In The Spotlight
AAGB-2025 featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including three plenary talks and a high-level panel discussion focused on outlining a roadmap for groundnut improvement over the next decade. (Image source: ICRISAT)
ICRISAT in collaboration with the Peanut Research Foundation organised the 13th International Conference on Advances in Arachis through Genomics and Biotechnology (AAGB-2025) which took place from 23-25 March 2025 in Goa, India
The AAGB-2025 served as a vital platform for bringing together a global community of scientists, researchers, and industry experts to explore cutting-edge developments in groundnut (peanut) genomics and biotechnology and the innovations aimed at enhancing crop resilience, productivity, and nutritional quality. The conference saw participation from over 250 delegates from more than 18 countries including India, China, the US, Japan, Mali, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso, among others.
AAGB-2025 featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including three plenary talks and a high-level panel discussion focused on outlining a roadmap for groundnut improvement over the next decade. The event also hosted 10 thematic scientific sessions, bringing together leading experts from around the world. In addition, the three-day conference also featured a dedicated poster session showcasing 26 posters. The conference provided a valuable platform for young researchers and students to present their work and interact with global experts.
These sessions covered a wide array of critical topics, including genebank genomics and pan-genomics, trait mapping and gene discovery, genomics-assisted breeding, food safety, nutrition and quality, functional genomics, genome editing, and other emerging technologies. Discussions also focused on strategies for effectively translating genetic innovations into practical applications in groundnut cropping systems.
Awards were also presented by deputy director general – research and innovation, ICRISAT, Dr Stanford Blade for five outstanding posters and five exceptional presentations by young researchers during the conference. Another key highlight of the event was the involvement from industry stakeholders, with exhibitions by organisations such as DSS Takara, the South Africa Groundnut Association (SAGA), and Premas Life Sciences, underscoring the strong industry-science partnership in advancing groundnut research.
“For dryland crops like groundnut, strong partnerships and collaborative efforts are essential to drive meaningful impact at the field level. It is encouraging to witness the active engagement of both national and international partners, including the Peanut Research Foundation, in advancing this critical area of research,” said director general of ICRISAT, Dr Himanshu Pathak. President of the Peanut Research Foundation, Dr Steve Brown joined the event virtually and expressed his pleasure regarding their partnership in organising the conference.
The committee expressed concern after the AGSA revealed that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance. (Image source: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa)
The Office of the Auditor General's (AGSA) review of the Department of Agriculture and its entities’ 2025/26 annual performance plans (APPs) and budgets was recently presented to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP)
As part of its findings, the AGSA told the committee that seemingly the MTDP indicators and targets are not included in the department’s strategic and annual performance plans. The committee heard that MTDP 2024–2029 is a five-year strategic blueprint developed by the seventh administration to drive national development. The MTDP aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and integrates international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063.
The committee expressed concern after the AGSA revealed that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance. This lack of specificity makes both the indicator and the target unclear and ambiguous. It also causes AGSA to be unable to measure effectively, which undermines their usefulness for monitoring progress and evaluating performance.
AGSA also presented reviews of the APPs of the department’s three entities – the Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Biological Products and the National Agricultural Council. As part of the presentation, the AGSA recommended that the committee should ask the department to present a revised 2025/26 APP along with a matrix showing changes made to performance indicators, their definitions and associated date sources. In addition, the committee should also ask the department for regular updates on this information.
Committee Chairperson, Dina Pule, emphasised that the committee was not rejecting the APPs as presented, but rather allowing the department and its entities to reconstruct the APPs in light of the AGSA recommendations.
Through its participation, FAO will offer in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that align with the core mandate of FAO in Zimbabwe in alignment with national agrifood systems priorities. (Image source: FAO)
Themed 'Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape,' the 65th blue sapphire edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is scheduled to be held from 21-26 April in Bulawayo
Through participation at the ZITF, FAO will offer in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that align with the core mandate of FAO in Zimbabwe in alignment with national agrifood systems priorities. The dialogues and networking sessions on various thematic issues framed under FAO’s key programme priorities will enhance stakeholder experience and provide a platform for interaction, learning, and collaboration.
Through its participation, FAO will offer in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that align with the core mandate of FAO in Zimbabwe in alignment with national agrifood systems priorities. The dialogues and networking sessions on various thematic issues framed under FAO’s key programme priorities will enhance stakeholder experience and provide a platform for interaction, learning, and collaboration.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Kallon stressed stressed the importance of engaging businesses, youth, and communities in the food security and agriculture sector and their role in transforming food systems, fostering climate resilience, and achieving sustainable development goals. "A lot is weighed against developing countries' ability to shape food systems. In many cases, the essential financial and value chain systems are absent and must be constructed from the ground up," said Kallon. This highlights the urgent need for cohesive efforts in building resilient food systems that can drive economic growth and lift entire communities out of recurrent hunger and poverty.
The mentorship programme is open to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. (Image source: Alltech)
Alltech has continued its collaboration with Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Programme, which has been successful in matching more than 1,500 professionals, creating meaningful rela tionships that foster career growth and leadership development in the food and agriculture sectors
The programme aims to provide mentorship opportunities that help in supporting women across the global food and agriculture sectors. The initiative not only empowers women at various career stages but also addresses the critical shortage of mentors, which is considered a sector-wide challenge across the industry. This growing initiative tackles this issue by encouraging individuals with a range of experience and backgrounds to apply to be a mentor.
"Mentorship is not a one-way street- it’s a collaborative journey that benefits both mentor and mentee. Everyone who takes part finds it incredibly rewarding," said Patrick Charlton, vice president of Europe at Alltech and a former mentor in the programme. "There are talented women out there looking to grow their careers; they simply need guidance and support. You can be part of that change."
The mentorship programme is open to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. Applications for the free-to-join programme are now open. The programme welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives.
This initiative aims to celebrate and promote the most promising startups on the continent seeking to address major economic, societal and environmental challenges. (Image source: Viva Technology)
Viva Technology has announced the 45 finalists for the fourth annual edition of the AfricaTech Awards
The mission of the VivaTech initiative is to highlight and support the most innovative and highest-impact startups on the African continent. The AfricaTech Awards reaffirm their ambition to honor African innovation and entrepreneurship at VivaTech. This initiative aims to celebrate and promote the most promising startups on the continent seeking to address major economic, societal and environmental challenges.
This year again, the prize focused on young companies with high potential in three key sectors: GreenTech; HealthTech; and E-commerce & FinTech. VivaTech and its Knowledge Partner, Deloitte, selected the finalists out of 492 applicants for this 2025 edition. Nigeria confirmed its dynamism with the highest representation among the 56 African countries in the running. Of the 45 finalist startups, half were founded or co-founded by women.
"I am proud that this year's AfricaTech Awards has once again attracted so many high-quality entries from across the African continent," said François Bitouzet, managing director of Viva Technology. “This reinforces our approach at VivaTech: to bring together the many voices of tech. And, of course, we are delighted once again to showcase the unique place of Africa in the international atlas of innovation.”
The winners will be announced at the VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony taking place on 12 June 2025, with Édouard Mendy as patron of the AfricaTech Awards for the second year in a row.
ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient. (Image source: ILRI)
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) recently entered a collaboration aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock
Backed by theBezos Earth Fund and theGlobal Methane Hub, IRLI's partnership with the new US$27.4mn global initiative will identify and scale climate-efficient livestock by providing ample support to research and breeding programmes across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.
ILRI’s leadership in the Global Methane Genetics Initiative, coupled with its contribution to the Low Methane Forage project highlights its central role in delivering integrated, climate-smart livestock solutions for the Global South. These two complementary efforts have enabled ILRI to tackle enteric methane emissions from both the genetic and nutritional fronts—two of the most promising and scalable strategies for mitigating livestock emissions without compromising productivity.
The genetics initiative enables African production systems to choose cattle breeds that naturally emit lower emissions, while the Low Methane Forage project identifies and deploys anti-methanogenic, high-yielding tropical forages suited for smallholder and pastoral systems. These projects in combination with each other demonstrate ILRI’s commitment to advancing science-based innovations that are practical, inclusive, and tailored to the realities of livestock keepers in Africa and beyond. By aligning research, capacity building, and deployment with national and regional needs, ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient.
The initiative is also part of the Global Methane Genetics initiative that works by screening more than 100,000 animals, collecting methan emissions data and integrating findings into public and private breeding programmes. By making methane efficiency a standard part of livestock breeding, the initiative marks a turning point for climate-smart livestock development in Africa.
"By harnessing the power of genetics and data, we are equipping farmers with the tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals. It is a bold step towards aligning Africa’s livestock systems with global climate goals, while enhancing livelihoods and food security," said ILRI’s director general, Appolinaire Djikeng. "ILRI is proud to lead this effort in close partnership with national and international collaborators including Agriculture Research Council, South Africa, the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Burkina Faso and Universite d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin.”
In the long run, the approach will keep diets, infrastructure and productivity intact, while at the same time contributing to an overall 30% reduction in methane emissons in cattle over the next two decades. This also includes an annual reduction of 1-2%.
Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)
ALMACO Telematics is a next-generation system delivering remote access to real-time machine data—boosting efficiency, performance, and uptime for seed research professionals
Available on both the R1 Single-Plot and R2 Twin-Plot Research Combines, it’s the only telematics offering integrated specifically for seed research, reinforcing ALMACO’s leadership in precision agtech.
With insights into numerous machine parameters, the platform provides deep visibility into settings, location, diagnostics, software, and performance. This empowers fleet managers and researchers to easily monitor and optimise machine use for peak operational output.
Maximising uptime through smart diagnostics
A key feature of ALMACO Telematics is its remote diagnostics and repair capability, protecting uptime and reducing disruptions. Over 30% of service issues can be resolved remotely, removing the need for a field technician and delivering cost-effective value.
Simplified software upgrades
The system enables remote software updates, ensuring machines stay up to date without site visits. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs while supporting continuous tech improvement.
Enhanced fleet oversight
From their desks, managers can track machine performance and advise operators to refine seed trial accuracy. Telematics interfaces can also be remotely customised to support the specific goals of different research operations, improving data precision and machine functionality.
A smart investment for research operations
By reducing field calls, improving uptime, and enhancing resale value, ALMACO Telematics offers a strong return on investment. With its real-time oversight and proactive maintenance tools, seed research professionals can operate with confidence and lower costs.
“The integration of ALMACO Telematics marks a significant step forward in precision seed research,” said Mat Titus, service director at ALMACO. “By offering real-time data access and remote diagnostics, we are enabling researchers to focus on what matters most—developing the next generation of seed innovations.”
AAGB-2025 featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including three plenary talks and a high-level panel discussion focused on outlining a roadmap for groundnut improvement over the next decade. (Image source: ICRISAT)
ICRISAT in collaboration with the Peanut Research Foundation organised the 13th International Conference on Advances in Arachis through Genomics and Biotechnology (AAGB-2025) which took place from 23-25 March 2025 in Goa, India
The AAGB-2025 served as a vital platform for bringing together a global community of scientists, researchers, and industry experts to explore cutting-edge developments in groundnut (peanut) genomics and biotechnology and the innovations aimed at enhancing crop resilience, productivity, and nutritional quality. The conference saw participation from over 250 delegates from more than 18 countries including India, China, the US, Japan, Mali, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso, among others.
AAGB-2025 featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including three plenary talks and a high-level panel discussion focused on outlining a roadmap for groundnut improvement over the next decade. The event also hosted 10 thematic scientific sessions, bringing together leading experts from around the world. In addition, the three-day conference also featured a dedicated poster session showcasing 26 posters. The conference provided a valuable platform for young researchers and students to present their work and interact with global experts.
These sessions covered a wide array of critical topics, including genebank genomics and pan-genomics, trait mapping and gene discovery, genomics-assisted breeding, food safety, nutrition and quality, functional genomics, genome editing, and other emerging technologies. Discussions also focused on strategies for effectively translating genetic innovations into practical applications in groundnut cropping systems.
Awards were also presented by deputy director general – research and innovation, ICRISAT, Dr Stanford Blade for five outstanding posters and five exceptional presentations by young researchers during the conference. Another key highlight of the event was the involvement from industry stakeholders, with exhibitions by organisations such as DSS Takara, the South Africa Groundnut Association (SAGA), and Premas Life Sciences, underscoring the strong industry-science partnership in advancing groundnut research.
“For dryland crops like groundnut, strong partnerships and collaborative efforts are essential to drive meaningful impact at the field level. It is encouraging to witness the active engagement of both national and international partners, including the Peanut Research Foundation, in advancing this critical area of research,” said director general of ICRISAT, Dr Himanshu Pathak. President of the Peanut Research Foundation, Dr Steve Brown joined the event virtually and expressed his pleasure regarding their partnership in organising the conference.
Through its participation, FAO will offer in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that align with the core mandate of FAO in Zimbabwe in alignment with national agrifood systems priorities. (Image source: FAO)
This initiative aims to celebrate and promote the most promising startups on the continent seeking to address major economic, societal and environmental challenges. (Image source: Viva Technology)
ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient. (Image source: ILRI)
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) recently entered a collaboration aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock
Backed by theBezos Earth Fund and theGlobal Methane Hub, IRLI's partnership with the new US$27.4mn global initiative will identify and scale climate-efficient livestock by providing ample support to research and breeding programmes across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.
ILRI’s leadership in the Global Methane Genetics Initiative, coupled with its contribution to the Low Methane Forage project highlights its central role in delivering integrated, climate-smart livestock solutions for the Global South. These two complementary efforts have enabled ILRI to tackle enteric methane emissions from both the genetic and nutritional fronts—two of the most promising and scalable strategies for mitigating livestock emissions without compromising productivity.
The genetics initiative enables African production systems to choose cattle breeds that naturally emit lower emissions, while the Low Methane Forage project identifies and deploys anti-methanogenic, high-yielding tropical forages suited for smallholder and pastoral systems. These projects in combination with each other demonstrate ILRI’s commitment to advancing science-based innovations that are practical, inclusive, and tailored to the realities of livestock keepers in Africa and beyond. By aligning research, capacity building, and deployment with national and regional needs, ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient.
The initiative is also part of the Global Methane Genetics initiative that works by screening more than 100,000 animals, collecting methan emissions data and integrating findings into public and private breeding programmes. By making methane efficiency a standard part of livestock breeding, the initiative marks a turning point for climate-smart livestock development in Africa.
"By harnessing the power of genetics and data, we are equipping farmers with the tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals. It is a bold step towards aligning Africa’s livestock systems with global climate goals, while enhancing livelihoods and food security," said ILRI’s director general, Appolinaire Djikeng. "ILRI is proud to lead this effort in close partnership with national and international collaborators including Agriculture Research Council, South Africa, the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Burkina Faso and Universite d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin.”
In the long run, the approach will keep diets, infrastructure and productivity intact, while at the same time contributing to an overall 30% reduction in methane emissons in cattle over the next two decades. This also includes an annual reduction of 1-2%.
Fortena delivers significant benefits to broiler breeders, enhancing both the feeding process and overall farm management. (Image source: Roxell)
Plukon has worked on minimising false rejections and ensuring the highest levels of metal detection by implementing Mitus from Minebea Intec. (Image source: Minebea Intec)
The committee expressed concern after the AGSA revealed that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance. (Image source: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa)
The Office of the Auditor General's (AGSA) review of the Department of Agriculture and its entities’ 2025/26 annual performance plans (APPs) and budgets was recently presented to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP)
As part of its findings, the AGSA told the committee that seemingly the MTDP indicators and targets are not included in the department’s strategic and annual performance plans. The committee heard that MTDP 2024–2029 is a five-year strategic blueprint developed by the seventh administration to drive national development. The MTDP aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and integrates international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063.
The committee expressed concern after the AGSA revealed that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance. This lack of specificity makes both the indicator and the target unclear and ambiguous. It also causes AGSA to be unable to measure effectively, which undermines their usefulness for monitoring progress and evaluating performance.
AGSA also presented reviews of the APPs of the department’s three entities – the Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Biological Products and the National Agricultural Council. As part of the presentation, the AGSA recommended that the committee should ask the department to present a revised 2025/26 APP along with a matrix showing changes made to performance indicators, their definitions and associated date sources. In addition, the committee should also ask the department for regular updates on this information.
Committee Chairperson, Dina Pule, emphasised that the committee was not rejecting the APPs as presented, but rather allowing the department and its entities to reconstruct the APPs in light of the AGSA recommendations.
The mentorship programme is open to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. (Image source: Alltech)
Nigeria’s Cross River State has commenced construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, set to transform its agricultural industry. (Image source: African Development Bank)
Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)
ALMACO Telematics is a next-generation system delivering remote access to real-time machine data—boosting efficiency, performance, and uptime for seed research professionals
Available on both the R1 Single-Plot and R2 Twin-Plot Research Combines, it’s the only telematics offering integrated specifically for seed research, reinforcing ALMACO’s leadership in precision agtech.
With insights into numerous machine parameters, the platform provides deep visibility into settings, location, diagnostics, software, and performance. This empowers fleet managers and researchers to easily monitor and optimise machine use for peak operational output.
Maximising uptime through smart diagnostics
A key feature of ALMACO Telematics is its remote diagnostics and repair capability, protecting uptime and reducing disruptions. Over 30% of service issues can be resolved remotely, removing the need for a field technician and delivering cost-effective value.
Simplified software upgrades
The system enables remote software updates, ensuring machines stay up to date without site visits. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs while supporting continuous tech improvement.
Enhanced fleet oversight
From their desks, managers can track machine performance and advise operators to refine seed trial accuracy. Telematics interfaces can also be remotely customised to support the specific goals of different research operations, improving data precision and machine functionality.
A smart investment for research operations
By reducing field calls, improving uptime, and enhancing resale value, ALMACO Telematics offers a strong return on investment. With its real-time oversight and proactive maintenance tools, seed research professionals can operate with confidence and lower costs.
“The integration of ALMACO Telematics marks a significant step forward in precision seed research,” said Mat Titus, service director at ALMACO. “By offering real-time data access and remote diagnostics, we are enabling researchers to focus on what matters most—developing the next generation of seed innovations.”
The latest additions to Alfa Laval’s valve portfolio demonstrate their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of industries where safety, efficiency and reliability are paramount. (Image source: Alfa Laval)
GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 delivering powerful cleaning performance with five kilograms of spray force and a full-cone jet reaching up to five metres. (Image source: GEA)
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The committee expressed concern after the AGSA revealed that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance. (Image source: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa)
The mentorship programme is open to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. (Image source: Alltech)
ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient. (Image source: ILRI)
Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)
Nigeria’s Cross River State has commenced construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, set to transform its agricultural industry. (Image source: African Development Bank)
Husk will supply power to Olam Agri under a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA). (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The programme has the potential to create more than 60,000 jobs in each of the pioneering states. (Image source: AfDB)
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Fortena delivers significant benefits to broiler breeders, enhancing both the feeding process and overall farm management. (Image source: Roxell)
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 delivering powerful cleaning performance with five kilograms of spray force and a full-cone jet reaching up to five metres. (Image source: GEA)
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