https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/supply-chain/cold%20storage cold storage https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/3653/philippines-unveils-the-bicol-mega-cold-storage-warehouse-to-boost-food-security-and-farmer-incomes.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/3653/philippines-unveils-the-bicol-mega-cold-storage-warehouse-to-boost-food-security-and-farmer-incomes.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:04:08 +0530 The flagship project signals a push to upgrade the country’s food logistics under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act and to boost food security and farmer incomes Philippines has launched a new initiative to support Bicol’s agriculture sector with the inauguration of the Bicol Mega Cold Storage Warehouse. The flagship project officiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from the Department of Agriculture aims to enhance food security and increase farmer incomes. President Marcos was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte in the event, which signals a deliberate push to upgrade the country’s food logistics under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act. Funded with a P500 million investment, the sprawling refrigerated complex is the first completed project under the DA Cold Storage Expansion Program. It directly addresses a chronic gap in agriculture, the lack of reliable and energy efficient storage and transport systems. Inside, temperature-controlled rooms are tailored for specific commodities such as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. Each is stored at precise conditions to preserve quality from farm to market. The facility has a combined annual capacity exceeding 200,000 tons, benefiting tens of thousands of farmers and far more consumers. “This facility underscores the commitment of the Marcos administration to cut post-harvest losses, raise farmers incomes, stabilize food supply, and ensure lasting rural development,” Tiu Laurel said. Governor Villafuerte said the facility will serve the rest of the Bicol Region, and even suppliers from the Visayas and Mindanao, noting the region’s long role in national food production. “This is a game changer for Bicolandia, which has long played a key role in feeding the nation, whether directly through food production or as corridor where agricultural products pass through,” he said. Complementing cold storage are preparation rooms equipped for blast freezing, processing, and packaging. These services allow producers to extend shelf life, meet market standards, and command better prices. The timing is critical, especially at this time when geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has sent fuel prices soaring. Bicol farmers have long faced high transport costs, fragmented supply chains, and frequent typhoons that disrupt distribution. Without cold storage, many are forced to sell quickly at low prices or risk losing their harvest. By integrating storage with refrigerated transport and improved logistics, the facility helps bridge the gap between production and consumption. Goods can move farther and last longer without sacrificing quality. Farmers at the launch welcomed the development, saying it gives them flexibility to store produce, wait for better market conditions, and reduce waste. Aside the mega cold storage, the President together with Secretary Tiu Laurel, they also inspected the Fruits and Vegetables Processing Facility worth P290-M. The DA is building more cold chain facilities across key food hubs nationwide, forming a network to strengthen the food value chain. As the Bicol mega cold storage facility powered up, it signaled the beginning of a modern and interconnected infrastructure system that is essential to securing the country’s food future. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/3128/maersk-ruakura-cold-store-becomes-first-to-achieve-new-zealands-highest-green-star-rating.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/3128/maersk-ruakura-cold-store-becomes-first-to-achieve-new-zealands-highest-green-star-rating.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:07:32 +0530 It enables customers to seamlessly transfer goods between various transport modes, including rail, road and ocean, along the strategic Auckland-Tauranga trade corridor. A.P. Moller - Maersk’s integrated cold chain facility at the Ruakura Superhub has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star NZ Design & As-Built rating by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). This is the first cold storage facility in New Zealand to achieve the highest sustainability standard in commercial construction. Opened in February 2024, the Ruakura facility represents Maersk’s biggest infrastructure investment in New Zealand. It enables customers to seamlessly transfer goods between various transport modes, including rail, road and ocean, along the strategic Auckland-Tauranga trade corridor. Delivered by Apollo Projects, the 18,000m² facility was designed and built with energy efficiency and emissions reduction at its core. “This achievement underscores our dedication to decarbonisation and innovation across both industrial development and supply chain logistics. Cold chain logistics play a vital role in global food supply chains and represent a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We’re proud to support our customers in lowering the emissions footprint from production to plate”, said Kylie Fraser Managing Director of Maersk Oceania Green Star is an internationally recognised sustainability rating system that aims to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, constructed, and operated to improve environmental efficiencies. It provides a rating of up to six stars based on a building's key sustainability credentials. “This facility is a clear example of how high-performance, lower greenhouse gas industrial buildings can and should be delivered in New Zealand. It sets a strong precedent for the sector”, said Andrew Eagles Chief Executive of the New Zealand Green Building Council The Maersk Ruakura Cold Store incorporates several advanced decarbonisation and energy-efficiency technologies, including a trans critical CO₂ refrigeration system that captures and reuses waste heat, condensate recovery for cooling tower misters, and rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on potable water. The facility also uses Lithium Reach and Forklifts for improved energy efficiency and low-emission operation, and a rooftop solar array generating over 1.52MW of renewable energy for onsite use. Paul Lloyd Executive Director of Apollo Projects said, “This milestone reflects what’s possible when innovation, decarbonisation, and operational excellence are embedded from the outset. We are proud to collaborate with Maersk in delivering design and build projects that support the future of decarbonisation in logistics”. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/3101/maersk-launches-integrated-packing-and-cold-storage-hub-to-boost-perus-fruit-exports.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/3101/maersk-launches-integrated-packing-and-cold-storage-hub-to-boost-perus-fruit-exports.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:44:27 +0530 The 17,500-square-meter facility is the first of its kind in northern Peru, offering end-to-end cold chain services from harvest to export.  A.P. Moller – Maersk launched its new packing and cold chain logistics center in Olmos, Peru, a strategic move to support the country’s booming agro-export sector. As Peru’s fresh fruit exports continue to rise driven by global demand the new facility is designed to deliver speed and freshness from farm to port. Strategically positioned in the heart of northern Peru’s agricultural corridor, the Olmos site is a newly developed, multi-product fruit logistics center designed to streamline the region’s export capabilities. Located in the Lambayeque region, Olmos has rapidly become one of Peru’s most dynamic agricultural zones. According to Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), Lambayeque is now a top contributor to the country’s fruit exports, which experienced robust growth in 2024, including a 35.7 per cent increase in blueberry exports and a 29.2 per cent rise in avocado exports. Adjacent to major plantations, the facility integrates essential logistics functions including processing, cold storage, and depot warehousing to seamlessly connected to Maersk’s global end-to-end supply chain network. The center also offers value-added services such as container depot operations, inland refrigerated transport, and customs handling at origin, ensuring a seamless end-to-end experience for customers. “This Olmos Packing and Cold Storage Centre represents far more than a logistics investment; it’s a strategic commitment to the long-term growth of northern Peru’s agro-export sector. By establishing operations in Olmos, we’re empowering local producers to compete on a global scale with the speed and quality that today’s markets demand. Our decision was guided by the region’s exceptional export performance, its proximity to key plantations, and the clear need for integrated cold chain infrastructure to unlock its full potential”, said Dean Rodin Managing Director for the West Coast of South America at Maersk Olmos Packing and Cold Chain Logistics Facility. The 17,500-square-meter facility is the first of its kind in northern Peru, offering end-to-end cold chain services from harvest to export. The facility is engineered to manage the complete post-harvest journey for three primary fruit types—avocados, blueberries, and mangoes—covering everything from field collection and processing to packaging, cold storage, and final dispatch to port. Additionally, it can serve as a cold storage solution for packaged produce such as grapes, offering flexibility to support a broader range of seasonal exports. Processing: Up to 38 tons/hour for avocados and mangoes; 4.5 tons/hour for blueberries. Storage: Over 4,600 bins across climate-controlled and refrigerated rooms, as well as two chambers for finished goods storage with 2,088 pallet positions. Cooling: Seven rapid cooling tunnels with 18 positions each to ensure preservation. The facility is equipped with specialized precooling systems designed specifically for blueberries, a critical step in post-harvest handling that helps rapidly reduce field heat, extend shelf life, and preserve fruit quality during transport. Logistics: Five loading docks and an on-site integrated depot with 420 container slots and 210 plug-in points. Technology: Automated packing lines, calibration, electronic sorting, Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for customer visibility, efficient inventory and packaging management. Decarbonization: In our commitment our 2040 decarbonization targets, the new facility features electrified equipment andon-site water treatment system. In 2026, solar panels will be installed to further reduce the facility’s environmental footprint and support renewable energy use. “We designed this facility to meet the highest international standards in cold chain logistics. From automation to food safety, every detail supports our mission to reduce waste, extend shelf life, and deliver quality produce to global markets. Cold chain integration plays a critical role in this process: it ensures food safety, maintains quality assurance, and significantly shortens the time from harvest to cold stabilization. With the advanced systems in place here in Olmos, we’re able to minimize fruit loss and damage by at least 10%, helping our customers protect both product value and reputation”, said Juan Eduardo Ritz Regional Head of Cold Chain Storage for Maersk Contract Logistics in Latin America. With over 10,000 tons of produce expected to pass through the facility in its first year, Maersk is already supporting exporters and creating new efficiencies in the supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2844/global-leader-in-temperature-controlled-solutions-expands-in-christchurch-new-zealand.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2844/global-leader-in-temperature-controlled-solutions-expands-in-christchurch-new-zealand.html Wed, 19 Mar 2025 08:32:00 +0530 Americold Breaks Ground in Christchurch, Doubling Site Capacity to Support FMCG, Retail, and QSR Business Growth Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled storage, logistics and value-added services, today announced the groundbreaking of its USD$34 million Halwyn facility expansion in Christchurch. This expansion will more than double the site's capacity, enhancing Americold's ability to meet growing demand across the South Island of New Zealand. This is the third regional growth initiative for Americold in the past 24 months, underscoring its commitment to provide solutions to capacity constrained markets across the APAC region. "Temperature-controlled warehouses play a critical role in the farm-to-table supply chain", says Richard Winnall, President, International at Americold. "As a market leader, we operate varied types of facilities essential to the temperature-controlled food supply chain, also known as the cold chain. This ensures that products move from manufacturers to end consumers in a safe, reliable, cost-effective manner, with minimal environmental impact". By bringing global best practices and delivering top-tier service to the retail and QSR channels, Americold are poised to modernise the industry. "This expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to local business, job creation and sustainable facility design. Our New Zealand facilities are leading the way within Americold, achieving significant kilowatt-hour savings, high emission reductions, rainwater harvesting and solar energy generation", said Doug Seccombe, Managing Director APAC at Americold. "We have designed this facility to meet the immediate and future needs of our grocery and retail customers. This expansion will enable our South Island customers to grow their temperature-controlled supply chain now and into the future", says Doug Seccombe. "We continue to provide innovative solutions and best-in-class service to help our customers feed the world". This 15,240m² site is 10 minutes from Christchurch airport and 20 minutes from the CBD. Americold Realty Trust, Inc. is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate and value-added services. Focused on the ownership, operation, acquisition, and development of temperature-controlled warehouses, and a legacy of 120 years. Americold owns and/or operates 19 temperature-controlled warehouses in Australia and New Zealand with 239 facilities across North-America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South-America.  Americold's 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet of storage facilities are an integral component of the supply chain connecting food producers, processors, distributors, QSR and retailers to consumers with the mission of "Helping our customers feed the world".  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2698/philippines-to-invest-p3-billion-to-build-cold-storage-facilities-for-vegetables-high-value-crops.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2698/philippines-to-invest-p3-billion-to-build-cold-storage-facilities-for-vegetables-high-value-crops.html Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:51:07 +0530 The budget allocation for cold storage in 2025 is a strategic approach towards bolstering this critical aspect of the agricultural sector Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to build around 99 cold storage facilities starting this year to help extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops as well as ensure supply and price stability. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the key features of these cold storage facilities are their sustainability and low cost of operation. He said the refrigerated warehouses are hybrid infrastructures that could be powered by electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and those supplied by the grid to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly operations. A total of P3 billion has been allocated by DA for the project which should help reduce farmers’ losses and boost food security. Most small facilities are expected to start operating this year. “This approach addresses immediate agricultural needs but also aligns with broader environmental goals. By improving the cold chain infrastructure, we will strengthen the agricultural sector, reduce farm losses, extend the shelf life of agricultural products, stabilize supply and prices, and ensure food security,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said. The project is part of a comprehensive logistics master plan designed by the DA through the Agriculture and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO) headed by Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Daniel Alfonso Atayde. The plan encompasses not only cold storage facilities but also the development of a robust road network, agricultural seaports, and an integrated cold chain network. This will streamline agricultural products distribution throughout the country. Sec. Tiu Laurel said the use of P1.5 billion in unprogrammed funds in 2024 to kick start the development of the cold storage network had been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. while another P1.5 billion was included by the DA in the General Appropriations Act for 2025. “The unprogrammed funds will be spent to build around 65 small or modular chiller-type cold storage facilities across the country and a large cold storage facility to be built in Camarines Sur,” said the chief of the DA. Also lined up are two large facilities—one possibly in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and another in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, and around 31 modular units across the country. These investments will collectively enhance the country’s capacity for preserving perishable goods, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers. The assistant secretary for logistics, Atayde stressed the project’s importance in reducing farm losses, ensuring food security and price stability as well as maximizing returns for farmers and fisherfolk. Construction of the large storage facilities is expected to take around 18-22 months after awarding the contract. Each facility will have a capacity of 2,800 to 3,500 pallet positions, depending on the products. The DA will oversee and manage these mega-cold storage facilities through and in cooperation with local government units, and farmers’ cooperatives and associations to ensure efficient operations and community involvement. Modular refrigeration warehouses, on the other hand, are basically 40-foot container vans. It will have a capacity of between 7-15 metric tons, depending on the agricultural products to be stored. These warehouses are expected to be operational within three months of construction, allowing for the swift enhancement of cold storage capabilities nationwide. As the DA moves forward with these plans, it aims to create a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector, benefiting both producers and consumers across. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2256/grdc-and-sagit-strategizes-farm-management-by-investing-in-south-australian-grain-ecosystem.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2256/grdc-and-sagit-strategizes-farm-management-by-investing-in-south-australian-grain-ecosystem.html Mon, 01 Jul 2024 10:51:31 +0530 The Trust is investing a total of $2.6 million in new projects this year, with GRDC co-contributing $333,324 to three projects. Australia's Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is extending support for South Australian grain growers through new research co-investments in collaboration with the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT). SAGIT is the unique state-based grains research body that administers funds gathered through a voluntary levy on South Australian grain receivals. The Trust is investing a total of $2.6 million in new projects this year, with GRDC co-contributing $333,324 to three projects. In collaboration with SAGIT, GRDC will help support a new project managed by the Upper North Farming Systems group aiming to identify farm management strategies for mitigating frost damage. While the project is targeting this local issue in the Upper North region, it will also contribute to the national body of knowledge regarding management of frost supported by GRDC and SAGIT over many years. GRDC is also co-investing in work on appropriate fertiliser strategies for on-row sowing of lentils in saline soils, which is being led by Sam Holmes from Central Ag Solutions. This work will adapt learnings from the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North to other parts of SA, including the Mallee and Eyre Peninsula where lentil production has recently expanded. A third co-investment, led by Trengove Consulting, will help growers make the most of phosphorus fertiliser inputs, with a focus on managing spatial variability and long-term strategies. The increasing cost of fertiliser and seasonal supply constraints across the country mean these two projects also have potential to benefit growers in other regions, by developing benchmark strategies that can be tested and adapted elsewhere. GRDC senior regional manager – south Stephen Loss says South Australian wheat, barley, canola and pulses make a significant contribution to the national harvest, and research that helps improve their productivity is good for all grain growers. “GRDC and SAGIT have a shared interest in improving profitability and sustainability for SA growers, so it makes sense for our organisations to combine our resources. We have been working together to coordinate our research, development and extension investments for more than ten years, and have helped deliver significant improvements in a number of farming practices, including management of soils, fertiliser inputs and frost under SA growing conditions” he says. Co-investing allows both SAGIT and GRDC to maximise the value of their RD&E investments and increases the ability of South Australian researchers to build capacity, actively address local issues, and help growers adapt to changing climate and market forces. SAGIT chair Dr Andrew Barr says GRDC is an important partner for the state body said “GRDC co-investment adds significant leverage to SAGIT funding for projects that target the needs of South Australian grain growers. It also allows GRDC to extend its RD&E investment in local challenges that often have national relevance, while reducing the risk of research duplication between our organisations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2198/foodcareplus-and-intercont-forge-strategic-partnership-to-enhance-indian-food-trade-logistics.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/2198/foodcareplus-and-intercont-forge-strategic-partnership-to-enhance-indian-food-trade-logistics.html Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:33:00 +0530 Aims to enhance access to Indian goods to global markets by leveraging extensive cold chain network Foodcareplus announce a strategic partnership with Intercont+ from India, aiming to enhance supply chain solutions for importing and exporting food products between India and global markets by leveraging our extensive cold chain network and a Mumbai-located container facility managed by Intercont+. Maintaining cold chain integrity from loading to unloading is crucial to prevent quality loss and extend shelf life. Foodcareplus and Intercont+ are leveraging expertise in temperature-controlled logistics, to ensure optimal cold chain management, guaranteeing perishable goods reach their destination in excellent condition. Advanced monitoring tools used internally enable real-time shipment tracking, better planning, timely deliveries, and increased customer satisfaction. India is one of the largest producers and exporters of agricultural products. Our partnership will facilitate the export of meat, dairy, and fresh produce to international customers while also addressing India’s growing demand for sustainable import solutions for fresh fruit, chocolate confectionery, and specialty foods. At Foodcareplus, we offer tailor-made shipping and logistics solutions for these product groups worldwide, seamlessly integrating with Intercont+’s logistics system in India. A common challenge in international trade is the need for more trust between traders and suppliers, leading to hesitation and uncertainties about product availability, quality, and reliable transport services. Our partnership addresses these issues by providing a reliable network and acting as an independent third-party logistics provider. Specifically, for international companies sourcing agricultural products from India, We felicitate efficient container availability near food hubs, which is essential given India’s vast and complex domestic transport network. The partnership enhances market positions and profitability for importers and exporters. By controlling substantial transport volumes, the collaboration expected to achieve economies of scale and lower transport costs while assisting customers in navigating customs regulations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/1310/philippines-invests-p80-million-to-construct-onion-cold-storage-facilities-in-occmdo.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/1310/philippines-invests-p80-million-to-construct-onion-cold-storage-facilities-in-occmdo.html Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:00:53 +0530 Onion cold storage facilities have a capacity of 20,000 onion bags each with a total cost of P40 million per facility. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Mimaropa together with the Local Governments in Occidental Mindoro holds its groundbreaking ceremonies to mark the start of the construction of onion cold storage facilities in the municipalities of Rizal and Sablayan. This project aims to help onion farmers to properly store their produce and maintain its quality before being sold or released to the market. The project is part of the program of the Department of Agriculture under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen food security by having an adequate supply and adequate price of food. The new onion cold storage facilities will have a capacity of 20,000 onion bags each with a total cost of P40 million per facility. The funding from the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) was granted to the Salvacion United Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SUFMPC) in Rizal and Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAGUTT MPC) in Sablayan. Philippines is working towards exporting onions to other countries. following the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.--Abundant Agriculture! Prosperous Economy! The cooperative organizations is expected to strengthen due to this provision. DA Mimaropa Regional Executive Director Engr. Maria Christine C. Inting also encourages the farmers to improve its onion cultivation for preparation of the Philippines’ exportation to other countries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/825/cepc-green-corridor-focuses-on-agricultural-environment-and-food-security.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/825/cepc-green-corridor-focuses-on-agricultural-environment-and-food-security.html Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:08:15 +0530 In 2023, CEPC Green Corridor is focusing on improving land cultivation area, water management and better access to seeds, fertilisers, farm mechanisation, credit, irrigation China-Pakistan Green Corridor (CPGC) in the year 2022 recorded growth of 4.4 per cent, a target was decided at 3.5 per cent. In 2021 growth was recorded at 3.48 per cent. China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation has deepened in 2022 and has reached $730 million with a year-on-year increase of 28.59 per cent. Export under the project is expected to reach $1 billion in 2023. In 2023, CEPC Green Corridor is focusing on improving land cultivation area, water management and better access to seeds, fertilisers, farm mechanisation, credit, irrigation and improvement in infrastructure and cold storage facilities.  CEPC Green Corridor focuses on the agricultural environment and food security and speaks volumes about the significance of agricultural cooperation in CPEC. China and Pakistan have decided to promote modern agricultural cooperation. Both countries have recently signed a framework agreement on Belt and Road agriculture cooperation. The framework was signed at the China-Pakistan Symposium held at Northwest A&F University, China recently. The agreement was signed by the Northwest A&F University, China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH), and the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission, Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee. According to the agreement, the three sides will work together under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for promoting international agriculture technology cooperation, training in agriculture, building overseas agriculture parks and enhancing the agriculture industrial chain of BRI countries. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was launched in 2013, the corridor links Pakistan’s Gwadar port with Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The initial phase highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation. The latest phase includes agricultural cooperation. Sichuan Litong Food Group and China Machinery Engineering Corp established a company in 2021 to carry out a red chilli farming project in Multan. Under the chilli farming project, the company is implementing 1000-acre chilli cultivation in Multan during 2022 – 2023. China’s pepper technician is training Pakistani farmers to grow pepper seedlings in a greenhouse. The company also plans to build two pepper processing plants in Lahore and Multan. CPGC’s Long Term Plan (LTP) aims for development in the agriculture sector in Pakistan, which has a huge potential for enhancing agri export to the world.  BRI agricultural cooperation focuses on increasing the use of modern machinery and synthetic fertilisers to enhance crop cultivation, under this cooperation warehouses and food processing plants also would be constructed to mitigate post-harvest losses. Cold storage plants and meat processing units would be constructed.  According to the Pakistan Observer, China is planning to outsource agricultural supplies in the form of joint ventures by investing in and developing processing zones, warehouses, dairy farming and cold storage stations in Pakistan. China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation gained manifold traction during the last year. China has developed maize-soybean cultivation projects in 65 sites in Pakistan’s Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions.  The production of maize and soybeans at these sites reached 8,490 kg and 889 kg per hectare respectively. China is also developing the strip intercropping systems of maize-peanut, maize-pea, sugarcane-soybean, sugarcane-mustard, wheat-mustard, wheat-soybean, wheat-chickpea, potato-maize and canola-pea. In June 2022 a new centre was established at Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (AAUR), the CPEC-Agriculture Cooperation Centre (ACC), announced to perform policy research, assist Chinese businesses in working in the agriculture sector, and foster institutional cooperation. Pakistan is also looking forward to enhancing banana production with Chinese cooperation. Cotton germplasm is another important segment in Pak-China agricultural cooperation. China and Pakistan have cooperated in the field of gathering and identifying cotton germplasm resources. For the research of cotton germplasm Institute of Cotton Research (ICR) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), collaborated with the Cotton Research Institute (CRI), Multan, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), and other universities and scientific research institutions. In July 2022, Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College (TMVTC), China and MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan (MNSUAM) signed an online agreement for an agricultural machinery training program of Luban Workshop in Pakistan. The two institutions will jointly promote the sci-tech exchanges and cooperation on agricultural machinery, germplasm resources and the agricultural environment. Pakistan is also working to grow sorghum crops as, along with the three main basic foods of the globe, sorghum is a crop that has increasingly gained acceptance around the world. Therefore, Pakistan’s cooperation under CPEC has huge potential to gain new agri-technology from China and revolutionise its agricultural sector. Shraddha Warde ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/797/chinas-durians-imports-via-south-port-to-exceed-160000-tonnes.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/797/chinas-durians-imports-via-south-port-to-exceed-160000-tonnes.html Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:06:18 +0530 An international cold-chain logistics project has been established to improve the inspection capacity of imported cold-chain goods A cargo ship loaded with more than 4,000 tonnes of durians from Thailand arrived at the Nansha Port in south China's Guangdong Province, according to Xinhua news agency. This year, over 160,000 tonnes of durians are expected to enter the Chinese market through the Nansha Port, according to the Guangzhou Port Group. It took only four days to transport these durians from Thailand to Nansha Port, according to China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, the ship operator. After being unloaded, the durians will be sent to the Guangzhou Jiangnan fruit and vegetable wholesale market, which serves as the largest agricultural product distribution centre in south China, within just two hours. Through this market, durians are then distributed to supermarkets and fruit markets across China. In recent years, the demand for durian among Chinese consumers has been rising. Nansha Customs has taken a series of measures to improve the efficiency of customs clearance for durians. An international cold-chain logistics project has been established to improve the inspection capacity of imported cold-chain goods. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/670/chinas-shandong-province-tapping-novel-business-model-to-expand-seafood-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/670/chinas-shandong-province-tapping-novel-business-model-to-expand-seafood-market.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:32:00 +0530 Pre-fabricated seafood industry booms in E China's Rizhao City boosting cold chain warehousing and logistics project Prefabricated seafood is the largest subcategory and the most potential market segment in the prefabricated food industry in China. Seafood and aquatic products in Rizhao City, Shandong Province in east China, are tapping the novel business model to expand their market in response to the burgeoning "prefabricated food" industry in China. At present, there are more than 100 prefabricated food enterprises in Rizhao, among which seafood-related enterprises account for 40 percent. More than 200 enterprises in the city are engaged in the production and processing of aquatic products, with the total output of aquatic products exceeding 500,000 tonnes. Aquatic products have been exported to more than 100 countries and regions in Europe, America, and South East Asia. The city of Rizhao has built an extensive industrial and supply chain, which includes aquaculture, seafood primary processing, and intensive processing of seafood. The growth in the business has created nearly 20,000 local jobs. To enhance cold chain storage and transportation in the prefabricated food industry, Rizhao far sea cold chain logistics Co., Ltd., together with Rizhao comprehensive bonded area development group and local aquatic products leading enterprises, jointly invested 399 million yuan to build cold chain warehousing and logistics project to provide services. The 2023 Rizhao prefabricated seafood development conference was successfully held in the city attracting prefabricated food industry stakeholders. “In 2022, the market size of China's prefabricated seafood industry exceeded 100 billion yuan and is expected to exceed 300 billion yuan in 2026”, said Cui He, president of the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA). ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/642/rijk-zwaan-builds-a-second-facility-for-seed-treatment-and-storage-in-the-netherlands.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/642/rijk-zwaan-builds-a-second-facility-for-seed-treatment-and-storage-in-the-netherlands.html Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:54:53 +0530 Activities performed in the new facility will include seed extraction, seed treatments and seed storage. Rijk Zwaan, a Dutch vegetable breeding and seed production company headquartered in De Lier in the province of South Holland builds a second facility for seed treatment and storage in the Netherlands. Construction work is now underway on a new Rijk Zwaan facility for the treatment and storage of vegetable seeds. This marks a further expansion of the vegetable breeding company’s existing facilities in De Lier, the Netherlands. The new building is expected to be fully operational by spring 2025. Activities performed in the new facility will include seed extraction, seed treatments and seed storage. Besides that, the building will house offices and a multifunctional meeting area for use by employees and visitors. Rising demand for vegetable seeds The demand for vegetable seeds is expected to continue to rise, not least due to the growing world population. “By increasing Rijk Zwaan’s capacity for seed treatment and storage, we can continue to meet growers’ needs for high-quality vegetable varieties. At the same time, our new facility will enable us to spread our seed processing and storage activities across multiple locations, thus supporting even better business continuity,” says Hubertien Doldersum, Manager Operations at Rijk Zwaan. Consideration for the community The wants and needs of the local community have been taken into account in the building plans. Parallel to the ‘Kralingerpad’ cycle path, for example, a public footpath and greenery will be created on the new Rijk Zwaan premises. Moreover, the existing watercourse has been widened to 12 metres to significantly improve drainage away from De Lier. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/517/the-philippines-onion-industry-receives-p326-97m-from-da-for-productivity-enhancement.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/517/the-philippines-onion-industry-receives-p326-97m-from-da-for-productivity-enhancement.html Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:57:36 +0530 Seven onion cold storage facilities will also be established this year in key production areas. To boost local food production, the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA), through its High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), has allotted P326.97 million worth of interventions for onion this 2023. From this, P69.949M is earmarked for onion production support services, including the provision of seeds, seedlings, and other farm inputs; P3.2M for irrigation network facilities; and P1.9M for extension support, education, and training. In addition, the program allotted P6.486M for farm production-related machinery and equipment distribution; P2.359M for production facilities; and P2.5M for postharvest and processing equipment and machinery distribution. Seven onion cold storage facilities amounting to P240.575M will also be established this year in key production areas. These cold storage facilities, with up to 10,000-bag capacity, will benefit the Pangasinan Onion Growers Association in Umingan, Pangasinan and the Federation of Aritao Farmers Onion, Garlic and Ginger Association in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Cold storage facilities with 20,000-bag capacity will likewise be awarded to the New Hermosa Farmers Association in Hermosa, Bataan; the Nagkakaisang Magsasaka Agricultural MPC in Talavera, Nueva Ecija; and the Valiant Primary Multipurpose Cooperative in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. The Salvation United Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Rizal and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro will also receive 20,000-bag capacity cold storage facilities. A total of ten farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) from the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region received a financial grant totalling P40 million through the DA Enhanced Kadiwa: Sagip Sibuyas Project. More than 7,800 FCA members benefited from the project in MIMAROPA. Under the Sagip Sibuyas Project, eligible FCAs shall use the grant of up to P5M for trading capital to cover the costs of procuring onions directly from farmers, hauling and delivery to markets and cold storage facilities, and storage rental. The DA also provides market linkage services to ensure that the onion FCAs have ready markets for their produce, including fast food chains and institutional buyers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/409/rural-china-to-see-robust-consumption-agriculture-minister.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/409/rural-china-to-see-robust-consumption-agriculture-minister.html Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:10:17 +0530 The ministry will work on the supply and distribution channels to expand the output of green, organic, and new agricultural products. China is unleashing the consumption potential of rural areas, Tang Renjian, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.  The minister pledged work to activate the rural market amid the country's efforts to promote rural revitalisation and build up strength in agriculture.  Along with a rising income for rural residents, rural consumption is expected to accelerate upgrading, and it is expected that about 2 trillion yuan (about $290 billion) of new consumption demand will be created annually, he said.  This year, the ministry will work on the supply and distribution channels to expand the output of green, organic, and new agricultural products, and expand the rural coverage of e-commerce and logistics, he said.  The ministry will input more on rural construction, Tang said. It is estimated that investment demand for rural construction, such as high-standard farmland and facilities, will hit nearly 15 trillion yuan in the next five to 10 years, and this will boost sectors such as building materials, cement, reinforcement, and machinery, he said.  More efforts will be made to build a number of storage and fresh-keeping facilities, cold chain distribution centres, and large cold chain logistics bases in the production areas, and further improve rural water, electricity, gas, living, and other conditions, he said.  More should be done to boost the development of rural industries in helping rural residents increase their income. He highlighted efforts to expand the agricultural product processing and circulation industry, promote the integration of agriculture, culture and tourism, develop rural e-commerce, and promote the whole-chain upgrading of rural industries.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/152/sfa-to-review-16-insect-species-for-human-consumption.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/152/sfa-to-review-16-insect-species-for-human-consumption.html Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:43:40 +0530 In Singapore, the import and sale of insect products for human consumption and animal feed may allow soon. Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a statement recently it says, after a thorough scientific review, it could allow specific species of insects with a history of human consumption to be served as food.  The commercial farming of insects for human consumption and animal feed has been promoted by the Food and Agriculture organisation. 16 insect species have been reviewed for human consumption, including some types of crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, mealworms, moths, silkworms and honey bees, SFA said. The statement also stated that, in Singapore, more than 10 companies have expressed interest in importing insect food products or insect farming. Companies intending to import or farm insects for human consumption or animal feed have certain requirements for food safety.  Those who are interested in the import and farming of insects without a history of human consumption must conduct and submit safety assessments to SFA. SFA said insect products will be subjected to food and safety testing, as with all other food available in Singapore. Food that is found to be non-compliant with our food and safety regulations will not be allowed for sale, SFA said.  The agency is seeking feedback from the public as well as from the food and animal feed industry on the import conditions and additional pre-licensing requirements for insects and insect products.  The insect sector has gathered increasing attention over the past few years, with the global insect protein market alone estimated to be worth $343 million in 2021. It is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.49 % to reach $ 1.3 billion by 2027. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/79/cibus-granted-patent-for-productivity-trait-in-canola-and-oilseed-rape-crops-2.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/79/cibus-granted-patent-for-productivity-trait-in-canola-and-oilseed-rape-crops-2.html Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:48:00 +0530 United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted the company a patent for its Pod Shatter Reduction (PSR) Trait. Cibus, a leader in precision gene editing in agriculture, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted the company a patent for its Pod Shatter Reduction (PSR) Trait. The PSR Trait, developed using the company’s Rapid Trait Development System® (RTDS), strengthens the sheath that contains the Canola (oilseed rape) seeds and, in so doing, reduces pod shatter yield losses. Pod shatter refers to the pre-harvest release of oil seeds when the pod seam and connective tissue of the sheath that contains the Canola seeds breaks apart and releases the seeds. This occurs due to either a weakened pod seam or pod fracturing due to bad weather. Cibus’ PSR Trait reduces these yield losses due to pod shatter. PSR is called a Productivity Trait because it is part of a class of agricultural traits that address productivity and sustainability in farming by improving crop yields and lowering costs like diesel, fertilizer, and crop protection chemicals. Greg Gocal, EVP and CSO at Cibus said, “It is a highly effective trait that has been developed using RTDS and has been validated in field trials over several years. We are preparing for the commercialization of PSR in the United States and Canada. We are expecting that our Pod Shatter Reduction Trait will be one of the first gene-edited traits launched in Europe subject to legislative changes in the UK and EU.” Canola is a major global crop that is now planted on more than 50 million acres in North America, Europe, and Australia. It is second only to soybean as the most important annual crop source of vegetable oil in the world. Reducing pod shatter is a critically important trait for Canola farmers because pod shatter can result in yield losses of 10 per cent or more and increased expenses in farming practices during harvest. Cibus’ PSR Trait increases yields but also lowers the cost of farming by improving the flexibility for straight combining of canola and wheat, providing farmers the option to harvest wheat at the best possible time for the grain quality. “Canola is a foundational crop for Cibus. Following PSR, we have a pipeline of additional Productivity Traits for Canola developed using RTDS. These include traits for Sclerotinia resistance and nitrogen use efficiency. Importantly, these are all traits that are critical to addressing farming sustainability as they would increase yields and lower the use of inputs like fuel, fungicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Once developed, we believe that each of these traits will be important in many different crops,” said Rory Riggs, Chairman and CEO at Cibus. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/78/icrisat-showcases-chickpea-germplasm-to-key-researchers-in-india-2.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/186/78/icrisat-showcases-chickpea-germplasm-to-key-researchers-in-india-2.html Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:45:58 +0530 Chickpea researchers got an opportunity to observe in person and select desirable germplasm among over 10,000 accessions that originated in more than 50 countries. With an aim to enhance use of chickpea germplasm in India’s crop improvement, ICRISAT Genebank organized a germplasm field day at its global headquarters in Patancheru and displayed chickpea germplasm diversity and trait-specific sources to various researchers participating in the event. Chickpea researchers got an opportunity to observe in person and select desirable germplasm among over 10,000 accessions that originated in more than 50 countries. This included pan genebank accessions from ICRISAT genebank (>3,500 accessions) and ICAR-NBPGR (1,500 accessions), 292 highly diverse reference set collection, 2,200 accessions of whole-genome sequenced, and 223 superior haplotypes. Twenty-one researchers from eleven Indian institutions participated in the event. ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi and Hyderabad, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute Durgapura, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Glocal University Training & Research Center, Hyderabad, and Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Nandyal. Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head – Genebank, ICRISAT, welcomed the participants, and explained the importance of germplasm conservation and laid stress on the use of diverse germplasm in crop improvement. He also emphasized on other research areas in chickpea, including the use of superior haplotypes for yield-related traits, identified at ICRISAT through the whole-genome sequencing of 3,366 accessions. Dr Arvind Kumar, Deputy Director General – Research ICRISAT, emphasized the importance of germplasm in trait improvement. The ICRISAT and ICAR-NBPGR genebanks are leading, with one of the largest efforts on phenotypic and genomic characterization of over 5,000 chickpea germplasm, translating these efforts to integrate in the breeding pipeline for chickpea improvement. Dr Patrick Okori, Cluster Leader – Seed Systems, ICRISAT, while addressing the participants shared that, “The project supported by DBT, India will help to improve chickpea productivity in the country and across the globe. Diversifying the cropping system in Africa, with crops like chickpea which grow in a short time, can help us effectively address the issue of malnutrition.” ]]>