South African News
South Africa’s Wheat Sector Faces Collapse Without Urgent Intervention, warns Grain SA
Grain SA has cautioned that South Africa’s wheat industry is nearing collapse as production costs soar far above current grain prices. Farmers need yields of at least 3.4 t/ha to break even, yet national averages are expected to reach only 3.92 t/ha this season, with the Western Cape — responsible for over half of national output — stuck at just 2.9 t/ha. The organisation has called for five urgent interventions, including improved import tariffs, limits on harvest-time imports, access to modern genetics, better risk-management tools, and restored logistics. Without action, farm viability, thousands of jobs, and consumer bread prices are at risk.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: December 2, 2025
Drones Take Centre Stage as They Transform South African Farming
South African agriculture is undergoing rapid change as drones shift from novel tools to core farm assets. At the 2025 Drone & Unmanned Aviation Conference in Johannesburg, experts highlighted major advances in aerial spraying, crop-health analytics and AI-driven forecasting. Drones are helping farmers diagnose stress, monitor irrigation, assess storm damage and guide long-term planning. Adoption is accelerating, with spray coverage expected to reach two million hectares this season and the number of activated spray drones rising from 60 in 2021 to about 2 000 today. Despite regulatory and operational challenges, technologies such as autonomous “drone-in-a-box” stations, large-capacity sprayers and advanced imaging are poised to reshape farming across the country.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: December 2, 2025
African News
Tanzania Secures US$640 Million to Transform Cassava into Major Export Industry
Tanzania has secured a US$640 million investment to boost large-scale cassava production and processing, a development expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs over the next decade. Pan-Tanzania Agriculture Developments Limited has been allocated 62,000 acres in Kilwa District to cultivate cassava and build an industrial park for value addition and export under the TISEZA framework. The project, launched by Minister Kitila Mkumbo, forms part of the country’s National Development Vision 2050 and includes production of soybeans, cashew nuts and meat products. With modern infrastructure and strategic positioning, the initiative aims to uplift Lindi Region and turn cassava into a significant export commodity.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: December 2, 2025
Global News
Argentina Expected to Cut Soybean Area by One Million Hectares
Argentina’s soybean planting is running significantly behind schedule, with only 11% of intended area sown by 26 November — far below last year’s 36% and the five-year average of 44%. According to Oil World, the slow progress could lead to a reduction of about one million hectares in soybean acreage this season. Weather delays are a key factor, but farmers are also shifting towards alternative crops such as sunflower, maize and wheat, which are currently viewed as more stable and profitable options. The changing crop mix marks a notable shift in Argentine growers’ production strategies.
Read full story: UkrAgroConsult
Date Published: December 2, 2025
NFU Pushes for Guaranteed CA$50,000 Basic Income to Support Canadian Farmers
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) will lobby the federal government to introduce a guaranteed annual income of CA$50,000 for farmers, following a resolution passed at its AGM in Moncton. The proposal aims to stabilise farm incomes, support new entrants and address rising input and land costs, which have become increasingly disconnected from agricultural returns. The NFU argues that the first decade of farming is critical for long-term viability and that current economic pressures hinder young and new producers. The union is now working on the programme’s practical framework and also plans to advocate for caps on major grocery chains’ profits to improve farmers’ share of consumer spending.
Read full story: Canadian Cattlemen
Date Published: December 2, 2025
Pakistan Targets US$2bn in Fruit and Vegetable Exports Within Three Years
Pakistan aims to raise its fruit, vegetable and value-added produce exports from US$700 million to US$2 billion within three years, according to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters and Merchants Association (PFVA). Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed announced the plan following the FoodAg Pakistan expo, where 25 exporters showcased products and buyers from 35 countries participated. Pakistan secured new export orders from the UK, Germany and Oman for the first time. PFVA, the Pakistan Horticulture Development Company and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan will collaborate to achieve the targets. TDAP reported expected business deals worth US$730 million, underscoring Pakistan’s strengthened role in global food supply chains.
Read full story: Dawn
Date Published: December 3, 2025
Sarawak Expands Modern Pig Farming and Strengthens Fisheries Sector
Sarawak is advancing its livestock and fisheries sectors with plans to establish three modern pig farms by 2030, supporting a standing population of 500,000 pigs and annual output worth RM1.5 billion. Despite African Swine Fever challenges, the Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area remains certified ASF-free and continues exporting live pigs to Singapore and Selangor. Fisheries production for 2025 is projected at 106,715 tonnes, valued at RM1.4 billion, though imports still exceed exports. To reduce this gap, the state will upgrade 12 inland fisheries stations under the 13th Malaysia Plan, boosting fry production and expanding aquaculture capacity, especially for tilapia.
Read full story: The Borneo Post
Date Published: December 3, 2025
