Author: Suchetana Choudhuri

New Platform aims to mobilize private capital, accelerate market adoption, and expand impact across Asia and Africa In a decisive move to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and market-scale impact, WorldFish has launched WorldFish Ventures (WFV), a wholly owned commercial subsidiary designed to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge solutions in aquatic food systems. Approved by the WorldFish Board of Trustees, the initiative marks a strategic evolution in how the organization translates research into real-world outcomes, leveraging market-based approaches and private sector partnerships to expand reach and sustainability. WorldFish Ventures is positioned as a dedicated platform to mobilize investment, engage…

Science-led partnership targets climate resilience, productivity gains and food security in Central Asia In a significant step toward strengthening food security and agricultural resilience, the Government of Uzbekistan and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) have formalized a Letter of Intent (LoI) to deepen collaboration on the modernization of the country’s wheat sector. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing science-driven solutions to address the mounting challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and evolving agricultural demands. The agreement signals a new phase in Uzbekistan’s efforts to transform its wheat production systems through innovation, while also reinforcing CIMMYT’s…

Collaborative roadmap targets high-value varieties to boost farmer incomes and global competitiveness Sesame is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of Tanzania’s agricultural growth story, with the country now ranked among the world’s top five producers of the drought-resilient oilseed. Thriving in arid conditions and low-fertility soils where other crops struggle, sesame has gained prominence as both a climate-smart crop and a high-demand export commodity, driven by the global appetite for its nutritious oil and versatile applications across food, health, and industrial sectors. In a decisive move to unlock the crop’s full potential, Tanzania has initiated a market-driven transformation of its…

Regional Program enters next phase focused on investment, policy alignment, and climate-resilient agriculture The ASEAN–CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program has marked a pivotal transition from innovation development to large-scale implementation, signaling a new chapter in Southeast Asia’s pursuit of sustainable, climate-resilient food systems. The milestone was underscored during a high-level closing workshop and open forum that convened stakeholders from ASEAN Member States, CGIAR centers, development agencies, and research institutions to evaluate progress and chart the course for the program’s next phase. Spanning a region with over 140 million hectares of agricultural land and supporting more than…

Collaboration signals push toward next-gen emissions reporting and climate-smart rice systems In a significant step toward strengthening climate accountability in agriculture, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Thailand’s Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) have initiated a strategic dialogue to enhance the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and reporting systems in the rice sector. The engagement marks a formal introduction between the two institutions and sets the stage for deeper technical collaboration aimed at aligning project-level emissions data with national reporting frameworks. Bridging Project Data with National Climate Reporting At the core of the discussions was the need…

IRRI-Led pilot under 1mHa Program showcases precision agriculture as catalyst for productivity and climate resilience A transformative leap in sustainable rice cultivation is taking shape in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, as the “Fertilize Right” pilot model under the One Million Hectare of High Quality, Low Emission Rice (1mHa) Program demonstrates compelling gains in both productivity and profitability. Spearheaded by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with local agricultural authorities, the initiative has delivered an additional 0.9 tonnes per hectare in yield alongside a 24 per cent increase in farmer incomes, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of rice…

Landmark investment signals Vietnam’s strategic shift toward high-quality, value-added rice ecosystems In a defining moment for Vietnam’s agricultural transformation, ThaiBinh Seed Group JSC has commenced construction of a VND1 trillion high-quality rice processing complex, marking a bold leap toward building an integrated, technology-driven rice value chain. The groundbreaking ceremony, held alongside the company’s conferment of the prestigious Hero of Labor title, underscores a dual milestone—honouring legacy while accelerating future ambition. A Legacy Reinforced by National Recognition The ceremony celebrated ThaiBinh Seed’s elevation as a Hero of Labor, a distinction that reflects nearly 55 years of resilience, innovation, and contribution to…

MoU sets stage for collaboration across circular economy and climate resilience In a decisive step toward advancing global sustainability goals, Viet Nam and Norway have formalized a Green Strategic Partnership, establishing a long-term framework to accelerate cooperation across the green economy, blue economy, and climate resilience. The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, reflects a shared ambition to translate decades of diplomatic engagement into a future-ready alliance anchored in sustainability and innovation. A Strategic Milestone Anchored in 55 Years of Bilateral Relations Coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1971–2026), the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) underscores…

Record-breaking ¥3.2 Billion performance in 2025 signals rising global appetite for premium Japanese Seafood In a defining moment for Japan’s regional export economy, Kagoshima Prefecture has charted a historic high in seafood exports, surpassing the ¥3 billion threshold for the first time since records began in 1979. According to the Kagoshima Branch Customs, the total export value of seafood and processed seafood products reached approximately ¥3.207 billion in 2025, underscoring a powerful surge in global demand for premium Japanese marine produce. This landmark performance reflects not only the enduring global appeal of Japanese cuisine but also Kagoshima’s growing stature as…

The 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC38) addresses growing risks to food security The 2026 conflict in the Middle East is adding further pressure on fragile agrifood systems and global supply chains, threatening the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, told the 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC38). The conference took place on Monday at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome during a “critical moment” for the region, underscoring the need to recognize “the immense importance…