Gulf agriculture magazine nov dec

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NOVEMBER

ISSN 1751-8407

DECEMBER

2016 TM

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST AGRIBUSINESS

AMG BRINGS SOLUTIONS TO SPACES ENVISIONED

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INNOVA SEEDS: SERVING THE MIDDLE EAST

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BIOSECURITY IN LIVESTOCK FARMING

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CONTENTS

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Cover photo courtesy: Philips Lighting

NEWS UPDATE

PAGE 04

ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS: IPM DUBAI WITH NEW EXHIBITOR RECORD

PAGE 20

GROWTECH EURASIA FAIR IS PROVIDING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW ALTERNATIVE MARKETS

PAGE 24

KEEP UP WITH THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGIES, BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS

PAGE 28

IPM ESSEN 2017: THE WORLD'S LEADING TRADE FAIR FOR HORTICULTURE

PAGE 30

SAUDI MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE OPENS SAUDI AGRICULTURE 2016

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CASE IH ROLLS OUT BIG CHANGES TO LARGE SQUARE AND ROUND BALER LINEUP

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A TILLAGE SYSTEM TO SLASH THE COST AND BOOST THE PRODUCTIVITY

PAGE 40

LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE RETAIL AND LANDSCAPING

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PHILIPS LIGHTING INTRODUCES THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT LED FLOWERING LAMPS

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AUSTRIAN BAUER GROUP WITH NEW PLANT IN BRAZIL

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SEAWEEDS - A RESOURCE FOR ORGANIC FARMING

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Editor in Chief Mohammed Nasser | Editor Marie Matthew | Associate Editor Andrew Thomas Assistant Editor Megha Mary Matt | Graphic Designer Elizabeth John | Production Manager Abdul Shareef Contributors Neville J. Chandler, Douglas Bott, Shakeeb Kolakadan, Dr. Hansel Geo Thomas Head Office Matt Media International Ltd, Woodgreen, London N22 5AR, UK. E-mail: gulfag@emirates.net.ae, Web site: www.gulfagriculture.com Middle East Office Al Saad Advertising & Publishing L.L.C., P O Box 25694, Sharjah, UAE, Tel:+971 6 5639494, Fax:+971 6 5639449.

Gulf Agriculture is read by agri professionals, farm managers & owners, landscape consultants, contractors, agri-equipment suppliers, horticultural engineers, greenhouse managers, agronomists, veterinary surgeons, ministries, poultry & dairy breeders, importers, distributors, manufacturers and whole salers of food and agri inputs.

Printed and published by Matt Media© Intl. Ltd.(U.K.) 2016 All rights reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are requested to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstance. The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for any error or omissions contained in this publication.

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NEWS UPDATE The Acadian Plant Health™ division to provide growers with proven crop solutions Acadian Seaplants Limited (ASL) has re-branded their agricultural products division and has launched the division's new identity in an effort to reflect its commitment to providing effective solutions to growers within the agricultural industry.

The division, Acadian Plant Health™ (APH), has a fundamental purpose of sustainably empowering plants and will offer a range of premium products for maximizing crop yields. Focusing on innovation, sustainability, grower & partner focus, and its people, APH's vision is to empower growers and their crops to sustainably feed the world today and in the future.

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“The launch of this new division is an important part of Acadian Seaplants' long-term growth strategy as it sets the stage for the company to expand its suite of plant health products,” said President of APH, Roger Tripathi. “I am thrilled to be able to initiate the development of a portfolio of biostimulant and bionutritional solutions that will ensure longterm, sustainable growth for both our partners and our company,” added Tripathi.

The importance of the biostimulant sector, within global agricultural markets, is advancing at an unparalleled rate. ASL is an active participant in the effort to advance the growth of the global biostimulant industry. It is a contributing member of several

associations, such as the European Biostimulant Industry Council (EBIC) in Europe and the Biostimulant Coalition in the United States, that work with industry regulators to define and establish a category for biostimulant products. As this work continues and new research uncovers additional plant benefits attributed to biostimulant products, their use is expected to increase considerably as they take their rightful place in mainstream, integrated crop management programs.

More visitors for Seed meets Technology The third edition of Seed meets Technology took place at the grounds of Proeftuin Zwaagdijk from September 27th until

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

NEWS UPDATE

September 30th. Under impulse of a bigger exhibition space, the introduction of the 'Vegetable Trials' and an interesting program, the amount of visitors has increased again.

A total of forty seed industry companies presented themselves at the third edition of Seed meets Technology. In Zwaagdijk, the Netherlands, visitors could see demonstrations in seed and coating technology, breeding support, sustainable crop protection, digital phenotyping, hydroponics, ERP software, logistics and robotics. A group of exhibiting seed companies showed their new varieties on the testing grounds of Proeftuin Zwaagdijk in the 'Vegetable Trials'. The

'Vegetable Trials' introduced new field vegetables as well as new greenhouse crops.

The symposia hydroponics and digital phenotyping, turned out to be successful again, just like last year. Both conferences had the maximum amount of visitors. It's clear that these technologies will be implemented into practice and that they will generate much attention. The amount of visitors of the new symposium on using LED in breeding and propagation drew just as much visitors. Handouts of all presentations can be found on www.seedmeetstechnology.com Several companies organized meetings themselves in which visitors could participate.

30MHz gave a workshop on the

use of wireless sensors in agricultural environments.

Mprise Indigo, Bejo Zaden and Bayer Cropscience led a round table about the IT challenges in international seed production.

New this year was an additional hall focused on LED and Hydroponics. Companies such as Viscon, Dry Hydroponics, Botman Hydroponics, Nijssen, Certhon, Green Simplicity and Proeftuin Zwaagdijk demonstrated climate rooms for processing and propagation material and hydroponics solutions. Viscon's ViVi concept was especially inspiring.

In its third year the event drew roughly 20% more visitors than last year. Half of these new visitors came from abroad. Seed

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NEWS UPDATE

meets Technology has a growing international reputation. As a result more and more foreign companies find their way to 'Seed Valley' in week 39. The organization committee is looking forward to cooperate with other local companies that have their open days in the same week. The fourth edition of Seed meets Technology will take place from September 26th until September 29th next year.

Endangered Domestic Breed of the Year 2017 In 2017 the Association for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Breeds (GEH) is presenting three breeds of ducks, the German Pekin, the Orpington and the Muscovy, as the 'Endangered Domestic Breeds of the Year'.

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From 20 to 29 January these domestic breeds can be seen in the Livestock Hall, No. 25, at the International Green Week Berlin 2017.

The German Pekin is a versatile domestic and commercial duck that is instantly recognisable by its upright, penguin-like stance.

The Orpington is a very productive egg layer. A good flyer, the Muscovy forms the link between ducks and geese.

Ducks are very independent and adaptable and have been a vital part of family farming since ancient times. Various breeds of ducks and geese can be found on every village pond. They are very good at finding food and disposing of scraps, as well as supplying valuable products such as eggs, meat and feathers.

The GEH has been selecting individual breeds of groups of animals from the Red List as the 'Endangered Domestic Breed of the Year' since 1984, with the aim of arousing interest and finding new breeders to support efforts to preserve these animals. In addition the 'Breed of the Year' serves to draw attention to the problems associated with endangered domestic breeds.

Premium European Kiwi campaign launches with great success in Dubai An esteemed audience of importers, nutritionists and journalists attended the first event of campaign PREMIUM EUROPEAN KIWI in The Palace Downtown Dubai Hotel on Thursday, 29th September 2016. During the

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

NEWS UPDATE

event, the invitees had the opportunity to taste unique recipes based on kiwifruits, as well as to discuss with European kiwi producers about the quality and superior taste of European kiwifruits.

The event organisers were four esteemed producer organisations from Greece, namely Agricultural Cooperative of Chrisochori NESPAR, Agricultural Association NESTOS, Alkyon SA, and Goustera SA., who are cooperating for the implementation of promotional campaign PREMIUM EUROPEAN KIWI. Through this campaign, the organisations aim to promote the superior quality and naturally sweet taste of European kiwis in the United Arab Emirates market.

During the expedition's stay

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in Dubai, the producers had the opportunity to visit local importing companies and present the qualitative characteristics of the European kiwifruit.

The campaign and the participating producers will participate in the upcoming WOP Dubai from 13 to 15 November 2016 (booth no.

G40), where all visitors will have the opportunity to take their own kiwifruit sample packages and presents!

The campaign â&#x20AC;&#x153;Premium European Kiwiâ&#x20AC;? (www.europeankiwi.eu) is funded by the European Union and the nation of Greece for the promotion of kiwifruits in Canadian, Chinese and the United Arab Emirates' markets.

The campaign is implemented by the consortium of producers: Agricultural Cooperative of

Chrisochori NESPAR, Agricultural Association NESTOS, Alkyon SA, and Goustera SA.

Nutriad strengthens Mexican organization Multinational feed additive producer Nutriad appointed Dr. Jorge Enrique Cruz as Technical/Commercial Manager. Dr. Cruz will be responsible for sales and technical support to Nutriad's commercial and distributor network in Mexico & Central America. From its base in Irapuato (Guanajato) the company has been servicing customers for more than 50 years and established a deep understanding of the Mexican market.

Jose Luis Laparra, General Manager Nutriad Mexico is excited about the growth

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

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opportunities the Mexican and Central American market offers: “Mexico ranks amongst the top 5 feed producers in the world.

Although producers have been operating under challenging market conditions for several years, we feel that our proven solutions support our customers addressing issues on nutrition and health.”

Jorge Cruz graduated as veterinarian from Antonio Narro Autonomous Agricultural University, obtained his MC degree on Animal Reproduction from the same university and completed his Phd in Animal Nutrition at the University of Chihuahua. With a track record of in field support as an independent consultant, as well as a technical manager in the

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feed additives industry, Dr. Cruz is well positioned to support customers in the region.

Stated Dr. Cruz: “I am thankful for the opportunity to join Nutriad. The additives portfolio of Nutriad, backed by years of scientific research, will help me to continue supporting producers improving health and nutrition and thus results. With my strong background in ruminants, I will strive to help Nutriad realize its ambitions in the dairy and beef sector.”

Nutriad, headquartered in Belgium, provides feed additives and services to over 80 countries worldwide through a network of own offices and distributors, supported by 4 application

laboratories and 5 manufacturing facilities located on 3 continents. Find out more at http://www.nutriad.com

VB and Priva completed a 'state of the art' greenhouse for Haisheng Group VB Greenhouse Projects and Priva have successfully completed a new project for Haisheng Group in China in collaboration with PB Techniek.

The project is a state-of-the-art greenhouse project for strawberry production. The project was accomplished in a record time of only 7 months.

On September 28, 2016, Meiny Prins (Priva CEO), John van der Wilk (VP Business Solutions of Priva), Edward

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

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Verbakel (Managing Director of VB Group) and Robert Marks (Sales Manager Export of VB Group) attended the opening ceremony of Haisheng's Tongchuan project. Haisheng Co. Ltd. is one of the largest fruit juice producers in the world and specializes in fruit concentrates. The Haisheng Group has set up a diversified market network with products being mainly exported to the US, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Russia and Japan.

This 5-hectare glass greenhouse is the largest and most advanced glass greenhouse in China for growing strawberries. The greenhouse is equipped with two gas boilers which can

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provide heat and CO2 to 4 compartments of 1.25 hectare each. No matter what the climate is outside of the greenhouse, the climate inside is controlled by Priva Connext to create an optimal environment for strawberry production.

The project is furnished with a complete irrigation solution from Priva which includes the Neutralizer for water pretreatment and removal of bicarbonate, the Vialux HD for water disinfection, and the NutriFlex for mixing water with fertilizer. Young strawberry plants have already been planted and the first harvest is expected in November.

The project is also special

because Haisheng is the first customer in China to use Priva FS Performance for labour management. FS Performance allows management to collect real time data about employees, performance, work efficiency, completed tasks, productivity, production and yield.

WOP & IPM return to Dubai with a bigger venue and two new country pavilions The region's two most important events in the plant and fresh produce industries are returning to Dubai from 13 - 15 November 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Cooperating with Dubai Municipality, the 8th edition of the annual

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

Enjoy Bicolored Apples from Europe Harvesting of European Bicolored Apples that have been exported to the United Arab Emirates for two years now, has just come to the end.

The last two harvested cultivars, which ripen in the middle of October, were Idared and Gloster.

The quality of European Bicolored Apples is under strict control for compliance with the high standards set up by the European Union.

Exporters and Growers of European Bicolored Apples are equipped with the latest technical and technological solutions that allow not only for the separation and protection of apples, but also facilitate precise logistics management.

Apples that reach the market of the United Arab Emirates are pre-selected and placed in refrigerated storage or controlled atmosphere storage.

Then they hit the apple packing lines, where they are assessed and packaged.

Sorting facilities for the Bicolored Apples from Europe use the technology of washing with water, as well as the final rinsing with clean water. Every day, throughout the sorting process, trained staff carry out comprehensive quality control.

European apples are packed using high standards.

Packing rooms are equipped with innovative packaging lines that accommodate a wide variety of packaging - including cardboard, wood and plastic boxes, bags or trays.

To extend the storage life of Bicolored Apples from Europe during shipment to the importing country, the fruit can undergo waxing. The most commonly used products include natural substances, such as shellac, or Carnauba wax - applied by spraying or dipping.

To guarantee the apples remain fresh, they can be secured by the ethylene absorbers or special bags, which help create controlled atmosphere conditions.

Apples are adequately protected and can be delivered anywhere in the world - fresh, aromatic, and juicy.

This year, the forecasts published by WAPA (World Apple and Pear Association) predict that the production of apples in Europe will reach approximately 12,005,000 tons.

Due to favorable weather conditions, the apples harvested this year should be of a very fine quality.

The Bicolored Apples from Europe campaign is financed by the European Union, the Republic of Poland and the Fruit and Vegetables Promotion Fund.

The planned promotional strategy is mainly aimed at promoting bicolored apples, which include varieties grown in Europe (including but not limited to Champion, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Jonaprince and Idared).

Please, submit your offer inquiries concerning the Bicolored Apples from Europe to: ASSOCIATION OF POLISH DISTRIBUTORS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES "FRUIT UNION" Slomczyn 80, 05-600 Grojec,POLAND e-mail: biuro@uniaowocowa.pl tel. +48 22 101 26 84 www.apple-europe.com

NEWS UPDATE

International Perishables Expo Middle East (WOP Dubai) promises to be a great success, with 235 exhibitors expected from 34 countries attending, representing growth of 15% compared to last year. The exhibition will coincide with the 11th annual edition of the International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM Dubai).

This year, 7,000 attendees and decision makers are expected to visit from 78 countries around the world.

An extra hall was added to accommodate the increased demand, bringing the total footprint to 9,720m2. This represents a 30% increase from last year, which reflects the significance of the event in this booming industry and

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secures Dubai's position in the global marketplace.

India and Greece have, for the first time, joined the long list of countries choosing to promote themselves at the event with a Country Pavilion. Other countries include Australia, Belgium, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Italy, Kenya, Portugal, Turkey and Spain. The largest Country Pavilion for the third year running will be Morocco, while China will host the second biggest pavilion this year.

First salvo against plague affecting sheep and goats will focus on high-risk countries, build on 2011 eradication of rinderpest The ground has been broken on a major international initiative to rid the world of Peste des

petits ruminants (PPR) - also known as sheep and goat plague - a highly contagious viral animal disease that causes major losses in regions home to millions of the world's poorest people.

The $996.4 -million plan launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) today is the first phase of what will be a 15-year effort to eradicate PPR by 2030.

"Wiping out PPR will have a major positive impact on the lives of pastoralist communities in all developing countries and directly support global efforts to end poverty and hunger by 2030," FAO Director-General JosĂŠ Graziano da Silva said about the plan. "When it comes

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to viral animal diseases, much attention falls on the threats they pose to human health -but their effects on economic growth, human livelihoods, quality nutrition and food security can be equally devastating. That's why this campaign needs wide support," he added.

"We have international standards for surveillance and diagnosis of PPR, a global system to report outbreaks, and standards for vaccines that are highly effective when applied appropriately," OIE DirectorGeneral Monique Eloit said. "We also have international standards to prevent spread through trade, to officially recognise the control programmes of our Members,

and their status as free when those programmes achieve success," she added. "So all the tools are available to us, and are integrated into the plan. Its successful implementation now relies on the capacity of Veterinary Services at national level -- the OIE is committed to provide them with ongoing support."

Since it was first identified in C么te d'Ivoire in 1942, PPR has spread to some 70 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia -- in September 2016, Mongolia reported its first-ever case of PPR. Over 80 percent of the world's sheep and goats are found in these regions, where many families rely heavily on products like goat

milk, mutton and wool for their nutrition and livelihoods. FAO estimates some 300 million small-scale farming families worldwide depend on small ruminants for food and income.

To illustrate, a recent outbreak in India alone caused $180 million in losses, while a series of epidemics in Kenya in 2006-2008 killed 1.2 million small ruminants, causing losses exceeding $23.5 million and a drop in milk production of 2.1 million litres.

In all, the annual global damage due to PPR is estimated to be between $1.4 and $2.1 billion.

While the disease is highly lethal to small ruminants killing up to 90 percent of

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NEWS UPDATE

infected animals- it is easily preventable with inexpensive vaccines that can be administered at low cost and will protect the animal for its entire life.

The virus also has a relatively short infectious phase and does not survive for long outside a host, making it an ideal candidate for a concerted eradication effort.

The plan for the first fiveyear phase of that effort is now ready to be put into action and consists of a global strategy backed by nine regional road maps.

Crop losses in southern Madagascar mean severe hunger likely to persist into 2017 The impact of severe El Niñoinduced drought on crop production in southern Madagascar, where nearly 850 000 people are acutely food insecure, is likely to persist into 2017 and requires an intensified humanitarian response.

The lack of sufficient rains in the southern region of Androy alone resulted in an 80 percent decline in maize production this year compared with the already reduced levels of 2015.

Atsimo-Andrefana. Of these, around nearly 850 000 are acutely food insecure -meaning they are not able to meet their food needs and require urgent humanitarian assistance, according to the most recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis for Madagascar.

Prolonged drought also seriously affected the production of another staple food, cassava, in both Androy and another southern region, Atsimo-Andrefana, where cassava production dropped by approximately half. People living in these areas have been hit by successive droughts over the last few years and their hunger situation is expected to remain severely stressed into 2017.

Meanwhile, parched conditions in the regions of Atsimo-Andrefana, Boeny, Melaky, Betsiboka and Ihorombe had a significant negative impact on rice production; with production declines of between 25 and 60 percent reported in these regions, according to a new FAO/World Food Programme (WFP) report released today based on data collected in July/August 2016.

Recently updated figures show how the impact on agricultural production has undermined human food security. Some 1.4 million people are estimated to be food insecure in 2016/17 in Madagascar's three southern regions of Androy, Anosy and

New international agreement recognizes urbanization as a key driver for sustainable development and hunger eradication FAO has welcomed the New Urban Agenda, agreed upon by countries at the recent Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador, and that recognizes progress in addressing the diverse challenges posed by urbanization will be key in achieving sustainable development and eradicating hunger.

"The New Urban Agenda places food security and nutrition at the center of urban sustainable development," said FAO's Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Raúl Benítez, in a statement made during Habitat III.

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NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

Omnia International Australia BenĂ­tez highlighted that the agreement represents a fundamental step towards linking urban and rural communities in the planning and development of food systems grounded in a territorial approach that provides food security and improved nutrition for all.

Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN Habitat described the New Urban Agenda as "a vision for a better and greener urban future, where everyone has access to the benefits of urbanization".

Achieving sustainable urban development will require the implementation of sustainable food systems. For this reason, FAO, together with other partners, made substantive efforts in the negotiation process of the Agenda to ensure that a clear reference to food security and nutrition was incorporated in the outcome declaration of the Habitat conference, an event which usually only takes place every 20 years.

Urbanization represents one of the most rapid and profound shifts in human history. By 2050, most of the world's population - two thirds - will live in towns or cities, but these urban centres will still depend strongly on rural communities for the provision of food. As such, food security strategies need to foster new synergies, which incorporate the necessary links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas, BenĂ­tez stressed.

Sustainable and inclusive urban economies must better engage and interact with rural economies, especially since small-scale farmers produce most of the food consumed in developing countries, including in their cities.

"It is necessary to go beyond the traditional dichotomy between urban and rural areas. City dwellers cannot be considered as mere consumers and rural communities must not be seen exclusively as producers," BenĂ­tez said.

Urban and rural planning must be integrated in ways that foster sustainable food production including a reduction of food waste in cities - currently one third of food produced globally is lost or wasted.

Habitat III has reaffirmed the increasing political momentum that recognizes the interlinkages between food security and nutrition and urban agendas. This was also underscored during the Second Mayors' Summit on the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact held in Rome on 14 October 2016, and in which concrete commitments were announced by the leaders of several cities.

This is also in line with recent development in which many cities across the globe are engaged in food-related initiatives, developing food planning strategies such as food charters, food policies, projects on school catering, urban gardening, food waste management, strengthening urban-rural linkages, as well as developing urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry and green infrastructure.

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IPM DUBAI PREVIEW

ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS: IPM DUBAI WITH NEW EXHIBITOR RECORD MOST IMPORTANT HORTICULTUR AL FAIR IN THE ARABIAN GULF REGION GROWS BY NINE PERCENT

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PM DUBAI will continue its success story: Ever more entrepreneurs in the green sector will use the most significant B2B fair in the Gulf region in order to initiate business with important purchasers from the Middle East. For the first time, over 110 exhibitors will be present in the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 13 to 15, 2016 - once again, nine percent more than in the previous year.

With a view to Expo 2020, IPM DUBAI will once more offer very good business prospects to exhibitors from the

GULF AGRICULTURE

sections entitled Plants, Technology, Garden and Landscaping, Plant Maintenance, Floristry, Garden Features and Logistics. The need for horticultural products and horticultural technology in Dubai is rising due to largescale urban construction projects, the creation of new public parks as well as the implementation of new hotels and resorts. His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai World (the

state investment company), has therefore personally agreed to become the patron of the joint venture between Messe Essen and planetfair Dubai LLC. IPM DUBAI is Becoming Even More International In 2016, more cut flower producers from Africa will present themselves at IPM DUBAI and the number of official national participation booths will rise once more, too.

In addition to China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and the USA, entrepreneurs from Costa Rica and India will also be NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

IPM DUBAI PREVIEW

exhibitors for the first time. On the German cooperative booth which will be promoted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture this year, twelve German firms will present firstclass products "Made in Germany". They will be represented with young plants, peat soil, substrates, pots and shading fabrics.

Fair Will Score Points with an Exclusive Supporting Programme IPM DUBAI will once more offer exhibitors and visitors outstanding opportunities for the exchange of specialist ideas. Already one day before the start of the fair, they will be able to participate in a guided tour of selected horticultural projects in Dubai free of charge. During the fair, international experts in the NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

sector will pass on their knowledge at first hand in exclusive seminars. The first day will focus on garden and landscaping and the second day on horticultural technology in cooperation with the Representation of interests of the German horticulture industry (INDEGA). The "Middle East Floral Designer of the Year 2016" will be honored on the third day of the fair. Florists from the United Arab Emirates will be called upon to submit their suggestions on the subject of "Wedding Floristry". A

specialist jury as well as the visitors to the fair will select the winner.

Strong Duo: IPM DUBAI and WOP DUBAI 2016 WOP DUBAI, the leading trade fair for fresh products in the Middle East, will once more take place at the same time as IPM DUBAI. With this strong duo of fairs, planetfair Dubai LLC and Messe Essen will once more offer international trade visitors the chance to experience the whole world of the horticultural sector under one roof.

GULF AGRICULTURE

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IPM DUBAI PREVIEW

AMG BRINGS SOLUTIONS TO SPACES ENVISIONED

H

ave a big project? Say like in a golf club, a park, a hotel, or any other type of landscape project that requires trees, big, mature trees where you need many of them and some which cannot be found in your country? This is where we come in.

AMG, an international tree brokerage firm offers this fullservice, high volume, sales and shipment of large trees from the United States to places around the world.

“We strive to offer quality plants which includes palms, tropical, fruit trees, and ornamentals to natives, evergreens and deciduous. As long as regulations allow it to be exported/ imported, and we think it can survive the trip, we handle it. Our products are hand-picked by our

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knowledgeable and experienced staff, gathered and transported with great care, then packaged and shipped with the attention your project deserves,” says Mark Smith, AMG President.

“We also strive to provide the highest quality products with unparalleled service and dependability while still being able to offer a competitive price. Our team is also well experienced, licensed and insured as we handle trees of many different sizes and types.

They ensure to go an extra mile to fulfill your tree needs and will update with the status of your order every step of the way.”

“After the relevant details of inquiries are collected from customers, we prepare the trees by washing the roots, trimming, inspecting, spraying nutrients

and etc., and pack their roots in a breathable fabric, coconut husk-based medium with water and nutrients to carry them through the journey.

Since in some cases regulations don't allow exporting trees with soil on them, we carefully clean their roots in our preparing process”, added Smith.

Finally they are loaded and transported into shipping containers to your port of choice in Florida, so that they can be shipped to your country, treating and positioning them to avoid too much stress.

AMG ensures to be with you every step of the way, notifying you of developments and any issues that arise throughout the process, so you can bring to life the beautiful spaces you've envisioned!

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

GROWTECH EURASIA PREVIEW

W

estern Mediterranean Exporters Union (BAIB) Chairman Mustafa Sat覺c覺 announced that they organized a Reception Committee Program under the Growtech Eurasia Agricultural Fair which will be held in Antalya Expo Center between the dates of November 30th and December 3rd, 2016.

"Thanks to the program that will be organized by the BAIB and in coordination with the Ministry of Economy; in the Growtech Eurasia Agricultural

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Fair, our exporters will have the opportunity to get together with important potential buyers from all around the world" said Sat覺c覺.

Preparing to introduce its exhibitors and visitors to the world markets, the Growtech Eurasia, 16th International Greenhouse, Agricultural Equipment and Technologies Fair will be held between November 30th and December 3rd, 2016 in Antalya Expo Center. The fair will be held on a total area of 50 thousand m2.

More than 700 national and

international exhibitors and 80 thousand visitors from almost 80 countries are expected to take place over in Turkey's most comprehensive agricultural fair.

Growtech Eurasia, is steering the agricultural sector in a large area from Europe and the Balkans to the Middle East; from Northern Africa to the Turkic Republics...

Noting that Antalya with its production potential, product patterns, success in exports and year-round supply of agriculture NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

GROWTECH EURASIA PREVIEW

Engin Er. Group Director UBM EMEA

GROWTECH EURASIA FAIR IS PROVIDING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW ALTERNATIVE MARKETS products to domestic and foreign markets, is a brand city of agriculture, Western Mediterranean Exporters Union (BAIB) Chairman Mustafa Satıcı stated "Our exports to the region reached 1 billion 19 million 604 thousand 724 $ in the first 9 months of 2016 while the exports of the agricultural sector reached 422 million 815 thousand 830 $ in the remaining 9 months. With the re-opening of the Russian market we believe that at the end of the year we will achieve NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

our goals in improving our efficiency in the alternative markets that we have created with great efforts".

"As Western Mediterranean Exporters Union BAIB, we have been supporting the Growtech Eurasia Antalya Agricultural Fair that offers the alternative markets needed by our industry and which is of international class in terms of both participants and visitors for years” Mustafa Satıcı said.

“We are organizing a Reception Committee program under the

Growtech Eurasia Agricultural Fair organized by the BAIB and in coordination with the Ministry of Economy. Thanks to the program our exporters will have the opportunity to come together with important potential buyers from all around the world. Steadily growing since 2002, today, the fair gives direction to the agricultural sector in a wide geography from Europe and the Balkans to the Middle East; from North Africa to the Turkic Republics” he added.

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GROWTECH EURASIA PREVIEW

Growtech Eurasia, is preparing to introduce its exhibitors and visitors to the world markets...

Stating that Growtech Eurasia is being held 16th time this year, UBM EMEA (Istanbul)

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Exhibitions Group Director Engin Er said "We are creating an average business volume of above 500 million $ each year for the industry and providing access to alternative new markets as well as existing

markets for our visitors with our participants. Growtech Eurasia exhibits the latest products and services on the agricultural sector and at the same time take the role of a platform for communication and dialogue while providing alternative new business cooperation opportunities, embracing all actors in the agricultural sector".

"We have done our part as Growtech Eurasia; we increased the size of our exhibition area to 50 thousand m2. We organized a match-up program that will bring together exhibitors and visitors with the right buyers. In addition, we brought the Reception Committee programs supported by the Ministry of Economy, organized by the BAIB and hosted by us, to the fairgrounds.

We renewed the concept of the Growtech Eurasia Agriculture Award which has been awarded for nine years and which has earned the respect of the industry. The products and services ranking highest in our contest will be exhibited in the Innovation Area that will be created for the first time in the expo area. In summary, Growtech Eurasia continues to break grounds and lead innovation this year too" continued Engin Er. The 50 thousand m2 exhibition area of Growtech Eurasia is divided according to 4 different types of products and services namely 'Irrigation and Greenhouse Technologies', 'Plant Nutrition and Protection', 'Tractors and Agricultural Machinery' and 'Seeds', taking the interests of visitors and exhibitors into consideration.

The fair is going to be open to visitors between 10:00 and 19:00 hours.

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

SOWING IDEAS, REAPING SUCCESS 24 – 27 January www.ipm-essen.de

D GAR

IST R O L F

TEC

EN

ES R U T FE A

RY

PL AN

TS

O GY L O HN

The world’s leading trade fair for horticulture fosters success.

Use the IPM ESSEN for your business success and benefit from its extremely high internationality and diverse market innovations. Some 1,600 exhibitors from 49 nations offer you a comprehensive market overview, presenting new plant cultivations, innovative technology, sales-boosting floristic trends and target group-oriented marketing concepts for the POS. IPM ESSEN is the No. 1 in the green sector and the only trade fair to represent the entire value chain. It shows the key issues in the industry: tangible, comprehensible and viable for your business. We’ll see you in Essen.

Partner country IPM ESSEN 2017:

IRRIGATION SHOW PREVIEW

KEEP UP WITH THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGIES, BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS

T

he Irrigation Association offers the chance to expand all facets of your industry expertise at the 2016 Irrigation Show and Education Conference, Dec. 5 - 9, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Co-locating With NGWA For the first time ever, IA will be co-locating with the National Ground Water Association, providing guests with an exclusive opportunity to experience the best of both worlds in one location. As a

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result of this partnership, attendance is expected to reach 9,000 people, creating the world's biggest and best trade show for agriculture, landscape and golf irrigation.

600 Exhibitors Participants will have the chance to visit the booths of 600 exhibitors from both IA and NGWA, experiencing the most innovative products across both industries. The two organizations will be jointly hosting the keynote address and NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

IRRIGATION SHOW PREVIEW

the 2016 Drought Summit, and are working on additional shared events to enhance the week of festivities.

Education Classes Get great ideas, learn new skills and earn CEUs with the industry's very best education for agriculture and landscape/golf irrigation.

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, IA education classes teach concepts and practical skills you can apply immediately. IA classes include: F Real-world applications and irrigation case studies.

F Current techniques, fieldtested results and best practices.

F Instructors with industry

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

GET GREAT IDEAS, LEARN NEW SKILLS AND EARN CEUS WITH THE INDUSTRY'S VERY BEST EDUCATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE/GOLF IRRIGATION.

expertise and proven teaching experience.

Connecting and Networking Use the Irrigation Show and Education Conference to connect with current and potential business partners as well as to develop peer contacts for resources throughout the year.

F Explore common challenges and gather effective solutions

with like-minded professionals.

F Host impromptu meetings while information is fresh.

F Catch up with old friends and make new ones at numerous social events.

About the Irrigation Association The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation companies and professionals.

The IA is committed to promoting efficient irrigation and to long-term sustainability of water resources for future generations. IA works to improve industry proficiency, advocate sound water management and grow demand for water-efficient products and services.

GULF AGRICULTURE

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IPM ESSEN PREVIEW

IPM ESSEN 2017: THE WORLD'S LEADING TRADE FAIR FOR HORTICULTURE

O

n January 24 - 27, 2017, the entire green sector will be guests in Essen. Then, IPM ESSEN will once again become the international marketplace for innovative products and services for everything to do with plants, technology, floristry and garden features.

Over 1,600 exhibitors will present their innovative products and services in the plants, technology, floristry and garden features sections to trade visitors from all over the world.

The world's leading trade fair for horticulture is accompanied by a comprehensive programme.

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All the market leaders have confirmed their participation in the world's largest and leading trading and information platform for the green industry.

In 2016, 1,588 exhibitors from 49 nations presented their innovations and new products along the value added chain in horticulture to first-rate trade visitors from all continents at Messe Essen.

The comprehensive range on offer included new plant creations, pioneering technology, strong-selling floristry trends and marketing concepts oriented to target groups. The Innovation Showcase which set a record

with 76 plant novelties was representative of the enormous innovative force of the sector.

Last edition of IPM ESSEN counted 57,200 visitors (in 2015: 56,500). More than 78 percent of the visitors have decisionmaking or procurement powers a plus of three percentage points in comparison with the preceding year. 36 percent of the trade public already placed orders at IPM ESSEN 2016 (in 2015: 34 percent). The visitors rated the available range as very positive.

Around 93 percent passed on recommendations to visit the fair.

The exhibitors also made very positive assessments: 92 percent stated that their expectations for NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

IPM ESSEN PREVIEW

IPM ESSEN 2016 had been met.

They reported on a large number of new foreign contacts and successful deals.

Internationality on an Unfailingly High Level 64 percent of the exhibitors and 40 percent of the visitors came from abroad. Around twelve percent of the guests at the fair travelled from Asia predominantly from the Middle East (in 2015: nine percent). With regard to the countries of origin of the visitors, France exhibited a seven-percent increase in comparison with the previous year (in 2015: three percent) and Switzerland a six-percent increase (three percent).

For the first time, 20 nations presented themselves at IPM ESSEN with official joint booths.

Guatemala gave its premiere.

China, France, Great Britain, NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

India and Taiwan enlarged their booths. Other pavilions were organised by the following countries: Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, the Netherlands, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Turkey,

Hungary and the USA. Furthermore, a 100-strong delegation from Turkey travelled to IPM ESSEN for the first time in order to obtain information about the newest horticultural products.

GULF AGRICULTURE

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SAUDI AGRICULTURE REVIEW

SAUDI MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE OPENS SAUDI AGRICULTURE 2016

By Our Correspondent Shakeeb Kulakadan in Riyadh

H

.E. Eng. Abdullrahman Bin Abdullmohsen AlFadhli, the Minister of Agriculture, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the Saudi Agriculture 2016 in the presence of senior officials representing the sector.

Saudi Agriculture 2016, which ran until Oct. 5, acted as

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a strategic platform for the exchange of experiences and knowledge among decisionmakers, strengthening the bonds of cooperation and partnerships between stakeholders from different countries.

More than 350 specialized exhibitors from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and

Asia, in addition to local companies showcased the latest in agricultural products, services and equipment.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, and with the support of Saudi Organic Farming Association, The 35th edition of this highly successful NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

SAUDI AGRICULTURE REVIEW

and leading show enjoyed international participation of well known agriculture and food companies from around the world including national and country pavilions.

This year's Exhibition revolved around â&#x20AC;&#x153;Investing in Sustainable Food Securityâ&#x20AC;? highlighting the organic farming and its products, in addition to the Fish Farming which is in line with the latest government strategy that aims at achieving sustainable food security.

The Kingdom's largest Agriculture B2B Event and the region's most renowned NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

agricultural and technologies show brought together more than 300 local, regional and international industry professionals, key decision makers, business leaders and suppliers to explore numerous investment and partnership opportunities and discuss latest Industry trends with international importers, trade buyers, as well as local and regional food manufacturers.

For 35 consecutive years, SAUDI AGRICULTURE, held concurrently with SAUDI AGRO FOOD, the 23rd international Trade Exhibition for Food Products, Ingredients & Technologies and SAUDI FOOD PACK, the 6th International Trade Show for Food Processing & Packaging, has reinforced its leadership position in the field of agricultural and food development and the industries associated with it, and proved its effective contribution to the growth and development of this sector in Saudi Arabia and its elevation to international standards.

GULF AGRICULTURE

33

INTERVIEW

PLANTER BAGS

WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES: LARGEST SUPPLIER OF EASY-FILL™ PLANTER BAGS AND TOP QUALITY HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO THE MIDDLE EAST Geoff Stowe Director Wangara Horticultural Supplies

Q

: Why are your products so highly valued in the Middle East market?

The original design of our products was made with the Australian market in mind.

After visiting the Middle East, we found that the growers there had many of the same challenges that Australian growers were facing. Our products stood up to the harsh and extreme climate in the Middle East, just as they did in Australia. We use only top grade virgin materials and our UV additives are of the highest quality available. Cheap imitations do not hold up in the extreme climate and do not last. What may seem like a bargain buy, will cost more in labour and investment to replant and replace.

Q: What makes WHS an industry leader?

With over 18 years of experience with a product that we innovated and perfected, customers have come to rely on our industry knowledge and customer support. Universities and government agencies have entrusted Easy-Fill™ for many years. Our customer base has grown to include Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Our ability to adapt and service our product to meet all of these different climate conditions is makes WHS truly an industry leader.

Q: How long have you had a presence in the Middle East?

Our first visit to the Middle East was 18 years ago. Since then, we have cultivated a diverse customer base, helping establish many valued, long-held

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relationships. We have been present at many major Trade Shows in the region sharing our knowledge and experience.

We make it a priority to personally visit the local nurseries and greenhouses to better understand our customer's needs.

Q: Does your company offer any guarantees on its products?

Easy-Fill™ planter bags are recognised around the world for their dependability and manufacturer's guarantee. The company believes in manufacturing a superior product with personal customer service that includes adapting the design for different environments and individual needs.

Q: What other products do you offer?

We support the Horticultural Industry from the very beginning with products such as propagation tubes and seedling trays. We have a wide variety of these to suit any species of plants and trees. Some of our best sellers into the region are our flower tubes and specialised planter bags for date palms. Our new product line of portable hedge bags and tree collars have also been well received this year. WHS remains committed to the Middle East market through expert advice and ongoing product development.

WHS Australia, thank you for taking the time and giving us some insights into the unique benefits that your products have provided us here in the Middle East. It's clear to see why Wangara Horticultural Supplies is recognised as the largest supplier of superior horticultural products in our region.

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES: AN INDUSTRY LEADER

EASY-FILL™ WHS AUSTRALIA

Healthy roots without spiraling

The Trusted Name In The Middle East

Save water

EASY-FILL

™

UV stabilized including handle stitching W S H

AUSTRALIA

Heavy duty and long lasting

Easy to move and relocate plants

Manufactured for all Middle East climates

WHS Australia

Postal Address

General Enquiries

Suite 16 350 Cambridge Street, Wembley Western Australia 6014

PO Box 70 Wembley 6913 Western Australia

Ph: +61 8 9287 0500 Fax: +61 8 9387 5962 Email: info@whsaustralia.com.au

whsaustralia.com.au

Under the Patronage of H. H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority

GFIA

Strategic Partner

Global forum for innovations in agriculture 2017 | ABU DHABI | UAE 20-21 March: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

DISCOVER THOUSANDS OF WAYS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY ON YOUR FARM AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXHIBITION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SOLUTIONS

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Supported by

Official Media Partners

AGRICULTURE MACHINERY

UNDER A VISION OF A CONSERVATIVE AGRICULTURE

T

he “CULTIRAPID PRO” is a combination machine from MA/AG for working the soil and the preparation of the seedbed under a vision of a conservative agriculture for the use as primary tool under the techniques of the minimum tillage.

This equipment represents a further interesting variant of the “CULTIRAPID” machine, already well known from the customers from several years for its innovative characteristics and for its versatility. The equipment can be trailed or half brought and it is composed by a main frame with a monobeam structure where there are different working elements.

The use of the new

“modulate” frame, with central wheels, permits to reduce the total length of the machine so to encourage the use in the field and the road traffic.

The machine is currently used on different types of work: on chopped corn stalks and also on corn stalks and stubble of wheat or rice standing, without the least clogging of the working elements. In both case, we obtain the complete cut of the stalk and of the root and the mixing with the top layers of the soil.

The advantages derived from the use of this tool is to follow the approach of the minimum tillage with all the characteristics of the method (surface layer working only,

best water development, reduction of the phenomenon of soil erosion, savings in terms of fuel and manpower, speed of working execution). The high working speed (10-20 Km/h) permits to operate with greater speed reducing the processing costs, granting an hourly output of 4-7 hectares.

The working depth of the anchors is 20/30 cm (max), while the one of the discs and the star group is 5-15 cm. The equipment is available in the version with half-brought frame or trailed and hydraulically foldable at 2,55 m for the transport on road. The working width change from 4,00 m to 6,00 m, for tractors with HP from 200 to 300 HP.

THE HIGH WORKING SPEED (10-20 KM/H) PERMITS TO OPERATE WITH GREATER SPEED REDUCING THE PROCESSING COSTS, GRANTING AN HOURLY OUTPUT OF 4-7 HECTARES

QUALITY & TECHNOLOGY At the service of an increasingly demanding agriculture Specialists from 40 years in innovative equipment for minimum tillage and conservation agriculture and from 10 years also specialists in seeding

26011 Casalbuttano (Cremona) - ITALY Via Giovanni Paolo II, 12 Tel. +39 0374 362680 Fax +39 0374 362280

www.ma-ag.com - info@ma-ag.com

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

GULF AGRICULTURE

37

BALERS

CASE IH ROLLS OUT BIG CHANGES TO LARGE SQUARE AND ROUND BALER LINEUP

T

he new LB434XL large square baler from Case IH helps high-volume hay and forage producers bale more hectares per day, thanks to improved capacity and greater bale density. Paired with a Puma tractor, this rugged and reliable baler produces consistent, uniform bales hectare after hectare - regardless of the crop or field conditions.

With the addition of Model Year 2017 RB5 series round balers, Case IH also is pleased to announce ISOBUS Class 3 functionality across the majority

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of its baler lineup and all Puma tractors. This Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) technology enhances both productivity and bale quality.

“Our customers are telling us that that they want heavier, denser bales - and that is what our new LB434XL balers can provide,” says Jens Van De Mergel Case IH Product Specialist for Combines, Hay & Forage and Sprayers for Africa and the Middle East. “Just as important, we're helping farmers hit peak nutritional value by giving them the

technology they need to harvest each crop more efficiently.

From tractors to balers and the latest precision technology, the growing line-up of innovative Case IH equipment at dealerships across Africa and the Middle East offers a onestop shop for today's producer.”

LB434XL large square balers raise the bar for productivity and reliability From the beefed-up bale chamber to the rugged frame, the LB434XL is designed from the ground up for large-scale NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

BALERS hay and forage operations with a lot of ground to cover and a short time to do it. Operators will immediately notice an 80 cm longer bale chamber. This 31 percent increase over current LB434 balers delivers up to 10 percent higher bale density. Greater density means more crop per bale, decreasing bale count as well as handling, wrapping and transportation costs - helping producers reach new markets economically.

ISOBUS Class 3-enabled Feedrate Control technology makes the dense, well-formed bales produced by the LB434XL easy to achieve for operators of all skill levels. This technology allows the baler to run at optimal performance and capacity by controlling the speed of an ISOBUS Class 3compatible tractor, such as the versatile Puma.

Feedrate Control includes two running operations: o Charge Control: Automatically adjusts the tractor's speed to reach optimal capacity from the baler. This results in higher throughput by up to 9 percent overall. o Slice Control: Automatically adjusts the tractor's speed based on bale slice thickness.

This allows the operator to predetermine the number of slices per bale to create more consistent bale weight and length.

In addition to ISOBUS Class 3, the LB434XL comes with AFS capability built-in. The intuitive, easy-to-read AFS Pro 700 display monitors bale weight and moisture while detecting misties in real time even at high speeds. Regardless of windrow conditions, steering sensors located on each side of NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

the pre-chamber show the operator how to steer for quicker reactions and more uniform bale slices.

“Today's markets expect dense, perfectly shaped bales,” Jens Van De Mergel said. “Whether they are to be transported down the road or across the globe, users demand top quality feed value.

For farmers, the latest baling technology means less fatigue in the field, plus the confidence that each bale they produce is consistent in quality, flake size and shape.”

The LB434XL baler is built to handle capacity. Additional enhancements to this workhorse model include: o Robust design: The heavyduty plunger hammers out uniform, dense bales at 48 strokes per minute while the rugged PTO driveline handles 40 per cent more peak torque. Increased pickup auger thickness, more robust axle and bearing options and a stronger frame add to overall durability. o Larger platform: A larger platform makes baler cleanoff easier for greater productivity. Folding safety railings simplify shipping and road transport, along with better access to the front of knotter fans. o Improved bale-ejection system: The extended bale chamber ensures bales drop more gently with less twine breakage. Partial or full bale eject options feature an active teeth system for greater durability and reliable bale ejection. o Hydraulic hose identification: Color-coded decals identify hydraulic lines to simplify tractor hookup. o LED work and service lights: Clear illumination to key

areas such as pickup, twine boxes, needles and knotters, and the rear safety rail provide better visibility.

ISOBUS Class 3 technology boosts round baler productivity For Model Year 2017, RB5 series round balers can be equipped with a new ISOBUS Class 3 Tractor and Baler Automation option. This system controls the tractor stop, bale wrap and bale eject functions without any operator input required. Hooked up to a Puma tractor, operators can take advantage of ISOBUS Class 3 controls to stop the tractor automatically when the target bale size is reached.

From there, net wrap is applied automatically and, when the wrap cycle is complete, the baler tailgate raises and lowers automatically to eject each wrapped bale. Once the completed bale is ejected, the operator can simply move the tractor shuttle lever to the forward position and go.

“It is exciting to realise how much these technologies and enhancements and technology can improve the productivity of our customers' operations,” Jens Van De Mergel added.

GULF AGRICULTURE

39

TILLAGE

A TILLAGE SYSTEM TO SLASH THE COST AND BOOST THE PRODUCTIVITY

T

he system, developed by Kelly Engineering in South Australia, combines a diamond-shaped tiller with an air seeder to allow the entire sowing process to be completed in one pass.

The patented Diamond Harrow tillage machine fitted with a Cover Crop Seeder begun testing in the United States and is expected to be commercially available next year.

The launch comes at a time when the planting of cover crops in the United States is on the rise again as farmers look to increase crop yields while reducing their reliance on pesticides and nitrogen fertilisers.

Kelly Engineering Managing Director Shane Kelly said the company's focus was to build

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highly efficient products, which were also affordable.

He said the addition of the Cover Crop Seeder to the Diamond Harrow successfully achieved this.

“There are government incentives for farmers in the United States to get involved with a cover crop program for environmental benefits, whether it be nutrient recycling, erosion control, soil improvements or water runoff,” Kelly said.

“In the United States, as here in Australia, there is recognition that maintaining live plants year round helps soil health and productivity.

“Farming on a global basis should be sustainable and we know that soil degradation, weeds and water-use efficiency are things affecting agriculture we know that the tillage tools

we provide can help address all of those issues.”

The Diamond Harrow uses four chains lined up in a diamond formation to allow the machine to prepare the seedbed in rough fields. The Cover Crop Seeder is integrated into the machine, which is towed by tractor.

Each chain is fitted with a crop-specific row of metal discs that rotate and penetrate the soil. The design also allows the machine to work the soil, attack crop residue and manage weeds.

The machines initiate better microbial action in the soil by decomposing residue in the top layer.

This allows it to access more sunlight, which dries the soil and helps kill weeds.

Cover crops are increasingly becoming an accepted technique to improving soil health and crop yield.

The North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) in the United States estimate there was an almost 40 per cent increase in the number of farmers planting cover crops from 2012 to 2013.

According to the United States Census of Agriculture more than 130,000 farms used cover crops on 10.3 million acres in 2013, following an almost 40 per cent.

SARE has set a target of 20 million acres of cover crops in the United States by 2020.

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

Officially Endorsed By:

10 - 12 APRIL 2017 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

• AgraME is the regions’ most established and dedicated trade and business event dedicated to the agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, livestock and veterinary industries

• CELEBRATING OVER 10 YEARS serving the agricultural industry in the Middle East, those that know the market here exhibit at AgraME

• OVER 90% OF OUR LOCAL EXHIBITORS TAKE PART EVERY YEAR as we receive over 5000 visitors from almost 100 countries

• The only exhibitions in the industry with the official ENDORSEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

• 91% OF POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS rate participating in AgraME as very important / important to business

“

We have been exhibiting at AgraME since the first edition and are happy to see the progress in quality and quantity of exhibitors and visitors. AgraME is a good event for business development prospects and we expect to generate in excess of US$500,000 worth of business as result of participating at AgraME Viren Narkar, Managing Director of Radiant Agrotech from UAE

“

AgraME offers an excellent opportunity to meet customers and potentials in the agro-industry from Middle East region

Toin Elders, Export Manager of Koudijs Animal Nutrition B.V. in the Netherlands

Contact us for more information on

+ 971 4 407 2606 or email info@agramiddleeast.com

SEEDS

SERVING THE MIDDLE EAST AND GULF REGION GROWERS OVER DECADES

“A

s we crossed the 10 year's anniversary for Innova Seeds and 54 years for Niagara Seeds the company embarked on a critical capital expenditure projects aiming to boost and meet the growing operational demands on our current structure as we are processing higher volumes with higher quality, said Khaled Kazzaz CEO of Innova Seeds and Niagara Seeds in an interview with Gulf Agriculture Magazine.

“A million plus dollars have been budgeted and mostly spent for 2016 so far as fully automated treater has been added to the production line along with a dryer that meets 10 folds capacity we had earlier, and aiming to increase our quality even further a state of the art color sorter was added to our seed quality department which allows us to reach 99.9% physical purity on all our seeds a step we take after processing all lots on our newly added air separators.”

“Many of our customers

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who attended our 2016 field days which we held back in August had the opportunity to stand witness to this new expansion which came parallel to launching very aggressive and competitive new varieties for the 2016/2017 seasons in all major crops and slots that are considered targets for us as a company,” he added.

“The company remains committed to its investment of roughly 11% of its annual sales back into research and development as we have a clear understanding that R & D is the base and the backbone of any successful seed company and we are also expanding our screening and trials over 5 continents to gather as much information on the performance and adaptability of our varieties in various regions and growing conditions.”

“Our new germplasm will help us strengthen our current market position around the world and also enter as a serious player in the slots we were lagging behind, not to mention the NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

SEEDS

company is expanding its structure by adding two Product development managers in South America and we currently have 4 open positions in the Middle East and North Africa that we are currently recruiting for and expect to have them filled before year end.”

“Lastly from me personally as the CEO for

new markets we did not have access to before and the positive feedback we are getting from our customers based on their trials encouraged us to make the investment in both our research as well as our operational facility.”

“With a clear understanding that people are our most valuable asset the

both Innova Seeds and Niagara Seeds, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their trust and confidence in us and for the mutual growth we have been experiencing together and our goal and commitment is to always keep our customers first and to meet all their vegetable seeds needs,” he added.

One company, two reputable seed brands serving the Middle East and the Gulf region growers providing high quality seeds and advanced growers solutions

Address: P O Box 579849 M odesto, California 95357 -USA Tel: + 1 209 527 3311 Fax:+1 209 527 3307

Website: www.innovaseeds.com

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

E-mail: info@innovaseeds.com

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MARTEX® PLANTING BAGS AND CONTAINERS THE COMPANY FROM POLAND OFFERING PRODUCTS FOR NURSERY SECTOR, AND FOR ORNAMENTAL, FRUIT, FOREST PLANT RAISING OR RECULTIVATION

Parking and transportation of planting bags, other types of containers, mulch mats and rings

Mulch mats for weed protection

Small mulch mats

Elastic mulch mat

Packing and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

Packing and transportation

Metal trunk shaping rings

ARBO®-STRONG

ARBO®-SAUNA

100% jute container in 270-360 g/m2 density

MARTEX® - TEXTILE PRODUCTS FOR RAISING OF ORNAMENTAL, FRUIT, AND FOREST SEEDLINGS, OR FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECULTIVATION Products commonly applied at nurseries, both in temperate and hot climate Used for raising trees in the forest, idle land, semi-desert area, steppe …….

Excellent for tree planting by the road and highway, useful for the purpose of general cleaning works, composting, and in any similar applications…….

Our representatives: D-Hermann Meyer KG: e-mail: mail@hermann-meyer.de NL/GB-B&P Co., www.b-en-p.nl Scandinavia: OY Urban natural Ab, www.natural.fi Russia: Landscape Design Ltd., www.garden-center.ru Ukraine: Demetra Ltd., e-mail: demetra@com.ua Bulgaria-Romania: Hermann-Meyer, www.meyer-shop.com Abu Dhabi: Arid Land Co., LLC., www.aridlanddevelopment.com e-mail: aridland@emirates.net.ae

NURSERIES

LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE RETAIL AND LANDSCAPING

E

stablished in 1985, AlShaheen Nurseries has been ever since developing itself as one of the leaders in the field of agriculture retail and landscaping. AlShaheen Nurseries provides a complete set of agriculture and gardening services. The team is run by well qualified engineers and experienced supervisors, with a long and successful track record in agriculture projects execution. The company is located in Shuwaikh, 4th Ring Road, Nurseries Area. It’s our pleasure to introduce our wide range of services we offer the following: G Landscaping and planting division for indoor and outdoor gardens. Wholesale division (For Agricultural Companies only).

G Maintenance team for agricultural projects and house gardens.

G Designing and implementing irrigation systems.

G Wide range of indoor and outdoor plants.

G Wide rang of flower and vegetable seeds.

G Different sizes and colors of plastic net shades. All kinds of natural and chemical fertilizers.

G Peat Moss, potting soil, hydroton.

G Agent and distributor of indoor and outdoor pots of different shapes and sizes AlShaheen Nurseries showroom is considered as a garden center for selling indoor and outdoor plants – Grass – Peat Moss – Potting Soil – Plastic Net Shades – Pots – Rocks –Seeds – Natural and Chemical Fertilizers – Agrilite – Irrigation Sys. – Water pumps – Insect killer – Hydroton – Palm bags. The Company aims to provide many items to serve different customer’s tastes, in addition to provide the best quality and less prices under one roof.

AlShaheen Nurseries owns a farm in Wafra area specialized in growing plants, flowers, and paspalum grass, runs by well qualified engineers to provide the market and the Agricultural companies with the best varieties and quality. The farm is considered one of leading farms in Wafra in growing plants, flowers, and pasplam grass.

The Project Division is run by well qualified NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

team of engineers and supervisors to design landscape and maintain gardens. There is a team for designing & implementing irrigation systems.

The whole sale division was established in 2000 to provide the Ministries and the agricultural companies with plants, garden tools and irrigation systems. Since then, the division has been supplying some of the leading government and private projects.

Shaheen M. AlRubaie General Manager

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GREENHOUSE

P

THE PHILLIPS GREEN POWER LED FLOWERING LAMP 2.0 LOOKS LIKE AN INCANDESCENT LAMP, BUT IS MADE OF ROBUST PLASTIC THAT MITIGATES THE RISK OF DAMAGE TO CROPS THAT CAN OCCUR FROM BROKEN GLASS LAMPS

46

hilips Lighting (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting, announced the launch of the Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0, an even more energy efficient way to extend daylight or interrupt the night growing cycle in greenhouses for growers that cultivate strawberries, cut flowers, bedding plants and cuttings.

The new Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0 builds on the first generation of Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp and comes in two different spectral versions with light recipes for growing cut flowers and soft fruit. The new highly energy-efficient lamp is designed to increase the yield, quality and consistency of crops and stimulate flowering. Its design draws upon over twenty years' experience that Philips Lighting has in horticultural lighting to serve the needs of growers.

The first generation of the Philips GreenPower flowering lamp provided an important benchmark for energy efficiency following trials in 2014 and 2015 at the Research Centre Hoogstraten in Belgium, an independent horticultural research center.

The next generation lamp provides an optimum spectrum and high light output and allows growers to save electricity costs by being 90% more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lamps. The lamps have a standard E27 or E26 fitting allowing them to be used in existing installations, avoiding unnecessary modifications and reducing set-up costs.

To help growers achieve the

GULF AGRICULTURE

PHILIPS LIGHTING INTRODUCES THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT LED FLOWERING LAMPS best results for their crops, Philips Lighting has invented light recipes which combine the following elements: light spectrum, intensity, uniformity, timing and positioning. The Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0 is available with two different spectral versions: one offers a combination of deep red and white (DR/W) and the other a

combination of deep red/white/ far red (DR/W/FR). The DR/W light version inhibits flowering of short-day plants, and has for example been very effective with chrysanthemums. The DR/W/FR light version is ideal for photoperiodic lighting of bedding and perennials. It can extend the day or interrupt the night cycle to promote elongation of the stems of NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

GREENHOUSE

strawberries and stimulate flowering.

“Being the first to market with a flowering lamp almost seven years ago, the Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0 pushes the boundaries of how growers can gain control of crop quality and yield for their customers even more,” said Udo van Slooten, business leader for Philips NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

Lighting's Horticulture business.

The Phillips Green Power LED flowering lamp 2.0 looks like an incandescent lamp, but is made of robust plastic that mitigates the risk of damage to crops that can occur from broken glass lamps. To reduce maintenance costs, the lamp is designed to last at least 25,000 hours* and is rated for IP44

and UL damp and dry conditions indoors. Trials in countries which use photoperiodic lighting to produce cuttings or cut flowers have reported that the flowering lamp is much more stable on the energy grid compared to incandescent or ”twisters” (CFLs), so there is less risk of quality issues in crop production.

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47

IRRIGATION

AUSTRIAN BAUER GROUP WITH NEW PLANT IN BRAZIL

T

he Austrian Bauer Group has built a modern factory for the production of irrigation systems 200 kilometres north of São Paulo. More than 150 guests attended the opening ceremony, including Stefan Nemetz, deputy economic delegate of Austria in São Paulo and Sergio Murilo Hermógenes da Cruz, general advisor of the State

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Secretariat for Agriculture. The global company from Voitsberg, Styria, has already been active in Brazil for 20 years. In future they are going to produce at their own premises “Bauer do Brazil” in São João da Boa Vista on a surface of 37,000 square meters Pivot systems as well as Rainstar drum irrigation systems. The plant will be managed by Welten Alves.

The Bauer Group is considered a world market leader in irrigation. In order to meet the ever growing demand for irrigation systems in Brazil, a new production site was built in São João da Boa Vista. At the big opening ceremony which included a Pivot demonstration, Andreas Schitter, commercial manager of the Bauer Group, gave to the guests an insight into NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

IRRIGATION

the new manufacturing plant in São João da Boa Vista, the Styrian company has now laid the foundation for the comprehensive supply of modern irrigation systems in Brazil.

the factory premises. Among the guests were Stefan Nemetz, deputy economic delegate of Austria in São Paulo, Sergio Murilo Hermógenes da Cruz, general advisor of the State Secretariat for Agriculture as well as Vanderleí Borges de Carvalho, the mayor of São João da Boa Vista. Starting immediately, Pivot systems for the irrigation of a total area of 14,000 ha/year as well as Rainstar drum irrigation systems for 5,000 ha/year will be produced at “Bauer do Brazil”.

Already 20 years ago, Bauer put a small production unit into operation in southern Brazil for Pivots and drum machines. With NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

Advantageous plant location After extensive consideration, the finally selected location was in São João da Boa Vista, which is situated 200 km north of São Paulo, in the heart of expansive agricultural lands and in the immediate vicinity of the large farming regions of Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minhas Gerais and the growing market of Bahia. Thanks to the industrial operations situated in the greater Campinas region, both the quality of the workforce and the infrastructure are very well developed.

Production beyond irrigation The 37,000 m2 production site is designed to allow for a doubling of the output at short notice. Plans also exist for producing equipment for the waste water sector (separation,

pumping / stirring technology) in a subsequent expansion stage. For the time being, these products will still be imported from Austria. Bauer expects this production site to also provide exports to the neighbouring countries of the Mercosur region.

Working in one of the most important agricultural countries Brazil is one of the most important agricultural countries, not just in South America but worldwide. The share of gross domestic product contributed by the agricultural sector is 24.3 percent, and 33 percent of the entire land area is used agriculturally. Brazil is also the world's largest producer of coffee and exporter of soy. “It is an immensely important step for our company to open a plant in an agricultural nation such as Brazil and to thereby make a major contribution to the agriculture and the people of this region. We are pleased that production can now begin,” says Andreas Schitter during the ceremony in Brazil.

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ORGANIC FARMING

SEAWEEDS - A RESOURCE FOR ORGANIC FARMING S. Anandhi, Post Doctoral Fellow TNAU Information and Training Centre, Chennai, India

M

arine macroalgae or seaweeds are plantlike organisms that generally live attached to rock or other hard substrata in coastal areas. Seaweed extracts are the new type of products currently used in plant cultivation.

Seaweed extracts are used as nutrient supplements,

biostimulants, soil conditioners, green manure and biofertilizers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Commercial use of liquid extracts, obtained from seaweeds is successfully used as foliar sprays for several crops.

Seaweeds can be classified into three broad groups based on

pigmentation as brown algae, red algae and green algae. Seaweeds the most widely used in agriculture due to their good biostimulant activity are red algae: Corralina mediterranea, Jania rubens, Pterocladia pinnata, green algae: Cladophora dalmatica, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Ulva lactuca and brown algae: Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia maxima, Saragassum spp.

Biologically active compounds More than sixty nutrients namely N-P-K, secondary, micronutrients, amino acids, cytokinins, Indole Acetic Acid, with gibberellin like activity, anti-oxidants, and growth promoting auxins have been identified in seaweed and were first considered to provide the beneficial crop effects.

Seaweeds contain all the trace elements and plant growth hormones required by plants. It was also reported that seaweed manure is rich in potassium but poor in nitrogen and phosphorus than the farm manure.

Growth promoters found in seaweed extract are cytokinins; adenine (6-aminopurine), zeatin (6-furfurylaminopurine), kinetin riboside, dihydrozeatin, and approximately 12 to 14 other naturally occurring growth promoting compounds.

These compounds are in a natural biologically active form and differ from synthetic PGR not naturally produced by plants.

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NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

ORGANIC FARMING

The micronutrients in seaweed extract have a large volume of naturally occurring chelating agents, such as alginic acid, amino acid which forms chelation complexes with Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca. Mannitol and alginic acids also found in Seaweed Extract have similar chelating activity and the naturally occurring laminarin stimulates the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) response in plants.

Antioxidant compounds found in seaweed extract may provide immune related benefits, reduction of fungal pathogen damage, increases disease resistance and promote membrane integrity and increased shelf life. Other compounds found in seaweed extract include superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, tocopherol and carotene.

Commercial uses Application of seaweed extract as an organic biosimulant is fast becoming an accepted practice in horticulture. Seaweed extract are reported effective fertilizer in many crops including vegetables, trees, flowering plants and grain crops. Main seaweed extract known to play useful role in agriculture are Maxicrop, Algifert, Geomar GA14, Kelpak66, Seaspray, Seasol, SM3, Seacrop, Cytex, Cytokin, Algistim, Biozyme, Ujazyme, Agrimore, Seamac and Alginex and MAC. Effect of seaweed extracts on plant growth Agricultural o Increases yield and quality of field, vegetable, fruit & nut crops NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

o Enhances drought & heat tolerance o Enhances quality and nutritional value of crop o Accepted for organic farming o Improved fruit set, reduced fruit drop o Apply any time during the growing season up until harvest o Feeds beneficial soil microbes Horticulture o Stimulates beneficial microbes in the soil o Stimulates shoot & root growth o Stronger establishment of seedling o Increased resistance to pest and disease o Improved overall plant vigor o Increases chlorophyll levels o Improved flower set Methods of seaweed extracts production Different extraction methods can be used for seaweed extracts preparation i.e. water extraction under high pressure, alcohol extraction, alkaline extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical CO2 extraction. Conditions of the process depend on the active substances of interest.

Extracts rich in auxins can be produced by alkaline extraction. Production of seaweed extracts by supercritical CO2 extraction seems to be the most beneficial solution due to the low invasiveness of the method. Biomass pretreatment is very important in this case. The first step involves centrifugation of algae and filtration to eliminate water from the probe. After biomass pretreatment,

homogenized biomass underwent extraction by supercritical CO 2 extraction.

Application recommendation When possible avoid applications during heat of the day or dry, windy condition.

Early morning or late evening applications are best. Best results will be achieved by making more frequent applications every 2 to 3 weeks rather than increasing the concentration of the spray solution.

Conclusion Seaweed extracts are wellknown biostimulants. They are characterized by high efficiency in plants cultivation what was proved by many papers, besides they are environmentaly friendly due to biological origin of material.

Therefore, algal extracts can constitute an alternative to synthetic plant stimulants, the application of which very often causes environmental pollution, and support to traditional fertilizers. The use of extracts from marine algae gives an opportunity to choose any method of application suitable for a particular plant and expected effects.

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LIVESTOCK FARMING

BIOSECURITY IN LIVESTOCK FARMING

F

ood security and stability has become one of the major concerns for countries all over the world, especially in the recent era of rising global tensions. This in turn has furthered the emergence of many livestock farms to sustain the local demand for dairy and meat products in the market. However, not all livestock farms are totally successful in generating the necessary yield and maintaining good herd health.

Outbreaks of diseases are common on livestock farms and they negatively impact the economic viability of the project, but also adversely

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affect the welfare and health of animals. Hence, effective biosecurity measures are of utmost importance in maintaining herd health and generating revenues.

Biosecurity measures can be defined as management practices that prevent spread of pathogens (disease-causing organisms) from infected animal to susceptible animals, thereby also aiding in the prevention of introducing pathogens into a herd, region or country.

In the recent years, the scientific discipline of Biosecurity has become of major importance in the veterinary sector, particularly due to the outbreak of

diseases as well as intentional introduction of disease-causing pathogens in to sovereign territories, which in other words, is also called Bioterrorism.

Some of the benefits of employing Biosecurity measures include: 1. Optimization of Animal Health and Welfare 2. Improvement of Animal Productivity 3. Reduced production and Input costs 4. Enhanced value of Herd 5. Guaranteed increase in total revenue It is highly recommended to have a biosecurity plan in place NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

LIVESTOCK FARMING

pathogens into the farm from external sources like introduction of new animals, entry of outside vehicles, personnel into the farm etc.

2. Internal Biosecurity: These are protocols established to promote effective control of pathogens that are already present in the farm.

An effective biosecurity program identifies risks and addresses those risks through effective management to minimize potential threats to animal health and welfare.

while in the planning stages of a livestock farm. Incorporating Biosecurity protocols into an already existing facility is far more costly and may not be possible in many cases, due to the existing infrastructure.

Hence, it is recommended that all plans for a new livestock facility be drawn up in conjunction with inputs from veterinary consultants with knowledge in biosecurity.

Biosecurity management in any farm can be established at 2 levels: 1. External Biosecurity: These are protocols established to prevent introduction of NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016

Some Basic Biosecurity Measures that can be followed in any farm are as follows: 1. Maintenance of a closed herd: A closed herd is one in which there is no introduction of new animals from outside the farm. As far as possible, maintaining a closed herd is one of the best ways to prevent outbreak of diseases.

Disease causing microorganisms enter herds through addition of animals from external sources. Closed herds effectively mitigates the possibility of pathogen introduction.

2. Quarantine, Isolation and Testing of new animals: When a closed herd is not possible, strict protocols must be ensured with purpose built quarantine or isolation facilities, away from the main farm to isolate, monitor and test new animals for diseases.

Necessary vaccinations and anti-microbial treatments must also be conducted during this period.

3. Restriction of farm personnel and streamlining of work flow: Pathogens can be introduced

and transmitted via clothing, inanimate objects and vehicles.

Hence, it is of absolute importance to monitor personal hygiene of farm personnel as well as restrict their movements between various regions of the farm. It is also equally important to establish a workflow pattern in such a way that pathogens are not transmitted via farm personnel to healthy animals on the farm.

4. Periodic analysis of feed and water supply: Feed and water contamination are one of the other major threats to farm biosecurity. Therefore water quality and contamination of feed must be monitored regularly.

5. Regular Veterinary Monitoring and Treatments: The health status of every herd must be regularly monitored and treated by qualified veterinarians. Veterinarians play a major role in both external and internal biosecurity levels, thereby arresting the immediate spread of infections. Regular examinations of farm animals will help in early detection and preventing spread of diseases, thereby ultimately promoting animal health and generating increased farm revenues.

6. Carcass Disposal: Incineration, burying, composting and rendering are some of the options for carcass disposal. Every farm must employ a disposal method that is inline with the biosecurity measures that are undertaken. For example: In rendering, service vehicles are to collect carcasses only at a designated point on the periphery of the farm without entering the farm.

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