South Africa News
Rainforest Alliance Encourages Farmers to Combat Climate Change
The Rainforest Alliance is urging farmers to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The organization emphasizes the importance of climate-smart agriculture, which includes techniques such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and integrated pest management. These methods help enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water management. By adopting these practices, farmers can increase their resilience to climate-related shocks, maintain biodiversity, and ensure long-term sustainability. The Rainforest Alliance is providing training and certification programs to support farmers in transitioning to more sustainable and climate-resilient farming methods.
Source: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 29, 2024
Farm Extension Services Crucial for Inclusive Agricultural Success
The article highlights the critical role of farm extension services in achieving inclusive agricultural success in South Africa. These services, which include training, advice, and support, are essential for empowering small-scale and emerging farmers. By providing access to knowledge, technology, and markets, farm extension services help bridge the gap between commercial and small-scale farming. The article emphasizes that effective extension services can improve crop yields, enhance farm management, and increase farmers' incomes. It also stresses the need for a coordinated approach involving government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations to ensure the sustainability and impact of these services.
Source: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 29, 2024
Africa News
Kenyan Farmer Reaps 40% Higher Yields by Heeding Weather Forecast
Some farmers in Kenya achieved a remarkable 40% increase in crop yields by adapting their farming strategies to weather forecasts. After reading an article warning of El Niño, they switched from short-rain maize varieties to long-rain types, resulting in a record harvest of 19½ bags of maize per acre. Branching out into groundnuts and arrowroots, also capitalised on the extended rainy season. This strategic planning helped them avoid the crop failures that affected many neighbouring farms during the 2023 El Niño rains. This demonstrates how early warnings can significantly boost farm productivity and income.
Source: FarmBizAfrica
Date Published: October 28, 2024
Global News
US Biofuels Policy Uncertainty Dampens Soybean Purchases
American soybean farmers are facing challenges as major firms reduce their soybean purchases due to uncertainty surrounding US biofuels policy. The Environmental Protection Agency's delay in announcing renewable fuel blending requirements for 2023-2025 has created market instability. This hesitation has led to a slowdown in soybean crushing for biodiesel production, affecting farmers' income and market dynamics. The situation is further complicated by concerns over the long-term future of biodiesel in light of the electric vehicle transition. Despite these hurdles, some industry experts remain optimistic about potential opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel markets.
Source: AgWeb
Date Published: October 28, 2024
South American Soybean Expansion Set to Intensify Global Market Pressure
South American soybean producers are poised for significant acreage expansion, potentially exerting further downward pressure on global soybean prices. Brazil, already the world's largest soybean exporter, is expected to increase its planted area by 2.8% to a record 44.8 million hectares for the 2023/24 crop year. Argentina, despite recent challenges, anticipates a 50% surge in soybean production. This growth, coupled with favourable weather conditions and improved farming practices, could lead to record harvests. The expansion is likely to intensify competition in the global soybean market, particularly affecting US producers who are already grappling with lower prices and reduced Chinese demand.
Source: Agriculture.com
Date Published: October 28, 2024
ICRISAT and SKUAST Pioneer Cold-Tolerant Sorghum for Jammu and Kashmir
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) have successfully developed cold-tolerant sorghum varieties for Jammu and Kashmir. Set for release in 2025, these dual-purpose varieties aim to address the region's 40% fodder deficit and bolster sustainable livestock production. The project focuses on enhancing food, feed, and fodder security whilst improving socio-economic conditions for marginalised farmers. The new sorghum varieties, adapted to the temperate climate, promise high biomass yields of up to 50 tonnes per hectare and are expected to significantly benefit smallholder farmers and landless labourers dependent on animal husbandry.
Source: Agro Spectrum India
Date Published: October 28, 2024
Malaysian Palm Oil Market Remains Stable Amid Mixed Factors
Malaysian palm oil futures experienced minimal movement on Monday, with the January delivery contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closing at 4,530 ringgit per metric tonne, a slight 0.13% decrease. Technical buying and a weaker ringgit helped offset potential losses, as the Malaysian currency depreciated 0.48% against the dollar. The market's stability came despite downward pressure from declining soyoil prices in Dalian and Chicago markets. Additionally, a significant drop in oil prices following Israel's limited strike on Iran had little impact on palm oil trading. The day's trading reflected a delicate balance between various market forces affecting the palm oil sector.
Source: Business Recorder
Date Published: October 29, 2023
