South African News
Eastern Cape irrigation farmers gain skills to improve energy efficiency
Irrigation farmers and operations managers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape have received practical training to improve energy management, reduce operating costs and strengthen farm resilience. The three-day programme covered energy consumption monitoring, electricity-bill analysis, irrigation and pumping-system efficiency, and identifying opportunities for energy savings and renewable-energy adoption. Delivered through the International Labour Organization’s Just Transition for Skills project, the initiative aims to equip agricultural workers with skills to respond to rising energy costs, climate pressures and technological change. The programme resulted from stakeholder dialogue identifying agriculture and agro-energy as priorities for inclusive rural development and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
Read full story: International Labour Organization (ILO)
Date published: September 30, 2026
Land Bank funding shortfall raises concerns over agricultural transformation
South Africa’s Land Bank has temporarily paused new applications to its Blended Finance Scheme after its R325 million grant allocation for 2026/27 was fully committed, despite annual demand estimated at about R1.5 billion. The funding squeeze has raised concerns over delays that can cause farmers to miss critical planting and harvesting windows, potentially reducing yields and increasing financial losses. Parliament has also questioned beneficiary selection, project due diligence, technical support and the bank’s capacity to fulfil its developmental mandate. Land Bank said it had strengthened due diligence, mentorship and monitoring, while reporting that 539 farmers had received funding since the scheme launched in 2022.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 30, 2026
African News
Kenya advances reforms to strengthen seed and plant genetic resources laws
Kenya is reviewing its seed and plant genetic resources legislation to improve seed quality, protect farmers’ and breeders’ rights, strengthen conservation and support innovation across the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is developing two draft bills covering seed and plant varieties and the proposed Plant Genetic Resources Institute, with technical support from CGIAR. A July workshop brought together government agencies, researchers, farmers, community seed organisations, breeders, private-sector representatives and civil society to refine the legislation. Key discussions included quality assurance for community seed systems, recognition of farmer varieties, benefit-sharing, institutional responsibilities and alignment with wider African seed policies.
Read full story: ILRI News
Date published: September 30, 2026
Global News
Weak monsoon threatens Indian farm incomes and rural spending
India’s weakest monsoon since 2015 is reducing crop yields and squeezing farm incomes, with rice farmers reporting losses of around 10–20% in some areas. Erratic rainfall has increased the need for irrigation, pesticides, fertiliser and fuel, raising production costs even as higher rice prices fail to fully offset lower yields. The effects are spreading beyond agriculture, with farmers expected to have less money for vehicles, machinery, household goods and wedding and festival spending. Weak rainfall has also reduced reservoir levels, threatening winter wheat and rapeseed crops. Economists warn that weaker rural consumption and higher food prices could add to inflationary pressures.
Read full story: Business Standard
Date published: October 1, 2026
Nepali officials travel to India for natural farming training
Fifty Nepali government officials have travelled to India for a five-day training programme focused on natural and sustainable farming practices. Held at Gurukul in Kurukshetra from September 29 to October 3, the programme is fully funded by the Indian Government and aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical understanding of natural farming techniques. The officials will gain hands-on exposure and exchange experiences and best practices in sustainable agriculture. The programme forms part of ongoing agricultural cooperation between Nepal and India and is the third group of Nepali officials to take part, following previous training programmes in September 2023 and August 2025.
Read full story: The Himalayan Times
Date published: October 1, 2026
Farmers warn Opportunity Party land tax could increase pressure on farm profitability
New Zealand farming groups have raised concerns about the Opportunity Party’s proposed 0.5% annual tax on rural land values, arguing that the charge would be based on asset value rather than farm income and could make some operations unprofitable. Industry modelling found the impact would vary substantially between farm types, with some receiving more through the proposed Citizen’s Income than they would pay in land tax, while high-country and several hill-country farms could face significant net costs. The party also proposes changes to agricultural emissions policy, including a possible methane cap-and-trade or levy system, alongside greater incentives for technology and productivity improvements.
Read full story: RNZ
Date published: October 1, 2026
France grants temporary exemption for banned herbicide amid weed-control concerns
France has granted cereal farmers a 120-day emergency exemption to use triallate, a herbicide banned nationally since 2023 over concerns about water contamination and potential risks to aquatic organisms and non-target insects. The exemption, covering winter barley until January 21, 2027, was requested by growers facing increasing grass-weed resistance and limited alternative control options. France’s food safety agency, Anses, had previously rejected emergency authorisation requests for triallate. Environmental organisations Générations Futures and France Nature Environnement are challenging the decision in court, arguing that the emergency procedure is being used to circumvent previous safety concerns.
Read full story: Global Agriculture
Date published: September 30, 2026
