South African News
President Ramaphosa Delivers Strong Message at Nampo Harvest Day
President Cyril Ramaphosa captivated attendees at the 2025 Nampo Harvest Day in Bothaville with his compelling address, underscoring the necessity for transformation within South Africa's agricultural sector. He emphasised the importance of empowering black farmers and promoting inclusive growth to bolster food security and economic development. Ramaphosa's speech resonated with the audience, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing historical disparities and fostering a more equitable agricultural landscape. His appearance at the event reaffirmed the administration's focus on revitalising the sector through strategic reforms and support for emerging farmers.
Read full story: Farm.co.za
Date Published: May 14, 2025
Agricon’s Tailored Logistics Strategy Ensures Smooth Global Operations and Client Satisfaction
Agricon, a livestock pelleting machine manufacturer, credits its success in agricultural logistics to a diversified forwarding and clearing strategy tailored to local and regional markets. With exports to 27 countries, including Thailand and several African nations, Agricon relies on trusted transporters and customs agents for smooth operations. General Manager Riana Nel emphasises the importance of after-sales service, offering spare parts from their Bloemfontein warehouse and on-site support. The company partners with multiple freight providers, such as DN Freight for domestic transport and DHL for international shipments, ensuring seamless delivery and maintaining a strong market reputation.
Read full story: Freight News
Date Published: May 13, 2025
African News
Kenya Sugar Board Warns Investors Over Lease Compliance
The Kenya Sugar Board has issued a stern warning to investors leasing four state-owned sugar factories, stating that failure to meet specified conditions could result in lease termination. The conditions include modernising mills, supporting cane development, and ensuring timely payments to farmers. The factories—Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni—have been leased to West Kenya Sugar Company, Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries, Busia Sugar Industry, and West Valley Sugar Company, respectively, for a 30-year term. The Board emphasised that lease and concession fees paid by investors would be directed back to farmers, with annual bonuses based on cane supplied. Failure to comply with these obligations could lead to the revocation of leases and reallocation to more responsible investors.
Read full story: Eastleigh Voice
Date Published: May 13, 2025
Global News
Brazilian Scientist Awarded $500,000 World Food Prize for Sustainable Agriculture Innovations
Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria has been honoured with the 2025 World Food Prize, recognising her pioneering work in reducing chemical fertiliser use through biological solutions. Over a 40-year career at Brazil’s agricultural research agency Embrapa, Hungria developed methods to enhance soil bacteria, such as rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense, enabling crops like soybeans and corn to naturally extract nitrogen from the soil. Her innovations have significantly boosted Brazil’s soybean production, making it the world’s leading producer, while promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices. Hungria will receive a $500,000 award and will be honoured at the World Food Prize event in October.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: May 14, 2025
New Zealand's First Aquatic Ensilage Plant in Picton Converts Fish Waste into Renewable Energy
A pioneering aquatic ensilage plant has been established in Picton, New Zealand, transforming fish processing waste into renewable electricity. The facility employs an innovative process where fish offal is fermented into silage, which is then utilised to generate biogas. This initiative not only addresses waste disposal challenges in the fishing industry but also contributes to sustainable energy production. The project underscores New Zealand's commitment to integrating circular economy principles within its aquaculture sector, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
Read full story: The Press
Date Published: May 13, 2025
Indian Growers Struggle to Protect Crops Amid Early Heatwave During Planting Season
An intense heatwave has struck northern India earlier than usual, with temperatures soaring between 42°C and 45°C in late April. This extreme heat is severely affecting crop yields, particularly for fruits and vegetables like okra, grapes, tomatoes, and chilies, leading to significant price increases. Farmers are employing various measures to protect their crops, including providing shade and adjusting irrigation schedules. The heatwave's impact is compounded by power outages and concerns over food security, as the prolonged high temperatures threaten both crop production and economic stability.
Read full story: HortiDaily
Date Published: May 13, 2025
Malaysian Poultry Farm Faces Action for Illegal LPG Use Without Permit
A poultry farm in Malaysia has been raided by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for illegally storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) without the necessary permits. It used the LPG to heat chicks. During the operation, authorities seized 219 LPG cylinders and transport vehicles, valued at approximately USD 10,000. The farm lacked the required authorisation under Malaysia’s Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Control of Supplies Regulations 1974. Improper use of LPG in poultry farming poses significant safety risks, including fire hazards and toxic exposure. Experts recommend safer alternatives, such as electric brooders, to ensure compliance and protect both workers and livestock.
Read full story: aviNews
Date Published: May 14, 2025
