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Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

AI and data is key to transforming Indonesia’s agriculture

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.

This company will provide end-to-end services in supply chain management.

Cattle

Quhuo and NIU World are innovating the beef supply chain

Quhuo Limited, a leading tech-enabled service platform, has announced a strategic partnership with NIU World, a local Chinese food group, to launch a new chain brand incubation platform focused on fresh beef.

The platform is based on a fully localised supply chain and aims to meet rising consumer demand for high-quality fresh beef in China.

This collaboration will create a vertically integrated ecosystem that connects slaughterhouses directly to dining and retail outlets, helping to upgrade product quality and enable large-scale expansion in the fresh beef sector. The joint initiative combines NIU World’s strong industry presence—from cattle farming and slaughtering to deep processing—with Quhuo’s nationwide, on-demand food delivery network. Together, they will improve supply chain efficiency and enhance the consumer experience in this rapidly growing market.

The partnership features a unique business model that supports high-potential brands through a newly formed joint venture company. This company will provide end-to-end services in supply chain management, digital operations, financing, and strategic investment to accelerate brand growth and expansion.

The project is led by Du Xin, a veteran with extensive experience in brand development. It has already achieved sales of over RMB 20 million within its first month, showing strong demand and effective execution. The platform uses both direct-to-store and platform-based delivery models, integrating online and offline sales channels. A co-managed model will also help standardise store operations and promote asset-light growth nationwide.

Several successful brand partnerships are already in place, including with Zhuang Popo Chinese Fresh Claypot and Qingshan Ingredient Store. These collaborations offer differentiated fresh beef products tailored to local markets. The platform’s long-term goal is to build a national network of fresh beef chain brands.

Supply chain financing will play a key role, helping NIU World expand its procurement and slaughtering capabilities while reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Leslie Yu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Quhuo, said, “This strategic collaboration with NIU World marks a significant milestone in Quhuo's expansion into the 'Fresh Beef + New Chain Brands' sector. With our combined strengths in supply chain integration and multi-channel operations, we are confident in driving widespread adoption and upgrading of fresh beef consumption in China, delivering sustained value to our shareholders while meeting the increasing demand from Chinese consumers for high-quality, healthy food choices.”

Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management.

Infrastructure

Ministry urges universities to address environmental challenges

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Fauzan, has called on universities in Indonesia to play an active role in addressing environmental issues in their local communities.

The aim is to promote environmental resilience and sustainability across the nation.

Fauzan made these comments at the 2025 Rectors' Forum: Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management, held in Jakarta on Monday, July 28, 2025. The event brought together 41 university leaders from across Indonesia.

"We are seeking to encourage universities to participate in conceptualizing themselves as social entities with a high level of environmental awareness," Fauzan said in a statement following the forum.

He also noted that this initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita goals and the government's quick-win programs, which place sustainable development and environmental resilience at the core of Indonesia's national transformation.

"Let us safeguard the environment with science and technology, not only from what is visible but also from the moral values that shape the nation," Fauzan remarked.

At the same forum, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted the importance of scientific input in policy-making. According to Minister Nurofiq, universities are pivotal in validating Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) documents, developing waste management technology, and preparing Strategic Environmental Studies (KLHS). He also noted that universities should provide cross-disciplinary education to support sustainability efforts.

The Minister pointed out that 12 percent of environmental permit applications were rejected in 2023 due to failure to meet carrying capacity requirements. In 2022 . Furthermore, the country generated 56.63 million tonnes of waste in 2023, but only 39 percent of this was effectively managed.

More than 150 districts and cities in Indonesia also reported an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) below 65, indicating that many regions face significant environmental challenges.

In conclusion, both Fauzan and Nurofiq emphasised that universities must become key players in Indonesia’s environmental efforts, utilising science and technology to improve sustainability and address pressing environmental issues across the country.

HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)

HSW ECO MATIC

ALMACO Telematics boosts seed research efficiency

Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)

ALMACO Telematics is a next-generation system delivering remote access to real-time machine data—boosting efficiency, performance, and uptime for seed research professionals

Available on both the R1 Single-Plot and R2 Twin-Plot Research Combines, it’s the only telematics offering integrated specifically for seed research, reinforcing ALMACO’s leadership in precision agtech.

With insights into numerous machine parameters, the platform provides deep visibility into settings, location, diagnostics, software, and performance. This empowers fleet managers and researchers to easily monitor and optimise machine use for peak operational output.

Maximising uptime through smart diagnostics

A key feature of ALMACO Telematics is its remote diagnostics and repair capability, protecting uptime and reducing disruptions. Over 30% of service issues can be resolved remotely, removing the need for a field technician and delivering cost-effective value.

Simplified software upgrades

The system enables remote software updates, ensuring machines stay up to date without site visits. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs while supporting continuous tech improvement.

Enhanced fleet oversight

From their desks, managers can track machine performance and advise operators to refine seed trial accuracy. Telematics interfaces can also be remotely customised to support the specific goals of different research operations, improving data precision and machine functionality.

A smart investment for research operations

By reducing field calls, improving uptime, and enhancing resale value, ALMACO Telematics offers a strong return on investment. With its real-time oversight and proactive maintenance tools, seed research professionals can operate with confidence and lower costs.

“The integration of ALMACO Telematics marks a significant step forward in precision seed research,” said Mat Titus, service director at ALMACO. “By offering real-time data access and remote diagnostics, we are enabling researchers to focus on what matters most—developing the next generation of seed innovations.”

Crops

These changes resulted in a significant increase in grain yield.

Agriculture

The future of rice production: insights from sunflower gene research

Scientists have successfully transferred a gene from sunflowers to rice, significantly increasing its grain yield and enhancing its resistance to drought and salt stress.

This breakthrough research, led by Zhejiang Normal University in China, offers promising potential for developing climate-resilient crops.

The gene in question, known as HaGLK, plays a crucial role in the development of chloroplasts, where photosynthesis occurs. It also helps plants cope with harsh environmental conditions, such as drought and salinity. Sunflowers are known for thriving in arid and saline environments, which led researchers to hypothesise that transferring the HaGLK gene to rice could provide similar stress tolerance.

"We hypothesize that overexpression of the HaGLK gene in rice may enhance its tolerance to salt stress, drought resistance, and photosynthetic capacity. To test this hypothesis, we constructed the overexpression of HaGLK rice transgenic plants and analysed their photosynthetic performance, agronomic traits, and stress resistance," said the research team.

By inserting the HaGLK gene into rice plants, the researchers compared the modified plants with a control variety, Zhonghua 11. The modified rice showed higher levels of chlorophyll, larger chloroplasts, and an improved photosynthetic rate. These changes resulted in a significant increase in grain yield, with improvements of 13.06% and 12.60% in two separate transgenic lines.

The study also found that the gene did not interfere with overall plant development. In fact, it led to some physical changes, including wider leaves and longer panicles. The higher yield was primarily attributed to an increased number of grains per panicle. While the shape of the grains changed slightly, there was no significant difference compared to the control variety.

In addition to the yield boost, the HaGLK-modified rice also showed improved resistance to drought and salt stress. The plants developed longer roots and stems during germination, experienced less wilting, and had higher survival rates compared to the unmodified variety. Furthermore, the HaGLK-modified rice was better able to close its stomata quickly, reducing water loss and helping the plant survive in harsh conditions without sacrificing photosynthesis.

The findings suggest that the HaGLK gene could be a valuable tool in developing high-yield, resilient rice varieties suited to challenging environmental conditions. "Future research should aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which heterologous HaGLK expression modulates photosynthetic efficiency and stress responses in rice," the researchers concluded.

Mangrove afforestation and seagrass restoration.

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Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers.

Boosting cassava value: insights from the Vietnam-Japan collaboration

Livestock

This company will provide end-to-end services in supply chain management.

Cattle

Quhuo and NIU World are innovating the beef supply chain

The platform is based on a fully localised supply chain and aims to meet rising consumer demand for high-quality fresh beef in China.

Supply chain financing will play a key role, helping NIU World expand its procurement and slaughtering capabilities while reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Some areas of agriculture in Indonesia are already using AI.

Indonesia seeks China's help to boost AI in farming and fisheries

The gel provides key nutritional support to enhance calf vigour.

BioZyme launched VitaFerm Sure Start Gel for healthier newborn calves

Equipment

The new Agras drones are designed to handle bigger jobs and suit a range of farming tasks.(Image Credit: DJI)

Equipment

DJI launches new Agras drones - the Agras T100, T70P, and T25P

DJI, the global leader in drone and camera technology, has officially launched its latest agricultural drones - the Agras T100, T70P, and T25P — for worldwide use.

These new models represent the next step in DJI agriculture’s development, offering more power, smarter features, and greater efficiency for farming operations of all sizes.

With over 12 years of research and development behind them, the new Agras drones are designed to handle bigger jobs and suit a range of farming tasks, from spraying and spreading to lifting. Each drone is built with advanced safety features and automated systems to support smarter, safer, and more efficient farming.

Agras T100: for large-scale farming

The Agras T100 is built for commercial farming, with a maximum payload of 100 litres for spraying, 150 litres for spreading, or 100 kilograms for lifting. It has a top operating speed of 20 m/s, making it twice as efficient as the previous model. Its powerful safety system includes LiDAR, millimetre-wave radar, and a Penta-Vision system, helping it navigate safely and operate with high accuracy.

Agras T70P: balanced power and efficiency

Designed for a wide range of uses, the Agras T70P can spray with 70 litres, spread with 100 litres, or lift up to 65 kilograms. Like the T100, it reaches speeds of up to 20 m/s and includes a fine mist spraying system. It features the Safety System 3.0 with improved obstacle detection using radar and a Tri-Vision system.

Agras T25P: compact and ideal for solo use

The T25P keeps its compact, foldable frame, making it ideal for single-person use. It includes the new 25 kg high-precision screw feeder system for spreading and the Safety System 3.0. It is well-suited for smaller farms or precision tasks, with full automation for mapping and plant protection.

New training for drone pilots

DJI is also rolling out new pilot training courses under the DJI Academy, starting in 15 countries across the Americas and Asia. These courses will teach safe flying, efficient spraying and spreading, and how to get the most out of DJI’s agricultural drones.The new Agras drones will first be available in Southeast Asia.

Yuan Zhang, head of global sales at DJI Agriculture, said, “We are proud to launch these advanced drones to support global farming. They help growers feed communities while reducing the environmental impact on our planet.”

Pegasus Moving Mixer is perfect for industries where hygiene and safety are vital. (Image credit: Dinnissen)

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Zoomlion showcases tailored solutions for Africa’s growth at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. (Image source: Zoomlion)

Zoomlion exhibits at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo

Technology

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

Infrastructure

From streets to fields: Unitree’s Go2 joins smart farming

Unitree Robotics, known for creating user-friendly and affordable robots, is now bringing its technology to farming.

As rural areas face a shortage of younger workers and an ageing labour force, many tech companies are turning to robotics and digital solutions to modernise agriculture. In line with this, Unitree has teamed up with a top agricultural research institution to explore how robots can support smarter, more efficient farming practices.

Traditionally, farmers have relied on their experience to judge the health and condition of crops. But modern robotics, powered by AI vision and edge computing, can now carry out these tasks more accurately and efficiently. These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations, who can become "robot managers" and take on farming roles without needing years of experience.

Unitree’s consumer-grade quadruped robot, Go2, is leading this change. Priced from just US$1,600, Go2 is affordable and well-suited to agriculture, thanks to its strong performance, adaptability, and ability to work in tough conditions. Farming environments pose unique challenges, such as varying lighting and ever-changing crop shapes, which demand advanced sensing and recognition abilities.

To meet these needs, Go2 has been equipped with a specialised camera and agricultural sensors that track the growth of seedlings in real time. It uses a custom AI vision model tailored for farming. This AI, supported by edge computing, allows the robot to analyse and identify plant conditions on the spot. The data collected is then sent to a central system, which uses agricultural big data to suggest specific farming strategies based on the crop’s growth stage.

This integrated setup, from the robot in the field to the cloud-based platform, helps reduce the physical burden on farmers. At the same time, it offers researchers detailed and frequent field data, helping to speed up scientific progress in agriculture.

As one industry observer noted, “civilian-grade robots, through deeper integration into agricultural environments, are opening up broader application prospects for advanced legged robotics.”

Unitree continues to develop high-quality legged and humanoid robots for the public. With practical tools like Go2, the company is helping to replace hard, repetitive, and risky work with smart automation-making farming more efficient and improving the overall quality of life.

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.