Author: Suchetana Choudhuri

Deal targets seed innovation, productivity gains, and large-scale capacity building in rice and diversified farming sectors The Southern Institute of Agricultural Science (IAS) has entered into a landmark agricultural science and technology cooperation agreement with Cambodia’s Rithy Granite Group, formalizing a strategic technology transfer partnership for the 2026–2030 period aimed at advancing productivity, modernizing seed systems, and strengthening long-term agricultural capacity in Cambodia. The memorandum of understanding, signed in the presence of scientists, technical experts, and business representatives from both sides, establishes IAS as the lead technology consultant and transfer agency, while Rithy Granite Group assumes full financial responsibility for…

MMK 2.0 introduces separate awards for inland and coastal municipalities with multi-million peso incentives The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has formally launched the enhanced Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK 2.0) program in Lobo, Batangas, marking a significant expansion of the country’s flagship fisheries recognition initiative to now include both coastal and inland aquatic ecosystems nationwide. Reintroduced in its upgraded form, MMK 2.0 broadens the scope of the annual nationwide search that honors outstanding local government units (LGUs) for exemplary performance in fisheries governance, environmental stewardship, and sustainable management of aquatic resources. The program, formerly known…

Recognition highlights Philippines’ growing role in regional food safety governance and standards development The Department of Agriculture (DA) highlighted a significant recognition for one of its senior officials after Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations Atty. Paz J. Benavidez II was conferred the Honor of Excellence Award during the 2026 Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) held on May 11 to 12 at Hotel Naru Seoul-MGallery in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The award recognizes her contributions to the harmonization of food safety and regulatory systems across initiatives aligned with regional and international standards. In her role as Assistant Secretary for…

AbCDE 1.0 pilot advances four-year modernization program to improve efficiency and transparency in farm services The Agriculture-based Central Data Ecosystem (AbCDE) 1.0 has officially entered its pilot phase in the Philippines, marking a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation of agricultural governance through a partnership with the Republic of Korea. Developed under Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion & Information Service (EPIS), the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture as part of a four-year modernization project…

PCIC and PCIA rally stakeholders in Luzon consultation to address production gaps and scale up value-added cacao products The Philippine cacao industry is set for a renewed push toward growth and competitiveness as key stakeholders convene to strengthen coordination and align long-term development efforts across Luzon. The Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) and the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA) led a Luzon-wide consultation on the cacao development roadmap held at the KDF Farm Training Center in Bacolor, Pampanga, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 and the Kapampangan Development Foundation, Inc. The consultation gathered around 150…

Calabarzon rollout aims to help farmers offset losses while stabilizing local egg market conditions The government is set to launch a new poultry livelihood initiative in the Calabarzon region aimed at increasing egg production and supporting farming communities through sustainable enterprise development. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office in Calabarzon, local government units, and other stakeholders, has signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the Livelihood Opportunities and Viable Enterprise (LOVE) for Agricultural Farming Communities: Chicken Layer Project. Under the program, selected beneficiaries across the provinces of Calabarzon will receive…

HIZ039 rice variety aims to combat anaemia, stunting and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations The Philippines has approved the commercial propagation of HIZ039, a genetically engineered rice variety enriched with higher iron and zinc content, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and strengthen public nutrition outcomes. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has issued a biosafety permit allowing the commercial cultivation of the biofortified rice variety, which is owned and licensed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). The approval follows a comprehensive biosafety assessment conducted under the country’s regulatory framework for genetically modified…

New automated pyrolysis system converts agricultural residue into biochar to improve soil health, reduce fertilizer dependence, and support regenerative agriculture programs in Texas Prairie View A&M University has installed a $1 million automated biochar processing unit designed to convert agricultural crop residues into a carbon-rich soil amendment, marking a step forward in sustainable soil management and circular agriculture practices in the United States. The initiative, led by Dr. Ram Ray from the university’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, enables the large-scale production of biochar through an automated system that improves processing efficiency compared to traditional laboratory-scale methods. The…

Funding under the EIB’s €3 billion programme aims to boost long-term credit access, climate-linked investment, and equipment leasing for farmers and agribusinesses across Europe The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €200 million ($234 million) financing agreement with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions to expand access to long-term credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies across Europe’s agriculture and bioeconomy sectors, with initial allocations expected in Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. The initiative forms part of the EIB’s broader €3 billion pan-European agricultural programme, launched in 2024 to accelerate sustainable investment across EU farming systems. Under…

High double-digit million-euro investment strengthens in-house production of microbial-based fungicides and seed treatments, enhancing supply chain resilience and biologicals capacity BASF Agricultural Solutions has successfully commissioned its new BioHub fermentation plant at its Ludwigshafen site, marking a strategic expansion of its industrial biotechnology capabilities with a focus on biological and biotechnology-based crop protection solutions. The facility represents a high double-digit million-euro investment aimed at scaling BASF’s biologicals portfolio and strengthening long-term supply chain resilience. The new BioHub facility uses microbial fermentation processes to convert renewable feedstocks such as glucose into active biological ingredients. The plant has already begun commercial production…