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Several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia.(Image credit: WHO)

Livestock

The recent confirmation of Nipah virus cases in eastern India has brought renewed attention to one of the world’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases.

Although health officials have confirmed that the outbreak is limited and under control, anxiety is growing among farmers and livestock owners who depend on healthy animals for their livelihoods. A key concern is whether Nipah virus can affect farm animals such as cows and buffalo, and whether agriculture could face indirect losses.

Nipah virus belongs to the Henipavirus family and was first identified during the 1998–99 outbreak in Malaysia. That event highlighted how animal to human transmission can accelerate infections, particularly when livestock are involved. Since then, several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia, including India, often with severe consequences for human health.

Fruit bats of the Pteropus species are known to be the natural hosts of the virus. These bats do not show symptoms but shed the virus through saliva, urine and droppings. Humans may become infected by consuming contaminated food, coming into contact with infected animals or through close contact with infected people. In humans, illness can range from mild fever to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis, with fatality rates reported between 40 and 75 percent.

For the farming community, the most pressing question is the risk to cattle and buffalo. Current scientific evidence shows that pigs are the only confirmed domestic animals that can amplify and spread Nipah virus. While antibodies have been detected in some animals like goats, horses and pets, there is no confirmed evidence of natural infection or disease in cows or buffalo. Importantly, no human Nipah cases have ever been linked directly to cattle or dairy animals.

However, India’s mixed farming systems mean humans, livestock and wildlife often share the same spaces. Fruit bats may contaminate fodder, grazing land or water sources. Even if cattle do not become ill, they could unintentionally carry contaminated material closer to people.

Experts stress that there is no need for panic. Milk and meat from healthy animals remain safe, and no restrictions have been placed on livestock trade. Simple hygiene, protected feed storage and awareness are key. As environmental change brings people and wildlife closer together, Nipah virus serves as a reminder that animal health and human health are deeply connected.

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)

Water & Irrigation

A new partnership between Orbia Netafim and Amazon India is set to deliver significant water savings through large scale drip irrigation projects across key agricultural regions in India.

The collaboration will help save nearly 325 million litres of water every year while supporting more than 110 independent farmers in the agricultural belts surrounding Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Announced on 27 February 2026 in Tel Aviv and Bengaluru, the initiative focuses on improving irrigation practices and addressing growing concerns around water security in these rapidly expanding urban regions. The programme will introduce modern drip irrigation systems across 80 hectares of farmland in western Bengaluru and 40 hectares in northern Hyderabad.

In Bengaluru, farms currently growing gourds and tomatoes will transition from traditional flood irrigation methods to more efficient drip irrigation systems. Around 70 independent farmers are expected to benefit from this shift. The change is projected to save approximately 175 million litres of water each year while maintaining crop productivity and improving irrigation efficiency.

In Hyderabad, a similar transition will take place across 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms, benefiting roughly 40 farmers. The project is expected to conserve about 150 million litres of water annually in the region.

The initiative also contributes to Amazon’s wider environmental commitments. By supporting improved irrigation methods, the company is working towards its goal of becoming water positive in India by 2027. This means returning more water to communities than is used in its direct operations.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said: "This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions. We're committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India”.

Water resources in both Bengaluru and Hyderabad have come under increasing pressure in recent years. In Bengaluru, participating farms rely on water sources linked to the TG Halli Reservoir, which also supplies several residential areas, commercial districts and Amazon facilities across west and north Bengaluru. In Hyderabad, farmers draw water connected to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, an important part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of crops in measured amounts. This method reduces evaporation, runoff and unnecessary water use, which is especially important in regions experiencing irregular rainfall and declining groundwater levels.

“We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike,” said Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim. “By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture.”

This marks the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim focused on urban water challenges in India’s fast growing cities. Building on previous irrigation modernisation projects in Karnataka, including the Ramthal Community Irrigation Project, Orbia Netafim continues to promote practical and scalable solutions that improve water management while supporting both farming communities and urban water security.

Visitors can check out the latest developments in robotics. (Image source: EuroTier)

Event News

Prominent livestock platform, DLG Spotlights at EuroTier 2026 in Hanover, Germany, will shed light on innovations and future-focused developments across the livestock sector

From 10 to 13 November, visitors can check out the latest developments in robotics, emission reduction and forage production. Selected breeding animals will be exhibited live for the 'TopTierTreff' (Top Genetics). Such live demonstrations and curated special exhibitions will unlock futuristic ideas for innovative technologies, processes and concepts designed to make livestock farming more efficient, sustainable and animal-friendly.

A robust technical programme will include lectures, panel discussions and networking formats covering all key areas of livestock production and related energy sectors.

Manufacturers of advanced milking technology will showcase automation in modern dairy farming with the latest robotic solutions for automated milking systems or share visionary barn construction blueprints at the Barn Robot Event. Conventional milking parlors are gradually becoming a thing of the past replaced by conversion concepts based on robotic systems. Milking large dairy herds are no more a labour-intensive job with the support of advanced technologies. While future-oriented, these concepts will be grounded in their easy facilitation in real life situations.

For Emission Reduction, visitors can expect live demonstrations of seamless integration of livestock farming and climate protection. With expert stages for pigs and poultry lying adjacent to the emission reduction pavilion, visitors can expect insights on sustainable practices especially in these two areas.

The Top Genetics display will unite breeders from home and abroad, with breeding companies talking about strategies, fostering knowledge-sharing, particularly in dairy and beef cattle breeding. The event organisers have arranged for a large panoramic video screen this year so that the animals exhibited on stand reach far and wide. 

Spotlight on 'Forage Production' will promote smart farming technologies that can revolutionise the quality of maize silage, grass silage and hay throughout the entire production chain, from harvesting to ensiling and storage. This offering will be complemented by the new “Forage Days”, taking place on 12 and 13 November. During these special theme days, the DLG Expert Stage Cattle, as part of the Forage Production Spotlight, will focus on the production of high-quality forage and its targeted use in ruminant nutrition.

The 'Innovation Boulevard' that will be a new addition this year, will feature products recognised with the Innovation Award, alongside other notable innovations in animal farming, feed, management and technology. Visitors will gain a concise overview of the latest developments and then have the opportunity to meet the product developers directly at their exhibition stands for more in-depth discussions. 

African Farming

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LightWeeding enables farming innovation

The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Earth Rover, a UK based agri-robotics company and Agri-EPI Centre member, has developed the LightWeeder to solve key challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems

The LightWeeder is said to be the world’s first eye-safe, herbicide-free, carbon-neutral, commercially viable weeding system. The LightWeeding technology uses semiconductor LEDs to solve key technical, safety and commercialisation challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems.

The LightWeeder is part of CLAWS (Concentrated Light Autonomous Weeding and Scouting), an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method, and can also scout fields to obtain a complete data map of all crops after planting, showing the crops exact location, size, and any early signs of disease.

The main features of CLAWS are:

  • Weeding – chemical-free and inherently safer than laser weeding. No till and no crop damage and can be used in any conditions without compacting the soil.
  • Scouting – In-depth analysis of crops to allow better harvest predictions and increased yields.

The complete system is ultra-lightweight at 300kg, meaning it requires low amounts of energy to run, and is also claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than many of its competitors. The system currently runs on batteries and in future, solar panels therefore uses no fossil fuels and help farmers meet their net-zero targets.

With increasing types of chemical-resistant weeds, a significant downturn in availability of hand labour plus a shift in society towards more organic options, now more than ever there is a need to change the way we farm. A recent report by Rothamsted Research shows weeds pose an unprecedented threat to our food security and highlights the need to diversify weed control as an urgent priority.

As explained by John Taylor, farm director at Pollybell Organic Farm, “The key element here is that the LightWeeder not only makes chemical-free farming more effective but it also solves the huge issue farmers are facing today in terms of the huge loss in the labour force. Being able to weed fields autonomously means that food production doesn’t just grind to a halt.”

According to Earth Rover, LighWeeder is energy-efficient and no-till and does not cause damage to drip irrigation or crops. It is also not dependent on soil conditions and does not enable weeds to develop resistance. 

 

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Processing & Storage

Selecting a moisture sensor for grain processing goes beyond finding an instrument that measures water content

Moisture directly affects product quality, energy consumption, throughput, and waste at every stage — from intake and drying through to milling, blending, and packaging. The right sensor should support process control, perform reliably in demanding conditions, and integrate simply with existing systems.

Here are eight key considerations to guide your selection.

1. Start with your process demands

Define your operating conditions before evaluating any sensor. Consider the material being measured, installation location, how quickly moisture changes, control system requirements, and whether multiple grain types or recipes are involved.

2. Prioritise measurement speed for real-time control

Inline measurement is essential for closed-loop control. It allows the system to react as conditions change, maintaining target moisture rather than responding to drift after it has occurred -- particularly critical in drying operations where incoming moisture can vary significantly.

3. Require robust construction

Grain processing environments involve dust, vibration, impact, and temperature variation. Build quality directly determines whether a sensor remains reliable over its operational life and minimises unplanned downtime.

4. Ensure stable, linear output

A linear response simplifies calibration and gives operators greater confidence in the data. Consider how output behaves over time and how easily the sensor can be recalibrated as products change.

5. Choose straightforward integration

Look for standard communication interfaces and compatibility with existing PLC or control systems. Simple integration reduces engineering effort and accelerates return on investment.

6. Evaluate total cost of ownership

Maintenance requirements, calibration effort, and service life matter more than purchase price. A low-maintenance sensor is especially valuable in continuous processes where downtime disrupts production.

7. Check temperature capability early

Applications involving drying or high-temperature conditioning may exceed standard sensor limits. Confirm required temperature ranges at the start of the selection process to avoid reduced accuracy or premature failure.

8. Confirm certification requirements

Some environments require ATEX/Ex-certified instrumentation. Identify this at the outset — certification requirements can determine which sensors are legally suitable and affect project approval and site safety assessments.

The right moisture sensor supports stable, automated control, withstands plant conditions, and fits the operational needs of the business — delivering measurable benefit over its entire working life.

Meet the XT series from Hydronix 

The Hydronix XT series is designed to meet all of the criteria outlined above — in a single, field-proven platform built on unique digital microwave technology.

Explore the XT series

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Philippines expands affordable rice programme to support millions (Image credit: Agro spectrum Asia)

Livestock

Genesys drives poultry innovation in Asia (Image credit: Genesys )

Poultry

Across Asia, poultry producers have been steadily moving towards more advanced systems, with gender sorting becoming an essential part of modern hatchery operations

Traditionally done by hand, this process has long supported export requirements, where uniformity and precise weight standards are critical. However, the industry is now facing growing pressure due to labour shortages and uneven manual accuracy.

In response, Ceva Santé Animale has expanded the use of its Genesys solution across the region. Designed for today’s high demand hatcheries, Genesys offers a reliable way to automate gender sorting while improving consistency and efficiency. Its ability to integrate smoothly into existing systems and handle large scale production makes it particularly suited to Asian markets.

Accurate gender sorting brings clear advantages. Since male and female broilers grow at different rates, separating them early allows farmers to fine tune feeding plans and manage processing schedules more effectively. This leads to better flock uniformity, improved processing outcomes, and reduced waste across the value chain.

The growing importance of this technology was evident during the Gender Sorting Symposium held in Singapore on 24 and 25 March 2026. The event brought together hatchery managers, farm operators, nutrition experts, and processing specialists, all focused on improving performance in poultry production. Discussions highlighted how precise sorting at the hatchery stage can influence everything from animal welfare to final product quality.

Genesys stood out during the event for its dependable performance at industrial scale. It was recognised for delivering consistent results, supporting efficient workflows, and helping producers reduce losses while improving sustainability. These qualities have positioned it as a trusted option for hatcheries aiming to modernise their operations.

The overall message from the region is clear. Asian poultry producers are embracing smarter and more predictable systems to meet rising demand and stricter standards. With continued adoption of technologies like Genesys, the industry is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable future.

Indonesia boosts dairy industry through cow imports.

Several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia.(Image credit: WHO)

Equipment

Pioneering greenhouse heating with a 2 MW CO₂ heat pump (Image credit :Hortidaily))

Equipment

Plant nursery, Kwekerij Aarts, has taken a bold step towards sustainable horticulture by installing a 2 MW air to water heat pump to support a new 3.6 hectare greenhouse

The system is thought to be one of the largest of its kind within the greenhouse sector, marking a significant shift in how growers approach energy use.

Owner Rens Aarts explored several options before settling on the heat pump. Grid limitations ruled out combined heat and power as the main solution, and although a geothermal permit was secured, the final choice leaned towards a more flexible and forward thinking system. The unit, running on CO₂ as a natural refrigerant, has been in operation since early this year.

"We are willing to pioneer," says Rens Aarts. "We knew we were taking a path where no one had gone before."

The family business has always embraced innovation. With 9.6 hectares already in use for cucumbers and autumn tomatoes, the expansion demanded a heating capacity far beyond standard systems. Careful planning ensured the greenhouse was well insulated and supported by a low temperature heating network designed for efficiency.

"We preferred a natural refrigerant and chose CO₂. Our first thought was that if a leak were to occur and refrigerant entered the greenhouse, CO₂ would not be harmful to the plants," Aarts explains.

The system operates best with a steady return temperature of 30°C, allowing it to deliver flexible output levels. Alongside the heat pump, solar panels and an additional CHP unit provide energy balance and backup. Smart software manages the entire setup, ensuring consistent performance despite fluctuations in weather and electricity supply.

"We can control three heating networks independently, or extend a network when we need a lower return temperature," Aarts explains.

The project has not been without challenges, particularly in maintaining stable conditions for the heat pump. However, interest from other growers is already growing.

"Make sure you have this properly calculated under winter conditions," Aarts advises colleagues. "That is when it really matters."

With plans for future expansion, Kwekerij Aarts is setting a clear example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

PATS’ data-driven approach is also helping reveal regional and national pest patterns. (Image credit: PATS)

Pottinger's V 6520 C. (Image source: Pottinger)

Technology

Aonic expands Global Reach with Fresh Investment in Drone Innovation (Image credit: Aonic)

Technology

Aonic, a drone technology company founded in Malaysia, has secured US$10mn  in Series A funding to support its next stage of growth.

The investment is led by Kairous Capital, with backing from Jelawang Capital through its Emerging Fund Managers Programme. This funding marks a major step in Aonic’s journey to expand beyond Southeast Asia while strengthening its research, development, and production capabilities.

The company has steadily built a strong presence in the region by offering complete drone solutions for agriculture and industry. Its technology is designed to reduce reliance on labour intensive and risky manual work. By introducing drone spraying, Aonic has helped farmers improve efficiency and productivity. Internal data shows that farmers using its drones have seen income rise by 50 per cent, output increase by around 54 per cent, and water usage for spraying drop by about 75 per cent compared to traditional methods.

"Aonic is scaling a proven system," said Cheong Jin Xi, Founder and CEO of Aonic. "We've spent years building the engineering, manufacturing, and operational foundations to support real-world, field-ready operations. This funding enables us to expand globally with the same level of consistency and reliability we've achieved in Southeast Asia."

What sets Aonic apart is its fully integrated ecosystem. The company designs and manufactures its own drones while developing software in house, allowing full control over quality, cost, and future direction. It also supports farmers through training programmes, financing options, and access to agricultural supplies, making it easier for both smallholders and large operators to adopt new technology.

"We have been searching for transformative food and agri-technology for a long time, and Aonic is a rare Malaysia-based company that can deliver across Southeast Asia at scale," said Adrian Hia, Partner at Kairous Capital. "The team pairs deep technical capability with exceptional execution and financial discipline, bringing measurable outcomes for farmers."

With operations in more than 15 countries and a growing support network, Aonic is now preparing to take its Malaysian built innovation to a global stage while continuing to uplift the agriculture sector at home.

ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)

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