ANAU AgTech Incubation Cycle 2019

Eco-Fresh Mushrooms LLC is one of the leading mushroom producers in Armenia and the United Arab Emirates. However, regardless of the fact that the company uses the latest technologies, still, it faces various issues during and after the production. 

Challenges:

• Automation of weighing and packaging of mushrooms. Mushrooms can become yellow as a result of direct physical contact with their surfaces, therefore it is desirable to have a solution that will allow minimizing physical contact during the packing process.
• Fast freezing / chilling method of mushrooms. Mushrooms lose weight very fast after harvesting (about 3% of their weight on the first day). Hence, producers make Fast freezing/chilling after harvesting, which allows them to slow down weight loss. Therefore, it is desirable to have a Fast freezing / chilling method, which can be as quick as possible, at the same time require as little energy as possible. Please note that strong airflow on the surface of the mushroom deforms it.
• Reusable compost. After mushroom production, the used compost may be used as a fertilizer in arable lands and orchards. However, the used compost can have a high concentration of some elements that may damage plants and trees. It is desirable to have an innovative solution to convert used compost into fertilizer with the use of as little water as possible (or the same water can be used several times).

“Armberry” CJSC is a local company based in the city of Yeghvard in Kotayk region. It is specialized in producing various types of berries. Currently, the two main products are blackberry and raspberry. The company’s capacity with respect to arable land is huge. However, due to being a relatively “young” company, its current production volumes are modest and are sold fully in the local market. Ever since its formation, the company has a mission to successfully grow and export berries from Armenia. Therefore, it’s in a continuous search of opportunities. While the company uses the best practices available, there are still some challenges to be solved. 

Challenge: Effective and affordable ways to improve the organic and mechanical composition of the soil. 

If you have any idea that can be useful, it is time to apply to Startup Clash.

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is one of the fastest-growing environmental issues throughout the world and one of the top conservation priorities. Especially, in the areas with rich biodiversity and dense human population, locals coexist in close proximity with wildlife because of sharing the same habitats and natural resources. This causes continuous conflict between humans and wild animals, which creates a negative attitude towards wildlife and various threats for both parties. In particular, HWC causes tangible impact and consequences, such as crop damage, livestock depredation, the transmission of diseases, attacks on people, etc. It also negatively affects human welfare, safety, and rural livelihoods. In Armenia, a great number of HWC cases are reported during the year. Most of them are associated with attacks of wolves on livestock and damage of orchards caused by bears. The main driving forces and factors for the human-wildlife conflict in Armenia are natural habitat loss, fragmentation, and transformation into agricultural lands, hunting, and poaching, which decrease prey species for carnivores, etc.

The solutions for human-wildlife conflict can include prevention, mitigation, and compensation/insurance strategies. Below, we list some possible and/or existing approaches:   

• Introduce innovative management practices (financially sustainable, cheap, easily applicable, etc.)
• Create low-cost technologies (e.g. electric fences, fox lights, innovative information technologies, repellents)
• Design sustainable compensation/insurance schemes, economic incentives, community-based approaches, etc.
• Increase people’s tolerance towards wildlife via raising awareness and educational level
• Be confident and don’t restrict yourself. Come up with your solution and strategy!