Author: Suchetana Choudhuri

South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, under the leadership of Minister Song Mi-ryung, is advancing a comprehensive agenda to transform the nation’s agriculture sector through digital innovation, youth engagement, and global partnerships. In just over a year into her tenure, Minister Song—Korea’s first female agriculture minister—has prioritized three key transitions: the digitalization of agriculture, generational renewal in farming, and the revitalization of rural spaces. These pillars underpin the ministry’s long-term vision to reposition agriculture as a future-facing, high-tech industry that supports both economic resilience and community well-being. Among the ministry’s most ambitious initiatives is the deployment of…

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has hinted that Japan may ramp up U.S. corn imports—particularly for ethanol and biomass use—as part of ongoing trade talks with Washington. Speaking in parliament, Ishiba maintained that Japan won’t compromise its domestic agriculture for tariff relief on automobiles, but left the door open to energy-related corn imports, citing Japan’s poor suitability for corn cultivation. The move could help offset Japan’s limited progress in securing exemptions from steep new U.S. tariffs, including a looming 24 per cent auto tariff starting July. The U.S., reeling from an 80 per cent drop in corn exports to China,…

In a bold push to export its farming expertise, Shouguang—China’s vegetable powerhouse—is partnering with UAE-based Silal to build a 100,000 sq. metre smart agriculture centre in the desert. With a joint investment of 120 million dirhams ($32.67 million), the facility in Abu Dhabi will trial high-tech farming under some of the world’s harshest conditions. Powered by AI, robotics, smart greenhouses, and climate-adaptive infrastructure, the centre will grow crops like tomatoes, strawberries, and melons while piloting a full agri-ecosystem from seed to cold-chain logistics. It marks China’s latest Belt and Road export—not of roads, but of precision ag-tech. “Abu Dhabi offers…

China’s top frozen hotpot ingredient maker, Anjoy Foods, is heating up its global ambitions. The Fujian-based company is set to raise up to $336 million through a Hong Kong listing, aiming to expand into fast-growing markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Europe. Backed by Goldman Sachs and CICC, Anjoy plans to float 39.99 million shares on July 4, with proceeds boosting production, branding, and M&A in overseas markets. The company already dominates 6.2 per cent of China’s frozen food sector and sees Southeast Asia’s 14.4 per cent CAGR in hotpot dining as fertile ground. “This is our moment,” said board secretary…

In a major step toward aligning with global safety standards, the Kenyan government has banned the use of 77 pesticide products after identifying harmful active ingredients that pose risks to human health, livestock, crops, and the environment. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that the decision follows a scientific review conducted by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB). The assessment evaluated 430 pesticide formulations currently in use across the country. “Based on scientific findings and stakeholder input, we’ve identified active ingredients in certain products that present unacceptable risks,” Kagwe stated. Beyond the immediate withdrawal, the government has…

AgroSpheres, a leader in biotechnology-driven crop protection, has partnered with Wilbur-Ellis to launch FUN-THYME, a broad-spectrum biofungicide based on thyme oil and encapsulated using AgroSpheres’ proprietary AgriCell platform. This marks the debut of the first commercial product built on AgriCell and represents a major leap forward in sustainable pest management. Designed for both conventional and organic farming systems, FUN-THYME targets a range of fungal diseases affecting high-value crops like almonds, grapes, berries, tomatoes, apples, and cherries. The product is already approved in 11 U.S. states, including Florida, Michigan, and Washington, with California registration pending. The $33 billion U.S. fungicide market…

Dutch biological inputs giant Koppert is set to invest $ 200 million to establish two new manufacturing plants in Brazil by 2030, strengthening its foothold in tropical agriculture and addressing the rising pest and disease pressure. The investment aligns with Koppert’s strong focus on research and development (R&D), particularly in biological crop protection for tropical environments. According to Gustavo Herrmann, Koppert’s Commercial Director, the new plants—expected to be operational within two to three years—will ramp up the company’s high-tech production capabilities. One facility will specialise in bacteria, while the other will produce fungi-based solutions, both tailored to growing market needs.…

India’s farmlands are undergoing a quiet revolution—powered by tech, backed by policy, and driven by purpose. With agriculture employing 45 per cent of the workforce and contributing 18 per cent to GDP, the rise of agritech could unlock a $95 billion GDP boost through smarter yields, lower costs, and climate resilience. From drone-powered soil checks to AI-driven advisories, platforms like AgriStack and eNAM are turning farming into a precision, data-led industry. Over $2.6 billion in startup funding since FY22 signals that agritech isn’t just innovation—it’s India’s next growth engine. With the right investments and inclusive digital tools, India can lead…

India is poised to transform its vast coastline into a seaweed-powered blue economy, with the potential to scale a Rs 10,000 crore industry by 2030. Despite having the capacity to produce 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed annually, India currently harvests just 34,000 tonnes, hindered by fragmented policies, weak infrastructure, and poor market linkages. Startups, global corporations, and fisher communities alike are recognising seaweed’s value—from climate-smart agriculture and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and bioplastics. Lakshadweep’s high-yield pilots and calls for state-specific policies, buy-back systems, and women-led cooperatives highlight a path forward. With the right incentives, legal clarity, and community-driven models, India can…

As the global tomato industry faces the challenge of the highly infectious Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), Bayer is leading the charge in developing innovative, long-term solutions to protect crops and ensure profitability for growers. In an exclusive interview, Javier Quintero, Global Lead for Tomato R&D at Bayer’s Crop Science division, shares insights into the company’s groundbreaking work on multi-stacked resistance an advanced strategy designed to outsmart the virus’s rapid mutation rate.Quintero discusses the limitations of first-generation resistant varieties and explains the science behind gene stacking. He also provides details on the results from recent high-pressure virus trials, showcasing…