In The Spotlight

VIV Select China returns to Nanjing in September 2025, building on momentum from its 2024 showcase. (Image source: VIV Select China)
VIV Select China 2025 opens visitor registration
Visitor pre-registration is officially open for VIV Select China 2025, the leading event spotlighting cutting-edge developments and business partnerships in China’s animal protein industry
Taking place from 10–12 September at the Nanjing International Expo Center, the show will bring together top professionals and innovators from across the swine and poultry value chain, including feed and feed additive solutions, animal health, veterinary products, breeding and farming equipment, and egg processing technologies.
Spanning 48,000 sq m, this expansive exhibition will welcome over 500 exhibitors, including prominent Chinese companies such as Big Herdsman, Guangzhou Guangxing, Nxin, Famsun, Zhengchang, Shandong Kaicheng, Melan Group, Zhongmu, Kexing, Ruisheng, Dongxiao, and Highvarve.
Spotlight on the new AI+ smart farming zone
New to this year’s event is the AI+ Smart Farming Area, a space dedicated to showcasing the integration of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainable agricultural technologies. This feature allows attendees to explore advanced digital breeding and precision production management tools. With a strong focus on global supply chain integration and sustainable scaling, this area embodies the event’s commitment to driving digital evolution in agriculture. As the sector reconvenes face-to-face, the event promises to offer meaningful connections and high-value commercial opportunities.
Main conference themes: AI, sustainability, global growth
The conference will follow a three-part thematic structure centered on: “Technological Breakthroughs (AI & Smart Farming), Green Transformation (Low-Carbon/Circular Economy), Global Collaboration for Overseas Expansion (Standards/Supply Chain)”.
These topics will explore how smart technologies and AI are optimising output and quality in animal protein production, enabling the transition to low-carbon practices, and facilitating circular economy models for better resource efficiency and reduced waste.
The VIV International Summit encourages shifting from domestic competition to global collaboration. Its focus: moving from product-only exports to full-chain partnerships and establishing robust, standardised supply systems to support the sustainable internationalization of China’s livestock sector. AgriBITs, launching in China for the first time, will provide a worldwide lens on AI, automation, and digitization trends impacting the livestock space.
Empowering connections with Hosted Buyer Program
To maximise business development, VIV Select China 2025 is continuing its Hosted Buyer Program, designed to connect exhibitors with qualified procurement professionals. Applicants approved via the official website’s Hosted Buyer section will receive exclusive perks including complimentary accommodation and access to V-Match, a bespoke business-matching service.
V-Match, launched in 2024, simplifies the buyer-exhibitor experience by curating meetings based on pre-screened profiles in a dedicated networking lounge. The last edition of this programme recorded 298 successful matches, reflecting its efficiency in generating real business leads.
Easy travel and international access
In support of international participation, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to include 34 countries, with transit stays now extended up to 240 hours. To further streamline visitor access, Nanjing has introduced a new digital hub called “In-Nanjing”, offering seamless support services to incoming global guests.
Yanmar joins Chia Tai and XAG to launch smart farming space in Thailand
Yanmar S.P. Co., Ltd. teamed up with Chia Tai Co., Ltd. and XAG Co., Ltd. for the opening of the 'Chia Tai Experience' at the Chia Tai Agricultural Center in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand
The initiative is focused on improving Thai agriculture by giving farmers access to modern technology, practical know-how, and sustainable farming practices.
The Chia Tai Experience acts as a hands-on space where farmers can learn and try out new agricultural tools and techniques. Chia Tai has created a display showing rice farming methods suited for the region using its Crop Management Plan. This plan is designed to tackle common problems in local rice fields and introduce the idea of developing from 'Farmer to Professional Farmer.' XAG has set up a certified service area for agricultural drones, offering maintenance and support.
One of the main features of the event was a live demo of Yanmar’s YR Series rice transplanter, which took place at the Smart Farm Showcase. This area highlights how Yanmar’s technology is making rice farming more efficient.
This event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Chia Tai, XAG, and Yanmar S.P. Co., Ltd. The signing was attended by Peng Bin, Founder and CEO of XAG; Manas Chiaravanond, CEO of Chia Tai; and Ryosuke Yamaguchi, President of Yanmar S.P. Co., Ltd. The agreement reflects a shared goal of using smart farming to help farmers grow better crops and improve their livelihoods.
President Ryosuke Yamaguchi said during the event, “At Yanmar, we believe that innovation in agriculture is crucial not only for increasing productivity but also for building sustainable futures for our farmers. Our collaboration with Chia Tai and XAG represents a unified effort to bring advanced technology directly to the fields, ensuring farmers thrive in an evolving industry.”
The Chia Tai Experience continues the joint work first seen during Yanmar’s 45th anniversary event held from 3 to 5 October, 2024, in Khon Kaen. At that event, Yanmar introduced the EF393T tractor and a new electric farming machine concept. The company also named Thai actor Nadech Kugimiya as its brand ambassador, highlighting its interest in promoting innovation and sustainability.
Together, Yanmar, Chia Tai, and XAG are working to support a shift toward smarter, more sustainable farming in Thailand, with a focus on real-world solutions that can benefit farmers across the country.

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

The global phosphate fertilizer market is expected to grow upto US$84bn by 2031. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)
Phosphate fertilizers: a market poised for expansion
The phosphate fertilizers market is on a robust growth trajectory, anticipated to expand from US$57.5bn in 2024 to a significant US$84bn by 2031
This growth corresponds to a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031, according to the latest research. Phosphate fertilizers remain crucial for global agriculture, enhancing crop yields and soil fertility, thus playing a vital role in food security and sustainable farming practices worldwide.
Rising population levels, increasing food demand, and the need to improve agricultural productivity drive the expansion of phosphate fertilizer consumption. The market is segmented by product type, with single superphosphate (SSP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) being among the leading segments due to their efficiency and widespread adoption. Geographically, Asia Pacific dominates the market owing to extensive agricultural activities and supportive government policies encouraging fertilizer use.
The phosphate fertilizers market is pivotal in supporting global agriculture by providing essential nutrients that improve soil health and crop output. In 2024, the market value stood at US$57.5bn, expected to rise steadily to US$84bn by 2031, reflecting the growing need for sustainable and enhanced agricultural practices worldwide. The surge is driven largely by increased adoption in developing regions, where food production must keep pace with rising populations and changing dietary preferences.
Growth in the market is primarily fueled by the high demand from staple crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, which require phosphorus for optimal growth. Among different phosphate fertilizer types, single superphosphate holds a significant share due to its cost-effectiveness and suitability across diverse soil types. Regionally, the Asia Pacific market leads because of extensive farmland, large farming communities, and government incentives aimed at boosting fertilizer use to ensure food security and economic growth.
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Zoomlion showcases tailored solutions for Africa’s growth at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. (Image source: Zoomlion)
Zoomlion exhibits at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo
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.
Entocycle builds future with Siemens' smart farming
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.”