South African News
Digestate Emerges as a Sustainable Fertiliser Alternative for Smallholder Cabbage Farmers in South Africa
South African smallholder cabbage farmers are turning to digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct of biogas production, as a cost-effective and sustainable fertiliser alternative. A recent study conducted in Gauteng compared digestate with kraal manure and synthetic fertilisers, showing that an optimal application rate of 67.5t/ha significantly improved plant height, leaf development, and overall yield, while avoiding the drawbacks of excessive nutrient use. Digestate balances the soil-enriching benefits of manure with the targeted nutrient supply of chemical fertilisers, reducing costs, enhancing soil health, and supporting long-term productivity. Researchers highlight its potential to transform smallholder farming into a more resilient and eco-conscious sector.
Read full story: Farmer’s Review Africa
Date Published: August 27, 2025
Minister Nyhontso Urges Mindset Shift and Equality to Drive Inclusive Growth in Agriculture
South Africa’s Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, has called for greater inclusivity and equality in the agricultural sector, urging stakeholders to dismantle racial stereotypes and abandon divisive labels such as “white” and “black” farmers. Speaking at the Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS) AGM in Cape Town, he stressed that farming success depends on training, support and passion, not race. Nyhontso criticised past land reform efforts for neglecting post-settlement support and warned against harmful practices like farm evictions and inequitable schemes. He praised PALS’ mentorship initiatives while emphasising that cooperation on equal terms is key to growth.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: August 27, 2025
African News
Nigeria Imposes Six-Month Ban on Shea Nut Exports to Boost Local Processing and Trade
Nigeria has introduced a six-month ban on raw shea nut exports to encourage local processing and increase revenue from the global shea industry. Although the country produces around 40% of the world’s shea nuts—about 350,000 tonnes annually—it captures just 1% of the $6.5bn global market due to limited domestic refining. Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the move would promote industrialisation, rural transformation, and gender empowerment, with hopes of raising annual earnings from $65m to $300m. Experts argue the ban, alongside tighter regulation, will reduce farmer exploitation, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s trade position in refined shea products.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: August 27, 2025
Global News
U.S. Rice Farmers Hit by 37% Price Drop Amid India’s Record Production and Subsidies
American rice farmers are grappling with a 37% fall in prices since early 2024, driven largely by India’s record-breaking rice production and heavy subsidies that have flooded global markets. Futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange dropped from $19 to $12 per hundredweight, pushing U.S. growers into financial strain as oversupply and weaker demand create bottlenecks at grain elevators. Industry leaders argue India’s policies breach WTO limits and depress prices below production costs. Relief may come through the new U.S. Price Loss Coverage programme and potential reciprocal tariffs on imports. However, analysts warn conditions could worsen into 2026.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: August 28, 2025
Sustainable Farming and CSR Initiatives Drive Water Resilience in India’s Agriculture
As India faces escalating water scarcity and climate pressures, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes and regenerative agriculture are helping farming communities build resilience. Pernod Ricard India has constructed over 2,400 water structures since 2019, boosting groundwater recharge and promoting efficient irrigation methods such as drip systems and rainwater harvesting. Alongside this, regenerative practices—like direct seeding of rice, diversified cropping, and tree planting—are being promoted to reduce over-extraction and restore soil health. Experts warn states like Punjab risk severe depletion within 14 years, underscoring the urgency of collective action to secure sustainable agriculture and long-term water security.
Read full story: News18
Date Published: August 28, 2025
Norway’s Livestock Genetics Boost Productivity and Cut Environmental Impact
Norwegian genetics companies Topigs Norsvin and Geno are pioneering sustainable approaches to swine and dairy production, helping farmers worldwide improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Topigs Norsvin, a global leader in pig breeding, has enhanced litter size, piglet survival, and feed efficiency through its “balanced breeding” approach, with genetics now used in more than 55 countries. Geno, known for its Norwegian Red cattle, has been collecting breeding data for 50 years and is driving innovation with projects to lower methane emissions and improve feed efficiency. These efforts reflect Norway’s focus on robust, sustainable livestock suited to limited arable land.
Read full story: Farmtario
Date Published: August 28, 2025
Scotland Green-lights First Semi-Closed Containment Fish Farm at Loch Long
Scottish ministers have approved Loch Long Salmon’s proposal to establish Scotland’s inaugural semi-closed containment salmon farm at Beinn Reithe, Loch Long — marking a forward-looking step for the nation’s aquaculture sector. The £40 million venture will consist of five impermeable enclosures designed to control waste and prevent sea-lice outbreaks, with a biomass cap of 3,452 tonnes. The development is expected to generate 12 full-time jobs and includes a dedicated community benefit fund of £100,000 per year for at least 20 years. Planning consent comes with conditions such as a decommissioning plan, biomass staging, and EV charging infrastructure.
Read full story: Aquafeed
Date Published: August 27, 2025
