South African News
Polluted Rivers Threaten South Africa’s Food Exports
South Africa's agricultural exports face significant risks due to widespread river pollution. Studies reveal that many rivers, such as the Berg, Krom, and Hex, contain pesticide levels exceeding European safety standards, including banned substances like imidacloprid. Additionally, faecal contamination in rivers has reached alarmingly high levels, with E. coli concentrations up to 10,000 times above safe limits. This contamination jeopardises both public health and the country's ability to meet international food safety standards, potentially leading to export bans, particularly from the European Union, which imports nearly 40% of South Africa's agricultural produce.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: June 2, 2025
InteliGro’s Precision Plant Nutrition Enhances Sustainable Yields
InteliGro is advancing sustainable agriculture through a tailored plant nutrition programme that integrates precision soil and root zone management. By combining biostimulants, bioflavonoids, and expert guidance, the programme enhances crop resilience, optimises yields, and improves produce quality. Notably, in Limpopo, mandarins treated with this approach have shown earlier colouring, benefiting export markets. Experts Duane de Swardt and Schalk Lombaard emphasise that this holistic method not only boosts productivity but also supports long-term soil fertility, aligning with global demands for efficient and sustainable food production.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: June 2, 2025
African News
Chinese Well-Drilling Technology Transforms Egypt’s Desert into Fertile Farmland
Chinese well-drilling technology is revolutionising agriculture in Egypt's Western Desert. The Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC) has drilled over 680 deep wells across the country, enabling the cultivation of wheat, alfalfa, and potatoes in previously barren areas. In the Owainat region, 63 wells have been drilled, each approximately 450 metres deep, facilitating the first wheat harvest in the area. Additionally, in Minya Province, ZPEC's innovative air foam drilling technique has supported large-scale irrigation for sugar beet production. These initiatives, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, are addressing food security and ecological restoration challenges in Egypt.
Read full story: Global Times
Date Published: June 2, 2025
Global News
New EU Soil Health Map Transforms Sustainable Land Management
A groundbreaking Soil Health Data Cube, developed by over 100 scientists, is set to revolutionise soil management across Europe. This advanced tool integrates extensive datasets on soil, climate, and vegetation, employing artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to create a dynamic, 30TB digital model of European soils from 2000 to 2022. With spatial resolution down to 20–30 metres, it enables precise monitoring of soil pH, carbon content, and biological health, aiding farmers, land managers, and policymakers in implementing effective strategies for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. The map's predictive capabilities support sustainable agricultural practices and informed decision-making.
Read full story: Hort News
Date Published: June 2, 2025
Indonesia and Brazil Launch Joint Cattle Farming Initiative in East Sumba
Indonesia and Brazil have announced a collaborative pilot cattle farming project on 10,000 hectares of communal land in East Sumba. The initiative, supported by Brazilian investment, will see the breeding of 5,000 female beef cattle. Communities will maintain land ownership, treating it as a shared corporate asset under a profit-sharing model. The project aims to enhance rural incomes and improve national food security by integrating livestock farming into the wider transmigration land programme. With 525,000 hectares designated for livestock development, this scheme marks a significant step towards creating a national livestock ecosystem in Indonesia.
Read full story: Kazinform International News Agency
Date Published: June 2, 2025
US Tariff on Mexican Tomatoes Set to Increase Consumer Prices
A new 17.09% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, effective from mid-July 2025, is poised to raise prices for U.S. consumers. The move, part of the Trump administration's strategy to protect domestic growers, has sparked debate. While Florida's tomato industry supports the tariff, critics argue it will lead to higher costs and reduced variety. Arizona State University economists predict a 40% to 85% increase in retail tomato prices, depending on supply disruptions. The tariff may also result in significant economic losses in states like Texas and Arizona, potentially affecting thousands of jobs.
Read full story: Texas Public Radio
Date Published: June 1, 2025
Union Minister Highlights Agriculture's Crucial Role in India's Economic Growth
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan underscored the integral role of agriculture in India's economic development during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025 in Meerut. He announced that 16,000 agricultural scientists are engaging directly with farmers to share research and address challenges, aiming to enhance production and farmer incomes. The campaign, reaching all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, includes discussions on modern farming techniques, government schemes, and innovation. Chouhan directed agricultural universities and centres to empower farmers through such dialogues, positioning India as a global food supplier.
Read full story: Times of India
Date Published: June 2, 2025
