20 July '26 - Today in Farming

South African News

South Africa Warned of Wheat Supply Crisis Amid Import Dependence

South Africa’s wheat industry is facing what the article describes as a growing structural crisis after the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) rejected tariff protection measures for local producers. It argues that declining domestic wheat production could increase reliance on imports, exposing the country to global price volatility, shipping disruptions and exchange rate fluctuations that would push up bread prices. The piece warns that poorer households and rural communities would be hardest hit, while calling on government to strengthen trade policies, support local wheat farmers and improve tariff mechanisms to safeguard food security and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Read full story: Agri News

Date published: July 16, 2026

South African agriculture must embrace permanent change to remain competitive

South African agriculture is moving beyond traditional production cycles into an era of constant change, requiring producers to prioritise adaptability and long-term resilience. The article highlights growing challenges, including climate volatility, shifting consumer preferences, rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving trade dynamics, while noting opportunities through technology, diversification and sustainable practices. It argues that future competitiveness will depend on investments in energy, water security, precision farming and improved logistics, alongside stronger traceability and environmental reporting. The piece also emphasises the importance of collaborative financing to help farmers build resilient businesses capable of thriving in an increasingly unpredictable agricultural landscape.

Read full story: Engineering News 

Date published: July 16, 2026

African News 

Uganda strengthens focus on agro-industrialisation to drive economic growth

Uganda is placing greater emphasis on agro-industrialisation as a key strategy for economic transformation, with the government seeking to link agricultural production more closely with manufacturing and value addition. The move follows the launch of a new meat and beans processing factory, which President Yoweri Museveni described as an important step towards expanding local processing capacity. Backed by UGX 2.26 trillion in the 2026/27 budget, the strategy aims to create jobs, commercialise farming and boost exports of value-added agricultural products. While agriculture remains central to Uganda’s economy, questions remain over whether the approach can generate sufficient employment and deliver long-term structural change.

Read full story:East African Centre for Investigative Reporting (EACIR) 

Date published: July 16, 2026

Global News 

Five-year trial highlights trade-offs in lower-emissions dairy farming

A five-year dairy trial in Northland, New Zealand, found that lower-input farming systems can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions but often at the cost of lower milk production and profitability. The Low Emissions farm, which eliminated nitrogen fertiliser and reduced stocking rates, achieved emissions targets broadly in line with government goals but produced 20–39% less milk than the conventional system and generated lower operating profits. Researchers found alternative pasture species performed well in wetter seasons and could offer greater resilience to climate change. The study concludes that balancing emissions reductions with farm productivity and financial sustainability remains a key challenge for dairy producers.

Read full story: Farmers Weekly 

Date published: July 17, 2026

Indonesia boosts corn reserves to strengthen national food security

Indonesia is accelerating the expansion of its strategic corn reserves as part of efforts to improve food security and market resilience. Government stocks reached 190,000 tonnes by early July 2026, achieving 19% of the national target of one million tonnes and significantly surpassing progress made a year earlier. Authorities are considering revised procurement prices, updated grain moisture standards and stronger public-private partnerships to expand drying infrastructure and speed up stock accumulation. The reserves are intended to help stabilise prices in both food and animal feed markets while supporting farmers’ incomes. Officials also plan to increase procurement targets under the country’s 2027 National Development Plan.

Read full story: Ukr Agro Consult 

Date published: July 16, 2026

Indonesia uses AI to accelerate chilli breeding and digital agriculture

Indonesia is advancing digital agriculture through an artificial intelligence-powered platform that automates the identification of superior chilli varieties. Developed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the system combines AI and computer vision to analyse plant characteristics more quickly and accurately than traditional manual methods. The technology is expected to speed up breeding programmes, improve seed quality testing, support variety certification and strengthen germplasm management. Researchers believe it will enhance productivity, provide more consistent assessments and support evidence-based agricultural innovation. The initiative forms part of Indonesia’s wider strategy to modernise agriculture, boost food security and build a more resilient, technology-driven farming sector.

Read full story: Agro Spectrum Asia 

Date published: July 16, 2026

India promotes non-GM crop research to boost pulses and oilseed production

India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has called for greater investment in non-genetically modified crop research to improve the productivity of pulses and oilseeds, alongside existing GM research. Speaking at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s 98th Foundation Day, he highlighted district-level contingency plans to address below-average monsoon rainfall and assured farmers that fertiliser supplies remain adequate. The event also unveiled 43 improved crop varieties, 17 new agricultural technologies and 14 publications. Through the newly launched Mission ICAR 100, the government aims to accelerate agricultural innovation, promote climate-smart farming and extend scientific advances to 100 million farmers by ICAR’s centenary.

Read full story: The New Indian Express 

Date published: July 17, 2026