Farmcult: 'Farm-tech' Startup helping Indian farmers by leveraging their land

Khushoo Verma, Jadetimes Staff

Khushboo Verma is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovative News

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Image Source: Farmcult /linkedin

In recent years, the Indian architect sector has witnessed a surge in innovations solutions to make farming more sustainable and efficient. Among these, ‘Farmcult’ has emerged as a trailblazer, blending cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly practices to meet the rising demand for fresh, chemical-free produce. Founded in 2020 by Pritpak Singh, Farmcult is an architect startup that uses tech-enabled hydroponics and aeroponics farming techniques to cultivate fresh produce in the Chandigarh Tricity area. This environmentally-conscious company is on a mission to redefine the way food is produced and delivered, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional farming. 

Harnessing technology for sustainable farming 

One of the key technologies employed by Farmcult is aeroponics, a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich mist, which is highly efficient in terms of water and resource usage. Unlike traditional farming, which relies on solid and large amounts of water, aquaponics allows crops to grow without soil, reducing water consumption by up to 90% and eliminating the need for harmful pesticides. This innovation makes Farmcult one of the few companies in India to offer aeroponic-grow produce. 

Framcult’s commitment to sustainability doesn't end with its farming methods; it also prioritizes speed and freshness in its produce delivery. By ensuring that their produce reaches customers within hours of harvest, the company guarantees high-quality, fresh vegetables and herbs. Their business model also includes a subscription service, allowing customers to access farm-fresh produce delivery right to their doorstep regularly. 

Farcult’s impact on India’s fresh produce market 

Farmcult’s technology-driven approach is revitalizing the fresh produce industry by providing a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by traditional arming. As cities grow and demand for healthy, fresh food increases, Farmcult offers a unique solution that addresses both the need for efficiency and sustainability. This innovative farming technique not only reduces the environmental impact but also provides a healthier, chemical-free option for urban consumers. 

Framcult is also focused on making healthy eating accessible and easy through its subscription model. Offering direct-to-door delivery, it allows customers to integrate fresh produce into their daily routines with minimal effort. This service is particularly beneficial for those who value convenience but also want to ensure that their food is grown sustainably and without the use of harmful chemicals. 

Maintenance and longevity of hydroponic farms

To maintain the peak performance of its hydroponic and aeroponic systems, Farmcult emphasizes regular upkeep of its farming structures. Two essential maintenance practices are key to ensuring long-term productivity. 

1. Regular cleaning of poly sheets: In hydroponics farming, playhouses or greenhouses play a crucial role in providing the right environment for plant growth. Regularly cleaning the poly sheets that cover these structures ensures optimal light diffusion and longevity of the system. This practice helps in enhancing crop quality and minimizes the need for frequent replacements. 

2. Routine Inspections: The result recommends regular inspections to identify issues before they become major problems.  Even small tears in the poly sheets can disrupt the functioning of the entire system. Timely repairs and proactive maintenance help extend the lifespan of the farming infrastructure, ensuring consistent yields and quality produce. 

Farmcult a vision for a sustainable future

Farmcult’s mission is to lead the way in sustainable agriculture by producing high-quality, fresh food using innovative farming techniques. Their vision aligns with the growing demand for healthier, more eco-friendly food options, and they are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of food production. By combining technology with sustainability, Framcult is a prime example of how the agritech industry can contribute to both environmental conservation and the betterment of public health. 

A call for investors

Farmcult offers an exclusive investment opportunity for the land owner who does not have any specific plan for the land or the potential land owner who wants to generate income from their land. Under the Farmcult project, landowners can have a deal where the land will remain in the ownership of the landlord but the Farmcult will take the entire responsibility for establishing and maintaining high-tech new edge hydroponics farms under the supervision of experts. This scheme will help the landowners to generate substantial income from their agricultural land. 

Farmcult is setting new benchmarks in the architecture industry with its commitment to freshness, sustainability, and technological innovation. As urbanization continues to rise and the need for sustainable farming solutions becomes more urgent, companies like Farmcult are paving the way for a greener, healthier future. With a focus on quality, technology, and sustainability, Farncut is not only improving the way we grow but also that future generations have access to clean, healthy, and chemical-free produce. 

Isabel dos Santos Responds to UK Sanctions, Denies Corruption Allegations

G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : AFP

Angolan business tycoon Isabel dos Santos, once considered Africa’s richest woman, has criticized the UK government’s decision to impose sanctions on her, calling it politically motivated and unjustified. In an exclusive interview with the BBC Africa Daily podcast, dos Santos expressed surprise at the move, maintaining that she has not been found guilty of corruption in any court globally. The sanctions, announced last month, include an asset freeze and travel ban, with the UK government describing her as a "notorious kleptocrat" accused of siphoning millions from Angola’s state resources.

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, introduced these sanctions as part of a broader crackdown on “dirty money.” Official statements allege that dos Santos systematically abused her positions at Angola’s state-owned companies, embezzling at least £350 million (approximately $442 million). These funds, the UK government claims, were diverted from critical development projects, depriving Angola of essential resources. The allegations stem from a series of investigations, including the 2020 Luanda Leaks, a report produced through leaked documents shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and BBC Panorama.

Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos, has categorically denied these claims, attributing the accusations to a politically driven campaign orchestrated by the current Angolan government. Dos Santos asserts that President Joao Lourenço’s administration has targeted her and her family under the guise of anti-corruption reforms. She argued that Lourenço himself, having been a key figure in the ruling MPLA party, bears responsibility for many past decisions.

In her defense, dos Santos emphasized her entrepreneurial contributions to Angola’s economy. Educated in the UK and holding a degree in electrical engineering from King’s College London, she recounted her journey from humble beginnings, including early business ventures such as delivering beer to restaurants. Over time, she built a sprawling business empire spanning telecommunications, banking, cement manufacturing, and satellite television. By her account, she has created over 200,000 jobs, becoming one of Angola’s largest taxpayers and private employers.

The allegations against her intensified following her controversial appointment in 2016 as head of the state-owned oil company, Sonangol. Critics argued that her leadership at Sonangol was marred by corruption and mismanagement, although dos Santos maintains that she was brought in to turn the struggling company around. Shortly after her father stepped down in 2017, dos Santos was dismissed, and her assets were frozen under President Lourenço’s administration. She has since lived abroad, primarily in Dubai, and faces an Interpol Red Notice, which could lead to her provisional arrest if she returns to Angola.

Dos Santos further claims that the freezing of her assets was based on falsified documents, including a fake passport signed under the name of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Despite this, she asserts that her case has yet to be heard in court, a delay she describes as highly irregular for a civil dispute. Angola’s attorney-general’s office, however, maintains that its investigations are evidence-based and denies any political interference in her case.

The once-celebrated billionaire now faces ongoing legal and financial struggles, compounded by personal tragedies, including the deaths of her husband and father. Despite being dropped from Forbes’ billionaires list in 2021 due to her frozen assets, dos Santos remains resilient. When asked about her political aspirations, she left the door open, stating that serving Angola, whether through politics, business, or philanthropy, remains her ultimate goal.

As she navigates these allegations and sanctions, Isabel dos Santos aims to clear her name and share her side of what she calls a “complex” story. While the UK and Angola remain firm in their positions, her case continues to spark global debate on corruption, justice, and political power dynamics in Africa.

Telegram Accused of Promoting Extremist Content Through Algorithmic Recommendations

G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : AFP

Telegram, one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, is under scrutiny for allegedly promoting extremist content through its algorithm. A new study conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), shared exclusively with the BBC, highlights the risks posed by Telegram's "similar channels" feature, which appears to push users toward extremist ideologies. The findings have reignited debates about Telegram's role in amplifying harmful content and its broader responsibility in moderating its platform.

The SPLC report, titled Telegram's Toxic Recommendations, analyzed 28,000 public channels on the platform. It found that even users searching for innocuous topics like celebrities or technology could receive recommendations for extremist content. More troublingly, users already engaging with content related to anti-government conspiracies or fringe ideologies were funneled toward channels promoting antisemitism, white nationalism, and other forms of extremism. This discovery raises concerns about how Telegram’s algorithmic tools inadvertently expose users to radicalization pathways.

BBC Panorama showcased these findings firsthand. Lead researcher Megan Squire demonstrated how typing "Donald Trump" into a new Telegram account immediately recommended channels promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory. Similarly, searching for “UK riots” brought up content glorifying Adolf Hitler and channels run by violent far-right groups. According to Squire, Telegram has evolved into a “digital threat,” with extremists not only sharing content but also coordinating real-world events that mobilize individuals on the ground.

The platform’s secretive features and massive scale—almost one billion users worldwide—compound the problem. Unlike other social media platforms, Telegram allows users to create groups and broadcast messages to audiences of up to 200,000 people at a time. This makes it a powerful tool for spreading information but also enables harmful content to proliferate with little oversight. Researchers argue that the platform’s algorithms, which suggest “similar channels,” play a key role in amplifying extremism by guiding users toward increasingly radical material.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has faced mounting legal and public pressure regarding his hands-off approach to content moderation. French authorities have placed Durov under formal investigation, accusing him of failing to curb criminal activity on Telegram, including drug trafficking, child sexual abuse imagery, and organized fraud. Durov denies these allegations and remains on bail in France. Elies Campo, a former insider at Telegram, told Panorama that Durov’s philosophy emphasizes free speech over content moderation, suggesting a deliberate reluctance to allocate resources toward addressing extremist or illegal material.

Experts believe Telegram’s leniency has made it a preferred platform for criminals. Prof. David Maimon, a researcher from Georgia State University, demonstrated how easy it is to procure illegal goods. Within minutes of posting a request for firearms, Maimon received an offer for an Uzi submachine gun, with promises of shipping it to the UK in a matter of days. Such incidents underscore the platform’s role as a hub for illegal activities, far beyond extremist rhetoric.

Telegram has defended itself, stating that its moderation teams, combined with AI tools, remove millions of pieces of harmful content daily. The company insists its users only receive content they actively engage with, emphasizing that its "channel suggestions" feature aligns with topics users already follow. Unlike other platforms, Telegram claims it does not amplify or inject content into user feeds, positioning itself as a neutral service provider.

Despite these claims, critics argue that Telegram’s algorithm and laissez-faire approach have fostered an environment where extremist content thrives. The SPLC study raises critical questions about the balance between free speech and platform responsibility. As governments increase pressure on tech companies to tackle harmful content, Telegram’s response—and its ability to curb extremism—will remain under intense scrutiny in the months ahead.