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Kedar Apte (left) and Sanjeesh Bera (right) at AGRITECHNICA & HORTI ASIA 2024. (Image source: FEAG)

World’s largest tractor manufacturer, Mahindra, on 23 May unveiled their new OJA series tractors at this year’s AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2024 which took place from 22-24 May at the BITEC Exhibition Centre in Bangkok, Thailand

The unveiling commenced with a speech by Mahindra Farm Equipment Sector’s (FES) chief of international operations, Kedar Apte who introduced the Mahindra Group, while also highlighting the vision of the firm. “Our vision is not just about selling tractors and doing business, but what we want to do is to truly make a difference to the lives of farmers,” said Apte. “So, what we do at Mahindra is to transform farming and enrich lives.”

The event continued with a short audio visual presentation of the firm followed by a speech by the company’s head of ASEAN Operations, Sanjeesh Bera about their new lighetweight four-wheel drive tractor series Mahindra OJA. Bera explained that the name ‘OJA’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘OJAS’ which means ‘energy,’ emphasising that the farming solutions that the company is bringing today with Mahindra OJA, will deliver that powerhouse of energy to the farmers. 

While starting the Mahindra OJA programme in collaboration with Mitsubishi Mahindra Agri Machinery Japan, a customer-first approach was adopted, taking into account the insights that were received through numerous customer interactions across the company's target markets globally. Among these, the top five insights as elaborated by Bera include:

1. Unmatched productivity: Enabled through the tough Mahindra engine and superior engineering.

2. Automation to drive efficiency: Application of inputs like fertilisers and agrochemicals is enabled through three main Mahindra OJA technology packs namely, PROJA (productivity pack), MYOJA (connectivity pack) and ROBOJA (automation pack). 

3. Connected platform: In terms of taking after-sales support to the next level, getting service alerts for maintainence is enabled through GPS, telematics-driven report diagnostics.

4. Modern style and design: The look and design have been developed by the company's design studio based in the UK along with their partner Automobili Pininfarina GmbH in Italy.

5. Comfort and convenience for users: Enabled through suspension seats, adjustable steering and user-friendly operator controls. 

The following two platforms were launched during the event:

1. OJA Compact: Starts from 21-30 hp and comprises four models targeted mainly towards inter-row cultivation of row crops like sugarcane and horticulture.

2. OJA Small Utility: Ranges from 32-40 hp and comprises three models targeted towards the mainland paddy, wetland and dryland as well as orchard applications. 

Three OJA models namely Mahindra OJA 2130, 3136 and 3140, each having different technology pack combinations were on display at the event.

"The OJA tractor series has been tried, tested and benchmarked in both wetland and dryland applications in Thailand, and we are proud to say that the OJA tractors are ready to serve the ASEAN market, starting with Thailand farmers," concluded Bera. 

 

The eighth edition of Asia Agri-tech Expo & Forum, Livestock Taiwan and Aquaculture takes place from 19-21 June in Tainan, Taiwan.

Today marks the last day of the eighth Asia Agri-Tech Expo & Forum (AAT), currently taking place from 19-21 June in Tainan, Taiwan

Running concurrently with Livestock Taiwan and Aquaculture Taiwan, the ongoing event is not just the leading exhibition but a content-rich event in the agriculture industry. The expo is supported by central and local governments, as well as associations from related agriculture, aquaculture and livestock industries highlighting the expo's significance in the industry. 

The exhibitor's lineup features leading companies, with the expo offering a comprehensive showcase, differentiated by country and theme pavilions including:

1. Agriculture Facility Pavilion which exhibits sustainable greenhouse facilities, environmental control systems, etc. 

2. Smart Aquaculture Pavilion which reveals the world's first oral gender regulation technology and AI-based underwater monitoring among others.

3. Feed Technology Pavilion having the latest advanced feeds, feed additives, vaccines that provide animal nutrition and immunity enhancement.

4. Livestock Farming Pavilion which displays all kinds of advanced facilities and houses for livestock farming.  

5. Agri-Machine Pavilion which will showcase the latest research on EV agri-machiney, drones, robotics, just to name a few.

A series of professional conferences and seminars addressing key issues and emerging trends in agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture will also be held. Attendees can expect valuable and practical insights, and networking opportunities from industry experts and thought leaders.

"The world is now in the middle of its biggest agricultural revolution. As an agricultural research and development leader since the 1960's, Taiwan is an early adopter and innovator in agricultural technologies. With the prowess on IT manufacturing, bio-research achievements, and the know-how on working with the humidity of the tropical climate," said general manager of the organiser, Sabine Liu. "Taiwan is set to take a significant role for many of agriculture changes. In addition, located within two hours from mainland China's main cities and four hours from Southeast Asia countries, Taiwan is the perfect base for companies looking for partners to enter mainland China or other parts of Southeast Asia markets." 

 

PAG Asia 2024 took place from 5-7 June in Shenzhen, China. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

During this year's International Plant and Animal Genome Conference Asia (PAG Asia 2024), MGI Tech Co. Ltd. announced a highly efficient whole workflow solution for agricultural large-scale Low-pass whole genome sequencing (Low-pass WGS) based on its proprietary DNBSEQ platforms

The new solution consists of an automated full-process product portfolio designed for large-scale molecular breeding genotyping of agricultural diploid species. The full workflow covers extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and SNP & InDel calling.

The new MGIEasy Large-scale PCR-Free FS Library Prep Set for Low-pass WGS, available in two specifications, 96RXN and 384RXN, is designed specifically for Low-pass WGS applications with a new plate-based library preparation reagent module. Compared with common PCR-free library preparation sets on the market, this kit cuts the purification step and completes library construction in three easy steps, reducing the time and consumables required.

In combination with MGI's advanced automation platforms, the Low-pass WGS solution breaks through the limit on throughput as seen in ordinary library preparation. It utilises the fewer number of automated tools to match ultra-high throughput, as while maintaining a high degree of automation. As a result, large-scale library preparation can be done in a short time, at low cost, and with great automation friendliness.

For sequencing, the product bundles for high throughput and medium throughput Low-pass WGS feature the ultra-high-throughput DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer and the versatile DNBSEQ-G400 benchtop sequencer respectively, empowering large-scale agricultural genomics research projects in a short time.

"Since genome selection was widely used in agricultural breeding, genotyping tools went through several iterations, sequencing technology gradually shows its irreplaceable advantages," said Duncan Yu, president of MGI. "Low-pass WGS has been applied in both animal and plant breeding, but not without implementation challenges. Our new total solution for large-scale pig breeding addresses these user pain points and promises flexible automation needs, simplified library preparation, high throughput sequencing, and efficient data processing."

For more information, visit: mgi-tech.com 

 

The upcoming edition of the fair will continue to implement initiatives aimed at boosting sales, promotion, development, and growth of exhibiting companies. (Image source: Fruit Attraction)

Organised by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, Fruit Attraction 2024 will be held from 8-10 October in Madrid

Under the theme 'Discover the Essence of the Sector,' leading trade event for the fruit and vegetable sector, Fruit Attraction 2024 will be organised around four exhibition areas, with the most widely represented one being 'Fresh Produce' followed by 'Auxillary Industry' and 'Fresh Food Logistics'.  A new feature in this edition which will bring together the Biotech Attraction and Smart Agro sectors is 'Innova&Tech'. This area provides a space for companies focused on innovation, research and technological development in plant genomics.

This year's star product is avocado. In addition to the Avocado from Spain Congress, the trade fair will also host other activities including a league where students from Spanish hotel and catering schools will compete in a show cooking session led by Daniel del Toro, as well as different workshops and demonstrations.

The upcoming edition of the fair will continue to implement initiatives aimed at boosting sales, promotion, development, and growth of exhibiting companies.The International Buyers Programme will be joined again by the Guest Importing Countries initiative with China and Saudi Arabia as the main focus. This will promote trade relations between the countries of the European Union and these non-EU markets, backed by a full programme of round tables, guided tours of the fair and B2B sessions.

Moreover, with the Innovation Hub and Fruit Next being the areas dedicated to innovation and new business developments in the industry, Fruit Attraction will once again host the Innovation Hub Awards, which have become a fundamental event for supporting the business entrepreneurial commitment in the industry. The event will also present the Best Stand Awards as a new feature, recognising the exhibition spaces that stand out for their creativity and design in one of the three categories: Autonomous Communities and Institutions, countries and regions, and companies.

The fair will also become a centre of knowledge with the Forums, offering a complete programme of technical sessions characterised by a wide variety of content, as well as the high level of the participants and speakers. Among others, Fruit Attraction will be hosting the congresses Grape Attraction, Biofruit Congress and Fresh Food Logistics The Summit.

For more information, visit: https://www.ifema.es/en/fruit-attraction 

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Ottevanger Services provides comprehensive support to feed producers. (Image credit: Ottevanger)

Agriculture

Triott Group has announced a major strategic step by bringing all its feed-related businesses together under a single, globally recognised name: Ottevanger.

With immediate effect, Ottevanger, Almex, Inteqnion, IVS Dosing Technology and Pelleting Technology Netherlands (PTN) will operate as one unified brand, reinforcing Ottevanger’s position as a leading global partner to the feed industry.

Based in Moerkapelle, the Netherlands, this consolidation represents a new chapter in Ottevanger’s long-term vision to provide complete, future-ready solutions for feed mills worldwide. By integrating these specialist companies under one name, customers benefit from a single point of contact, enhanced transparency and a more streamlined approach to project delivery and long-term collaboration.

The move also strengthens internal cooperation across disciplines, enabling Ottevanger to design and deliver tailored solutions that respond to the rapidly evolving demands of the global feed sector, including automation, digitalisation and sustainability.

Following the consolidation, Ottevanger now operates through four fully integrated business units, each designed to address both current operational challenges and future industry needs. Ottevanger Milling Engineers focuses on the design and construction of fully automated, turnkey feed mills, including both conventional and modular concepts. Ottevanger Process Solutions delivers high-quality equipment and advanced processes, supporting data-driven, fully automated milling from raw material intake through to packaging.

Meanwhile, Ottevanger Services provides comprehensive support to feed producers, including reliable on-site and remote maintenance, troubleshooting and spare parts supply. Completing the structure, the Ottevanger Development Centre looks to the future by optimising feed mill performance through practical research and development, testing and the creation of sustainable, next-generation solutions.

Commenting on the milestone, Director Ernst Jan Ottevanger said: “For more than a century, Ottevanger has been a family business, built on the finest Dutch quality and craftsmanship. Now we are formally extending our family to welcome these four trusted partners that have already contributed so much to our collective success based on the same shared values.” He added: “This is a significant moment for our company, but more importantly, for our customers worldwide. We are now far better placed to deliver the innovation and lifetime value they need to compete more effectively.”

Ottevanger will continue its close collaboration with Top Silo Constructions (TSC) to deliver advanced feed storage solutions, while TSC remains independent due to its diverse customer portfolio.

Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed.

Aquaculture

The Philippines has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its position in global aquaculture with the launch of its largest crayfish nursery—a flagship development designed to scale production of the high-value Australian Redclaw crayfish.

The project, built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Taiwan’s Da Shin Biotech Ltd., and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), marks a defining moment for the country’s fast-growing aquaculture sector.

The new nursery will focus on mass-producing Cherax quadricarinatus, a resilient and fast-growing species prized by both domestic and international markets. Government officials say the initiative supports national efforts to strengthen food security while boosting long-term livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., in remarks delivered by Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa, highlighted the power of collaboration behind the facility. “Built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Da Shin Biotech, and the DA-BFAR, this nursery shows that when government, private innovators, and fisherfolk come together, progress stops being a dream—it becomes our shared reality,” he said.

Tiu Laurel added that crayfish aquaculture “opens new doors for our fisherfolk—bringing in more income, more livelihood, and more food on our tables,” while underscoring the need for responsible production and adherence to BFAR’s ecological protection guidelines. Every pond, he said, must “nurture care, discipline, and respect for the balance of our ecosystems.”

Situated in Candaba - a wetlands area renowned for its freshwater abundance—the 1,280-square-metre facility features 16 tanks capable of producing up to 48,000 fry every two weeks. It also introduces advanced water-recycling systems that help reduce waste and conserve freshwater, addressing one of the most common environmental criticisms of aquaculture operations.

The nursery will supply Farm Fresh’s existing 3-hectare grow-out ponds, which already produce around 30 tonnes of market-ready crayfish each year. It will also support a broad network of partner growers as production expands nationwide.

From 2026, Farm Fresh plans to roll out large-scale grow-out operations covering 1,500 hectares in Luzon and 750 hectares each in the Visayas and Mindanao. When these sites reach full capacity, they are projected to deliver more than 1,200 tonnes of crayfish every six months—volumes that could position the Philippines as a competitive player in the regional and global aquaculture market.

Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed. The project is expected to generate over 3,000 direct jobs and stimulate additional enterprise in farming communities.

The launch marks the beginning of a world-class crayfish industry designed to place the Philippines firmly on the global aquaculture map.

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. (Image credit:Hydroponic Systems)

Equipment

Hydroponic Systems is helping greenhouse growers tackle the challenge of optimising microclimates without compromising light or productivity.

In warm regions, particularly for heat-sensitive crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers, managing radiation, temperature, and heat stress is critical. Heat-diffusing mesh has become an essential tool in balancing light levels and reducing heat buildup inside greenhouses, proving to be one of the most effective solutions for these challenges.

The mesh works by partially blocking infrared radiation while allowing useful diffuse light to pass through. This reduces internal temperatures, alleviates heat stress, and sustains photosynthetic activity. According to Hydroponic Systems, this approach helps "improve fruit quality, reduce plant stress, and stabilise growing conditions," especially during periods of high radiation.

The mesh achieves this through a combination of light diffusion and thermal reflection. The diffusion process disperses light, preventing hot spots and ensuring even distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) across the plant canopy. This enables middle and lower leaves to contribute more effectively to photosynthesis. Aluminium particles embedded in the polymer structure reflect infrared radiation, which helps control heat accumulation. The result is a more stable greenhouse environment with fewer temperature spikes.

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. This patented fabric creates an effective thermal barrier without compromising light quality. According to the company, it works best in professional greenhouses of around half a hectare or more, where managing temperature and radiation is crucial for maintaining high yield and quality.

In practice, reduced infrared radiation leads to lower heat accumulation and fewer temperature fluctuations, especially during critical growth stages. Increased diffuse light improves PAR distribution, supports stable photosynthesis, and reduces the risk of heat stress. As a result, growers experience "more uniform fruit, fewer deformities, and better colour and firmness."

Strawberries, in particular, show significant benefits, with improved uniformity, firmness, colour, and crop stability. Similar positive trends have been observed in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other crops.

For optimal performance, proper installation is key. Correct height, tension, and orientation affect the mesh's effectiveness. Hydroponic Systems advises careful integration with ventilation systems for best results.

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. (Image credit: New Holland)

Machinery & Equipment

New Holland Agriculture continues to set new standards in modern viticulture with its acclaimed Braud grape harvester range - a series celebrated globally for precision, productivity and long-lasting reliability.

Built on decades of specialist expertise, the Braud brand has become synonymous with exceptional grape-harvesting performance, and under the New Holland umbrella it remains a trusted partner for winemakers seeking both efficiency and gentle crop handling.

Each Braud harvester reflects a signature blend of engineering excellence and vineyard-friendly design. The machines are created to treat vines with care while delivering powerful harvesting capability, ensuring that grapes are collected cleanly and with minimal damage. This focus on protecting fruit integrity directly enhances vineyard productivity and supports the production of higher-quality wines.

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. With both high-capacity and extra-high-capacity models, including the popular 9000 L and 9000 X series, the range adapts effortlessly to narrow boutique vineyards, expansive commercial estates, and even sloped terrain. Their advanced systems  such as the industry-proven Noria basket conveying system, optional destemmer technology, and innovative side-conveyor configurations  ensure consistently clean, gentle and efficient fruit handling.
This adaptability makes Braud harvesters an ideal choice for growers looking to streamline operations while maintaining strict quality standards. Backed by a global legacy and trusted by thousands of vineyard operators, these machines are built to deliver season after season, reducing labour needs, improving harvest speed, and preserving overall vine health.

Engineered for durability and operator comfort, the Braud range combines robust construction with intuitive controls, offering ease of use without compromising on precision. The result is a harvester that not only boosts productivity but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, helping vineyards reduce waste and optimise long-term output.

Choosing a Braud grape harvester means investing in a heritage of innovation, reliability and world-leading vineyard technology  giving growers confidence in every harvest and reinforcing New Holland’s reputation as a champion of next-generation viticulture solutions.