South African News
Strong Harvests Boost Tractor and Harvester Sales in South Africa
South Africa’s agricultural machinery market is rebounding as improved harvests drive demand for new equipment. Figures from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) show August tractor sales rose 22% year-on-year, with year-to-date sales up 23%. Combine harvester sales were steady in August but 26% higher overall for 2025. Farmers are taking advantage of better yields and reduced financial pressure to replace ageing machinery, despite the sector still carrying an agricultural debt burden of around R220 billion. Rapid advances in precision farming technology are also encouraging investment in modern equipment.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: September 11, 2025
Jozini Farmers Secure Market Access for Dry Beans Through New Agreements
Farmers in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, are celebrating improved market opportunities after the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) brokered deals with several agribusinesses. Around 300 local farmers have committed to supplying 1,000 tons of dry beans each month, with the first 10-ton consignment dispatched to KwaDukuza this week. The initiative, supported by the Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET) programme, aims to address challenges such as unstable markets, low prices, and limited resources. MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said the partnerships would not only create stable demand but also strengthen farmers’ skills and livelihoods.
Read full story: IOL
Date Published: September 10, 2025
African News
ILRI Unveils $3.35m Programme to Curb Methane from African Livestock
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has launched a $3.35 million initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions from indigenous cattle breeds in Africa. Supported by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, the project will introduce climate-smart livestock practices and advanced genetics to boost productivity while cutting emissions. ILRI projects a 12% methane reduction over 20 years and a 25% drop in emissions per kilogram of milk within five years. The initiative is expected to strengthen food security, empower smallholder farmers—particularly women and youth—and align Africa’s livestock sector with global climate goals.
Read full story: Farmer’s Review Africa
Date Published: September 10, 2025
Global News
Pakistan and China Seal $601m Agriculture Joint Ventures to Modernise Farming
Pakistan and China have finalised over $600 million in agriculture-related joint ventures during the 2nd Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing, coinciding with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit. Key agreements include a $500 million partnership between Pakistan’s Hitech Technological Concern and China’s Weichai Lovol Intelligent Agricultural Technology to modernise machinery and advance smart farming. Another $100 million deal between IMGC and Zhongzhihui Agriculture Development will boost crop production and technology transfer, while Buraq Tractors secured a $1.25 million pact with Xinyukun to enhance local tractor manufacturing. The ventures aim to modernise Pakistan’s farming sector and strengthen bilateral ties.
Read full story: Profit
Date Published: September 11, 2025
Ford’s New Electric Ute Sparks Interest Among Farmers but Diesel Still Dominates
Ford’s fully electric F150 Lightning ute has drawn attention in Australia’s farming sector with its 550km range and 4.5-tonne towing capacity, making it the first electric model seen as viable for farm use. However, with a $170,000 price tag, experts believe diesel vehicles will remain the preferred option for most farmers in the near term. While some, like Tasmanian farmer Marcus James, see long-term benefits when paired with on-farm solar, adoption is expected to be slow. Researchers say improving battery technology and affordability will be key before EVs can truly replace diesel utes on farms.
Read full story: ABC Rural
Date Published: September 11, 2025
Philippines to Host Asia’s First Terra Madre Gastronomy Event in November
The Philippines will host Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP) from November 19 to 23, 2025, in Bacolod City, marking the first regional edition of the world-renowned Slow Food gathering. Under the theme From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions, the event will unite 2,000 delegates from over 20 countries alongside thousands of visitors. Activities will include food exhibits, educational programmes, cooking demonstrations, and thematic spaces highlighting regional staples. The event cements Bacolod’s new role as the “Center for Sustainable Gastronomy” and Negros Occidental as the “Organic Capital of the Philippines.”
Read full story: TTG Asia
Date Published: September 11, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Launches Farm Stay Scheme to Boost Agri-Tourism and Rural Incomes
Uttar Pradesh has unveiled a pioneering farm stay tourism scheme to strengthen rural economies while showcasing traditional farming life. Unlike standard homestays, these facilities will be based on working farms and include lettable rooms, reception areas, and immersive activities such as crop harvesting, dairy work, horticulture, and traditional cooking. The initiative aims to create new income streams for farmers, generate rural jobs, and empower women, while offering tourists authentic cultural experiences. Supported by subsidies and employment incentives, the scheme is expected to enhance sustainable farming practices and position Uttar Pradesh as a leading agri-tourism destination.
Read full story: TravelBiz Monitor
Date Published: September 10, 2025
