South African News
La Niña Returns, Bringing Hope and Flood Risk for South African Farmers
La Niña has officially returned, promising wetter-than-normal summer rains across South Africa and raising hopes for improved agricultural yields, particularly for maize and grain farmers. The weather pattern, which emerged in September 2025, is expected to persist into early 2026, overlapping with the key summer growing season. While this could boost crop production following last year’s El Niño-driven drought, experts warn of a heightened risk of flooding. Climate scientists also cautioned that climate change is amplifying temperature extremes, with South Africa’s Highveld now two degrees warmer than a century ago.
Read full story: Daily Maverick
Date Published: October 15, 2025
South African Crop Sector Rebounds Strongly, but Livestock Industry Struggles Under FMD Pressure
South Africa’s Agricultural Conditions Assessment Committee (ACAC) reports a robust recovery across crop and fruit sectors, driven by favourable rainfall and expanded planting. The 2024–25 summer grains and oilseed harvest is estimated at 19.94 million tonnes, up 28% year-on-year, while fruit, wine, and vegetable production also show strong gains. However, the livestock industry continues to face major setbacks due to the persistent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, which has disrupted beef and dairy output. Industry leaders have criticised government control over FMD vaccinations, calling for faster privatisation to improve response efficiency.
Read full story: Business Report
Date Published: October 15, 2025
African News
Power for Food Partnership Launched to Advance Local Food and Energy Systems in Kenya
SNV, in collaboration with seven Kenyan counties including Kakamega, Bungoma, and Nakuru, has launched the Power for Food Partnership to promote regenerative agriculture and renewable energy integration. The initiative aims to strengthen locally led, resilient food systems and address key barriers such as limited energy access, high costs, and gender inequality in rural areas. By linking regenerative farming with clean energy solutions like solar irrigation and decentralised processing, the partnership seeks to boost productivity, support women and youth, and create a more inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural sector across Kenya and East Africa.
Read full story: The Citizen
Date Published: October 15, 2025
Global News
FMC Introduces Sofero® Frugi Pheromone in Côte d’Ivoire to Combat Fall Armyworm
FMC Corporation has received registration for its innovative pheromone product, Sofero® Frugi, in Côte d’Ivoire — marking the first entry of its sprayable pheromone portfolio into the EMEA region. Designed to protect corn crops from fall armyworm, the pheromone disrupts the pest’s mating cycle using natural signalling, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides. The solution complements FMC’s Coragen® insect control and Arc™ farm intelligence tools, forming part of an integrated pest management strategy aimed at improving crop resilience and yields across West Africa.
Read full story: Global Agriculture
Date Published: October 16, 2025
Severe Water Shortage Forces Iraq to Restrict Crop Cultivation
Iraq is tightening its agricultural plans amid a worsening water crisis caused by reduced inflows from neighbouring countries and prolonged drought. The Ministry of Agriculture has banned rice cultivation for the 2025 summer season due to high water demands, while the upcoming winter plan will focus primarily on wheat, supported by groundwater use and modern irrigation systems. Officials warn that wheat cultivation areas will shrink compared to previous years as reserves remain critically low. The UN ranks Iraq among the world’s most climate-affected nations, projecting $233 billion in investments needed by 2040 to achieve sustainable growth.
Read full story: Shafaq News
Date Published: October 15, 2025
Malaysia Allocates RM803 Million to Drive Innovation and Sustainability in Palm Oil and Commodity Sectors
Malaysia has allocated RM803 million under the 2026 National Budget to strengthen its palm oil and broader commodity sectors through innovation, sustainability, and scientific research. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced funding to counter anti-palm oil campaigns, modernise production, and support smallholders. Key measures include RM63 million for sustainability certification drives, RM20 million for mechanisation start-ups, and RM120 million for replanting and productivity support. The Malaysian Rubber Board will also establish a RM600 million research excellence centre. These initiatives aim to enhance global competitiveness and reduce reliance on foreign labour across Malaysia’s agricultural industries.
Read full story: Palm Oil Magazine
Date Published: October 15, 2025
Stubble Burning Persists as Quick Fix for South Asian Farmers but Poses Severe Health and Environmental Risks
Stubble burning across Pakistan and India remains a fast, low-cost method for farmers to clear rice residue before wheat sowing, but its consequences are devastating for health, the environment, and the economy. The practice, rooted in South Asia’s Green Revolution-era farming systems, releases vast quantities of particulate matter and greenhouse gases, driving smog, soil degradation, and glacial melt. In Pakistan alone, crop burning contributes to 20% of air pollution and thousands of premature deaths annually. Experts warn that punitive bans are insufficient, urging collaborative, communication-driven, and transboundary policy frameworks between India and Pakistan to curb the practice sustainably.
Read full story: Asia News Network
Date Published: October 16, 2025
