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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations launches an app to support Indigenous pineapple farmers in Suriname

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Through the FAO ELEVATE PROGRAMME of the Office of Innovation, smallholder farmers will be equipped with the technology to promote sustainable pineapple farming in Suriname.

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dimitra, a global leader in agricultural technology and sustainability solutions, is supporting the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop a smartphone application for Indigenous farmers in Suriname. FAO is working in the country to enhance organic pineapple production by leveraging blockchain technology to modernize cultivation practices, boost productivity, and secure market access. Leveraging Dimitra’s traceable and immutable technology, through this app local growers will access advanced techniques including mechanical land preparation and artificial flower induction to produce premium organic pineapples and meet market demands.

Dimitra is deploying immutable blockchain and AI technology to support FAO providing Surinamese farmers with real-time comprehensive farming data on their crop production and supply chains from end-to-end. From creating digital farmer profiles and registration with their demographic and plot details, to tracking crop activities and managing harvests with traceability services, the platform aims to ensure that every step of the pineapple production process—from planting to harvesting—is traceable. By providing a secure record of sustainable practices through actionable data, Surinamese farmers can gain access to advanced technology to transform agricultural practices, enhance market competitiveness, and forge key alliances, opening doors to premium markets that require stringent compliance with international standards. 

FAO has been working in the country since 2018 with UNIDO, ILO and UNFPA through the ASTA Suriname initiative has been driving the pineapple sector’s growth in Suriname, a focal commodity for the country’s economic growth. Backed by the Joint United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) Fund, the ASTA Suriname project has conducted in-depth analysis of farms and rolled out initial implementation activities. The project aims to empower indigenous and rural communities across Suriname’s pineapple belt to modernize organic pineapple production, transforming Suriname into a major producer and exporter of high-quality organic fresh and processed pineapples, and moving away from outdated practices with little value-addition and limited exports.

The innovation project proposed by FAO – to develop a digital traceability app to support indigenous pineapple farmers in Suriname – was funded by the 2024 Elevate Grant Programme of FAO, an initiative that fosters innovative initiatives for the agricultural sector targeting smallholder farmers.

The new app, already developed in local language, will be launched with the farmers and key stakeholders in early December 2024.

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra said: “Dimitra is dedicated to empowering smallholder pineapple farmers in Suriname with cutting-edge, easy-to-use technology to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainability, and ultimately improve the quality of life for these communities. Through the Agrifood Systems Accelerator (ASTA) and the Horticulture Innovation HUB of Suriname – a newly established public-private partnership providing multiple services to farmers in Suriname – supported by the Joint UNSDG Fund, we aim to foster a more resilient and equitable agrifood system globally and give consumers the origin story of their food.”

With 95 percent of its land covered in forest including parts of it forming a portion of the Amazon rainforest, Suriname’s interior regions face economic challenges, leaving many Indigenous, tribal and rural communities in poverty. Through the ASTA Suriname project, farmers are provided with hands-on training, and on-the-ground trial plots to showcase effective techniques like enhancing soil, optimizing inputs, and planting pineapples in beds. By using the app local growers in the country will be exposed to international markets, expanding the country’s economic horizons, and aligning with the responsible consumption and production of the UN’s sustainability goals.

Margherita Bavagnoli, FAO’s International Value Chain Finance Expert, oversees project activities among various Indigenous villages in Suriname: “So far, the ASTA Suriname project has equipped 120 marginalized Indigenous women and youth to take control of and benefit from the evolving pineapple value chain. There was a need to allow Indigenous communities in the country to reach markets, receive agronomic information and access services. This app aims to be beneficial in controlling deforestation, providing access to markets and information to farmers in remote areas, significantly contributing to the realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).”  

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra Incorporated and Margherita Bavagnoli, FAO’s International Value Chain Finance Expert, are available for interview on request.

About Dimitra

Dimitra is a global Agtech company with a mission to help smallholder farmers across the world. Dimitra works with governments, government agencies, NGOs, and for-profit organizations. The Dimitra platform is built on blockchain technology and incorporates mobile technology, machine learning, IoT devices, satellite and drone imagery, genomics, and advanced farming research. Through our data driven approach, Dimitra helps farmers increase yields, reduces expenses, and mitigates risk. Dimitra believes that every smallholder farmer, regardless of economic standing, should benefit from simple, beautiful, and useful technology.

About ASTA

The Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) program, led by FAO and UNIDO in collaboration with other UN agencies, aims to transform Suriname into a leading producer and exporter of high-quality organic pineapples. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund and driven by the Government of Suriname and key UN agencies, including FAO, UNIDO, ILO, and UNFPA, the program utilizes an inclusive and sustainable value chain approach. It connects local pineapple actors to new markets, fostering economic development in rural communities with a focus on gender equality, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability. Since 2018, ASTA has been developing Suriname’s pineapple value chain, culminating in a 2024 FAO Elevate grant to establish a traceability platform for producers.

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PSA and NUS launch supply chain living lab facilitating efficient and sustainable supply chain growth

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PSA International (PSA) and National University of Singapore (NUS) announced today the launch of the PSA-NUS Supply Chain Living Lab. Recognising the growing need for integrated solutions that extend beyond container handling within ports, PSA has in recent years, expanded its role as a leading global port operator to also encompass complementary services in the broader supply chain sphere. In line with its overall strategy, PSA will be supporting the initiative with funds totalling up to S$10 million.

The PSA-NUS Supply Chain Living Lab will strengthen collaboration between industry and academic expertise to address critical supply chain challenges. The Lab will provide a sandbox to foster the development of community-centric solutions for supply chain optimisation together with industry stakeholders, with a focus on enhancing agility, resilience and sustainability for supply chain operations both regionally and globally.

Mr Ong Kim Pong, Group CEO of PSA International, said, “As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of global trade, it has become essential for PSA Group to continually adapt and refine our business strategy. We will continue to look for new areas of expansion whilst enhancing our presence in key locations, and connecting these strategic nodes to form a cohesive and integrated network across the globe. This collaboration with NUS also marks a significant step in our journey towards strengthening PSA’s position as a leading global port operator and supply chain services provider, capable of delivering supply chain efficiency and resilience across the world.”

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, said, “The establishment of the PSA-NUS Supply Chain Living Lab marks a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts to advance supply chain innovation. This initiative exemplifies the synergy between academia and industry, leveraging our combined strengths to address complex challenges such as optimising logistical efficiency, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and integrating sustainable practices across supply chain operations. By fostering a dynamic ecosystem for research and development, we aim to drive transformative solutions that enhance the resilience and efficiency of supply chain operations, ultimately benefitting communities and economies worldwide.”

The launch of the Supply Chain Living Lab follows the recent groundbreaking of the upcoming PSA Supply Chain Hub (PSCH), which is an integral part of PSA’s strategic expansion of Singapore’s Tuas Port Ecosystem. The state-of-the-art PSCH facility is scheduled to be ready by 2027 and will seamlessly integrate with Singapore’s extensive supply chain ecosystem, offering unparalleled connectivity and supply chain synergies.

Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/psa-and-nus-launch-supply-chain-living-lab/  

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SOURCE National University of Singapore

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SPJIMR launches ‘Sashakt’ to empower small business entrepreneurs

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The community-focused initiative aims to provide underprivileged entrepreneurs with the skills to build sustainable businesses.

MUMBAI, India, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research’s (SPJIMR) Centre for Family Business & Entrepreneurship (CFBE) is pleased to announce the launch of Sashakt, a new community-focused initiative aimed at empowering small business entrepreneurs (SBEs) from underprivileged backgrounds in Mumbai’s Andheri K-West Ward. Beginning in December 2024 and running through March 2025, this programme seeks to provide vital knowledge and skills to help these entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic resilience.

Sashakt is tailored for local entrepreneurs aged 25-30 who are operating micro-enterprises. Selected from SPJIMR’s Abhyudaya programme, participants will benefit from free education and mentorship aimed at youth from underserved communities. Over three months, the structured curriculum will provide practical, hands-on learning sessions in Hindi, ensuring accessibility and relevance. Each session will cover essential areas such as financial management, marketing, operations, and leadership, equipping participants with the tools necessary for success.

Faculty and alumni from the SPJIMR network will offer personalised mentorship, supporting participants in overcoming their unique business challenges and taking actionable steps toward growth.

Sashakt aims to:

Create a supportive learning environment for entrepreneurs from underprivileged communitiesProvide access to resources and mentorship to help participants expand their businessesEnhance participants’ financial literacy, business acumen, and operational efficiencyFoster local economic resilience through community engagement and education

“As a community-focused institution, SPJIMR believes in the power of education to uplift and transform lives,” said Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean of SPJIMR. “With Sashakt, we are equipping local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to grow their businesses and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

“Each year, CFBE empowers hundreds of entrepreneurs and family business leaders across India through programmes that blend cutting-edge business education with practical mentorship. Sashakt extends our mission to the grassroots level, equipping local business owners with the skills and support needed to drive sustainable economic growth within their communities,” said Prof. Tulsi Jayakumar, Executive Director of the CFBE at SPJIMR and Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Family Managed Business.

Visit CFBE Sashakt for more information.

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Persistent Wins Coveted 2024 ISG Star of Excellence™ Overall Award for Superior Customer Experience

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Also wins awards for Universal ITO, Most Adaptable Partner, and Outstanding Service in the Americas Region based on the voice of customers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and PUNE, India, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179) and (NSE: PERSISTENT), a global pioneer in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 ISG Star of Excellence™ Overall Award for superior customer experience, presented by Information Services Group, a leading global technology research and advisory firm. In addition, the Company has received Star of Excellence awards in the categories of Most Adaptable Partner, Universal Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO), and for Outstanding Service in the Americas Region.

ISG’s Star of Excellence Awards rank providers on the quality of their services based on direct feedback from enterprise customers in the areas of business continuity and flexibility, collaboration and transparency, execution and delivery, governance and compliance, innovation and thought leadership, and people and cultural fit.

These accolades demonstrate client trust, underscoring Persistent’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value that surpasses client expectations and fuels long-term relationships. Persistent was the only provider to win in four categories.

Persistent’s notable achievements are exemplified by its outstanding customer experience (CX) score in the research program of 87.9, significantly surpassing the industry benchmark of 72.7. This score showcases Persistent’s success in building strong client relationships and its commitment to customer satisfaction.

Sandeep Kalra, CEO and Executive Director, Persistent

“At Persistent, our AI-led, platform-driven services strategy is centered on anticipating client needs, exceeding their expectations, and gaining their trust. The ISG Star of Excellence Awards, based on the Voice of Customer, validate this commitment, highlighting our deep understanding of client goals and proactive approach to developing innovative solutions that fulfill evolving requirements. Our primary goal is to drive client success and foster business growth. We are honored by this acknowledgment from ISG, which reflects the enduring partnerships we build with our clients by reimagining businesses across industries.”

Jan Erik Aase, Partner and Principal Analyst – Global Head of ISG Provider Lens

“Congratulations to Persistent Systems for earning top honors in the ISG Star of Excellence™ program 2024, including the prestigious Overall Award. They have received exceptional customer satisfaction across CX pillars, technologies, regions, and industries. Having been a finalist for this award last year, Persistent Systems continued with its focus on customer-centricity and experience to secure the top spot in 2024. This accomplishment not only reflects their adaptability and innovation but also demonstrates their stamina in consistently delighting customers and exceeding expectations. In 2024, as client expectations rise in the age of AI, organizations seek partners who elevate relationships into true collaborations. Persistent Systems has risen to this challenge, achieving the highest satisfaction in the ‘People and Cultural Fit’ CX pillar and earning recognition as the ‘Most Adaptable Partner’ by clients. These accolades highlight Persistent Systems’ ability to foster deep, value-driven partnerships and deliver unparalleled client experiences.”

About ISG:

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit http://www.isg-one.com/.

About Persistent

Persistent Systems (BSE & NSE: PERSISTENT) is a global services and solutions company delivering Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization to businesses across industries. With over 23,200 employees located in 19 countries, the Company is committed to innovation and client success. Persistent offers a comprehensive suite of services, including AI-enabled software engineering, product development, data and analytics, CX transformation, cloud computing, and intelligent automation. The Company has been recognized as the “Most Promising Company” of the Year by CNBC-TV18 at the 2023 India Business Leader Awards. Persistent has achieved carbon neutrality, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the Company is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, as well as take actions that advance societal goals. With 327% growth in brand value since 2020, Persistent is the fastest-growing IT services brand in the 2024 Brand Finance India 100 Report.

www.persistent.com

Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements

For risks and uncertainties relating to forward-looking statements, please visit persistent.com/flcs

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