AGRIMAX PROHARVEST thus stands as a technologically advanced and cost-effective solution for all operators in the farming industry. (Image source: BKT)

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has recently developed a new tire for the purpose of tackling the challenges associated with harvesting needs by combining high performance, reliability and eco-friendliness

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST integrates advanced technical solutions to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Thanks to the VF (Very High Flexion) technology, the tire can carry up to 40% more load than a standard tire at the same inflation pressure, thus enabling a wider and more even weight distribution on the ground, significantly reducing the risk of compaction and promoting soil conservation, which is key to maintaining fertility and agricultural productivity.

For demanding operating conditions, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST features a reinforced polyester casing combined with three layers of steel belts that ensure greater resistance to deformation and superior protection against mechanical stress, extending a tire’s service life even in case of high and cyclic loads. Compound formulation has also been given additional attention to provide high cut and chip resistance, as well as against damages caused by residual stubble or other abrasive materials on the ground, thus minimising the risk of punctures and reducing maintenance costs.

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST's tread features an innovative open-shoulder design that improves traction on rough and wet terrain while enhancing self-cleaning properties. Moreover, it offers remarkable on-road handling, ensuring even wear, better steering control, as well as remarkable driving comfort. Another advantage is the CFO technology (Cyclic Field Operations) that enables the tire to tolerate temporary overloads beyond its capacity, as it occurs when the combine harvester's tank reaches maximum fill and then returns to standard operating conditions once the load is reduced, preventing structural damage and ensuring a longer product life-cycle.

Additionally, the tire has a long service life, owing to its targeted design choices that help reduce the overall environmental impact by limiting the need for frequent replacements and decreasing the quantity of materials and resources required for manufacturing and product life-cycle management.

"Thanks to its innovative design, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST tackles these challenges by reducing the pressure exerted on the soil since it has a larger footprint. Not only does this preserve soil health, but it also promotes higher and more sustainable farming yields". - says Dilip Vaidya, senior president & director technology at BKT.

Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))

The continual development of AI technologies has opened up potential for their use in various farming systems, including greenhouses

As agriculture continues to be one of the top revenue generating sectors in Africa, the popularity of greenhouse systems has seen a significant increase in recent years. Various fruits, vegetables and high-value crops are now being grown in specially designed greenhouse systems throughout the year, irrespective of weather conditions in the region.

Greenhouses are a mode of controlled environment cultivation that aim to create micro-climates that are favourable for producing crops during any time of the year. One of the main advantages of greenhouse systems is their ability to regulate temperature, maintaining optimal conditions in both hot and cold climates. In addition, greenhouses offer protection against pests and diseases, owing to their transparent structures clad with flexible materials that provides excellent ventilation. Moreover, they also optimise the use of other humidification and energy saving technologies that facilitate climate management, thereby boosting overall yield and production.

Since these indoor growing environments mostly require manual operation, installing automation technologies help in maintaining the desired internal environment with reduced reliance on farm labour. Also known as IoT smart greenhouses, these automated systems utilise a wide range of technologies including sensors responsible for heat control that modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. Moreover, computer automation software is often used to adjust humidity and venting, while Co2 monitors are used to regulate gas levels in the atmosphere.

Other notable control systems include programmes that automatically dispense pesticides in calculated amounts; equipment control systems that handle the movement of installed lights and planting equipment; fertigation management systems that automatically dispense water through water systems and lastly, drip irrigation systems that use soil sensors to monitor moisture levels in the soil.

The project is designed to validate wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis as a rapid and affordable approach to drug development. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Wamego-based company, Tritica Biosciences, along with three other partners have joined hands to work under Boston-based Ginkgo Bioworks, on a million-dollar project aimed at exploring the potential of the wheat crop in transforming drug development

The project is designed to validate wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis as a rapid and affordable approach to drug development. This powerful innovation introduces a new method of biomanufacturing that has broad applications across various sectors ranging from food to pharmaceuticals.

The ARPA-H project, known as Wheat-based High efficiency Enzyme and API Technology (WHEAT) is one of the first initiatives within ARPA-H’s Scalable Solutions Office, which aims to transform the health by improving the speed, scale and access to medical treatments.

The project aims to boost domestic manufacturing of critical medicines by producing them when and where they are needed. Many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are currently affected by fragile global supply chains, and reshoring biomanufacturing will help stabilise the supply of critical, life-saving drugs.

According to a news release from Ginkgo Bioworks, WHEAT’s innovations will include post-translational modifications to establish a foundation suitable for producing biologics. 

“By harnessing the power of wheat based cell-free systems, we’re planting the future of medicine, helping to make production more efficient, flexible and localised,” said Dr Chris Miller, founder and CSO, Tritica Biosciences. 

Value Line Steering system marks a significant step toward more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming practices. (Image source: Topcon Agriculture)

Global leader in precision farming technology, Topcon Agriculture has announced the launch of its Value Line Steering solution, aimed at increasing accessibility of precision farming for small and medium-sized farming operations

Advanced autosteering capabilities will now be available to a wider range of farmers and provide an affordable and easy-to-use solution compatible with a broad variety of tractors, including front-wheel-steer models and those compliant with ISOBUS-UT standards. Its simple design allows users unfamiliar with high-tech farming equipment to quickly adopt the system.

Moreover, the Value Line Steering solution enables older tractors to operate at sub-5 cm accuracy levels previously reserved for new, high-end machinery.

"With diesel, fertiliser, and chemical costs all rising, it's more important than ever to maximise efficiency," said Aaron Freeman, a fourth-generation farmer from Koolunga, South Australia. "The Value Line Steering system saves resources, reduces overlap, and boosts profitability."