Indo-Canadian Agritech Collaboration Advances Sustainable Agriculture

Partnership Overview

Pune-based Globe Florex has entered a strategic partnership with Canada’s Queen’s University to enhance research in climate-resilient agriculture, global food security, and AI-integrated vertical farming. This collaboration emphasizes the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Revoponics Vertical Farming System Donation

As part of the agreement, Globe Florex has donated its flagship innovation, the Revoponics vertical farming system, to Queen’s University’s advanced Phytotron research facility. This system is designed and manufactured in India and will support cutting-edge research focused on:

1. Smart farming technologies
2. Energy-efficient crop production
3. Urban and climate-challenged agricultural environments

Innovative Features of the Revoponics System

• Utilizes rotating modular towers for optimal light and nutrient distribution
• Consumes 95% less water compared to conventional agriculture, promoting SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Compact and stackable design ideal for urban farming, supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Seamless integration with AI, machine learning, and automated controls for real-time crop optimization, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Impact and Future Prospects

Praveen Sharma, Founder of Globe Florex and inventor of the Revoponics system, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This partnership reflects India’s emergence as a global technology leader. At a time when many vertical farms in North America face challenges such as high energy costs and operational inefficiencies, our energy-efficient and scalable system offers a sustainable alternative.”

The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture practices, addressing climate change impacts and enhancing food security globally in line with the SDGs.

For further information, visit AgroSpectrum India.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on global food security and climate-resilient agriculture, directly connecting to the goal of ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development and deployment of the Revoponics vertical farming system highlight innovation in agritech and infrastructure for sustainable development.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The compact, stackable design of the vertical farming system is suited for urban farming, contributing to sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The system’s energy efficiency and water-saving features promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The focus on climate-resilient agriculture and energy-efficient crop production addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including sustainable infrastructure.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated planning and management.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Water Use Efficiency
   • The article states that the Revoponics system consumes 95% less water than conventional agriculture, implying measurement of water consumption per unit of crop yield.
2. Energy Consumption
   • Reference to the system being highly energy-efficient and addressing high energy costs implies tracking energy use per unit of production.
3. Crop Productivity and Yield
   • The system’s ability to optimize crop conditions using AI and machine learning suggests indicators related to crop yield per area or per system unit.
4. Adoption of Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices
   • The collaboration and deployment of the vertical farming system indicate progress in implementing resilient agricultural technologies.
5. Technological Innovation Metrics
   • Indicators related to research outputs, technology transfer, and integration of AI and automation in farming.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: verticalfarmdaily.com