Bühler is playing a major role in this transformation with its new Grain Processing Innovation Centre. (Image source: Bühler)

As the growing world population is increasing the demand for food, extreme weather conditions and political conflicts are disrupting established food value chains, thus resulting in food security becoming a critical issue in most regions of the world

Improving self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on imported grains has been found to be a key answer to these existential challenges. Locally grown grains and crops are often more climate and pest resilient, can be cultivated in adverse climates and arid regions, and have a higher nutritional value compared with more refined cereals. Growing and processing these crops on a large scale can therefore provide new sustainable market opportunities for farmers and producers. 

Bühler is playing a major role in this transformation with its new Grain Processing Innovation Centre (GPIC), which is scheduled to open on 11 July in Kano, Nigeria. Both the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and the esteemed Governor of Kano will be present at the opening.

During the event, participants will be guided through the new facility to gain an understanding of the new capabilities and some of the product possibilities that will enable customers to innovate and grow their businesses in a sustainable and responsible manner. 

John Deere debuted five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Track Loaders. (Image source: John Deere)

John Deere recently debuted five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loader (SSL) and Compact Track Loader (CTL) models boasting a brand-new one-piece cab design with premium options, enhanced technology features and an overall increase in operating power

These new models include the 330 and 334 P-Tier SSLs and the 331, 333 and 335 P-Tier CTLs, which come with the debut of three brand new attachments. These comprise the MK76 and MH72D mulching heads and the CP40G cold planer. In order to enhance productivity on the job, the 333 and 335 P-Tier machines can be equipped with John Deere SmartGrade technology. 

Taking the feedback of their customers into consideration, John Deere has proceeded with prioritising operator comfort and productivity. Customers can now experience better insight and customisation of machine settings and viewing information, by utilising the eight-inch premium touch-screen display interface, available on the full line-up of P-Tier models and standard on the 334 and 335 P-Tier.

The pairing of Bluetooth devices is enabled on the touchscreen display and enables the answering of calls and control of streaming audio, making for seamless operation. With a focus on serviceability, the new cab tilts up in one piece, giving ground-level, all around access to the engine, drivetrain, and undercarriage of the machine. In regard to SmartGrade and Grade Control features, a new hydraulic system has been designed to help operators maximise efforts on the job. 

Moreover, two brand new technology capabilities have also made their debut with the rollout of these models, including Attachment Manager and Surround View. The John Deere Operations Centre will continue to be included on all large-frame CTL and SSL, enabling fleet managers to monitor machine location, codes, fuel usage and other key features more efficiently.

In addition, the company has also debuted strategic Quick-Tatch system updates and three new attachment offerings. A full overhaul of the John Deere Quik-Tatch coupler means customers can experience less downtime and continue to easily switch back and forth between attachments. Also, both install implementation and design improvements have been made to increase customer and confidence, making for a more efficient jobsite.

For more information, visit: www.JohnDeere.com

A drone flies over a farm in Tanzania. (Image source: FAO/Eduardo Soteras)

On 17 May, at the Business Federations of the G7 (B7) meeting which took place in Rome, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), QU Dongy highlighted that AI is not just a technological shift, but is driving a fundamental economic and social transformation at the broadest level

He noted that ”Digital agriculture can revolutionise how we produce, distribute and consume food,” highlighting that potential benefits for farmers and stakeholders across agrifood systems include improved pricing data, minimising food loss and waste, enhancing food safety and stimulating adoption of better seeds, fertiliser and sustainable practices.

The B7 comprises the main business and industrial federations of the G7 members and the European Union. Once a year, the B7 presents its recommendations on selected priority topics to the G7 presidency, which this year is held by Italy.

The Director-General emphasised the central role that data plays in AI and digital technologies, noting that quality data is needed to train innovative tools and to accelerate actions such as agrifood systems transformation.

FAO has a formidable database in FAOSTAT, data is central to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and has an innovation lab to experiment with new sources and methods. One takeaway from those initiatives is that data ecosystems require significant investment and effective collaboration. FAO stands ready to engage and partner with the B7 group and the private sector in this area, Qu said.

Novonesis, Andermatt collaborate to boost sustainable farming and farmer income in Africa with Cell-Tech soybean inoculant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Novonesis, a global leader in biological solutions, has forged a significant distribution pact with the esteemed Andermatt Group, renowned for quality biological solutions to distribute Cell-Tech soybean inoculant, fostering sustainable agriculture and farmer income

This collaboration will extend access to Novonesis’s soybean inoculant, Cell-Tech, to farmers throughout Southern and Eastern Africa for the 2024-2025 planting season.

Cell-Tech Technology incorporates specially selected rhizobia, offering efficient nodulation to boost nitrogen fixation, thereby enhancing yield potential amid evolving planting conditions. Backed by a four-day on-seed guarantee when combined with most common chemical seed treatments, Cell-Tech is conveniently supplied in a liquid formulation for on-farm application.

“The introduction of Cell-Tech through this partnership is a significant step towards bringing biological solutions in agricultural inputs in Africa. Novonesis and Andermatt’s mutual commitment to sustainable farming and economic upliftment paves the way for a rapid increase in the use of biologicals across Africa, aiding in the achievement of the continent’s food security objectives,” said Krishna Mohan Puvvada, regional president, Middle East, India and Africa at Novonesis.

“This strategic alliance will address critical challenges faced by African agriculture, such as climate change, soil health degradation, and the need for modern farming practices. By integrating biologicals into farming systems, Novonesis and Andermatt Africa are at the forefront of improving productivity and contributing significantly to the continent’s food security objectives,” added Andre Fox, director business development for Andermatt in South-East Africa.

The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both companies: Andermatt’s robust farmer connections, expansive distribution network, and agricultural expertise, combined with Novonesis’s scientific heritage and dynamic portfolio of biological solutions. Together, Andermatt and Novonesis aim to introduce more advanced biological solutions that support sustainable agriculture and increase farmer incomes.

With established legal entities in South Africa, Mozambique, and Kenya, the Andermatt Group extends its presence to numerous other African countries, including Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This extensive network reflects Andermatt’s dedication to fostering sustainable food production across the continent and stimulating local economies through the export of high-quality, residue-free produce.