South African News
SA farmers push for private Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccinations amid legal threat
South African farming groups are demanding the right to privately procure and administer Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines, warning of legal action if the state refuses. Organisations including Sakeliga and Saai argue that excessive regulation is hampering urgent disease control and say farmers should manage vaccination based on their own risk assessments. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has rejected these calls, warning that legal challenges could undermine the Animal Diseases Act and delay the national FMD response. The department insists unrestricted private vaccination would be reckless, while farmers accuse the state of failing to adapt outdated regulations to a worsening crisis.
Read full story: Independent Online (IOL)
Date published: January 29, 2026
South Africans rally to support fire-hit Eastern Cape farmers with feed donations
South Africans have donated more than R1 million worth of animal feed to farmers devastated by wildfires and drought in the Eastern Cape. Fires burned over 15,000 hectares across Kouga and KouKamma, destroying grazing land, homes and farm infrastructure, and leaving livestock without food. After a local farmer appealed for help on social media, donations poured in nationwide, with supermarkets and transport companies assisting with deliveries. More than 150 farms have received feed, but farmers warn it is still insufficient and recovery will be slow. Opposition figures have criticised the government’s delayed disaster response.
Read full story: All Africa
Date published: January 28, 2026
African News
Zambian farmers turn to climate-smart solutions as floods and drought deepen food crisis
Zambia is facing a largely overlooked climate crisis marked by severe floods, prolonged droughts and rising food insecurity. In 2025, torrential rains caused widespread flooding, including a dam collapse that polluted a major river, while drought elsewhere ruined crops and fuelled pest outbreaks. More than 1.2 million people have been pushed into acute food insecurity. Despite limited global attention, farmers are adapting through climate-smart practices, including flood-resistant, vitamin-A fortified maize and community-led initiatives such as tree planting and savings groups. These locally driven solutions are helping communities build resilience amid escalating climate extremes.
Read full story: World Stakes
Date published: January 28, 2026
Global News
RSS-linked groups call for higher farm spending and rural reforms ahead of India’s 2026 Budget
Organisations affiliated with the RSS have urged the Indian government to significantly boost agriculture funding and deepen rural reforms ahead of the 2026 Union Budget. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh called for a larger share of budgetary allocation for agriculture, stronger support for organic and natural farming, reforms to land acquisition laws, and guaranteed procurement of pulses and oilseeds. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch pressed for greater incentives for MSMEs, employment-focused industrial schemes, and dedicated land for street vendors. The groups emphasised decentralised, rural-led development as key to economic self-reliance and long-term growth.
Read full story: Hindustan Times
Date published: January 29, 2026
Brazil’s farmed fish exports remain resilient despite sharp US tariff increase
Brazil’s farmed fish exports remained broadly stable in 2025 despite a 50% tariff hike imposed by the United States. Export volumes fell slightly by 1% to around 13,700 tonnes, while revenues rose 2% to more than $60 million, helped by strong performance earlier in the year before tariffs took effect in August. Fresh and chilled fillets led growth, while frozen whole fish declined sharply. Reduced tilapia shipments to the US prompted exporters to diversify, with strong growth in Canada and renewed sales to Mexico. However, the US still accounted for 87% of exports, leaving the sector vulnerable if tariffs persist.
Read full story: Datamar News
Date published: January 28, 2026
China sets out plan to fast-track agricultural modernisation through high-tech zones
China has announced plans to accelerate agricultural modernisation over the next five years by creating dedicated demonstration zones for advanced farming technologies and reforms. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, up to 500 such zones are expected to be established and certified by 2030. The initiative will focus on six priority areas, including grain production, livestock farming, intelligent agriculture, urban farming, high-efficiency specialised sectors and agriculture in drought-prone regions. The zones are intended to promote environmentally friendly, high-tech agriculture while improving quality and branding, and to develop scalable models that can be replicated nationwide.
Read full story: Ukr Agro Consult
Date published: January 28, 2026
Pakistan fertiliser use rises despite flood damage and strained farm conditions
Fertiliser use in Pakistan increased in 2025 despite flood-related damage to agriculture, with urea offtakes up sharply year on year, according to official data. Analysts and farm representatives say the rise reflects lower prices, policy support and shifts in crop choices rather than expanded cultivation or higher farm incomes. While the macroeconomic outlook has improved and wheat prospects appear encouraging, conditions at farm level remain uneven. Flood losses, fodder shortages and weaker livestock productivity continue to weigh on farmers. Stakeholders caution that delayed purchases and price cuts may be distorting fertiliser data, masking underlying pressures in the rural economy.
Read full story: The Express Tribune
Date published: January 29, 2026
