#Agriculture products

[sarbagyaagri]

Optimizing Green Gram Yield: The Impact of Seed Rate on Crop Productivity 

Green gram (Vigna radiata), also known as mung bean, is a vital pulse crop cultivated worldwide for its nutritional value and economic importance. As global demand for plant-based proteins continues to rise, optimizing green gram seeds rate per acre production has become increasingly crucial. Among the various factors influencing crop yield, seed rate plays a significant role in determining overall productivity. This article explores the impact of seed rate on green gram yield and provides insights into optimizing this critical aspect of cultivation. 

Understanding Seed Rate 

Seed rate refers to the quantity of seeds sown per unit area of land. It is typically expressed in kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) or seeds per square meter. The optimal seed rate varies depending on several factors, including soil type, climate conditions, cultivar characteristics, and intended use of the crop. Finding the right balance is essential, as both too low and too high seed rates can negatively affect crop performance and yield. 

Effects of Seed Rate on Green Gram Growth and Development 

Plant Density and Competition Seed rate directly influences plant density, which in turn affects inter-plant competition for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. At lower seed rates, individual plants have more space and resources to grow, potentially leading to stronger, more robust plants. However, this may result in underutilization of available resources and reduced overall yield. Conversely, higher seed rates increase plant density, maximizing resource utilization but potentially leading to increased competition and reduced individual plant performance. 

Canopy Development: The seed rate impacts canopy development, which is crucial for light interception and photosynthesis. A higher seed rate generally results in faster canopy closure, reducing weed pressure and improving soil moisture conservation. However, excessive plant density can lead to mutual shading, reducing the efficiency of light utilization and potentially increasing disease incidence due to reduced air circulation. 

Root Development: Seed rate affects root development patterns. Lower seed rates allow for more extensive root systems, potentially improving drought tolerance and nutrient uptake. Higher seed rates may restrict root growth due to increased competition, potentially making plants more susceptible to water stress and nutrient deficiencies. 

Flowering and Pod Formation: The number of plants per unit area influences flowering patterns and pod formation. While higher seed rates may lead to a greater number of flowers per unit area, increased competition can result in reduced pod set and smaller pod size. Lower seed rates often produce fewer but larger pods per plant, potentially compensating for the reduced plant density. 

Maturity and Harvest Uniformity: Seed rate can affect crop maturity and harvest uniformity. Higher seed rates often lead to more uniform maturity, facilitating mechanical harvesting. Lower seed rates may result in extended flowering periods and less uniform maturity, which can complicate harvesting operations but may be advantageous in certain situations, such as when staggered harvesting is desired. 

Optimizing Seed Rate for Maximum Yield 

Determining the optimal seed rate for green gram involves balancing various factors to achieve the highest possible yield while considering economic and practical constraints. Several strategies can be employed to optimize seed rate: 

Cultivar-specific Recommendations :Different green gram cultivars may have varying growth habits and yield potentials. Seed companies and agricultural extension services often provide cultivar-specific seed rate recommendations based on extensive field trials. Adhering to these guidelines can serve as a starting point for optimization. 

Soil and Environmental Considerations Adjusting seed rate based on soil fertility, moisture availability, and climatic conditions is crucial. In areas with limited resources or stress-prone environments, slightly lower seed rates may be beneficial to reduce competition and improve individual plant performance. In favorable conditions, higher seed rates can maximize yield potential. 

Row Spacing and Planting Pattern The optimal seed rate is closely tied to row spacing and planting patterns. Narrower row spacings generally require higher seed rates to achieve optimal plant density. Consider the available machinery and cultural practices when determining the most suitable combination of seed rate and row spacing. 

Seed Quality and Germination Rate Account for seed quality and germination rate when calculating seed rate. Use high-quality seeds with known germination percentages and adjust the seed rate accordingly to achieve the desired plant population. 

Intended Use of the Crop Consider the intended use of the green gram crop when determining seed rate. For grain production, a moderate seed rate that balances yield components (pods per plant, seeds per pod, and seed weight) is often ideal. For green manure or fodder purposes, higher seed rates may be preferred to maximize biomass production. 

Economic Considerations Evaluate the cost of seeds against potential yield gains when determining the optimal seed rate. In some cases, a slightly lower seed rate may be more economically viable, especially if seed costs are high or if the marginal yield increase from higher rates does not justify the additional expense. 

On-farm Trials and Local Adaptation Conduct on-farm trials to fine-tune seed rates for specific local conditions. Start with recommended rates and experiment with slight variations to identify the optimal rate for your particular farming system. 

Challenges and Future Perspectives 

While optimizing seed rate is crucial for maximizing green gram yield, several challenges and opportunities for future research exist: 

Climate Change Adaptation As climate patterns become more erratic, research into seed rate optimization under varying environmental conditions will be essential to maintain and improve green gram productivity. 

Precision Agriculture Technologies The integration of precision agriculture technologies, such as variable-rate seeding, offers potential for site-specific optimization of seed rates based on soil characteristics and yield potential maps. 

Breeding for Optimal Plant Architecture Developing green gram cultivars with improved plant architecture that can perform well under a wider range of plant densities could provide greater flexibility in seed rate management. 

Sustainable Intensification Research into optimizing seed rates in intercropping systems and conservation agriculture practices will be crucial for sustainable intensification of green gram production. 

Conclusion 

Optimizing seed rate is a critical factor in maximizing green gram yield and overall crop productivity. By carefully considering cultivar characteristics, environmental conditions, and management practices, farmers can determine the most appropriate seed rate for their specific situation. Continued research and on-farm experimentation will be essential to refine seed rate recommendations and adapt to changing agricultural landscapes. As the demand for green gram continues to grow, optimizing this fundamental aspect of cultivation will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural production. 

[krigenicagripharma]

Best Pharma Agriculture Solutions Near You with Krigenic Agri Pharma!

Looking for the best pharma agriculture solutions near you? Look no further than Krigenic Agri Pharma! We're your go-to destination for superior-quality products and expert advice, focusing on innovation and advanced technology to transform agriculture for the better.

We offer a diverse range of meticulously crafted agricultural solutions, from crop protection products to innovative fertilizers and growth enhancers, all geared towards maximizing productivity and profitability. Our experienced team provides personalized assistance, prioritizing transparency, integrity, and reliability in every interaction.

Whether you're a small-scale farmer or a large agricultural enterprise, Krigenic Agri Pharma is your trusted partner. Explore our website at www.krigenicagripharma.com to discover our offerings and elevate your farming endeavors.

Contact us at 9900937013 to experience the difference with Krigenic Agri Pharma – where innovation meets excellence in agriculture!

[bestagriculture]

Untitled

Untitled

[vandenbusscheirrigation]

Soil Moisture Sensors

How Soil Moisture Sensors Help You Automate Your Customers’ Irrigation

“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.” - Mitch Hedberg

Soil moisture represents the amount of water stored in your soil. Soil moisture retention depends on numerous factors including:

Precipitation (rainfall)

Temperature

Humidity

Soil type and quality

Whether you manage your own farm or provide landscaping services for golf courses, apartment buildings, commercial spaces, large estates, or residential property, accurately measuring soil moisture can make the rest of your job easier.

Vanden Bussche Irrigation offers soil moisture sensors

[velvetedantler]

SLAY, an animal rights documentary on animals in the fashion industry, has to be one of the most poorly researched documentaries I’ve seen in awhile. Not only does the documentary go after fur (which is to be expected), but also wool and leather while making some startlingly false claims. 

First of the major claims against fur is that they state fur is not biodegradable, a talking point they admit to taking from Collective Fashion Justice (an animal rights clothing collective). CFJ claims that only 20% of the fur is biodegradable, which they took from a portion of this study. The actual statistic is that at the 30-day mark the mink had degraded by 25.8%, while the fake fur hadn’t degraded at all. 

According to the paper, “in the disintegration test, it was observed that the Undyed mink fur, Undyed fox fur, Dyed mink fur and Dyed fox fur partially disintegrated [after 30 days]: the skin fell apart and disappeared but the hairs remained. The fake fur did not show any disintegration, only discoloration” (Debeer). Fur is made of pure keratin which is hard to break down, this is why there are some hair follicles still left over from extinct animals! The part that is easier to disintegrate is leather part, even with the tanning process the material is biodegradable. 

The most irritating claim they make is that fur, leather, and wool have a higher carbon footprint. First, the carbon footprint doesn't take into account the fact that cattle, sheep, and animal raised for fur produce multiple products. A polyester shirt is only a polyester shirt, the cow the leather is made out of also produced milk, meat, and important by-products. While animals raised for fur also produce important oils, biofuel, and eat animal waste products from other industries. 

[rjzimmerman]

Food as You Know It Is About to Change. (New York Times Op-Ed)

From the vantage of the American supermarket aisle, the modern food system looks like a kind of miracle. Everything has been carefully cultivated for taste and convenience — even those foods billed as organic or heirloom — and produce regarded as exotic luxuries just a few generations ago now seems more like staples, available on demand: avocados, mangoes, out-of-season blueberries imported from Uruguay.

But the supermarket is also increasingly a diorama of the fragility of a system — disrupted in recent years by the pandemic, conflict and, increasingly, climate change. What comes next? Almost certainly, more disruptions and more hazards, enough to remake the whole future of food.

The world as a whole is already facing what the Cornell agricultural economist Chris Barrett calls a “food polycrisis.” Over the past decade, he says, what had long been reliable global patterns of year-on-year improvements in hunger first stalled and then reversed. Rates of undernourishment have grown 21 percent since 2017. Agricultural yields are still growing, but not as quickly as they used to and not as quickly as demand is booming. Obesity has continued to rise, and the average micronutrient content of dozens of popular vegetables has continued to fall. The food system is contributing to the growing burden of diabetes and heart disease and to new spillovers of infectious diseases from animals to humans as well.

And then there are prices. Worldwide, wholesale food prices, adjusted for inflation, have grown about 50 percent since 1999, and those prices have also grown considerably more volatile, making not just markets but the whole agricultural Rube Goldberg network less reliable. Overall, American grocery prices have grown by almost 21 percent since President Biden took office, a phenomenon central to the widespread perception that the cost of living has exploded on his watch. Between 2020 and 2023, the wholesale price of olive oil tripled; the price of cocoa delivered to American ports jumped by even more in less than two years. The economist Isabella Weber has proposed maintaining the food equivalent of a strategic petroleum reserve, to buffer against shortages and ease inevitable bursts of market chaos.

Price spikes are like seismographs for the food system, registering much larger drama elsewhere — and sometimes suggesting more tectonic changes underway as well. More than three-quarters of the population of Africa, which has already surpassed one billion, cannot today afford a healthy diet; this is where most of our global population growth is expected to happen this century, and there has been little agricultural productivity growth there for 20 years. Over the same time period, there hasn’t been much growth in the United States either.

Though American agriculture as a whole produces massive profits, Mr. Barrett says, most of the country’s farms actually lose money, and around the world, food scarcity is driving record levels of human displacement and migration. According to the World Food Program, 282 million people in 59 countries went hungry last year, 24 million more than the previous year. And already, Mr. Barrett says, building from research by his Cornell colleague Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, the effects of climate change have reduced the growth of overall global agricultural productivity by between 30 and 35 percent. The climate threats to come loom even larger.

It can be tempting, in an age of apocalyptic imagination, to picture the most dire future climate scenarios: not just yield declines but mass crop failures, not just price spikes but food shortages, not just worsening hunger but mass famine. In a much hotter world, those will indeed become likelier, particularly if agricultural innovation fails to keep pace with climate change; over a 30-year time horizon, the insurer Lloyd’s recently estimated a 50 percent chance of what it called a “major” global food shock.

But disruption is only half the story and perhaps much less than that. Adaptation and innovation will transform the global food supply, too. At least to some degree, crops such as avocados or cocoa, which now regularly appear on lists of climate-endangered foodstuffs, will be replaced or redesigned. Diets will shift, and with them the farmland currently producing staple crops — corn, wheat, soy, rice. The pressure on the present food system is not a sign that it will necessarily fail, only that it must change. Even if that progress does come to pass, securing a stable and bountiful future for food on a much warmer planet, what will it all actually look like?

[economicsresearch]

page 564 panel a - Monument on a hill. I am not asleep.

[curiosity-killed]

I think my biggest question for the whole trigun universe is how so many goddamn pianos made it into space. My second question is about Knives’ pipe organ on a spaceship

[sarbagyaagri]

Cucumber Seed Varieties: From Slicing to Pickling

Cucumbers are a versatile and popular vegetable grown worldwide, known for their refreshing taste and numerous culinary uses. Selecting the right variety of cucumber seeds is crucial for achieving a successful harvest that meets your needs, whether for fresh slicing, pickling, or specialty uses. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different varieties of cucumber seeds, provide tips on selecting the best seeds for your garden, and share real-life case studies and examples to illustrate their potential.

Understanding Cucumber Varieties

Cucumbers come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. The main categories are slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, and specialty cucumbers.

Slicing Cucumbers

Slicing cucumbers are typically longer and smoother than other types, making them ideal for fresh consumption. They are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a snack. Some popular slicing cucumber varieties include:

Marketmore 76: A widely grown variety known for its disease resistance and high yield. It produces long, dark green cucumbers with a crisp texture.

Straight Eight: This heirloom variety is known for its uniform shape and excellent flavor. It is a prolific producer, making it a favorite among home gardeners.

Diva: A hybrid variety that produces seedless, thin-skinned cucumbers with a mild, sweet flavor. It is highly resistant to common cucumber diseases.

Pickling Cucumbers

Pickling cucumbers are shorter and often bumpier than slicing cucumbers. They are specifically bred for pickling, as their texture and flavor hold up well during the preservation process. Popular pickling cucumber varieties include:

National Pickling: This variety is known for its high yield and uniform size, making it ideal for producing consistent pickles. It has a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

Boston Pickling: An heirloom variety that has been a favorite for over a century. It produces abundant, small cucumbers perfect for pickling.

H-19 Little Leaf: A hybrid variety with small leaves that make harvesting easier. It is highly productive and resistant to multiple diseases.

Specialty Cucumbers

Specialty cucumbers include unique varieties that offer distinct flavors, colors, or shapes. They are often used for specific culinary applications or to add visual interest to dishes. Some examples of specialty cucumber varieties are:

Lemon Cucumber: A round, yellow cucumber with a mild, citrus-like flavor. It is often used in salads and as a garnish.

Armenian Cucumber: Technically a melon, this long, ribbed cucumber has a delicate flavor and crisp texture. It is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

White Wonder: An heirloom variety that produces white cucumbers with a mild, sweet flavor. It is excellent for fresh eating and pickling.

Selecting the Right Cucumber Seeds

When choosing cucumber seeds for your garden, consider the following factors to ensure you select the best variety for your needs:

Intended Use

Decide whether you want cucumbers for fresh slicing, pickling, or specialty uses. This will help narrow down the list of suitable varieties.

Growing Conditions

Consider your local climate and growing conditions. Some cucumber varieties are more heat-tolerant or disease-resistant than others, making them better suited to specific environments.

Space Availability

Determine how much space you have available for growing cucumbers. Bush varieties are more compact and suitable for small gardens or containers, while vining varieties require more space and support structures.

Disease Resistance

Look for cucumber varieties that are resistant to common diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and cucumber mosaic virus. Disease-resistant varieties can help prevent crop loss and reduce the need for chemical interventions.

Soil Preparation and Planting

Soil Requirements

Cucumbers thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve fertility and structure.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Sow cucumber seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Plant seeds 1 inch deep and space them 12 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. For raised beds, plant seeds in small mounds or hills to improve drainage.

Watering and Fertilizing

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination and growing stages. Water cucumbers deeply, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Apply a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to promote healthy growth and fruit development.

Caring for Cucumber Plants

Trellising and Support

Cucumbers are vining plants that benefit from trellising or support structures. Train the vines vertically to save space, improve air circulation, and reduce disease risk. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants as they grow.

Pest and Disease Management

Regularly inspect cucumber plants for pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Use organic insecticides or introduce beneficial insects to control pest populations. Monitor for signs of disease and treat promptly with organic fungicides if necessary.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune cucumber plants by removing lower leaves and side shoots to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk. Keep the garden free of weeds and debris to minimize pest habitat and competition for nutrients.

Harvesting and Storing Cucumbers

Knowing When to Harvest

Cucumbers are typically ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest slicing cucumbers when they reach 6-8 inches in length and pickling cucumbers at 2-4 inches. Cut the cucumbers from the vine using garden shears or a sharp knife, leaving a small stem attached to the fruit.

Storing and Preserving

Store freshly harvested cucumbers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider pickling or preserving them in vinegar or brine. Enjoy fresh cucumbers in salads, sandwiches, or as a healthy snack.

Real-Life Case Studies and Examples

Case Study 1: Urban Community Garden

Background: A group of volunteers in a densely populated city established a community garden to provide fresh produce to local residents.

Process: They chose a variety of cucumber seeds, including Marketmore 76 for slicing and National Pickling for preserving. The garden beds were prepared with compost and organic matter, and trellises were installed to support the vining plants.

Outcome: The community garden thrived, producing a bountiful harvest of both slicing and pickling cucumbers. Residents enjoyed fresh cucumbers throughout the summer, and surplus produce was pickled and shared with the community. The project fostered a sense of community and provided valuable gardening education.

Case Study 2: Organic Farm Expansion

Background: A small family-owned organic farm aimed to diversify its crop offerings and increase revenue.

Process: The farm decided to plant a mix of heirloom and hybrid cucumber varieties, including Straight Eight, Diva, and H-19 Little Leaf. They implemented organic farming practices, such as crop rotation and natural pest control methods, to maintain soil health and reduce disease risk.

Outcome: The diverse cucumber varieties thrived, providing a steady supply of fresh cucumbers for the farm's market stand. Customers appreciated the variety and quality of the cucumbers, leading to increased sales and repeat business. The farm's reputation for high-quality produce grew, attracting new customers and expanding their market reach.

Example: Backyard Garden Success

Background: John, a gardening enthusiast with a small backyard, wanted to grow cucumbers for fresh eating and pickling.

Process: He selected Boston Pickling and Armenian Cucumber seeds to meet his needs. Using raised beds filled with nutrient-rich soil, he sowed the seeds and installed trellises to support the vining plants. John practiced regular watering, fertilizing, and pest management to ensure healthy growth.

Outcome: John's backyard garden flourished, producing an abundant harvest of cucumbers. He enjoyed fresh cucumbers in salads and pickled the excess for long-term storage. The success of his cucumber plants inspired him to expand his garden and try growing other vegetables.

Tips for Maximizing Cucumber Yields

Optimal Planting Conditions

Timing: Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C).

Spacing: Provide adequate space between plants to ensure good air circulation and reduce disease risk.

Consistent Care

Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting stages.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer and organic amendments to support healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Prevention

Monitor Plants: Regularly check for signs of pests and diseases and take prompt action if needed.

Practice Crop Rotation: Avoid planting cucumbers in the same spot year after year to reduce disease buildup in the soil.

Conclusion

Selecting the right cucumber seeds and providing proper care are key to achieving a successful harvest. Whether you prefer slicing cucumbers for fresh eating, pickling cucumbers for preserving, or specialty varieties for unique culinary applications, there is a cucumber seed variety to suit your needs.

Real-life case studies and examples demonstrate the versatility and reliability of various cucumber seed varieties in different gardening contexts, from urban community gardens to organic farms and backyard plots. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of high-quality cucumbers and reap the rewards of your gardening efforts.

Embrace the journey of growing cucumbers and savor the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown produce. With the right knowledge and care, you can cultivate a thriving cucumber garden and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.

[krigenicagripharma]

Discover the Best Pharma Agriculture Solutions Near You with Krigenic Agri Pharma!

Looking for top-tier pharmaceutical agriculture solutions? Look no further than Krigenic Agri Pharma! Our comprehensive range of products and services cater to all your agricultural needs, ensuring optimal yields and sustainable farming practices. Contact us today at 9900937013 or visit www.krigenicagripharma.com to learn more about how we can revolutionize your farming experience. With Krigenic Agri Pharma, excellence in agriculture is just a call away!

[blujayonthewing]

unfortunately spiders are a pretty popular part of traditional gnomish cuisine

[r0bita]

Crossbreeding plants, veggies, and produce has been a thing for centuries, but a lot of people seem to mistake those practices with being exclusively associated with non organic and gmo stuff which is unfortunate and also confusing.

Like... lemons and large corn don't come from nature my guys... we did that... but they're not tainted because we did that.

They're tainted because of capitalism.

[cafffine]

why did someone. to my face. just defend the ‘honey is not vegan’ argument by saying “yeah but honestly it’s commonly known to vegans that the honey bees that are used for mass produced honey aren’t native to a lot of the places they’re farmed so it’s just another animal product doing damage to the-”

PLEASEEEEEEE look at me right now and tell me that the millions of acres of soy beans in the midwest are a nonharmful fully native peace and love product. tell me that with a straight face.

[laggam]

J’ai fait mes deux premiers jours de stage chez une productrice de fleurs coupées et c’était GÉNIAL. On a énormément papoté au sujet des questions que je me poser pour s’installer en production florale, elle parle beaucoup mais pas pour rien dire, le courant passe hyper bien. J’ai hâte d’y retourner au printemps !

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from DeSmog Blog:

With its unparalleled purchasing power and exacting demands, fast food has long shaped agricultural systems in the United States, Europe, and China. But as major American fast food brands, like KFC, expand into so-called “frontier markets,” taxpayer-funded development banks have made their global expansion possible by underwriting the factory farms that supply them with chicken, a DeSmog investigation has found. 

In all, the investigation identified five factory-scale poultry companies in as many countries that have received financial support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the private-sector lending arm of the World Bank Group), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), or both since 2003, and that supply chicken to KFC. A sixth company has benefited from IFC advisory services but has not received financing. 

A review of press accounts, financial disclosures, and the companies’ websites shows this support aided these firms’ KFC-linked operations in up to 13 countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

In Kazakhstan, both banks helped a Soviet-era poultry factory become a KFC supplier. In 2011, the IFC lent poultry company Ust-Kamenogorsk Poultry (UKPF) invested $2 million in refurbishing housing for chickens, among other projects. In 2016, the EBRD made a $20 million equity investment in the company’s parent, Aitas, to finance the construction of a new facility to raise and process poultry. In 2018, two years after announcing the financing deal, UKPF revealed it had become a supplier to KFC in Kazakhstan. The EBRD sold its stake in the company in 2019. 

In South Africa, the IFC helped one KFC supplier bolster its operations across the region. In 2013, the bank loaned Country Bird Holdings $25 million to expand existing operations in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. Country Bird supplies KFC in all three countries, as well as Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Three years later, in 2016, Country Bird also became KFC’s sole franchisee in Zambia.

In Jordan, the EBRD’s technical support and a 2015 loan worth up to $21 million helped poultry company Al Jazeera Agricultural Company upgrade its facilities and expand its retail presence. Al Jazeera claims to produce half the country’s restaurant-sold chicken. It includes the local franchisees of KFC and Texas Chicken (known by its original name, Church’s Chicken, in the U.S.) as clients. 

With this Global North-financed fast-food expansion comes a host of environmental, social, and health concerns in regions often unprepared to field them.

“It’s so clear that these investments are not consistent with any coherent notion of sustainable development,” Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director for the food and agriculture program at Friends of the Earth US, told DeSmog. 

Providing Financial Security for Fast Food Suppliers 

Both the IFC and the EBRD are financed primarily by the governments of developed countries for the benefit of developing countries. The IFC was founded in 1956 under the umbrella of the World Bank Group to stimulate developing economies by lending directly to businesses. Founded in 1991, the EBRD was formed to support Eastern Europe’s transition to a market economy. Since then, it has extended its geographic reach to include other regions. 

Development banks often finance companies and projects in regions that more risk-averse commercial banks tend to avoid. The idea is to help grow a company’s operations and lower the risk for private sector investors. 

Both of these development banks’ investments cover a range of sectors, including manufacturing, education, agribusiness, energy, and tourism. Because large agro-processors, such as poultry companies, can transform bushel upon bushel of local crops into more valuable products, like meat, they make especially attractive clients. 

The world’s largest restaurant company, U.S.-based Yum! Brands, owns KFC, and calls the fried chicken powerhouse, which oversees more than 30,000 locations across the globe, a “major growth engine.”