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Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers.

Agriculture

Boosting cassava value: insights from the Vietnam-Japan collaboration

Vietnam and Japan are set to launch a circular cassava production model aimed at making cassava farming more sustainable while increasing the value of one of Vietnam’s top exports.

The project, a partnership between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to begin in September.

Approved in December, the initiative will focus on improving the value, quality, and sustainability of Vietnam’s cassava industry, which ranks as one of the country's 13 key exports. According to MAE, Vietnam is the third-largest exporter of cassava and cassava-based products. Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers, especially in rural regions, and a staple food for many.

This project will be Vietnam’s first circular cassava production model, incorporating smart soil health monitoring and advanced technologies like sensors, satellites, and drones to monitor both soil and crops. A significant goal is to develop a sustainable supply chain for cassava starch that also supports carbon storage and promotes eco-friendly farming practices.

A key feature of the project is the integration of carbon measurement methods (MRV), which will allow for better monitoring and smart management of the value chain.Hoang Trung, deputy minister, highlighted that one of the primary objectives is to shift cassava farming towards a circular system by selecting carbon-storing cassava varieties and introducing sustainable farming methods.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will provide full support to ensure that JICA and its partners can implement all project components efficiently and on schedule,” said Trung.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry's Sustainable Cassava Industry Development Scheme, which runs through to 2030, with a long-term vision set for 2050.

The pilot project, led by Takuro Shinano, professor of Hokkaido University, will take place in Tay Ninh province, selected for its suitable climate, reliable water access, worker safety, and strong potential for scaling up. The working group, in collaboration with Tay Ninh’s department of agriculture and environment, conducted field surveys before choosing the site.

Shinano, professor emphasized that the project aims to establish a solid technical foundation for Vietnam, backed by technology transfers from Japanese partners and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The initiative will also include training programmes for Vietnamese technicians in Japan, installation of laboratory equipment, and provision of tools for the design and analysis facility in Tay Ninh.

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

Infrastructure

From streets to fields: Unitree’s Go2 joins smart farming

Unitree Robotics, known for creating user-friendly and affordable robots, is now bringing its technology to farming.

As rural areas face a shortage of younger workers and an ageing labour force, many tech companies are turning to robotics and digital solutions to modernise agriculture. In line with this, Unitree has teamed up with a top agricultural research institution to explore how robots can support smarter, more efficient farming practices.

Traditionally, farmers have relied on their experience to judge the health and condition of crops. But modern robotics, powered by AI vision and edge computing, can now carry out these tasks more accurately and efficiently. These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations, who can become "robot managers" and take on farming roles without needing years of experience.

Unitree’s consumer-grade quadruped robot, Go2, is leading this change. Priced from just US$1,600, Go2 is affordable and well-suited to agriculture, thanks to its strong performance, adaptability, and ability to work in tough conditions. Farming environments pose unique challenges, such as varying lighting and ever-changing crop shapes, which demand advanced sensing and recognition abilities.

To meet these needs, Go2 has been equipped with a specialised camera and agricultural sensors that track the growth of seedlings in real time. It uses a custom AI vision model tailored for farming. This AI, supported by edge computing, allows the robot to analyse and identify plant conditions on the spot. The data collected is then sent to a central system, which uses agricultural big data to suggest specific farming strategies based on the crop’s growth stage.

This integrated setup, from the robot in the field to the cloud-based platform, helps reduce the physical burden on farmers. At the same time, it offers researchers detailed and frequent field data, helping to speed up scientific progress in agriculture.

As one industry observer noted, “civilian-grade robots, through deeper integration into agricultural environments, are opening up broader application prospects for advanced legged robotics.”

Unitree continues to develop high-quality legged and humanoid robots for the public. With practical tools like Go2, the company is helping to replace hard, repetitive, and risky work with smart automation-making farming more efficient and improving the overall quality of life.

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

Infrastructure

AI and data is key to transforming Indonesia’s agriculture

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.

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ALMACO Telematics boosts seed research efficiency

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.”

Crops

The initiative has a strong focus on paddy cultivation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Agriculture

Pioneering farmer-centric carbon markets

The Government of Odisha, India, through its Directorate of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), has partnered with India-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to pilot a farmer-centric carbon market

The Carbon Standards for Incentivizing Farmers for Regenerative Agricultural Practices (CSIFRA) project was launched in 2023 and is being implemented in the districts of Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Subarnapur in Odisha, India. It ties in with the Indian Government’s Voluntary Carbon Market scheme and aims to integrate smallholder farmers into carbon markets

The initiative involves testing regenerative farming practices under real field conditions, with a strong focus on paddy cultivation. It aims to establish scientifically validated carbon standards by precisely measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the farm level.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, director general of ICRISAT, noted the project has the potential to generate income for farmers through carbon credits, while advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices.

“Agriculture is often criticised for its GHG emissions, yet our agri-food systems—our very source of sustenance—suffer the worst of climate change. Carbon credits can reverse this trend, empowering farmers to be both climate-responsible and more profitable,” he said.

Carbon farming involves agricultural practices designed to capture and store atmospheric CO₂ in soil and plant biomass while reducing on-farm GHG emissions. Key practices include no-till or reduced-till, cover cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, compost and biochar application, precision nutrient and water management.

Engaging farmers

In a series of awareness sessions, farmers and agriculture officials were introduced to the workings of carbon markets and the benefits they offer, as well as the impact of regenerative practices on rice yields, soil carbon levels, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers also shared their success stories. One reported that green manuring improved his soil health and allowed him to reduce inorganic fertilizer use, while another observed lower fertilizer costs, fewer irrigation cycles in Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) plots, and yields comparable to traditional transplanted paddy.

More than 50 stakeholders participated in the sessions, with over 40% expressing willingness to adopt carbon farming practices. Participants recommended forming farmer cooperatives to ease market access and called on policymakers to integrate carbon farming into existing agricultural schemes.

These changes resulted in a significant increase in grain yield.

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Livestock

This company will provide end-to-end services in supply chain management.

Cattle

Quhuo and NIU World are innovating the beef supply chain

Quhuo Limited, a leading tech-enabled service platform, has announced a strategic partnership with NIU World, a local Chinese food group, to launch a new chain brand incubation platform focused on fresh beef.

The platform is based on a fully localised supply chain and aims to meet rising consumer demand for high-quality fresh beef in China.

This collaboration will create a vertically integrated ecosystem that connects slaughterhouses directly to dining and retail outlets, helping to upgrade product quality and enable large-scale expansion in the fresh beef sector. The joint initiative combines NIU World’s strong industry presence—from cattle farming and slaughtering to deep processing—with Quhuo’s nationwide, on-demand food delivery network. Together, they will improve supply chain efficiency and enhance the consumer experience in this rapidly growing market.

The partnership features a unique business model that supports high-potential brands through a newly formed joint venture company. This company will provide end-to-end services in supply chain management, digital operations, financing, and strategic investment to accelerate brand growth and expansion.

The project is led by Du Xin, a veteran with extensive experience in brand development. It has already achieved sales of over RMB 20 million within its first month, showing strong demand and effective execution. The platform uses both direct-to-store and platform-based delivery models, integrating online and offline sales channels. A co-managed model will also help standardise store operations and promote asset-light growth nationwide.

Several successful brand partnerships are already in place, including with Zhuang Popo Chinese Fresh Claypot and Qingshan Ingredient Store. These collaborations offer differentiated fresh beef products tailored to local markets. The platform’s long-term goal is to build a national network of fresh beef chain brands.

Supply chain financing will play a key role, helping NIU World expand its procurement and slaughtering capabilities while reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Leslie Yu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Quhuo, said, “This strategic collaboration with NIU World marks a significant milestone in Quhuo's expansion into the 'Fresh Beef + New Chain Brands' sector. With our combined strengths in supply chain integration and multi-channel operations, we are confident in driving widespread adoption and upgrading of fresh beef consumption in China, delivering sustained value to our shareholders while meeting the increasing demand from Chinese consumers for high-quality, healthy food choices.”

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Equipment

Trelleborg tires: smarter pressure, better yields

At the BASF Demo Day held at Hurcott Farm, Trelleborg Tires brought its cutting-edge VF (Very High Flexion) tire technology to life in a dynamic field demonstration that showcased the real-world benefits of smarter pressure management.

Hosted by the Doble family, the event allowed farmers and contractors to witness firsthand how adjusting tyre pressure between field and road can significantly improve performance, productivity, and long-term soil health.

Leading the demonstration, Craig Churstain, Trelleborg’s sales manager highlighted the often-overlooked power of proper pressure adjustment. Lower pressures in the field reduce soil compaction, while higher pressures on the road improve fuel economy and tyre longevity — offering a simple but powerful route to efficiency.

At the heart of this innovation is Trelleborg’s VF technology, which allows tyres to carry the same load at lower pressures, spreading weight more evenly and protecting soil structure. This, in turn, supports better root development, healthier crops, and improved yields over time.

Enhancing this further is Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction tread design, engineered to increase grip, reduce slippage, and ensure better self-cleaning in muddy or mixed terrain. This dual-anchor lug system ensures optimal performance both in the field and on the move, helping farmers save on fuel and extend tyre life.

Backed by a 5,000-hour performance warranty through its Premium Care Program, Trelleborg’s technology isn’t just about tyres — it's about delivering confidence and reliability for farmers under increasing economic and environmental pressures. As Churstain said, “Farmers today are under constant pressure to do more with less. Our mission is to provide tyre solutions that not only perform in the toughest conditions but also support a more sustainable and profitable farming model.”

The demo, supported by C&O Tractors and their Massey Ferguson fleet, reinforced how pairing advanced tyre solutions with high-performance machinery can create meaningful gains in both efficiency and sustainability.

With a strong focus on innovation, practical performance, and long-term value, Trelleborg Tires is proving that tyre technology can play a crucial role in the future of agriculture — turning every revolution into a smarter one.

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Technology

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

Infrastructure

From streets to fields: Unitree’s Go2 joins smart farming

Unitree Robotics, known for creating user-friendly and affordable robots, is now bringing its technology to farming.

As one industry observer noted, “civilian-grade robots, through deeper integration into agricultural environments, are opening up broader application prospects for advanced legged robotics.”

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.