In The Spotlight
Join the agricultural revolution at EIMA Agrimach. (Image credit: EIMA Agrimarch)
The ninth edition of EIMA Agrimach India 2025 has opened in New Delhi, presenting the latest in agricultural machinery and technology.
The event, which is being held from November 27 to 29, serves as a significant international exhibition targeting India and Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing agricultural sector. Innovation is at the forefront of the event, with the opening conference highlighting the increasing importance of mechanisation in India’s agricultural transformation.
The inauguration ceremony took place this morning at the IARI PUSA University Campus. During the ceremony, representatives from institutions and organising bodies emphasised the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy. TR Kesavan, Chairman of the FICCI-EIMA Agrimach India Organising Committee and Board Member of TAFE, opened the discussions by highlighting the strategic role of India-Italy partnerships in advancing agricultural mechanisation. "The collaboration between Italy and India is crucial for the development of advanced agricultural technologies that can drive the sector forward," he said.
Simona Rapastella, Director General of FederUnacoma, the Italian Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, also spoke on the growing importance of bilateral cooperation. "Emerging institutional relations between Italy and India have gained momentum, strengthening the foundation for further collaboration," she noted, emphasising that India is a key player in Italy’s trade strategy and included in the Italian Export Action Plan for non-EU markets.
India’s agricultural economy has undergone rapid transformation, primarily driven by mechanisation, which has elevated farming operations and enhanced productivity. Shashi Kant Singh, Partner at PwC India, pointed out that while the sector has made significant strides, it still holds vast growth potential, with mechanisation and next-generation technologies playing a crucial role in realising that potential.
The Italian Trade Agency (ICE) has been instrumental in supporting this collaboration. Sabrina Mangialavori, Deputy Director of ICE New Delhi, explained that the Agency provides various services, including promotional activities and international market expertise, to help Italian SMEs establish strong commercial ties with Indian farmers and agri-businesses. "EIMA Agrimach serves as a strategic platform for strengthening India-Italy relations," she said.
The India-Italy collaboration extends beyond technological exchange to include government-backed incentives that encourage mechanisation in the agricultural sector. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, outlined the Indian government’s efforts to support mechanisation and introduce next-generation machinery. He also emphasised the need for greater access to mechanical equipment for small farmers, who represent a significant portion of India’s agricultural workforce.
A key challenge, according to Chaturvedi, is improving after-sales service and expanding access to technology for women in agriculture. This would ensure more inclusive growth within the sector. Francesco Lollobrigida, Italian Minister of Agriculture, shared a video message where he highlighted that "Made in Italy" agricultural machinery is known for its quality, reliability, and sustainability. "These qualities are well suited to meet the technological needs of Indian agriculture," he stated.
The opening session concluded with Subroto Geed, Co-Chairman of FICCI’s National Agriculture Committee and President for South Asia at Corteva Agriscience, reinforcing the potential of India’s growing agricultural economy. Geed noted that increasing global demand for food, driven by population growth, presents a tremendous opportunity for India’s agricultural sector. "This potential can only be realised with committed engagement across the entire agricultural value chain," he concluded.
EIMA Agrimach India 2025 is proving to be an essential platform for showcasing innovation and fostering stronger cooperation between India and Italy, positioning both nations to address the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture.
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.
PSAV, NAEC, PepsiCo and CARE launched Phase II. (Image credit: NhanDan)
PepsiCo Foundation, the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV), the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC), and CARE have officially launched Phase II of the “I am happy to sow” project, now known as the New Crop: Sustainable Agriculture Initiative, in Vietnam.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the Vietnam–US bilateral trade mission in Washington DC from 10–14 November 2025, formalising the continuation of a successful public–private partnership (PPP) model designed to support smallholder farmers.
Running from January 2026 to December 2028, the New Crop project will operate in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Thanh Hoa provinces, with a strategic focus on regenerative agriculture and inclusive value chains to tackle climate change. It is expected to directly benefit 13,600 smallholder farmers, including 8,160 women and 5,440 men, and indirectly impact more than 73,400 people across the region. The initiative forms part of the global She Feeds the World programme, which empowers women and smallholder farmers to improve productivity, nutrition, and overall community well-being.
C.D. Glin, President of PepsiCo Foundation, said, “The New Crops project demonstrates our unwavering commitment to equality in the global supply chain. By supporting women farmers and smallholder farmers, we not only help increase productivity but also empower women, promote financial independence, and build a more sustainable future for their communities. This is how the company realizes its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) Strategy.”
The project’s success relies on a strong PPP model linking ministries, research institutes, local partners, and private-sector actors. PSAV and NAEC provide technical support, develop policies, and coordinate with local authorities, while the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI) contributes scientific expertise. Deputy Minister Hoang Trung, said, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is pleased that PSAV and NAEC are meaningfully accompanying the project in the role of connecting and promoting the public-private partnership (PPP) model… PepsiCo Foundation, CARE and the business community will continue to play a pioneering role – not only in finance, but also in technological innovation, value chain management and shaping sustainable consumption trends.”
The New Crop project focuses on three interconnected objectives: building climate-resilient food systems, empowering smallholders—especially women and ethnic minorities—to adopt regenerative agriculture, and establishing inclusive value chains by improving access to inputs, finance, technology, and markets. Successful practices will be documented, scaled, and disseminated through the Food Innovation Hub Vietnam (FIH-V) for long-term impact.
Crystal Lander, Vice President of Global Advocacy at CARE, added, “The New Crops project not only helps smallholder farmers increase productivity, but also regenerates soils and protects livelihoods in the face of increasingly complex climate change. This is an important step towards long-term sustainability.”
Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed.
The Philippines has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its position in global aquaculture with the launch of its largest crayfish nursery—a flagship development designed to scale production of the high-value Australian Redclaw crayfish.
The project, built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Taiwan’s Da Shin Biotech Ltd., and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), marks a defining moment for the country’s fast-growing aquaculture sector.
The new nursery will focus on mass-producing Cherax quadricarinatus, a resilient and fast-growing species prized by both domestic and international markets. Government officials say the initiative supports national efforts to strengthen food security while boosting long-term livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., in remarks delivered by Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa, highlighted the power of collaboration behind the facility. “Built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Da Shin Biotech, and the DA-BFAR, this nursery shows that when government, private innovators, and fisherfolk come together, progress stops being a dream—it becomes our shared reality,” he said.
Tiu Laurel added that crayfish aquaculture “opens new doors for our fisherfolk—bringing in more income, more livelihood, and more food on our tables,” while underscoring the need for responsible production and adherence to BFAR’s ecological protection guidelines. Every pond, he said, must “nurture care, discipline, and respect for the balance of our ecosystems.”
Situated in Candaba - a wetlands area renowned for its freshwater abundance—the 1,280-square-metre facility features 16 tanks capable of producing up to 48,000 fry every two weeks. It also introduces advanced water-recycling systems that help reduce waste and conserve freshwater, addressing one of the most common environmental criticisms of aquaculture operations.
The nursery will supply Farm Fresh’s existing 3-hectare grow-out ponds, which already produce around 30 tonnes of market-ready crayfish each year. It will also support a broad network of partner growers as production expands nationwide.
From 2026, Farm Fresh plans to roll out large-scale grow-out operations covering 1,500 hectares in Luzon and 750 hectares each in the Visayas and Mindanao. When these sites reach full capacity, they are projected to deliver more than 1,200 tonnes of crayfish every six months—volumes that could position the Philippines as a competitive player in the regional and global aquaculture market.
Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed. The project is expected to generate over 3,000 direct jobs and stimulate additional enterprise in farming communities.
The launch marks the beginning of a world-class crayfish industry designed to place the Philippines firmly on the global aquaculture map.
EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.(Image credit: EIMA)
EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.
Held every two years in Bologna, Italy, the event is organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, alongside BolognaFiere. Since its launch in 1969, EIMA has grown into a major platform for manufacturers, industry experts, and buyers seeking the latest advancements in agro-mechanical technology.
The exhibition draws a diverse international audience, with companies from across the globe presenting cutting-edge machines and equipment. Delegates from more than 80 countries attend each edition, underscoring the event’s global reach and economic relevance. Hosted across an impressive 375,000 m², including 122,000 m² of dedicated exhibition space, EIMA offers visitors unmatched access to innovations that are shaping the future of farming.
EIMA International is organised into 14 distinct merchandise sectors, covering every aspect of modern agriculture. These range from engines, irrigation systems, soil-working and sowing equipment to harvesting machinery, crop protection technologies, components, and transport solutions. The structure of the fair allows visitors to explore the full agricultural supply chain in one location.
Alongside the main sectors, EIMA features several highly specialised themed showcases that highlight emerging trends. EIMA Components focuses on essential parts and accessories, while EIMA Green offers a hub for garden machinery and green-space maintenance tools. EIMA Energy is dedicated to renewable power for agriculture and forestry, and EIMA Idrotech spotlights advanced irrigation and water-management systems. One of the most forward-looking areas is EIMA Digital, where exhibitors present precision-farming technologies, electronics, and digital systems designed to boost efficiency and sustainability.
To enhance the visitor experience, the event is divided into two phases. The opening days are set aside exclusively for business professionals, enabling targeted networking and commercial negotiations. The remaining days welcome a wider audience, including gardening enthusiasts and small-scale growers.
In recent years, EIMA has hosted around 1,750 exhibitors from approximately 50 countries, displaying more than 60,000 models of machinery and equipment. Its scale and reputation firmly position it as a leading global event for agricultural machinery, landscaping technologies, and green innovation.
BKCC aims to transform this reality by rethinking the vertical farming structure from the ground up.
Farmers Lab Ltd. of Korea has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in controlled-environment agriculture with the launch of its BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC) system — a horizontally revolving vertical farming technology designed to address one of agriculture’s most urgent challenges: labour shortages.
As farming communities age and younger generations increasingly avoid work that involves harsh weather, long hours or inconsistent income, both traditional and indoor farms are struggling to find workers. Even modern vertical farms continue to depend heavily on manual labour, with fixed-rack systems requiring operators to climb ladders, stretch to reach upper trays and move repeatedly between narrow aisles.
BKCC aims to transform this reality by rethinking the vertical farming structure from the ground up. Instead of having workers move around the farm, the BKCC system rotates the trays horizontally, bringing crops directly to the operator. Planting, irrigation, harvesting and cleaning can all be carried out comfortably from a standing or seated position, reducing physical strain and improving overall safety. This human-centred approach allows farmers of all ages to work more efficiently, more comfortably and with far less risk.
The system has demonstrated the potential to reduce labour requirements by up to 70%, while also achieving 80% water savings compared to traditional fixed-rack vertical farming operations. BKCC’s simplified workflow reduces fatigue, increases output stability and produces more uniform crops thanks to consistent environmental control.
Operating within a carefully managed indoor environment, the BKCC system uses hydroponic precise irrigation, energy-efficient LED lighting, fully clean and soilless production and an intuitive IT dashboard for monitoring. Optional AI-driven growth analysis provides further insight for farmers looking to optimise yield and resource efficiency. These features make BKCC suitable for a wide variety of crops, including microgreens, leafy vegetables, sprouts, animal fodder and virus-free nursery plants destined for greenhouses or open-field transplanting.
The system has already proven its performance through successful trials and commercial operation in both Korea and Singapore, carried out through collaborative research and development partnerships. With consistent output and reliability demonstrated in real-world settings, new installations are now underway in Australia and additional international markets, signalling BKCC’s growing global presence.
Created with a strong social mission in mind, BKCC reflects the company’s philosophy: “Pride for Farmers, Future for Youth.” The technology supports older farmers by making agricultural work physically manageable, while offering younger generations a compelling entry point into clean, high-tech, sustainable farming. As many fixed-rack vertical farms struggle with complexity and rising operational costs, BKCC provides a simpler, safer and more accessible solution tailored to practical farming realities.
ReinCloud 3 integration can transform digital farm management. (Image credit: CloudX)
Reinke Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading producers of centre pivot irrigation systems, has strengthened its strategic alliance with CropX Technologies through a major new integration designed to simplify and modernise digital farm management.
The two companies have unveiled a unified platform experience that connects the full suite of CropX agronomic data directly into Reinke’s ReinCloud 3 system, offering farmers a seamless, single-location interface for all essential operational insights.
This next phase of collaboration removes one of the biggest frustrations farmers face switching between multiple digital dashboards. With the integration in place, growers can now view all CropX data streams directly inside ReinCloud 3, meaning that soil moisture, weather conditions, agronomic analytics and pivot management controls can finally be accessed in one streamlined platform. The result is a more intuitive, efficient approach to farm monitoring and irrigation decisions.
The connectivity between CropX and ReinCloud 3 is fully secure and highly detailed. CropX sensors now appear directly on the ReinCloud 3 map with exact placement data, enabling farmers to navigate their fields digitally with complete clarity. The integration supports the entire CropX portfolio, including soil moisture probes, evapotranspiration (ET) data, rain gauges and localised weather station insights. By presenting this information in a single interface, growers gain a clearer understanding of field conditions, helping them make better-informed and timely decisions.
Importantly, the flow of information moves both ways. In addition to bringing CropX insights into ReinCloud, the system allows Reinke’s as-applied irrigation data to feed automatically into the CropX platform. This supports agronomic service providers with accurate data for crop modelling, record-keeping, compliance, nutrient planning and broader farm reporting tasks. The exchange significantly improves data accuracy for irrigation scheduling and agronomy recommendations.
To mark the launch of this enhanced integration, Reinke is currently offering a free CropX sensor with every new irrigation system, ensuring that customers immediately benefit from high-quality soil and crop intelligence from their first day in the field. This initiative reinforces the companies’ shared goal of connecting machine performance with agronomic insights to create more responsive and efficient farming operations.
“We’re building technology that works together seamlessly because that’s what modern farming demands,” says Chris Roth, President of Reinke Manufacturing. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to making growers’ lives easier through smart innovation.”
“CropX brings together soil sensing, satellite imagery, irrigation management, disease prediction, nutrient management, and yield forecasting, all powered by AI and machine learning,” says Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies. “Now, farmers can access this complete agronomic intelligence directly where they’re already working, making better decisions faster.”
Since forming their partnership in 2021, Reinke and CropX have remained focused on delivering integrated, farmer-friendly solutions. Both companies plan to expand platform integration even further, continuing their mission to remove complexity from digital agriculture and deliver smarter, data-driven farm management.
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Hyderabad, India
BKCC aims to transform this reality by rethinking the vertical farming structure from the ground up.
Farmers Lab Ltd. of Korea has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in controlled-environment agriculture with the launch of its BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC) system — a horizontally revolving vertical farming technology designed to address one of agriculture’s most urgent challenges: labour shortages.
As farming communities age and younger generations increasingly avoid work that involves harsh weather, long hours or inconsistent income, both traditional and indoor farms are struggling to find workers. Even modern vertical farms continue to depend heavily on manual labour, with fixed-rack systems requiring operators to climb ladders, stretch to reach upper trays and move repeatedly between narrow aisles.
BKCC aims to transform this reality by rethinking the vertical farming structure from the ground up. Instead of having workers move around the farm, the BKCC system rotates the trays horizontally, bringing crops directly to the operator. Planting, irrigation, harvesting and cleaning can all be carried out comfortably from a standing or seated position, reducing physical strain and improving overall safety. This human-centred approach allows farmers of all ages to work more efficiently, more comfortably and with far less risk.
The system has demonstrated the potential to reduce labour requirements by up to 70%, while also achieving 80% water savings compared to traditional fixed-rack vertical farming operations. BKCC’s simplified workflow reduces fatigue, increases output stability and produces more uniform crops thanks to consistent environmental control.
Operating within a carefully managed indoor environment, the BKCC system uses hydroponic precise irrigation, energy-efficient LED lighting, fully clean and soilless production and an intuitive IT dashboard for monitoring. Optional AI-driven growth analysis provides further insight for farmers looking to optimise yield and resource efficiency. These features make BKCC suitable for a wide variety of crops, including microgreens, leafy vegetables, sprouts, animal fodder and virus-free nursery plants destined for greenhouses or open-field transplanting.
The system has already proven its performance through successful trials and commercial operation in both Korea and Singapore, carried out through collaborative research and development partnerships. With consistent output and reliability demonstrated in real-world settings, new installations are now underway in Australia and additional international markets, signalling BKCC’s growing global presence.
Created with a strong social mission in mind, BKCC reflects the company’s philosophy: “Pride for Farmers, Future for Youth.” The technology supports older farmers by making agricultural work physically manageable, while offering younger generations a compelling entry point into clean, high-tech, sustainable farming. As many fixed-rack vertical farms struggle with complexity and rising operational costs, BKCC provides a simpler, safer and more accessible solution tailored to practical farming realities.
Korea is reinforcing its commitment to building a more secure and sustainable farming environment.
PSAV, NAEC, PepsiCo and CARE launched Phase II. (Image credit: NhanDan)
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)
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.
ReinCloud 3 integration can transform digital farm management. (Image credit: CloudX)
XAG’s latest innovations signal the continued evolution of connected & autonomous farming technology. (Image credit: XAG)
Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.
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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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.
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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)
Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water. (Image source: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University)
Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))