AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

UPL Reports Strong Performance in Q1 2026 Despite Macroeconomic Headwinds

India Faces Risk of Losing Competitiveness in Cotton Without GM Technologies

India's growing dependence on cotton imports highlights the urgent need to adopt genetically modified technologies to enhance productivity. Dr. R.S. Paroda emphasizes that science-based regulatory reforms are necessary to restore India's position in the global cotton market, while also supporting farmers' incomes and strengthening the textile value chain.

China Warns of Increased Pests and Rice Diseases in 2026

Chinese authorities anticipate above-normal pressure from pests and diseases on mid- and late-season rice crops in 2026. Favorable weather conditions for bio-aggressors and low varietal resistance could impact over 62 million hectares of rice fields.

Mars Integrates Natural Menthol from Shubh Mint into European Gum Industry

Mars has begun incorporating natural menthol from its Shubh Mint program into gum production in Europe, targeting the UK and Poland. Launched in 2017, this program has improved farming practices and enhanced climate resilience for farmers in India, where 80% of natural menthol is produced. Through sustainable agricultural techniques, farmers' incomes have doubled, and thousands of women have been trained, contributing to significant changes in their communities.

India Strengthens Its Seed Ecosystem with Over 5,600 New Protected Varieties

India is accelerating the development of its seed sector. Between 2023 and 2026, the country has registered 5,689 new plant varieties under the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, while enhancing its infrastructure, research, and seed traceability.

Researchers Develop AI System for Precise Orchard Mapping

Mapping orchards remains a challenge for agricultural robots, especially under tree canopies. South Korean researchers propose an artificial intelligence system that merges drone and LiDAR data to produce accurate 3D models down to the centimeter.

Sugarcane: A Partnership to Implement Drip Irrigation and Fertigation in India

Indian companies Indian Potash Limited and Jain Irrigation Systems Limited are partnering to promote sustainable sugarcane cultivation in the Indian state of Gujarat, focusing on precision irrigation and advanced agronomic practices. This partnership includes farmer training and the installation of drip irrigation systems, aiming to enhance productivity while optimizing water use.

Fertilizers, Climate Resilience, and Productivity: An International Alliance to Modernize Crop Nutrition in Pakistan

The Pakistani company FFC has announced a strategic partnership with Norwegian firm Yara International ASA to introduce advanced plant nutrition solutions in Pakistan. This agreement aims to enhance crop productivity, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agriculture in the face of climate challenges.

Chinese Company XAG Automates Entire Spraying Cycle with New X Series

The launch of XAG's X Series agricultural drones marks a significant advancement towards the full automation of farming operations. Comprising drones and intelligent systems, this series reduces the need for human intervention in crop protection tasks while enhancing efficiency and precision through advanced technologies such as 4D radar, reduced battery charging times, and automated cleaning features.

Crystal Crop Protection and Corteva Join Forces to Develop New Crop Protection Solutions in India

Indian company Crystal Crop Protection Limited and American firm Corteva have signed a collaboration agreement to develop and market new crop protection formulations in the Indian market. This initiative aims to provide effective solutions for farmers facing challenges from pests and weeds, while leveraging scientific innovations to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems in India.

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Faraday Earth, an Indian DeepTech startup, offers an alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production, utilizing a non-thermal plasma reactor. This technology promises to reduce production costs to $500/ton, while minimizing carbon emissions and adapting to natural hydrogen sources. Through artificial intelligence optimization, the company aims to transform the ammonia landscape, essential for agriculture and the chemical industry.

BASF Launches Melyra and Inveris Gold in India to Combat Crop Diseases and Pests

BASF Agricultural Solutions has introduced Melyra® and Inveris® Gold, two new crop protection solutions aimed at Indian farmers. Melyra®, a next-generation fungicide, utilizes the Revysol® molecule for effective disease control, while Inveris® Gold, a dual-action insecticide, targets pests affecting vegetable crops.

India: Two Agri-Startups Bet on Bio-Inputs to Accelerate Agricultural Transition for 6.5 Million Small Farmers

Indian startup INERA Crop Science and Bangladeshi CropNXT Solutions announce a multi-year strategic partnership to distribute biological inputs to small farmers across five states in Eastern India. This project aims to reach approximately 6.5 million farmers through a network of over 5,000 retailers. INERA will provide soil microbe-derived products, while CropNXT will manage distribution.

Syngenta, McDonald's et McCain s'associent pour moderniser la chaîne de pommes de terre en Chine

Syngenta Group China, McDonald's China et McCain China ont signé un protocole d'accord pour établir un cadre pilote visant à transformer la culture et la chaîne d'approvisionnement des pommes de terre en Chine. Ce partenariat intègre des pratiques agricoles durables et des technologies de pointe, avec un accent sur la santé des sols et la gestion des cultures. L'initiative vise à répondre aux défis de rendement et de durabilité, tout en garantissant la qualité des produits pour les consommateurs chinois.

Leguminous Crops: Towards a Global Production of 70 Mt by 2034

According to the OECD, leguminous crop production is expected to grow by 26 Mt by 2034, with Canada as the leading exporter. Despite the anticipated increase, few countries will achieve self-sufficiency, particularly India, which remains the largest producer but cannot meet its population's needs. Innovative agricultural techniques and yield improvements are essential to meet the rising demand.

India: Pesticide Regulation Shifts to Fully Digital with Major Compliance Reform

PyroGenesis and Innofibre: Transforming Contaminated Biomass into Syngas

PyroGenesis Inc. partners with Innofibre on an innovative project aimed at converting contaminated biomass into syngas, thereby expanding the potential for syngas production from previously unusable raw materials. This project, backed by a $14 million investment in a new pilot site, marks a significant advancement in the field of bioeconomy and decarbonization, integrating high-temperature gasification technologies to effectively treat contaminants.

Vietnam: PAN Group Aims for 100,000 Hectares of Low-Emission Rice by 2027

The agribusiness group, PAN Group, is intensifying its commitment to sustainable agriculture by targeting 100,000 hectares of low-emission rice by 2027. This project, part of an integrated value chain strategy, has already led to a reduction in CO₂ emissions and increased profits for farmers. The 'Vietnam Green Low-Emission Rice' certification further strengthens this strategy by providing exporters with a new asset to differentiate themselves in international markets.

India: A National Agricultural AI to Support 150 Million Farms

The Annam.AI program aims to transform Indian agriculture by providing personalized, real-time farming advice through open data and AI. Supported by the Indian government and tech leaders like Google, it seeks to overcome challenges faced by smallholders, including extreme weather conditions and crop losses due to diseases and pests.

Precision Agriculture: Drones and Smart Sensors Enhance Malaysian Rice Management

In the face of growing challenges for rice production in Malaysia, Bernas is deploying advanced technologies such as drones and smart sensors to optimize crop productivity. These initiatives aim to detect crop issues early, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen the sector's resilience against climate and economic challenges.