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Innovations in Agri-Food to Watch in 2025. (Image Credit: Asia-Pacific Agri-Food)

Event News

Accelerating agri-food innovation across Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit is set to take place from 4–6 November 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

As part of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week, the summit will bring together key players from across the agri-food industry—ranging from global corporates and start-ups to investors, researchers, and policymakers. It serves as a vital platform for building partnerships and showcasing new technologies that aim to reshape food systems across the Asia-Pacific region.

This year’s summit will focus on twelve central themes that tackle some of the sector’s most urgent challenges while highlighting new areas of growth and innovation. Topics such as Global Market Access and Climate-Smart Food will lead the agenda, with attention on developing sustainable farming practices and opening up new regional trade opportunities.

Other themes include Breeding Better Ingredients, which connects upstream scientific research with scalable food production, and Next-Generation Proteins, with a strong spotlight on precision fermentation and alternative protein innovation. The summit also turns its focus to High-Impact Crops like rice and oil palm, aiming to improve productivity from cultivation to distribution.

Environmental responsibility features heavily, with in-depth discussions on reducing Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide emissions throughout the food chain. In terms of financial inclusion, the summit will explore Agricultural Finance innovations such as digital credit and insurance tools that support smallholder farmers.

Investment will be a key theme, looking at how Innovative Investment models—combining venture capital, corporate investment, and philanthropic funding—can help scale agri-food tech across the region. Other core areas include Functional Nutrition, Biotech Innovation, and Upcycling Biomass, all focused on health, sustainability, and efficient use of resources.

The summit also emphasises Measurable Impact, encouraging agri-food businesses to build stronger ESG frameworks, even in complex and evolving markets. Together, these themes reflect a united commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable food system for the future of the Asia-Pacific.

Agriculture 4.0 technologies can help address issues while improving efficiency. (Image credit: AgriFuture )

Event News

AgriFuture conference 2025: pioneering agricultural change

The AgriFuture Conference 2025, taking place on 23–24 September 2025 at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand, is set to be a major platform for advancing sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia

Organised by DLG Asia Pacific, the conference focuses on promoting clean practices and green innovations to develop a more sustainable agri-food system. It brings together farmers, researchers, agri-tech companies, policymakers, and investors to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the modern agricultural sector. Rapid population growth, environmental pressures, labour shortages, and rising production costs are creating urgent demands for innovation, and the conference highlights how Agriculture 4.0 technologies can help address these issues while improving efficiency and productivity.

Attendees will explore advancements in precision farming, artificial intelligence, drones, IoT, and vertical agriculture, all of which are helping farmers optimise yields, reduce resource use, and manage operations more effectively. The event also emphasises sustainability and climate-conscious practices, such as circular farming systems and improved crop residue management, which support environmental stewardship and reduce the ecological impact of farming. In addition, the conference addresses the financial and market aspects of modern agriculture, showcasing agri-fintech solutions, startup support, blended financing opportunities, and programmes that encourage youth entrepreneurship in the sector. By combining technology, sustainability, and investment readiness, the conference aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and strategies for success.

The AgriFuture Conference also offers extensive networking opportunities, enabling collaboration among innovators, investors, development organisations, and other stakeholders. Through seminars, interactive workshops, and field visits, participants gain hands-on insights and can build valuable connections to support agricultural innovation across the region. Overall, the conference seeks to drive the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices in Southeast Asia, helping farmers and businesses increase productivity, enhance food security, and build resilience against environmental and economic challenges.

Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards.

Poultry

Automation shaping the poultry farming equipment market

The poultry farming equipment market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, rising from a value of US$4.0bn in 2025 to around US$7.1bn by 2035

This reflects a CAGR of 6.0%, driven by increased global demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable poultry production systems.

As demand for poultry-based protein grows, both developed and developing markets are investing in smarter and more automated systems. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on solutions that improve feed efficiency, water conservation, hygiene, and biosecurity. The integration of intelligent technologies, such as IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance, is playing a key role in transforming poultry operations.

In particular, the watering and feeding systems segment is set to dominate the market by product type, accounting for 22.5% of the market share in 2025. These systems are vital for flock health and are now widely adopted in both broiler and layer production. Advanced features like sensor-based regulation and adjustable flow have helped farms reduce waste, cut labour costs, and improve biosecurity.

The chicken segment continues to lead by poultry type, with a projected market share of 65.0% in 2025. Chicken farming remains popular globally due to its fast production cycles, low input costs, and high efficiency. Equipment manufacturers are tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of chicken farms, especially in export-driven and urban markets. Vertical integration and demand for traceable, high-quality poultry products are also fuelling investment in standardised, scalable equipment for chicken production.

By mode of operation, automatic systems are expected to take the lead, holding a 48.0% share in 2025. Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards. Automatic feeding, egg collection, climate control, and waste management systems are now core to modern poultry farms. Integration with digital platforms and data analytics tools further boosts their value in achieving consistent performance and compliance.

Government initiatives in emerging economies are also contributing to market expansion, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. These initiatives support local farming enterprises and promote automation for increased productivity. At the same time, developed countries are focusing on next-generation farming systems that balance output with sustainability and welfare.

As consumer awareness grows around food safety, animal welfare, and environmental impact, the trend towards cage-free systems and eco-friendly equipment is gaining momentum. With ongoing innovation and rising global demand for poultry products, the poultry farming equipment market is well-positioned for continued expansion.

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

This new partnership builds on previous efforts between the three companies to test and promote digital technologies that improve productivity.

Agriculture

Seibu and Sumitomo transforming Japanese farming

Seibu Kaihatsu Nosan Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, and Sumitomo Corporation Tohoku Co., Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and revitalising regional farming in Japan’s Tohoku region

This alliance focuses on improving food production, supporting local farmers, and promoting the use of smart farming technologies. The collaboration will focus on four key areas:

The first project aims to improve productivity and efficiency in agriculture by introducing smart farming technologies. These technologies, which include IoT-based work tracking, automated machinery, and agricultural drones, will be showcased through demonstrations to farmers across Tohoku. The goal is to help farmers achieve stable food production by adopting these innovations.

This initiative focuses on supporting farmers with consulting services and training programmes. The companies will collect and analyse data from farm machinery and smartphones to help improve operational efficiency. By leveraging their expertise in farmland management, they aim to sustain and grow regional agriculture, even in the face of a declining and ageing farming population.

The third project will work on enhancing the agricultural supply chain. By linking producer data with food processing and distribution companies, the alliance will help farmers better manage market fluctuations and improve product quality. The project also includes support for post-harvest activities such as sorting and drying, which will benefit producers and the entire distribution network in the region.

The fourth area of focus involves the adoption of environmentally sustainable farming practices. The partners will demonstrate and promote the use of eco-friendly agricultural inputs and cultivation systems, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact. They also plan to explore the practical application of a carbon credit programme to further boost sustainability.

Japan’s agricultural industry is facing a critical challenge, with the number of farmers halving in the last 20 years. In 2023, the average age of Japanese farmers stood at 69. Additionally, nearly 10% of Japan’s farmland is abandoned, with over 420,000 hectares left unused.

Seibu Kaihatsu Nosan, one of Japan’s largest agricultural corporations, manages about 1,000 hectares of farmland and has already been leveraging smart technologies for more efficient farming. By offering services such as spraying, harvesting, and drying on behalf of neighbouring farmers, the company is helping maintain the vibrancy of regional agriculture.

This new partnership builds on previous efforts between the three companies to test and promote digital technologies that improve productivity. Their expanded collaboration aims to address the pressing issues facing agriculture in Tohoku, driving both technological innovation and regional revitalisation.

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Livestock

Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards.

Poultry

Automation shaping the poultry farming equipment market

The poultry farming equipment market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, rising from a value of US$4.0bn in 2025 to around US$7.1bn by 2035

This reflects a CAGR of 6.0%, driven by increased global demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable poultry production systems.

The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

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Equipment

UC7 Plus helps farmers and crop service providers lower inputs. (Image Credit:

Equipment

UC7 Plus: the next generation of boom control technology

Topcon Agriculture has launched the UC7 Plus, the next generation of its boom height control technology for agricultural spraying applications

Built on the solid foundation of Topcon’s Norac boom height control systems, the UC7 Plus helps farmers and crop service providers lower inputs, improve crop performance, and reduce equipment maintenance costs with enhanced spray control and height management capabilities.

The new technology is compatible with most self-propelled and pull-type sprayers, and features advanced sensor technology designed to boost performance and reliability. The UC7 Plus includes the dynamic chassis sensor (DCS-1) to improve the stability and responsiveness of the boom control system. Additionally, the latest MS-1 sensors with MAX Sense ultrasonic technology enhance performance even in challenging terrains. These sensors are built to endure tough field conditions with features such as corrosion-resistant GF nylon housing, a protective transducer screen, and multi-axis vents.

Nick Townsend, Vice President of Topcon Agriculture, highlighted the benefits of the technology. “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,” he said. “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.”

The UC7 Plus technology also supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that only the necessary amount of spray is applied where needed, helping farmers achieve optimal crop performance while meeting compliance standards and saving on costs. Furthermore, the technology significantly reduces operator stress and fatigue by automating boom height adjustments to match land contours, removing the need for constant monitoring of field terrain.

With improved spraying performance by up to 30%, according to Topcon’s testing data, the UC7 Plus provides a practical and efficient solution for farmers, offering incremental upgrades to existing systems and further cost-saving potential.

This collaboration integrates their platforms, offering users the ability to monitor and track their assets. (Image credit: Razor Tracking)

Smarter agriculture telematics: CLAAS and Razor Tracking integration

The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and grower support. (Image credit: Biobest)

Integrate tech in horticulture for better crops

Technology

Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.

Infrastructure

SoLAR project: revolutionizing agriculture with solar power

The SoLAR project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is entering its second phase, aiming to deepen agricultural resilience and climate transformation in smallholder farming

Launched by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the initiative runs from July 2025 to December 2029 and expands its geographical and thematic focus, now incorporating Ethiopia and Kenya, while continuing its work in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Building on the success of its first phase (2019–2024), SoLAR looks to scale solar energy solutions for agriculture and position them as a replicable and scalable model for climate-resilient agriculture across the Global South.

In its first phase, SoLAR focused on generating evidence, piloting innovative financing models, and influencing policy to integrate solar-powered irrigation systems (SIPs). These solar pumps have proven effective in mitigating climate impacts by replacing diesel pumps and promoting sustainable groundwater usage. “Across the four South Asian countries, we have seen promising steps toward scaling solar irrigation sustainably and inclusively,” said Darshini Ravindranath, Project Lead and Research Group Leader at IWMI. The project has helped governments in Bangladesh and India integrate solar irrigation into national strategies, while in Nepal, it led to a significant policy shift, including revised subsidy criteria supporting women farmers and smallholders.

Key outcomes include the promotion of gender-sensitive policies, innovative financing such as micro-financing and grants, and the adoption of solar irrigation systems that reduce carbon emissions, conserve groundwater, and support high-value crops. IWMI’s work also extended to grid-connected solar irrigation in Nepal, enabling farmers to sell surplus energy, providing them with additional income streams while promoting responsible groundwater use.

In phase two, SoLAR will expand its reach to East Africa, focusing on scaling solar-powered solutions for irrigation, cooling, and processing. With Kenya and Ethiopia facing climate and energy challenges, the project sees solar technology as a transformative tool for boosting year-round agricultural production and enhancing food security. Muluken Elias Adamseged, Deputy Country Representative at IWMI in Ethiopia, remarked, “Scaling solar-powered irrigation, cooling, and processing can boost year-round production, cut losses and costs, and enhance food security.”

The second phase aims to drive an integrated approach with evidence-based policy design, accelerated funding for solar adoption, enhanced capacity building, and the establishment of Living Labs to test solar solutions in diverse settings. The program will directly benefit smallholder farmers in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Ethiopia by improving water and energy security, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience to climate risks, according to Philippe Sas, Head of Cooperation for SDC in India.

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