Latest Agriculture News: From Yellow Watermelon to Cassava Biofuel

Tuber crops are in the limelight these days thanks to their highly starchy nature. Researchers are excited about their possibility to become the next generation biofuels. Meanwhile, seeds of yellow watermelon have arrived in India and available for commercial sowing. At the same time, growers of root and tuber crops have a reason to rejoice with the introduction of semi automatic machines.

The agriculture world, these days, is dotted with exciting new discoveries and inventions that promise to make farming easier and more advanced. Agricultural companies, researchers, and, of course, the farmers are leaving no stone unturned to make agriculture one of the most revered professions of all times.

Here are glimpses of news compiled by our staff: 

Pixofarm has signed a partnership deal with UPL

Austrian start-up Pixofarm has signed a partnership deal with global Agri-input supplier UPL to expand grower access to Pixofarm’s technology to help improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of fruit farms. UPL’s global CEO,  Jai Shroff, said “As part of our OpenAg purpose, we are constantly looking to embrace innovative young companies with new and better ways of helping growers deliver better outcomes for the consumer and the environment.

Mandaviya inspects IFFCO's nano urea liquid plant in Gujarat

Minister of State for Fertilizers Mansukh L Mandaviya visited IFFCO's Kalol plant in Gujarat and took stock of the production progress of 'nano urea'. IFFCO has priced nano urea liquid at Rs240 per bottle, which is 10 % cheaper than the cost of a bag of conventional urea.

Read more about world’s first nano urea by IFFCO.

Bayer introduces yellow watermelon variety in India

German agrochemicals major Bayer has launched the first-ever yellow watermelon variety Yellow Gold 48 under Seminis brand in India. This yellow watermelon has been developed from superior germplasm as part of Bayer's global research and development efforts. Bayer Head of Bayer Vegetable Seeds, South Asia, K E Muthu said, “Yellow Gold 48 with its high yield and income potential will empower watermelon growers to diversify into new categories and meet the growing demand for exotic fruits.

Know about astonishing facts about yellow watermelon.

CNH Industrial to acquire Raven Industries

CNH Industrial announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the capital stock of Raven Industries. The acquisition builds upon a long partnership between the two companies and will further enhance CNH Industrial’s position in the global agriculture equipment market by adding strong innovation capabilities in autonomous and precision agriculture technology.

To watch video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QZRBpM3FdU

Koppert developing biological solution against green shield bug

Koppert Biological Systems is developing a biological method to combat the southern green shield bug (Nezara viridula). Koppert is working hard to make this product commercially available in 2022. Bart Sels who is responsible for supervising Koppert Belgium said, ‘The damage that southern green shield bugs cause is enormous and regularly results in crops needing to be cleared away earlier than planned.

CTCRI bets on cassava as feedstock for bioethanol production

As the search for alternate feedstock sources for ethanol production gathers pace, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) finds cassava (tapioca) as a promising raw material for bio-ethanol production to meet India’s Ethanol Blending Petrol (EBP) programme target of 2025. Sajeev MS, Principal Scientist, Crop Utilization Division, ICAR-CTCRI, said "cassava with its high starch content and ability to grow under low management conditions has been globally recognised as a potential candidate for bioethanol production."

Read more about tuber crops as next generation biofuels.

IPC and CGIAR Research Program introducing semi automatic machines

International Potato Center and CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas are doing their bit by introducing semi automatic machines like tractor operated potato planter and digger to reduce drudgery of the women labourers but at the same time keep them employed.