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AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – March 2025

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PRESS RELEASE

New Office Bearers Announced by CropLife Asia

CropLife Asia, the regional voice of the plant science industry, announced a new lineup for the organization’s Office Bearers within the Board of Directors. BASF Senior Vice President, Agricultural Solutions Asia-Pacific Installed as CropLife Asia President.

CropLife Asia and Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association Highlight Framework to Enable Secure, Sustainable Food Systems through Collaboration and Innovation

New framework aims to enhance Thailand’s agricultural sustainability while protecting human health through innovative farming practices and responsible crop protection. Read more…

Global News

Report Projects Boost in Demand from GM Food Market in Upcoming Years

The increasing market value of GM food is attributed to the demand for sustainable agricultural practices and food security solutions amidst massive global challenges. Read more…

United Kingdom – Precision Breeding Act progresses through Parliament

The regulations necessary to implement the Precision Breeding Act 2023 for plants in England has now been laid in Parliament and will be voted through in both Houses. Read more…

Governments agree to ease regulation of new-generation GMOs

The EU has moved a step closer to lifting controls on some genetically modified crops after diplomats in Brussels gave the green light on Friday for final talks with the European Parliament, which has already backed a proposal to split them into two categories. Read more…

Country News

Australia

Biologicals, novel approaches no match for herbicides: Outlook

CHEMICALS will remain the most sustainable and efficient primary tool for managing crop pests and weeds into the future, the ABARES Outlook heard last week. Read more…

Australia approves seed treatment to boost wheat production

Australia’s farm chemicals regulator said it has approved a product to tackle crown rot, a fungal disease that destroys several million tons of the country’s wheat and barley crops each year. Read more…

Two-day GRDC Update packs them in at Goondiwindi + PICS

The only two-day Grains Research Update held in Queensland, it is covering a range of topics, including the state of play of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s review of diquat and paraquat use. Read more…

Bangladesh

Govt approves 29 new projects to combat climate change

Key initiatives include research on carbon emissions and climate-resilient agriculture in Bangladesh’s haor wetlands… Read more…

China

China harnesses AI to revolutionize smart breeding, crop development

At the 2025 Seed Congress held from March 20 to 23 in the city of Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, smart breeding took center stage. Read more…

FAO representative speaks highly of China’s agricultural policies

“I think China has put in place very interesting policies to promote agricultural development.’ Read more…

Understanding China’s 2027 Rural Revitalization Plan

In January 2025, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council released the Rural Comprehensive Revitalization Plan (2024-2027) (the “Rural Revitalization Plan” or the “plan”), spurring efforts to grow the agriculture industry and improve conditions for residents in rural areas. Read more…

India

Drone Demonstration Womens Day Celebration; Source: Rehnews.com

CropLife India celebrates International Women’s Day to champion Gender Equality in Agriculture

The program included a Drone demonstration of crop protection products… Read more…

India’s Push for GM Food Crops: Progress Amid Legal Scrutiny

Ahead of a fresh series of hearings in the Supreme Court next month over genetically modified (GM) food crops, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) said there was “progress” on this front. Read more…

Jakarta aiming to ramp up soybean production

The government is looking to develop genetically modified organisms (GMO) to boost domestic soybean production and reduce imports. Read more…

Spurious seeds, pesticides worth Rs 78 lakh seized, seven held

During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused had been engaged in the illegal sale of spurious seeds and fake or expired pesticides for the last five years. Read more…

Haryana Budget Session: Bills to amend 2 central agri laws; four others passed in Assembly

These amendments aim to introduce stringent measures to curb the sale of counterfeit and substandard seeds and insecticides in the state. Read more…

Industry Stakeholders Call for Stringent Laws to Curb Counterfeiting

Industry stakeholders have called for the establishment of dedicated task forces, stricter penalties for counterfeit trade… Read more…

Shivraj and Bill Gates discussed on various topics related to agricultural and rural development

Gates Foundation’s collaboration with India’s Ministry of Agriculture has the potential to expand. India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates discussed the issue of collaboration in the field of ….artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate-resilient agricultural technology… Read more…

Amid debates, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ryots push for genetically modified crops

In the midst of an escalating national debate on the adoption of biotechnologically enhanced crops, including genetically modified (GM) crops, farmers from Telangana and Andhra have stepped forward, urging a science-based approach to policymaking and asserting their right to choose advanced agricultural technologies. Read more…

Indonesia

Bayer Strengthens Indonesia’s Food Security and Health with Science-Based Innovation

Bayer, a global company in the field of Life Science, reaffirms its commitment to supporting the agricultural and health sectors in Indonesia. Read more…

Indonesian Ministries Join Forces to Develop 3mn Hectares Rice Fields for Modern Agriculture Clusters

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Manpower. One key point of the collaboration is the development of 3 million hectares of rice fields and the establishment of modern agriculture clusters. Read more…

Korea

Korea deems U.S. genetically modified potato ‘suitable’ ahead of Trump tariff implementation

Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) has ruled that a genetically modified potato developed by U.S. agricultural firm Simplot poses no environmental risks, clearing one of the final hurdles for its potential import. Read more…

Kang Ho-dong advocates restructuring subsidiaries and reducing rice cultivation in Korea

“We will push for high-intensity restructuring of loss-making affiliates and will reduce the burden even if it means closing them down.” Read more…

Malaysia

Turning to foreign seeds to boost yields

In a bid to increase their yields, some rice farmers have resorted to buying hybrid seeds from China online. Read more…

DNB advocates 5G Technology amongst farming community

Programme seeks to help farmers use 5G for precision farming & cost savings. Read more…

Pakistan

Ban on agrochemicals sparks fears for farming future

A proposed government ban on 12 widely used agrochemicals has triggered alarm across Pakistan’s agriculture sector as experts warn it can cripple crop yields, inflate costs for farmers and destabilise food security. Read more…

Chinese firm to set up Sino-Pak Agricultural Industrial Park, launch e-commerce platform in Urdu

Feidoodoo Cross-Border E-Commerce (Ji Nan) Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of Chinese-listed company Guolian Co, Ltd, has announced plans to establish a Sino-Pak Agricultural Industrial Park in Pakistan and introduce a cross-border e-commerce platform in Urdu. Read more…

Philippines

4 Chinese nationals arrested for selling smuggled pesticides, insect repellents in Cotabato

Law enforcement agents arrested four Chinese nationals selling imported insect repellents and pesticides in an operation. Read more…

1st Solar-Powered Seed Warehouse with Cold Storage Opens in Ilocos

A solar-powered seed warehouse with cold storage and acclimatization rooms is now ready to provide rice farmers with quality seeds to boost food security.  Read more…

FPA taking new approach in regulating biofertilizers

It said the new regulatory approach applies to “emerging products” such as biofertilizer, biopesticide and bio stimulants, FPA Office-in-Charge and Executive Director Glenn DC. Estrada told reporters. Read more…

DA to build 2 soil laboratories in Palawan

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) National Soil Health Program, has officially started the construction of two soil laboratories and the installation of a mobile soil laboratory in Palawan. Read more…

Harvesting hope with AgriConnect: How AI is uplifting Filipino farmers

…a revolutionary change is on the horizon thanks to AgriConnect, an AI-powered application developed by 21-year-old student,  Soj Gamayon. Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan to Fully Lift Ban on Beef Imports from Japan

Taiwan’s food sanitation authorities plan to fully lift a ban on beef imports from Japan, according to Taiwan’s official Central News Agency. Read more…

Thailand

Thailand seeks India, Vietnam alliance to stabilise rice prices

Thailand is set to hold talks with India and Vietnam about strategies to tackle falling rice prices caused by oversupply, the Commerce Ministry said. India and Vietnam are the world’s two biggest rice exporters. Read more…

Vietnam

Vietnam, US boost agricultural trade

Ambassador Knapper affirmed US support for Vietnam’s sustainable development, particularly in climate change response, natural resource management, and fisheries. Read more…

Digitalizing plant quarantine to promote agricultural exports

The application of new solutions in the world on plant quarantine, for example e-Phyto – also known as Electronic Plant Quarantine Certificate, will create a great driving force to help our country further increase export turnover. Read more…

Public-private partnership for sustainable potato farming enhances the value of Vietnamese agricultural products

After just the first crop, the potato production model in the northern provinces achieved an average yield of 23-26 tons/ha, 8 tons/ha higher than previous crops. Read more…

Application of gene transfer technology, gene editing, breakthrough in the field of plant varieties

After more than 10 years of applying genetically modified corn in Vietnam, the socio-economic benefits for corn farmers and the improvement of farmers’ farming habits have been proven. Read more…

Vietnam and Germany have potential for cooperation on food safety

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam, there is potential for multi-sectoral cooperation between Vietnam and Germany in ensuring food safety throughout the entire production chain. Read more…

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 2): Slovakia Regards Vietnam as Key Partner in Asia-Pacific

PM calls on Japanese firms to see Vietnam as strategic destination; 30 years of Vietnam-US relations: a model of reconciliation and cooperation; Vietnam, Tanzania strengthen ties on 60th anniversary; Slovakia regards Vietnam as a key partner in Asia-Pacific. Read more…

Plant Science Updates

Traditional breeding falls short in boosting soybean photosynthesis

Review: integrated pest management is critical in fight against fall armyworm threat to Asian rice security

Effective dsRNAs” Combat Cucumber Mosaic Virus in Tests

Scientists unlock Wild Barley’s Genetic Secrets for sustainable agriculture

Researchers in Japan Develop Genome Editing Method that Partially Inihibits Gene Function

IRRI Launches AI-Powered Platform to Accelerate Hybrid Rice Breeding and Enhance Food Security

NBRI develops GM cotton resistant to pink bollworm
Genetic discovery puts bigger, tastier tomatoes and eggplants on the horizon

Breakthrough Enhances Biomass and Yield in Tomato Plants with Synthetic Photorespiration

‘Breakthrough’ in fight against fruit flies; Shield against biggest threat to cultivation globally

New paddy varieties in making to reduce urea use by 50%: IRRI scientist

New technology could save declining honeybee populations

Credits to the owners of the news and articles embedded on this post.

Latest News

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – February 2025

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!

Australia  I  BangladeshI  China  I  India  I  Indonesia  I  Japan  I  Korea  I Malaysia I  Philippines I Pakistan  I  Taiwan  I Thailand  I  Vietnam  I  Plant Science  I  Global

Global News

EU drops pesticide reduction plan amid political opposition

The European Commission has abandoned its plan to halve pesticide use by 2030, shifting focus to trade and innovation instead of mandatory cuts. Read more…

European governments heading towards GMO deregulation

The EU has moved a step closer to lifting the stringent regulation of a new generation of genetically modified crops created using new genomic techniques (NGT), Read more…

UK rules out trade deals which undercut food standards

Britain will not sign trade deals with potential suppliers such as the U.S. that open the way for food imports that are produced in a way that would be illegal for the country’s farmers, environment and farming minister. Read more…

Gates Agricultural Innovations and Corteva forge new collaboration to drive Ag Innovation

Gates Ag One and Corteva, Inc, a global agriculture technology company, announced a new collaboration to accelerate agricultural innovations in support of global food security. Read more…

Country News

Australia

Australian agriculture – competitive, resilient and up for the challenge

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is well placed to take on future challenges and opportunities, according to the latest ABARES Snapshot of Australian agriculture. Read more…

Massive invasion spreads across Australia and what you need to know

They advised residents to inspect ‘bare, compact soil’ and ‘hard, well-drained ground along contour banks or open areas’ for locust eggs. Read more…

Australia – Early alert system for crop disease infection

In an Australian first, grain growers now have access to accurate, localised data to improve disease management through a project harnessing technology to track airborne disease spore movement. Read more…

‘Poultry have been infected’: Bird flu confirmed at Victorian chicken farm

Bird flu has been detected at a chicken farm in northern Victoria, leading biosecurity officers to put the farm into lockdown. Read more…

Bangladesh

Lack of policy likely to affect export of farm products

Lack of a pesticide policy in Bangladesh prompts incessant use of chemical pesticides, offering a challenge to achieve the country’s ambitious goal of earning $5.0 billion in agricultural exports by 2030. Read more…

Bangladesh set to surpass China in cotton imports, USDA reports

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that Bangladesh is poised to overtake China as the world’s leading cotton importer during the 2024-25 trading year, which runs from August to July. Read more…

China

China’s bold new agricultural plan puts AI, biotech and seeds behind self-sufficiency push

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has outlined 10 critically important areas to prioritise while keeping a close eye on advancements in the world’s technological frontiers… Read more..

Syngenta Group to open major R&D facility in Shanghai

Switzerland-headquartered crop protection and seeds provider Syngenta Group on Monday announced it will open a crop protection innovation center in Shanghai. Read more…

China to expand plantation of ratoon rice by over 666,000 hectares

China plans to expand its ratoon rice cultivation area by approximately 10 million mu (about 666,666 hectares) by 2030. Read more…

China pushes for high-level self-reliance in agricultural tech

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued a notice on Friday outlining key sectors for agricultural technology innovation from 2024 to 2028, with the goal of accelerating progress toward high-level self-reliance in agricultural technology. Read more…

India

India a trusted friend, looking to elevate strategic ties: EU President

Modi and von der Leyen are to meet Friday. Her visit to India is taking place at a time when the trans-Atlantic partnership between Europe and the US is navigating uncertainty. Read more…

Satya Nadella Shares Video Of AI-Powered Farming In India, Elon Musk Reacts

In a post on X, Mr Nadella shared the story of small-town sugarcane farmers who have historically faced significant challenges. Read more…

Punjab faces cotton diversification challenge ahead of sowing season

Punjab agriculture director Jaswant Singh said efforts are being made to encourage farmers to return to cotton cultivation, with the government standing in support. Read more…

5-Day HRD Programme on Integrated Pest Management takes off at Kisan Kendra

 The HRD programme has been designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the safe and judicious use of pesticides, promote the use of CIB&RC- approved pesticides, and highlight the role of botanicals in agriculture for achieving sustainable agricultural practices. Read more…

Indonesia

Join The Potential Of GMO Plants As Agricultural Innovation And Sustainable Lifestyle

Indonesia is entering a new era in the agricultural world, where genetic engineering technology or GMO (Generally Modified Organization) is the main focus to overcome the challenges of food security and climate change. Read more…

Source: https://voi.id/en/lifestyle/462690

CropLife Indonesia Promotes Sustainable Pesticide Management

Head of the Pesticide Supervision Substance Group of the Pesticide Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Budi Hanafi, emphasized that synergy between stakeholders is key to maintaining agricultural productivity without sacrificing health and environmental sustainability. Read more…

2025 Agrinovation Conference: Encourage Innovation And Collaboration For The Future Of Indonesian Agriculture

This conference opened with a key speech from President Prabowo Subianto who emphasized the important role of innovation in realizing food sovereignty and Indonesia’s economic growth. Read more…

Indonesia’s Palm Oil at Risk as Rising Temperatures Kill Pollinating Beetles

A recent study presented at the International Conference on Oil Palm & Environment (ICOPE) 2025 in Bali reveals the impact of rising temperatures on these crucial insects. Read more…

Japan

Japan’s farm exports up 3.7% to 1.5 tril. yen in 2024, new record

The value of Japan’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry product exports rose 3.7 percent in 2024 from a year earlier to 1.5 trillion yen ($9.6 billion), setting a new record. Read more…

Amid climate change, LED-lit ‘plant factories’ enter spotlight

A roughly 60-square-meter hydroponic farm was installed on the 11th floor when the Itoya building was rebuilt in 2015. Read more…

Korea

Dabeeo, Sooin partner to expand smart agriculture in Southeast Asia

South Korean geospatial artificial intelligence firm Dabeeo said Friday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with controlled-release fertilizer specialist Sooin… Read more…

Korea’s National Bio Commission plans regulatory reforms for stem cells, gene editing

Korea’s bio sector awaits significant regulatory enhancements amid global competition. Read more…

South Korea eases farmland regulations to boost agricultural investments

New measures aim to stimulate rural investment and simplify land regulations in South Korea. Read more…

Malaysia

‘Stakeholders consulted on Crop Seed Quality Bill amendment’

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) remains committed to ensuring national food security while safeguarding the environment and public health… Read more…

KPKM approves RM9.25 million allocation to empower Johor’s food security agenda

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has approved an allocation of RM9.25 million (Phase 1) to empower the food security agenda. Read more…

Anwar urges swift action on five-season padi cultivation project in Kedah

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the implementation of infrastructure to support the ‘five-seasons in two years’ padi cultivation programme… Read more…

Pakistan

President for greater cooperation with China in agriculture, communication, space, technology, industry

President Asif Ali Zardari desired that Pakistan, due to its closer geographical proximity with China, would like to take advantage from the Chinese advancements in different fields including agriculture, communication space, technology and industry. Read more…

Pak-Vietnam Ties To Be Strengthened: Envoy

Ambassador of Vietnam H.E Pham Anh Tuan on Tuesday said that Pak-Vietnam ties would be strengthened further in agriculture by taking benefit from each other’s experience. Read more…

SUPARCO, BKK join forces to revolutionize agriculture with space technology

Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and Bakhabar Kissan (BKK), with M/S JAZZ as its communication partner have signed an agreement to empower farmers with smart agricultural solutions using space technology. Read more…

Philippines

Philippine ministerial delegation tours Middle East for trade, agriculture deals

In an effort to strengthen the Philippines’ trade presence in the Middle East, a government-led business mission is touring Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE to explore new market opportunities for the country’s agricultural and non-food products. Read more…

ISAAA and DA Biotech Program to Hold a Webinar on Regulatory Frameworks for New Breeding Techniques in Crops

ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program), will hold the webinar titled Global and Local Perspectives on the Regulatory Frameworks for New Breeding Techniques in Crops on March 6, 2025, via Zoom. The registration is now open to all interested participants. Read more…

Philippine partners plan to use videos to help indigenous farming communities and foster peace

Participants attending a training programme held recently in Mindanao, Philippines, announced their plans to show local language farmer training videos on agroecological practices to the indigenous communities they work with… Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan deepens agricultural cooperation with Australia

Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture attended the Australia-Taiwan 19th Agricultural Working Group Meeting Feb. 19 in Brisbane, underscoring the government’s commitment to forging strong partnerships through agriculture. Read more…

Lai meets Eswatini delegation

President William Lai (賴清德) met with a visiting delegation led by Thulisile Dladla, deputy prime minister of Eswatini in Southern Africa, and expressed hope for increased collaborations between the two countries. Read more…

Taiwan extends mandatory inspection on Vietnamese durian imports

Taiwan will continue inspecting every shipment of fresh durian from Việt Nam until April 30 to ensure food safety compliance. Read more…

Thailand

Smart drive to boost rice farming

Thailand is looking to strengthen its rice farming sector by introducing a climate-smart initiative for growers nationwide. Read more…Thailand unveils AI-, IoT-based smart agriculture platform

Thailand has launched a new smart farming platform named “HandySense B-Farm” which harnesses the power of smart sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to help farmers control and manage their farms efficiently. Read more…

Thai durians remain China’s top choice amid safety upgrades

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has expressed confidence that Thai durians will continue to be the preferred choice in China, following enhancements to food safety and contamination screenings. Read more…

Vietnam

Vietnam: A ‘hot spot’ for international cooperation in agricultural sciences

During the workshop, SPIA representatives presented their assessment of CGIAR research outreach among farmers. Read more…

Sri Lanka wants Vietnam to support urea fertilizer for the main rice crop

Minister Lalkantha affirmed that there are no obstacles to expanding agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Read more…

Vietnam must tighten food safety controls after 130 EU export warnings

The EU has tightened food safety checks on Vietnam’s exports, issuing 130 warnings in 2024 over pesticide residues and microbial contamination. Read more…

The Canadian province stands ready to exchange agricultural research with Vietnam

(VAN) Minister Warren Kaeding is willing to collaborate with Vietnam on the application of science and technology in agriculture to enhance production efficiency and protect the environment. Read more…

Plant Science Updates

Antioxidants in fruits and flowers seem to counteract harmful effects of microplastics, study shows

Australian-led research discovers weapon used by fungi to destroy food crops

UK biotech firm Tropic to launch non-browning bananas in March, extended shelf-life bananas by year-end

China’s new rapeseed variety increases yield, enhances food security

Chinese scientists develop rice strain to support heart health

Scientists Have Identified Genetic Defense Against Soybean Cyst Nematodes

This tiny plant could revolutionize agriculture and combat climate change

How peaches get their color: scientists discover key regulatory genes

Researchers Identify Genes that Help Sorghum Resist Striga by Preventing its Germination

Credits to the owners of the news embedded on this post.

Latest News, Newsletter

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – January 2025

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!

Australia  I  China  I  India  I  Indonesia  I  Japan  I  Korea  I Malaysia I  Philippines I Pakistan  I  Taiwan  I Thailand  I  Singapore  I  Vietnam  I  Plant Science  I  Global

Global News

153 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates Issue Urgent Wake-Up Call Over Hunger Tipping Point

A broad coalition of 153 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates has made an unprecedented plea for financial and political backing to develop “moonshot” technologies to avert a hunger catastrophe in the next 25 years. Read more…

Understanding the Regulatory Challenges for CRISPR Gene Editing on Crops

CRISPR/Cas gene-editing technology (CRISPR) presents a possible solution to this impending crisis. However, incorporating CRISPR into agriculture and food production requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks that could determine how widely these innovations are adopted. Read more…

Country News

Australia

Bayer: Federal Court Brings an End to Roundup™ Litigation in Australia

The Court issued a 322-page ruling finding that the weight of scientific evidence does not support a link between glyphosate and NHL. This is an outcome consistent with worldwide regulatory and scientific assessments, including from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), concluding that glyphosate is not carcinogenic. Read more…

Destructive tomato virus leads to 120 job losses at Victorian farm

More 100 workers have lost their jobs at a Victorian tomato glasshouse where a damaging virus has been detected. The tomato brown rugose virus reduces crop yields by up to 70 per cent. Read more…

How AI is helping farmers and the Great Barrier Reef

Artificial intelligence is being used as a tool across many Australian industries right now, including farming — where home-grown experts have developed “intelligent irrigation” to help ease the workload for farmers, and conserve water. Read more…

Calls continue to change organic labelling rules in Australia

Organic certification is not legally required for a product to be described as organic, but a business making organic claims must be able to prove them. Read more…

Sunn hemp trialled in cotton fields to combat reniform nematodes

A cotton-growing region is battling a microscopic soil pest that is decimating cotton crops. Scientists have found that a new legume — called sunn hemp — may reduce the impact of reniform nematodes. Read more…

China

China approves 17 more gene-edited crop varieties

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has awarded safety certificates to 17 gene-edited crop varieties, according to a Reuters report. Read more…

Chinese rice tastes and looks better than it did 16 years ago, research team finds

The taste of rice in China has improved over the past decade or so, Chinese researchers have discovered. Read more…

Minister Han Jun Meets with FAO Director-General

Minister Han said that in 2024, China’s grain output reached 700 million tonnes for the first time, showing that China has further enhanced its food security and made significant contributions to safeguarding global food security. Read more…

Chinese researchers develop green, effective pesticide formulation

Chinese scientists have developed a new eco-friendly pesticide formulation that enhances pest control while being safer for crops and the environment. Read more…

Sri Lankan President kicks off a four-day state visit to China, demonstrating ‘Rubber-Rice’ friendship: expert

During this state visit, Dissanayake is scheduled to participate in several key engagements, including field visits focused on technological and agricultural development, as well as initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. Read more…

China’s space station conducts over 1,000 research projects

China’s space station will conduct more than 1,000 research projects, promote science popularization and enhance international cooperation over the next 10 to 15 years. Read more…

India

CropLife India pioneers Small Tea Growers’ education drive on the use of Crop Protection Products

Unique campaign designed specifically to help the farmers meet the compliance standards of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and maximum residue level (MRL) parameters. Read more…

Photo Credit: CropLife India Facebook Page

CM launches UP-AGREES project to boost agri sector

The initiative aims to improve farmers’ yield, which is anticipated to rise from 10 quintals to 14-15 quintals per acre, and will provide a much-needed boost to the agricultural economy of Uttar Pradesh. Read more…

UP govt, Google Cloud launch AI-powered agri network

LUCKNOW The UP government has signed an MoU with Google Cloud (India) to launch the Gemini-powered and Beacon-enabled Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture. Read more…

 Why protesting farmers in Punjab want India to withdraw from WTO

According to the protesting farmers, the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), implemented to reduce agricultural subsidies and establish fairer trade systems, is fundamentally biased against developing nations like India. Read more…

ISRO Cowpea Seeds Successfully Germinate in Space: Everything You Need to Know

ISRO announces successful cowpea seed germination in space, part of the CROPS experiment studying plant growth in microgravity. Read more…

Google Signs Deal To Buy Carbon Credits From Indian Farms

The deal – signed by Google and Indian supplier Varaha – is one of the biggest ever involving biochar, and is the tech giant’s first foray into India’s carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector. Read more…

New Soil Carbon Measurement Method Could Boost Trust in Carbon Credit Markets

Direct soil carbon measurement techniques offer greater accuracy, enhancing the reliability of carbon credits and supporting agricultural sustainability. Read more…

Indonesia

Shallot research boosting yields for Indonesian farmers

Shallot farmers across 4 coastal provinces in Indonesia are experiencing significant growth in production and income through ACIAR-​funded research promoting sustainable cropping systems. Read more…

Indonesia bolsters financing for agriculture, fisheries enterprises

The Indonesian Government is also boosting the business cluster-based KUR and KUR for agricultural tools and machinery as strategic steps to boost productivity in the agriculture sector. Read more…

Indonesian forestry minister proposes 20m hectares of deforestation for crops

An Indonesian government plan to clear forests spanning an area twice the size of South Korea for food and biofuel crops has sparked fears of massive greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Read more…

Farmers prefer corn over wheat for feed

The Indonesian government’s plan to import wheat as an alternative to corn for animal feed has sparked concerns among poultry farmers.  Read more…

Indonesia will stop importing feed corn in 2025

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, announced that the country will cease importing corn for feed in 2025, as local production is expected to surpass domestic demand. Read more…

Japan

Farm-welfare links for disabled employment expand in Japan

Agriculture-welfare partnerships, in which individuals with disabilities actively participate in farming activities, have been steadily gaining momentum in Japan. Read more…

Japan rice prices jump to record for 4th month

Rice prices set a record high for a fourth consecutive month amid rising production costs. Read more…

Japan, China agree to continue talks for lifting import ban on Japanese beef

Japan and China have agreed to keep communicating over early lifting of China’s import ban on Japanese beef. The ban has continued for more than 20 years. Read more…

Korea

Ministry vows to spur growth of K-food exports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a meeting at aT Center in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss strategies for sustaining growth in Korean agricultural and food exports. Read more…

Agriculture: Unsung hero of Korea’s economic miracle

It is well known that Korea achieved the “Miracle on the Han River” through rapid industrialization. However, few are aware that this economic success would not have been possible without the significant growth in agriculture. Read more…

Malaysia

Rice industry sinking, farmers warn ahead of Putrajaya gathering to protest floor price

They say the amount under discussion is disproportionate to their current operating costs following the removal of diesel subsidies last year. Read more…

Climate, crisis and cost of food

AGRICULTURE remains both the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and a critical element of our national identity. However, as the climate crisis escalates, this vital sector faces mounting threats that jeopardise our ability to feed the nation. Read more…

Local onion cultivation could save Malaysia RM300mil: Mohamad Sabu

Malaysia can save around RM300 million if the local onion cultivation project succeeds, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Read more…

Philippines

DA to build P3 billion cold storage facilities for fruits, vegetables

Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to roll out a P3-billion initiative to construct 99 cold storage facilities nationwide, aiming to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and high-value crops, while ensuring price stability and food security. Read more…

DA forms TWG for food security emergency

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a technical working group (TWG) to formulate the implementing rules for the release of National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks once the government officially declares a food security emergency on the staple. Read more…

JICA urges more high-value agri investments in Philippines

Japan’s aid arm is urging more job-generating and value-adding investments in the Philippines’ agriculture sector so the domestic vegetable industry can meet the country’s food security needs while also tapping into a wealth of business opportunities. Read more…

Low-GI rice varieties for diabetics

With diabetes rising as the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines, PhilRice food scientists are exploring rice varieties better suited for people with the medical condition. They are investigating rice with low glycemic indexes (GI) to help manage blood sugar levels. Read more…

Farmers get subsidized access to drone services

Thus, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), together with the Department of Agriculture-National Rice Program (DA-NRP), is promoting precision agriculture through the Drones4Rice project, emphasizing its benefits for rice farmers and the need to regulate drone activities. Read more…

Taiwanese agritech signs up for UPD community development project

A Taiwanese agricultural technology company and the University of the Philippines (UP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for locating on UP Diliman campus a demonstration area for innovations in urban farming supporting climate change resilience, human wellness and other such sustainable development goals. Read more…

Pakistan

Chinese delegation, Punjab minister discuss agriculture cooperation

A delegation of China’s (Beijing) Company BGI Group led by its Chairman Dr Wang Jian met with Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani here on Monday. Read more…

EO-1 Satellite to enhance country’s capabilities in agriculture, disaster management

The first fully indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) Satellite, launched by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Friday, is expected to enhance country’s capabilities in agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring and other sectors, symbolizing its growing expertise in space sciences. Read more…

Fall in cotton production worries Sindh industries

Sindh’s industrial sector has expressed grave concern over the fall in cotton production, which will have serious implications for the textile sector as well as the national economy, reports WealthPK. Read more…

Fertilizer Company receives 1.5MW power supply in Gwadar North Free Zone

Agven Private Limited, a fertilizer company in the Gwadar North Free Zone, began receiving 1.5MW of electricity as part of its allocated share, following a significant infrastructure development. Read more…

Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China surpass $226 million in 2024

Pakistan’s exports of sesame seeds to China exceeded $226 million in 2024, marking a significant development in bilateral trade relations. Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan to take in 1,000 Indian workers, recruitment talks on with northeastern states

Sources in Taiwan said Taipei has expressed a preference to hire these workers from India’s northeastern states, citing cultural similarities and easy assimilation. Read more…

Taiwan fresh pork exports to Singapore restart after 15-year hiatus

The first batch of fresh pork from Taiwan was shipped to Singapore on Wednesday after the city state announced in November 2024 it would reopen its market to imports of Taiwanese pork for the first time in 15 years, a Taiwanese pork producer said. Read more…

Thailand

Bayer AG celebrates 62 years in Thailand with new collaboration plans

The multinational reaffirms its commitment to supporting Thailand’s health and agriculture sectors in meeting with Paetongtarn at Davos. Read more…

PM arrives in Davos, meets business leaders to boost investment in Thailand

During the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 (WEF AM25) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held discussions with senior executives from leading companies, including DP World, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola. Read more…

Durian exports to China resume amid strict policy to ensure quality

Thailand was allowed to resume durian exports to China on Monday as the Agriculture Ministry and relevant agencies have imposed a strict policy to ensure fruit quality. Read more…

Measures implemented to prevent agricultural burning

Agriculture and Cooperatives ministry to root out farmers who have taken part in burning their fields. Read more…

Thailand switching to low-carbon rice to meet net-zero goal

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is promoting low-carbon rice cultivation to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, tackle global warming and boost competitiveness in the global market. Read more…

Singapore

Urban Farms Take Root In Singapore’s Race For More Food Self-Sufficiency – Analysis

Singapore’s ambitious bid to revolutionise food security has turned it into a living experiment in high-tech urban farming and novel food production. Read more…

Brazil, Singapore sign agreement for pork trade in case of ASF

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has signed a regionalisation agreement with Singapore to ensure trade in meat and pork products in the event of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Brazil, according to a government-issued press release.  Read more…

Vietnam

Vietnam’s feed companies struggle with soybean meal supply

Amid a jump in global prices, the nation’s feed manufacturers are also being challenged by administrative inconsistencies related to imported soybean meal. Read more…

Plant Science Updates

USDA ERS Report Shows Recent Trends on GE Crop Adoption in the US

Chinese scientists decode popular sugarcane variety

CRISPR technology transforms mustard greens, paving the way for innovative crops

Expected Profitability and Perception Drive Farmer’s Participation in GM Crop Farming

Researchers explore breakthrough approach to combat devastating citrus greening disease

Gene-silencing Spray to Fight Fusarium Head Blight in Cereal Crops

Gene-edited soil bacteria could provide third source of nitrogen for corn production

Researchers Test Dual-process Framework for Understanding Acceptance of Genetic Modification

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Latest News, Newsletter

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – DECEMBER 2024

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!  

PRESS RELEASE: 

CropLife International welcomes USMCA dispute settlement ruling – CropLife International, the trade association representing the plantscience industry, has today voiced its support for the outcome of the United States-Mexico-Canada freetrade agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement process in which Mexico is formally requested to repeal its Decree prohibiting the use or import of GM corn. Read more…

Global & Regional News

World Insights: COP16 draws key roadmap for global fight against desertification

The conference concluded with a broad consensus on prioritizing land restoration and drought resilience in national policies, expanding international cooperation, and recognizing these as essential strategies for food security and climate adaptation. Read more…

Panel rules in favor of US in GM corn dispute

With Mexico accounting for nearly 50% of total US corn export sales annually, US corn growers hailed the decision as a major victory. Read more…

Country News

Australia/New Zealand

Australian OGTR Receives License Application for Field Trial of GM Canola

Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received license application DIR 212 from the University of Adelaide to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) canola with increased photosynthesis and photorespiration. Read more…

New Zealand Releases Proposed Updates on Gene Technology Framework

The Government of New Zealand has issued the proposed Gene Technology Bill 2024 and is now going through the parliamentary process. The Bill includes several updates to the existing regulatory procedure implemented in the country. Read more…

China

China’s record farm yields see fertiliser on its way out as advanced tech is in

Modernisation efforts come as food-security stability grows more critical in China’s agrarian undertakings. Read more…

China’s crop import curbs causing soybean shortage

Some soybean crushers in Dongguan in Guangdong province have had to suspend operations for the last three weeks, traders say. Read more…

China boosts financial support in agriculture to strengthen food security

 Chinese authorities on Friday called for increased financial support to stabilise key agricultural products, including grain, as part of broader efforts to ensure food security for China’s 1.4 billion population. Read more…

India

UP govt promoting organic farming

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath envisions Uttar Pradesh as the nation’s hub for organic farming. To achieve this, he actively promotes the practice on every possible platform, advocating for the integration of technology to enrich this traditional Indian agricultural method, officials said in a statement here on Thursday. Read more…

Indonesia

Minister Of Agriculture Amran Reveals The Importance Of Food Security Amid Climate-Geopolitical Change

JAKARTA – Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the importance of food security to face the challenges of climate change and the global geopolitical crisis in order to maintain national food sustainability. Read more…

Govt to mandate use of 20% village funds for food security

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, has announced that he will soon issue a regulation requiring that a minimum of 20 percent of village funds be allocated to support food security efforts. Read more…

Korea

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND MALAYSIA

The partnership includes strengthening agriculture R&D, smart agriculture and agriculture mechanization. Read more…

Minister officiates RI-S Korea’s energy-agriculture cooperation

This project would integrate new renewable energy technology with the agricultural sector and offer innovative solutions in the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) Nexus synergy. Read more…

Agro-food exports in Oct. rise for 14th straight month to USD 8.2B

By item, the export of processed rice products such as frozen gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), instant rice and tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) rose 41.9% from the same period last year to USD 250 million. Read more…

Japan

Japan Remains a Key GM Product Import Market

The Government of Japan has approved a total of 334 genetically modified products for food use as of September 2024. Read more…

Malaysia

Govt to diversify padi cultivation areas to tackle climate impact

The government plans to diversify mass padi cultivation areas across the country as a long-term strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change on staple food production. Read more…

Pakistan

Fake Pesticides Seized

The Agriculture Department’s Pest Warning team raided a fake pesticide manufacturing facility in BCG Chowk, Mohallah Peer Bukhari, and seized fake pesticides worth Rs 300,000. Read more…

Philippines

National Biotechnology Week 2024 focuses on Biotech’s role in the education, innovation,

and commercialization

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) officially launched the celebration of National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2024 from November 25 to 29, 2024. Read more…

DA, DTI forge alliance to boost PH agri exports

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have formalized a collaboration to enhance Philippine agricultural exports and address market barriers. Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan plans to set up drone testing facility in Chiayi –  

Taiwan will set up a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing facility in Chiayi County to help establish its drone supply chain and a higher share of the global market, Industrial Development Administration (IDA) Deputy Director-General Tsou Yu-hsin (鄒宇新) told CNA in a recent interview. Read more…


“Taiwan-Nuffield International Agricultural Dialogue & Networking” event: Opening up new horizons for agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and Australia

Thailand

Agriculture and food sectors seek to cut emissions

Agriculture and food sectors are considered to be among the ranks of greenhouse gas emitters, having emitted around 54 billion tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent, or one-third of global emissions. Read more…

Thailand’s agriculture predicted to grow by 1.8-2.8% in 2025

Thailand’s agriculture sector is expected to record growth between 1.8% and 2.8% next year, helped by factors such as secure water resources, an improving economy and higher demand for farm produce in the global market, according to the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE). Read more…

Singapore

Fish farms adopting tech to raise productivity amid rising operating costs

Some local fish farms have turned to technology to increase productivity, amid operating costs rising by as much as 25 per cent, and stiff competition from overseas seafood suppliers. While the government has recently launched the Singapore. Read more…

Vietnam

Approval of the biotechnology project in the field of environmental protection

On December 24, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Decision No. 1639/QD-TTg approving the project on the development of biotechnology in the field of environmental protection. Read more…

Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are increasingly favored in Australia

Vietnam is the third-largest supply source of vegetables, fruits, and processed products for Australia in the first 10 months of 2024, reaching USD 109.68 million, up 35.4% over the same period last year. Read more…

Agriculture sector records trade surplus this year

This year, the agriculture sector’s production value is estimated to increase by over 3.2 per cent, while agricultural, forestry and fishery export value is expected to reach a historic high of $62.4 billion, up 18 per cent year on year. Read more…

Plant Science Updates

Scientists Innovate Breeding Strategies to Create Climate-smart Crops

A recent study has reported a novel breeding strategy to rapidly create climate-smart crops that show higher yield under normal conditions and greatly rescue yield losses under heat stress both in staple grain and vegetable crops. Read more…

Experts Develop Heatwave-tolerant Potatoes

A study published in Global Change Biology reports about genetically engineered potato plants that can grow 30% larger tubers under heatwave conditions without affecting the nutritional quality of the tubers.  Read more…

GM Soybeans Show No Adverse Effects on Rat Health and Gut Microbiota

GM soybean was developed to resist herbicides and boost crop yields by controlling weeds while reducing environmental impact and crop residues. In this study, the researchers evaluated the effects of a diet containing 70% GM soybean on Sprague-Dawley rats and compared the body weight, hematology and blood biochemistry, bacterial populations, and antibiotic resistance to the non-GM diet group. Read more…

Low GI Rice Can Curb Asia’s Diabetes Epidemic and Enhance Farmers Income, Finds Report

Scientists from IRRI and the Max Planck Institute, in a recently published study, highlight the potential of Low GI rice to combat diabetes while creating opportunities for farmers in health-conscious premium markets. This rice variety could revolutionize global nutrition and public health. Read more…

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Latest News

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – November 2024

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!  

Global & Regional News

Future-proofing rice: how Asia’s farmers are innovating against climate odds

From India to Vietnam, a new wave of innovation is transforming traditional rice farming into a resilient and eco-friendly industry. Read more…

Experts for exchanging climate-smart agriculture practices in South Asia

Agriculture experts have stressed the need for sharing evidence-based agriculture learning and practices in South Asian nations to empower smallholder farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change. Read more…

Country News

Australia/New Zealand

Govt funding on offer to find best tools to calculate farm emissions

The federal government has called for expressions of interest for proposals to help farmers calculate greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration gains. Read more…

Australia keen to explore opportunities in India’s agri-tech space: Govt

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, met with Indian Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi to discuss collaborations in agriculture and related fields. Read more…

What farming in space could look like and its ramifications for ag on earth

It sounds like something from a science fiction movie, but researchers are working to ensure adequate nutrition is available for astronauts on a three year round trip to Mars, and this work could also deliver benefits to agriculture here on earth. Read more…

China

China announces plan to cut food waste at production, transport and storage end

Amid climate change and geopolitical pressures, Communist Party aims to raise public awareness about saving food, waste and healthy eating. Read more…

US farmers sign big deals at CIIE expo, easing concerns about size of potential trade war

‘Agricultural products are an important part of bilateral trade between China and the US,’ AmCham Shanghai says. Read more…

India

Chouhan calls for strict action against sale of spurious seeds, fertilisers

He pointed out that “farmers often complain about receiving poor-quality inputs, resulting in significant losses”. Read more…

Government funds 28 innovations to combat tomato price volatility and wastage
The Department of Consumer Affairs has funded 28 projects aimed at reducing tomato loss and adding value to the crop. These initiatives seek to stabilize tomato prices, minimize waste, and improve supply chain efficiency by implementing affordable solutions that could cost as little as Re 1 per kg. Read more…

Uttar Pradesh green plan: Use technology to help boost agriculture

Over the next few years, the state aims to increase value of farm exports from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore by boosting productivity and food processing. Read more…

Indonesia

Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman Reveals Factors Causing the Decrease in Farmers’ Rice Productivity

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman revealed a number of factors causing rice production in Indonesia to declined. Read more…

Indonesia, Canada sign comprehensive economic partnership

Indonesia and Canada on Monday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that aims to strengthen economic ties between the two G20 members, three years after negotiations began. Read more…

Pupuk Indonesia Distributes 6.6 Million Tons of Subsidized Fertilizer Ahead of Planting Season

Jakarta. State-owned fertilizer company Pupuk Indonesia has distributed 6.6 million tons of subsidized fertilizer to registered farmers across Indonesia. Read more…

Farming instructors to support food sufficiency push: govt

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has said that the government is planning to post one farming instructor in each village to achieve the food self-sufficiency target envisioned by President Prabowo Subianto. Read more…

Indonesia looking to end rice imports from next year

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has said he believes that Indonesia will be free from rice imports from 2025, when production is targeted to reach 32 million tons. Read more…

Korea

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND MALAYSIA

The partnership includes strengthening agriculture R&D, smart agriculture and agriculture mechanization. Read more…

Minister officiates RI-S Korea’s energy-agriculture cooperation

This project would integrate new renewable energy technology with the agricultural sector and offer innovative solutions in the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) Nexus synergy. Read more…

Agro-food exports in Oct. rise for 14th straight month to USD 8.2B

By item, the export of processed rice products such as frozen gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), instant rice and tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) rose 41.9% from the same period last year to USD 250 million. Read more…

Malaysia

Thriving agriculture sector expected to see steady growth

JOHOR’S agriculture sector is expected to see stronger growth in years to come, which makes the state poised to achieve its aspiration of becoming a national and regional food basket. Read more…

Rebooting the agriculture sector

The government wants to revive and refocus Malaysia’s agricultural sector into a growth driver for the “new” economy, helped by the adoption of technology, and with a new approach which will be based on the findings of a census that is expected to be ready by the end of this month. Read more…

Philippines

Legal obstacles hamper adoption of genetically modified crops in PH

Despite solidifying its position as a leader in biotechnology in Southeast Asia, regulatory hurdles stemming from legal woes hampered the adoption of genetically modified crops in the country. Read more…

The President and DA chief inaugurate S Korea-backed greenhouse project in Quezon

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. led the inauguration of a South Korea-backed greenhouse and post-harvest facility in Lucban, Quezon, another step in government’s drive to modernize agriculture and build resilience against climate change. Read more…

Marcos thanks South Korea’s National Assembly for ratifying free trade deal

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday thanked South Korea’s National Assembly for its unwavering support to the Philippines in ratifying the Free Trade Agreement between the two nations. Read more…

Pakistan

‘FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in corporate farming vital for food security’

Pakistan loses its edge in supplying China with sesame seeds

Companies squeezed by falling prices as other countries compete to cultivate crop prized in Chinese kitchens. Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwanese pork approved for export to Singapore

After a 15-year hiatus, fresh Taiwanese pork may once again be exported to Singapore, the Ministry of Agriculture announced today. Read more…

Minister warns on grain price rise

The price at which the government purchases grain is under scrutiny after opposition lawmakers proposed raising it to guarantee the income of rice farmers. Read more…

Thailand

Thai farmers urged to embrace smart farming technologies

Agricultural Extension Department launches new initiative in partnership with Siam Kubota. Read more…

Agriculture in focus as Thailand and Hong Kong aim to expand trade ties

Pichai makes case for more investment in meeting with HK official at APEC Summit in Peru. Read more…

High-value agriculture to be enhanced next year, govt department vows

The Department of Agricultural Extension plans to develop high-value agriculture further next year, as the department has witnessed a 1.5-times increase in Thai farmers’ income this year. Read more…

Singapore

Construction yet to begin on Singapore’s 4th egg farm, which was scheduled to start operations in 2024

The amount of funds needed to complete the farm has now risen beyond S$110 million, from the initial projected cost of more than S$100 million. Read more…

Vietnam

Hà Nội’s agriculture sector striving for milestones on a new journey

Building on its 70-year legacy, the agriculture sector aims to develop a multi-value, green agriculture system, promoting circular economy principles tied to global agricultural value chains, industrial processing, and sustainable rural-urban integration. Read more…

Virtual booths open new doors for Vietnamese farm produce in China

Vietnamese agricultural products will be distributed directly to Chinese consumers through major e-platforms and social media, offering opportunities for enterprises to expand their market presence and enhance export potential. Read more…

Plant Science Updates

Chinese scientists modify tomatoes to make them ‘significantly sweeter’

USDA APHIS Releases Regulatory Status Review for Modified Sweet Orange and Maize

Researchers Develop Tomato Plants that Contain Full Genetic Material of Both Parent Plants

European Commission Authorizes Four GE Crops for Import

Pakistan Approves GM Soybean Imports

NEW RESOURCES/INFOGRAPHICS

Contributions of Biotech Crops to Food Security, Sustainability, and Climate Change Solutions – ISAAA Inc. releases a new infographic featuring the contributions of biotech crops to food security, sustainability, and climate change solutions. Biotech crops are adopted globally because of their enormous benefits to the environment, human and animal health, and contributions to improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers and the general public.

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Latest News

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – October 2024

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!  

Country News 

Australia/New Zealand

Cotton production set to dominate expansion of remote Australian agricultural region – One of Australia’s remotest agricultural regions would almost double in size under an ambitious plan announced by the West Australian government. Read more…

The virus threatening Australia’s tomato industry – As households grapple with cost-of-living pressure, growers are warning tomato prices could rise after the discovery of a new tomato virus. Read more…

APVMA places immediate ban on herbicide due to human health risk – The APVMA announced all use of chlorthal dimethyl, best known under the trade name Dacthal, would be banned immediately, primarily due to risks to unborn babies. Read more…

New South Wales seed vault protects agricultural heritage – A Wagga Wagga seed vault is preserving seeds and grains for up to 100 years and is gaining international attention. Read more…

China

China’s first provincial germplasm resource bank now fully operational – China’s first provincial germplasm resource bank, located in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, is now fully operational, according to the Science and Technology Daily on Monday. Read more…

Vietnam and China sign deals including agri trade to QR code payments – Ten agreements sealed during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s 3-day visit to Hanoi. Read more…

Vice Minister Ma Youxiang Meets with International Sustainability and Agriculture Officials – Ma Youxiang, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, met separately with Stanley Loh Ka Leung, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), in Beijing on Oct. 11. Read more…

China’s road to agricultural self-sufficiency: reshaping markets, creating opportunities – China, a major demand center and driver of global agricultural markets, is actively pursuing an ambitious goal of achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture, but not without disrupting markets. Read more…

India

Agri officers update HC on pesticide use ban – Nagpur: In response to a directive from the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court, district agriculture superintendents from Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, and Chandrapur submitted affidavits on Wednesday detailing measures taken to combat the use of harmful pesticides in farms. Read more…

Minister discusses Punjab agriculture policy with farmers’ unions – The measures proposed in the policy include promoting crop diversification, providing a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP), offering one-time debt settlements for farmers, introducing a pension plan for small farmers and farm workers, implementing special debt waivers for small and marginal farmers, among other initiatives. Read more…

India’s cotton output to fall on lower area, excess rain – India’s cotton output is expected to drop by 7.4% to 30.2 million bales in 2024/25 due to reduced planting area and excessive rainfall damage. This may lead to increased imports, rising to 2.5 million bales from 1.75 million, and a decrease in exports to 1.8 million bales from 2.85 million. Read more…

Bayer, Mitsubishi, Shell, Temasek to generate carbon credits for farmers – Four big global companies — Bayer, GenZero (a wholly-owned arm of financial major Temasek), Shell and Mitsubishi — have decided to scale up their carbon credit programme in nine states to empower farmers. Read more…

Bayer in pact with Samunnati to enhance farmer productivity and profitability – Bayer, a global enterprise with competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and agriculture, has partnered with Samunnati, an agri value chain enabler company, to empower FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) with access to quality agri-inputs and transfer of good agricultural practices to enhance rural livelihoods and farm incomes. Read more…

Indonesia

Minister commits to achieving food self-sufficiency in Indonesia – Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has pledged to transform the country into a food-sovereign nation by boosting production and expanding agricultural areas. Read more…

Indonesia’s Agriculture sector resilient amid medium-term risks – Indonesia’s agriculture sector is navigating a period of substantial challenges, with factors such as volatile weather patterns, global commodity price fluctuations, and domestic structural issues presenting immediate obstacles. However, strong domestic consumption and strategic government initiatives should continue to maintain the sector’s vital role in the Indonesian economy.  Read more…

Korea

Korean Smart Farming Technologies Draw Special Attention from Middle East – Sejong, 15 October 2024  — The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) held a ‘K-smart farm roadshow’ in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the State of Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 7 to 14 October 2024 to ensure that K-smart farms can be more widely recognized in the Middle Eastern market. At the trade show, 12 Korean smart farm companies and 50 buyers had 369 business meetings to create export and import opportunities. Read more…

South Korea boosts cabbage supply for kimchi amid heat wave – South Korea’s government said on Wednesday that it will ensure 24,000 tonnes of cabbage are supplied from national stocks to provide support during the upcoming peak kimchi-making season after blaming unusually hot weather for affecting the cabbage crop. Read more…

S. Korea Expands Exports of Agri-food Products and Fights Counterfeit Food Products – On 25 September, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) held a meeting with exporting companies and export-related public agencies to discuss ways to expand exports of K-Food Plus*. At the meeting, both sides shared the export volumes recorded from January through September this year and discussed an export plan.  Read more…

* K-Food Plus (K-Food+) is a term referring to agri-food products, combined with the products from related forward- and backward-linked industries (e.g. smart farms, agricultural equipment, pet food, veterinary medicine, etc.). Agri-food products means processed and non-processed food products, excluding aquatic food products.

Malaysia

Budget 2025’s Significant Agricultural Funding set to propel Sabah’s Rice Industry – Academician – Sabah received a development allocation of RM6.7 billion, one of the highest among the states, with notable attention given to the development of basic infrastructure and the agricultural sector. Read more…

Government to explore potential Rice Bowl areas in Sabah, Sarawak – The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is exploring potential areas in Sabah and Sarawak to be developed as national ‘jelapang padi’ (rice bowl area), aiming to boost the country’s rice production. Read more…

Pakistan

Finance Minister Pitches Pakistan’s Agriculture, IT, Energy Sectors to US, UAE Investors – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the Roundtable with Institutional Investors organized by Jefferies International. Read more…

Foreign training programme reviewed for 1,000 agriculture professionals – Islamabad: Planning and development minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday assessed the plan for short-term training of 1,000 agriculture professionals in China and underscored the need to prioritise individuals with the highest potential to ensure a strong return on investment from the initiative. Read more…

Philippines

DAR program seeks more female farmers – THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has partnered with a foreign donor to empower 175,000 women as female farmers to take center stage in a P6.2-billion poverty alleviation and food security project in January 2025. Read more…

Philippines, Laos to ink agriculture pact next year – MANILA, Philippines — The government is looking at signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on agricultural cooperation with Laos next year to boost ties between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. Read more…

DA, FAO collaborate to strengthen food security – MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has met with the head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a bid to strengthen collaboration towards food security. Read more…

Taiwan

“Taiwan-Nuffield International Agricultural Dialogue & Networking” event opens up new horizons for agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and Australia – The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the Australian Office Taipei, and Nuffield International (NI) held the “Taiwan-Nuffield International Agricultural Dialogue and Networking” event on September 27. This activity marked the first time that the scholarship program of the Australian branch of NI, Nuffield Australia (NA), focused on researching the current situation of Taiwan’s agricultural sector. Read more…

Ministry of Agriculture celebrates success of World Food Day 2024 – Тhе Міnіѕtrу оf Аgrісulturе, Fооd Ѕесurіtу, аnd Еntеrрrіѕе іѕ ехtеndіng grаtіtudе tо еvеrуоnе whо јоіnеd fоr Wоrld Fооd Dау 2024 оn Осtоbеr 18th аt thе Сеntrаl Fаrm Rеѕеаrсh Ѕtаtіоn. Read more…

Thailand

Thai rice exports expected to be higher this year as India stays away – Association president Chookiat Ophaswongse told Krungthep Turakij that the impact of the floods on rice production was not clear yet, saying the country’s most important rice plots in the Northeast have not been impacted by the floods. Read more…

Irish agri-food agency aims to strengthen ties with Thailand – Bord Bia, the Irish government agency responsible for promoting, developing and marketing Irish food, drink and horticulture, has pledged to strengthen its ties with Thailand through the agri-food sector. Read more…

Singapore

Local farms push ahead with international collaborations to further S’pore’s 30 by 30 plan – SINGAPORE – Mr Webster Tham, co-founder of local agri-technology company Tomato Town, is looking to harvest Japanese cherry tomatoes and heirloom varieties of tomatoes through a collaboration with a Japanese company that makes tomato-based foods and vegetable juices. Read more…

Vietnam

Increasing Vietnam’s resilience to climate change through implementation of biotechnology –

(VAN) Vietnam should persist in its comprehensive evaluation of its legal framework and the introduction of new crop varieties to implement a novel strategy consistent with today’s requirements. Read more…

Source: https://vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep.vn/increasing-vietnams-resilience-to-climate-change-through-implementation-of-biotechnology-d402656.html


The Philippines is optimistic about the future of agricultural cooperation with Vietnam – (VAN) The third meeting of the Vietnam-Philippines Joint Committee for Agricultural Cooperation (JCA) took place from October 15 to 16, marking an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries. Read more…

When farmers embrace technology – (VAN) For the first time, farmers in southern Ba Don witnessed aerial seeding and fertilization. Unusual excitement arose from the day they sowed seeds to the day they weighed the rice and counted their earnings. Read more…

Income of over 71 million VND per person per year thanks to circular agriculture – (VAN) A commune with a population of 16,000, once purely agricultural, now boasts an income exceeding 71 million VND per person annually, piquing my curiosity. Read more…

Minister Le Minh Hoan: Agriculture in the first nine months shows many positive signs – (VAN) Minister Le Minh Hoan pointed out that the agricultural sector has exhibited a majority of positive statistics, which are evidence of its growth in the face of significant obstacles. Read more…

Agriculture is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam – (VAN) The 2024 Sustainable Food Forum aims for a Net Zero goal, focusing on the development of sustainable agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the environment. Read more…

Soybean output seen rising by 7% – (VAN) Although revised slightly higher from the previous forecast, total grains ending stocks are projected at a 10-year low of 584 million 

Plant Science Updates

MARA Issues New and Renewed Biosafety Certificates for GE Crops in China

FSANZ Calls for Public Comments on Food Derived from GM Corn MZIR260

China’s innovative satellite mission aims to enhance food security

The potential of the RiceMoRe digital ecological system

Digital Agriculture Technologies Key to Supporting Malaysia’s High-Income Ambitions, World Bank Report Says

Gene Editing to Produce Bacterial Blight Resistant Cassava

Farmers in Bangladesh Call for Awareness Campaigns and Programs on GM Crops

CropLife engages in Product Stewardship Forum: A Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture in the Philippines

China Expands Application of Genetically Modified Microorganisms Derived Products in Food Processing

Genetic tweaks can make oats more nutritious, increase shelf life

Credits to the owners of the news embedded on this post.

Latest News, Press Release

CropLife Asia supports FAO World Food Day call on “Right to Foods for a Better Life & a Better Future” / Need for greater AgTech adoption to meet SDG2 challenge highlighted

Singapore, 16 October 2024 – As the world marks World Food Day, CropLife Asia is taking the opportunity to highlight how enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative technologies and sustainable agricultural practices can help drive greater food security and accessibility to a healthy diet in Asia-Pacific. The challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger (SDG2) remains daunting in the region and around the world.

According to the United Nations (UN) 2024 State of Food Security & Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, Asia remains home to the largest number of those facing hunger globally at 384.5 million and accounts for a larger share of the number of food-insecure people in the world at 1.18 billion. Furthermore, a healthy diet remains out of reach for 2.83 billion people worldwide with 1.66 billion facing this challenge in Asia alone as highlighted in the SOFI reporti. The cost of a healthy diet has risen since 2017 globally with the cost being the second highest in Asia at 4.20 PPP dollarsii.

“This World Food Day, we must work together to ensure that the right to safe, nutritious and affordable food remains accessible to all,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia. “With 1 out of 11 people facing hunger globally, the need to ensure food systems that are more safe, secure and sustainable is more important than ever before. Harnessing the power of advanced and innovative plant science technologies can help drive agricultural productivity while protecting the world around us – and is an increasingly critical component in realizing the promise of SDG2.”

Plant science innovation such as plant biotechnology and genome editing along with crop protection products play an important role in ensuring a stable food supply, managing and protecting natural resources as well as driving national economies. Biotech crops have increased global food, feed and fibre production by nearly 1 billion tonnes from 1996 to 2020iii. These innovations also support sustainability by producing crops that address climate change impacts such as drought and flooding while utilizing nutrients more efficiently and delivering better nutrition to humans and livestock.

About CropLife Asia
CropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development.

For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.
For more information please contact:
Duke Hipp
Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
CropLife Asia
Tel: (65) 6221 1615
duke.hipp@croplifeasia.org

i FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en
ii FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en
iii Brookes G. (2022). Farm income and production impacts from the use of genetically modified (GM) crop technology 1996-2020. GM Crops & Food, 13(1), 171-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2022.2105626

Latest News

CropLife engages in Product Stewardship Forum: A Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture in the Philippines

CropLife Asia and CropLife Philippines actively participated in the multistakeholder forum, “Responsible Innovation: Ensuring Product Stewardship in Crop Biotech” on Oct 8, 2024 in the Philippines, which aims to discuss the importance of product stewardship for regulatory compliance and sustainable use of biotech products. This hybrid (combination of in-person and online via zoom attendees) event was organized by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, Inc (ISAAA Inc), in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program (DA – Biotech Program).

In-person attendees group photo during the forum, “Responsible Innovation: Ensuring Product Stewardship in Crop Biotech”; Photo by: Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, ISAAA Inc.

Ms. Jenny Panopio, Associate Director of the Stewardship and Stakeholder Partnership at CropLife Asia (CLA), discussed the stewardship programs of the plant science industry in the three focus areas – Integrated Pest Management, Resistance Management, and Container Management. Moreover, she adds that CropLife is also looking into behavioral sciences to improve farmers’ behavior in terms of adapting such stewardship programs and will continue to promote safe and responsible use of crop protection and plant biotechnology products.

Moreover, Dr. Lilia Portales, from the Bureau of Plant Industry – Post Approval Monitoring Group (BPI-PAMG) discussed about the Regulatory Guidelines and Post-release monitoring of Biotech Crops; Dr. Leny C. Galvez, Head of the Immunology and and Molecular Biology Laboratory (IMBL) at the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) talked about the stewardship program of PhilFIDA in Bt cotton; while Dr. Lourdes Taylo from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB) gave details on the stewardship program on Bt eggplant. Mr. Adriel Dave Alvarez, a Biotech corn farmer and a member of the Global Farmer Network, shared his insights about product stewardship from the farmers’ perspective.

From left to right: Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, ISAAA Inc.; Dr. Lilia Portales, BPI-PAMG; Dr. Lourdes Taylo, UPLB-IPB; Ms. Jenny Panopio, CLA, Mr. Adriel Dave Alvarez, Global Farmer Network; and PhilFIDA representatives (in behalf of Dr. Leny Galvez)

During the open discussion, one of the key points raised was the proliferation of unregistered GM seeds. This is a critical issue in terms of product stewardship and it is essential that the government addresses this concern to prolong the effectiveness of the GM technology. Representatives from BPI and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) have taken note of this issue and will look further into it.

For more information about the event, please contact ISAAA, Inc at info@isaaa.org or visit their website at https://www.isaaa.org/.

Latest News

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – September 2024

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!  

Country News 

Australia/New Zealand

Trigall Australia gets go-ahead for trial of GM wheat

QUT-developed GM Cavendish QCAV-4: it tastes great

FSANZ Opens Public Comment Period for GM Sugar Beet

COGEM Releases Advice on Renewal of Import and Processing of GM Oilseed Rape MON88302

China 

Steps taken to ensure food security

China issues action plan for Africa including agricultural modernization and technology transfers

Soaring vegetable prices add to woes facing households in China

India

Women, youth, farmers, poor central to BJP, Cong manifestos

States asked to choose between MSP and deficiency payment

Farm bodies skeptical of agriculture policy’s viability

Indonesia

Peru and Indonesia hold third round negotiations for Trade Agreement

IKN to Implement Modern Agriculture, Observer Reminds of Indonesia’s Food Estate Failure

Indonesia eyes China’s agricultural technology for achieving food self-sufficiency

Indonesia seeks Australia’s expertise for food self-sufficiency

Korea

Exports of Korean Agri-food Products Have Increased for 12 Consecutive Months

South Korea: Prolonged heatwaves lead to brown planthopper infestations, ravaging rice farms

Brazil and South Korea discuss tariff cuts for grapes and strawberries

Malaysia

Agrobank signs MoU with Borong for RM300m MSME financing

Farmers can Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Philippines

50,000 rice farmers seen to benefit from new DBP facility

DA chief: new law declares smuggling, hoarding of agricultural products as economic sabotage

Taiwan

Taiwan denounces China for discontinuing tariff exemptions on farm goods

Taiwan Smart Agriweek kicks off in Taipei

Young Agricultural Ambassadors visit Malaysia, where they explore how to bring Taiwan agriproducts in line with international halal certification standards and develop markets in New Southbound Policy partner countries

Thailand

Thai rice export prices hit 14-month low

Uzbekistan and Thailand to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, and tourism

Singapore 

Singapore’s homegrown farming dream is beginning to fade

Vietnam

Frozen durian exports could reach 300 million USD in 2024

Vietnam is ready to share agricultural experiences with African countries

Global News

FAO sees open trade as a cornerstone of global food security

Bilateral meetings highlight the importance of cooperation in technology, international trade, sustainable production, and the fight against hunger

Update from G20 Agricultural Ministers Meeting

CropLife International applauds G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Declaration

CropLife International welcomes Recommendations of B20 Task Force as “a true roadmap for meaningful food system transformation”

Photo credit: g20.org, Photo by Guilherme Martimon/MAPA

Plant Science Updates

Super golden lettuce richer in vitamin A

Gene Editing to Produce Gluten-Free Wheat

Health and Environmental Concerns Influence Consumers’ GM Food Consumption

Century-old experiment secures beer and whiskey’s future

The next ‘big thing’ in genetically modified crops: Drought-tolerant and herbicide resistant wheat. Here’s what you need to know

Credits to the website owners of the news embedded on this post.

Feature Section, Latest News, Newsletter, Video

DON’T MISS OUT: CATCH UP ON OUR LATEST PODCASTS!

In case you’ve missed any of our recent podcasts, now is the perfect time to catch up! We’ve covered some insightful interviews from great leaders in the field of agriculture that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for the latest innovations, expert opinions, or just some engaging conversations, revisiting these episodes will definitely be worth your while. Take a moment to look back and enjoy the valuable content we’ve shared with you!

Ep37 | Emily Rees on Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Food Systems

In this podcast, hear out Emily Rees, President and CEO of CropLife International, as she emphasizes how agriculture and ag innovation plays a big role in attaining sustainable food systems around the globe. She also touches on challenges that women experience that prevents them to have full participation in different aspects. 
Enabling functioning supply chains, supporting policies, continuous research and development of technologies for a climate smart agriculture – just to name a few of the advocacies and program that CropLife and its members support.

Ep 38 | Prajwal Shahi on Smallholder Farmers and the Importance of Partnerships

Prajwal Shahi, Portfolio Advisor – Agriculture, PRISMA, talks about important innovations that help elevate the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Here, Prajwal highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in pushing agendas forward to alleviate climate change, and also in ensuring a better life for the smallholder farmers.

Ep 39 | Khalil Hegarty on the ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability Report

Here, Khalil Manaf Hegarty, Director of Oxley Hegarty and author of the ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability, speaks about the diversity of food systems, culture and regions, making the idea of “one-size-fits-all” a faulty concept. He also provides context about the EU Green Deal for the food and agriculture industry.

Ep 40 | Erika Balzarelli on Smallholder Farmers and Sustainability
Ep 41 | Francine Sayoc on the Importance of Seed and Partnerships

In Ep 40, Erika Balzerelli, founder of The Sustainable Smallholder, highlights the trends and patterns in the challenges that smallholder farmers face, as well as the roles that cultures and traditions can play in the ways of engaging effectively with them. Learn about the importance of engaging smallholder farmers, and how existing technologies paired with an effective system of providing education and accessibility can help improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers, while being sustainable.

While in Ep 41, we got to discuss about the beginning of the food system – Seeds. Let’s engage with Francine Sayoc, Executive Director of The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) as she highlights the importance of educating farmers on the legalities of seeds and the tools that would help farmers with their livelihood. She also stated how public-private partnerships are essential in agriculture, both to the farmer, and the food supply chain.

Hope you had a blast in listening to our podcasts! Subscribe in Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast through the different channels below.

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