South African News
South Africa eyes multibillion-rand pistachio boom
South Africa is positioning itself to develop a lucrative pistachio industry, targeting up to 60,000 tonnes of annual production and a 5–8% share of the global market within a decade. With favourable conditions in the Northern Cape and rising global demand amid constrained supply, the sector could generate between R2 billion and R3 billion in exports. Although still in its early stages, with only a few hectares in production, rapid expansion is underway. Industry leaders highlight significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased farm profitability, while overcoming past setbacks from earlier failed initiatives and building on decades of accumulated expertise.
Read full story: Business Tech
Date published: April 12, 2026
Farm machinery sales dip as rising costs weigh on farmers
South Africa’s agricultural machinery sales declined in March 2026 for the first time in 14 months, reflecting pressure from rising input costs and economic uncertainty. Tractor sales fell nearly 8% year-on-year, while combine harvester sales dropped sharply, though both remain above long-term averages. Industry leaders attribute the slowdown to factors such as fuel and fertiliser prices, currency volatility and softer commodity prices. Despite the dip, overall sentiment remains cautiously positive, supported by solid crop production forecasts. Analysts warn against overinterpreting a single month’s figures, noting mixed conditions across the sector, with livestock challenges offset by stronger performance in crops and fruit production.
Read full story: IOL
Date published: April 13, 2026
African News
Nigeria steps up fight against deadly cattle disease
Nigeria has launched a national task force to tackle contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), a highly lethal cattle disease with mortality rates of up to 50%. The move follows 131 recorded outbreaks across 17 states in 2025, highlighting the scale of the threat to a livestock sector that contributes 35% to agricultural GDP. Authorities aim to strengthen surveillance, improve vaccination efforts and develop a coordinated control strategy. Persistent challenges, including underreporting and limited diagnostics, have masked the disease’s full impact, while significant livestock losses continue to threaten food security, farmer incomes and overall productivity.
Read full story: Ecofin Agency
Date published: April 13, 2026
Global News
US pork sector grows as exports strengthen despite challenges
The United States hog industry is showing resilience, with total inventory reaching 74.3 million head, slightly up on last year despite a modest decline in breeding stock. Productivity gains, driven by higher pigs per litter, have supported overall growth. At the same time, pork exports rose in February, increasing in both volume and value, with strong demand from markets including Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Central America. Although limited access to China remains a constraint, expanding global demand and improved efficiency are helping sustain the sector, with optimism that rising production will continue to meet both domestic and international needs.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date published: April 13, 2026
Midwest soybean farmers face mounting strain from costs, tariffs and conflict
Midwest soybean farmers are under intensifying financial pressure as rising input costs, trade tensions and the impact of the Iran conflict squeeze margins. Persistently low soybean prices, driven by global oversupply and competition from Brazil, have compounded the problem, while tariffs and a trade dispute with China have reduced export demand. At the same time, disruptions to fertiliser and fuel supplies linked to the conflict have pushed costs higher. Many farmers face negative returns, increasing debt and growing uncertainty, with some reporting worsening financial conditions and a rise in bankruptcies, highlighting deepening stress across the sector.
Read full story: City News
Date published: April 13, 2026
Falling wheat yields and rising costs worry Haryana farmers
Wheat farmers in Haryana are facing growing anxiety as declining yields and rising input costs squeeze already thin margins. Recent rainfall and hailstorms have damaged crops, with farmers reporting significant drops in output compared to last season. At the same time, expenses for seeds, fertilisers and harvesting continue to climb, prompting calls for government compensation and bonuses. Procurement has begun, but new verification rules, including biometric checks and tractor documentation, have divided opinion, with some farmers welcoming transparency while others see added burdens. Overall, reduced productivity and higher costs are intensifying financial strain across the farming community.
Read full story: The Tribune
Date published: April 13, 2026
China narrows gap with Japan amid global matcha boom
Global demand for matcha is surging, but Japan’s long-standing dominance is being challenged by rapidly improving Chinese production. A blind tasting in Kyoto showed Japanese matcha still leading in top quality, though Chinese varieties are increasingly competitive in mid-range grades. China’s industry is expanding, supported by large-scale investment, government backing and knowledge transfer from Japanese experts. With lower prices and rising quality, Chinese matcha is gaining ground, particularly in products like lattes and processed foods. Meanwhile, Japan faces constraints such as limited farmland and an ageing workforce, prompting calls to focus on premium differentiation rather than price competition.
Read full story: The Asahi Shimbun
Date published: April 13, 2026
