South African News
South Africa Urged to Act Fast as Soil Degradation Threatens Food Security
South Africa’s agricultural sector is facing escalating risks as soil degradation and water scarcity intensify, with experts warning that the two cannot be managed separately. Marking World Soil Day, nematologist Prof Driekie Fourie stressed that declining organic matter, erosion, compaction, and weakening soil biology are undermining productivity in a country where nearly 60% of land is already degraded. Regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and improved diagnostics are highlighted as essential for rebuilding soil structure and boosting water retention. With climate pressures mounting, farmers are urged to shift from extractive to regenerative management to safeguard long-term food security.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: December 5, 2025
AFASA Conference Calls for Stronger Partnerships to Drive Inclusive Agricultural Growth
South Africa’s agricultural sector has been urged to deepen collaboration and dismantle structural barriers facing emerging and smallholder farmers. At AFASA’s Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference in Pretoria, government, industry, and farmer bodies committed to advancing inclusive growth, highlighted by a new declaration signed by multiple sector partners. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced nationwide foot-and-mouth vaccinations and outlined major investments targeting smallholder support, job creation, and rural food security. Speakers emphasised improved market access, stronger biosecurity, and better traceability systems, while economist Wandile Sihlobo stressed that agricultural growth remains one of the most effective drivers of poverty reduction.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: December 4, 2025
African News
Cricket Farming Emerges as a Sustainable Protein Opportunity for Botswana
Botswana’s rising demand for affordable, sustainable protein is fuelling interest in cricket farming as an innovative agricultural enterprise. Crickets require minimal land and water, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional livestock. With growing markets in urban centres, health-conscious consumers, restaurants, and feed suppliers, small-scale farmers can establish simple, climate-controlled rearing systems and process crickets into flour, snacks, or animal feed. Low start-up costs, rapid reproduction, and high-value processed products offer promising margins. As alternative proteins gain traction, Botswana’s stable business environment positions cricket farming as a viable avenue for income generation, job creation, and market diversification.
Read full story: Africa-Press – Botswana
Date Published: December 4, 2025
Global News
Argentina Accelerates Pistachio Expansion as Global Demand Soars
Argentina is rapidly scaling up pistachio production, with planted acreage increasing fivefold in five years to nearly 25,000 acres, driven by strong global demand and the popularity of pistachio-filled Dubai chocolate. San Juan province leads the expansion, with growers confident that ideal climate conditions across several regions could support far greater production. As South America’s only major pistachio producer, Argentina benefits from counter-seasonal supply, attracting investors despite high establishment costs and economic uncertainties. Exports—primarily to Italy, Russia, and Australia—are expected to rise as young orchards mature, fuelling local enthusiasm reflected in pistachio-based confectionery and rapidly growing nursery demand.
Read full story: Trading View
Date Published: December 4, 2025
Spike in Sheep Measles Prompts Renewed Warning to Strengthen Farm Biosecurity
Farmers are being urged to tighten control measures against Cysticerus ovis after nationwide data showed a sharp rise in sheep measles cases. October figures revealed infection rates of 1.21% in processed carcases—more than double the usual 0.45–0.55%. Although harmless to humans, the parasite causes meat blemishes that undermine export quality. Ovis Management project manager Michelle Simpson stressed the importance of strict dog dosing routines, as warm, wet conditions have boosted parasite survival. Farm dogs should receive monthly tapeworm treatments containing Praziquantel, while any raw sheep or goat meat must be frozen or fully cooked before feeding to dogs.
Read full story: Rural News
Date Published: December 5, 2025
Indonesia Launches AI-Driven Aquaponic System to Boost Urban and Climate-Resilient Farming
Indonesia has unveiled the Smart Integrated Aquaponic Pod (SIAP), an AI-powered greenhouse system designed to strengthen food security and support climate-resilient farming. Developed by several ITS research centres, the compact 4x3x2m unit combines aquaponics with IoT sensors and AI analytics to create an efficient, closed-loop system that recycles water and optimises plant and fish cultivation. Real-time data guides automated adjustments to irrigation, feeding, and environmental conditions, improving yields and reducing resource use. The launch also introduced I-Farm Melon, a premium baby Sagami melon programme tailored for urban markets and education, which integrates seamlessly with the SIAP platform.
Read full story: Vertical Farming
Date Published: December 4, 2025
India Accelerates Shift to Technology-Led and Income-Focused Agricultural System
India is intensifying its move towards a more resilient, diversified, and technologically advanced agricultural model. Central investment in farmer-support schemes has grown sixfold since 2013–14, underpinning efforts to enhance productivity, reduce costs, expand diversification, and stabilise incomes. Flagship schemes—from PM-KISAN to digital agriculture missions and drone programmes—promote value addition and climate-smart practices. Rising Minimum Support Prices continue to guarantee predictable returns across major crops. Complementary initiatives in rural tourism broaden non-farm income streams. Together, these measures aim to build a modernised, farmer-centric agricultural economy focused on sustainability, market access, and long-term resilience.
Read full story: AgroSpectrum India
Date Published: December 5, 2025
