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Feeding Management offers significant cost savings, improved transparency of feeding programs.(Image credit: SILOKING)

Machinery & Equipment

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.

 

SILOKING has developed DryScan, an innovative digital solution fully integrated into all SILOKING SelfLine models. (Image credit: SILOKING)

Equipment

Consistent TMR (Total Mixed Ration) quality is vital for animal health, productivity, and farm profitability.

However, fluctuations in the dry matter (DM) content of feed often caused by changing weather or storage conditions can disrupt feeding accuracy. This inconsistency may lead to feed waste, unstable rumen pH, and even empty feed tables, ultimately affecting animal performance.

To tackle these challenges, SILOKING has developed DryScan, an innovative digital solution fully integrated into all SILOKING SelfLine models. The system continuously measures the dry matter content of each feed component in real time during loading, automatically adjusting the fresh matter quantity. This ensures that every batch of feed maintains a uniform composition, day after day.

When combined with SILOKING Feeding Management, farmers gain a complete, data-driven feeding solution. The software not only enables precise ration planning but also provides digital documentation and ongoing performance optimization. This integration simplifies feeding operations, reduces manual errors, and supports sustainable livestock management.

With SILOKING’s all-in-one approach, customers benefit from a single, reliable partner for both hardware and software. The result is a future-ready feeding system that enhances efficiency, animal well-being, and farm profitability  ensuring that precision truly begins with dry matter content.

HIC Launches World’s First Hub for Greenhouse Innovation.

Agriculture

The Netherlands has once again taken the global lead in agricultural innovation with the launch of the world’s first venture studio dedicated entirely to greenhouse horticulture

The HortiScience Innovation Center (HIC) has officially opened the HIC Venture Studio in Bleiswijk, marking a transformative step in how start-ups focused on sustainable greenhouse solutions are created and supported.

This groundbreaking initiative introduces a new model for systematically building start-ups in a sector under growing pressure to address sustainability, labour shortages, and productivity challenges. According to Loet Rummenie, Director of HIC, the goal is both ambitious and strategic. “We aim to create three new start-ups per year,” he said. “We’ll track the journey from entrepreneur to idea, proposition, and venture – and measure survival rates, funding raised, and speed to commercialisation.”

Over the next three years, HIC will invest €1.15 million into this venture studio, which includes the opening of a cutting-edge demonstration greenhouse. This facility serves as a launchpad where researchers and entrepreneurs can test, showcase, and scale ideas into viable businesses. “What makes this studio unique,” Rummenie added, “is that entrepreneurs retain ownership of their companies and collectively participate in each new business. This gives them a direct incentive to share knowledge, networks, and expertise, while benefiting from shared infrastructure and guidance. In this way, we ensure that innovations reach practice faster and truly create value for the sector.”

The HIC Venture Studio will focus its efforts on six critical themes that define the future of greenhouse horticulture — from energy transition and resilient cultivation systems to circular horticulture, automation, autonomous growing, and future-proof work. These focus areas reflect the most urgent needs of the sector and aim to produce scalable solutions that improve sustainability and efficiency within greenhouses.

Partnerships play a central role in this venture. The studio has already brought on board two strategic partners: Catalyze Group, which helps attract non-dilutive funding, and EP&C, which supports intellectual property strategy and protection. As Rummenie explained, collaboration is at the heart of the studio’s philosophy. “We can only build these startups successfully if we combine knowledge and networks,” he said. “That’s why these partnerships are so important.”

The HIC Venture Studio is supported by some of the Netherlands’ most influential innovation and research institutions, including Wageningen University & Research, Delphy Improvement Center, YES!Delft, StartLife, and the Municipality of Lansingerland. This ecosystem ensures that new ventures have access to scientific expertise, mentorship, and a network of investors and agribusiness leaders. Regional partners like the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH) have also played a crucial role. “The HIC Venture Studio strengthens our region’s innovative capacity,” said Lennart Onvlee of MRDH. “It connects entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, governments, and companies to accelerate sustainable solutions and boost international visibility.”

Venture studios have long been used to drive progress in industries such as AI, healthcare, and climate technology. Well-known examples include Idealabs, Rocket Internet, Entrepreneur First, and Antler. However, the concept remains relatively new to agriculture. “There are over 1,000 venture studios globally,” Rummenie noted. “Most focus on IT, pharma, or high-tech. There are very few yet dedicated to food and ag.”

By establishing the first of its kind, the Netherlands has set a bold example of how innovation can be systematically nurtured in agriculture. The HIC Venture Studio is more than just a hub for start-ups — it is a growing ecosystem that brings together science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability to cultivate the next generation of greenhouse technologies that will feed the world more efficiently and responsibly.

African Farming
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this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers. (Image credit: Van der Waay)

Van der Waay has unveiled its latest innovation, the Top Cleaner V, a fully autonomous roof-cleaning and coating machine designed to replace the long-standing Safety Cart.

According to the company, this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers.

Unlike its predecessor, the Top Cleaner V operates entirely on its own, removing the need for an operator to travel along with the machine. It moves through a single gutter, making it compatible with greenhouses of different peak heights and roof designs. With just one button, growers can send the machine to the far end of the greenhouse, where it automatically turns around and returns, neatly retracting the water hose as it goes.

The Top Cleaner V is built from a series of modular components, allowing growers to customise it to match their exact workflows. Whether the job involves brushing glass from ridge to gutter, applying greenhouse coatings, or cleaning gutters, the machine can be configured for any combination of tasks. This makes it a versatile, future-proof solution suitable for a wide range of greenhouse types and operational needs.

Growers can choose from specialised brush sets designed for different peak sizes, a dedicated gutter brush for fast gutter cleaning, and spray booms for accurate coating application. Optional features include a remote-control system for safe ground-level operation, a service platform for smooth movement along the greenhouse façade, a high-pressure pump for water supply, and a portable generator for complete energy autonomy.

Safety has been a key priority in the development of the Top Cleaner V. All rotating parts are fully enclosed, and the machine is designed for easy access when maintenance is required. It can also be placed on a service platform to move conveniently from one peak to the next, provided the greenhouse façade is equipped with a rail system.

Key technical details include a 230 V power supply (compatible with a portable generator), adjustable operating speeds of up to 20 metres per minute, a hose reel that holds approximately 200 metres of ½-inch hose, and a maximum machine weight of around 285 kg depending on configuration. The machine has a wheelbase of 150 cm, offering stability during operation.

Van der Waay highlights the Top Cleaner V’s competitive pricing and high efficiency, noting that the machine can pay for itself quickly. Even a 1% increase in light transmission inside the greenhouse leads directly to a 1% rise in crop production, making clean, well-maintained glass essential for growers aiming to boost yields.

Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield. (Image credit: Waboost)

Waboost has unveiled a new Rent-to-Buy programme designed to give farmers and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) operators easier access to its advanced nanobubble technology.

The scheme allows agricultural businesses to rent Waboost’s Gea 1, Gea 10, and Gea 20 machines on a monthly basis, gradually moving towards full ownership without the burden of a large upfront payment.

By lowering the financial barriers, Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield, crop health, and nutrient uptake. The monthly rental cost covers each machine individually and includes full technical support and warranty protection. Users also have the flexibility to expand their system over time or upgrade to Smart models featuring integrated automation and data insights.

“Farmers are being pushed to achieve higher water efficiency and productivity while managing tight budgets,” explained Bostjan Veronik, Waboost CEO. “This Rent-to-Buy option lets them benefit from the advantages of nanobubble technology without committing to high capital expenditure from the start.”

Nanobubbles are known to improve oxygen transfer, minimise biofilm build-up, and enhance nutrient absorption — essential factors for hydroponic, aquaponic, vertical farming, and high-performance soil systems. Waboost’s Gea series helps growers achieve stronger root development, faster growth rates, and lower chemical usage.

The Rent-to-Buy scheme is now open to greenhouse growers, vertical farms, and open-field producers across Europe and other participating regions, giving more agricultural businesses the opportunity to adopt next-generation water and oxygenation technology.

P150 Max becomes a powerful aerial transporter. (Image credit: XAG)

XAG, a global pioneer in agricultural robotics, presenting a comprehensive portfolio of smart farming tools from autonomous drones and lightweight field rovers to AI-driven tractor consoles, precision fertigation systems, and advanced IoT sensors.

Together, these solutions highlighted how automation and digital intelligence are helping farmers boost productivity, use resources more efficiently, and reduce variation in crop performance.

At the centre of XAG’s display was the P150 Max, a high-payload, multi-function agricultural drone engineered to deliver exceptional performance across diverse field operations. Designed for flexibility, the drone allows operators to switch effortlessly between systems for precision spraying, granular spreading, field mapping, and aerial logistics. This modular capability gives farmers a powerful tool to perform critical tasks with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Equipped with an impressive 80 kg payload capacity and capable of flying at speeds of up to 20 m/s, the P150 Max can take on demanding jobs and uneven terrain with confidence. Its RevoSpray 5 System includes an 80-litre intelligent liquid tank paired with dual centrifugal nozzles capable of spraying 32 litres per minute. When upgraded with XAG’s four-nozzle kit, the output increases to 46 litres per minute, making it highly effective for orchards and dense crop canopies. With droplet sizes adjustable from 60 to 500 microns, farmers can fine-tune applications for everything from row crops to fruit trees.

For spreading tasks whether fertiliser distribution, direct seeding, or powder application the RevoCast 5 System offers up to 300 kg per minute and features a vertical waving mechanism that improves precision and wind resistance. Its 115-litre smart granule container ensures accurate metering and uniform coverage across the field.

The drone integrates the RealTerra Field Mapping System, enabling autonomous surveying of up to 20 hectares per flight. High-resolution imagery is processed instantly to produce detailed maps, while onboard AI detects obstacles, field boundaries, and crop structures to enhance safety and workflow planning.

Fitted with the RevoSling Module, the P150 Max becomes a powerful aerial transporter, ideal for moving supplies, harvest produce, or equipment—particularly across rugged or inaccessible terrain.

At the heart of the drone is the advanced SuperX 5 Ultra Intelligent Control System, delivering fully autonomous flight with centimetre-level precision. Its 4D imaging radar and wide-angle FPV camera help the drone navigate around irrigation systems, posts, and overhead lines. Whether in complex orchards or open fields, the P150 Max maintains stable and secure operation.

Farmers can plan missions effortlessly using the XAG One App or the SRC 5 Remote Controller, which calculates optimal flight paths based on field contours and elevation. The drone’s accuracy is supported by the XRTK 7 Mobile Station, ensuring consistent positioning even in remote areas with limited connectivity.

Downtime is minimised thanks to the Smart SuperCharge Battery, which can recharge in as little as seven minutes using the Parallel Charging Kit—allowing for continuous field operations.

With nearly two decades of research underpinning its development, the P150 Max represents XAG’s most refined drone design yet, combining robust construction, intelligent automation, and superior terrain adaptability. Purpose-built for real-world farming, it offers a powerful boost to operational efficiency, sustainability, and precision agriculture.

(Image credit: Komet Irrigation)

Komet Irrigation, a global pioneer in sprinkler irrigation technology since 1952, has introduced the Komet Precision Wave (KPW) – a groundbreaking pivot sprinkler designed to deliver exceptional water distribution uniformity and boost irrigation efficiency.

The innovation will headline Agritechnica 2025, where Komet will also debut the Komet Experience Hub, a state-of-the-art research and testing facility advancing the science of irrigation performance.

For decades, uneven water delivery at the outer edges of pivot systems has remained one of agriculture’s biggest challenges. The KPW addresses this long-standing issue through an innovative oscillating deflector, which generates a highly consistent droplet pattern across the entire pivot radius. This technology ensures stronger plant hydration while minimising water loss from runoff or evaporation—factors that are increasingly vital as farmers contend with climate variability and water scarcity.

Built at Komet’s manufacturing headquarters in Lienz, Austria, the KPW adheres to stringent European engineering standards. It offers a flexible performance range with a 9–15 metre throw radius and multiple flow options, making it suitable for a variety of pivot configurations, soil types, and crops. The KPW is available in both head-up and head-down models, easily recognisable by their white and yellow deflectors, allowing farmers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to select the best configuration for their specific field conditions.

“Uniform irrigation is one of the biggest drivers of yield and efficiency,” said Andree Groos, CEO of Komet Irrigation. “The KPW gives farmers peace of mind that every plant—from the centre to the outer edge—gets the water it needs, consistently and efficiently. It’s the kind of innovation that helps our customers grow more with less.”

In addition to unveiling the KPW, Komet will introduce visitors to the Komet Experience Hub, a 1,000-square-metre research and development centre created to transform how irrigation products are tested and optimised. Featuring IoT-enabled monitoring, automated analytics, and controlled simulations of wind, evaporation, and droplet trajectory, the facility provides accurate, reproducible data to improve water management decisions for farmers, agronomists, and manufacturers.

“For the first time, farmers can see exactly how sprinklers and regulators perform under controlled yet realistic conditions,” added Groos. “The Experience Hub represents our commitment to transparency, precision, and progress in irrigation design.”

At Agritechnica 2025, visitors to Hall 9, Booth A09 will be among the first to experience this innovation in action. Komet will also host a special competition with exclusive prizes, including a guided tour of its Austrian manufacturing facility—home to over 70 years of irrigation engineering excellence shaping the future of efficient agriculture.

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Crops

Sumitomo Chemical aims to promote regenerative agriculture and build a more sustainable global food system. (Image credit: Sumitomo Chemical)

Fertilizers & Pesticides

Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical has announced a major step towards advancing sustainable agriculture by reorganising its U.S. operations to strengthen its biorational business

The company will merge Valent BioSciences LLC (VBS), McLaughlin Gormley King Company (MGK), and Valent North America LLC (VNA) into one integrated entity. The newly formed company, Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC (SBC), will begin operations in Libertyville, Illinois, in April 2026. This hub will lead innovation in environmentally friendly farming technologies and deliver comprehensive, sustainable solutions worldwide.

Sumitomo Chemical’s Agro & Life Solutions Sector operates on two strong foundations – crop protection products and biorationals. With growing global demand for agricultural solutions that reduce environmental harm, the market for biorationals is set to expand steadily. The company aims to more than double its biorationals sales to around 150 billion yen by the 2030 financial year, compared to 2024 levels.

According to the company, “Valent BioSciences LLC (“VBS”), McLaughlin Gormley King Company (“MGK”), and Valent North America LLC (“VNA”)—Sumitomo Chemical’s U.S. subsidiaries will be integrated into the surviving company VBS, which will be renamed Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC (“SBC”). SBC will commence operations in Libertyville, Illinois, starting April 2026, as the Group’s global hub driving innovation in this field, and it will provide comprehensive and sustainable biorational solutions across the world.”

By consolidating research, manufacturing, and sales within SBC, Sumitomo Chemical aims to build a more efficient and streamlined structure. This integration is expected to enhance collaboration, reduce duplication, and strengthen the company’s position as a global leader in sustainable agricultural technologies.

SBC will serve as the central hub for the company’s innovation in biorationals, driving new advancements that support sustainable development, environmental protection, and improved agricultural productivity. Its work will span various sectors including crop health, pest management, forestry, and animal health.

Additionally, Valent USA LLC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SBC and continue to manage crop protection product development and sales across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Through this reorganisation, Sumitomo Chemical aims to promote regenerative agriculture and build a more sustainable global food system. The company continues to focus on delivering unique technologies that help farmers produce healthy crops, protect the environment, and ensure long-term agricultural growth.

HIC Launches World’s First Hub for Greenhouse Innovation.

Optimised moisture management also lowers environmental impact. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Livestock

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

Poultry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hamlet Protein manufactures high-quality soy-based protein ingredients designed for young piglets, poultry, and calves.(Image credit: Hamlet Protein)

The future of marine resources.

Equipment

P150 Max becomes a powerful aerial transporter. (Image credit: XAG)

Equipment

XAG, a global pioneer in agricultural robotics, presenting a comprehensive portfolio of smart farming tools from autonomous drones and lightweight field rovers to AI-driven tractor consoles, precision fertigation systems, and advanced IoT sensors.

Together, these solutions highlighted how automation and digital intelligence are helping farmers boost productivity, use resources more efficiently, and reduce variation in crop performance.

At the centre of XAG’s display was the P150 Max, a high-payload, multi-function agricultural drone engineered to deliver exceptional performance across diverse field operations. Designed for flexibility, the drone allows operators to switch effortlessly between systems for precision spraying, granular spreading, field mapping, and aerial logistics. This modular capability gives farmers a powerful tool to perform critical tasks with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Equipped with an impressive 80 kg payload capacity and capable of flying at speeds of up to 20 m/s, the P150 Max can take on demanding jobs and uneven terrain with confidence. Its RevoSpray 5 System includes an 80-litre intelligent liquid tank paired with dual centrifugal nozzles capable of spraying 32 litres per minute. When upgraded with XAG’s four-nozzle kit, the output increases to 46 litres per minute, making it highly effective for orchards and dense crop canopies. With droplet sizes adjustable from 60 to 500 microns, farmers can fine-tune applications for everything from row crops to fruit trees.

For spreading tasks whether fertiliser distribution, direct seeding, or powder application the RevoCast 5 System offers up to 300 kg per minute and features a vertical waving mechanism that improves precision and wind resistance. Its 115-litre smart granule container ensures accurate metering and uniform coverage across the field.

The drone integrates the RealTerra Field Mapping System, enabling autonomous surveying of up to 20 hectares per flight. High-resolution imagery is processed instantly to produce detailed maps, while onboard AI detects obstacles, field boundaries, and crop structures to enhance safety and workflow planning.

Fitted with the RevoSling Module, the P150 Max becomes a powerful aerial transporter, ideal for moving supplies, harvest produce, or equipment—particularly across rugged or inaccessible terrain.

At the heart of the drone is the advanced SuperX 5 Ultra Intelligent Control System, delivering fully autonomous flight with centimetre-level precision. Its 4D imaging radar and wide-angle FPV camera help the drone navigate around irrigation systems, posts, and overhead lines. Whether in complex orchards or open fields, the P150 Max maintains stable and secure operation.

Farmers can plan missions effortlessly using the XAG One App or the SRC 5 Remote Controller, which calculates optimal flight paths based on field contours and elevation. The drone’s accuracy is supported by the XRTK 7 Mobile Station, ensuring consistent positioning even in remote areas with limited connectivity.

Downtime is minimised thanks to the Smart SuperCharge Battery, which can recharge in as little as seven minutes using the Parallel Charging Kit—allowing for continuous field operations.

With nearly two decades of research underpinning its development, the P150 Max represents XAG’s most refined drone design yet, combining robust construction, intelligent automation, and superior terrain adaptability. Purpose-built for real-world farming, it offers a powerful boost to operational efficiency, sustainability, and precision agriculture.

this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers. (Image credit: Van der Waay)

Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield. (Image credit: Waboost)

Technology

Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.

Infrastructure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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