Sujata Agarwal from Jharsuguda, Odisha, turned her love for gardening into a successful hydroponic farming venture during the COVID-19 lockdown. Starting with a small home setup, she expanded into growing microgreens and even saffron—an uncommon crop for the region. Her venture, Bloom in Hydro, now earns over ₹20 lakh annually and empowers others through training programs.
Key Highlights:
◉ Started hydroponic farming with 320 planters at home during the 2020 lockdown.
◉ Successfully cultivated saffron in Odisha using climate-controlled systems.
◉ Harvested 450 grams of saffron in her first attempt using bulbs from Kashmir.
◉ Trained over 80 people in hydroponics, microgreens, and saffron farming.
Shipping companies are revolutionizing seafaring life by installing hydroponic systems on merchant ships, allowing crews to cultivate fresh vegetables during long voyages. These AI-driven units, approximately the size of refrigerators, enable soil-free, vertical farming by regulating factors like light, water, and temperature, ensuring consistent growth regardless of external climates. Singapore-based Berge Bulk has integrated two hydroponic systems on each of its 75 vessels, resulting in the harvest of over 1.2 metric tons of fresh produce in 2024. This initiative not only enhances crew nutrition and reduces food waste but also positively impacts mental well-being, as tending to the plants provides a therapeutic respite from the ship's industrial environment.
Key Highlights:
◉ Hydroponic Systems Installed: Merchant ships are now equipped with AI-driven hydroponic units for onboard vegetable cultivation.
◉ Technology Features: These systems control light, water, and temperature, allowing soil-free, vertical farming unaffected by external weather conditions.
◉ Berge Bulk's Implementation: The company has installed two hydroponic units on each of its 75 vessels, yielding over 1.2 metric tons of produce in 2024.
◉ Crew Benefits: The initiative improves nutrition, reduces food waste, and enhances mental well-being by offering a green, nurturing space aboard.
Avisomo, an Oslo-based AgriTech startup, has raised €5 million to advance its automated vertical farming systems, aiming to make local, sustainable food production more efficient and scalable. The funding round includes a €1.6 million grant from Innovation Norway and €3.4 million from existing investors, supporting the company's mission to reduce food waste and the environmental impact of global food transport.
Key Highlights:
◉ Raised €5 million in total funding, including €1.6 million from Innovation Norway.
◉ Founded in 2018 by Martin Molenaar and Jo-André Flåseth at NTNU.
◉ Offers modular, scalable vertical farming systems with automation for large-scale use.
◉ Focuses on "no-hands farming" to reduce labour and increase efficiency.
◉ Aims to cut emissions from long-distance food transport and minimize food waste.
◉ Aims to cut emissions from long-distance food transport and minimize food waste.
◉ Enables year-round local cultivation with low resource use and environmental footprint.
◉ Enables year-round local cultivation with low resource use and environmental footprint.
Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, has announced a major expansion of its biological research and development capabilities. The company has acquired Novartis' repository of natural compounds and genetic strains for agricultural use, while Novartis retains exclusive rights for pharmaceutical applications.
As part of the agreement, Syngenta will lease Novartis' fermentation pilot plant and laboratories in Basel, strengthening its bioengineering, data science, and analytics capabilities. This move builds on a successful research collaboration between the two companies since 2019.
The acquisition follows the launch of Syngenta's first large-scale biologicals production facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina, USA, supporting rising demand for sustainable agricultural solutions.
In addition, Syngenta has formed multiple strategic collaborations to accelerate biological innovation, including partnerships with:
◉ Provivi – developing pheromone solutions for pest control
◉ Ginkgo Bioworks – advancing biological product development
◉ Lavie Bio – creating novel bio-insecticides
◉ Lithos Crop Protect – targeting Western Corn Rootworm with sprayable pheromones
◉ Intrinsyx Bio – improving nutrient use efficiency
Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection R&D at Syngenta, stated:
"This acquisition strengthens our ability to develop cutting-edge biological solutions, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture."
Jonathan Brown, Global Head of Syngenta's Seedcare and Biologicals business, added:
"With the broadest biologicals portfolio, this move ensures we continue to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving market."
Biologicals—such as biocontrols, biostimulants, and nutrient use efficiency products—are crucial for sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Syngenta has been actively expanding in this space since acquiring Italy's Valagro in 2020, furthering its mission to develop science-based, sustainable solutions for global food security.
Cropin Technology, a global Agtech leader, has partnered with AWS India to develop an AI-driven solution to address food insecurity worldwide. This initiative will leverage AWS's advanced computing capabilities, including:
◉ Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) – Enhancing agricultural analytics and decision-making.
◉ Internet of Things (IoT) & Geospatial Analytics – Providing real-time insights on crop health and climate impact.
◉ High-Performance Computing (HPC) & Simulation – Enabling large-scale modelling of food production.
The platform will equip governments, agencies, and agribusinesses with data-driven intelligence to ensure food security, combat hunger, and support sustainable agriculture. #AI #FoodSecurity #AgriTech
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has allocated AED1.12 billion ($305 million) in loans to agriculture technology and food production businesses over the past three years, accounting for 8% of its total financing since April 2021.
◉ Partnership with Watermelon Ecosystem – Connecting small and medium-sized farmers with buyers in the food supply chain.
◉ Commitment to Food Security – Aiming to allocate 10-15% of AED30 billion in loans by 2026.
◉ Support for AgriTech – Helping farmers integrate advanced technology and expand production capacity.
The UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 targets producing 50% of locally consumed food within 25 years. Recent initiatives include:
Plant the Emirates Initiative (launched in October 2024):
◉ 20% increase in farm production over five years.
◉ 25% rise in organic farms.
◉ 30% adoption of climate-smart farming solutions.
◉ 50% reduction in agricultural waste by 2030.
◉ 25% increase in local farm products used in hospitality.
◉ 15% growth in the agricultural workforce.
These efforts reinforce the UAE's commitment to reducing food imports (currently at 85%) and strengthening local food production. #FoodSecurity #AgriTech #UAE
Crysp Farms and Alesca Technologies have partnered to deploy 500 vertical farms across the Middle East over the next five years, enhancing agricultural efficiency and food security.
◉ AI-Powered Farming – Alesca will integrate smart monitoring and automation systems into Crysp's farms to optimize efficiency.
◉ Sustainable Agriculture – Crysp's vertical farms use 90% less water and 99% less land than traditional farming methods.
◉ Hyper-Fresh Produce – Harvested crops can be served to customers within an hour of picking.
◉ Expansion of "Farming-as-a-Service" – Hotels can grow produce based on daily demand.
The vertical farming industry in the Middle East has seen significant investments, with government and private sector funding exceeding $1.5 billion globally. However, cost-effectiveness remains a challenge due to high energy consumption for LED lighting and climate control.
Despite this, Emirates Bustanica, the world's largest indoor vertical farm in Dubai, is a prime example of the industry's potential, producing over 1 million kg of leafy greens annually.
The partnership between Crysp and Alesca marks a major step toward sustainable, year-round food production, helping address food security in the region. #VerticalFarming #AgriTech #FoodSecurity
Oman is launching Saham Agricultural City, a 65 sq km project designed to strengthen food security with advanced farming techniques.
◉ Focus on Agriculture – 70% of the city will be dedicated to farming, with the rest allocated to urban infrastructure.
◉ High-Tech Farming – Hydroponics, aeroponics, and fish farming will help feed 25,000 people annually.
◉ Singapore's Surbana Jurong Leading the Plan – A renowned urban development consultancy is overseeing the project.
◉ Part of a $4.2 Billion Food Initiative – Oman is currently developing 137 food projects to enhance self-sufficiency.
Though the project's cost and timeline are yet to be disclosed, this initiative reinforces Oman's vision for sustainable agriculture and food resilience. #OmanFoodSecurity #AgTech #SustainableFarming
