A $100 million initiative called AgResults has been rolled out in Kenya to stem postharvest losses. The project will work with entrepreneurs with the financial capability to develop cost-effective storage facilities and distribute them to the farmers. The project is funded by the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. http://mobile.nation.co.ke/business/Firm-launches-Sh8-7bn-fund-to-stem-post-harvest-losses/-/1950106/1998356/-/format/xhtml/-/10361nuz/-/index.html
Company License Storage System That Deters Insects
Farmers in West and Central African nations could benefit economically, socially and nutritionally using a crop storage system developed by researchers at Purdue University and licensed to Kano-based Lela Agro Industries Nigeria Ltd. The PICS system uses special triple-bagging technology to protect cowpeas in storage against weevils, an invasive insect. http://agrinews-pubs.com/Content/News/Markets/Article/Nigerian-company-licenses-Purdue-crop-storage-system-that-deters-insects/8/26/8295
Grain Warehousing Demand Expected to Grow in India
Experts say that demand for grain warehousing in India will likely grow 5-6% in the next 5 years. Increased investment participation from the private sector, specifically large corporate entities, will be necessary to meet infrastructure demands, where the government is currently the majority owner. http://www.farminguk.com/News/Grain-warehousing-demand-expected-to-grow-in-India_26458.html
Food Bill Effect: Dutch Firms Eye India for Postharvest Solutions
Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development says her country is looking very closely at “everything connected to the Food Bill”. Officials believe Dutch entrepreneurs have a significant role to play in improving postharvest processes and reducing supply chain loss and waste. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/food-bill-effect-dutch-firms-eye-india-for-postharvest-solutions/article5101359.ece
Industry, Government Must Collaborate to Boost Food Security: Tariq Anwar
While speaking at a day-long summit on food safety, Indian Minister of State for Food Processing Industries urged industry and government to collaborate to achieve food security and safety. Anwar stressed the importance of efficient postharvest management and quality control to reduce waste and contamination in food along the supply chain. http://www.fnbnews.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=34296§ionid=1
Guinness and ABL to Set up Processing Plants in Rural Areas
Guinness Ghana Ltd. and Accra Breweries Ltd. will soon start establishing processing plants in rural areas which have farms with huge production of cassava. Efforts to engage breweries and organize cassava farmers are part of the government’s overall initiative to significantly reduce high rates of postharvest losses in Ghana. http://www.citifmonline.com/index.php?id=1.1497933
Food Security Takes Center Stage during President’s Last Day in Senegal
President Obama’s visit to Senegal highlighted the country’s recent announcement of its intent to join the New Alliance for Global Food Security and Nutrition. In joining, 10 private sector companies, of which 9 are Senegalese, will invest over $134.4 million to help provide new market opportunities for smallholder farmers through enhanced production and processing activities. […]
Tools Trialed to Curb Postharvest Millet Losses
Compatible Technology International, a non-profit engineering organization, will be testing new hand-held devices for sorghum and millet in Senegal with support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Farmers are reported to lose up to 1/5 after harvest, and the group hopes to reduce these losses, along with the drudgery of labor usually befallen upon […]
Maharastra Agriculture Department Ropes in Private Companies for Maize Production
The Maharashtra state government has chosen three private companies to start a value chain development program in 13 districts of the state to support maize production. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-09/pune/39849120_1_maize-production-agriculture-department-districts
USAID, AFDB, Government of Sweden Announce Agriculture Fast Track
USAID, the African Development Bank, and the Swedish government recently announced the creation of the ‘Agriculture Fast Track‘, a $25 million fund meant to spur private sector investment in agricultural infrastructure in developing nations. http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/usaid-afdb-government-sweden-announce-agriculture-fast-track