South African News
Farmers Say Transport Month Offers “Nothing to Celebrate” Amid Crumbling Roads
South African farmers are decrying government inaction as rural roads continue to deteriorate, forcing them to cover costly repairs out of their own pockets. Free State Agriculture (FSA) president Francois Wilken warned that depleted provincial budgets leave little funding beyond departmental staff salaries, while vital projects like the Clocolan-Marquard road remain stalled. Farmers argue that bad roads increase input costs and jeopardise food supply chains, particularly during the rainy season. Although the Port of Gauteng’s ambitious inland trade hub promises long-term relief, immediate solutions for rural infrastructure remain out of reach.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 6, 2025
From Survival to Success: How Vuyisa Became the Eastern Cape’s Seedling King
What began as a desperate attempt to make ends meet has grown into a remarkable farming success story. Former HR student Vuyisa Ngcukana returned to Mthatha in 2006 with no agricultural background and started with just 7 000 spinach seedlings. Today, his enterprise, Uphuhliso Lwethu Farming, produces over 2.2 million seedlings annually and supplies clients across the Eastern Cape. With the support of Ukhanyo Farmer Development, he has also expanded into grain production, cultivating maize and soybeans for major buyers like PepsiCo. Despite challenges with communal land and delayed inputs, Vuyisa aims to scale up to 300 hectares and eventually purchase his own farm.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: October 5, 2025
African News
Cameroon Breaks Ground on $47.8 Million Cattle Hub to Tackle Soaring Meat Prices
Cameroon has launched a $47.8 million cattle processing hub in Douala aimed at boosting beef supply, reducing prices, and creating over 142,000 jobs. The first phase of the Douala-Édéa agro-industrial complex includes a slaughterhouse, meat processing unit, and 500 butcher shops, with future plans for cold storage facilities, livestock markets, and a youth training centre. A larger second phase will expand to 65,000 hectares of pastureland and introduce artificial insemination for 100,000 cows. Backed by Brazilian and local partners, the project seeks to modernise the livestock sector and stabilise a market hit by falling beef production and rising consumer costs.
Read full story: EcoFin Agency
Date Published: October 5, 2025
Global News
NFU Chief Urges Labour to Put Food Production Before Diversification
NFU president Tom Bradshaw has warned Labour MPs that diversification must not replace food production as farming’s core purpose. Speaking at Labour’s rural growth panel in Liverpool, he stressed that too many family farms rely on secondary income streams to survive, leaving food production undervalued. Bradshaw urged Labour to honour its manifesto pledge that “food security is national security” by prioritising domestic output in policy. He also criticised upcoming inheritance tax proposals on agricultural assets over £1m, saying they were imposed without proper consultation. Despite challenges, he expressed cautious optimism that Labour could rebuild trust in rural communities.
Read full story: Scottish Farmer
Date Published: October 5, 2025
Amit Shah Promises Central Aid for Rain-Hit Farmers in Maharashtra
Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah has assured Maharashtra’s farmers that the central government will extend financial assistance for crop losses caused by excessive September rains. Speaking in Pravaranagar, Ahilyanagar district, Shah said compensation would follow once the state submits its formal damage assessment, noting that over 60 lakh hectares of farmland have been affected. He highlighted the Centre’s release of ₹3,132 crore to Maharashtra this year and praised state relief efforts, including a ₹2,215 crore package, cash aid to farmers, food grain distribution, and suspension of loan recoveries. Shah emphasised the Centre’s commitment to standing firmly with the farming community.
Read full story: Hindustan Times
Date Published: October 5, 2025
Philippines and Japan Strengthen Agricultural Trade and Technology Partnership
The Philippines and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation in agricultural trade, technology transfer, and sustainability. At the 47th ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Ministers Meeting, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. urged Japan to cut banana tariffs of up to 18 percent and improve access for Philippine pomelo, while Japan requested market entry for its fresh grapes. Both sides also discussed expanding their cooperation framework to include fisheries, mechanisation, pest control, and postharvest technology. Japan reaffirmed support for sustainable farming initiatives, while both countries committed to convening a Joint Committee on Agriculture in 2026, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties.
Read full story: The Philippine Star
Date Published: October 6, 2025
Malaysia’s Rice Farmers Struggle as Monsoon Rains Damage Harvests
Padi farmers in Kedah and Penang are facing major losses as heavy inter-monsoon rains disrupt harvesting and delay replanting. Farmers report damaged crops, soft soil that prevents machinery use, and reduced yields of just 800kg per hectare compared to two tonnes previously. The wet conditions have also worsened bacterial leaf blight outbreaks, further cutting production. With the next planting season due at the end of October, delays could threaten future harvests and incomes. Farmer groups are urging authorities to step in with subsidies, disease management, and stronger support to help producers weather increasingly unpredictable conditions.
Read full story: The Asian News Network
Date Published: October 6, 2025
