South African News
B.E.D. Marks 33 Years at NAMPO with Ongoing Commitment to South African Agriculture
Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) is celebrating 33 years of participation at NAMPO, underscoring its deep-rooted support of South Africa’s agricultural sector. With over 35 years of hands-on experience, B.E.D. offers practical solutions—from precision tools and components to strategic partnerships—that enhance farm productivity and reduce downtime. Beyond product supply, the company prioritises innovation, technical advice, and relationship-building. B.E.D. is also playing a key role in shaping the future of agri skills through the NAMPO-Tech training initiative, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable farming and rural development.
Read full story: Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) Press Release
Date Published: July 22, 2025
30% US Tariff Threatens South African Citrus Jobs and Rural Economies
A new 30% tariff on South African citrus exports to the United States, effective from 1 August, has triggered alarm across the local agricultural sector. The Citrus Growers’ Association warns the tariff—triple that of South American competitors—could make South African citrus unviable in the US market, risking up to 35,000 local jobs and devastating rural towns like Citrusdal. Industry leaders are urging the government to act swiftly to secure an exemption, highlighting the citrus sector’s vital counterseasonal supply role in the US. Without intervention, the repercussions could include economic collapse in key farming regions.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 22, 2025
African News
Tanzania Champions Blue Foods to Strengthen Nutrition and Food Security
Tanzania has launched a national initiative to promote blue foods—such as fish, seaweed, and crabs—as key to combating malnutrition and enhancing food security. A two-day workshop held in Tanga, organised by NEMC and WIOMSA, brought together government, private sector, and civil society to explore the role of aquatic foods in supporting livelihoods and public health. Officials emphasised the benefits of sustainable fish farming and the empowerment of youth and women in the fisheries sector. The event also addressed environmental sustainability and the integration of blue foods into national nutrition and development strategies.
Read full story: WIOMSA
Date Published: July 22, 2025
Global News
Strong Support Systems Boost Passion Fruit Yields and Quality in Brazil
Brazil, the world’s top producer and consumer of passion fruit, is seeing improved yields and fruit quality through the use of structured support systems. Experts highlight that passion fruit, which grows like a climbing plant, benefits from vertical trellising that enhances sunlight exposure, reduces disease risk, and facilitates harvesting. Agricultural analyst Danilo Moreira from Belgo Arames emphasises the importance of using high-quality, durable wires—such as the corrosion-resistant Belgo Frutifio wire—to sustain plant health and extend orchard longevity. Proper infrastructure not only boosts productivity but also supports cleaner, market-ready fruit, thereby increasing farmers’ profitability.
Read full story: Revista Cultivar
Date Published: July 22, 2025
Bhutan Turns to Solar Power to Revolutionise Farm Irrigation
A new report urges Bhutan to adopt solar-powered irrigation to combat increasingly erratic monsoon patterns and water scarcity. The solar lift method, piloted in Paro and set to expand to Punakha, offers a sustainable alternative to diesel pumps and outdated gravity-fed systems. The report—backed by the International Development Research Centre—outlines 38 recommendations covering policy reform, finance, technical standards, and gender inclusion. It emphasises the need for national certifications, equitable financing, and stronger environmental safeguards. Integrating clean energy into irrigation is positioned not only as a climate solution but also as a way to empower women and rural communities.
Read full story: Asia News Network
Date Published: July 23, 2025
China Converts Cargo Ship into Mobile Fish Farm to Strengthen Food Security
China has repurposed a retired cargo ship, the Zhe Dai Yu Yang 60001, into a floating fish farm capable of producing 2,800 tonnes of fish annually. The 225-metre vessel, transformed by a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is part of a wider initiative to develop a "marine bread basket" amid food security concerns and rising seafood demand. Its seven breeding chambers hold up to 80,000 cubic metres of seawater, allowing year-round, mobile aquaculture operations. With over 1,500 similar vessels potentially suitable for conversion, CSSC estimates the project could create a 100 billion yuan (US$14 billion) industry.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: July 22, 2025
PAU Embraces Precision Agriculture to Future-Proof Indian Farming
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has unveiled a GNSS-based auto-steering system for tractors, marking a major step toward digitised, precision agriculture in India. The satellite-guided technology reduces overlaps and missed areas during farming operations to below 1%, improving fuel efficiency, seeding accuracy, and productivity. PAU is integrating digital tools—such as IoT-based irrigation and sensor-driven transplanting—to address challenges like groundwater depletion, climate volatility, and labour shortages. Tested on real farms, these innovations are engineered for immediate impact. PAU’s data-driven strategy aims to make Indian farming more resilient, efficient, and sustainable—positioning it as a national leader in agri-tech transformation.
Read full story: Agrospectrum India
Date Published: July 23, 2025
