Crops

Farmers and the local agriculture sector hope that implementing these revolutionary farming methods in Can Tho will help raise rice quality, while also cutting emissions from cultivation. (Image source: MARD)

5 April marked the launch of a high-quality, low-emission rice production pilot model in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho

The 50-acre model that will apply sustainable farming practices, will first be tested at the Thuan Tien Cooperative in Thanh An commune. Once the model proves successful, it will be replicated in all of the cooperative’s 512 hectares, as well as other localities. The project has managed to garner support from numerous international organisations and businesses such as the World Bank and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). 

The launching ceremony of the project was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and 12 Mekong Delta localities, farmers, experts and those from international organisations. With the aim of training local farmers, the MARD on the same day, launched five demonstration sites on high-quality, low-carbon rice cultivation. 

Farmers and the local agriculture sector hope that implementing these revolutionary farming methods in Can Tho will help raise rice quality, while also cutting emissions from cultivation. IRRI deputy director general, Joanna Kane-Potaka also hopes that this private model will enable farmers to reflect on the experience of experts and partners in low-carbon rice cultivation. 

The initiative's success reflects the combined efforts of partners, collaborators, and the farming community. (Image source: ICRISAT)

Powered by research and data from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), farmers can quickly address numerous agricultural challenges by leveraging the strengths of the Plantix app's AI-driven diagnostics

Thanks to the seamless integration of technology and agricultural expertise, more than 30 million smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics have been empowered with real-time plant health management advice, significantly improving farming practices. 

The initiative's success reflects the combined efforts of partners, collaborators, and the farming community. CEO of Plantix, Simone Strey extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the decade-long initiative, while also encouraging like-minded entities to join the mission of transforming agriculture through science and technology. 

"We believe in the power of shared visions, combining science, innovation and technology to create effective solutions that truly benefit smallholder farmers,” stated director general of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes. “Together, we have achieved over 30 million downloads of the Plantix app and analysed more than 100 million images, providing critical agricultural insights to millions of farmers worldwide.” 

In recognition of the 10-year milestone, ICRISAT and Plantix also unveiled a commemorative brochure, 'Sowing a Seed of Change'. According to Dr Srikanth Rupavatharam, senior Scientist-Digital Agriculture, Global Research Programme for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, the brochure which is a testament to a decade of dedication and progress serves as a catalyst for conversations within agricultural networks worldwide. 

For more information, visit: https://plantix.net/en/ 

The BBL2-2 maize is set to herald a new era of crop innovation. (Image Source: Adobe Stock)

Leading Chinese agricultural technology company, Origin Agritech Ltd., has announced a milestone achievement with the issuance of a GMO safety certificate for its transgenic maize BBL2-2, heralding a new era for crop innovation

The newly-certified BBL2-2 maize contains two insect-resistant genes, Cry1AB and Cry3Bb, and one herbicide-tolerance gene, Cp4-epsps, making this maize type resistant to various lepidopteran pests such as corn borer, cotton bollworm and armyworm.

Paving the way

The certification of BBL2-2 confirms its adherence to stringent safety standards and paves the way for its commercial launch. The introduction of the maize crop is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, providing a powerful tool for farmers to manage pests effectively and significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

Dr. Gengchen Han, chairman and CEO of Origin Agritech, said, “Receiving this GMO safety certificate is a transformative moment for Origin Agritech and agricultural biotechnology in China. BBL2-2 exemplifies our capabilities in genetic innovation and sets a new standard in sustainable agriculture.

“We are eager to lead the commercialisation of this technology, which promises significant improvements in crop resilience and yield.”

The CHRONOS OMP-2090 B delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety. (Image source: Bühler)

Swiss technology group, Bühler recently announced its partnership with Canadian packaging equipment manufacturer, Premier Tech to launch the CHRONOS OMP-2090 B, a fully automatic bagging station

Developed for a wide range of powdery and other non-free-flowing products, the new bagging station delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety.

The CHRONOS OMP-2090 B features an innovative bag opening system that delivers maximum efficiency with highly reliable operation. Its innovation in bagging accuracy of approximately 25 kg is made possible through the incorporation of dosing and weighing technology and intelligent controls. Its uniquely robust bag handling concept delivers optimal uptime and has a capacity of up to 900 bags per hour and its hygienic design coupled with comprehensive safety features demonstrates Bühler's and Premier Tech’s dedication to high food and human safety standards. These features significantly optimise the profitability of millers without compromising the efficiency of their operations.

“At Premier Tech, we leverage our decades of expertise to deliver high-performing, food-safe, and cost-effective automated packaging solutions," said Partner Relations director at Premier Tech Systems and Automation, Alexis Michaud. "This dedication to quality and innovation ensures that businesses in emerging markets have access to the automation level they need to compete. Our solutions empower them to enhance their operational efficiency and product quality, ultimately contributing to their long-term success.” 

The product will be available in all markets, apart from the US, Canada and the European member states. 

For more information, visit: https://www.buhlergroup.com/ and https://www.premiertech.com/