Author: Hithaishi CB

Focusing on South Asia, the research underscores how these advanced tools can significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability across across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) recently released a study highlighting the role of geospatial maps and satellite data in shaping the future of food security. With only 6 annual harvests remaining before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) deadline, the need to sustainably intensify agricultural production has never been more urgent. Drylands, in particular, present a significant opportunity to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to global food security. “Dryland…

Malaysia sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development strives implementation of carbon offset projects that meet the guidelines Malaysia on launched the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonization Blueprint (MADB) to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The blueprint is targeting an 18% reduction in emissions by 2050 for aircraft technology, the Transport Ministry said in a statement. The blueprint is also aiming for a 46 % reduction of traditional fuel through the increased use of biofuels and other sustainable alternatives. It is also pursuing up to 30 % reduction by adopting carbon offset schemes and purchasing carbon credits. These targets, however, depend on…

Cooperates with Philippine Coconut Authority to launch CocoGrow Project in Sarangani’s Coconut Industry for sustainable future The CocoGrow Project, a groundbreaking initiative by Cargill and ASSIST supported by the Philippine Coconut Authority, officially launched at Barangay Bagacay, Alabel, Sarangani Province. The project aims to rejuvenate Sarangani’s coconut industry by planting 75,000 coconut seedlings across three key municipalities: Alabel, Malapatan, and Malungon. Focused on revitalizing coconut production, the project will introduce faster-growing, high-yield coconut varieties to replace aging, low-yield trees, and those damaged by recent natural calamities. Spanning 535 hectares of coconut farms, this initiative will directly benefit 500 smallholder farmers, with 50% of them…

The new pheromone solutions will target Yellow Stem Borer and Fall Armyworm affecting Asia’s major rice and corn production regions like India, Indonesia and Thailand Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi today announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize new pheromone-based biological solutions to effectively and more safely control detrimental pests in corn and rice – crops that serve as a primary food source for 3.5 billion people globally. The collaboration brings together Provivi’s expertise in pheromone-based crop protection solutions with Syngenta’s global reach and development capabilities. The two new pheromone solutions will help farmers manage the devastating pests, Yellow Stem Borer…

Prepares for Global Market Expansion Daesung SmartHive has successfully developed an advanced plasma-based pest control system that protects bees and crops from mites, fleas, and other pests. The technology has been validated through effectiveness testing with local farmers and is now entering the commercialization and refinement phase. This innovative solution aims to replace conventional chemical pesticides, which have been criticized for their harmful effects on the environment and agricultural productivity. Daesung SmartHive utilizes plasma technology to effectively control pests such as varroa mites—known for contributing to the global decline in bee populations—without harming bees, crops, or the surrounding ecosystem. For…

The expansion of Evonik’s MetAMINO® (DL-methionine) production facilities in Singapore has been completed. The MetAMINO® production on Jurong Island is again running at full capacity, after shutdowns in Q4/2023 and Q2/2024. The production capacity has been increased by 40,000 metric tons, bringing the total to 340,000 metric tons per year. The expansion was accomplished ahead of schedule. Through process intensification, Evonik has optimized its methionine production plants, generating a surplus of steam that is used to produce on-site electricity. Linde, one of Evonik’s partners on Jurong Island, has designed, constructed, and is operating a nine-megawatt alkaline electrolyzer plant, which is…

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, QU Dongyu, presented President Joko Widodo of Indonesia with the FAO Agricola Medal, the Organization’s highest award, in a ceremony held at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jakarta.  “Under the leadership of President Jokowi, Indonesia has prioritized and made great progress in transforming its agrifood system within the context of sustained economic growth, even in the face of global challenges and uncertainties, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” the FAO Director-General said, using the name by which the Indonesian leader is popularly known. He noted that this focus and…

Deng Xiaogang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), met with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in Beijing exchanging opinions on strengthening agricultural cooperation between China and Lesotho.    Vice Minister Deng said that, since the resumption of diplomatic relations and with the support and impetus of the leaders of both countries, China and Lesotho have maintained continuous exchange in agriculture. Significant progress has been made in areas such as Juncao farming, capacity building, and technology demonstration. Earlier this year, the heads of state of both countries exchanged messages of congratulations. They also reached a consensus, which China…

Australia has appointed seven directors for the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) for a three-year term. Among the seven people appointed, there are four reappointments and three new appointees. These directors have a wealth of experience and expertise across the fisheries sector, and will make a valuable contribution to the work of the FRDC. The FRDC plays a key role in Australia’s fishing and aquaculture sectors by investing in research, development and extension activities. The appointments follow on from the announcement of Dr Beth Woods OAM as Chair this year in June. The newly appointed FRDC directors are: Dr Chris…

Malaysia’s MPOC is into ongoing efforts to advance sustainable palm oil production, and aims to deepen smallholders’ understanding of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification standards, particularly the social responsibility aspects. Amid rising concerns in international markets, particularly in Europe, over issues such as deforestation, labour practices, and supply chain transparency, compliance with global expectations is increasingly essential for those involved in the palm oil sector To support the initiative recently, The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), in partnership with the National Association of Smallholders (NASH), hosted a workshop titled “Pengenalan Standard MSPO (MS2530:2022) dan Aspek Sosial Dalam Perniagaan,”…