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As per the reports, 98.5 percent of cropland across the territory is now either damaged or inaccessible.

Agriculture

A new satellite-based analysis by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) has revealed an alarming collapse of agricultural capacity in the Gaza Strip.

According to the report, 98.5 percent of cropland across the territory is now either damaged, inaccessible, or both—leaving just 1.5 percent, or 232 hectares, available for cultivation. This marks a drastic drop from April 2025, when 4.6 percent of land (688 hectares) was cultivable.

With Gaza’s population exceeding two million, the sharp decline in cropland availability presents a dire picture of food insecurity. Satellite data also shows that 12.4 percent of farmland, though physically intact, cannot be accessed due to restrictions and designated “no-go” zones, limiting the ability of farmers to restart local food production.

This dramatic reduction is not just the result of conflict-related destruction, but also the wider collapse of essential farming infrastructure. Irrigation systems, farm equipment, roads, storage facilities, and market access have been either destroyed or rendered non-operational. The ongoing conflict, coupled with severe restrictions on humanitarian aid and movement, has made conditions nearly impossible for any form of agricultural recovery without urgent external intervention.

Rein Paulsen, director of FAO's emergencies and resilience said,“To prevent further suffering, we need to prioritize urgent humanitarian access and invest in restoring Gaza’s local agrifood production systems, markets, and infrastructure. This includes both regaining safe access to farmland and rehabilitating land and assets damaged by the conflict.” 

This assessment follows the recent alert from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), issued on July 29, warning that the worst-case famine scenario is currently underway in Gaza. The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Data shows that 39 percent of the population are now going days without any food, while over 500,000 people – nearly a quarter of Gaza's residents – are facing famine-like conditions. The remainder of the population is also experiencing acute food insecurity, with many at emergency levels of hunger.

In light of the worsening crisis, FAO, WFP, and UNICEF are calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire to halt the violence, enable the safe release of hostages, and allow life-saving humanitarian aid to reach all areas of Gaza. They stress the need for unhindered access through all available crossings, the revival of commercial supply chains to restock local markets, and the urgent protection of civilians and aid workers. Rebuilding health, water, and sewage infrastructure is also critical. Long-term stability will rely on investment in local food systems, revitalising bakeries, markets, and farming activities to support Gaza’s recovery.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability.

Poultry

Even the smallest changes in poultry nutrition can lead to major financial gains, particularly when it comes to improving feed efficiency

In large-scale broiler production, a one-point drop in feed conversion ratio can cost upwards of $20 million annually. Recent research from the University of Arkansas is helping poultry producers get more precise with calcium, a key nutrient that significantly influences feed-to-weight gain efficiency.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability — how much of the calcium the bird can actually absorb and use. Traditional feed formulations focus on total calcium content without fully accounting for how accessible that calcium is from different sources.

Ben Parsons, assistant professor of poultry nutrition at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, explains the core issue: "The biggest challenge we have is analytically picking up the calcium content of our samples accurately." The variability comes from feed ingredients like limestone and dicalcium phosphate, which are mined minerals that vary in particle size and composition.

Parsons, along with Ph.D. student Rebekah Drysdale, conducted a comparative study of two methods to measure calcium bioavailability. The classic bone ash method — used for decades — assesses mineral content in the bird’s leg bone. A newer, faster method called the "apparent ileal digestibility test" analyses how much calcium is absorbed in the final section of the small intestine.

Drysdale developed the updated bone ash method during her master’s research. Parsons said, "The bone ash method is a classic approach that has been around for decades, mainly for trace minerals and phosphorus but very recently we've developed a regression approach for bone ash to measure calcium." The researchers found both methods to be reliable, but the ileal digestibility test offers results within 24 to 72 hours, compared to the two weeks required for the bone ash method.

Limestone remains the most common calcium source in poultry feed due to its low cost and availability. However, its digestibility can vary widely, from 20% to 80%, depending on particle size and solubility. Over-supplying calcium to compensate can negatively affect the absorption of other nutrients like phosphorus and even worsen disease susceptibility. "Some recent work is showing that excess calcium can exacerbate disease and pathogen challenges," Parsons said.

Parsons hopes future poultry diets will be based on digestible, not total, calcium levels. "You want a limestone that's in the middle of this solubility distribution," he said, pointing out that too rapid or too slow solubility both cause issues. By using both testing methods, producers can better identify high-performing calcium sources and reduce waste while maximising bird health and growth.

Agritechnica 2025, the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery.

Agriculture

As climate change continues to impact global agriculture, regenerative farming is emerging as a viable solution to build climate resilience.

Agritechnica 2025, the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, will place regenerative agriculture at the forefront, featuring a dedicated programme of expert discussions and international best-practice showcases.

Regenerative agriculture focuses on enhancing soil health through practices like reduced tillage, permanent soil cover, diverse crop rotations, and extensive cover cropping. These techniques are designed to stabilise soil functions, increase carbon storage, and improve water retention, all of which are crucial for maintaining productivity amid unpredictable weather patterns.

While regenerative agriculture doesn’t have a single, universally agreed-upon definition, its flexible framework allows farmers to incorporate individual practices gradually, making it adaptable to a wide range of agricultural contexts. This adaptability is especially important as the European Union pushes for reduced use of fertilisers and crop protection products, creating a need for more sustainable farming practices.

"Regenerative agriculture has become a global priority," says Dr. Bruno Görlach, Division Manager of Crop Production and Field Operations at DLG. "Farmers around the world are seeking practical solutions to climate-related challenges, and regenerative practices offer a flexible, science-based approach. At DLG, we’ve already taken action in Germany by offering a classification guide on the subject. The spotlight on soil health at Agritechnica 2025 is a further step in informing international farmers about the potential of regenerative systems and supporting their transition with technical expertise and practical know-how."

At Agritechnica 2025, the DLG will showcase its “Soil Health” Spotlight in Hall 24, where the Expert Stage “Smart Efficiency” will host discussions and case studies on regenerative practices. These sessions will bring together farmers, researchers, and industry experts to explore how regenerative systems can balance sustainability with productivity.

On November 11, during Agribusiness Day in Hall 24, a panel discussion will offer international perspectives on regenerative farming. Experts will share best-practice examples from around the world and address the practical challenges of implementing regenerative systems.

Agritechnica 2025, taking place from November 9 to 15 in Hannover, Germany, is expected to attract over 2,700 exhibitors and 430,000 visitors. DLG also highlights five internationally recognised principles of regenerative agriculture: minimising soil disturbance, maintaining permanent ground cover, practising diverse crop rotations, keeping living roots in the soil year-round, and integrating livestock. While these principles are not exclusive to DLG, the organisation is actively promoting them through its expert programming and outreach to farmers.

African Farming

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

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.”

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Crops

The company's innovative technology focuses on preserving pollen for future use.

Agriculture

PowerPollen, an agtech company based in Iowa, has unveiled its latest technological advancement: autonomous pollination robots designed to address pollination challenges in crops like corn, wheat, and rice

The company's innovative technology focuses on preserving pollen for future use, which helps growers adapt to environmental challenges such as extreme weather and droughts, factors that can disrupt seed production.

Founded in 2015 by Jason Cope and Todd Krone, PowerPollen uses a patented method to store pollen, ensuring its viability for extended periods—a crucial advantage given that pollen can survive in the natural environment for only a short window, from five minutes to an hour. This preserved pollen can then be applied to crops when needed, improving the chances of successful pollination.

The company's autonomous robots, introduced during a field demonstration, are battery-powered and equipped with a precision sprayer, GPS for tracking, and machine vision to help navigate farm rows. These robots can operate in fleets and are adaptable to both large fields and smaller farms (down to five acres). This development opens up possibilities for future functionalities, as the robots can collect valuable data during pollination, further improving efficiency and accuracy.

As extreme weather events such as droughts or heavy rains impact pollination, PowerPollen’s robots allow farmers to apply preserved pollen during the key reproductive phase. This precision helps counter disruptions, ensuring that crops are properly fertilized despite adverse conditions.

PowerPollen’s expansion goes beyond corn; the company is actively working on wheat and rice hybrid seed production, aiming to make these crops more cost-effective and profitable for farmers. Despite a downturn in venture capital investments in agtech, the company continues to drive innovation, with €22.5 million in recent funding to support its future growth.

Jason Cope emphasised, "Venture capital money is a little allergic, if you will, right now to agtech, but agtech is a foundational aspect of how we feed the world."

China produces close to 350 mn tonnes of fruit every year—around a third of the global output.

Enhance farming with nitrogen-fixing techniques.

Livestock

Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves

Poultry

In modern poultry production, the issue of runting—where chicks fail to grow properly—has become a growing concern with serious economic implications

 A recent study titled “Evaluation of microbial diversity, economic implication and level of awareness of possible causes of runting leading to hatchery condemnation in a commercial poultry hatchery hub” explores the impact of microbial diversity in hatcheries and how it relates to both bird health and financial performance.

The research, led by Adebiyi, Adeyemo, and Batubo, highlights the complex role of microorganisms in hatchery environments. Some microbes benefit developing chicks by supporting immunity and competing against harmful pathogens. However, if harmful microbes dominate, they can cause serious health issues, including runting. Understanding this balance is essential in protecting bird health and maintaining efficient hatchery operations.

One of the most striking findings of the study is the low level of awareness among hatchery managers about the causes of runting. This lack of understanding makes hatcheries more vulnerable to microbial contamination, which can lead to hatchery condemnations, lost income, and weakened supply chains. The researchers stress the importance of better education and training for hatchery staff to prevent these problems before they start.

“Some recent work is showing that excess calcium can exacerbate disease and pathogen challenges,” one quote from related research explains—a reminder of how multiple factors can contribute to disease susceptibility.

Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves. It leads to higher mortality rates, reduced hatchability, and ultimately, condemned batches that cost businesses money. The financial toll includes not only the cost of lost production but also corrective efforts and possible reputational damage. Quantifying these losses, the researchers provide a clear picture of why proactive microbial management is essential.

The study also highlights the importance of biosecurity measures in protecting hatcheries. Clean environments, routine monitoring, and preventive protocols are essential tools for keeping harmful microbes in check. By focusing on prevention rather than cure, hatchery operators can avoid the pitfalls of microbial imbalance.

Emerging technologies like high-throughput sequencing allow hatcheries to better identify both beneficial and harmful microbes in their systems. These tools open the door to targeted interventions, improving both animal welfare and economic performance.

The authors also call for a collaborative approach. Hatcheries, scientists, and animal health experts must work together to create shared standards and improve industry-wide practices. With better understanding, tools, and teamwork, the poultry sector can tackle runting and build a more sustainable and resilient future.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability.

The poultry sector is undergoing a profound transformation.

Equipment

A new generation of farmers is transforming agriculture through technology.

Equipment

In Vietnam’s rural heartlands, a new generation of farmers is transforming agriculture through technology.

At the centre of this shift is the use of agricultural drones from XAG, helping farmers save time, reduce labour, and improve crop yields—while offering young people a meaningful reason to return to their hometowns.

One such farmer is 30-year-old Lưu Văn Đoàn. After years of working far from home in a factory, Đoàn returned to Tiền Giang province and discovered drone technology through his brother. "I used to work at a factory far from home, barely earning enough and missing my family," he recalls. "I found my passion for technology. Soon I was piloting drones every day." Today, Đoàn earns his living offering drone-based crop protection services to fellow farmers—covering his own rice paddies and those in nearby communities.

His journey reflects a growing solution to Vietnam’s agricultural labour crisis. As rural areas age—home to nearly eight million elderly people—and younger generations migrate to urban jobs, many farms are left without support. Đoàn understands why. Traditional farming is physically demanding, especially when spraying crops manually. “Carrying heavy equipment under the hot sun, chemicals burning your skin—sometimes the fields were almost impossible to cross,” he remembers. Now, with a smartphone and the XAG P150 drone, he completes work faster and more safely. “It’s much easier,” he adds.

The XAG P150 has revolutionised Đoàn’s work. With a 70kg payload, precise RTK route planning, and consistent spraying capability, the drone ensures full coverage across different field shapes. "When spraying herbicides by hand, weeds sometimes persist," Đoàn says. "With drones, fields are often completely weed-free."

At first, farmers were sceptical. "The spray uses too little water—how will the rice grow?" they asked. But as they saw the results—healthier crops and fewer weeds—their views changed. The drone's powerful downdraft ensures pesticides reach both sides of the leaves, delivering better results. “You can clearly see that drone spraying makes the rice look healthier,” says Đoàn.

The benefits aren’t just visual. Farmers using Đoàn’s drone services cut pesticide use by 30%, making the service cost-effective. "The savings on pesticides cover what farmers pay for the drone service!" he explains. This aligns with findings from Vietnam’s Institute of Agricultural Economics, which report drones can reduce pesticide use by 30% and increase yields by 15%.

Precision is especially vital in Vietnam’s fruit export market, where residue limits are strict. Drones allow for careful mapping, accurate dosing, and even application, helping farmers meet global standards for crops like durian and jackfruit.

For Đoàn, drone farming has brought both a career and a sense of purpose. "Drones have made a huge difference for us," he says. "As things develop, I hope to expand, add more drones, and help more farmers succeed."

Vietnam’s next generation of farmers isn’t just returning to their roots—they’re reimagining them, one drone flight at a time.

Trelleborg Tires brought its cutting-edge VF tire technology to life.(Image Credit: Trelleborg)

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

Technology

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

Infrastructure

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.

Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management.

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Latest news

The company's innovative technology focuses on preserving pollen for future use.

Enhance farming with nitrogen-fixing techniques.

China produces close to 350 mn tonnes of fruit every year—around a third of the global output.

Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability.

Agritechnica 2025, the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery.

As per the reports, 98.5 percent of cropland across the territory is now either damaged or inaccessible.

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