Author: Suchetana Choudhuri
Combination of chemical and behavioral solutions reflects shift toward smarter pest control strategies Bird-X, Inc today announced the expansion of its liquid bird deterrent portfolio with the launch of two new products—Avian Control Repellent and InvisiDye UV Marker—marking a strategic move to address growing demand for adaptable and effective bird control solutions across commercial, industrial, agricultural, and landscaping environments. The introduction comes at a time when pest management operators are increasingly seeking targeted, scalable solutions capable of addressing complex bird-related challenges in diverse settings. With these additions, Bird-X aims to strengthen its position in the professional pest control segment by…
Japan’s push for steeper cuts falls short at fisheries meet Japan and eight other economies have agreed to reduce their combined saury fishing quota by 5 per cent for 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to address declining fish stocks in the North Pacific. The agreement, reached under the North Pacific Fisheries Commission at a recent meeting in Osaka, will lower the total allowable catch from the current 202,500 tonnes, covering both international waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of member countries. The nine-member grouping includes China, Taiwan, South Korea and Russia, among others. While the decision marks a step…
Agri transformation drive positions country as continental leader in food and export crops Ethiopia has emerged as Africa’s leading wheat producer and the largest coffee producer and exporter, reflecting the impact of sustained agricultural reforms and targeted investments, according to senior government officials. Speaking at the 20th anniversary event of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Agriculture State Minister Eyasu Elias said the country’s progress is the result of a deliberate transformation agenda anchored in policy coordination, political commitment and long-term investment in farmers. The expansion of climate-resilient irrigated wheat production systems has played a central role in…
H5N1 detection in Eastern Region raises concerns over livestock health and supply chains Ivory Coast has reported a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), underscoring renewed risks to poultry production and regional livestock health systems. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the outbreak was detected at a poultry farm in the eastern district of Koun-Fao, near the border with Ghana. The virus has resulted in the death of approximately 95,000 birds, highlighting the severity of the infection and its rapid impact on commercial flocks. Authorities indicated that the outbreak forms part of a broader global pattern…
Talks focus on market access, disease control and ODA-Backed sector development South Korea and Vietnam have moved to deepen their strategic agricultural partnership, with both sides agreeing to expand trade engagement, strengthen development cooperation and explore collaboration in emerging areas such as smart farming and agri-processing. The discussions took place during a bilateral meeting between Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea, and Trinh Viet Hung, Vietnam’s Minister of Agriculture and Environment, where both leaders emphasised the need to build a more robust and mutually beneficial agri-food trade ecosystem. South Korea sought an extension of…
Approval reinforces quality standards, boosts Thailand’s ambition as global seed hub Bayer Thailand has received certification under the Quality Controlled Seed Collection Project (Q Factory) for its seed production facilities in Phitsanulok and Khon Kaen, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen high-quality seed production for domestic and export markets. The recognition was conferred by the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, which awarded a certificate of compliance and a plaque of honour to the company, underscoring its adherence to stringent standards in seed collection, inspection and production. The Q Factory certification is granted to facilities…
CP Group, Mitr Phol, Nestlé among signatories; traceability push targets PM2.5 crisis Thailand’s leading corporates and public institutions have come together in a landmark sustainability initiative, with over 100 organisations signing a declaration to eliminate agricultural burning and strengthen supply chain transparency. The move, announced on Earth Day, aims to address the country’s persistent PM2.5 pollution crisis, widely linked to open burning in the farm sector. The initiative, led by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and backed by major conglomerates such as CP Group, Mitr Phol and Nestlé, marks a coordinated shift towards sustainable agricultural sourcing. Participating entities span private…
Partnership to Leverage Space Technology for agriculture, research and education The Philippine Space Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, education and technology development, marking a step forward in integrating space science with farming and environmental monitoring. The agreement, formalised on April 20, was signed by PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez and MATE Rector Csaba Gyuricza, and focuses on advancing the application of space science and technology in agriculture. The partnership aims to facilitate the exchange of students, researchers and…
Rs 108 crore investment targets rural mobility, agri efficiency The Department of Agriculture has approved a major infrastructure project worth Rs 108 crore (₱727 million) under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), aimed at improving connectivity to upland agricultural communities in Zambales. Cleared by the Central Luzon Project Advisory Board, the 26-kilometre farm-to-market road (FMR) linking Barangay Baloganon to Sitio Coto in Barangay Taltal is being positioned as a transformative intervention to unlock agricultural growth in the region. The project, which includes the construction of 11 bridges, will be the longest and most capital-intensive subproject under the World Bank-supported PRDP…
Industry leaders at FHA 2026 highlighted the transition from experimental technologies to scalable, commercially viable agrofood solutions across Asia-Pacific Agrofoodtech innovation in Asia is entering a new phase, shifting from experimentation, toward more cost-efficient, scalable, and real-world adoptable solutions – a transition underscored by discussions at FHA 2026. While technological breakthroughs emerge across the sector, industry stakeholders are increasingly focused on how to make these innovations commercially viable. Speakers highlighted that the current wave of innovation is no longer centred on capability alone, but on reducing costs, improving margins, and achieving sustainable profitability. This shift reflects a maturation of the agrofoodtech ecosystem, where…