IBM Chief Scientist says precision agriculture can help change the future of farming to feed a population of 9.2 billion in 2050. An IBM technology, Deep Thunder, can forecast future weather conditions and help farmers decide the best time to plant, irrigate, and harvest. Precise and predictive information can prevent losses in ways such as […]
Tag Archives | technology
Postharvest Losses to be Reduced with Support from Government
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Minister of Food and Agriculture Humado inaugurated a new representative body, the Conference of District Directors of Agriculture, that will provide increased attention to the needs of the agricultural sector throughout the country. In his address, Humado stressed a focus on reducing postharvest losses. http://www.spyghana.com/post-harvest-loses-to-be-reduced-with-support-from-government/
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Commentary – Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom: Promoting a New Era of Innovation for Agricultural Development
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Michael Howevel, Deputy Director for Agriculture for Impact, remarks on the presence of a ‘quiet revolution’ in the agricultural sector, with the ‘science-technology-innovation nexus’ that will be the future of agricultural development. His graphic shows the two-sided nature of innovation, which includes development and education, access and feedback. http://globalfoodforthought.typepad.com/global-food-for-thought/2013/06/commentary-let-a-hundred-flowers-bloom-promoting-a-new-era-of-innovation-for-agricultural-developmen.html
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Tools Trialed to Curb Postharvest Millet Losses
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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 […]
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The Potential of Mechanization in Agriculture
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The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture continues to allocate funding for farm mechanization, as well as subsidize farm machinery for qualifiying farmer organizations. Experts say increased mechanization can increase production by 5% and reduce postharvest losses by 5% to 10%. The government hopes to attract more young people to farming for employment. http://www.manilatimes.net/the-potential-of-mechanization-in-agriculture/12160/
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IFPRI Strategy 2013 – 2018: Food Policy Research in a Time of Unprecedented Challenges
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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a strategy report for the next 5 years in food policy research. Their first strategic area is ‘ensuring sustainable food production’, which encompasses reduction of waste within the food system. Read the full report here, or see highlights here. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/ifpri-strategy-2013-2018 Full report: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi40.pdf Highlights: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/strategy2013hl.pdf
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Freezing the Footprint of Food
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The World Wildlife Fund listed reducing food loss and waste in the food chain as the first step to ‘freezing the footprint of food’, or producing twice as much food with the same amount of resources. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jason-clay/population-growth-food_b_3280807.html
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ICAR to Focus on North-Eastern States
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The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will allocate 10% of funds to the Northeast region of India to address food security, one focus being reducing postharvest losses. ICAR will also focus on strengthening farm mechanization. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/icar-to-focus-on-northeastern-states/article4567224.ece
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New Postharvest Storage Technologies for Latin America
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The 2nd Latin American Convention on Airtight Storage was held in March in Guatemala, and showcased latest technologies that prevent losses of grain during storage and transport phases. Participants CIMMYT, FAO, and convention sponsor GrainPro, Inc, featured new technologies and provided evaluations and reviews of current programs. http://blog.cimmyt.org/?p=10194
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Preventing Postharvest Loss Seminar: Resources From Webinar Participants
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In March 2013, the ADM Institute participated in a webinar hosted by USAID Agrilinks called Preventing Postharvest Loss from Field to Market. Director Steve Sonka discussed the importance of measurement and innovation in reducing loss, stating, “you can’t change what you don’t measure”. Sonka was joined by Bob Rabatsky of Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation […]
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