Technology

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.

The new-generation JOSKIN Tornado muck spreader boasts a redesigned, lighter body, integrated hydraulics, and versatile beaters for improved performance. (Image source: Joskin)

JOSKIN's "new generation" Tornado is a remarkable evolution in muck spreaders, offering significant improvements and a modernised design

Since its creation in the late '90s, the Tornado has continued to improve, maintaining its reputation thanks to its narrow, lowered body and its performance on a variety of terrains.

The body of the new-generation Tornado has been redesigned for easier emptying and cleaning, with increased taper and smoothed side walls. The hydraulic lines are now integrated into the body, and the mudguards have been redesigned to avoid material build-up. The high tensile steel construction eliminates the need for additional side reinforcements, thus reducing the weight of the machine.

The moving floor of the body, made of steel tubes and shipping chains, can be adjusted to facilitate the movement of the manure to the spreading unit. The running gear of the Tornado is equipped with a hydraulic suspension for an easy traction and an optimal stability.

The Tornado is fitted as standard with a hydraulic drawbar suspension and air brakes for an optimal driving comfort. Two Tornado models are available: with vertical or horizontal beaters, offering transport capacities ranging from 8.6 m³ to 22.4 m³.

Vertical beaters are designed to spread heavier manure containing straw over a wide area, offering a precise crumbling and a high flow. They are available in three different body heights to meet farmers' needs.

Horizontal beaters, on the other hand, are designed for light materials such as compost or lime, offering a homogeneous distribution even at low flow. They are equipped with a safety system to prevent any malfunction.

In summary, JOSKIN's "new generation" Tornado represents a significant advance in muck spreaders, offering an improved performance, a sturdy design and versatile options to meet farmers' needs.

Symaga's new SGA and MES systems enhance warehouse efficiency, streamline inventory with DataMatrix codes, and improve quality control, earning an ACEI award. (Image source: Symaga)

Symaga has successfully implemented its new SGA and MES IT systems, significantly enhancing the efficiency of its raw material and finished product warehouse management 

The SGA system allows real-time execution of the raw material reception process, which is interconnected with Symaga's ERP system. This integration enables the immediate use of incoming materials, resulting in a more efficient storage system. Inventory management is streamlined using DataMatrix codes, facilitating the quick and accurate handling of large volumes of products.

Furthermore, the new SGA systems improve picking and loading operations by optimizing package allocation within the warehouse, thereby increasing efficiency and safety.

The MES system enhances product quality and manufacturing control by automating quality control processes and alerting operators when necessary checks are required. It provides real-time monitoring of all machines, recording and reporting incidents detected by operators, thereby improving production management. The MES system integration also facilitates order preparation from the factory, optimizes the creation of packing lists, and enhances order shipments through terminals equipped with code readers for real-time registration, reducing human errors.

Symaga has been awarded a Certificate in Technological Innovation by the Spanish Certification Agency ACEI for the design and development of this comprehensive system. This award recognizes Symaga's contribution to the digital transformation towards Industry 4.0 during the implementation of the SGA and MES systems.

The intelligent digital management of warehouses and production is enabling Symaga to increase efficiency and productivity. This leads to cost reductions and faster, more efficient deliveries of its silos, enhancing competitiveness and supporting the corporate vision of becoming the largest manufacturer of storage solutions worldwide.