South African News
R2bn programme to boost support for South African land reform beneficiaries
South Africa has launched a R2 billion Integrated Land Reform and Rural Development Support Programme to help land reform beneficiaries establish sustainable agricultural and rural businesses. The initiative combines financial assistance, technical expertise, infrastructure development, skills training and market access through a single coordinated support system. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has allocated R1.2 billion for the current financial year, including R500 million from Land Bank, with the remaining R800 million earmarked for the next financial year. Support will extend to farmers, co-operatives and rural communities, with priority given to women, young people, farmworkers and military veterans. Agriculture, tourism and manufacturing will be targeted to stimulate investment, job creation and rural economic growth.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: November 13, 2026
Agri 5 Expo showcases agricultural opportunities for Free State youth and emerging farmers
The Agri 5 Expo in Bloemfontein is highlighting opportunities for young people and emerging farmers in agriculture, particularly in agro-processing, technology and market access. The event brings together farmers, businesses, retailers and government stakeholders to encourage collaboration and help producers transform primary agricultural products into higher-value commodities. Exhibitors are using the platform to promote their businesses, connect with potential buyers and showcase new technologies, while farm safety is also a key focus. Free State Agriculture MEC Elsabe Rockman said the department and its partners were working to expand market access for women-led and youth-led enterprises, as well as emerging and medium-scale farmers.
Read full story: SABC News
Date published: November 12, 2026
African News
Ugandan aquafeeds factory investment set to boost fisheries and create jobs
Operation Wealth Creation has welcomed Masheda Mixed Farms’ investment in a new aquafeeds factory in Buyala, Mpigi District, describing it as a boost to Uganda’s agro-industrial development, employment and fisheries sector. Founder Esther Ampumuza said the business now employs more than 300 people across infrastructure development, aquaculture, fish-feed production and value addition. The groundbreaking ceremony also saw the introduction of an automated Black Soldier Fly processing facility capable of processing approximately 30 tonnes of material daily. Fisheries Minister Robert Ndugwa Migadde highlighted the importance of quality feeds and fingerlings, improved farming practices and reliable markets to strengthen productivity and profitability.
Read full story: UPDF
Date published: November 13, 2026
Global News
Modi urges Indian farmers to diversify beyond wheat, rice and sugarcane
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on farmers to diversify beyond wheat, rice and sugarcane by expanding into dairy, poultry, fisheries, beekeeping, horticulture and solar energy. Speaking at the Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference in New Delhi, he highlighted the need to improve farm incomes while reducing pressure on natural resources, particularly groundwater. Modi cited growth in milk, egg, fish and honey production as evidence of the potential of alternative enterprises. He also promoted farmer producer organisations, soil testing and natural farming. However, investment requirements, infrastructure and reliable markets remain key challenges to making diversification financially viable for smaller farmers.
Read full story: India Today
Date published: November 13, 2026
Japan confirms first seasonal bird flu outbreak at Kyoto poultry farm
Japan has confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak of the season at a poultry farm in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, prompting plans to cull approximately 200,000 laying hens. Movement restrictions have also been imposed on 300,000 chickens across seven other farms within a 10km radius of the infected site. The outbreak raises concerns about further increases in egg prices ahead of the year-end period of high demand, with prices already reaching record levels in October. The government has pledged coordinated containment measures and urged poultry producers nationwide to strengthen hygiene, monitoring and early disease reporting.
Read full story: The Nation Thailand
Date published: November 12, 2026
Smart fisheries technology boosts Cambodian farmers’ incomes through rice-prawn farming
A China-Cambodia cooperation project is helping Cambodian farmers increase productivity and incomes by combining rice cultivation with giant freshwater prawn farming and digital monitoring technology. Sensors powered by solar energy measure water quality, temperature and dissolved oxygen, enabling farmers to manage production more effectively. At demonstration sites, prawn survival rates have increased from around 40% to 80%, while annual income per hectare has risen from approximately US$1,000 under rice-only cultivation to US$3,000. Launched in Takeo province in 2024 with four farmers, the initiative had expanded to 52 participants by 2026, with potential for wider regional adoption.
Read full story: China Daily
Date published: November 13, 2026
US soybean farmers seek long-term access to Chinese market
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has urged the US government to secure long-term access to the Chinese market, which remains a critical export destination for American farmers. The organisation is calling for the removal of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, progress towards a trade agreement at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, and continued Chinese commitments to purchase 25 million tonnes of US soybeans annually through 2028. It also wants China to maintain purchases of other agricultural products and extend the suspension of Section 301 port fees. Despite diversifying export markets, US farmers remain heavily reliant on Chinese demand.
Read full story: Brownfield Ag News
Date published: November 12, 2026
