Dr Rishita Changede has seen firsthand the devastating cycle of crop failures and financial ruin affecting farmers.
"If a farmer loses his crop two or three times, he loses access to credit and cannot farm," says the founder and CEO of TeOra, a synthetic biology startup.
"This takes away his livelihood, driving debt-ridden farmers to extreme measures." Witnessing the disparity between the risks shouldered by farmers and the benefits reaped by society was a defining moment for her. "Seeing how these farmers take on substantial risks to provide for society while struggling with issues such as disease and environmental pressures was very moving," she reflects.
This reality pushed her to develop innovative biotech solutions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of food production systems.
TeOra was established against this backdrop of agricultural vulnerability to revolutionize food security and support the unsung heroes of our food supply chain.
PIONEERING BIOTECH SOLUTIONS
The problem TeOra tackles is significant.
Traditional solutions like antibiotics are becoming less effective and pose health issues. "We needed a new approach," she emphasises.
This story is from the September 2024 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2024 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
From Screen to Store
Heini Zachariassen, founder of global wine rating app Vivino on how its first retail store in the world brings data-driven curation to wine lovers.
In the Dining Spotlight
Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman, whose name has been associated with the Michelin Guide in the Netherlands and Belgium, is expanding his Asian footprint with his Singapore outpost, Le Pristine in Grand Hyatt Singapore.
All for One
How would you navigate a corner if you were hearing-impaired or enjoy school if you were on the spectrum? These architects posit that inclusive design must be part of mainstream standards to improve overall living environments.
Pods and Swirling Staircases
This quirky and playful home designed by Park Associates is shaped after its owners, a young family with three children.
Stories Behind the Kebava
Sufiyanto A. S., one half of the duo behind the Kebaya.Societe Instagram account, has had enough of seeing Malay identity erased and forgotten.
Good to Go
Driving classic Jaguars on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit is all the magic a motorhead needs.
Seasons of the Snake
Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic for Bvlgari, with the Serpenti Tubogas as an artistic canvas for nature's cyclical transformation.
Phoenix Rising
One gutsy retired pharmaceutical executive rescued two-century-old Swiss watchmaker Bovet, and today, its presence is stronger than ever in Southeast Asia.
Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!
Chan Weitian injects new insights into Presto Drycleaners, blending operational innovation with time-honoured values.
Preserving Paradise
Gaya Island Resort takes eco-tourism beyond the expected, blending conservation efforts with authentic luxury.
