farms cut energy costs and improve operational efficiency. The product launch, serving China and other Asian agro-industry markets, is accompanied by the announcement of a strategic cooperation with Dutch company Stienen, a provider of smart automation solutions for livestock farming. At the event, the companies presented a Stienen fan system fitted with a Hoyer EC Motor, showing how their combined technologies can support more efficient and sustainable farming practices. A Collaboration with Stienen to Advance Sustainable Agriculture Hoyer is deepening its presence in China through a formal cooperation with Stienen and its joint venture operations in China. The partnership focuses on the joint development of energy-efficient ventilation solutions, knowledge exchange, and support for fans’ motor upgrade initiatives – particularly within large-scale livestock operations. A key element of the cooperation is the shared intention to integrate Hoyer EC Motors into future fan production by Stienen in China. This includes support for local manufacturing planning and advancing the use of smart, energy-efficient technologies tailored to the specific needs of regional agro-industrial farming environments in China and the APAC region. “This cooperation is an important step in deepening our presence in the agricultural industry,” says Adam Slupinski, Segment Manager HVAC at Hoyer. “Working closely with Stienen allows us to tailor energy-efficient solutions that meet the real needs of modern farms – starting here in China, a strategically important market in our broader APAC growth plans, with strong potential to scale across other key region markets.” “As a Danish company with significant investments made in China already, we are particularly proud to announce the launch of Hoyer EC Motors during this 75th year of trade and investment collaboration between Denmark and China,” adds Michael Mantzius Andersen, Asia Sales Director at Hoyer Asia. The introduction of Hoyer EC Motors, together with this strengthened local cooperation, shows a clear step toward more sustainable and efficient farming practices in China. It also lays the groundwork for expanding energy-saving technologies across Asia and Europe, as the agricultural sector increasingly prioritises performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2921/taiwan-promotes-a-domestic-peanut-drying-center-to-demonstrate-new-integrated-processing-methods.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2921/taiwan-promotes-a-domestic-peanut-drying-center-to-demonstrate-new-integrated-processing-methods.html Mon, 19 May 2025 12:44:40 +0530 Dryer is equipped with automatic control and energy-saving design which can process 12.5 metric tons of fresh pods at a time In order to implement the policy of automated production of domestic grains, the Tainan District Agricultural Improvement Station of the Ministry of Agriculture actively promotes the establishment of a demonstration site for the "Domestic Peanut Post-Harvest Drying Center", integrating the soil removal, weed removal and circular drying operations after the peanuts are harvested from the field to create a consistent mechanical processing system. The demonstration was held on May 16 at the Lihao Peanut Farm in Fuchao Village, Tuku Township, Yunlin County. Relevant industry players, production and marketing groups, and farmers are invited to participate and learn about the technological achievements on the spot. Tainan Farm Director Chen Yuchu pointed out that the annual peanut planting area in Taiwan is about 16,000 to 18,000 hectares, with Yunlin County being the largest producing area, accounting for more than 70% of Taiwan's total production. Although mechanized outsourcing has been introduced for field preparation, sowing, and harvesting, the post-harvest drying process still relies on artificial sun exposure. Faced with problems such as aging labor, insufficient exposure sites, and traffic disputes and dust pollution caused by road exposure, these problems have become a major bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of the industry. To solve this problem, the Ministry of Agriculture has commissioned the Tainan Agricultural Research and Development Center and industry-academia collaboration to develop domestic drying equipment in recent years. Finally, in 2011, they successfully developed the "Circulating Peanut Dryer" and passed the agricultural machinery performance test. The dryer is equipped with automatic control and energy-saving design. It can process 12.5 metric tons of fresh pods at a time. The drying time only takes 2.5 to 3.5 days. Each machine can serve approximately 20 hectares of fields, saving more than 300 man-days of manpower each season, effectively improving drying efficiency and production safety.  Director Chen further explained that the farm is currently guiding the establishment of a unified demonstration site for the Lihao peanuts, introducing automatic processing machinery such as soil removal, stem removal, drying and unloading, to achieve standardization and refinement of post-harvest processing. This not only solves the manpower and site problems of traditional sun exposure, but also greatly reduces the risks of being affected by climate and pollution, ensuring food safety quality and stable supply of contracted products. It is of great significance, especially in reducing the risk of aflatoxin pollution, reducing traffic safety disputes and rural operation conflicts. The Tainan Agricultural Innovation Station emphasized that it will continue to promote the peanut contract farming and drying center policy in the future, promote standardized mechanical operation processes through cooperation between industry, government, and academia, attract young farmers to return to production, establish a modern grain processing demonstration system, and lay a solid foundation for the domestic peanut industry to move towards sustainable development. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2880/philippines-engages-korean-firms-to-boost-farm-mechanization-efforts.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2880/philippines-engages-korean-firms-to-boost-farm-mechanization-efforts.html Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:28:20 +0530 Discusses investment opportunities and policy coordination related to the planned 20-hectare Korea Agriculture Machinery Industry Complex in Nueva Ecija A delegation from the Department of Agriculture (DA), led by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., recently visited the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) in South Korea to discuss investment opportunities and policy coordination related to the planned 20-hectare Korea Agriculture Machinery Industry Complex in Nueva Ecija. “This project plays a crucial role in realizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a modernized Philippine agriculture—one that ensures food security and uplifts the lives of our farmers. It will also attract foreign investments, generate jobs and transfer newer technologies,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel One of the key topics tackled during the visit was the package of investment incentives that the Philippine government is offering to foreign investors, including an Income Tax Holiday for six years and a reduction of the Corporate Income Tax rate from 25 percent to 20 percent for eligible projects. Recognizing the importance of clear and competitive incentives, KAMICO requested a follow-up meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Manila to iron out the specifics and assess how their member-companies can fully benefit from the incentives. Among the issues discussed was the cost of leasing the cabin in Cabanatuan City. In order to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project, the DA agreed to coordinate with the local government unit (LGU) to determine a fair rental rate. Tong Yang Moolsan (TYM), a South Korea-based agri-machinery firm with 70 years of experience in the industry, was also met separately. TYM is known for its customized tractors and advanced machinery solutions tailored to specific farm needs. The company has been actively participating in Philippine agri-machinery roadshows and has supplied equipment under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), in partnership with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization and DA Regional Field Offices. Agriculture Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros praised TYM’s product quality and reiterated the DA’s shift toward a “Fit-for-Purpose” procurement approach, aligning with reforms under the New Government Procurement Act. Rather than favoring the lowest-cost suppliers, the DA prioritizes machinery that is durable, efficient, and supported by robust after-sales service. Oliveros proposed that TYM gather testimonials from Filipino farmers already using their machinery to reinforce public confidence in government-acquired equipment. DA urged TYM to explore machinery production for high-value crops such as coffee, cacao, onion, and coconut, while considering the Philippines’ diverse agricultural terrain. These engagements are part of the DA’s broader push to modernize the country’s agricultural sector and attract foreign investments to sustain long-term growth. Agriculture Attache Nikko Macalintal said the  DA team also visited Asia Tech, a prominent South Korean agri-machinery company known for its innovations in rice and high-value crop machinery. Asia Tech is currently focused on developing energy-efficient technologies, aligning with global sustainability trends. The DA delegation explored potential areas of collaboration, particularly in connection with the development of KAMIC in Cabanatuan City. Asia Tech expressed plans to actively participate in the KAMIC initiative by sourcing local materials for the construction of their machines. This strategy aims to stimulate the development of a local supply chain, fostering job creation and industrial growth in the Philippines. Asia Tech also committed to localizing their machinery designs to better suit the country’s unique agricultural conditions, ensuring improved efficiency and relevance for Filipino farmers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2842/agricultural-robotics-to-advance-farm-robotics-in-europe-and-field-test-six-state-of-the-art-robotic-systems.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2842/agricultural-robotics-to-advance-farm-robotics-in-europe-and-field-test-six-state-of-the-art-robotic-systems.html Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:26:36 +0530 The European Commission has funded the project Harnessing Robotics, XR/AR, and 5G for Safe, Sustainable, and Smart Agriculture - $4.97M AgriRobot, a pioneering agritech company developing safety software for autonomous agricultural robots, has joined the AgRibot project as an official partner. The project, which received a €4.97 million grant from the European Commission, is strategically designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in European agriculture, including labour shortages, unsafe working conditions, and the pressing demands for both enhanced productivity and greater sustainability. Over the next four years, the AgRibot project will develop and field-test six state-of-the-art robotic systems throughout Europe, demonstrating their adaptability to a variety of agricultural operations, including weed management, precision spraying, harvesting, and pruning. More than just automating tasks, AgRibot integrates AR/XR technologies to improve farmer training, support operations in real-time, and foster better interaction between humans and machines. The agricultural sector faces several challenges, including a fatality rate 233% higher than other industries and a rapidly declining workforce, projected to drop from over 10 million in 2010 to just 7.9 million by 2030. This labour shortage leads to unharvested crops, rising labour costs, and reduced food availability, driving sharp price increases. The AgRibot project addresses these issues by automating labour-intensive tasks, improving safety, and enhancing working conditions, making agriculture more attractive to younger generations.By enhancing machine autonomy and safety protocols, AgriRobot’s technology will help accelerate the adoption of robotic solutions across Europe. The project is also developing an Impact Assessment Tool (IAT) to help farmers measure the economic, environmental, social costs and benefits of these innovations, promote beneficial adoption of smart farming technologies and showcase potential positive impacts on resource efficiency, pesticide reduction, and labour savings. “AgRibot is a transformative project for European agriculture, combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented/extended reality to revolutionise farming practices. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, we are tackling today’s challenges while shaping a future of smarter, safer, and more sustainable agriculture.” says Gregory Mygdakos, AgRibot’s project coordinator. Led by AgroApps, the consortium brings together 18 leading organizations in robotics, AI, AR/XR, social science and agricultural sciences. These include Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Politecnico di Bari, Fundacio Eurecat, Geoponiko Panepistimion Athinon, CYENS Centre of Excellence, University of Macedonia, Digyone GmbH, Erevnitiko Panepistimiako Institouto Systimaton Epikoinonion kai Ypologiston, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Nova Telecommunications, Teknologisk Institut, Københavns Universitet, bSpoke Solutions, InoSens and Ecorobotix SA, alongside AgriRobot. This multidisciplinary consortium ensures that the project delivers innovative solutions that are technologically advanced and practically viable, benefiting farmers across Europe. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2802/chinas-quanyibao-grants-kyrgyzstan-1-12mn-worth-of-agricultural-equipment.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2802/chinas-quanyibao-grants-kyrgyzstan-1-12mn-worth-of-agricultural-equipment.html Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:02:07 +0530 A grant of over $1.12 million was awarded to agriculture equipment manufacturers Chinese company, Quanyibao to provide Kyrgyzstan with agricultural equipment for artificial rain and pest control worth over $1.12mn as a grant. Additionally, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Quanyibao and Kyrgyz Agro Holding to advance agricultural technology initiatives. The agreement was reached during Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev’s working visit to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. During his trip, Torobaev also held discussions with China-Kyrgyzstan Kaiyuan Industrial Development (Xinjiang). regarding the construction of the "Golden Road Asia-Europe" international customs and logistics park in Chui region.  Torobaev confirmed that Kyrgyzstan would allocate land for the project, which is expected to boost trade between the two countries. The $30mn investment in the logistics park was formalized last year at the VIII Issyk-Kul Economic Forum. In addition, Torobaev met with representatives of six Chinese companies specializing in seed production, livestock farming, and horticulture. He emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s favorable investment climate and invited them to participate in an agricultural forum set to take place in Kyrgyzstan on April 3-4. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2790/syngenta-and-planet-renew-partnership-for-precision-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2790/syngenta-and-planet-renew-partnership-for-precision-agriculture.html Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:16:47 +0530 The collaboration will expand the current integration of Planet's advanced satellite imagery into Syngenta's Cropwise platform Farmers around the world will have comprehensive access to near-daily satellite imagery of their fields thanks to a new partnership signed between Syngenta, a leading global agriculture technology company, and Planet Labs PBC, an important provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. The multi-year expansion of their strategic partnership enables farmers to remotely monitor crop health, detect pest infestations, and identify disease outbreaks. The high-resolution, commercially available satellite imagery is delivered to farmers globally as part of Syngenta’s Cropwise digital agriculture platform. Satellite imagery today plays an essential role in precision agriculture, allowing farmers to monitor plant growth across large areas, identify signs of stress earlier and manage their crops to deliver better yields and outcomes. The collaboration will expand the current integration of Planet's advanced satellite imagery into Syngenta's Cropwise platform, giving farmers a further powerful tool in their precision agriculture arsenal. As a result of this agreement, Syngenta Cropwise users can benefit from 3-meter resolution, daily capture satellite imagery of their farms from Planet’s Dove satellite constellation, providing frequent visibility and next level agronomic insights even in cloudy areas. “This partnership will add a new dimension to Syngenta’s digital offering for customers”, said Jeremy Groeteke, Global Head of IT & Digital Strategy at Syngenta. “We will build on top of its already popular remote sensing product set providing key solutions like Variability Index, Productivity Zones, NemaDigital, and Anomaly Detection”. “Syngenta is a pioneer in agricultural innovation, providing security and assurance to farmers around the world,” said Planet President and CFO Ashley Johnson. “We are excited about this multi-year collaboration and expansion. With our unique satellite data capabilities and Syngenta’s ag-tech expertise, we’re looking forward to enabling new applications for agronomists across the industry.” Syngenta will gain expanded access to Planet’s high-resolution tasking data, their PlanetScope near-daily satellite data and the Planet Insights Platform to build new applications for broad area management and enable novel research and development initiatives in precision agriculture. “The challenges that farmers face today are complex, from pest infestations to drought,” said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Syngenta. “We are building sophisticated AI and machine-learning algorithms to help farmers deal with this complexity. At the same time, we are committed to protecting farmers' data rights, ensuring they maintain control over their information. By expanding this collaboration with Planet we will be able to offer the most up to date, high-frequency satellite data to help farmers make better data driven decisions”. This partnership between Syngenta and Planet represents a significant step forward in digitally driven precision agriculture, offering farmers powerful tools to improve crop yields, increase efficiency, and promote sustainable farming practices worldwide. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2762/china-expands-subsidy-program-for-replacing-old-agricultural-machinery.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2762/china-expands-subsidy-program-for-replacing-old-agricultural-machinery.html Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:58:58 +0530 China will expand the scope of subsidies for replacing old and worn-out agricultural machinery and raise subsidy levels in 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Tuesday.  The existing nine types of agricultural machinery will be joined by six new categories in the subsidy program, namely, rice seedling-throwing machines, farmland monitoring terminals, plant protection drones, grain dryers (drying machines), color sorters and flour mills, the ministry said in a statement on its website.  China will continue to increase the subsidy standards for certain agricultural machinery this year. For example, the maximum subsidy for replacing a cotton picker will be raised from 60,000 yuan (about 8,365 U.S. dollars) to 80,000 yuan per unit, according to the statement jointly issued by the ministry and three other central government authorities.  The statement also emphasized that provinces must effectively utilize ultra-long special treasury bonds allocated to support the scrapping and updating of agricultural machinery, and be vigilant of fraudulent activities related to subsidy claims ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2733/agco-and-sdf-partners-to-strengthen-global-position-in-low-mid-horsepower-tractor-segment.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2733/agco-and-sdf-partners-to-strengthen-global-position-in-low-mid-horsepower-tractor-segment.html Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:57:16 +0530 Supply agreement enables a refreshed Massey Ferguson utility tractor range AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, and SDF, one of the world's leading manufacturers of tractors, harvesters, electric self-driving tractors and diesel engines, have signed a supply agreement that will offer farmers a streamlined low-mid range horsepower tractor portfolio for AGCO's leading Massey Ferguson brand. Beginning mid-year 2025, tractor specialist SDF will produce proprietary tractors with up to 85 horsepower for most global markets.  "AGCO and Massey Ferguson's Farmer-First approach is centered on creating a consistently exceptional experience for our farmers," said Luis Felli, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Massey Ferguson. "This partnership will strengthen Massey Ferguson's position in the low-mid horsepower tractor segment globally, allowing us to provide more farmers with straightforward, dependable and high-quality equipment to drive their productivity and maximize profit." The new product range will be offered with various powertrain options to match diverse needs of customers and markets. AGCO expects the refreshed Massey Ferguson portfolio to help boost market share in the segment of up to 85 horsepower. "Partnership highlights the efficiency of SDF's vertically integrated production system in all our facilities," commented Alessandro Maritano, SDF Chief Commercial Officer. "This confirms the value of our in-house expertise and know-how in designing and manufacturing proprietary core components, ensuring excellence and innovation worldwide." The Massey Ferguson global distribution network will begin transitioning to the new offerings in mid-2025 in a phased approach across most global regions. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2727/pyka-unveils-pelican-2-the-worlds-largest-autonomous-crop-protection-aircraft.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2727/pyka-unveils-pelican-2-the-worlds-largest-autonomous-crop-protection-aircraft.html Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:51:00 +0530 Aircraft will revolutionize aerial application, delivering meaningful cost-savings and spray results for growers Pyka, a leader in autonomous electric aviation, has unveiled its next-generation agricultural spray aircraft, Pelican 2. Featuring an expanded 300-liter payload and a work rate of up to 90 hectares per hour, Pelican 2 is the world's largest and most productive autonomous electric agricultural aircraft. With global food demand rising, Pyka aims to revolutionize autonomous aerial applications, providing farmers around the world with unprecedented efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in farm practices. Since launching its first commercial autonomous spray aircraft in 2021, Pyka has continuously refined its technology to meet the demands of the world's most challenging agricultural environments. Pelican's next-generation aerial application system sets new standards for efficiency and performance. Upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system for increased reliability and power Expanded 300-liter payload capacity for longer spray missions and fewer refills Wider 18-meter swath width, supporting multiple spray boom configurations, including hydraulic nozzles and proprietary electric rotary atomizers Dynamic droplet size adjustment to optimize chemical use and minimize drift Five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets, ensuring continuous 24/7 operation Advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying, increasing efficacy and extending spray time. Michael Norcia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pyka said "This aircraft exhibits the reliability, performance, and ease of operation that growers demand. The features and operating economics of this aircraft will revolutionize aerial application, delivering meaningful cost-savings and spray results for growers." Volker Fabian, Chief Commercial Officer at Pyka said "Through extensive real-world operations, the Spray quality, reliability, and seamless operation are at the core of this aircraft, and no other system on the market comes close." Pyka has secured FAA authorization for commercial operation of Pelican 2 in the United States, making this the second time Pyka has gained a groundbreaking commercial approval for its uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products. Pelican 2 is the largest UAS ever approved for commercial use by the FAA, followed only by the original Pelican. Pyka reinforces its global leadership in heavy lift commercial UAS with this milestone. In 2023, Pyka launched successful commercial operations with Dole in Honduras, deploying Pelican to enhance efficiency and precision in banana crop protection. Building on this momentum, Pyka secured a landmark commercial agreement in July 2024 with SLC Agrícola, one of Brazil's largest agricultural producers, to deliver Pelican for large-scale agricultural use. Shortly after, following its first FAA authorization for commercial operation in the United States, Pyka delivered its aircraft to Heinen Brothers Agra Services, one of North America's largest aerial application providers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2726/saudi-arabias-al-khorayef-to-meet-agricultures-energy-demands-in-remote-and-challenging-locations.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2726/saudi-arabias-al-khorayef-to-meet-agricultures-energy-demands-in-remote-and-challenging-locations.html Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:56:55 +0530 Al Khorayef signed a letter of intent to meet agriculture's energy demands in remote and challenging locations Hyliion Holdings Corp. a developer of sustainable electricity-producing technology, has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Al Khorayef Group, a leader in power generation with diverse expertise in industrial machinery, agriculture, and irrigation solutions. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia and operating in more than 40 countries, Al Khorayef is a key player in the power generation industry in the Middle East, with its Gulf Power brand at the forefront. The LOI outlines plans for Hyliion to deliver up to twelve 200 kW KARNO™ generator units to Saudi Arabia for deployment in agricultural and other power generation applications. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to explore the broader potential of KARNO generators in the regional power generation market, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals to reduce pollutants and enhance food security. The KARNO generators are expected to initially operate on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas, with flexibility for other fuels in the future. This adaptability, combined with the KARNO generator’s high efficiency, low emissions footprint, minimal maintenance, and quiet operation, makes it ideal for powering farms, irrigation systems, and agricultural machinery in remote locations where grid power is often unavailable or unreliable. Mohamed bin Alkhorayef, CEO of Al Khorayef Group said “Partnering with Hyliion to bring the first KARNO generators to Saudi Arabia exemplifies our mission to transform essential resources like energy into tools for progress and prosperity.” Across industries, Al Khorayef Group has pioneered innovation for over 50 years. Al Khorayef is committed to advancing sustainability and fostering economic growth in Saudi Arabia and beyond through Gulf Power. “Meeting the energy demands of agriculture in remote and challenging locations requires innovative and efficient solutions,” said Thomas Healy, Founder and CEO of Hyliion. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2724/topcon-agriculture-and-bonsai-robotics-collaborate-on-precision-farming-for-permanent-crops.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2724/topcon-agriculture-and-bonsai-robotics-collaborate-on-precision-farming-for-permanent-crops.html Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:37:42 +0530 Combining robotics with precision agriculture expertise Topcon Agriculture, a global innovator in precision farming technologies, and Bonsai Robotics, a leader in vision-based autonomy for agriculture, announced a joint initiative to advance agricultural automation for permanent crops. The collaboration will leverage Bonsai Robotics’ expertise in vision-based autonomous driving solutions and Topcon Agriculture’s industry-leading capabilities with sensors, connectivity, and smart implements to provide farmers unparalleled efficiency and productivity. The collaboration combines the strengths of Bonsai Robotics’ vision-based, autonomous navigation systems with Topcon Agriculture’s advanced autosteering, telematics and smart implement integration to create end-to-end solutions that address automating labor-intensive tasks, enabling data-driven decision making, and providing high-precision harvesting technology in challenging environments. “At Bonsai Robotics, we are revolutionizing orchard farming by automating some of the industry’s most challenging processes,” said Tyler Niday, CEO of Bonsai Robotics. “Joining forces with Topcon Agriculture allows us to integrate our AI-first approach to vision-based autonomy with their suite of precision sensors and smart implement controls, offering farmers seamless solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability.” “Topcon Agriculture’s advanced autosteering systems, telematics, and implement controls are designed to empower farmers with cutting-edge technology and insights,” said Antonio Marzia, EVP and GM of Topcon Agriculture. “Teaming with Bonsai Robotics extends this capability to orchard farming, enabling us to globally deliver precision automation solutions that address critical pain points in orchard farming including labor shortages, resource inefficiency, and the need for sustainability.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2657/burro-and-geodnet-partner-to-enhance-agricultural-robotics-with-advanced-rtk-gps-technology.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2657/burro-and-geodnet-partner-to-enhance-agricultural-robotics-with-advanced-rtk-gps-technology.html Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:07:47 +0530 GEODNET's cost-effective RTK corrections will improve Burro robots' navigation accuracy and operational efficiency. Burro, a leader in agricultural robotics, and GEODNET, a blockchain company providing precise GPS positioning solutions, have announced a strategic partnership to integrate GEODNET's cutting-edge RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS technology into Burro's autonomous robots. Burro’s robots, made for autonomous material transport across agricultural environments like nurseries, fields, and farms, use advanced AI, computer vision, and LiDAR technology to execute tasks with impressive precision. With the integration of GEODNET’s cost-effective RTK corrections, Burro robots will see even greater navigation accuracy and operational efficiency in areas where reliable GPS coverage is vital. Kevin Leiter, Chief Operating Officer at Burro, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:"This partnership gives our customers access to cost-effective GPS corrections and the ability to expand coverage on demand by deploying new base stations in days, as opposed to weeks or months. It’s an exciting step forward in delivering greater flexibility and precision to our users." Mike Horton, Founder of GEODNET, also commented on the collaboration:"We are pleased to partner with Burro, whose innovative robotic solutions are redefining modern agriculture. By integrating GEODNET’s RTK technology, we’re not only ensuring precision and reliability for Burro’s robots but also advancing the accessibility of high-performance GPS for the agricultural sector. This partnership underscores our commitment to enabling transformative applications of GPS technology." Through this agreement, GEODNET will provide RTK corrections and base stations to Burro, enabling their robots to operate efficiently in regions lacking current GPS coverage. The ability to rapidly deploy new base stations will ensure greater flexibility for Burro's customers, allowing them to scale operations quickly and effectively. This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture, enhancing the capabilities of robotic systems that are already transforming farming practices. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2631/chinas-xag-reveals-its-2025-product-portfolios-to-unfold-smart-agriculture-ecosystem.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2631/chinas-xag-reveals-its-2025-product-portfolios-to-unfold-smart-agriculture-ecosystem.html Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:34:38 +0530 Themed “Future Farming Unfolds,” the XAAC 2024 reflected XAG’s 11-year journey of innovation in agriculture China based global smart agriculture technology company, XAG held its Annual Conference (XAAC 2024) under the theme “Future Farming Unfolds", marking a major milestone in XAG’s journey to build a fully integrated agriculture ecosystem. Centered around four critical agricultural stages—land preparation, sowing, crop management, and harvesting—the conference showcased XAG's 2025 product lineup, including P150/P60 Agricultural Drone, APC2 AutoPilot Console, and Smart Fertigation System. Peng Bin, CEO of XAG, emphasized the urgent need for a system-based approach to tackle modern agricultural challenges such as rural aging, climate change, and food security. XAG’s integrated smart farm solutions—combining autonomous drones, ground robots, fertigation systems, and IoT devices—promise to improve efficiency and reduce production costs for farmers globally. The event attracted over 150 distributors and partners of XAG from more than 30 countries and regions. Representatives from key markets shared their success stories at XAAC 2024, highlighting the localized impact of XAG technologies. XAG P150/P60 Agricultural Drone: The Next-Level Efficiency XAG sets a new benchmark in smart farming with its P150 drone, featuring the highest payload and unmatched efficiency in the international drone market. Through cutting-edge industrial design, intelligent flight ability, and smartphone control, the XAG P150 Agricultural Drone is capable of fulfilling plant protection needs and diverse farming tasks including seeding, fertilizer spreading, and field mapping. XAG APC2 AutoPilot Console: Navigate with Precision Breaking through the limitations of traditional autopilot systems, the XAG APC2 Autopilot Console delivers a cost-effective automated steering solution for agricultural machinery such as tractors, transplanters and harvesters, which enables centimeter-level accuracy operation and reduces operator fatigue on farm. XAG Smart Fertigation System: Manage Farm with a Smartphone While drones have reshaped pesticide application, the XAG Smart Fertigation System tackles the remaining challenge—bringing precision and efficiency to water and nutrient delivery through smartphones. Together, these integrated technologies complete the smart farming ecosystem, equipping farmers to manage tasks—from plant protection to irrigation and fertigation- all at their fingertips. XAG Smart Fertigation System can seamlessly integrate with the existing irrigation setups to automate the distribution of water and nutrients. By dissolving fertilizers into liquid form that flows directly to plant roots through pipes, the system optimizes crop nutrition, and controls irrigation timing and volume for maximum efficiency. In an era of labor shortages and resource constraints, this solution achieves more with less. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2557/zoomlion-features-latest-innovative-agricultural-solutions-in-china-international-agricultural-machinery-exhibition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2557/zoomlion-features-latest-innovative-agricultural-solutions-in-china-international-agricultural-machinery-exhibition.html Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:19:55 +0530 Zoomlion released the TF220 combine harvester, which boasts the largest feeding capacity, horsepower, mowing width, and grain tank in the Chinese market Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. has showcased the latest high-end intelligent agricultural machinery equipment products, advanced solutions and technological innovations to the 2024 China International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition held from October 26 to 28 in Changsha, China. The intelligent agriculture section highlighted three precision systems of fertilizer application, irrigation and plant protection, IoT equipment, an on-site farm management platform, and a smart farming cloud application. By converging the mature construction machinery technologies of new energy, digitalization, and AI with agricultural equipment, Zoomlion has achieved numerous breakthroughs in the industry. At the Exhibition, Zoomlion' featured its diverse portfolio including nine new high-end models, optimized for international markets, and a comprehensive series for the entire crop production process. Zoomlion released the TF220 combine harvester, which boasts the largest feeding capacity, horsepower, mowing width, and grain tank in the Chinese market. Along with harvesting crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, it also adopts the compound threshing and large area cleaning system that reduces seed loss to less than 0.6 percent while delivering high operation efficiency and reliability. Zoomlion also introduced the industry-leading 5HXQ-60 low-temperature double-cycle dryer, the DV3804 hybrid tractor with 380 horsepower, and PL80 crawler type harvester. Other key innovations in digital and smart agriculture showcased included the ZZBU-50 crop protection drone, ZLDAPR-001 fruit-picking robot, HEV500 hybrid tractor powertrain, and PL80 crawler-type harvester, along with essential components such as self-developed threshing drums and bus electric control valves. To date, Zoomlion Smart Agriculture has served over ten million acres of land across China and supported agriculture development by leveraging digital core technologies of rice farming, with its products and services now covering over 60 countries and regions. "We are at the new beginning of shared development. With strong R&D, production process and manufacturing capabilities, I am confident we can achieve greater growth in the global agricultural machinery industry," said Lu Qing, assistant president of Zoomlion. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2520/cropx-launches-vra-feature-to-optimise-field-productivity.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2520/cropx-launches-vra-feature-to-optimise-field-productivity.html Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:02:56 +0530 New feature empowers users to optimise seeding, irrigation water, and fertilizer based on in-field variations, maximising the productivity CropX has announced the launch of an enhanced variable rate application (VRA) planning capability for growers to use to improve the precision of their in-field operations. This new feature empowers users to optimise seeding, irrigation water, and fertilizer based on in-field variations, maximising the productivity and efficiency of a field. VRA and variable rate irrigation (VRI) are an integrated part of the CropX agronomic farm management system, which synthesises data from the soil to the sky to offer agronomic advice and record keeping to optimise inputs and maximise yields. The latest VRA capability allows users to create detailed seeding and fertilizer application maps for their fields and easily export the maps to machinery for immediate implementation. In tandem with the VRA launch, CropX has enhanced its variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology to make the creation of irrigation scripts easier and more customisable. The new and improved VRI is now fully integrated with the VRA tool, enabling users to develop scripts with the same custom-derived management zones as those used in VRA. By integrating VRA with CropX's existing suite of sensors, weather stations, gauges and analytics tools, users can leverage comprehensive data to inform their application strategies. This results in more efficient use of resources and improved crop yields. The precision offered by VRA and VRI leads to a reduction in the over-application of water and chemicals and results in better crop yields, supporting sustainable farming practices and lowering operational costs. "CropX's new VRA capability offers another pathway to farm optimisation," said Taha Ghaznavi, Global SVP Product of CropX. "By allowing farmers to apply inputs and seeding more accurately and efficiently, we are not only improving crop health and yield but also contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. This integration with our enhanced VRI technology provides a comprehensive solution that addresses the diverse needs of modern farming." Farmers and agricultural managers will find the new VRA capability beneficial in addressing the challenges posed by variable soil conditions and climate change. The ability to customise application maps and implement them in the field ensures that resources are used effectively, leading to healthier crops and more productive fields. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2540/new-zealand-based-agritech-company-robotics-plus-designs-autonomous-multi-use-hybrid-vehicle-for-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2540/new-zealand-based-agritech-company-robotics-plus-designs-autonomous-multi-use-hybrid-vehicle-for-agriculture.html Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:24:05 +0530 Prospr's advanced AI capabilities are driving efficiency, sustainability, safety, and precision New Zealand-based agritech company Robotics Plus, revels Prospr, its autonomous, multi-use, hybrid vehicle for agriculture. Designed to carry out a variety of orchard and vineyard crop tasks more efficiently and sustainably while reducing reliance on labor, Prospr was launched last year at  FIRA USA, an event dedicated to autonomous agriculture and agricultural robotics solutions. Prospr is already transforming orchard and vineyard operations in the US, Australia and New Zealand.Steve Saunders, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Robotics Plus, says, “The big challenge for growers globally is how to consistently produce more food sustainably while reducing their environmental impact. That’s why we developed Prospr, a robust autonomous vehicle with unique modular architecture and all-day running that empowers growers to adapt to the jobs they need to do in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Prospr’s design centres on utilization and flexibility, adapting to different tools for various crop types, growing formats and heights, and applications year-round - maximizing return on investment. Robotics Plus founders Steve Saunders (CEO) and Dr Alistair Scarfe (Chief Engineering Officer) “Prospr significantly increases efficiency across a variety of crop tasks, with capabilities including automated intelligent spraying, decreases emissions by reducing fuel consumption by 70% with its hybrid diesel-electric system, and reduces inputs - enhancing environmental sustainability, cost, and reliance on increasingly hard-to-find machine operators. It’s great to see Prospr already working in orchards and vineyards globally to elevate operations.”AI-powered navigation, safety and precisionAt the core of Prospr’s innovation is its advanced AI (artificial intelligence) system, which combines intelligent features to maximize efficiency, safety, and operational uptime in demanding orchard and vineyard environments. ·       Collision avoidance system: Prospr’s state-of-the-art collision avoidance system integrates LiDAR and cameras to detect and identify obstacles, ensuring safe navigation in complex environments. This system enables Prospr to autonomously adjust its speed, avoid obstacles, and stop when necessary, maintaining high operational speeds while ensuring safety. ·       LiDAR technology for obstacle detection: LiDAR’s (light detection and ranging) precise measuring capabilities use laser pulses to allow Prospr to create detailed 3D maps of the surroundings and distinguish between harmless elements like grass and foliage and critical obstacles. Prospr can maintain operational speeds while autonomously navigating row crops, only slowing or stopping for significant obstacles. For other obstacles in a row, the vehicle will slow to a safe speed and rely on triggering the front bumper to bring it to a stop if necessary. Intuitive user interface (UI) for seamless control Prospr’s highly intuitive user interface (UI) empowers operators to manage and monitor tasks remotely and efficiently. This interface simplifies complex operations, making it easy for operators to harness the full potential of autonomous technology. Key Features: Operators can manage and organise the day's jobs for multiple machines from a single location, track job status in real-time, remotely (enabling them to take care of other tasks) and maintain a detailed record of active and completed jobs. This enhanced visibility enables more precise planning, improved reporting, and operational flexibility. Safety and Environmental Controls: Operators can set parameters to ensure safe operations that protect people, crops, and the environment, aligning with sustainability goals. Vehicle: Operators can get an overview of vehicle stats and monitor what is happening while the vehicle runs a mission and can seamlessly switch between manual and autonomous functions. Intelligent and targeted spraying: Growers can deploy a range of spray configurations on Prospr, with tower sprayers for grapes, apples, or tree crops already available. Spray rates and air speed are dynamic and controlled in zones or by individual fans to maximise spray efficacy and enable a more targeted application than traditional sprayers. The fine mist and turbulent air produced by the sprayers put spray on the backs of leaves; all of this results in superior droplet formation and spray deposition. Other attachments are under development and will be released over time. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2529/advancing-eco-agriculture-announces-global-partnership-with-turkish-precision-ag-technology-company-topraq.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2529/advancing-eco-agriculture-announces-global-partnership-with-turkish-precision-ag-technology-company-topraq.html Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:39:00 +0530 The strategic relationship will contribute to a more informed, efficient and profitable agricultural future. Regenerative agriculture pioneer Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) announced a global partnership with Topraq, a Turkish precision agriculture technology company. Topraq specializes in optimizing inputs such as water, energy, and fertilizers using sensor data to enhance farm profitability across Turkey and surrounding regions. The partnership, which includes an investment from Topraq in AEA, will strengthen both companies' offerings to growers seeking to adopt regenerative practices for their citrus, grape, cotton and other high value crops. It will provide them with more robust technology – including precision testing and plant nutrition products – and the agronomy expertise needed to grow healthy plants, build soil health and ultimately increase on-farm profitability. Notably, the partnership will bring increased access to regenerative agricultural solutions for growers in southeast Europe and west and central Asia, a crucial area in the global food supply and a region in which Topraq works extensively. “AEA and Topraq believe regenerative agriculture is the path forward to revolutionize global agriculture,” said Eric Girdler, CEO for AEA. “By joining forces, we are expanding access to regenerative agriculture solutions to positively impact our food system and further a resilient future for generations to come.” The partnership establishes the groundwork for Topraq and AEA to jointly introduce their combined solutions in Turkey and surrounding countries. The offering will include Croptix, a precision agtech platform for in-field early detection of crop nutrition and disease. AEA is a strategic investor in Croptix and a development partner for its in-field plant nutrient testing. The Croptix technology has proven to be particularly beneficial to growers of citrus, a major market for Topraq. Among other benefits, Croptix can identify early indications of Huanglongbing (HLB) citrus greening, which is one of the most destructive citrus plant diseases in the world. “This partnership bridges a critical gap in agricultural data,” said Cem Ertal, CEO of Topraq. “Topraq’s investment in AEA highlights our dedication to innovation and our mission to provide farmers with cutting-edge agricultural solutions. At Topraq, we believe that understanding the data is key—‘if you can’t measure, you can’t manage.’ By combining AEA’s expertise with our technology, we’re empowering farmers to make informed decisions that boost crop performance, lower input costs, and promote environmental sustainability. This is precision farming taken to the next level.” Since 2006, AEA has worked with more than 10,000 growers across four million acres in the United States and globally, successfully implementing regenerative agriculture systems – a growing $3.6 billion market. AEA works with growers using a combination of plant nutrients and biologicals, expert agronomic consulting, plant and soil testing, data-driven crop nutrition programs, and real-time analytics to measure performance. “Regenerative agriculture will always be a mix of observation, intuition and technology,” said John Kempf, AEA's founder and chief vision officer. “But at the same time, 'test, not guess' is AEA's mantra. Precise testing that provides real-time data helps growers do their job better, thereby increasing yields and farm profits.” By combining Topraq’s precision technology and AEA’s whole systems approach, the companies are setting a new standard in regenerative agriculture globally. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2504/tafe-a-world-leader-in-tractor-manufacturing-expands-its-global-footprint-with-a-subsidiary-in-mexico.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2504/tafe-a-world-leader-in-tractor-manufacturing-expands-its-global-footprint-with-a-subsidiary-in-mexico.html Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:19:36 +0530 TAFE tractors with global outreach in more than 80 countries strengthening farms in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world, established in 1960 and the second largest in India, is set to open a subsidiary in Mexico to provide more and better support to its wide customer base. It is expected to commence operations in January 2025. TAFE is currently in discussions with several agencies, including interested parties for partnership. TAFE tractors are sold worldwide in more than 80 countries strengthening farms in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America, with a strong distribution network. TAFE's product range includes compact tractors from 20-30 horsepower (HP) mechanical and hydrostatic, and a full range of medium-sized tractors from 35 HP to 110 HP. The range includes basic and advanced versions of tractors, cab and open-station tractors. With its vast experience in international markets, the tractors produced by TAFE are well known and have been winning the favor of Mexican customers for several years. The development of the Mexican market marks a significant step forward for TAFE after the recent and successful launch of its tractor line in Europe. In addition to tractors, TAFE and its subsidiaries have other business offerings in areas such as agricultural equipment, precision farm management solutions, diesel engines and generator sets, agro-industrial engines, engineering plastics, gears and transmission components, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, all manufactured in world-class manufacturing plants in India and Turkey. In addition, TAFE also offers vehicle franchising and manages plantations. TAFE TRACTORS is the flagship brand of TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, a major tractor company established in Chennai, India in 1960 with an annual turnover exceeding $1.6 billion. As one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world and the second largest in India in terms of volume, TAFE sells over 180,000 tractors annually. In addition to tractors, TAFE and its subsidiaries have diverse business interests in areas such as agricultural machinery, diesel engines and generator sets, agro-industrial engines, engineering plastics, gears and transmission components, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, vehicle franchising and plantations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2419/case-ih-goes-live-with-fieldops-connectivity-included-and-new-api-partnerships.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2419/case-ih-goes-live-with-fieldops-connectivity-included-and-new-api-partnerships.html Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:04:35 +0530 The new FieldOps mobile and web application, Connectivity Included, and expanded API partnerships will allow farmers to more easily manage their fleets and access actionable data remotely to deliver bottom line benefits Case IH, an American agricultural machinery manufacturer is launching a series of technology initiatives that put the farmer user-experience at the forefront. The all-new FieldOps™ mobile and web application redefines the way farmers connect, view, and manage their operations with an expanded API integration. Case IH is also announcing “Connectivity Included”, eliminating subscriptions on selected new machines and simplifying the process of customising technology needs. The Case IH FieldOps web and mobile app can be download in the App Store and Google Play Store. FieldOps seamlessly connects and integrates agronomic insights and machine performance data, providing farmers with a comprehensive overview of their operations and their Case IH fleet. Redesigned with special attention to streamlining the user experience, FieldOps makes it easier to access agronomic and machine data from anywhere with a mobile or Wi-Fi connection. Jeremy Duniam, Head of Precision Technology at CNH ANZ, says “FieldOps gives us the opportunity to fulfill the three main needs farmers have with connectivity and precision tech: interoperability, ease of use, and data transfer”. One key feature of FieldOps is the remote display view which allows farmers to see all parts of the in-cab screen. Operators can be guided from a distance with the aim of minimising downtime and maximising productivity through quick and targeted assistance. With FieldOps, farmers can monitor crop health, growth stages and field conditions to make informed agronomic decisions. Farmers can also track machinery usage, fuel consumption and machine performance with continual updates to improve operational efficiency, labour management and maintenance scheduling. FieldOps also allows farmers to customise their view based on what’s important to them, including setting notifications, alarms and adjusting the settings for each machine, creating machine parameter favourites, and choosing between light or dark mode. FieldOps is purposefully designed to incorporate all Case IH data and information into one consistent, user-friendly interface across mobile devices and web browsers. Users get easier access to their agronomic and operational data, eliminating hurdles navigating within digital platforms, and ultimately, helping improve productivity thanks to an expanded range of global API partnerships. Additionally, Case IH has announced Connectivity Included which removes subscription fees from Case IH technology for qualifying machines built after 1 October, 2024. With Connectivity Included, farmers can access all the benefits of connectivity without ongoing subscription costs. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2225/wsu-develops-robotic-gripper-for-automated-apple-picking-developed.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2225/wsu-develops-robotic-gripper-for-automated-apple-picking-developed.html Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:04:51 +0530 The gripper uses three cables to move 3D-printed hard plastic and silicone rubber-tipped fingers. A robotic gripper developed by Washington State University researchers is able to gently grab the majority of apples out of a tree without damaging the fruit. The research is funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. The innovative gripper is part of a robotic set-up that the researchers are hoping will someday do fruit picking and other farm chores for Washington farmers to help alleviate ongoing labor shortages. Weighing about two-thirds of a pound, the gripper uses three cables to move 3D-printed hard plastic and silicone rubber-tipped fingers. The fingers have to be gentle enough that they don’t damage the apples but strong enough to pull the apple off the tree. At a cost of about $30 to produce, the gripper includes a switch to grasp the apple and let go. It was able to successfully grab more than 87.5% of the apples in an orchard without damaging them. Washington state leads the nation in apple production, and in 2022, the industry contributed more than two billion dollars to the U.S. gross domestic product. Throughout Washington, farms employ anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of workers each year for orchard operations, including for pollination, pruning, flower thinning and fruit harvesting. With an aging population and a decrease in migrant farm workers, however, farmers have struggled to meet their needs for workers during harvest season. In recent years, researchers have started developing robotic apple harvesting systems, but the ones that have been developed are expensive and complex to use in orchards. The WSU team will next connect their light-weight gripper to a low-cost robot system that they are developing. Similar to inflatable tube-people often used in outdoor advertising at car dealerships, the robot arm is made of a soft fabric filled with air that is similar but stiffer than the car dealership version. As part of the project, the researchers are also working to add an onboard camera to their system that can precisely guide the arm as well as a gripper that can twist, similar to a human hand’s rotation to reduce the damage of the apple stem. They expect to try the system out in their lab and then farm fields later this year. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2131/magrowtec-and-certis-belchim-partners-to-enhance-plant-protection-product-performance.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2131/magrowtec-and-certis-belchim-partners-to-enhance-plant-protection-product-performance.html Tue, 14 May 2024 12:02:25 +0530 MagrowTec, the company behind the patented technology for crop sprayers, and Certis Belchim, a leading global provider of crop protection solutions, are strengthening through strategic collaboration. MagrowTec’s innovative technology delivers proven precision spraying solutions that offer the best compromise between minimizing spray drift and achieving optimal coverage. This enhances farm productivity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship and ensures that vital crop protection products are effectively applied on targeted crops or weeds, whilst limiting their impact on the environment. This collaboration aims to combine the strength of Certis Belchim’s conventional and biological products with MagrowTec’s ground-breaking spray technology to provide efficient and sustainable plant protection solutions to growers across a broad range of crops. Both companies are committed to drive positive change in agriculture by fostering innovation in the development and use of plant protection solutions that deliver more efficient spraying, enhance performance, particularly of biological products, and enable good stewardship practice. The agreement will be focused on bringing to the market combined solutions featuring MagrowTec’s patented and proprietary technology together with Certis Belchim’s crop protection products, both conventional and biorationals “We are thrilled to collaborate with Certis Belchim in this transformative initiative,” said Gary Wickham, CEO of MagrowTec. “This partnership represents a convergence of expertise and vision, as we work together to shape the future of farming. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural innovation and delivering solutions that benefit farmers and the environment.” “This collaboration shows our commitment to responsible practices,” said Jacques Haverlant, Head of R&D at Certis Belchim. “We seek not only to improve the efficiency of our products, but also to drive the use of IPM programmes and enable the adoption of good stewardship practice. We believe this approach, while directly benefitting customers and farmers, will also contribute to making sustainability in agriculture a practical reality.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2106/agritechnica-asia-horti-asia-2024-to-unveil-in-bangkok-thailand-on-22-24-may.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2106/agritechnica-asia-horti-asia-2024-to-unveil-in-bangkok-thailand-on-22-24-may.html Wed, 08 May 2024 10:19:04 +0530 More than 300 international exhibitors – DLG is co-organizer – Supported by Thai Ministry of Agriculture – Technical program enables professional exchange and in-depth analysis With two weeks to go before kick-off, AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA, Asia’s leading trade fairs for crop production and smart farming, will be showcasing solutions from more than 300 exhibitors from 28 countries. Organized by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), VNU Asia Pacific, and officially co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, the event takes place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Thailand, 22-24 May, 2024, offering visiting farming professionals access to this major hub of machinery and horticultural innovation in Asia. Attendees, which include large-scale farmers, cooperatives and dealers in the region, will be able to explore suitable equipment and solutions from the world's leading agricultural manufacturers including AGCO with Massey Ferguson as well as Case New Holland, Changfa, CLAAS, Fliegl, John Deere, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Netafim. These industry leaders offer technology solutions that address challenges in the Asian region, from increasing crop yields to optimizing water and resource management. As the global agricultural sector addresses pressing challenges such as climate change, food scarcity, and environmental sustainability, the technical farm solutions presented at AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA will become increasingly important. This year, AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA will not only present innovations that enhance farm productivity but also promote sustainable practices and smart farming technologies that contribute to environmental conservation and improved food systems. The two parallel events will serve as a platform for industry leaders from across the globe to exchange knowledge and views that will contribute to developing the region further. Katharina Staske, Managing Director of DLG Asia Pacific, highlighted the scale and diversity of this year's trade fair: “We will be presenting leading manufacturers from all sectors along the value chain of crop production. For example, soil cultivation experts like Lemken from Germany, Shaktiman from India, and KW Metal Work from Thailand will be present.“ “Visitors from 62 countries have already registered, which makes the 4th edition of AGRITECHNICA ASIA an international hub in Asia for the agricultural community to explore themes of sustainability and innovation under this year's guiding theme, ’Co-Creation and Sustainable Networks’" she added. The conference program explores pressing issues in-depth including the avoidance of air pollution from burning residues, pathways to achieving carbon neutrality and the adoption of smart farming solutions. Key discussions will be led by professional organizations like the Thailand Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, the International Rice Research Institute, the Thai Society of Agricultural Engineering and the Asian Association for Agricultural Engineering. Mrs Panadda Kongma, Vice President of Business for VNU Asia Pacific, expressed excitement about the upcoming event: "The 8th edition of Horti Asia 2024 is poised to transform the horticulture significantly. Together with Agritechnica Asia featuring over 300 companies from 28 countries, including top industry leaders like Netafim and Klasmaan-Deilmann, alongside esteemed partners such as Dummen Orange and Agaris, this event is our most dynamic yet. We are proud to collaborate with respected entities like the Netherlands Embassy and the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, enhancing our global knowledge exchange." Agritechnica Asia has been supported by the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives since its inception. Dr. Vanida Khumnirdpetch, Director of the Bureau of Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized Thailand’s strategic response to global agricultural challenges: "Given the pressing global challenges we face – climate change, sustainability, and food security – it is crucial for Thailand to tailor its strategies accordingly," she explained. "Innovative ideas and collaboration are essential for addressing these issues, which is what you'll find at AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA, perfectly aligning with this year’s theme of 'Co-creation and Sustainable Networks'." International cooperation is an important part of food security in the region: "Addressing sustainable food security challenges in the face of climate change is paramount for those of us in the agricultural sector," said Dr. Gijs Theunissen, Agricultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand. "At Horti Asia 2024, the Embassy of the Netherlands, together with our Thai partners, will host the Thai-Dutch Session focused on 'Innovative & Sustainable Horticulture: A Thai-Dutch Inspiration in Global Context On May 22' Our aim is to foster an exchange of innovative agricultural practices and horticultural knowledge to contribute to sustainable food security." The Thai and German Ministries of Agriculture will be highlighted at the trade fair. “We are excited to invite providers of modern sustainable technologies to join us at our session on May 24, 2024, to create impactful solutions together. Our objective is to enhance the sustainability of agricultural production and contribute to the transformation of the Thai agricultural sector.“ explained Karsten Ziebell, Team Leader of the German-Thai Cooperation Project on Innovation Networks (GETHAC), which is implemented by DLG and AFC. Agritechnica Asia and Horti Asia highlights at a glance: Innovation Showcases: Product launches and innovations from 300 exhibitors, including global leaders like Netafim, Klasmaan-Deilmann, Dummen Orange, John Deere, Mahindra & Mahindra, AGCO, CNH, and CLAAS.Business Matching: Special focus on facilitating business between manufacturers and importers, with targeted sessions on market entry in the Philippines or Thailand. Knowledge Transfer: Collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to provide more than 1,000 Thai farmers with insights from global agricultural experts through guided tours of the fair. By registering in advance attendees enter for free, saving 30 USD, and can reserve conference seats and receive a welcome kits. For more information and to register, please visit: AGRITECHNICA ASIA at www.agritechnica-asia.comHORTI ASIA at www.horti-asia.com ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2049/computomics-and-arc-centre-collaborate-to-accelerate-plant-breeding-with-machine-learning-methods.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2049/computomics-and-arc-centre-collaborate-to-accelerate-plant-breeding-with-machine-learning-methods.html Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:03:16 +0530 To drive innovation and accelerate genetic gain in plant breeding Computomics and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture administered by The University of Queensland will collaborate on the investigation of machine learning methods to enhance complex trait predictions and accelerate genetic gain for plant breeding. Under this collaboration, Computomics and the Centre will combine their expertise to drive innovation and accelerate genetic gain in plant breeding. Leveraging Computomics' climate-smart breeding technology and expertise from the Centre for Plant Success, the collaboration aims to improve selection in breeding for complex traits, for instance related to branching and flowering. This includes the definition of optimized combinations of genomic, environmental and management data for prediction-based breeding strategies designed to account for Genotype by Environment by Management (GxExM) interactions. "We have been in exchange with Mark for about a year already and are now excited to formalize the collaboration with him, with his team and with The University of Queensland, a global leader in plant science research and plant breeding. This partnership will leverage the power of AI and machine learning to accelerate crop improvement and contribute to a more sustainable food future", says Dr. Sebastian J. Schultheiss, Managing Director at Computomics. “We are really excited to have Computomics as a new patner in our Centre of Excellence to explore how to harness the power of machine learning to enhance prediction applications for agriculture in natural systems”, says Professor Mark Cooper, Deputy Director of the Centre for Plant Success based at The University of Queensland. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2043/agco-launches-ptx-a-precision-ag-portfolio-to-accelerate-technology-transformation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/2043/agco-launches-ptx-a-precision-ag-portfolio-to-accelerate-technology-transformation.html Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:15:45 +0530 The strategic alignment of these brands will facilitate the rapid growth of AGCO's technology transformation AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, today announced the launch of PTx, a new brand representing its precision ag portfolio. PTx combines precision ag technologies from the cornerstones of AGCO's tech stack: Precision Planting and its newest joint venture (JV), PTx Trimble. The strategic alignment of these brands will facilitate the rapid growth of AGCO's technology transformation and will support the future development and distribution of next-generation ag technologies for farmers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). PTx will serve farmers around the world through three go-to-market approaches. Specialized precision ag dealers will help farmers retrofit almost any make or vintage of equipment they already own with the latest technologies. PTx will also expand its relationships with more than 100 OEM partners that can integrate products from the PTx portfolio directly at the factory. Similarly, new machines from AGCO's leading brands – Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra – will also offer factory-fit technology from the PTx portfolio. Seth Crawford, Senior Vice President and General Manager PTx, will lead the new organization as an industry-leading, mixed-fleet precision ag platform serving farmers globally. "We believe technology should give farmers the flexibility to work their way across brands and throughout the crop cycle," said Crawford. "Through the PTx portfolio offerings within Precision Planting and PTx Trimble, we'll provide seamlessly compatible, powerfully simple precision ag solutions. We know farming is easier when platforms speak to each other – and when those systems are designed and supported by experts who understand farmers. That's what PTx is promising our customers around the world." The name PTx is rooted in AGCO's heritage: precision agriculture (P) and advanced technologies (T) that multiply (x) the impact it creates for farmers through seamless, intelligent and farmer-centric technologies. The symbol represents the precise rows and fields in agriculture and tells a story of global connection. To present a unified offering to the market, Precision Planting's visual identity is evolving as part of the new PTx brand portfolio while retaining the brand's well-known corn plant as a nod to its rich heritage. The PTx Trimble visual identity mirrors that of the PTx leading brand. AGCO completed the JV transaction with Trimble on April 1, 2024, to form PTx Trimble. Andrew Sunderman has been named General Manager of PTx Trimble. Sunderman's 12 years of experience in various global AGCO roles, including most recently leading the JV integration team, position him well to run this business. "Farmers rely on precision ag technologies to increase yields, decrease waste and maximize their resources," said Sunderman. "The launch of PTx and the start of the PTx Trimble JV enable us to better serve farmers, offering them retrofit and factory-fit solutions to achieve their financial and operational goals." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1970/croplands-and-robotics-plus-partner-to-introduce-prospr-to-the-australian-horticulture-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1970/croplands-and-robotics-plus-partner-to-introduce-prospr-to-the-australian-horticulture-market.html Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:07:05 +0530 Robotics Plus’ Prospr, a multi-use autonomous vehicle for sustainable vineyard and orchard production hits Australia and New Zealand markets Croplands is now the exclusive Australasian distributor of Prospr, a robust autonomous, multi-use hybrid vehicle platform for horticulture crops designed by Robotics Plus. Prospr significantly increases efficiency across a variety of crop tasks and alleviates labour challenges, with capabilities including automated intelligent spraying. The distribution agreement complements the existing technology partnership between the companies. Robotics Plus specialises in the design and build of robotics, AI, and autonomous machines, and Croplands has over 50 years of experience in world-leading spraying solutions. Sean Mulvaney, General Manager, Croplands, says, “We are proud to partner with Robotics Plus on the design and manufacture of world-leading Quantum sprayer modules to integrate onto Prospr, the autonomous platform developed in New Zealand for horticulture markets. Our focus on bringing emerging solutions to the market continues with the opportunity to distribute Prospr and a range of sprayer attachments across Australia and New Zealand.”   Some of the key features are; Robust and flexible to maximise utility: Prospr is a robust autonomous vehicle with all-day running that adapts to growers’ jobs while reducing emissions, inputs, and reliance on increasingly hard-to-find machine operators. Prospr’s unique modular architecture accommodates multiple interchangeable tools being developed, including newly released tower sprayers for grapes, apples, or tree crops. Fuel Efficiency: Prospr has an all-electric drive system for superior torque and control. Its onboard power generation, with a Tier 4 diesel generator, allows the vehicle to operate for extended periods without charging or refuelling. Regenerative braking and high-capacity batteries extend range, while its intelligent all-wheel-drive system with independent wheel motors gives superior manoeuvrability, grip, and control.Modular and adaptable: Prospr has a small footprint and unique steering configuration, incorporating electric steering and independent motors. The vehicle turns covers the ground area faster, maximising productivity and spray time compared to machines that turn on every second row or greater. The vehicle’s lightweight design, combined with its unique tyre and wheel configuration, reduces ground compaction.  Q Series Sprayers: Q Series Sprayers, developed by Robotics Plus in conjunction with Croplands, allow growers to deploy a range of sprayer configurations, adapting to various crop types and growing systems. The sprayers are built using Croplands Quantum fans that produce targeted, controlled and turbulent air for better coverage from the superior droplet formation and spray deposition.  Safety and Management: To implement Prospr, a mesh network is installed to give a more consistent connection and interaction with the machine, improving operational efficiencies and user safety. Multiple machines can be managed simultaneously by one or two operators from a single remote control via a fixed or mobile console ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1958/bayer-pilots-unique-generative-ai-tool-for-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1958/bayer-pilots-unique-generative-ai-tool-for-agriculture.html Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:18:32 +0530 Expert generative AI system has been trained by Bayer agronomists and proprietary data to benefit farmers, agronomic advisors, other industry users Bayer announced the pilot of an expert GenAI system to benefit farmers and up-level agronomists in their daily work. The company has been using proprietary agronomic data to train a large language model (LLM) with years of internal data, insights from thousands of trials within its vast testing network, and centuries of aggregated experience from Bayer agronomists around the world. Bayer has developed an expert system that quickly and accurately answers questions related to agronomy, farm management, and Bayer agricultural products. Instead of a time-consuming process, the intuitive system responds to natural language and can generate expert information within seconds. Validated by agronomists, the pilot is already unlocking productivity for Bayer teams in the United States while significantly outperforming out-of-the-box LLMs currently serving the agricultural market.   The future benefit in comparison to today's reality: A farmer asks their agronomic advisor a series of detailed questions about a product's characteristics, performance under specific conditions, and application rates. Today, the advisor searches online materials, sends text messages to colleagues, gathers information from multiple sources, and puts together a response, all while the farmer waits hours or days for urgently needed information. Bayer's expert GenAI system is changing the game, making better information more quickly and readily available. "Our unique GenAI system has the potential serve agronomists and benefit farmers all over the world, further advancing AI as an indispensable technology for agriculture," said Amanda McClerren, CIO and Head of Digital Transformation & Information Technology for Bayer's Crop Science division. "We'll continue to use traditional AI to develop better products, and we're also committed to harnessing new GenAI technology in a thoughtful way that augments and supports knowledgeable experts across the industry, bringing value to farmers and those who serve them." Developed in collaboration with Microsoft as leading technology partner and Ernst & Young (EY) as an industry partner, Bayer is exploring ways to integrate the expert GenAI system into its digital offerings, and the company anticipates broad opportunities for collaboration with other agricultural offerings and partners. Designed as a global capability, the tool will benefit millions of smallholder farmers in the future by democratizing access to agronomic advice and product information critical to feeding communities and improving global food security. Bayer targets to expand the pilot of the expert GenAI system to selected agronomists and potentially farmers as early as this year, while continuing to advance a separate GenAI prototype allowing users to directly query their own farm data. Because they also pull insights from closed data sets, these GenAI tools are unique for agriculture and will bring more meaningful value to farmers, agronomists and other industry users, compared to out-of-the-box LLMs that only use open-source data. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1897/chinas-zte-introduces-innovative-5g-a-products-to-aid-futuristic-agri-tech-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1897/chinas-zte-introduces-innovative-5g-a-products-to-aid-futuristic-agri-tech-solutions.html Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:57:00 +0530 ZTE unveils 10 new 5G-Advanced technologies products which can elevate the performances at express logistics, emergency rescue, environmental monitoring, agriculture, forestry and plant protection Corporation a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, hosted "5G-Advanced Innovation and New Product Release Conference" at MWC Barcelona 2024, which systematically demonstrated ZTE's panoramic planning and futuristic innovations for the 5G-A era, and released 10 new stunning 5G-A products, fully preparing for 5G-A commercial use. China's three major telecom operators and industry partners also participated the conference. Zhang Wanchun, Senior Vice President at ZTE, pointed out in his opening keynote speech that, the unveiling of 5G-Advanced technologies is an exciting milestone for the possibility and potential of the future communication technology development. 5G-Advanced represents more than an evolution stage from 5G to 6G in speed and connectivity; it signals a paradigm shift in the way people live, work and play. He called on the industry to join hands and work together for a smarter and more connected intelligent world. Li Xiaotong, Vice President at ZTE, General Manager of RAN products, delivered a speech entitled "New Horizon of 5G Advanced," and shared ZTE's understanding, planning and achievements of 5G-A. "5G-A is consistent with the evolution direction of 5G-A and 6G in the industry, which is an enhancement to 5G and a connection to 6G. 5G-A will enhance its capabilities in three major 5G scenarios, in terms of eMBB, mMTC and uRLLC, and meanwhile, it will open up three major scenarios, including integrated sensing & communication, universal intelligence and ubiquitous connectivity." said Li Xiaotong. "Through the six-dimensional scenarios' enhancement and expansion, 5G-A will continuously realize the infinite value for B2C digital life, B2B digital industry and B2X digital society. ZTE has implemented several 5G-A use cases in different domains, demonstrating the exciting prospect of 5G-A." During the product release event, ZTE unveiled 10 stunning innovative products incorporating three categories, the simplest and high efficient UBR and FDD M-MIMO products, the mmWave products and NTN ground base station to extend 5G-A scenarios, and the a series of products with integrated communication and computing for rich B2C, B2B applications. Cao Lei, Deputy Director of Wireless and Terminal Technology, China Mobile Research Institute, delivered a comprehensive speech entitled "5G-A Promotes the Prosperity of Low-Altitude Economy," which systematically outlined the growth trends of the low-altitude economy, the business scenarios it encompassed and the key role of 5G-A in strengthening this sector. Cao Lei said that the low-altitude economy has become a new track for global economic development, covering express logistics, emergency rescue, environmental monitoring, agriculture, forestry and plant protection, consumer entertainment and many other fields. When 5G-A meets new tracks, it stimulates unlimited opportunities. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1854/australia-to-host-futureag-expo-2024-trade-exhibition-and-conference.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1854/australia-to-host-futureag-expo-2024-trade-exhibition-and-conference.html Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:10:17 +0530 Powered by Agritechnica the exhibition will be held from 17 – 19 April 2024 at Melbourne Showgrounds, Australia Australia to host FutureAg Expo 2024 –by Agritechnica”, a new trade exhibition with conference showcasing the region‘s future in agricultural industry, highlighting the latest cutting edge technology to improve productivity and sustainability. FutureAg Expo will be held across three days, commencing Wednesday, 17 to 19 April 2024 at Melbourne Showgrounds, Australia. The event will be executed based on the "Seven pillars" viz, sustainable agriculture, energy, innovative machinery, supply chains, biosecurity, agricultural technologies and smart farms, and the human connection. To be hosted by Hannover Fairs Australia and jointly organized by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), FutureAg Expo 2024 is one of the first such agricultural trade events in Australia that allows the agribusiness sector to connect with industry pioneers and provide direct access to the latest in cutting edge agricultural technology and innovation. HFA and DLG have entered a strategic partnership to jointly organise this agricultural machinery exhibition reaching farm professionals in Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. Mike Nissen, Commercial Director at Hannover Fairs said "the event is the only trade exhibition and conference which explores the whole value chain. Australian agriculture is on the cusp of revolutionary innovation and FutureAg 2024’s purpose is to provide first-hand access to the products and services, equipment and 4.0 technologies that are leading the way and unpack the opportunities that they bring across the whole value chain to improve productivity and efficiency.” Benefitting from DLG’s successful farming-focused approach for Germany-based Agritechnica, the world’s leading agricultural machinery exhibition, FutureAg Expo will equip its visitors with professional knowledge through its extensive conference, interactive workshop, live demonstrations and networking program. “Agritechnica is a known by farming professionals throughout the world as an event associated with technical innovations, trends and professional knowledge in agriculture. We are pleased to be applying the Agritechnica approach to the new FutureAg Expo. Our subsidiary DLG Asia Pacific based in Thailand will be supporting the new show with its large network of agricultural experts, top industry players and progressive farmers in the entire Asia Pacific region,” said Jens Kremer, Managing Director, DLG International. Whether it be autonomous vehicles or smart irrigation systems, the exhibition will provide a hands-on opportunity to explore the latest technology and machinery. As farmers and primary producers also want to know what they can do in their own enterprises now, the professional program will provide in-depth presentations, conferences and discussions. The two-day conference will explore seven key pillars: sustainable agriculture, energy, innovative machinery, supply chains, biosecurity, agricultural technologies and smart farms, and the human connection. The conference program includes keynotes from industry leader Olympia Yarger, founder of agritech start-up Goterra and 2023 ACT Australian of the Year, and David Lamb, Chief Scientist for the Food Agility Cooperative Research Centre. Agribusiness researcher Mark Fletcher will provide practical insights on developing farmgate strategies, while DataFarming’s Tim Neale will share the transition to digital agronomy. Farmo Founder Nick Seymour will explore key insights around the barriers to adoption in agtech on the Expert Stage within the exhibition. The National Farmers’ Federation in Australia will also bring a wealth of expertise and experience to FutureAg Expo, exploring sustainable practices, trade strategies, the impact of climate change on agriculture and discuss key policy areas impacting the industry. The conference is an opportunity to connect and collaborate with industry’s leaders, innovators and professionals, addressing the challenges, opportunities and insights which will advance Australia’s and the region’s agriculture now and in the future.  FutureAg Expo is the second spin-off of Agritechnica, after Agritechnica Asia, held in Thailand in even years and from 2025 in Vietnam in odd years, This expansion is spart of the aims of the German Agricultural Society (DLG), a non-profit organization, to further agricultural knowledge across borders. AgroSpectrum Asia is the media partners for the event. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1787/agritechnica-exhibition-expands-reach-in-growing-asian-markets-debut-in-vietnam12-14-march-2025.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1787/agritechnica-exhibition-expands-reach-in-growing-asian-markets-debut-in-vietnam12-14-march-2025.html Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:05:44 +0530 Agritechnica Asia expands into Vietnam – Organizer DLG to meet high market demand for agricultural machinery knowledge in Asia with tailored country-specific Agritechnica format; HortEx exhibition for horti- and floriculture to be held in parallel – DLG’s “Agritechnica Asia” event in Bangkok continues as hub for Asia The German Agricultural Society (DLG) is strengthening its exhibition offering in Asia to meet greater demand and new requirements of agricultural professionals in the region for know-how in plant cultivation, technology and new production processes. Currently held biennially in Thailand, Agritechnica Asia, the leading trade fair for crop production and smart farming in Asia, will take place annually from 2025, alternating between the locations of Vietnam and Thailand, odds years in Vietnam and even years in Thailand. Agritechnica Asia in Vietnam will debut in Ho Chin Minh City 12-14 March 2025. The exhibition in Vietnam will enable farming professionals to access not only solutions tailored for the region and but also farm knowledge, DLG’s objective since 1885. DLG Asia Pacific, a DLG subsidiary, is organizer of the new format of Agritechnica Asia, which will offer cross-agriculture synergies, including horticulture and floriculture. “Agritechnica Asia”, a spin-off of Agritechnica, the world's leading agricultural machinery exhibition held biennially in Hanover, Germany, serves growth regions in Asia. Following the 2024 event in Bangkok in May, the 2025 edition will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 12-14 March. In 2026, the trade fair will be held in Bangkok, Thailand once again. With its rapidly growing economy and government plans for developing agricultural mechanization, Vietnam offers significant potential for agricultural machinery manufacturers while Thailand continues to serve as the central hub in Asia, bringing together the region's agricultural community. “Since setting up the DLG Asia Pacific subsidiary here in Thailand three years ago, our aim has been to meet the needs of farm professionals, however different and wherever they are. We have identified enormous potential in the agricultural sector in this region and are implementing our plans to contribute to sustainable development in local agriculture through our know-how and flexible, tailored concepts," says Jens Kremer, Managing Director of DLG International. As part of the new schedule, Agritechnica Asia will be held in parallel with HortEx for the first time, the leading exhibition in South East Asia for professional horticulture and floriculture. Synergies between the two exhibitions include machinery and crop cultivation, offering visitors an efficient overview of available technologies. HortEx is organized by Minh Vi Exhibition and Advertisement Services Co., Ltd. (VEAS) and Nova Exhibitions BV, an exhibition specialist from the Netherlands, a country home to the industry’s know-how. IPM Essen, the world's leading horticultural exhibition held in Essen, Germany, is supporting HortEx with its extensive network. HortEx is expected to adapt its schedule to include Thailand in the future. “We are pleased to be working with such strong partners so that we can meet the broad needs of farmers in one single venue. The DLG will apply its extensive exhibition expertise, in particular the organization of the 2800-company strong Agritechnica and an even wider network of customers and partners at DLG trade fairs in over 20 countries. By joining forces with the HortEx organizers, we are confident that the new exhibition platform will meet the needs of companies already in the region and those with plans to expand their business into the South East Asian market,” says Katharina Staske, Managing Director, DLG Asia Pacific. The DLG Asia Pacific team of experts will exclusively manage the Agritechnica Asia exhibition with support from business partners, regional agricultural organizations, governments and political decision-makers. The fourth and upcoming edition of Agritechnica Asia, which is expected to attract around 15,000 agricultural professionals, will be held 22-24 May, 2024 at the BITEC exhibition center in Bangkok, Thailand. The edition will be jointly organized by DLG and VNU Exhibition Asia Pacific and will be co-located with Horti Asia. Around 300 exhibitors and companies have already signed up for Agritechnica Asia 2024, including leading players in the agricultural machinery and solutions industry such as AGCO, CNH Industrial, John Deere and India's Mahindra Group. “It is a very exciting time for agricultural machinery in Asia, and we look forward to increasing relationships with distributors and farmers from across the region. Agritechnica Asia 2024 is a key part of our strategy to showcase our new tractors and increase our presence in South East Asian Agriculture, says David Alvarez,Far East Business Manager, ACGO Corporation Located in Bangkok and operating in Thailand and neighboring countries, DLG’s subsidiary was set up in 2020 in response to local demand, notably from agricultural ministries, for DLG’s core competencies in professional agricultural knowledge platforms. Applying DLG’s professional agricultural experience, DLG Asia Pacific organizes agricultural conferences and exhibitions in the region such as the Agrifuture Conference, an event that rotates between countries and explores trends in farming, and the International Rice Congress Trade Fair recently held in the Philippines. Upcoming events include Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia, a trade show presenting the entire offer within the framework of the so-called Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) together with ’New Food Production’- solutions like invitro food and generating of alternative proteins, to be held in Singapore, November 2024, as well as the new FutureAg Expo 2024 “Powered by Agritechnica” exhibition, in Melbourne, Australia, 17-19 April 2024 AgroSpectrum Asia is the media partner to the event. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1901/trends-and-opportunities-in-asia-pacific-agriculture-equipment-market-in-2024.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1901/trends-and-opportunities-in-asia-pacific-agriculture-equipment-market-in-2024.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:25:00 +0530 Surging Demand for Autonomous Equipment in Sustainable Agriculture The autonomous agriculture equipment market is growing as a result of the surge in sustainable agricultural operations. A focus on improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact has stimulated innovations across the industry as key players develop advanced autonomous machinery, such as multifunctional robots and driverless tractors. Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period China, Japan, India, South Korea and Australia leading the market followed by the rest of APAC. The key challenges are the implementation of standards and achieving interoperability. While machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics present significant opportunities for optimizing farming operations, the report emphasizes other aspects as well. The Global Autonomous Farm Equipment Market is projected to exceed $192.1 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2022 to 2032 as forecasted by the market analytical firm ‘Spherical Insights’. The Global Autonomous Farm Equipment Market Size was valued at $72.3 Billion in 2022. One of the key driving factors of the market is autonomous equipment being used in land cultivation processes like harvesting, seed sowing, fertilizing, and scarifying.   Asia-Pacific has witnessed significant growth in the Agriculture Technology as a Service market, offering significant opportunities for companies in the global ag sector. In the region, there are a number of rapidly growing economies that contribute to this growth. Furthermore, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years, mainly as a result of urbanization and government support for modern agricultural technologies. In addition to agricultural equipment, horticultural equipment, animal husbandry equipment, and forestry equipment are included in the autonomous farm equipment. Agricultural machinery is modeled and regulated autonomously within a unified framework in autonomous farming. The on-farm sensing and control power of automated farming equipment is used in these technologies for agriculture in order to achieve agronomy-based targets. With the advent of autonomous farm equipment, the agriculture sector is currently undergoing a transformation by revolutionizing traditional farming practices. The autonomous farm equipment uses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and GPS to operate independently with minimal human intervention. In addition to the growing global population, the need to increase agricultural productivity, and the shortage of skilled labor in the farming sector are some of the factors driving the market. Farmers are interested in investing in autonomous farm equipment because it offers several benefits, such as reduced labor costs, increased efficiency, and improved crop yields. Asia-Pacific Players In order to meet the evolving needs of farmers, companies are investing heavily in R&D to enhance the capabilities of autonomous farm equipment. Leading players operating in the Asia-Pacific Agriculture Technology include Topcon Corporation, Fujitsu Ltd, Microsoft Corporation, Accenture, Agco Corporation, Agrivi Ltd, Airbus SAS, AT&T, Ceres Imaging, CLAAS KGaA mbH, Deere & Company, Hexagon AB, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Raven Industries (Acquired by CNH Industrial NV), Topcon Corporation, Trimble Inc. Asia-Pacific Agriculture Technology is broken down by technology, application, and type. A number of applications are included in the application segment, including yield mapping and monitoring, soil management, crop health management, navigation and positioning, and others. Geo-referenced data and other relevant information about crop productivity are collected as part of yield monitoring and mapping in order to reduce potential threats and boost economic opportunities. Precision agriculture services create maps of yields that help producers make better management decisions based on spatial variation. Key Global Players: In addition, global key players in the autonomous farm equipment market include AGCO Corporation, Verdant Robotics, John Deere, CNH Industrial N.V., Kubota Corporation, Bobcat,  Autonomous Solutions, Clearpath Robotics, Agrobot, New Holland, Case IH, John Deere, AGCO Corporation, Yanmar, ClaasKGaA GmbH, Iseki & Co., Kubota, Kinze Manufacturing, Energid, Deutz-Fahr and more. Topcon Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a producer and supplier of eye care products, as well as positioning and smart infrastructure solutions. The company’s eye care products include three three-dimensional (3D) optical coherence tomography system, tonometer, specular microscope, ophthalmic digital image filing, auto refracto/kerato meter, vision tester, lensmeter/analyzer, chart projector, laser photocoagulator, and operation microscope. The Asia Pacific market for autonomous farm equipment is driven by the increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices and the rising demand for food and agricultural products in the region. China, India, Japan, and Australia are the key markets in Asia Pacific for autonomous farm equipment, focusing on crop cultivation and animal husbandry equipment. Due to government initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture practices and the increasing use of advanced farming technologies by farmers, China is one of the largest markets in the Asian Pacific region for autonomous farm equipment. The country has a large agricultural sector, and farmers will benefit from the adoption of autonomous farm equipment by increasing crop yields and reducing labor costs. The Asia-Pacific Agriculture Technology has strong potentials in China, Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia & New Zealand, markets. A variety of incentives, awards, and investments are being made by the Chinese government to promote technological advancements and innovation. China's government has pledged a substantial investment of $1.4 trillion over five years as part of its 'Made in China 2025' initiative. It will play a crucial role in the widespread deployment of 5G infrastructure, a development that will greatly influence the adoption of agriculture technology as a service (ATaaS).  Additionally, the World Bank Group announced a $320 million loan in March 2022 to support environmentally friendly agricultural practices in southwest China. Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced, biodiversity will be protected, and agricultural plastic pollution will be minimized through this initiative. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1694/atlantic-project-cargos-agricultural-machinery-shipping-expertise-fortifies-global-food-supply-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1694/atlantic-project-cargos-agricultural-machinery-shipping-expertise-fortifies-global-food-supply-chain.html Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:38:55 +0530 World leader in international shipping solutions of heavy agriculture and construction equipment solve some of the world's most complex shipping challenges Atlantic Project Cargo, World leader in international shipping solutions of heavy agriculture and construction equipment is specialized in transporting oversized agricultural and construction equipment worldwide. Atlantic Project Cargo has solidified the global agri-logistic industry by door-to-door supply chain solutions that are both effective and economically viable. Revolutionizing Agricultural Businesses with Innovative Transportation Atlantic Project Cargo has a crucial role in enhancing the agricultural business landscape. With a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by the sector, such as the difficulty associated with shipping oversized farm and construction equipment, and different regulatory requirements associated with various countries, the company maintains safe and efficient transportation of agricultural machinery.  Atlantic Project Cargo is revolutionary, sustainable and economical alternatives to RORO shipping lines which are overburdened and costs soar. In addition, Atlantic Project Cargo, in collaboration with its partners, has devised an economically efficient solution that rerouted the equipment through alternative land and railway transportation.  "Atlantic Project Cargo is more than a logistics provider; we are partners in progress for the agricultural sector. Our approach to transporting oversized farm and construction machinery is not just about overcoming logistical challenges; it's about ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply chain by successfully moving high-tech and heavy farm machinery to regions around the world to increase their food production. The crisis in Ukraine was an example of our team's ability to think creatively and resolve complex challenges to ensure our customers experience successful outcomes when shipping heavy machinery worldwide. We are committed to addressing complex heavy equipment shipping challenges" stated Maryanna Serafinas, CEO of Atlantic Project Cargo. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1649/sonata-to-enable-bayer-to-develop-new-agpowered-services-for-agriculture-data-analytics.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1649/sonata-to-enable-bayer-to-develop-new-agpowered-services-for-agriculture-data-analytics.html Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:30:00 +0530 Data connectors for OEMs to further improve farmer and industry connectivity Sonata Software, a leader in Modernization Engineering, is collaborating with Bayer, the leaders in agricultural chemicals, seeds and biotechnology products. As part of the partnership, Sonata will allow Bayer to develop new AgPowered Services for Microsoft Azure Data Manager for Agriculture that enable retrieval and integration of in-field activity data by working with leading manufacturers of farm machinery. The lack of data interoperability is one of agriculture's biggest technology challenges, according to Bayer. On-farm data connections have advanced, but solutions to connect to services and opportunities beyond the farm have largely been unavailable to farmers. The infrastructure and capabilities that organizations and companies supporting agriculture and related industries need to be able to best serve their customers have also been lacking. This initiative will enable Enterprise users of Microsoft Azure Data Manager for Agriculture to have an integrated, one-stop solution to connect key data sources for farm machinery data in the industry, thus bringing down the cost of technical investment that companies are facing today. Furthermore, organizations can rely on the same system to connect to additional data sources, such as in-field sensors, and weather and satellite imagery, and incorporate data-driven insights and recommendations from the suite of AgPowered Services into their customer-facing solutions. Azure Data Manager for Agriculture provides B2B customers with a ‘one-stop shop’ to connect to farm machinery data, weather, imagery, and insights from AgPowered Services. "Technology that allows for more unified data will provide significant benefits to farmers and accelerate innovation across food and agriculture,” said Ines Kapphan, Vice President of Data and Cloud Solutions, Digital Farming at Bayer. “Once initiated by farmers, the ability to connect comprehensive operational data from their fields, combined with other data sources like weather and imagery, can equip data users and consumers with valuable insights. With proficiency in new technologies such as Generative AI and Azure Data Manager, Sonata’s role as system integrator is key to driving digital transformation in agriculture and connected industries." "In an era of ubiquitous connectivity, data interoperability is paramount for achieving scalability, foreseeing the future, and proactively addressing scenarios with informed decisions," said Anthony Lange, Chief Revenue Officer at Sonata Software. "This partnership, facilitated through our unique solution architecture based on the proven Connector Factory model, a proprietary responsible-first AI solution called Harmoni.AI, and robust Platformation™ framework, will provide Bayer's clients with ready-to-use capabilities. These can be licensed and applied to internal or customer-facing digital solutions, scaling digital transformation enterprise-wide and ensuring positive agronomic outcomes throughout the value chain." Sonata has partnered with Microsoft for more than 30 years. At the recently held Microsoft Ignite event, Sonata was showcased as one of the key Featured Partners for Microsoft Fabric – a pathbreaking SaaS Analytics Platform for the era of AI that is now generally available (GA) and integrates with numerous Microsoft, third-party, and partner platforms. Sonata’s recently launched Harmoni.AI - A Responsible-first AI, is witnessing significant traction across industries and markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1637/chinas-trina-solar-promotes-green-low-carbon-and-sustainable-development-through-innovation-and-collaboration.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1637/chinas-trina-solar-promotes-green-low-carbon-and-sustainable-development-through-innovation-and-collaboration.html Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:12:00 +0530 With its state-of-the-art 210mm technology platform paired with n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology, Trina Solar leads the PV industry in the era of 700W+ At the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) now in session in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Trina Solar has called for technological innovation and collaboration with global partners to support the worldwide transition to clean energy. The company has also stressed the importance of green, low-carbon and sustainable development. Trina Solar, as a green energy producer, assiduously puts its green development philosophy into practice and is committed to its mission of "Solar energy for all". With its state-of-the-art 210mm technology platform paired with n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology, Trina Solar leads the PV industry in the era of 700W+. The company's products are used in many settings, including solar grazing, agrivoltaic farming, fishery PV projects, coal mining subsidence areas and deserts. By the third quarter of this year Trina Solar had shipped 170GW of PV modules worldwide, thereby supporting the transition toward environmental sustainability. TÜV Rheinland has awarded Trina Solar with LCA and product carbon footprint certifications for the whole line-up of 210mm Vertex modules, demonstrating their ability for full-cycle low-carbon management. Trina Solar pioneered environmental product declaration and carbon footprint certification for n-type modules in the industry and partnered with other manufacturers to develop low-carbon silicon materials, thus greatly reducing carbon emissions. Trina Solar is building a zero-carbon new energy industrial park inQinghai province, that integrates power supply, power grid, load and energy storage. It's Yiwu site in Zhejiang province is the first factory in the PV industry to be awarded zero carbon status. Trina Solar collaborates with global partners, including those in the Middle East, to support local green transition. The company has close ties with the UAE and the Middle East as a whole. Trina Solar supplied 800MW of Vertex modules for the 2GW AI Dhafra Solar PV project in Abu Dhabi, one of the world's largest single-site solar power plants. In October Trina Solar signed a memorandum of understanding for project collaboration in the UAE to build vertically integrated capacity that spans the entire industrial chain. This project will significantly promote the new energy industry in UAE. Trina Solar is leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future. Trina Solar and the World Wildlife Fund, WWF, jointly call for actions to give one more hour for Earth with clean energy. The company was included in Reuters' Top 100 Innovators in Global Energy Transition 2022 and has been named a Decarbonisation Leader by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Trina Solar is working toward globalizing its production capacity, service provision, operations management and risk control systems. We look forward to collaborating with all global stakeholders to build a new energy system and achieve shared growth through discussion and joint innovation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1599/philippines-to-operate-its-first-research-and-development-facility-for-agri-machinery-in-nueva-ecija.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1599/philippines-to-operate-its-first-research-and-development-facility-for-agri-machinery-in-nueva-ecija.html Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:17:32 +0530 The Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) launched on Thursday the country’s first Agricultural Machinery Design and Prototyping Center (AMDPC). Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. led the inauguration of the 2,000-square meter facility located at PhilMech in the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. “This multi-million US-dollar state-of-the-art facility can revolutionize the way we see agricultural machinery production today. With modern fabrication equipment and top engineering design and simulation software, what more can we not do, what more efficient machines can we not produce?” Laurel remarked. The AMDPC is valued at PhP370.545 million, of which $5.78 million or PhP289 million is funded by KOICA. The Philippine government shared PhP81.545 million for the project. The project is also supported by the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO). According to official statement, the construction of said facility is essential to accelerate country’s mechanization by enhancing PhilMech’s capability to design, develop, and manufacture agricultural machinery and prototypes. It also seeks to provide farmers with affordable, locally-manufactured machinery, utilizing modern technology to boost production and income. The facility will use cutting-edge prototyping equipment to showcase and disseminate innovative technology that have achieved commercial viability and user acceptance. In his key message, Secretary Laurel stressed that the modern facility serves as an avenue for local manufacturers, agricultural engineers, and researchers from various research and development institutions and state colleges and universities to launch their ideas and translate their creative minds to problem-oriented and highly relevant agricultural machines, technology and equipment. Laurel also expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, for its generosity in sharing knowledge, skills, and resources to the Philippines. He added. "I can imagine this center as the realization of ideas and a birthing place of solutions to improve the way we farm or fish today through the machines that can be improved and produced in this facility. Thank you for building with us a bridge that will help our country move towards the modernization and mechanization of the agriculture sector. We will always value our partnership". The AMDPC is also expected to enhance the institutional networking between the Korean government and DA research agencies. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1591/zoomlion-agriculture-machinery-global-trade-conference-fosters-agricultural-machinery-development.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1591/zoomlion-agriculture-machinery-global-trade-conference-fosters-agricultural-machinery-development.html Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:59:05 +0530 Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. organized the 2024 Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery Global Business Conference in Changsha , November 28-29. The event attracted nearly 1,000 distributors, including more than 140 international representatives from more than 20 countries. During the conference, participating distributors had the opportunity to take a close look at Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery's cutting-edge equipment collection, consisting of 51 models across 12 categories. The product range covered the entire agricultural process from plowing and planting to harvesting, straw processing and drying. The innovative nature and advanced technology of these products were highly appreciated by visitors. “Zoomlion is poised to create a new paradigm in technology, product development, team building and market expansion,” said Zhan Chunxin, CEO of Zoomlion . We are committed to fully leveraging the power of Internet-based thinking to innovate innovative development models. Our goal is to establish a world-class agricultural machinery and equipment center. » In the field of technology and product innovation , Zoomlion has leveraged the resources of construction machinery, and developed key product lines in the field of agricultural machinery, including tractors and equipment for rice and corn. Technologies such as renewable energy, digitalization and artificial intelligence from its construction machinery segment have been transferred to its agricultural machinery. This approach has created a range of high-end, intelligent and environmentally friendly products that meet the needs of the industry. Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery covers 15 main categories, encompassing the entire agricultural cycle. In terms of production capacity, quality, marketing and services , Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery division has assembled a dedicated team of more than 2,000 experts, specializing in research and development, sales and services. The company has established an extensive network that extends from China to more than 70 countries and regions around the world. The company's innovative overseas business model focuses on end-to-end solutions and digital integration, which has contributed to an increase in overseas revenue of more than 100% year-on-year. the other in November.  Zoomlion Heavy Industry has diversified into construction machinery, intelligent agricultural machinery and innovative building materials. The company has invested heavily in a state-of-the-art construction machinery manufacturing center. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1571/coopercitrus-opens-agricultural-technology-outlet-with-bauers-and-bayers-equipments.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1571/coopercitrus-opens-agricultural-technology-outlet-with-bauers-and-bayers-equipments.html Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:59:15 +0530 Coopercitrus - Rural Producers Cooperative - opened its first unit in the state of Mato Grosso . With the resale of Bauer's irrigation equipment and Bayer's FieldView™ Shop technologies, the unit located in Primavera do Leste presents rural producers with the Campo Digital ecosystem, with a complete line of precision agriculture products and services with great potential impact on the regional production process. The inauguration took place on November 21st, at Rua Olivério Porta, nº 2,774 - Bairro Primavera II. The CEO of Coopercitrus, Fernando Degobbi , states that the unit offers an unprecedented service model in the region. "This store is a true technology center. Here, producers can find everything from soil diagnosis, planting design and systematization using algorithms and digital technologies. We also offer precision agriculture equipment, with a specialized technical team for installation and maintenance of machines. In addition, we provide high-tech inputs and highly efficient and technological irrigation equipment", he states. For Rodrigo Parada , CEO of Bauer Brasil , the role of this partnership is "to bridge the gap between the best irrigation solutions and technologies for the producer. Opening this new unit in partnership with Coopercitrus only reinforces how strategic our partnership is and how aligned we are so that the producer has access to the best technological solutions from Bauer do Brasil, Irricontrol and the cooperative's other partners", he highlights. Campo Digital de Primavera do Leste also houses the first unit in Mato Grosso of the FieldViewTM Shop, which offers farmers everything they need in terms of equipment to operate with FieldView™ and technical training for producers and their teams. Furthermore, the unit has professionals capable of carrying out technical stops with specialized consultancy and support so that the farmer can use the information collected and analyzed by FieldView™ more quickly. By making decisions based on data, the farmer not only improves his harvest, but also positively impacts the environment, consuming fewer inputs and natural resources. According to Malu Nachreiner , CEO of Bayer and leader of the Agricultural Division in Brazil, the success story of Brazilian agribusiness is directly connected to the results that the cooperative system has promoted in the country. "Our partnership with Coopercitrus is another step towards bringing Bayer's cutting-edge technology to members and rural producers in Mato Grosso . With FieldView Shop, we enable producers in the state to have a better experience with our digital platform, Climate FieldView™ , today the most complete on the market. In addition to providing solutions available in our input portfolio, integrating the use of digital technology into the choice of pesticides and seeds, delivering sustainability and productivity to the farmer." The Superintendent of Agricultural Technology at Coopercitrus, Tiago Aleixo , highlights the cooperative's structure focused on after-sales. "The store has a workshop specializing in the maintenance of agricultural drones. Our idea is to bring all our years of experience working with technology to producers in the region. In this model, we do not just focus on sales, but on complete service, with assistance technical and maintenance to ensure that producers make the most of the new technologies offered by Campo Digital." In addition to Primavera do Leste, the new unit also serves as a reference center for 25 other cities, including Alto Araguaia, Alto Garças, Alto Taquari, Araguainha, Campo Verde, Chapada dos Guimarães, Dom Aquino, General Carneiro, Guiratinga, Itiquir , Jaciara, Juscimeira, Novo São Joaquim, Nova Brasilândia, Planalto da Serra, Paranatinga, Pedra Preta , Ponte Branca , Poxoréu, Rondonópolis, Santo Antonio do Leste, Santo Antônio do Leverger, São José do Povo, São Pedro da Cipa and Tesouro ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1492/novel-agrivoltaics-solar-array-project-strives-to-optimize-farming-land-efficiency-using-solar-power.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1492/novel-agrivoltaics-solar-array-project-strives-to-optimize-farming-land-efficiency-using-solar-power.html Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:09:29 +0530 The research project received a four-year $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy via a program called Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) In a pioneering initiative, Iowa State University (ISU) is embarking on a research project to explore the combination of crops and solar power. The Alliant Solar Farm at Iowa State University is a groundbreaking agrivoltaics research project merging solar power generation and agriculture to study how best to optimize land use while providing local community benefits. The array was inaugurated on October 19th. Horticulture and agriculture students will plant crops to study how they perform under solar arrays of various heights and configurations. Engineering students will review solar production data to see how various crop plantings impact solar production. The research project received a four-year $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy via a program called Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS). ISU was one of only six recipients of the $8 million dollar program. The research team is led by Ajay Nair, Associate Professor of Horticulture; Matt O'Neal Professor in Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology; and Anne Kimber, Director of the Electric Power Research Center. The project is a collaboration between ISU and Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy owns and operates the solar array on land leased from the university. Waldinger Corporation was the general contractor for the project. Ideal Energy was subcontracted for solar design, procurement, monitoring, and solar commissioning for the project. Ideal Energy designers worked with ISU researchers to design a variety of solar configurations for testing purposes. Shive-Hattery, Inc. provided civil and electrical engineering services for the project. Ideal Energy designed the 1.757 MWDC / 1.375 MWAC solar field in two parts. One part is an 811 kWDC fixed-tilt solar array facing south. Six fixed-tilt rows have a standard leading edge of two feet off the ground in front and three rows have a leading edge height of five feet to test to see if higher solar arrays create better growing conditions. The second part is a 946 kWDC single-axis active tracker. Eighteen of the active-tracker rows are a standard five to six feet above the ground while five rows are eight to nine feet above the ground. All solar panels on the site are bifacial, meaning they generate power from both sides. Researchers plan to explore which crops thrive in a modified solar microclimate. They plan to plant vegetables, fruits, and pollinator habitats. They also intend to study how solar site maintenance impacts cultivation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1447/chinas-huida-tech-drives-smart-agriculture-practices-to-south-korea.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1447/chinas-huida-tech-drives-smart-agriculture-practices-to-south-korea.html Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:50:00 +0530 Provided new ideas for the intelligent development of Korean agriculture to farmers with scientific and technological innovation Heilongjiang Huida Technology Co., Ltd., China's leading manufacturer of agricultural drones, tractor autopilot systems and intelligent water-saving irrigation systems, worked with the staff of South Korea's Cheonpoong Co., Ltd and its dealers in Jinju and Jeongeup to conduct smart agricultural machinery product demonstrations for the personnel of agricultural machinery agencies and related civil servants. The product demonstrations include 408 Beidou navigation agricultural machinery autopilot systems and HD540Pro agricultural drones, offering a feast of agricultural achievements of science and technology. The presentation fully demonstrated the intelligence, accuracy and reliability of HUIDA TECH's agricultural machinery and received unanimous praise from on-site personnel. It also made more people realize the important epochal significance and social value of modern agricultural construction, and provided new ideas for the intelligent development of Korean agriculture. HUIDA TECH provides agricultural production and operation entities smart agricultural machinery for plowing, planting, managing and harvesting, changing the traditional agricultural plant protection method from the source,  reducing production costs and improving operating efficiency. HUIDA TECH's HD540Pro agricultural drones have stable and comprehensive performance and are easy to operate. The separation of human and pesticide and the precise pesticide dosage control can not only reduce costs, but also further protect farmers' lives safety and environmental protection. HUIDA TECH is constantly exploring the Korean market. In the future, it will layout 60 outlets and is expected to cooperate with 500 agricultural cooperatives and dealers so as to gradually realize the refinement, high efficiency and greenness of agriculture and ensure the safety of agricultural products, the improvement of agricultural competitiveness and the sustainable development of agriculture." said Jack Ren, Overseas Sales Director of HUIDA TECH. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1446/john-deere-and-yara-partner-to-increase-fertilization-efficiency.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1446/john-deere-and-yara-partner-to-increase-fertilization-efficiency.html Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:02:25 +0530 Partnership enable farmers to increase yields and optimize fertilizer use, John Deere and Yara have joined forces to launch a partnership that will combine Yara’s agronomic expertise with John Deere’s precision technology and advanced machinery. The partnership will enable farmers to increase yields and optimize fertilizer use, helping them contribute to the ambition of the European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy. To be able to produce more efficiently and sustainably, farmers need high-quality, actionable data and the technology to put these insights into practice. This is where digital farming will play a big role in helping farmers optimize the productivity of their fields. To further this vision, the advanced connectivity between the John Deere Operations Center™ and Yara’s Atfarm digital platform will provide farmers with tailored crop nutrition recommendations rooted in agronomic precision to ensure crops receive the right amount of nutrients where and when needed. Partnering to make every nutrient count The Atfarm platform uses Yara’s proprietary optimized index, which enables farmers to monitor the biomass development of their crops and nitrogen uptake throughout the season and access field specific variable rate application maps. This data can be seamlessly shared as a WorkPlan with the John Deere Operations Center™. Farmers can add operational details and wirelessly synchronize the plans, including prescriptions, to any machine featuring the John Deere Gen4 or G5 Display. As executing variable rate maps is often perceived as complicated, this John Deere Yara solution makes it much easier, supporting farmers in producing more yield with less input. Through Yara's agronomic advice, trials show that farmers can achieve up to seven percent yield increase while securing up to 14 percent Nitrogen savings in fertilizer use. The new connectivity will be piloted from spring 2024 to a group of farmers inGermany, France, and the UK. In addition, Yara and John Deere will continue to collaborate on additional opportunities to further improve nutrient use efficiency for farmers. Unique combination of expertise “Achieving the ambitious goal of the Farm to Fork Strategy to reduce nutrient losses by 50% in 2030 requires the industry to work together. Through partnering with John Deere, farmers will be able to use our recommendations in an easy, practical way. This contributes to more sustainable food production without adding complexity for farmers,” says James Craske, VP Digital Solutions Europe at Yara International. Katharina Nies, Marketing Manager Precision Ag at John Deere highlights: “For Small Grain Producers, crop nutrition is one of the largest opportunities for optimization. We are excited to partner with Yara, as this is a unique combination of science-based fertilization recommendations together with John Deere’s connected, highly precise & intelligent machines. With that farmers can achieve highest levels of nutrient use efficiency.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1436/s-korea-sets-stage-for-2023-agricultural-machinery-and-equipment-export-consultation-with-overseas-buyers.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1436/s-korea-sets-stage-for-2023-agricultural-machinery-and-equipment-export-consultation-with-overseas-buyers.html Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:10:50 +0530 Aims to boost domestic agricultural machinery and equipment exports South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is all set to host the "2023 Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Export Consultation with Overseas Buyers" on September 12th at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel, aiming to boost domestic agricultural machinery and equipment exports.The export consultation event is organized to provide an opportunity for South Korea’s domestic agricultural machinery and equipment companies to explore overseas markets and expand exports, considering the saturated domestic market. A total of 36 companies from various sectors within the domestic agricultural machinery and equipment industry. Agritech industries across 12 countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Germany are expected to participate, along with 20 prominent purchasing companies to explore and exhibit Agriculture machinery, fertilizers, eco-friendly agricultural materials, veterinary pharmaceuticals for animals, facility materials (smart farms), and animal feed and more. Unlike previous years when it was conducted entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event will be conducted on-site with purchasing companies, potentially resulting in actual export outcomes. The online deals of 76 cases in 2021 were worth $3.4 million, while 55 cases closed in 2022 were worth $1.8 million.In order to enhance export performance, MAFRA has evaluated factors such as the company's revenue scale, trade history with South Korea, and the establishment of local distribution networks before selecting prominent purchasing companies. The export consultation will consist of over 160 one-on-one consultations at 20 booths, scheduled to take place on the same day. The Ministry hopes this consultation event will not only raise awareness of our products but also provide a chance to assess their competitiveness globally. They also plan to continue providing post-consultation support for domestic companies and overseas purchasing companies. Additionally, they have committed to securing a budget for ongoing market expansion in the agricultural sector and expanding support for domestic agricultural machinery and equipment export companies. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1412/novel-agroecological-innovation-improves-sunflower-performance.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1412/novel-agroecological-innovation-improves-sunflower-performance.html Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:14:33 +0530 The agrotechnology company Elicit Plant launches EliSun-a,  a new innovative solution to care for sunflower crops In conjunction with the International Day for Climate Risk Prevention, Elicit Plant convened agribusiness professionals and experts around the world to discuss the challenges of climate change in agriculture. During the event, the Elicit Plant announced the deployment of this unique solution for corn crops, BEST-a, in Brazil, Ukraine and throughout Europe by the end of this year. Additionally, a new solution designed especially for sunflowers was launched in Europe: EliSun-a.   EliSun-a, is the new innovative solution to care for sunflower crops In addition to alleviating water stress on crops around the world, Elicit Plant also fosters synergistic cooperation with other harvesting methods. A consequence of climate change today is water stress. It is a threat to the most important agricultural regions and affects, above all, crops that cannot fully benefit from integrated irrigation systems because of their size, as are specialty crops. This lack of balance becomes an even greater concern because 50% of the world's population's caloric intake comes from just four crops: cereals, rice, corn and soybeans. These crops are often not taken into account when fighting to prevent drought. Furthermore, if the right solution is not found, food security will be threatened. More than ever, our ambition is to accelerate the adaptation of the agricultural world to manage the rapid changes brought about by climate change,” explains Aymeric Molin , farmer and co-founder of Elicit Plant. “By the end of 2023, the product will be available throughout Europe. Currently, there are 300,000 hectares that will have been treated with our product. Regarding sales forecasts, we anticipate a strong increase compared to last year, with figures up to seven times higher than those of the previous 12 months."concludes Jean-François Déchant , general manager of Elicit Plant. "There are more than 200 different phytosterols in nature. Each one is specific to a type of stress and a type of species. Our technological platform, called EliTerra®, has allowed us to develop a new solution fully adapted to sunflowers. To "By 2025, we will also be able to offer new products for straw cereals” says Jean-François Dechant. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1345/nordson-corporation-completes-acquisition-of-arag.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1345/nordson-corporation-completes-acquisition-of-arag.html Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:23:02 +0530 Entering the attractive precision agriculture market Nordson Corporation has completed the acquisition of the ARAG Group and its subsidiaries (“ARAG”). ARAG is a global market and innovation leader in the development, production and supply of precision control systems and smart fluid components for agricultural spraying. The completion of the transaction follows the Company’s June 26, 2023, announcement that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the business. This acquisition will expand Nordson’s core dispense capabilities into the precision agriculture end market. ARAG is the specialist for components accessories and solutions the crop protection equipment as well as Precision agriculture with a broad product portfolio ranging from fluid systems sprays valves and nozzle holders to computer monitoring systems the company has subsidiaries in Australia Argentina Brazil and the US from where it serves more than 1,500 customers in over 100 countries. Nordson Corporation is an innovative precision technology company that leverages a scalable growth framework to deliver top tier growth with leading margins and returns. The Company’s direct sales model and applications expertise serves global customers through a wide variety of critical applications. Its diverse end market exposure includes consumer non-durable, medical, electronics and industrial end markets. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the Company has operations and support offices in over 35 countries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1187/valmont-to-acquire-hr-products-australian-leader-in-irrigation-parts.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1187/valmont-to-acquire-hr-products-australian-leader-in-irrigation-parts.html Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:56:00 +0530 Expands the Company’s geographic footprint and growing its parts presence in a key agriculture business. Valmont Industries, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HR Products, a leading wholesale supplier of irrigation parts in Australia, expanding the Company’s geographic footprint and growing its parts presence in a key agriculture market. Valmont is a global leader providing vital infrastructure and advances agricultural productivity while driving innovation through technology. “Aftermarket parts and services are a critical component of our global agriculture growth strategy, as it allows us to better serve our customers through extended offerings and expands our total addressable market. Due to the long life cycle of irrigation equipment, there is a substantial market to replace wearable parts. This acquisition positions us very well to meet this demand, leveraging our existing Valley® dealer network for distribution and service, and large installed machine base in the region to grow recurring, high-value revenue streams and help lessen the cyclicality in our agriculture business” said Joshua Dixon, President of Global Irrigation. The transaction will be funded with cash on hand and is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings, with Year 1 revenue of approximately $45 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions. “Australia is a well-developed agriculture market and the region is focused on converting from flood irrigation as it has experienced persistent water supply challenges. HR Products has a proven and successful distribution model with strong customer relationships and robust operations across the geographically-diverse country. We are excited to welcome the HR Products team to Valmont and look forward to integrating the business and providing further value to Australian agriculture customers” added President Joshua Dixon.  HR Products provides a broad range of irrigation products to serve the agriculture and landscaping industries. The company was established in Perth, Western Australia in 1979, and has grown to nearly 100 employees and six warehouse facilities, with an extensive dealer network across the country that further strengthens Valmont’s market leadership. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1124/aigen-unveils-the-worlds-first-ai-driven-solar-powered-agricultural-robotics-service.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1124/aigen-unveils-the-worlds-first-ai-driven-solar-powered-agricultural-robotics-service.html Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:25:39 +0530 The fossil fuel-free Aigen Element helps farmers reduce chemicals in food, and improve human and planetary health Aigen, a Seattle-based agricultural technology startup, unveiled a groundbreaking autonomous, scalable robotics platform, powered entirely by solar and wind energy. Leveraging proprietary, quantized AI, the Aigen Element service is the only farming solution that decreases fossil fuel use, while also providing farmers with invaluable real-time field insights, increased time savings, and reduced costs.  Aigen connects farmers to breakthrough technologies, decarbonize agriculture, and improve human and planetary health.  "Aigen was founded on the idea that there should be an alternative to the fossil fuels and pesticides used to produce our food. We have been working closely with farmers, like my family in Minnesota, to develop a solar-powered, on-edge AI platform that makes precision Ag scalable," said Rich Wurden, co-founder and CTO of Aigen. "We are excited to share those tools with the introduction of the Aigen Element." Kenny Lee, Aigen's co-founder and CEO says "benefits of our advanced, lightweight, super agile robots go far beyond weeding. We are excited to deliver field-level network connectivity and real-time data and insights that farmers can access from anywhere. Solution reduce farmers costs and get rid of weeds, all while growing healthier crops," Artificial Intelligence, Powered by Renewable Energy Aigen's unique robotic solution is possible thanks to the company's proprietary quantized AI, which is so efficient it can run exclusively on renewable energy. "The average cell phone needs 4 Watts of power. Our AI models need only 1.5W, and everything about our vehicle is just as efficient. Paired with a custom 205W solar panel, our robots often generate a power surplus at the end of a full day of running," added Wurden. Plant-Level Data, Planetary ConnectivityAigen's vehicles continuously transmit field and crop data to an in-house developed mobile app, offering farmers real-time insights. "We're bringing satellite technology down to earth, and deploying mesh network connectivity built on a robust, self-reliant hardware platform. This offers farmers higher resolution, real-time data and helps them get ahead of problems," said Puneet Khattar, Aigen's head of electrical engineering, who previously worked on Amazon's satellite program and at SpaceX. Rugged and Agile HardwareEvery aspect of the Aigen Element robot is built for maximum efficiency on the farm. The lightweight frame and solar panel, paired with regenerative motors and rugged suspension, allow the robots to effectively navigate and weed row crops for up to 14 hours a day in nearly any weather condition. The Aigen Element Service will debut on over 20,000 acres of U.S. farmland in 2024. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1110/asia-fruit-logistica-to-return-at-asiaworld-expo-in-hong-kong-on-6-8-september.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1110/asia-fruit-logistica-to-return-at-asiaworld-expo-in-hong-kong-on-6-8-september.html Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:34:00 +0530 ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA to discover an array of products and services, including fresh produce, technology, machinery, and logistics ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading trade show for Asia’s fresh fruit and vegetable industry, returns to AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on 6-8 September 2023. Thousands of high-quality trade visitors and top buyers from fresh produce industry supply chain will attend ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA to discover an array of products and services, including fresh produce, technology, machinery, and logistics. Exhibitors from 38 different countries and regions have already registered to showcase their products and services at the show. Big brands and key players from across the global fresh produce business all gather in ONE place – ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. Some 22 industry associations and entities will have national or regional pavilions, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Moldova, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, USA and Vietnam. ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA brings together leading players from across the global fresh produce business and every step of the value chain. The exhibitor line-up features top names and brands in the business, including Aomori, BayWa Global Produce, T&G Global, Capespan, ClemenGold, Costa, Del Monte, Dole Asia, Goodfarmer, Jingold, Joy Wing Mau, Mission Produce, Pagoda, Pink Lady, Rockit Apple, Rijk Zwaan, Valleyfresh, WayCool Foods and Zespri among others. Exhibitor are encouraged to Book their stand at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2023 to take advantage of the latest advances and untapped market opportunities, and to secure your participation at Asia’s largest gathering of the global fresh produce industry. Organizers are offering 40% discount on online ticket booking and to skip the queues in Hong Kong. Tickets include free access to ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS and ASIAFRUIT BUSINESS FORUM, with both events held on the show floor across all three days of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. The visitor pass also includes access to a busy event programme bringing a wealth of information and insights. ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS, Asia’s premier event for business information and networking, homes in on the latest trends and opportunities in the fast-moving Asia market. Marketing, trade, and technology are all in focus on the three-day programme. Topics on the agenda include ‘New market demographics in Asia’, ‘Where next in food retail?’ and ‘Big changes on China’s distribution landscape’. For more info on ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS and to view the full agenda, go to: https://www.asiafruitlogistica.com/asia-fruit-congress/ ASIAFRUIT BUSINESS FORUM presents three days of workshops under different tracks. At the ‘Launchpad’ on Day One, exhibitors showcase new products, technologies, and solutions. Day Two offers ‘Partner Content’, including special Chinese-language sessions curated by Asiafruit China. On Day Three, the ‘Logistics Hub’ features expert talks and discussions on cold chain logistics, from sea freight to air cargo. More details are available at https://www.asiafruitlogistica.com/asiafruit-business-forum/ For more information on ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, please contact the Organising Team by email: info@gp-events.com  For more information about exhibiting, please visit www.asiafruitlogistica.com/why-exhibit/ ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1108/bobcat-company-announces-investment-in-agtonomy-to-accelerate-technology-in-ag-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1108/bobcat-company-announces-investment-in-agtonomy-to-accelerate-technology-in-ag-industry.html Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:52:00 +0530 Investment aligns with Bobcat’s ongoing strategy to empower farmers, specialty growers and others in agribusiness with innovative equipment to accomplish more Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, announced today a strategic investment in Agtonomy, a Silicon Valley-based, ag tech software company that helps agriculture and land maintenance operators optimize operations through sustainable, innovative solutions. Bobcat’s equity investment is part of a broader strategic partnership with Agtonomy formed earlier this year to create new and innovative ways to enhance Bobcat equipment for increased productivity and performance. “By leveraging the software solutions developed by Agtonomy, we can continue to focus on productivity gains from Bobcat equipment and advance alternative energy and autonomous innovation in farming and related industries,” said Scott Park, CEO and vice chairman of Doosan Bobcat, Inc. “We are always looking to bring the best solutions to our customers. And, given our ongoing partnership, we are excited to pioneer new advances together to empower farmers to accomplish more.” This investment will accelerate development to deliver value to specialty ag farmers and growers to help them lower operating costs, achieve greater efficiencies and address ongoing skilled labor shortages. “We're delighted to strengthen our partnership with Bobcat, the leading innovator in compact equipment,” said Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy. “By joining forces, we can rapidly accelerate our impact on the farming community. With our shared commitment to innovation, we are poised to deliver solutions that address the many challenges facing agriculture today.” Agtonomy’s technology allows farmers to remotely execute labor-intensive field tasks, such as weeding, spraying, mowing and transporting with more precision. The solution allows farming operations to automate workloads, increase labor efficiency and provides farmers with greater control over the economics of their operations. Bobcat offers an extensive lineup of agriculture equipment along with attachments designed for farmers, ranchers and landowners. Through this partnership, Bobcat and Agtonomy will collaborate to create new and innovative ways of enhancing Bobcat equipment for increased productivity and performance to benefit farmers and specialty growers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1099/monarch-tractor-expands-ai-rd-team-in-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/1099/monarch-tractor-expands-ai-rd-team-in-singapore.html Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:48:00 +0530 An indication of major expansion potential for the company's A.I., robotics and smart farming technology within the Asia Pacific region (APAC) Monarch Tractor, maker of the MK-V, the fully electric, driver-optional, connected tractor, has expanded its operations in Singapore, signaling major growth and appetite for the company's A.I., robotics and smart farming technology within the Asia Pacific region (APAC).  After initially establishing an operations and technology teams presence in Singapore in 2021, the Silicon Valley-based company prepares for major global growth and talent development. Monarch Tractor's Founder Series MK-V is the world's first fully electric, driver-optional, connected tractor set to enhance farmers' existing operations, alleviate labor shortages, and maximize yields. With its innovative electric and autonomous capabilities, Monarch Tractor has continued to revolutionize agriculture on a global scale since its launch in 2020. APAC's first electric tractors have been delivered to New Zealand’s NZ0 farm by Monarch, as it focuses on bringing AI to farmer fingertips. Building off of its existing Singapore presence and successful expansion into Hyderabad, India, earlier this year, Monarch Tractor will move to develop the next generation of data scientists, machine learning engineers and A.I. practitioners by partnering with government agencies and academic institutions to grow their A.I. research & development team. Monarch Tractor strives to improve farming practices through the development of clean, efficient, and economically viable agritech and Farmtech solutions with cutting-edge technology. Building upon Singapore's early success to develop the MK-V's driverless capabilities, Monarch's expansion and development of new talent will work to create automation capabilities that extend to full farm operations leading to the enablement of profitable and sustainable agricultural practices within the region and globally. "After our early success in Singapore with the development of our 'Monarch Auto Drive' tractor operation, we're excited to continue to evolve our technology with the help of Singapore's finest talent. In partnership with the Singapore government, Monarch Tractor is able to provide more job opportunities and also propel our mission for a greener future. More than ever, farmers, government bodies and consumers are looking for more viable options to sustain our planet." says Praveen Penmetsa, Co-Founder & CEO, Monarch Tractor. As almost 25 percent of global GHG emissions result from agriculture, this strategic expansion will champion and enable large-scale emissions reductions that support Singapore's Green Plan 2030, including the country's aspiration to become net-zero by 2050. In Singapore, Monarch is seeking talent to support and develop cutting-edge robotics technology - creating a smarter, greener and safer farming industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/975/bosch-basf-integrates-precision-spraying-technology-with-cnh-industrials-global-agriculture-brands.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/975/bosch-basf-integrates-precision-spraying-technology-with-cnh-industrials-global-agriculture-brands.html Wed, 24 May 2023 09:36:57 +0530 Integration of ONE SMART SPRAY technology with CNH Industrial’s global Case IH and New Holland Agriculture brands maximizes herbicide spraying potential ONE SMART SPRAY, a joint venture between Bosch and BASF, will be integrated into CNH Industrial's agricultural brand product portfolios. Integration of the ONE SMART SPRAY solution will be led by the Raven team at CNH Industrial, with the unique technology to be commercially available in sprayers from the company’s global Case IH and New Holland Agriculture brands. The smart spraying solution ONE SMART SPRAY integration will enhance the precision and automated spraying capabilities of CNH Industrial. The cameras will be mounted on the boom of a sprayer in order to accomplish this. This will provide customers with green-on-green (plant on plant) and green-on-brown (plant on soil) weed detection and selective spraying. The use of precision weed mapping, real-time input and cost savings tracking, and automated reporting and data generation are all combined with digital tools and agronomic insights. These deliver farmers clean fields while maximizing herbicide savings, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The ONE SMART SPRAY system also allows farmers to set up their desired spraying operations both in day and night conditions to expand their operating windows. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/974/abvista-proposes-strategies-to-mitigate-heat-stress-in-dairy-cows.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/974/abvista-proposes-strategies-to-mitigate-heat-stress-in-dairy-cows.html Tue, 23 May 2023 08:15:00 +0530 Dairy industry forecasts a loss between $897 - $1,500 million/year in revenue due to heat stress, in US alone Heat stress occurs in dairy cows when they absorb more heat than they can expel, leading to discomfort, reduced feed intake, poorer productivity and impaired fertility. It can cause significant economic losses. In the US alone, the dairy industry loses between $897 - $1,500 million/year in revenue due to heat stress (St-Pierre et al., 2003). The harmful effects of high ambient temperatures in production conditions are enhanced by high humidity and insufficient air flow. When the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) exceeds 72, cows suffer heat stress. Heat stress affects cows in all physiological phases. In dry cows it results in reduced blood flow to the uterus, reduced placenta weight and birth of smaller calves with lower vitality. High yielding cows are more prone to heat stress, especially in peak lactation. Milk production could reduce by 10-25% due to decreased appetite and feed intake, and lower levels of lactogenic hormones. In heat stressed cows, dry matter intake is reduced by 8-12%, and milk yield by 20-30%. It can also affect milk quality, with reduced butter fat content and increased somatic and bacterial cell counts, most likely due to impaired immunity. Endocrine status of cows can also be negatively affected, together with reduced intensity and duration of oestrus, impaired fertility and elevated early embryo mortality. To mitigate the risk, Dr. Dimcho Djouvinov, Technical Manager CEE and Dr. Derek McIlmoyle Technical Director Ruminants EMEA at ABVista proposes certain key strategies. Some of the key management and nutrition actions proposed to help mitigate the negative effects of heat stress are, Protecting the animals from direct sun radiation, Increasing ventilation rate in barns, Applying cool water spray, Reducing animal density, Allowing access to cool drinking water, Use high-quality dietary ingredients to improve nutrient content, Ensuring gradual and on-time adaptation to corrected diet. Further, Diet to be fed mainly during the cooler part of the day along with increasing feeding frequency with smaller portions. Specific nutritional strategies can reduce the physiologic impact of heat stress, to support milk yield and health status of cows such as Time and frequency of feeding, Forage/concentrate ratio, Fat level, Nitrogen balance, Electrolyte balance, and Mineral buffer additives. and live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation, explains ABVista experts. Moreover, the heat stress can result in higher bicarbonate loss in the urine, causing less bicarbonate being available to help buffer acids in the rumen and pH is reduced, leading to SARA, according to expert opinion. Dr. Dimcho Djouvinov and Dr. Derek McIlmoyle indicates that there is no single approach to alleviate heat stress for dairy cows. Effective management and nutritional strategies are required to balance the homeostasis of the animal and help support feed efficiency, productivity and reproduction. Supplementing the diet with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can be a successful part of these strategies to help counteract the negative effects of heat stress. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/894/the-agfunder-grow-impact-accelerator-announces-2023-cohort-of-agrifoodtech-startups.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/894/the-agfunder-grow-impact-accelerator-announces-2023-cohort-of-agrifoodtech-startups.html Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 +0530 The 10 chosen startups focus on a range of themes including food as medicine, climate-smart agriculture, food system decarbonization, agri-fintech for financial inclusion of farmers, and planetary health. GROW, the Singapore-based agrifoodtech ecosystem builder backed by agrifoodtech investor AgFunder, has unveiled the 10 startups participating in the 2023 AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator. The accelerator launched in 2019 with the aim of supporting the growth of emerging technologies in the agrifood space while strengthening their efforts towards sustainability.   GROW chose this year’s startups from its largest-ever pool of applicants: 600 companies from 82 countries applied to the program, nearly double the number received for the previous cohort. The 10 chosen startups focus on a range of themes including food as medicine, climate-smart agriculture, food system decarbonization, agri-fintech for financial inclusion of farmers, and planetary health. Half of the startups are led by women founders or have women in leadership roles. Chosen startups are:  AgriFi (India): Digital credit platform increasing financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and reducing lending risk for institutions. Amatera (France): Accelerating the breeding of climate-resilient perennial crops, starting with coffee and woody crops. CarbonFarm (France): Providing satellite-verified carbon credits to help rice farmers accurately quantify their emissions and fund their transition to sustainable practices. DHF Platforms (Vietnam): Smallholder-driven fresh produce platform delivering traceability, transparency and tech-optimized logistics to reduce waste. Exosomm (Israel): Improving health with a novel bioactive food ingredient containing natural miRNA, milk exosomes. FaunaTech (India): Novel smartphone-based diagnostics platform for rapid testing of milk and bovine health at the farmgate. IIF (Australia): A platform enabling everyday folks to invest in agriculture without owning a farm. The Kawa Project (US): Upcycling coffee waste to create valuable, less-toxic cocoa powder alternatives. NTP Technologies (US): Enabling on-site, salt-free, sustainable and organic nitrogen fertilizer production.  OlsAro (Sweden): Developing salt-tolerant crops using AI-enabled trait discovery.  Participation in the 20-week programme comes with a $100,000 investment in each company from AgFunder along with access to AgFunder’s co-investors and GROW’s network.  “GROW Impact Fund's vision is to attract the smartest, most innovative entrepreneurs with a passion for revolutionizing the food system. With climate change beginning to materially impact crop production, animal health and productivity, fisheries and water availability, particularly in emerging markets, we have no time to waste in accelerating these potentially transformative technologies” says AgFunder’s founding partner Michael Dean.  The programme’s demo day will coincide with the Singapore International Agri-Food Week which will run from 30 October to 3 November, 2023.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/893/novel-technology-can-monitor-plant-nutrition-and-crop-protection.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/893/novel-technology-can-monitor-plant-nutrition-and-crop-protection.html Fri, 05 May 2023 08:30:55 +0530 Tidal Grow novel technologies to deliver effective plant nutrition and crop protection tools along with solutions for labor, nutrient runoff, weather, and regulations Tidal Grow® AgriScience has launched a technology-driven portfolio of solutions to tackle agriculture challenges including labor, nutrient runoff, weather, and regulations to provide impressive ROI for growers. A powerful pipeline leverages novel technologies to deliver enhanced levels of effectiveness in plant nutrition and crop protection. "Our core goal is to help farmers and growers maximize profits, increase yields, and protect their valuable production resources, all while reducing their environmental footprint," said Kevin Hammill, CEO of Tidal Grow AgriScience. "We meet them exactly where they are, integrating seamlessly into their existing production practices, resulting in improved performance and less traditional crop inputs. We bring our products to the market and be a catalyst for a healthier population and planet" adds CEO Kevin. Critical Ag-tech Targets the Core of Grower's Needs Tidal Grow® Integra Technology is positioned to scale and significantly impact the $100B+ crop protection and fertilizer markets. With this technology, they engineer how fertilizer, such as nitrogen, and crop protection products are delivered to the crop or target pathogen. This technology works by maximizing the potential of one of earth's most powerful biomolecules and deploying it to target grower's greatest challenges. This integration of biology and chemistry fundamentally changes the future of agriculture by making cropping inputs more effective. The first fertilizer built on this technology, alignN™, delivers nitrogen to the crop more effectively. The result is a higher yield per unit of fertilizer and a lower carbon footprint for the industry. Construction on a commercial production facility for alignN™ will begin this year while significant field trials are being conducted across the USA.   Additionally, the Tidal Grow® Bioactive portfolio offers significant contributions to regenerative practices with Tidal Grow® Spectra, a new offering in crop protection, and Pacific Gro® Oceanic and Sea Phos®, OMRI-listed organic carbon-based fertilizers. "Our Crop Production Input (CPI) Equation establishes a new standard of crop nutrient effectiveness," said Hammill. "Defined in mathematical terms, our solutions apply to both crop protection and nutrition and are measured in yield per input. Our approach is working. This year, more than 1 million acres will be under the positive influence of our products." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/879/bosch-basf-reinforces-smart-farming-values-novel-brand-for-herbicide-and-weedicide.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/879/bosch-basf-reinforces-smart-farming-values-novel-brand-for-herbicide-and-weedicide.html Wed, 03 May 2023 08:50:04 +0530 Partnership lunches a new brand ONE SMART SPRAY for value creation to farmers and manufacturers and commercialization activities As a joint venture between Bosch and BASF Digital Farming, Bosch BASF Smart Farming has launched its new brand name: ONE SMART SPRAY. This distinctive new brand name also applies to its product, which was previously referred to as the Smart Spraying Solution. With the change in name, a new logo, visual identity, and messaging will be introduced in all markets worldwide. The singular ONE SMART SPRAY brand was developed based on farmer feedback gathered in North America, South America, and Europe throughout the last 12 months, as field trials progressed towards full commercialization of the product. “ONE SMART SPRAY as a brand brings together the value we create and our purpose, which is to offer one integrated, convenient, and reliable solution to make herbicide spraying precise and smart. The new brand supports our commercialization activities. Our new tagline ‘Precision Made Smart’ brings our purpose to life: to take weed control to the next level by integrating precision, digital and agronomic intelligence into ONE solution” says Jorge von Kostrisch, Global Marketing & Communications Manager at ONE SMART SPRAY. Florian Gwosdz, Co-Managing Director of ONE SMART SPRAY, “Back in 2021, Bosch BASF Smart Farming joined Bosch's hardware, software, and connectivity capabilities with BASF's digital and agronomic expertise. The new brand is our next step to scaling up in the market.” Konstantin Kretschun, Co-Managing Director of ONE SMART SPRAY, adds: “ONE SMART SPRAY is a camera-based system developed by Bosch that detects weeds in milliseconds and precisely sprays only where necessary and only as much as needed. Using field-specific data in a digital platform by Xarvio Digital Farming Solutions, ONE SMART SPRAY also offers customized agronomic recommendations, intelligent sensitivity levels, high-precision agronomic maps, automated documentation, and further features in ONE solution. This is truly smart weed control, which supports maximum input efficiency and sustainable farming practices.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/859/adm-millings-uk-pilot-project-maps-carbon-emissions-in-its-wheat-supply-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/859/adm-millings-uk-pilot-project-maps-carbon-emissions-in-its-wheat-supply-chain.html Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:38:42 +0530 The three-year programme is supporting farmers to better understand their carbon footprint and reduce their emissions ADM, global leader in nutrition, and one of the leading flour millers in the UK, has for the first time calculated the emissions from the production of wheat in its UK supply chain. The pilot – undertaken by ADM Milling – is also one of the first led by a major food manufacturing company in the UK to calculate the emissions in the production of wheat, recognising that as climate change intensifies, it is vital for companies to understand the level of emissions produced further up their supply chain and take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Using Map of Ag as a data collection partner, ADM partnered with around 50 farmers to collect data and calculate the carbon footprint of farms' wheat production based on approx. 25,000 tonnes of wheat harvested last summer, equating to 20 million 1kg bags of flour milled by ADM – the equivalent of roughly 40 million loaves of bread (of 800g each). The data from year one of the pilot shows that the emissions from the UK farmers involved in the study sits at 302kg CO2e/t*, well below the previously reported standard values for UK milling wheat, which typically fall around 420kg CO2e/t. The next stage of the pilot will involve collecting data from the same group of farmers over the next two wheat harvests to ensure ADM creates a reliable baseline for the company and its customers and to track changes year-over-year. Nitrogen fertiliser was responsible for the biggest proportion of emissions (on average 75%). However other key sources of emissions included energy use (liquid/gaseous fuel and electricity) and crop residue (the breakdown of crop residues in field by natural processes). ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/857/bangkok-to-host-agriconnect-conference-exhibition2023.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/857/bangkok-to-host-agriconnect-conference-exhibition2023.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:17:01 +0530 Address Southeast Asia's agriculture industry challenges with smart farming innovations ; On May 24/25, at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand The AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023, organized by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and VNU Asia Pacific with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as official co-host, is set to address the challenges facing Southeast Asia's agriculture industry. The conference and exhibition will take place on May 24, 2023, at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will convene over 300 participants from various sectors to discuss sustainable agriculture practices and farm visit options on May 25, 2023. The theme of this transformative event is "Eco-efficiency: Solutions for Environmental Farming Business." Eco-efficiency combines cross-cutting topics to integrate sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment, the economy, and society. The AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 is powered by AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA, Southeast Asia's leading exhibitions in agriculture. The event will feature more than 30 speakers from nine countries and innovative sponsors. In addition, keynote speakers and representatives from international organizations, such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), will share their best practices and solutions in more than 15 sessions. On May 24, 2023, the exhibitors will showcase their latest agriculture-related services and products. In addition, the AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 offers a diverse range of sessions and speakers covering various topics relevant to sustainable agriculture. Some of the highlights include:Environmental Protection: Narapat Kaeothong, Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who will provide an overview of the ministry’s initiatives on environmental protection.; Takayuki Hagiwara, Regional Programme Leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will discuss the graduation process from farmer to entrepreneur. Innovations in Smart Farming: Matthew McDonald, APAC Precision Technology Product Manager at CNH Industrial will speak on Pivotal role of technology in securing a prosperous future for Southeast Asia; Stewart Andrews, CEO of BioSci(Thailand), Ltd., will expound on his experiences in implementing actionable data insights and intelligent farming.; Tobias Fausch, CIO of BayWa AG will explain Sustainable food security and digital Twin German-Thai Cooperation Project for Clusterfarms, the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Thai Society of Agricultural Engineering will discuss views on the achievements, challenges and opportunities of adopting Smart Farming technologies in Thailand. Dr. Bjöern Ole Sander, Country Representative of Vietnam for the International Rice Research Institute will discuss Carbon market regulations in Southeast Asia agricultural sector. A exclusive panel discussion on vertical farming will discuss characteristics of successful business models in vertical farming. Panel features Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the Association for Vertical Farming, Ralph Becker, CEO/Founder of Urban Greens Hydroponics Systems, Inc., and Sansin Sriphiromrak, CEO of Distar Fresh. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions and roundtable discussions. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany (BMEL) will offer an in-depth exploration of the challenges related to sustainable production in Southeast Asian agriculture, providing valuable insights into opportunities for German agribusiness companies. Similarly, the Sino-Thai Agricultural Young Farmers Exchange Conference will conduct an interactive workshop on "Future Farmer: Strategies for Success in Sustainable and entrepreneurial agriculture by Young Chinese and Thai Farmers," featuring the perspectives of young farmers from China and Thailand. May 25, 2023, will involve farm visits. Participants can visit the Choncharoen Farm in Kanchanaburi, run by Chia Tai x True Digital Solutions to witness technologies surrounding irrigation systems, weather stations, drones, and robotics, are integrated into sustainable farming practices. Alternatively, participants can visit DiStar Fresh Farm, Thailand's largest indoor vertical farming facility. Participants can see how soilless growing using Perlite and Vermiculite provides protection from pests and pathogens while maintaining optimal water usage and an ideal environment for crops. All this is accomplished while controlling LEDs, AC, nutrients, and CO2 levels for an ideal balance of light, atmosphere, and nutrients. AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 will bring experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders in the agriculture sector to discuss and showcase sustainable agriculture practices, innovative technologies, and best practices for achieving eco-efficient farming. The event promises to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and new business collaborations for participants from various sectors, including agribusiness, the food industry, and agriculture. To register for the AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 visit www.agritechnica.com/agriconnect/ ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/848/ifarm-to-construct-the-worlds-largest-high-tech-vertical-farm-in-mexico.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/848/ifarm-to-construct-the-worlds-largest-high-tech-vertical-farm-in-mexico.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:32:14 +0530 Around 38.500 square meter cultivation area built with cutting-edge technology to grow over 35 types of leafy greens and microgreens with a hydroponics vertical farming system. In Oaxaca, Mexico, the vertical agriculture technology provider iFarm has partnered with the Opus 2G Group to build a massive automated high-tech vertical farm in the Smart City of Tehuantepec. With its 38.500 square meter cultivation area, the farm will be the world's largest vertical farm and built with cutting-edge technology. A Smart City of Tehuantepec will be built by Opus 2G Group as part of The Smart Industrial Corridor Benito Juarez (CIINT) project. The initiative forms part of Tehuantepec Isthmus Interoceanic Corridor, a governmental initiative. In order to boost economic growth in Mexico's Southeast states, it connects the port of Salina Cruz in Oaxaca with Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz. Opus 2G Group's initiative is supported by the state government of Oaxaca. As part of its initial phase, the CIINT Benito Juárez will create approximately 75,000 jobs in heavy industries such as chemicals, energy, and agriculture. In the Smart City of Tehuantepec, iFarm will build an automated vertical farm based on cutting-edge iFarm StackGrow technology. The largest automated vertical farm in the world will have a total cultivation area of 38.500 square meters to grow over 35 types of leafy greens and microgreens with a hydroponics vertical farming system. Each month, the farm will produce over 288 tons of high-quality crops. In 2024, the Smart City of Tehuantepec will launch its pilot farm. By 2028, Opus 2G Group and iFarm plan to build 22 automated vertical farms in the smart city. A wide variety of crops will be grown in the future, including berries, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medical plants. A joint investigation between iFarm and Opus 2G Group is also underway to develop an indoor farming system to grow coffee and cocoa beans. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/841/steakholder-foods-creates-worlds-first-3d-printed-fish-fillet.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/841/steakholder-foods-creates-worlds-first-3d-printed-fish-fillet.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:11:00 +0530 Partner with Singapore's Umami Meats to create a scalable process for producing structured cultivated fish products using proprietary 3D bio-printing technology and customized bio-inks Steakholder Foods has achieved a milestone by using its 3D bio-printer to create the world’s first cultivated fish fillet in partnership with Singapore-based cell-based seafood company Umami Meats. The successful printing of the grouper fillet is a significant step towards commercializing the bioprinter and developing sustainable solutions for the food industry. The Steakholders’ unique technology allows the fillet to be ready for cooking immediately after printing, mimicking the texture of cooked fish.  In partnership with Singapore-based cell-based seafood company Umami Meats, Steakholder Foods has developed this propriety product. Using grouper cells provided by Umami Meats, Steakholder Foods customized its bio-inks to print the cultivated grouper product. The partnership’s goal is to create a scalable process for producing structured cultivated fish products using Steakholder Foods’ proprietary 3D bio-printing technology and customized bio-inks. The success of the 3D printing of the grouper fillet represents a significant step towards the commercialization of the bioprinter. Unlike other cultivated meat products, the grouper fish fillet is ready to cook after printing, Steakholder Foods’ unique technology allows the mimicking of the flaky texture of cooked fish. The seafood and fish market is a long-term part of Steakholder Foods’ vision to introduce sustainable solutions that increase food security. With an estimated size of $110 billion and projected growth of 3-4% annually, the company anticipates expanding its collaborations to a greater variety of species with additional partners. Steakholder Foods is developing a slaughter-free solution for producing a variety of beef and seafood products as an alternative to industrialized farming and fishing. The achievement by Steakholder Foods represents a significant milestone in the development of 3D bio-printing technology for the food industry. The successful customization of bio-inks to an external cell line opens the door to a wide variety of potential collaborations along the path to commercializing the 3D bio-printer. In the future, other structured cultivated products, including beef and seafood, will likely be developed as a result of the significant progress in developing sustainable solutions for the food industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/840/guardian-agricultures-evtol-approved-by-u-s-faa.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/840/guardian-agricultures-evtol-approved-by-u-s-faa.html Wed, 26 Apr 2023 09:09:23 +0530 Guardian Agriculture a pioneer in Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) systems for large-scale sustainable farming becomes the first commercially approved eVTOL operator in the U.S. Guardian Agriculture has secured U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization to operate its aircraft nationwide. This allows eVTOL to safely deploy its agricultural eVTOL systems across the country. In conventional farming, ground spraying equipment is increasingly being replaced by unmanned autonomous systems, but these systems cannot provide comprehensive coverage at competitive prices. With Guardian Agriculture's eVTOL solution, equivalent coverage is achieved to traditional aerial crop dusting and ground spraying equipment while maintaining or reducing costs and delivering digital precision. Adam Bercu, Founder and CEO of Guardian Agriculture, stated that eVTOL-powered crop protection is superior to crops, the environment, and growers’ profitability. Guardian Agriculture’s commitment to designing and manufacturing its systems entirely in the U.S. supports national competitiveness, job creation, and security. According to Wilbur-Ellis VP of Supplier Relations Willie Negroni, the FAA's recent approval allows Guardian Agriculture to revolutionize farming with the Guardian SC1. Precision, safe crop protection is delivered time- and cost-effectively with the Guardian SC1. The SC1 covers 40 acres per hour with a 200-pound payload and a 15-foot aircraft width. Additionally, the system, which integrates an autonomous aircraft, a supercharger at the ground station, and software that generates domestically stored data, provides on-target application when needed. As the first manufacturer of commercial eVTOLs operating at scale nationwide, Guardian Agriculture is accumulating thousands of hours of flight time. During the coming months, Wilbur-Ellis will begin commercial operations in California while expanding production capacity. A world-class team of engineering, autonomy, and manufacturing experts at Guardian Agriculture hails from Apple, BAE, Sikorsky, Tesla, and Uber. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/831/philippines-launches-affordable-agri-fishery-commodities.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/831/philippines-launches-affordable-agri-fishery-commodities.html Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:33:36 +0530 Awarded interventions amounting to P15.793 million for several farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Bulacan province Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has launched second outlet in Bulacan Province to provide affordable agri-fishery commodities and a ready market for farmers and fisherfolk. The President, who concurrently serves as Agriculture Secretary, added that the Kadiwa is one the administration’s programs to manage food inflation and provide more income opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). President Marcos also awarded interventions amounting to P15.793 million for several farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Bulacan province. The Dulong Bayan Farmers Association based in San Jose Del Monte City received Php5 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-National Rice Program for the construction of warehouse with mechanical grain dryer. It also received Php5.5 million from the DA-National Livestock Program for the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) implementation. Government assistance were distributed to Bulacan residents by President Marcos, to the Biyaya ng Matangtubig Irrigators Association, Inc. of Baliuag town, the Sta. Catalina Matanda Bata Irrigators Association of San Ildefonso, and the Magmarale Farmers Field School Marketing Cooperative of San Miguel each received Php1.764 million worth of rice combine harvester from the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech). ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/830/australia-grants-108m-to-timber-manufacturing-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/830/australia-grants-108m-to-timber-manufacturing-industry.html Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:17:10 +0530 Funding of $1 million to $5 million will be provided under the Wood Processing Innovation grant program to 34 successful applications from 2022-23 to 2025-26. The Australian government has granted more than $108 million to the timber manufacturing industry in order to encourage more value-adding and further innovation. Funding of between $1 million to $5 million will be provided under the Wood Processing Innovation grant program to 34 successful applications from 2022-23 to 2025-26. Under the program, recipients are required to provide at least 60% of the total project costs. This brings the total new investment, including public and private sector funding, to $361 million. The funding will be allocated among the members of Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation grant program. These grant recipients will undertake a wide range of projects which will see the implementation of upgraded and innovative work practices across various industries, including production of activated carbon, housing and construction, packaging, and culturally significant timbers to higher end markets. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, made the announcement that "a total of 34 grants will be made, selected by an independent panel, including funding for 4 projects involving First Nations organisations, enabling the use of sustainably sourced timber from traditional lands. These grants are about creating more long-term jobs in the forestry sector. In the October budget, we committed more than $300 million to support Australia’s forest industries to innovate and improve the capacity and capability of the sector". In addition to this, the Australia is establishing the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation and has committed support for specific training for the forestry and wood products industries. MP Brian Mitchell said the grant program will support wood processors by stimulating investment in upgrades to existing manufacturing lines and innovation to diversify domestic products. Enabling wood processing facilities to use innovative technologies in their production will enhance the forestry industry’s ability to supply more of Australia’s wood demands into the future”. “Here in Tasmania that includes projects that improve production processes, and value add to existing operations. More than $15 million in government funding will be spent across five projects, with the total value of new investment set to reach over $45 million.” he added. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/826/agrofresh-partner-with-strella-to-launch-real-time-monitoring-tool-in-horticulture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/826/agrofresh-partner-with-strella-to-launch-real-time-monitoring-tool-in-horticulture.html Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:18:09 +0530 New innovative sensor technology enhances real-time monitoring of apple and pear ripening process; offers packers an eye into their storage rooms as part of post-harvest solution The leader in post-harvest freshness solutions, AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. announced a partnership with Strella, a startup and developer of proprietary sensor technology, as part of its commitment to reducing food loss and promoting sustainable agriculture. The global exclusive distribution agreement will launch immediately for the northern hemisphere’s apple and pear seasons and leverage AgroFresh’s relationships with more than 3,700 customers worldwide. “We expand the reach for this innovative technology in association with Strella and provide our customers with the data and insights they need to reduce food waste and maintain the quality and freshness of apples and pears as they move through the supply chain,” said Clint Lewis, Chief Executive Officer for AgroFresh “Our partnership with Strella expands our comprehensive portfolio of post-harvest solutions and further supports our customers in their efforts to grow and distribute an abundant supply of sustainable fresh produce around the world.” added CEO, Clint Lewis. Strella’s proprietary sensors collect real-time perishability data on apples and pears while they are in storage, allowing customers to make data-driven inventory decisions to maintain freshness and protect the value of their produce in storage to yield a higher quality pack out with limited disruptions in supply to the market. This technology will complement AgroFresh’s FreshCloud™ platform. FreshCloud™ is an integrated digital platform that provides end-to-end data visibility and monitoring of product quality at all points along the value chain and moves the quality control (QC) inspection process into the digital age. Katherine Sizov, Chief Executive Officer for Strella. “Our focus is to use technology and data to enable smarter decisions across the supply chain. Addressing inefficiencies in fruit storage is a critical step in building a more resilient food supply chain." The new agreement allows AgroFresh to build on the company’s full portfolio of integrated post-harvest products, services and digital solutions designed to maintain fresh produce quality and extend shelf life. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/817/usda-invests-46m-in-sustainable-agriculture-program.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/817/usda-invests-46m-in-sustainable-agriculture-program.html Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:57:00 +0530 SARE has provided $380 million in grant funding for nearly 8,400 projects serving farmers, growers, and rural communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of over $46 million in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. SARE has funded farmer-driven grants and grassroots education programs resulting in climate-smart solutions for farms and ranches across every state and island protectorate since 1988. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics (REE) said “Through this investment, SARE will continue to provide competitive grants and education programs that foster farmer-driven innovation to promote climate-smart practices, make sustainable producers more profitable, and improve local economies and the quality of life in rural communities.” SARE has supported farmers in four regions (North Central, Northeast, South, and West) since its authorization in the 1990 Farm Bill. Each regional program is hosted by a Land-grant Institution and guided by volunteer Administrative Councils, including farmers and ranchers and representatives from universities, government, agribusiness, and nonprofit organizations. The Technical reviewers and volunteers lend professional and practical experience to help councils evaluate project proposals. Grant recipients are the University of Minnesota, the University of Vermont, the University of Georgia, Montana State University, and the University of Maryland. These 10-year awards are being made by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in four regional SARE host institutions and the National Reporting, Coordinating, and Communications Office (NRCCO). SARE has provided $380 million in grant funding for nearly 8,400 projects serving farmers, growers, and rural communities. Projects include supporting producers with on-farm renewable energy, pest and weed management, cover crops, high tunnel and session extension, crop rotations, marketing, pollinator health, and local and regional food system development. Investing in sustainable agriculture shows USDA’s ongoing commitment to transforming the food and agricultural systems. SARE will continue to provide competitive grants and education programs that foster farmer-driven innovation to promote climate-smart practices, make sustainable producers more profitable, and improve local economies and the quality of life in rural communities. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/815/mustgrow-launches-soil-amendment-and-biofertility-programs-for-sustainable-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/815/mustgrow-launches-soil-amendment-and-biofertility-programs-for-sustainable-agriculture.html Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:45:00 +0530 Plant-based programs to focus on soil and microbiome health, nutrient and water use efficiencies, and plant yields for Sustainable Agriculture MustGrow Biologics Corp., an global agriculture biotech company developing organic Biocontrol has extended its capabilities to capitalize on sustainable agriculture opportunities in the “Soil Amendment” and “Biofertility” marketplaces. MustGrow’s Soil Amendment and Biofertility development programs will focus on soil and soil microbiome health, nutrient and water use efficiencies, and plant yields. Throughout 2022, MustGrow engaged in extensive market research, formulation activities, and prospective partnership discussions, and has now added Soil Amendment and Biofertility programs to its growing list of global target applications, which now covers: preplant soil fumigation (under the brand name TerraMGTM), postharvest food preservation and bioherbicide (together “Biocontrol”), and now Soil Amendment and Biofertility applications. Currently under development with four global partners: Janssen PMP, Bayer, Sumitomo Corporation, and NexusBioAg, MustGrow believes the Soil Amendment and Biofertility initiative will complement its existing Biocontrol programs in soil fumigation, postharvest food preservation, and bioherbicide. A key goal of partnership programs in 2023 will be to expand their scope and investments globally. Commercial and strategic advancements will be pivotal in certain regions and crops. Plant-based technologies are being developed by MustGrow to improve soil health as well as the surrounding ecosystem. As a soil conditioner in mixable form, TerraSanteTM contain nutritious plant proteins and carbohydrates that feed soil microbes, improving beneficial microbial activity and ensuring long-term soil health. Increasing nutrient availability can increase plant vigor and yields, while reducing plant stress.  TerraSanteTM improves crop nutrient uptake and, therefore, crop performance.  No additives or preservatives are used during manufacturing. Initially, MustGrow will pursue TerraSanteTM registrations in North America for Soil Amendment applications, followed by formulations and brands for Biofertility applications.  Plant-based extracts from mustard and possibly other sources will be used in the Soil Amendment and Biofertility products. Weighing fertilizer reduction targets against the need to increase farm production, farm profitability, economic growth and global food security points to sustainable Soil Amendment and Biofertility innovation and development as a key agriculture solution. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/816/fbn-launches-novel-chatgpt-empowered-agronomic-advisor.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/816/fbn-launches-novel-chatgpt-empowered-agronomic-advisor.html Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:34:00 +0530 With AI and Norm, the possibilities are endless when it comes to increasing farmer profitability FBN®, an AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, has launched first AI-powered agronomic advisor, NormSM, to provide farmers with a wide range of agronomic information. FBN is inviting its members to experiment with Norm, helping refine the feedback it provides. With AI and Norm, the possibilities are endless when it comes to increasing farmer profitability. Norm is built on OpenAI's Chatbot GPT-3.5 and uses public data such as weather insights, soil monitoring, application rates, product labels, current events, university research, and grower commentary. Using FBN's proprietary data feeds, growers can query agronomic, farm business, animal health, and product use questions."Farmers have to make hundreds of decisions each season, on topics as diverse as soil chemistry, plant genetics and diseases, chemical applications, equipment repair, and commodity price hedging. It's difficult to be an expert in all of those areas. We envision a future where Norm can serve as a first-line advisor to our members across dozens of topics," said Kit Barron, Head of Data Science at Farmers Business Network. Norm's benefits to farmers include:Chemical Intelligence: Norm can recommend generic alternatives, application rates, pest and disease targets, tank mix and nozzles.Input Guidance: Norm can provide guidance on seed varieties based on soil type, climate, and even real-time market demand, as well as herbicide, pesticide, and fungicide that are most effective.Pest and Disease Strategies: Incorporating practice management with specific products, Norm can help farmers deal with common pest and disease issues.General Agronomic Advice: From irrigation to fertilization to crop rotation, Norm can provide tailored advice to farmers based on their unique circumstances.Livestock & Animal Health: Norm understands diseases and pharmaceuticals, especially for cattle. The name Norm is a tribute to Dr. Norman Borlaug, an agronomist who was considered the Father of the Green Revolution. Agronomic work earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Peace Prize. Last month would have marked his 109th birthday. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/813/philippines-moves-towards-modernised-agri-under-s-koreas-oda.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/813/philippines-moves-towards-modernised-agri-under-s-koreas-oda.html Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:19:36 +0530 The ODA from South Korea is in line with the Philippines’ three-year Agriculture Development Program The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) will be undertaking a three-year Official Development Assistance (ODA) program that seeks to provide guidance to the ten selected machinery manufacturers and fabricators in the country. Under ODA, the Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK) will be carried out to aid local Filipino companies in resolving onsite technical difficulties of machinery and other farm facilities. The initiative is led by the Korea Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI) with Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) and DA’s-Philippine Centre for Postharvest Development and Mechanisation (PhilMech) as implementing partners. Through TASK, beneficiaries will be upskilled through the technical know-how and experiences of experts from KOAMI, KAMICO and PhilMech. “This undertaking will foster cooperation and collaboration among all players that will ultimately result in a mechanised and modernised Philippine agriculture.” The ODA from South Korea is in line with the Philippines’ three-year Agriculture Development Program as DA continues to push for the mechanisation of Philippine agriculture to address the gaps in the sector. During his first State of the Nation Address in July 2022, President Marcos committed to giving priority to the improvement and advancement of the agriculture and fishery industries by modernising food production. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/803/firefly-automatix-premiers-worlds-first-autonomous-hybrid-field-mower.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/803/firefly-automatix-premiers-worlds-first-autonomous-hybrid-field-mower.html Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:46:03 +0530 M220-AV uilds on the efficiencies of the 22-foot-wide M220 manned mower enabling Turf Farms to achieve optimal productivity FireFly Automatix, Inc. has announced initial customer implementation of the M220-AV, the company’s first fully autonomous field mower, which has been in development since 2018. The new AV (Autonomous Vehicle) version of the popular 22-foot M220 for turfgrass production is premiering as a hybrid diesel-electric vehicle that takes the company’s proven features to an entirely new level of automation. FireFly has selected a limited number of turf farms for eligibility of its first commercially available M220-AV’s. The program has officially commenced with the delivery of the first pilot production vehicle this month to Prime Sod, in Kopperl, Texas, with additional orders booked through early Summer 2023. As a significant update to earlier models of the M220, the M220-AV features the following: A high-performance 125 hp turbo-charged hybrid diesel/electric engine with Bosch Rexroth drive train and premium quality bearings and hydraulic system Climate-controlled cab for operator comfort during the initial teach modes and pressurized to keep out dust State-of-the-art electrical controls and automated mow height Optimized front-mounted electric decks meticulously engineered to finishing quality mowing at speeds of up to 13.3 acres/hour “The M220-AV represents a full paradigm shift for turf farm mowing,” said Steve Aposhian, FireFly’s founder and CTO. “We are creating new efficiencies to meet the turf farm industry’s highest needs, which we will ultimately expand to fulfill turf maintenance roles in every place they are needed. The M220-AV has been designed and purpose-built from the ground up to be the most efficient mowing machine on the market. Further, the rigors of providing autonomous solutions at the commercial farm level lend themselves long term to the development of markets such as golf, sports turf and municipal (parks and schools), orchard, and roadside safety mowing” said Steve Aposhian, FireFly’s founder and CTO. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/793/xag-drone-eyes-widespread-use-in-vietnams-banana-and-durian-farming.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/793/xag-drone-eyes-widespread-use-in-vietnams-banana-and-durian-farming.html Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:40:00 +0530 Advanced drone technology can address agricultural inputs and labor shortages, especially among fruit farmers. Farmers in Vietnam are adopting a novel XAG P100 Agricultural Drone to cut costs and reap higher benefits in the cultivation of high-value crops, like bananas and durians. With the fully autonomous and precise operation, XAG drones thrive in Vietnam's agricultural drone market. Advanced drone technology can address agricultural inputs and labor shortages, especially among fruit farmers. XAG, the leading agri-tech company, has highlighted aims to support Vietnam's fruit industry amid the shrinking agricultural workforce. Vietnam's economy relies heavily on tropical fruit exports, particularly durian, and banana. Durian exports grew 137% from the same period last year to $421 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Banana exports also grew 34.5% last year, reaching $311 million. However, bananas and durians are usually planted in a hot and humid climate, prone to pests and diseases. Throughout the growth cycle, multiple sprayings and fertilizations are required, and the investment is heavy. Despite the relatively high-profit margin of fruit crops, Vietnamese farmers are faced with increasing pressures. Most banana plantations in Vietnam are managed by manual labor. When the farm reaches 1 hectare and more, they must hire workers to water, fertilize, and control pests. Growth requires a lot of foliar fertilizer. Additionally, pesticide spraying is necessary to prevent aphids, mites, powdery mildew, and black rot. XAG P100 agricultural drone pilot sets parameters and plans flight route on the app, XAG P100 follows pre-set path autonomously. Each day, it can spray 20-30 hectares of banana fields, equivalent to 20 workers working simultaneously. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/777/carbon-robotics-on-a-mission-to-scale-ai-powered-weed-control-platform.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/777/carbon-robotics-on-a-mission-to-scale-ai-powered-weed-control-platform.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:23:36 +0530 Secures $30M in funding to develop cost-effective and efficient precision ag-tech tool LaserWeeder™ platform for a targeted weed elimination in farms Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered robotics, has secured $30 million to develop LaserWeeder™ platform for effortless weed control in agricultural farms. The LaserWeeder™ identifies weeds and targets them for elimination. The platform implement’s 30 high-powered CO2 lasers using thermal energy to destroy the meristem of the weed with millimeter accuracy, without damaging nearby crops or disturbing the soil. The Series C financing from new lead investor Sozo Ventures is coupled with existing investors Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Liquid2 and Voyager Capital. The funding will be used to expand sales regions in North America, optimize and scale manufacturing, develop new software and hardware products, and launch into international markets. This latest round of financing brings Carbon Robotics’ overall funding to $67 million. “Carbon Robotics' elegant use of AI, computer vision, robotics and lasers enables farmers to reduce their most expensive line item - weed control - without damaging plants or the soil. The breakthrough innovation boosts farmers’ profitability across conventional, organic and no-till practices” said Rob Freelen, managing director of Sozo Ventures. “Traditional weeding methods, including hand weeding and herbicides, are expensive, unreliable and damage soil health. The LaserWeeder uniquely addresses all of these challenges. This financing round further supports our mission to provide cost-effective and efficient precision ag-tech tools to growers,” said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. To date, Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeders have successfully eliminated more than 500 million weeds across 40 different crops. The LaserWeeder™ has extended its reach to farms across 17 U.S. states and three provinces in Canada. Most recently, Carbon Robotics expanded the features of the LaserWeeder with the industry’s first LaserThinning capability, targeting areas where vegetable crops are purposefully overseeded and then thinned for optimal crop spacing, growth and yield. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/763/new-zeelands-first-ever-solar-powered-stratospheric-aircraft-takes-a-plunge.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/763/new-zeelands-first-ever-solar-powered-stratospheric-aircraft-takes-a-plunge.html Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:00:32 +0530 Kea Aerospace launches Solar-Powered Stratospheric Aircraft Using Audi EV to aid precision agriculture New Zealand's first solar-powered stratospheric aircraft will be a game-changer for collecting high-resolution aerial data for extreme weather events, environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture. The "Kea Atmos Mk 1" uncrewed aircraft has been designed to be used for stratospheric flight testing. It has a wingspan of 12.5 metres, weighs under 40 kilograms and will fly at altitudes higher than commercial airliners, up to 50,000 feet. The electric launch vehicle being used is an Audi e-tron Sportback. "It's an exhilarating year for the company as we undertake a range of challenging flight tests on our journey to the stratosphere.  It was an absolute thrill to show the Kea Atmos Mk1 aircraft to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy last month and we look forward to working with a wide range of international aerospace participants", CEO of Kea Aerospace, Mark Rocket says. Kea Aerospace has been building and flying a range of electric-powered aircraft and high-altitude balloons as part of its program to build a global fleet of solar-powered uncrewed aircraft that will fly in the stratosphere for months at a time. Their X10 aircraft flew in February 2022 for 36 hours non-stop and proved perpetual flight capability at low altitudes. Each aircraft will carry a suite of aerial imagery equipment offering game-changing advances for many industries, vastly improving the data available for activities including environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, disaster management and maritime awareness. "The Kea Atmos is the first solar-powered stratospheric aircraft designed and built in the Southern Hemisphere. It's an incredible challenge to make the aircraft as lightweight as possible to fly in less than 10% of the air density we have at sea level, but at the same time it has to be tough enough to handle flying through the fast jet streams", Mark Rocket says. Kea Aerospace is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. High altitude flights are planned this year to take-off from Tāwhaki, on the Kaitorete Spit, located around 50 kilometres south of Christchurch. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/754/vietnam-attracts-resources-from-korea-for-agriculture-and-rural-development-sector.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/754/vietnam-attracts-resources-from-korea-for-agriculture-and-rural-development-sector.html Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:30:04 +0530 For the period 2022-2030, Vietnam seeks Korea's resources and technical assistance in agriculture and rural development. Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development held discussion with with Lee Byung Ho, Chairman of Korea Rural Development Corporation (KRC) on cooperation in the field of agricultural sector in the region. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Lee Byung Ho discussed the Medium and Long-term Vision Report on cooperation between Vietnam and Korea in the field of Agriculture and Rural Development period 2022-2030. The crucial report, identifies potential areas of cooperation to maximize the comparative advantages of the two countries, diversifying types of cooperation and investment to improve efficiency and ensure sustainability. As the agency that manages and uses international grants, KRC Group has been supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in implementing a number of projects in the fields of: vegetable production, capacity building for diagnosis. veterinary medicine, building new rural areas, building high-tech agricultural models, smart agriculture, etc. The non-refundable ODA projects that KRC has implemented with Vietnam's agricultural sector include the Capacity Building project of the Central Veterinary Diagnostic Center” (2014-2018); “Supporting establishments for preliminary processing and preservation of agricultural products in Vietnam” (2019-2021); “Application of Korean technology to produce disease-free potato varieties and develop sustainable potato value chains in Vietnam” (2020-2025); “Improving the rice value chain in the Red River Delta” (2021-2025); and “Strengthening the capacity of the Central Veterinary Diagnostic Center” (phase 2, 2022-2025). These projects have been implemented effectively and many localities have made new proposals on replicating project/model results. As part of its commitment to further promote Vietnam's role in agriculture, KRC Group is motivated to support Vietnam's agricultural industry in areas where the Korean industry has strengths and to strengthen its cooperation and effective management of ODA projects. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/745/agco-and-bosch-basf-smart-farming-to-commercialize-smart-spraying-capabilities.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/745/agco-and-bosch-basf-smart-farming-to-commercialize-smart-spraying-capabilities.html Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:57:43 +0530 Innovative smart spray solution aims at optimal herbicide savings without compromising weed control and will enable targeted spraying during the day and night. AGCO Corporation (HQ: Georgia), the American agricultural machinery manufacturer has collaborated with Bosch BASF Smart Farming, to commercialize Smart Spraying technology into Fendt Rogator sprayers and jointly develop additional new features. In May 2021, AGCO and Bosch BASF Smart Farming started the first trials of the innovative smart spray solution from Bosch BASF Smart Farming, which will offer optimal herbicide savings without compromising weed control and will enable targeted spraying during the day and night. In addition to selective spraying, the system will offer integrated digital tools to turn application data into actionable information and improve farmer performance and efficiency.  Herbicide savings are achieved through sophisticated detection, automated sensitivity thresholds, access to Bosch BASF Smart Farming's pest identification technology, and use of Fendt Rogator's robust application platform. AGCO will offer the system in the Americas and Europe from 2024. Farmers will also be able to benefit from personalized agronomic recommendations and reliable documentation within the same solution. The system will offer a comprehensive user experience through built-in and external controls from AGCO and the integrated digital platform of Bosch BASF Smart Farming from xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions, with information about the data collected during the application. Currently, the supported crops are corn, soybeans, cotton, rapeseed, sunflower and sugar beet, with other crops, such as small grains, being added over time. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/725/australias-golden-grove-nursery-embraces-data-driven-analytics-for-sustainable-water-management.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/725/australias-golden-grove-nursery-embraces-data-driven-analytics-for-sustainable-water-management.html Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:45:33 +0530 Real-time monitoring and analytics capabilities ensure efficient irrigation and fertigation, reduce nutrient runoff while enabling higher quality citrus nursery trees Hitachi Vantara, the modern infrastructure, data management and digital solutions subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), and Golden Grove Nursery, the dominant supplier of citrus nursery trees to the Queensland citrus industry (Australia), have applied artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics and sensor technology to inform data-driven irrigation water management practices for sustainable, environmentally friendly food production. Golden Grove has installed an innovative combination of weight scales, soil moisture sensors, and analytics developed for horticulture use by Hitachi Vantara, Greenlife Industry Australia, Applied Horticulture Research, and ICT International. This solution measures and assesses moisture content in the growing media of pots, as well as crop water use, to provide insights that inform practices such as irrigation and fertilization decisions. The implementation includes a free-standing weather station to monitor the microclimate and a range of pH, temperature, soil moisture, weight, and electrical conductivity sensors to monitor water quality and leachate. Golden Grove Nursery Director Wayne Parr said "With this project we are using the power of data to improve our irrigation management processes which will, in turn, reduce the overheads of water usage, improve environmental outcomes, and ensure we maintain compliance with regulatory requirements." As an alternative to the manual process Golden Grove can automatically test the water every 15 minutes. Real-time data is uploaded to the cloud and presented on one screen – the Hitachi Supply Chain Control Tower, modified to holistically measure production nursery productivity and environmental stewardship by integrating sensor data, weather forecasts, and biophysical models. Using Hitachi's Lumada Manufacturing Insights, nursery personnel can view predictive analytics like irrigation requirements. This digital smart farm project is part of a broader sustainable horticulture program supported by funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program as well as Hort Innovation, with co-investment from Applied Horticultural Research, Greenlife Industry Australia, AusVeg, Freshcare, Growcom, Australian Banana Growers Council, Hitachi Australia Pty Ltd and Hitachi Vantara LLC. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/698/ever-ag-launches-fieldalytics-engage-app-to-simplify-grower-service-provider-communications.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/698/ever-ag-launches-fieldalytics-engage-app-to-simplify-grower-service-provider-communications.html Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:43:19 +0530 The innovative platform saves time for service providers and growers by improving the real-time sharing of critical information while reducing unnecessary touchpoints to manage risk Ever.Ag, a leading source of innovative AgTech solutions, said today it has launched FieldAlytics Engage, a powerful app designed to strengthen service providers' relationships with growers by housing essential information in a single source. FieldAlytics Engage enables growers to see upcoming activities on their fields, review and approve work orders, view field spatial data, assess the latest weather reports, and view current grain market information from a single dashboard. The innovative platform saves time for service providers and growers by improving the real-time sharing of critical information while reducing unnecessary touchpoints to manage risk. The new tool reflects the combination of industry knowledge and technology expertise that have made FieldAlytics a leader in the market. "FieldAlytics Engage represents the next step in advancing service providers' relationships with growers by providing a platform for growers to see and act on what is important," said Ernie Chappell, president of Ever.Ag Agribusiness, a division of Ever.Ag. "The unique combination of agronomic and economic information allows growers to monitor and act to ensure optimal outcomes for the season in partnership with their service providers. Additional functionality being delivered in the summer will further empower Service Providers and Growers to jointly solve for optimal agronomic, economic and environmental variables." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/671/bayer-presents-unprecedented-fungicide-new-business-models-and-seed-innovation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/671/bayer-presents-unprecedented-fungicide-new-business-models-and-seed-innovation.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:08:00 +0530 Invests more than €2.8 billion per year in Research and Development (R&D) for agriculture globaly The 20th edition of Tecnoshow Comigo, a multinational agricultural trade event, will take place between the 27th and 31st of March in the municipality of Rio Verde (GO), the U.S. Participating in the major event, Bayer is presenting its Innovations in seeds, an unprecedented fungicide for soy farming, state-of-the-art digital tools and new business models at the occasion. With global investments of more than €2.8 billion per year in Research and Development (R&D) for agriculture, the multinational will present the most advanced in biotechnologies, crop protection and digital tools for the field, demonstrating directly to farmers of the region how modern solutions can contribute to the growth of agricultural production in a sustainable way. Bayer is introducing Supra , a new systemic fungicide, ideal for use in controlling diseases in soybeans. The formulation demonstrates effectiveness in different stages of the infectious process of diseases such as Asian rust, target spot, brown spot, anthracnose, cercospora and powdery mildew. Similarly, for corn, Bayer is presenting two innovative products, the insecticide Curbix® , which has a highly efficient contact effect against both leafhoppers and bedbugs, helping in the integrated management of pests, and the Verango Prime nematicide , for the effective and long-term control of nematodes in maize, such as root-knot nematode ( Pratylenchus zeae ) and root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ). To unlock new opportunities to transform agriculture, Bayer portfolio is leveraging digital field innovation solutions and many crop protection solutions. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/653/new-holland-agriculture-inaugurates-state-of-the-art-training-center-in-india.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/653/new-holland-agriculture-inaugurates-state-of-the-art-training-center-in-india.html Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:32:00 +0530 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The facility will focus on training and upskilling dealer staff, employees and customers/operators and the state-of-the-art centre is enabled by a virtual reality space with the latest technology to train new operators​ New Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, has introduced a new training centre in India (Greater Noida) to enhance the technical skills of employees, dealer teams and customers. The facility offers technical and commercial training for tractors, harvesters, and balers. Currently, it has a capacity to train 75 individuals at a time and will be soon increased to 90 trainees in the coming months, for various training programmes.​​The knowledge centre is equipped with a virtual reality (VR) space with the latest technology to train operators, as opposed to more traditional in field training, to provide a safe learning environment especially for new operators.​​Narinder Mittal, Managing Director of CNH Industrial – Agriculture Business, India and SAARC said, “With the establishment of first hi-tech training facility in India we provide solutions to our stakeholders to increase their farm productivity. We are confident that the new training centre will assist our customers, dealer partners, and employees to learn about new technologies. It is also a step towards personalizing our interactions with our customers and better understanding their needs for future product developments.”​Michael Moore, APAC Commercial and Technical Training Manager, CNH Industrial said, “We are delighted to inaugurate our new training center for operations of farm equipment in India. The state-of-the-art facility will help operators across India as well as our employees to understand the new technologies in the industry".​​ The facility offers three different training workshops for live assembly and disassembly on different tractor series. Moreover, offering hands-on training to participants, it also has a crop solutions workshop to handle combine harvesters, square balers and rakes, which makes it a unique facility. Four dedicated trainers for tractors operations and o​ne for crop solution operations will conduct these workshops. They are vastly knowledgeable about the brand’s products available in India.​​ With the evolution of machines in the market, driven by the new emission regulations, New Holland will ensure that the right skills are provided to dealer technicians to keep customers going in the field.​ ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/648/basf-advances-innovation-pipeline-to-accelerate-agricultures-transformation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/648/basf-advances-innovation-pipeline-to-accelerate-agricultures-transformation.html Wed, 22 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0530 Expanding options for weed management, leveraging chemistry, biotech and data insights with integrated solutions BASF has unraveled the latest advancements in its agricultural innovation pipeline of crop protection, seeds and traits, and digital solutions. Their focus is to provide much-needed solutions for farmers to overcome local and crop system specific pest pressures, climate challenges, changing regulatory requirements and rising consumer expectations. Executing on its strategy in agriculture announced in 2019, the company is directing its innovations to improve outcomes for major regional crops, such as soy in the Americas, fruits and vegetables in Europe and rice in Asia Pacific. The value of the innovation pipeline remains strong, with an estimated peak sales potential of more than €7.5 billion fueled by products launched within the next ten years. “Our goal is to become an ever more integrated provider of agricultural solutions and to expand the options we can offer to farmers. This is why we continue to invest substantially across our broad pipeline of agricultural technologies, with €944 million spent on Research & Development in 2022,” said Dr. Livio Tedeschi, President of BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Farmers can continue to rely on us to innovate and deliver new active ingredients, innovative formulations, and traits to get more value from their production, both economically and environmentally.” “Our pipeline demonstrates that we are not only leveraging our deep expertise in chemistry and environmental sciences, but also matching it with leading biotechnology and digitalization approaches for next generation solutions,” added Dr. Peter Eckes, President R&D and Regulatory of BASF Agricultural Solutions. “BASF’s industry-leading weed-control pipeline is a premier example of how our multidisciplinary approach yields solutions that balance the needs of farmers, society and the environment.” Broad portfolio of solutions to improve outcomes in rice in Asia Pacific Farmers growing rice – the major crop for the main continent of Asia – face growing pressure from resistant weeds, diseases, and pest insects. BASF actively supports farmers to overcome these challenges through a broad portfolio of technologies. Multiple new chemistries and formulations are expected before mid-decade aimed at improving outcomes in rice: A new insecticide mode of action for rice hopper control is under development by BASF in collaboration with industry partners. BASF has accelerated the development of the insecticide to reach farmers in Asia Pacific by mid-decade. BASF’s new Luximo® herbicide belongs to a chemistry class that was the first new mode of action classification update introduced in the last four decades. Luximo will be launched in Indonesia in 2024, with other countries in the Asian market to follow by mid-decade. Kixor® CS is a new herbicide formulation of Kixor® Active that can be applied beyond pre-emergence to early-post, providing growers the flexibility to apply further into the season. The innovative encapsulation of the herbicide provides a physical barrier that increases crop safety while enabling long-lasting residual control of broadleaf weeds. Revysol®-based products will be launched within the next two years to control major diseases in rice such as sheath blight, and dirty panicles. These new formulations will be available to rice farmers in the region under the product names Cevya®, Mibelya®, and Revyrize®. Seltima® Plus is a disease management solution for rice with built in resistance management that will be introduced in the region in the next years. The combination of two fungicides provides yield and seed quality increases over market standards. In 2022, registration was granted in Indonesia with India, China and other countries to follow. The Provisia® rice system and Clearfield® production system for direct seeded rice enable growers to continuously make better use of the limited arable land and are an alternative to wet paddy cultivation. These yield-preserving technologies will debut in India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines in the second half of the decade. Additionally, Provisia will enter the Chinese rice market by 2025. As an introductory step, BASF announced a long-term partnership with Seedworks Philippines to introduce BASF’s non-GM trait for Provisia herbicide-tolerance into the Philippines’ hybrid rice market. This collaboration is one of ten different seed partnerships across five countries in Asia that will launch Clearfield and Provisia herbicide tolerant traits in rice. The decision-making quality of xarvio® FIELD MANAGER is continuously improving to optimize sustainable rice production in Japan. To support more efficient use of pesticides, BASF is updating the platform with new insect pest models expected to be available by 2025. Disease models will also be enhanced to support more precise fungicide timing, dosing, and product selection recommendations. Owing to the accurate, and continuously improving model-based insights, xarvio has evolved into the de facto standard tool for crop protection. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/627/ceat-partners-with-cnh-industrial-to-supply-accessories-for-agricultural-radial-tires.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/627/ceat-partners-with-cnh-industrial-to-supply-accessories-for-agricultural-radial-tires.html Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:17:45 +0530 CEAT Specialty (a division of CEAT Tires) has entered into an agreement with CNH Industrial to supply agricultural radial tires for its machines being produced in Brazil and Argentina . CEAT has announced that CEAT Farmax radial tires are being fitted to Case IH and New Holland tractors. The deal was reached after several rounds of evaluation and audits by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of CEAT's radial tire factory in Mumbai and after several tests carried out on tires in various parameters. "We've always been confident in the quality of our radial agricultural tires since we introduced them to the world in 2017. We've invested in top-of-the-line technologies and the best people to design our products. This partnership with CNH Industrial lends even more credibility to that. a long-term partner for them and we want to help farmers increase their productivity," said Amit Tolani , CEO of CEAT Specialty. CEAT is one of the leading tire manufacturers in India and CEAT tires are sold in over 115 countries across the world. The brand came to India in 1958 and later became part of the RPG Group. RPG is among India's leading business houses with group revenues of US$3.6 billion. In the specialty segment, CEAT manufactures agricultural, mining and earthmoving, industrial and construction equipment tires, as well as off-road tires for special applications ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/546/swarmfarm-robotics-to-empower-australia-through-integrated-autonomous-agri-tech-platforms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/546/swarmfarm-robotics-to-empower-australia-through-integrated-autonomous-agri-tech-platforms.html Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:14:43 +0530 Raises AU$12M Series A to forge a farm-centric path by developing specialty robotics solutions to unlock full potentials of the farm-autonomy Queensland based SwarmFarm Robotics is building an Integrated Autonomy technology ecosystem to address the local agricultural issues through a farm-centric approach. The non-disruptive approach leaves the lowest possible footprint on the fields. With a series of specialty robotics solutions SwarmFarm is unlocking the true potentials of the farm-autonomy. SwarmFarm Robotics has now raised AU$12 million Series A ($8.3 million) to develop and grow the Integrated Autonomy niche for agriculture industry. With the versatile SwarmBot platform and an operating system network called SwarmConnect, Australian farmers can now develop their own innovative autonomous platform for farm applications. The company's Series A funding round was majorly led by Emmertech, an AgTech fund from Conexus Venture Capital based in Canada and Tribe Global Ventures and Access Capital.  SwarmFarm Robotics pioneers the use and development of intelligent robotics in Australian agriculture. SwarmFarm facilitates collaboration between farmers and technologists to create specialized tools that can be attached to swarms of small, nimble, autonomous robot platforms to create new farming methods. Further, Integrated Autonomy of SwarmConnect optimizes profitability and sustainability by designing a technology ecosystem prioritizing farmer needs to save time and resources. "Integrating robots and its application into development framework, enables farmers to customize their equipment for their needs. SwarmFarm is unlocking the potential of Integrated Autonomy in agriculture. We believe in revolutionizing a new generation of farmer-technologists" said SwarmFarm CEO Andrew Bate.  Through ‘Integrated Autonomy approach, SwarmFarm equipment have successfully served an area of 1.3 million commercial acres coupled with 64,000 hours of operation on fields. Using autonomous robots, this novel agricultural method reduces pesticide input by an estimated 780 tons per year. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/529/high-performance-trina-solar-modules-power-100mw-fishery-pv-project.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/529/high-performance-trina-solar-modules-power-100mw-fishery-pv-project.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:42:17 +0530 Weather-proof design ensuring high reliability and energy yield in harsh environments and prevents water intrusion risks Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd., the global provider of cleaner energy solutions has designed novel high performance modules to generate electricity from a 100MW fishery Photovoltaic (PV) project. Installed over fish ponds in Taishan, Guangdong, China, this project modules with high energy yields and high reliability can withstand harsh maritime environments and deliver great economic value. This project fosters fisheries and generates electricity. The built-in weather-proof designs avoid water intrusion risks and have proven to withstand rigorous mechanical load tests in the laboratory application projects globally. Trina Solar Vertex 670W module is highly regarded module in the industry for its damp-heat reliability and applicability in fishing, mudflat, floating, and seaside scenarios. Trina Solar's modules system can also be connected to the grid to breed fish and shrimp. The model is proven to withstand potential degradation, resists corrosion of electrical equipment, and prevents installation difficulties during marine mudflat climate. In addition to improving the local environment, the solar modules will help in shading the fish pond, prevents rise in water temperature, and thus evaporation by sunlight. Trina Solar Vertex modules powers a 60MW solar farm, and is one of the world's largest inland floating solar PV systems in Singapore, along with a 70MW fishery photovoltaic project in Hebei, China, and numerous global projects. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/527/china-to-intensify-stabilization-of-grain-production-and-strengthen-agricultural-supplies-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/527/china-to-intensify-stabilization-of-grain-production-and-strengthen-agricultural-supplies-chain.html Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:45:10 +0530 Encourages the construction of agricultural infrastructure, advances agricultural science, technology, and equipment, and fosters the development of rural industries On 13 Feb, China unveiled its "No. 1 central document" for 2023, outlining nine tasks in comprehensively promoting rural vitalization. Since 2004, China has prioritized agriculture and rural development for 20 consecutive years.  The document called for enhanced efforts to stabilize production and ensure supply of grain and important agricultural products, to boost the construction of agricultural infrastructure, to strengthen support for agricultural science, technology and equipment, to consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation, and to promote the high-quality development of rural industries.  Further, it emphasized strengthening policy guarantees, improving structural and institutional innovation, and expanding channels for farmers to increase their incomes and secure wealth. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/509/japan-and-ukraine-strengthen-cooperation-in-the-agricultural-sector.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/509/japan-and-ukraine-strengthen-cooperation-in-the-agricultural-sector.html Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:39:58 +0530 The meeting focused on further steps to support Ukrainian agricultural producers by providing them with seeds. A delegation of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine met with a delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The parties discussed the state, problems, most relevant areas of cooperation, and opportunities for Japan's support of Ukraine's agricultural sector. The event was attended by Markiyan Dmytrasevych, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, and experts from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy. JICA was represented by Hideki Matsunaga, Director General of the Middle East and European Department, and Toru Kobayakawa, Senior Director of the Office of Support to Ukraine, Middle East and European Department. FAO was represented at the event by Mykhailo Malkov, Coordinator of Development Programs of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The participants of the meeting focused on further steps to support Ukrainian agricultural producers in providing them with seeds. The supply of alternative energy sources to support the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex was also discussed in detail. "We are grateful to the Government of Japan for supporting Ukraine. In particular, it concerns the provision of equipment for the temporary storage of grain (sleeves), which helped our farmers to solve the problems of grain storage deficit," said Markiyan Dmytrasevych, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. During the meeting, the parties also outlined further concrete steps that will deepen cooperation between the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, JICA, and FAO in the agricultural sector. In particular, they considered the possibility of a visit of the Ukrainian delegation to Japan for an exchange of experience. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/224/koat-to-set-up-korea-pavilion-growtech-eurasia-2022.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/224/koat-to-set-up-korea-pavilion-growtech-eurasia-2022.html Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:20:06 +0530 The Korea Pavilion will be attended by a total of eight leading agricultural equipment companies in Korea, including 5 agricultural materials companies, and 2 smart farms companies. The Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency (KOAT) will organize and operate the Korea Pavilion at the Agricultural Exhibition (Growtech Eurasia 2022) in Antalya, Turkiye. Growtech Eurasia 2022 is an international agricultural exhibition that connects Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where 510 companies from 25 countries participate and 125 countries and 50,000 visitors visit.KOAT emphasized that it will promote Korean agricultural technology on the Eurasian stage and serve as a driving force for participating companies to emerge in the global market. With the support of KOAT, the Korea Pavilion will be attended by a total of eight leading agricultural equipment companies in Korea, including 5 agricultural materials companies, 2 smart farms companies, and 1 seed company. It is expected that this participation in the Korean Pavilion and marketing activities will serve as priming water for entering the global market in the agricultural sector.It is the 4th time since 2015 that KOAT has participated in Growtech Eurasia and has achieved more than $5 million worth of consultation amount. "The trade circumstances of domestic exporters are difficult due to rising international oil prices, interest rates, and exchange rates, and the opportunity to meet with overseas buyers is very limited," said Ahn Ho-Geun, president of KOAT. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/214/philippines-landbank-loans-for-onion-farmers-reach-p-1-1-b.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/214/philippines-landbank-loans-for-onion-farmers-reach-p-1-1-b.html Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:59:08 +0530 Additional loans worth P102.9 million are in the pipeline to support the production and trading of onion and the acquisition of cold storage equipment. The Land Bank (LANDBANK) of the Philippines has released P 1.1 billion in loans to onion farmers till the end of September this year. According to the statement released by LandBank, additional loans worth P102.9 million are in the pipeline to support the production and trading of onion and the acquisition of cold storage equipment. Onion is a high-value crop that can be financed under the LANDBANK Sulong Saka Program, designed to provide credit assistance to various qualified stakeholders for agribusiness projects that support high-value crop production, processing and marketing. Under the Program, small farmers may borrow up to 90 per cent of the total project cost for a production loan, while a maximum of 80 per cent may be borrowed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, farmers’ associations and organizations, large agribusiness enterprises and corporations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and countryside financial institutions (CFIs). Eligible borrowers may also avail of up to 80 per cent of the project cost for acquiring fixed assets, and up to 85 per cent of the commodity's market price for commodity loans. Local government units (LGUs) may likewise avail of financial support under the Sulong Saka Program, provided that the loan amount will not exceed their net borrowing capacity, as certified by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF). Loans for working capital and permanent working capital are payable up to one year and three years, respectively, while loans for fixed assets and construction of facilities are payable based on project cash flow but not more than its economically useful life. The interest is based on the market rate, while loans for smallholder farmers shall bear a concessional fixed rate of 5 per cent per annum.  According to the statement, around 20,000 onion farmers enjoy bountiful harvests and improved earnings through the cold storage facility financed by the Land Bank of the Philippines. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/199/china-develops-smart-farming-technology-for-soil-protection.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/199/china-develops-smart-farming-technology-for-soil-protection.html Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:39:12 +0530 Intelligent farming assisted with smart agricultural machinery and equipment linked with satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground sensors Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed intelligent farming technology for soil testing. A smart tractor or a robot can collect data on the soil and crops during the farming process, including planting and harvesting. Pilot testing with smart equipment is in progress in the Dahewan Demonstration Zone in Hulun Buir, China. The intelligent farming assisted with smart agricultural machinery and equipment linked with satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground sensors are piloted in the Dahewan Demonstration Zone in Hulun Buir. The tractor and several soil testing robots patrol the field, examining the soil substances and sending data to operators. According to Chen Haihua, a senior engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, "Compared with traditional agricultural machinery, the intelligent farming tools are more like a combination of computers, mobile phones, and smart agricultural machinery, adding that the command centre of the intelligent farming system can automatically conduct analysis and modelling based on the collected data, and establish electronic files for the black soil.” The pilot zone of 11,200 hectares mainly cultivates soybeans. It is one of the important black soil areas in China. The black soil, or chernozem soil, found in China's northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning and in some parts of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, produces about a quarter of the country's total grain output, making it crucial to China's food supply. According to the ecological monitoring, the black soil in Dahewan is on the verge of wind and water erosion, with decreasing organic matter imperilling the fertility of the fields. Zhang Yucheng, a senior engineer at the Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the institute launched the "Black Soil Granary" program in July 2021 for black soil conservation and modern agricultural development. "We are developing technology that can protect the soil without reducing the crop yield," he said. According to the program's objectives, in the next five years, the soil quality in 2,000 hectares of the core area in Dahewan will be improved while the comprehensive economic benefit of the field increases by more than 10 per cent. Human labour will be reduced by more than 50 per cent in a 333-hectare area in the demonstration zone. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/195/xag-goes-global-with-its-p100-agricultural-drone.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/195/xag-goes-global-with-its-p100-agricultural-drone.html Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:31:02 +0530 With the payload upgraded to 40 kg, the drone can serve larger fields more effectively to address labor shortage XAG to promote smart agriculture, drones flying above the field to perform farm works have been gradually adopted in many regions. To meet farmer's need for a large-capacity drone, XAG officially makes its P100 Agricultural Drone available for sales globally. This fully autonomous drone has multiple uses around the farm, such as spraying pesticides, spreading fertilisers and broadcasting seeds, to boost yield and lower costs. As one of the fast-growing markets for agricultural drone, Vietnam becomes the first to witness the rising force of XAG P100. With the payload upgraded to 40 kg, the drone can serve larger fields more effectively to address labor shortage. In the meantime, drone pilot is seen as the new favoured career for rural youth, who can harness technology to make a good fortune. Khuong, KPT's co-founder said, "With two XAG P100 agricultural drones, two small teams consisting of only 4 to 6 people can finish the fieldwork much faster and easier. While the drone sprays evenly and penetrate the rice crops more quickly, it can also spread seeds and fertilisers. Our service has helped him reduce labor cost and improve the yields.” The introduction of agricultural drone has changed the tune of young generation on rural development. It provides a decent work opportunity for rural youth who can build a new type of business like the KPT Fly Team or join as a drone pilot. They have become the new rising force to fuel the transformation towards sustainable agriculture. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/140/global-solar-agriculture-sprayer-market-anticipates-growth.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/140/global-solar-agriculture-sprayer-market-anticipates-growth.html Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:31:15 +0530 The global solar agriculture sprayer market is anticipated to register a robust CAGR in the forecast period, 2023-2027 Factors such as the increased use of advanced agriculture tools and machinery and growing demand for higher-yielding crops are driving the demand for the global solar agriculture sprayer market. Solar-powered sprayers are devices used by farmers to apply pesticides and biofertilizers to agricultural fields. These devices are often solar-powered. During the spraying operation, photovoltaic cells on these sprayers are exposed to sunlight and used to produce electricity. There are typically two operating modes for solar agricultural sprayers: direct mode and indirect mode. Electricity produced by polycrystalline PV modules mounted on the sprayer is used to operate the direct mode. Solar energy is quickly converted into electrical energy, which is then used for agricultural power sprayers. In the indirect mode, the energy produced during exposure is stored in a battery and then used to drive an agricultural sprayer. Also, ongoing research and development activities, innovative product development, and increased awareness about the benefits of using renewable energy sources are further expected to drive market demand in the coming years. Up to 10 litres segment is expected to hold the largest market share in the forecast period, 2023-2027. They are in high demand as they are easier to handle and are widely available in the market. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/89/steyr-bags-red-dot-design-award-for-terrus-cvt-tractor.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/89/steyr-bags-red-dot-design-award-for-terrus-cvt-tractor.html Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:16:22 +0530 The new Terrus CVT tractor combines style and function, blending a bold and rugged exterior design with a premium interior focused on operator comfort and ergonomics STEYR, a regional agricultural brand of CNH Industrial, has been awarded the prestigious 2022 Red Dot Design Award for its Terrus CVT Tractor, the latest in a series of accolades for this vehicle. The award is determined by an international design jury who, this year, evaluated a record number of international entries from companies and design studios. As a winner in the Product Design category, the Terrus CVT will feature in the next edition of the Red Dot Design Yearbook and will be present in the winners’ area of www.red-dot.org. The new Terrus CVT tractor combines style and function, blending a bold and rugged exterior design with a premium interior focused on operator comfort and ergonomics. In the cab, a passenger seat can also serve as an office table and the all-new Multicontroller III armrest is customisable to user preference or application requirements, making operation more intuitive, more enjoyable, and ultimately more productive. The Red Dot Design Award honours the outstanding design work carried out by the CNH Industrial Design team and is the latest recognition of the company’s continued excellence in industry-leading style and quality. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/88/cnh-industrial-publishes-the-companion-guide-to-its-2021-sustainability-report.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/88/cnh-industrial-publishes-the-companion-guide-to-its-2021-sustainability-report.html Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:14:55 +0530 It showcases some of the projects and initiatives that are enabling CNH Industrial to pursue its sustainability strategy. CNH Industrial has redoubled its commitment to a more sustainable future, as evidenced by the sixth edition of A Sustainable Year which highlights a selection of sustainability initiatives accomplished in 2021.It complements the earlier publication of the 2021 Sustainability Report, providing a reader-friendly snapshot of the Company’s major social, economic, and environmental activities as well as its strategic sustainability targets. A Sustainable Year showcases some of the projects and initiatives that are enabling CNH Industrial to pursue its sustainability strategy. Highlights include CASE Construction Equipment’s beach care project to tackle plastic waste and raise awareness, and the Company’s program to install solar panels on the roofs of all manufacturing plants by 2030. It also details the New Holland brand’s e-Source, a new plug-in system which transforms mechanical energy generated by a tractor into electricity to power implements, consequently reducing carbon emissions, improving safety standards, and saving fuel. Furthermore, the publication provides updates on how the Company is engaged with its people and communities at large, promoting Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and supporting its customers on their own sustainability journeys. These stories are testament to CNH Industrial’s leading role in corporate sustainability. The Company continues to be acknowledged for its commitment, including 11 consecutive years of being named as an Industry Top Scorer in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe Indexes. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/66/new-holland-to-display-t6-methane-power-tractor-at-giro-ditalia-2022.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/66/new-holland-to-display-t6-methane-power-tractor-at-giro-ditalia-2022.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:53:53 +0530 The tractor is capable even of a negative footprint when powered with bio-methane generated from liquid manure New Holland Agriculture, Official Sponsor of the Giro d’Italia 2022, will display a T6 Methane Power tractor along the route of the sporting event, which provides a perfect platform for the brand to spread its message of sustainable agriculture. The tractor is a true game changer, capable even of a negative footprint when powered with bio-methane generated from liquid manure. It has all the features that have made the T6 a favourite among farmers across the world. The T6 Methane Power will be on display in a livery specially designed for the Giro d’Italia that was first unveiled on a T5.120 Dynamic Command at the Fieragricola show in Verona (March 2022). With this customisation inspired by the ‘Leader’s Jersey’ of the Giro d’Italia, the tractor will be the perfect expression of the dedication to performance and sustainability that the brand shares with the Italian Grand Tour. “The T6 Methane Power tractor is the culmination of New Holland’s pioneering work in the development of methane technology and one of the many tangible outcomes of our Clean Energy Leader strategy,” stated Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President. “At New Holland we are passionate about enabling and promoting sustainable, efficient and profitable farming through advanced technologies, extended connectivity and reliable powertrain technology. The T6 Methane Power tractor, now in production and available to our customers, is a vital link in our Energy Independent Farm’s virtual cycle that delivers carbon neutral production.” New Holland will further spread its message of sustainability by participating in the Giro-E 2022, the pedal-powered Giro d’Italia built on technology, ecology and sustainable mobility. The brand will compete with a team made up of company employees, dealers and customers. The only stage event in the world dedicated to pedal-assisted bicycles, it takes place at the same time as the Giro d’Italia and on the same route, covering the final sections of its 18 stages a few hours before the professional riders. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/65/basf-to-introduce-10-new-varieties-of-xitavo-soybean-seed-in-2023.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/65/basf-to-introduce-10-new-varieties-of-xitavo-soybean-seed-in-2023.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:46:58 +0530 All new varieties feature Enlist E3 technology to combat difficult weeds and will be available for the 2023 growing season. Xitavo soybean seed, distributed exclusively by BASF, is offering 10 new soybean varieties for the upcoming year. With these additions, the Xitavo seed portfolio includes a total of 39 varieties. All new varieties feature Enlist E3 technology to combat difficult weeds and will be available for the 2023 growing season. Xitavo soybean seed is owned by M.S. Technologies and solely distributed by BASF. These new varieties support versatility and include the Enlist E3 triple-stack herbicide-tolerant trait to give farmers confidence in their soybean weed control program. They have been extensively tested and evaluated by our leading team of agronomists to ensure the seed rises above and beyond industry standard. Xitavo soybean seed is designed with the understanding that a high-performing crop starts below the ground. Enlist E3 soybeans offer growers an advanced herbicide-tolerant trait technology with maximum flexibility and convenience. BASF provides growers with support that extends beyond the field. Seed agronomists and agronomic solutions advisors consult with crop protection, technical service and seed treatment field representatives to give growers customized advice and recommendations for their field. These representatives also collaborate with consultants and university Extension specialists to capture, evaluate and summarize variety information. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/37/upl-oro-agri-inks-distribution-agreement-for-orange-oil-biosolution-for-pest.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/37/upl-oro-agri-inks-distribution-agreement-for-orange-oil-biosolution-for-pest.html Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:18:40 +0530 From 2023, UPL will co-distribute Oro Agri’s Orange Oil bioprotection formulation and company will use its global distribution network to access new markets. UPL Ltd, a global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, announced a new collaboration with Oro Agri, a Rovensa company, for the co-distribution and further development of Orange Oil, a biosolution effective against a wide range of pests and diseases. Orange Oil was developed by Oro Agri as a residue free biosolution with fungicidal, insecticidal, and acaricidal functions, as well as excellent adjuvant properties. Already registered in over 30 countries and with more than 140 crop and pest combinations, Orange Oil now joins Natural Plant Protection – NPP’s biosolutions portfolio, further enabling farmers to embrace more sustainable agriculture. From 2023, UPL will co-distribute Oro Agri’s 60 g/L solo Orange Oil bioprotection formulation. Oro Agri will continue to supply existing customers directly while UPL will use its global distribution network to access new markets and build a wider customer base. UPL and Oro Agri will also collaborate to develop, register and market new and existing Orange Oil formulations to offer growers around the world access to the latest, most effective, and sustainable crop protection biosolutions. The agreement is part of UPL’s OpenAg® commitment to build a collaborative global network within the industry and beyond. Eric van Innis, CEO of ROVENSA said, “This collaboration agreement with UPL will allow the rapid development of one of our flagship products across the globe, maintaining our distribution in markets where we already have presence and strengthening our footprint in new potential markets, optimizing the combined regulatory and intellectual property of both UPL and Rovensa. Both parties share the same mission: contributing to feed the planet through sustainable agricultural inputs for a well-balanced agriculture.” Mike Frank, President and COO at UPL, said: “We look forward to collaborating with Oro Agri to evolve Orange Oil with more applications, combining our expertise to benefit growers. Orange Oil will join our ProNutiva® programme, working in synergy with NPP’s other biosolutions and UPL’s conventional inputs to improve farmers’ efficiency and profitability while reducing environmental impacts.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/35/basf-starts-new-production-site-in-singapore-to-supply-innovative-crop-protection-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/147/35/basf-starts-new-production-site-in-singapore-to-supply-innovative-crop-protection-solutions.html Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:10:54 +0530 The new €40 million site will serve as a hub for the region, and support the needs of over 20 million hectares of farmland in Asia Pacific. BASF inaugurated a new regional production site for its Agricultural Solutions business. The €40 million multipurpose facility has been designed to initially handle six different formulation technologies and will enable BASF to supply crop protection products to farmers across Asia Pacific from a strategic location in the region. The site has initial production capacity of 7,000 kl per year – enough to supply over 20 million hectares of farmland – and employs a staff of over 30 technicians and professionals. The site represents an important investment by BASF in Singapore, which now has four production facilities in the republic. BASF has recently launched several new innovations in the Asia Pacific targeted at helping farmers of key crops – including rice and fruits & vegetables – combat pests and boost yields in a more sustainable manner. These include crop protection products based on the company’s new active ingredients Inscalis® , and Revysol® – patented innovations that help farmers control insects and diseases in crops. Products featuring these two active ingredients – as well as several soon-to-be-launched products from the company’s innovation pipeline – will be produced at the new site. From BASF, the site was inaugurated by Simone Barg, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific and Dr. Carola Richter, President of Asia Pacific (excl. China). They were joined by Ow Kai Onn, Vice President & Head of Chemicals & Materials from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Loh Yew Pong, Deputy Director Energy & Chemicals Cluster, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC). Speaking at the inauguration, Kai Onn shared how EDB and other Singapore government agencies are working together with companies like BASF to foster the growth of the agricultural sector for the benefit of both Singapore and the entire region. “EDB is delighted to be at the inauguration of BASF’s new Agricultural Solutions regional production site. Through job roles such as process technicians, engineers, production planners and quality assurance chemists, this facility gives Singaporeans and residents opportunities to participate in the global agrifood value chain and contribute to safe, nutritious and affordable crops in our region. This facility was constructed under a challenging environment in the midst of a global pandemic. Its successful unveiling today reflects Singapore’s commitment to being a stable investment destination, a reliable manufacturing hub for specialty chemicals and a strategic location for companies to build a more responsive and resilient supply chain for their customers in Asia.” ]]>