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Bhutan recently concluded its mini-market event in Singapore after Bangkok, as part of its shift to market-oriented agricultural system from subsistence farming 

Bhutanese entrepreneurs are looking for post-event business exchanges with clients and consumers from Singapore. This anticipation is built on the interests generated from the mini-market's diverse displays, including everything from processed foods to agricultural goods from 11 Bhutanese agri-food entrepreneurs. 

Backed by Singaporean partners, JICA Bhutan and the IFC-World Bank Group, the mini-market had a Bhutanese delegation led by the country's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho. “Bhutan offers the world something special, a clean, natural, and high-quality food products grown in one of the last pristine environments on Earth,” said Younten Phuntsho. 

Bhutan's food offerings thus effortlessly meet sustainability criteria even as the world looks at it as a goal to be reached. Known for its one-of-a-kind and sustainably produced eatables, Singapore's regional market has peaked Bhutan's interests for a meaningful partnership.

Environmental responsibility besides, public health also remains a priority for the Bhutan government in developing the country's agriculture industry for a stronger economy at large. 

Acknowledging all the partners involved, the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC) shared its long-term plans to promote Bhutanese agri-food products in global markets through such events and trade platforms. 

MEVAC MULTI ADENO is designed to support poultry health by protecting chickens against serious viral infections that can affect productivity and survival

This inactivated tetravalent vaccine targets key strains of Fowl Adenovirus infection, which are widely present in poultry populations and linked to conditions such as Inclusion Body Hepatitis and Hydropericardium Syndrome.

Fowl adenoviruses are known to exist in multiple forms, grouped into several species and serotypes. These viruses can lead to a range of health issues in chickens, from respiratory problems to severe liver damage. Among them, inclusion body hepatitis is particularly concerning, as it affects both broilers and layers and can lead to noticeable losses on farms. Birds suffering from this condition may show signs such as reduced appetite, lethargy, increased water intake, and diarrhoea, along with higher mortality.

This vaccine works by preparing the bird’s immune system to respond effectively to infection. It contains inactivated strains of adenovirus linked to the most common disease causing types, helping to reduce both clinical symptoms and death rates. It is intended for use in chickens and can be given from seven days of age, depending on veterinary guidance.

The recommended dose is 0.5 ml per bird, administered either under the skin in the lower neck area or into the muscle of the thigh or breast. Proper handling is important, including shaking the bottle before use and ensuring sterile equipment is used during administration.

Care should be taken not to vaccinate birds that are already unwell or immunocompromised. The product should also not be mixed with other veterinary medicines. While no adverse effects have been reported even at higher doses, its safety during the laying period has not been fully confirmed.

To maintain effectiveness, the vaccine must be stored between 2°C and 8°C, away from direct sunlight, and must not be frozen. Once opened, it should be used within three hours.

Overall, MEVAC MULTI ADENO offers a practical approach to managing viral challenges in poultry, helping farmers maintain healthier flocks and more stable production.

The Philippines has taken a significant step towards improving its agricultural system with the launch of the Bicol Mega Cold Storage Warehouse.

This major project, backed by an investment of P500 million, reflects a strong effort to modernise food logistics and support farmers across the region.

The facility was officially opened by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alongside Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte. It stands as the first completed project under the Department of Agriculture’s Cold Storage Expansion Program and aligns with the goals of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act.

Designed to address long standing challenges in storage and transport, the warehouse provides reliable temperature controlled spaces for different types of produce. Livestock, fruits, and vegetables are stored under carefully managed conditions to maintain freshness and quality from the farm through to the market. With a capacity of over 200,000 tonnes each year, the facility is expected to benefit a large number of farmers as well as consumers.

“This facility underscores the commitment of the Marcos administration to cut post-harvest losses, raise farmers incomes, stabilize food supply, and ensure lasting rural development,” Tiu Laurel said.

Governor Villafuerte highlighted the wider impact of the project, noting that it will serve not only the Bicol region but also suppliers from other parts of the country. “This is a game changer for Bicolandia, which has long played a key role in feeding the nation, whether directly through food production or as corridor where agricultural products pass through,” he said.

Beyond storage, the site includes rooms for blast freezing, processing, and packaging. These features allow farmers to extend the shelf life of their produce and improve its market value. The timing is especially important as rising fuel costs and ongoing supply challenges have made distribution more difficult.

By linking storage with better transport and logistics, the facility helps farmers avoid losses and sell their goods under better conditions. Alongside this project, the government is also developing more cold chain facilities across the country, building a stronger and more connected food system for the future.

A new partnership between Orbia Netafim and Amazon India is set to deliver significant water savings through large scale drip irrigation projects across key agricultural regions in India.

The collaboration will help save nearly 325 million litres of water every year while supporting more than 110 independent farmers in the agricultural belts surrounding Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Announced on 27 February 2026 in Tel Aviv and Bengaluru, the initiative focuses on improving irrigation practices and addressing growing concerns around water security in these rapidly expanding urban regions. The programme will introduce modern drip irrigation systems across 80 hectares of farmland in western Bengaluru and 40 hectares in northern Hyderabad.

In Bengaluru, farms currently growing gourds and tomatoes will transition from traditional flood irrigation methods to more efficient drip irrigation systems. Around 70 independent farmers are expected to benefit from this shift. The change is projected to save approximately 175 million litres of water each year while maintaining crop productivity and improving irrigation efficiency.

In Hyderabad, a similar transition will take place across 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms, benefiting roughly 40 farmers. The project is expected to conserve about 150 million litres of water annually in the region.

The initiative also contributes to Amazon’s wider environmental commitments. By supporting improved irrigation methods, the company is working towards its goal of becoming water positive in India by 2027. This means returning more water to communities than is used in its direct operations.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said: "This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions. We're committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India”.

Water resources in both Bengaluru and Hyderabad have come under increasing pressure in recent years. In Bengaluru, participating farms rely on water sources linked to the TG Halli Reservoir, which also supplies several residential areas, commercial districts and Amazon facilities across west and north Bengaluru. In Hyderabad, farmers draw water connected to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, an important part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of crops in measured amounts. This method reduces evaporation, runoff and unnecessary water use, which is especially important in regions experiencing irregular rainfall and declining groundwater levels.

“We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike,” said Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim. “By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture.”

This marks the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim focused on urban water challenges in India’s fast growing cities. Building on previous irrigation modernisation projects in Karnataka, including the Ramthal Community Irrigation Project, Orbia Netafim continues to promote practical and scalable solutions that improve water management while supporting both farming communities and urban water security.