The park’s strategic location enhances its role as a gateway for international flower commerce.(Image credit: Floral daily)
China’s floriculture sector reached a major milestone on 8 December with the official opening of the Beijing International Flower Industrial Park.
The inauguration ceremony brought together around 100 representatives from across the national flower industry, underlining the project’s significance for both domestic and international markets.
Situated in Panggezhuang Town, Daxing District, the park spans 552.6 mu (approximately 36.84 hectares) and is equipped with 60,000 square metres of state-of-the-art greenhouses. Designed as a next-generation floriculture hub, the park aims to integrate “innovation and R&D + production demonstration + digital trade + cultural tourism experience,” with a strong emphasis on bulb flowers for research, cultivation and global trade.
The park’s strategic location enhances its role as a gateway for international flower commerce. Just 20 minutes from Beijing Daxing International Airport and close to the Jingkai Expressway, it offers efficient logistics for both imports and exports. A number of leading domestic and international flower companies have already established a presence, creating a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration, innovation and commercial growth.
Looking ahead, the park plans to introduce more premium international flower varieties while actively promoting distinctive Chinese local breeds to overseas markets. This dual strategy is expected to strengthen China’s competitiveness in the global floriculture industry and support domestic enterprises in expanding internationally.
The opening was marked by a Home Gardening Forum, where industry experts and business leaders shared insights on popular ornamental plants including Phalaenopsis, Amaryllis, Paphiopedilum and Rhododendron. Together, these initiatives position the park as a key driver of innovation, trade and sustainable growth in China’s rapidly evolving flower industry.
The funding is aimed at accelerating the adoption of modern farming technologies and boosting productivity across the country’s agri-food sector. (Image credit: The Malaysian Reserve)
The Malaysian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national food security by allocating US$50mn under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to continue the Technology Development, Mechanisation and Automation Modernisation Programme (TMA).
The funding is aimed at accelerating the adoption of modern farming technologies and boosting productivity across the country’s agri-food sector.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the allocation reflects a broader strategy to modernise agriculture through innovation, automation and digital transformation. The programme will place strong emphasis on Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), positioning Malaysia’s farming sector for long-term resilience and competitiveness.
“This initiative will be continued through TMA with an allocation of RM50 million, along with the addition of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity and early warning systems,” he said in the Dewan Negara.
Mohamad was responding to a question from Senator Puan Rita Sarimah Anak Patrick Insol on measures to improve mechanisation levels and technological innovation, particularly among small and medium-scale farmers. He explained that the initiative falls under Strategic Thrust 1 of the National Agri-Food Policy 2021–2030 (DAN 2.0), which prioritises smart farming and agricultural modernisation as pillars of food security.
“KPKM is always working to take transformative steps to strengthen the nation’s food security, including through the use of modern technology to increase productivity,” he added.
Efforts to enhance mechanisation span the entire agricultural value chain, from research and development to field-level implementation, while also strengthening the supporting ecosystem. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has developed mechanisation and automation solutions for crops including chilli, ginger, watermelon, pineapple and paddy, with 200 farmers already trained under these technology packages. Plans are underway to scale up adoption further, involving 50 additional farmers by 2027.
Support for mechanisation was also extended under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with investments in tractors, combine harvesters, transplanters and agricultural drones to boost service capacity across agencies under the ministry. These services are then made available to small and medium farmers at more affordable rates.
The Farmers’ Organisation Authority is complementing these efforts through a matching grant scheme that enables registered members to acquire small and medium machinery, including drones and specialised agricultural equipment. Under 13MP, the authority will roll out the Paddy Initiative, Transfer of Technology and Resilient (Pintar) programme, focusing on machinery ownership to improve yields and address labour shortages.
To ease financial barriers, Agrobank is expanding access to low-cost financing, including the Agri-Food Financing Fund 2025 and the Agri-Food Value Chain Modernisation Programme 2025, both offering attractive rates to encourage technology adoption.
Mohamad said initiatives such as Mardi’s Technology Showcase (Showtech), the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) and the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) will continue to drive awareness and inclusivity, as the ministry works to build a more efficient, competitive and future-ready agricultural sector.
Navigating the drought: Iraq's struggle for food security.
Iraq’s ambition to achieve wheat self-sufficiency is faltering as a deepening water crisis tightens its grip on the country, threatening food security, rural livelihoods and one of the world’s oldest agricultural regions.
For generations, Iraqi farmer Ma’an al-Fatlawi has relied on the Euphrates River to irrigate his wheat fields near Najaf. But today, the river that once nourished the Fertile Crescent is receding at an alarming rate. Standing beside a cracked irrigation canal, he waits for his limited water allocation, knowing there are few alternatives. “Drilling wells is not successful in our land, because the water is saline,” al-Fatlawi said.
Iraq, historically one of the Middle East’s largest wheat importers, had made notable progress in recent years. A state-backed drive to boost domestic wheat production delivered three consecutive annual surpluses, raising hopes of long-term food independence. Those gains, however, are now under serious threat.
The country is enduring what experts describe as the driest year in modern history. Water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers have plunged, forcing farmers to scale back planting. The wheat harvest could fall by as much as 50 percent this season.
“Iraq is facing one of the most severe droughts that has been observed in decades,” the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Iraq representative Salah El Hajj Hassan told Reuters.
Climate change is compounding Iraq’s vulnerability. The largely arid nation ranks fifth globally for climate risk, with average temperatures rising rapidly and rainfall expected to decline further. At the same time, Iraq depends on neighbouring countries for roughly 70 percent of its water supply, leaving it exposed to upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran.
The FAO says reduced cross-border water flows are the main driver of the crisis, prompting Baghdad to introduce strict rationing. Iraq’s water reserves have collapsed from 60 billion cubic metres in 2020 to less than 4 billion today. “Rain-fed and irrigated agriculture are directly affected nationwide,” El Hajj Hassan said.
In response, Iraq’s agriculture ministry has halved the area allowed for river-irrigated wheat in the 2025–2026 season and mandated modern irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler technology. Rice farming, a highly water-intensive crop, has been banned altogether.
Yet modern irrigation comes at a high cost, placing further strain on rural communities that already make up around 30 percent of the population. Some 170,000 people have been displaced due to water shortages. “This is not a matter of only food security,” El Hajj Hassan said. “It’s worse when we look at it from the perspective of livelihoods.”
Back in Najaf, al-Fatlawi has reduced his wheat acreage to just a fifth of its usual size and laid off most of his workers.
The High-Performance ECU to which you can connect sensors and subsystems to meet the features enabled.(Image credit: Volvo Penta)
Volvo Penta showcased Volvo Penta Co-Pilot, its smart off-highway productivity solutions, for the first time at Agritechnica 2025, highlighting its commitment to innovation, connectivity, and enhanced machine performance.
Designed to help businesses improve efficiency and competitiveness, the advanced vehicle control system opened new possibilities for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and end customers across productivity optimisation, digital connectivity, and intelligent vehicle management.
At Agritechnica 2025, Volvo Penta placed the spotlight on Volvo Penta Co-Pilot as a robust, scalable solution for the off-highway sector. Built on proven Volvo Group technologies, the platform provided OEMs and operators with a unified interface to access critical data, insights, and tools. Its flexible architecture allowed multiple features and user interfaces to coexist, ensuring seamless scalability and future readiness as operational demands evolved.
Volvo Penta Co-Pilot was engineered to support fleet owners and machine operators in managing projects more effectively. The system integrated a fully connected machine HMI, advanced machine controls, and a perception camera to enhance on-site safety. Additional capabilities included tyre pressure monitoring, service and maintenance information, and intelligent operator support tools. The platform also supported operator coaching through smart features such as high-precision positioning, load assist on-board weighing (OBW), and vehicle stability control, helping to maximise uptime and operational accuracy.
“In line with our collaborative, partnership approach at Volvo Penta, we worked with customers to tailor the solution to meet their specific needs,” explained Emil Andersson, product planning Industrial, Volvo Penta. “This means they could customize the platform, add to it, and adapt it as their requirements changed, making it a future-proof solution.”
Alongside Volvo Penta Co-Pilot, the company reinforced its reputation as a trusted partner in power solutions for the agricultural and off-highway sectors. Under the theme ‘Made To Move You – Moving Further. Together’, visitors explored the D16 combustion engine, exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATS), and a remanufactured engine, all reflecting Volvo Penta’s focus on performance, reliability, and sustainability.
ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has designated seven provinces Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do as the first-ever “Green Bio Industry Promotion Zones” in accordance with Article 15 of the Act on the Promotion of the Green Bio Industry.
This milestone marks a significant step in the Republic of Korea’s strategy to strengthen its green bioeconomy and drive sustainable industrial growth.
Introduced for the first time this year, the Green Bio Industry Promotion Zone system is designed to establish a comprehensive, region-led framework for business support. The initiative is built around provincial hubs where green bio companies, universities, research institutes, and essential infrastructure for technology verification and certification are closely integrated. Through this clustered approach, local governments are expected to play a leading role in nurturing innovation, accelerating technology transfer, and supporting market-ready solutions.
The selected zones were evaluated and designated following a rigorous assessment process. Key criteria included industrial growth potential, implementation capacity, policy relevance, and overall feasibility. This ensures that each province is well positioned to contribute effectively to the national green bio strategy while leveraging its own regional strengths and resources.
The green-bio industry itself is regarded as a next-generation growth engine, encompassing six major sectors: microorganisms, natural products, food materials, insects, seeds, and veterinary medical products. With the designation of the Green Bio Industry Development Zones, collaboration networks among provinces are expected to deepen. In parallel, processes for verification, evaluation, certification, and commercialisation of green bio technologies and products are set to accelerate, helping to create a dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem.
MAFRA plans to support the designated provinces by granting eligibility to participate in government-funded infrastructure development projects, including the Green Bio Venture Campus and advanced biofoundries. In addition, policy incentives will be provided to companies operating within the zones, further encouraging private-sector participation and investment in sustainable bio-based industries.
To ensure accountability and continuous improvement, MAFRA will receive quarterly performance reports from the local governments managing the designated zones. Annual performance evaluations will also be conducted to closely monitor implementation progress. Importantly, the results of these evaluations will be reflected in the formulation of policies for the following year, reinforcing a results-driven and adaptive governance approach.
Through these measures, the ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation, fostering regional development while advancing a resilient, sustainable bioeconomy aligned with global green growth trends.
Volvo Penta is driving progress in agriculture through smarter, sustainable power solutions built to perform season after season. (Image credit: Volvo Penta)
Riverlea Cotton, a leading farming operation in Queensland’s Darling Downs, has significantly boosted its irrigation efficiency and operational reliability by powering its systems with Volvo Penta’s advanced industrial engines.
For fifth-generation farmer Chris Arthur, who manages the large-scale irrigation and broadacre enterprise in Dalby, choosing high-performance, fuel-efficient equipment is essential for sustainable and cost-effective farming.
With a strong family heritage in agriculture and a commitment to long-term performance, Chris recognises the importance of investing in machinery that delivers durability, reliability, and measurable fuel savings. When the opportunity arose to upgrade his irrigation engines, he selected Volvo Penta — a global leader renowned for heavy-duty industrial engines engineered for maximum efficiency and endurance.
A smarter engine solution for demanding conditions
In 2020, Chris approached Oceania Power, Volvo Penta’s trusted dealer in the region, with a specific challenge. His Valley Irrigation system, supplied by Warrego Water, came with a standard engine option that was functional but not fully aligned with his goals for improved efficiency and long-term performance. Chris needed something tougher, smarter, and more cost-effective — especially given the demanding conditions of continuous irrigation.
Working in close collaboration, Volvo Penta, Oceania Power, and Warrego Water developed a customised engine solution built around a Volvo Penta industrial engine. The results delivered exactly what Riverlea Cotton needed:
Up to 10% fuel savings compared with the originally proposed engine
Enhanced reliability for continuous 24/7 irrigation
Seamless integration with the existing irrigation system
Strong local support and responsive service
These benefits proved critical for an operation where irrigation runs non-stop throughout the season.
Real-world results that speak for themselves
The performance of the first installation exceeded expectations, prompting Riverlea Cotton to commission a second Volvo Penta-powered irrigation unit two years later. Today, both engines run around the clock, providing dependable power and consistent fuel efficiency. “Fuel savings and reliability matter when you’re running irrigation 24/7,” explains Chris. “Volvo Penta delivered both, and the support from Oceania Power and Brackens is excellent.”
Collaboration at the core of success
For Volvo Penta, the Riverlea Cotton project showcases the value of working closely with customers to create tailored, real-world solutions. “At Volvo Penta, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” says Nicolas Hansford, Volvo Penta Oceania business development manager. “Working alongside Oceania Power, Warrego Water, and Riverlea Cotton allowed us to deliver a solution suited to Chris’ operation. It’s collaborations like these that drive long-term success for our customers.”
Powering agricultural progress
Across Oceania, Volvo Penta continues to support agricultural businesses with robust engines designed for durability, lower fuel consumption, and long-term value. By partnering with industry leaders and farmers, Volvo Penta is driving progress in agriculture through smarter, sustainable power solutions built to perform season after season.
Walker S marks a significant milestone for sustainable farming in Asia and globally. (Image credit: Agroz Robotics)
In an exciting leap for automated agriculture, Malaysian vertical farming company Agroz has launched Agroz Robotics, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at revolutionising the way we farm.
In collaboration with UBTECH Robotics, Agroz is set to introduce the Walker S, a state-of-the-art humanoid robot designed to automate crucial farming tasks such as seeding, monitoring, harvesting, and crop optimisation. This partnership combines engineering innovation with real-time agricultural intelligence, creating a fully integrated Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) ecosystem through Agroz’s proprietary operating system, Agroz OS.
The Walker S humanoid robot will serve as a core hardware platform within Agroz’s vertical farms. This advanced AI-driven robot is set to streamline farm operations, improving efficiency, productivity, and crop quality. According to the Agroz team, “This next-generation autonomous farming system will significantly boost productivity, reduce reliance on human labour, and ensure more precise and consistent crop quality.” Through Agroz Robotics, the company hopes to not only enhance farm operations but also support the scalable production of cleaner, safer, and more sustainable food.
Gerard Lim, CEO of Agroz, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Through Agroz Robotics, we hope to make sustainable agriculture a reality. Our collaboration with UBTECH is a major milestone in our mission to redefine agriculture by using robots and artificial intelligence. This new collaboration enables us to combine cutting-edge humanoid robotics with data intelligence to build smart, self-optimising farms to support the scalable production of cleaner, safer, and more sustainable food.”
As part of this game-changing initiative, Agroz and UBTECH also express their gratitude towards the Malaysian government, which has cultivated an environment where deep-tech solutions like these can flourish. Mr. Lim added, “We also thank the Malaysian government for cultivating an environment where such deep-tech solutions can thrive, directly strengthening our nation’s food security, sustainability, and economic resilience.”
The introduction of Walker S marks a significant milestone for sustainable farming in Asia and globally. Leon Li, General Manager of UBTECH's Industrial Robotics Division, noted, “We are delighted to collaborate with Agroz to apply our artificial intelligence and robotics technologies across a wider range of industries, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in Asia and around the world.”
The partnership between Agroz and UBTECH signals a bright future for precision agriculture, combining robotics, AI, and sustainability to meet the growing demands of food production, ensuring a smarter, more resilient agricultural sector for the future.
HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)
Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
Krone and Lemken, through a joint project, have launched a design concept – Combined Powers – which is an autonomous ‘process unit’ consisting of a drive unit and various implements
After passing trials in cultivating, ploughing, sowing, mowing, tedding and raking last year, the concept will be integrated in the well-proven forage harvesting and tillage systems of the two companies.
Using a diesel-electric drive that generates up to 170kW (230hp), the drive unit is designed to meet the power input requirements of the implements used in the processes above. The drive power is transferred electrically to the wheels and the pto and from there to the implement which couples to a three-point linkage. The drive unit boasts multiple and extensive sensor systems which monitor the immediate surroundings and the implement attached, ensuring safe operation and optimum results as the primary objectives. Operators control and monitor the combination from a mobile device, transmitting jobs and job reports via a communication module and the agrirouter, the established data exchange hub.
The specialty of the process unit is that it is controlled by the implement and not vice versa. This detail was considered imperative for achieving optimum results. The implement and the drive unit act as one integrated smart system. Based on the long experience in the application of ISOBUS and TIM on Krone and Lemken machines, the drive unit and implement communicate and interact, sharing literally all types of data.
The Combined Powers design concept also brings further benefits, because it was also developed to counter the increasing shortage of skilled labour in agriculture. Also, it will free farmers from spending those long days in the field. Instead, they will become system operators who merely monitor the process unit which delivers a consistently accurate quality of work. Thanks to its enormous versatility, the unit is designed for year-round work and a long service life. Intensive trialling in all types of conditions and seeking feedback from farmers and contractors will continue this year.
Further information is available at www.combined-powers.com
Korea is reinforcing its commitment to building a more secure and sustainable farming environment.
Korea is taking a significant step towards safeguarding its agricultural sector with the introduction of a new, comprehensive crop disaster insurance scheme designed for four key fruit crops—apples, pears, sweet persimmons, and astringent persimmons.
Song Mei-ryeong, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, annouched this upgraded insurance product is set to launch first in major fruit-producing regions, offering growers stronger resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
This new coverage model differs notably from existing insurance options. It provides protection throughout the entire growing season and includes damages that occur after fruit thinning, a stage where crops are often more vulnerable. By covering losses caused by natural disasters at every phase of cultivation, the policy aims to close long-standing gaps that farmers have struggled with under earlier schemes.
A major advantage of the new product is its inclusion of compensation for heatstroke damage triggered by heat waves after thinning—a growing concern as extreme temperatures become more frequent. The Ministry emphasises that this broader protection makes the insurance far more beneficial compared with traditional offerings.
Before the thinning stage, farmers will be eligible for compensation for all natural-disaster-related losses. After thinning, the insurance will cover damages linked to specific natural events. One notable feature is the continuation of the pilot anthracnose insurance for apple growers. This initiative supports farmers whose crops suffer anthracnose infections despite diligent prevention measures. Compensation is provided once the farmer’s control efforts have been verified.
The Ministry has also highlighted a clear threshold for certain claims: “When there is rain for 5 consecutive days and the accumulated rainfall is 150mm or more.” This measurable standard ensures fairness and clarity for farmers when submitting damage reports.
In addition to fruit-crop protection, the government is also adjusting insurance timelines for other major crops. Due to delays in sowing and transplanting caused by heavy rain, the subscription period for both agricultural income stabilisation insurance and crop disaster insurance for garlic and onions will be extended by one week. This extension aims to maximise participation and ensure that as many farmers as possible are covered during this challenging season.
By expanding the scope of agricultural insurance, Korea is reinforcing its commitment to building a more secure and sustainable farming environment—one where growers have the tools and support needed to face rising climate risks with greater confidence.
The park’s strategic location enhances its role as a gateway for international flower commerce.(Image credit: Floral daily)
Navigating the drought: Iraq's struggle for food security.
The future of marine resources.
The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to ratify a landmark international treaty aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), reinforcing its commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource management
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has pledged full support to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in promoting the Senate’s concurrence to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Signed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the BBNJ treaty addresses the conservation and equitable use of marine resources in high seas and other regions beyond exclusive national control.
Although Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President ratified the agreement in 2024-a year after its global adoption - the treaty still requires Senate concurrence before the Philippines can officially participate.
Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Agriculture Secretary emphasised the agreement's relevance for the Philippines, said, “The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for conserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity in areas beyond the Philippines’ jurisdiction, allowing the country to safeguard its rich marine ecosystems while ensuring fair access to and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.”
As a nation composed of over 7,000 islands and located near areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), the Philippines has a strong stake in the treaty’s success. It was an early signatory and active participant in the negotiation process, aligning with global conservation goals and the principles of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.
Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate stressed the strategic timing of the ratification: once approved by the Senate, the Philippines will be eligible to participate in the first Conference of Parties (COP1). This milestone event is expected to take place shortly after 60 countries submit their ratification instruments to the United Nations. As of late August, 55 nations have completed the process, with momentum building towards reaching the required threshold during the UN General Assembly from September 23–26.
The BBNJ treaty represents a critical tool for archipelagic nations like the Philippines—not only to influence global marine governance but also to safeguard marine ecosystems, promote fair benefit-sharing, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on ocean resources.
Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed.
Hamlet Protein manufactures high-quality soy-based protein ingredients designed for young piglets, poultry, and calves.(Image credit: Hamlet Protein)
Volvo Penta is driving progress in agriculture through smarter, sustainable power solutions built to perform season after season. (Image credit: Volvo Penta)
Riverlea Cotton, a leading farming operation in Queensland’s Darling Downs, has significantly boosted its irrigation efficiency and operational reliability by powering its systems with Volvo Penta’s advanced industrial engines.
For fifth-generation farmer Chris Arthur, who manages the large-scale irrigation and broadacre enterprise in Dalby, choosing high-performance, fuel-efficient equipment is essential for sustainable and cost-effective farming.
With a strong family heritage in agriculture and a commitment to long-term performance, Chris recognises the importance of investing in machinery that delivers durability, reliability, and measurable fuel savings. When the opportunity arose to upgrade his irrigation engines, he selected Volvo Penta — a global leader renowned for heavy-duty industrial engines engineered for maximum efficiency and endurance.
A smarter engine solution for demanding conditions
In 2020, Chris approached Oceania Power, Volvo Penta’s trusted dealer in the region, with a specific challenge. His Valley Irrigation system, supplied by Warrego Water, came with a standard engine option that was functional but not fully aligned with his goals for improved efficiency and long-term performance. Chris needed something tougher, smarter, and more cost-effective — especially given the demanding conditions of continuous irrigation.
Working in close collaboration, Volvo Penta, Oceania Power, and Warrego Water developed a customised engine solution built around a Volvo Penta industrial engine. The results delivered exactly what Riverlea Cotton needed:
Up to 10% fuel savings compared with the originally proposed engine
Enhanced reliability for continuous 24/7 irrigation
Seamless integration with the existing irrigation system
Strong local support and responsive service
These benefits proved critical for an operation where irrigation runs non-stop throughout the season.
Real-world results that speak for themselves
The performance of the first installation exceeded expectations, prompting Riverlea Cotton to commission a second Volvo Penta-powered irrigation unit two years later. Today, both engines run around the clock, providing dependable power and consistent fuel efficiency. “Fuel savings and reliability matter when you’re running irrigation 24/7,” explains Chris. “Volvo Penta delivered both, and the support from Oceania Power and Brackens is excellent.”
Collaboration at the core of success
For Volvo Penta, the Riverlea Cotton project showcases the value of working closely with customers to create tailored, real-world solutions. “At Volvo Penta, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” says Nicolas Hansford, Volvo Penta Oceania business development manager. “Working alongside Oceania Power, Warrego Water, and Riverlea Cotton allowed us to deliver a solution suited to Chris’ operation. It’s collaborations like these that drive long-term success for our customers.”
Powering agricultural progress
Across Oceania, Volvo Penta continues to support agricultural businesses with robust engines designed for durability, lower fuel consumption, and long-term value. By partnering with industry leaders and farmers, Volvo Penta is driving progress in agriculture through smarter, sustainable power solutions built to perform season after season.
The funding is aimed at accelerating the adoption of modern farming technologies and boosting productivity across the country’s agri-food sector. (Image credit: The Malaysian Reserve)
The High-Performance ECU to which you can connect sensors and subsystems to meet the features enabled.(Image credit: Volvo Penta)
Feeding Management offers significant cost savings, improved transparency of feeding programs.(Image credit: SILOKING)
SILOKING’s Feeding Management platform is transforming livestock nutrition by combining precision, transparency, and convenience in one digital solution
Designed for users of SILOKING Data and Wireless weight systems, this web-based feeding tool enables farmers to manage feed rations, monitor costs, and optimise mixing accuracy—all from any internet-connected device. Best of all, it is included free of charge with compatible SILOKING hardware, making advanced feeding management accessible to modern farms.
The platform operates through four key steps: planning rations, executing feeding operations, controlling results, and driving success. During the planning phase, farmers can define feed components, including dry matter and costs, create custom animal groups or unloading points, and build tailored loading and unloading programs. During feeding, actual loads are captured automatically, mixed, and recorded, with data export available in Excel or PDF formats for easy archiving and reporting.
Control and monitoring are enhanced through precision comparisons of target versus actual feed loads, time-filtered reports, and detailed consumption analyses. These insights feed directly into performance metrics such as feed cost per kilogram of milk, feed efficiency, and concentrate efficiency, helping farms reduce waste and improve productivity.
Being fully web-based, Feeding Management eliminates the need for manual updates and allows access via PC, tablet, or smartphone, whether on the farm, in the office, or even remotely. Optional SIM-based mobile data transfer from on-machine weight systems ensures real-time documentation and seamless integration with SILOKING hardware.
Beyond operational benefits, Feeding Management offers significant cost savings, improved transparency of feeding programs, and enhanced compliance with dairy industry regulations and quality assurance programs. By aligning feed mixes with planned rations and analysing load data, farms achieve higher efficiency and better animal performance while minimising waste.
Designed with direct input from farmers, the platform features intuitive dashboards, intelligent recipe management, and actionable analytics, making deviations easier to identify and corrective measures simpler to implement. SILOKING Feeding Management is more than software—it’s a comprehensive tool for smarter feeding and better farm management, bringing precision, efficiency, and profitability to modern livestock operations.
ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.
The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. (Image credit: New Holland)
The new Agras drones are designed to handle bigger jobs and suit a range of farming tasks.(Image Credit: DJI)
Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management.
These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.
Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.
The gel provides key nutritional support to enhance calf vigour.
This company will provide end-to-end services in supply chain management.
Mangrove afforestation and seagrass restoration.
The park’s strategic location enhances its role as a gateway for international flower commerce.(Image credit: Floral daily)
The funding is aimed at accelerating the adoption of modern farming technologies and boosting productivity across the country’s agri-food sector. (Image credit: The Malaysian Reserve)
Navigating the drought: Iraq's struggle for food security.
The High-Performance ECU to which you can connect sensors and subsystems to meet the features enabled.(Image credit: Volvo Penta)
ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.
Volvo Penta is driving progress in agriculture through smarter, sustainable power solutions built to perform season after season. (Image credit: Volvo Penta)
Walker S marks a significant milestone for sustainable farming in Asia and globally. (Image credit: Agroz Robotics)
ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.
The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. (Image credit: New Holland)
Feeding Management offers significant cost savings, improved transparency of feeding programs.(Image credit: SILOKING)
Malaysian agri-tech innovator Agroz Inc. has launched a groundbreaking AI-driven farming strategy designed to transform modern agriculture into a scalable and profitable asset class. Through its new Agroz OS platform, built on Microsoft Azure’s AI infrastructure, the company is redefining how crops are grown, managed, and distributed — offering a smarter, greener path for farmers and investors alike. The Agroz OS platform merges artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to support vertical farming systems that use less land and water while producing clean, pesticide-free crops. This approach is particularly valuable for regions like Africa, where efficient resource use and reliable yields are key to long-term food security. Agroz’s model treats food production as distributed infrastructure — modular, measurable, and investable. Its first commercial venture, developed with Harvest Today, LLC, uses patented Harvest Wall™ technology to demonstrate how vertical farming can bring fresh produce closer to urban centres while reducing environmental impact. “We are building agriculture into the next great infrastructure class. With strong government incentives and the rapid adoption of agri-tech, this is the right time to show how technology, sustainability, and capital can work together to generate lasting economic and environmental returns,” said Gerard Lim, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agroz. Beyond its cutting-edge vertical farms, Agroz is introducing Agroz Copilot, an intelligent AI assistant that helps farmers make better real-time decisions — from predicting crop health to managing energy use. The system’s integration of automation and analytics means farmers can increase productivity while keeping costs low. Agroz’s sustainable farming approach aligns with 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning recognition from UNDP Malaysia, ESG Malaysia, and several national innovation awards. With Malaysia’s 10-year income tax exemption for agricultural ventures under Budget 2026, the company is positioned to expand rapidly across Asia and, potentially, emerging African markets. As Agroz continues to grow, it aims to make AI-driven, sustainable agriculture accessible for farmers everywhere — empowering them to achieve higher yields, improve soil health, and build a resilient food system for the future.(Image credit: Agroz)
Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.
These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.
Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.
Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management.
Entocycle operator using controls web. (Image source: Entocycle)
Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. (Image source: Biobest)
Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. (Image source: Bayer)
AGRIMAX PROHARVEST thus stands as a technologically advanced and cost-effective solution for all operators in the farming industry. (Image source: BKT)
