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The programme emphasises a community-led approach, ensuring it is culturally relevant and sustainable. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

Agriculture

BRAC has received a US$300,000 grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to create a programme aimed at helping three million women smallholder farmers in Bangladesh, Liberia, Tanzania, and Uganda by 2030

This initiative targets vulnerable communities affected by climate change. It will first launch in Bangladesh's coastal and drought-prone areas, providing farmers with services like agricultural technology, weather forecasts, adaptive insurance, and better market connections.

Deepali Khanna, head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation, stated,“Smallholder farmers are on the frontline of so many challenges, including the impact of climate change. Through our support of BRAC, we are empowering smallholder farmers not only to withstand disruptions, but also to advance solutions that can help build the foundation for lasting economic opportunity.”

The programme emphasises a community-led approach, ensuring it is culturally relevant and sustainable. The aim is to equip communities with skills to build resilience against challenges like rising salinity and erratic rainfall. BRAC plans to raise an additional US$300mn for this program, intending to impact around 14 million people positively.

“At BRAC, we believe in equipping people and communities with the skills they need to build their own resilience,” said Asif Saleh, executive director of BRAC. The Rockefeller Foundation’s support takes an important step in showing that locally driven innovation, when scaled up, can unlock pathways for millions of people to do that.”

Liberia, China to mechanise agriculture. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Agriculture

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, recently met with J Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture of Liberia

Chengwu emphasised the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators stand on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and expressed that China is willing to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries, deepening the bilateral relations.

Nuetah said that Liberia is grateful to China for its strong support for Liberia's development and looks forward to continuing to strengthen cooperation with China on agricultural mechanisation and modernisation.

Microwave moisture measurement. (Image source: Hydronix)

Aquaculture

Stop Wasting Time and Money: Download the free eBook

Why Measure Moisture?

Getting the moisture balance right is a vital task to ensure the accuracy of processing across a range of applications to maintain final product quality.

This free eBook will cover:

• Why material moisture varies continuously
• Why moisture measurement is crucial for processing
• Why moisture control is critical for improving efficiencies

There are a variety of moisture measurement techniques, but some work better than others depending on the application and the quality of the sensors chosen. This eBook explains why microwave moisture measurement is the most effective.

Download the free eBook, no details required: https://landing.hydronix.com/master-your-moisture-fea-jul25

African Farming

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

Buhler to open digitally-smart Mill E3

The development of the self-adjusting mill will be the precursor to the SmartMill. (Image source: Bühler)

Bühler, a plant equipment manufacturer, has announced the opening of Mill E3 — claimed to be one of the most high-tech mills on the market

Mill owner Whitworth Bros Ltd is reaping the benefits of the Mill E3’s technological and digital capabilities. The data generated and analysed at the Whitley Bridge plant will drive the evolution of milling technology from the current data assisted mill into a plant capable of using its own process parameters in a closed loop to optimise production. This development of the self-adjusting mill will be the precursor to the SmartMill.

Roman Sonderegger, head of Business Unit Wheat & Rye at Bühler said, “This is a very significant project for Bühler that allows us, for the first time, to gather so much new data on the milling process. This is also momentous in working towards our corporate target of cutting energy, water, and food wastage by 50% in our customer value chains by 2025.”

The concept of the Mill E3 centres on the idea of using modular ‘plug and play’ installation of milling equipment to cut the installation time by up to 30%. It also cuts building costs by reducing the volume of the mill. 

The Arrius fully integrated grinding system, a key component of the Mill E3, provides lower energy consumption, faster installation, along with the highest food safety standards, reliability, and optimum grinding performance.

“The wheat coming into the mill is first checked by online sensors to establish its key parameters,” explained Andrew Thomson, technical miller for Whitworth Bros. “But then the sensors in the Arrius recheck and control the distribution of the feed, which allows the grinding system to adapt again to the changing characteristics of the wheat at the point of milling. It is this unique usage of sensor technology that ensures optimal grinding parameters are achieved at all times,” he added.

Top Stories

Grid List

Crops

MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka. (Image Credit: Hort Innovation)

Crops

Three officials from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) went to Australia in June to investigate possibilities for counter-seasonal horticulture exports

Their trip included interviews with Australian farmers and horticulturists to evaluate possible future partnerships. The tour included significant MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka, as well as others from other departments. This trip built upon earlier interactions between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the horticultural industry, including a successful Australia-Japan Showcase Dinner in Tokyo in March 2025. With exports of US$175.6mn in 2025, Japan is Australia's third-biggest trade partner in horticulture, highlighting the importance of the Japan-Australia connection. Their collaborative seasonal and counter-seasonal nature struck him.

Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, said, “Japan is Australia’s third largest trading partner in horticulture, with exports valued at US$175.6mn in 2025. Our partnership in horticulture has been highly complementary and counter-seasonal, allowing us to support each other’s markets effectively, particularly in the months when Japan’s significant domestic horticulture production slows due to offseason.”  

Fifeld added, “On this recent visit, we were proud to showcase Australian horticulture, supported by stringent quality assurance programs, first-rate food safety systems, eye-catching branding strategies, and a strong reputation for safe, clean, and innovative agricultural products to our Japanese visitors. Off the back of the visit, one thing is clear: we are deeply invested in each other’s success and building our relationship further, and we look forward to seeing our growers benefit from this opportunity."

Australian horticulture was highlighted during the visit, with an emphasis on food safety and quality assurance to strengthen their image. Among significant exports to Japan are macadamias, table grapes, and oranges. DAFF's Al Campbell remarked that this cooperation strengthens the horticulture industries of both countries, as the visit coincided with a new statement meant to improve Agri-Food Value Chains between the two countries. The goal of the project is to link industry leaders from Japan and Australia so that they can promote relationships, information sharing, and business prospects.

Al Campbell, First Assistant Secretary for Trade and International at DAFF stated, “Japan is an important trading partner for Australia, and this visit has made the collaboration between our respective horticulture industries even stronger. By continuing to engage with our Japanese counterparts, we can support expanded trade opportunities and provide the best outcomes for both Australian exporters and Japanese consumers.”   

Andi Amran Sulaiman signed an MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia.

Unauthorised agricultural medicines can be harmful for the environment.

Livestock

Microwave moisture measurement. (Image source: Hydronix)

Aquaculture

Stop Wasting Time and Money: Download the free eBook

Why Measure Moisture?

Getting the moisture balance right is a vital task to ensure the accuracy of processing across a range of applications to maintain final product quality.

This free eBook will cover:

• Why material moisture varies continuously
• Why moisture measurement is crucial for processing
• Why moisture control is critical for improving efficiencies

There are a variety of moisture measurement techniques, but some work better than others depending on the application and the quality of the sensors chosen. This eBook explains why microwave moisture measurement is the most effective.

Download the free eBook, no details required: https://landing.hydronix.com/master-your-moisture-fea-jul25

ZIVO Bioscience and top animal health firm launch studies on poultry immune-boosting compounds

Horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning could be a huge boost to the global dairy farming industry. (Image source: UCL)

Equipment

Zoomlion showcases tailored solutions for Africa’s growth at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. (Image source: Zoomlion)

Equipment

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. took centre stage at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China, from 12 to 15 June, showcasing its latest agricultural and engineering machinery solutions tailored specifically for the African market

Since making its entry into Africa in 2007, Zoomlion has played an integral role in infrastructure development and agricultural modernisation across the continent. The company has also been committed to nurturing local talent, evident in its ongoing technical training programmes, such as those provided to Ugandan farmers to enhance agricultural skill sets.

At the trade expo, Zoomlion displayed a comprehensive line-up of machinery, ranging from construction cranes and earthmoving equipment to aerial work platforms and advanced agricultural machinery. These products are engineered to withstand and perform efficiently in Africa’s diverse and often demanding working conditions.

Zoomlion’s footprint in Africa has expanded significantly over the past 18 years. The company has delivered more than 10,000 units of equipment to markets across the continent, establishing itself as one of Africa’s leading machinery suppliers. In addition to setting up subsidiaries in key markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Zoomlion has developed a robust after-sales infrastructure. This includes spare parts centres in Algeria and South Africa, a joint-venture manufacturing plant in Algeria, and an expanding network of dealers and service providers across the region.

The company has also been instrumental in supporting critical infrastructure projects throughout Africa. These include Egypt’s New Administrative Capital—home to Africa’s tallest skyscraper at 385.8 metres—the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project in Tanzania, which boosts the country’s energy capacity nearly fourfold, and the N'Djamena Stadium in Chad, designed to host international sports and cultural events. Another notable contribution is the Rosso Bridge, linking Senegal and Mauritania, which will enhance regional trade and connectivity.

Zoomlion’s growth trajectory in Africa continues to accelerate. Sales in the first quarter of 2025 alone accounted for 60% of the total recorded in 2024, underlining rising demand for its solutions. As of May 2025, the company’s Africa team comprised over 300 employees, with more than 90% of them being locally hired—demonstrating Zoomlion’s commitment to job creation and skills development in the region.

The R1 Single-Plot Research Combine by Alamco. (Image source: Alamco)

Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)

Technology

Entocycle operator using controls web. (Image source: Entocycle)

Technology

Entocycle, a UK-based developer of insect farming technology that transforms food waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, has collaborated with Siemens to launch the country’s first digitalised insect farm showroom

The facility is uniquely located beneath four Victorian railway arches in central London.

Focused on creating a sustainable protein alternative, Entocycle chose the high-profile London Bridge area to boost visibility, attract top talent, and engage potential investors in its innovative approach to circular food systems.

Before construction began, Entocycle used Siemens’ digital twin technology to create a virtual model of the site. This simulation helped maximise the use of the complex arch-shaped space and minimise construction errors, saving time and costs.

The site has since undergone a full digital transformation and now runs on Siemens AI and automation systems. Advanced technologies integrated into the facility include robotic arms, machine vision systems that monitor 3,000 larvae per second with up to 100% accuracy, and climate-controlled chambers. These upgrades have significantly enhanced production by reducing larvae growth time and improving survival rates by 30%.

Now in operation for a year, the facility has demonstrated that insect farming can address two major environmental challenges: cutting the UK’s annual 10.7 million tonnes of food waste (of which 30% is lost through supply chain inefficiencies) and reducing reliance on 3.3 million tonnes of imported soy used for animal feed.

With proof of concept established, Entocycle plans to expand its model to industrial scale, aiming to support farms, agri-businesses, and waste management companies in cutting emissions and rethinking protein supply chains.

Matt Simonds, managing director at Entocycle, said: “We’ve spent a decade developing this concept, which has grown from equipment pieced together from hardware retailers to the bespoke and highly advanced factory we’re running today. The London Bridge centre proves our concept, which leverages the black soldier fly as nature’s recycler, that can be scaled around the world to help tackle the dual issue of food waste and sustainability issues in animal feed supply.

“Insect farming is an exciting emerging industry, and our vision is to be the go-to provider of technology to customers alongside our partner Siemens. In 10 years’ time, we expect Entocycle-designed farms to be processing millions of tonnes of food waste around the world, saving millions of tonnes of carbon emissions with it. Partnering with Siemens to deliver our solution internationally provides us with the trust and scalability we need to deliver on our global ambitions.”

Keith Thornhill, head of food and beverage for UK & Ireland at Siemens said: “Entocycle has created the blueprint for high-tech insect farming. It’s successfully applied modern manufacturing technology to its highly niche subject of rearing black soldier flies. And the outcomes are clear to see in increased insect survival rates and slashing the time staff would spend counting insects.

“It’s a fantastic concept ready to be delivered to customers around the world, regardless of site size and location. We’re proud to support it as a great example of technology with a purpose in addressing crucial sustainability challenges.”

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)

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The platform is slated for launch later this year and focuses on both domestic and international markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)

Expected battery cycles required per machine lifetime. (Image source: IDTechEx)

Fully automated cherry truss tomato harvesting robot 'Artemy.' (Image source: DENSO)

The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)

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IAT Inks MoU with Aspekpir Indonesia to Enhance Quality Analysis for the Local Palm Oil Industry. (Image source: IAT)

Latest news

MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka. (Image Credit: Hort Innovation)

Andi Amran Sulaiman signed an MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia.

Unauthorised agricultural medicines can be harmful for the environment.

The global phosphate fertilizer market is expected to grow upto US$84bn by 2031. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

The programme emphasises a community-led approach, ensuring it is culturally relevant and sustainable. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

Liberia, China to mechanise agriculture. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Microwave moisture measurement. (Image source: Hydronix)

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