Author: Suchetana Choudhuri

Nigeria and Brazil have signed a landmark $1 billion agreement aimed at accelerating agricultural development, food security, energy innovation, and defense cooperation in Nigeria. The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima following high-level bilateral talks in Abuja with visiting Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. The agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between Latin America’s largest economy and Africa’s most populous nation, focusing primarily on transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “We are moving from subsistence to scale in agriculture,” said Vice President Shettima. “This agreement will deliver mechanised farming equipment, training, and service centers across the country—laying…

Thailand is accelerating its transition to climate-smart rice production with the next phase of the Thai Rice GCF project, a nationally significant initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in close collaboration with the Rice Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. In a follow-up meeting held this month, officials from the Rice Department, including Mr. Sommai Lertna, Acting Rice Production Technology Specialist, and Dr. Orathai Jaituy, Director of the Foreign Relations and Special Projects Group at the Bureau of Rice Policy and Strategy, joined representatives from IRRI and…

Global agriculture leader BASF has announced the launch of InVigor Gold, a groundbreaking innovation in canola seed developed to meet the growing demand across food, fuel, and industrial sectors. Designed for high performance in hotter, drier, and more marginal growing conditions, InVigor Gold marks a major advance in canola production, offering greater yield stability and expanded planting potential for farmers. “InVigor Gold will unlock the full genetic potential of canola in new growing areas and offer farmers a powerful tool to improve yield stability under stress conditions,” said Bryan Perry, Head of U.S. Seeds and Traits at BASF. InVigor Gold…

Russian fertilizer giant Uralchem has unveiled plans to expand its fertilizer exports to Africa from 1 million to 5 million metric tons annually by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to supporting agricultural development across the continent. The announcement was made by Uralchem CEO Dmitry Konyaev at the Russia–Africa Business Dialogue during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) last week. “Africa’s fertilizer imports remain disproportionately low, with just 10 million tons imported in 2024—far below the continent’s agricultural needs,” said Konyaev. “We are committed to bridging this gap and enhancing food security by scaling up our presence across the region.” Konyaev…

In a significant shift in national food policy, Indonesia is preparing to export 2,000 tons of non-premium rice per month to Malaysia, leveraging its record-high rice stockpile of nearly 4 million tons. The move signals Indonesia’s evolving role from a major rice importer to an emerging exporter in the global market. The plan, currently in the administrative finalization stage, follows discussions between Indonesian and Malaysian officials and aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s broader food security agenda. “Talks have been held with Malaysian counterparts, and we’ve met with potential buyers,” said Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono during a visit to Karawang,…

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…