The Department of Agriculture is rapidly expanding its nationwide rice initiative under the programme “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, a key effort backed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The move comes as rising fuel costs continue to affect food prices, putting pressure on household budgets across the country.

To ease this strain, the government is increasing the number of distribution points and extending operating hours, allowing more Filipinos to purchase rice at a subsidised price of P20 per kilo. According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the goal is to ensure food remains accessible despite ongoing economic challenges linked to transport and logistics.

By the first quarter of 2026, 932 selling sites had already been set up nationwide. These include KADIWA centres, National Food Authority warehouses, and outlets managed by local and national agencies, along with partners accredited by Food Terminal Inc.. As of early April, the programme has reached 6.45 million beneficiaries, including senior citizens, low income households, solo parents, persons with disabilities, farmers and fisherfolk.

“We have sufficient food supply, but elevated fuel and logistics costs are pushing market prices to levels that further contain the budgets of many Filipinos,” Tiu Laurel said. “By expanding access to affordable rice and essential goods, we are directly easing that pressure and ensuring vulnerable sectors are protected while we work to stabilize both prices and supply.”

Further expansion is already in motion. The DA plans to introduce another 900 outlets, focusing on areas with greater need such as Capiz, Bukidnon and Cebu. This effort is supported by a strengthened partnership between Food Terminal Inc. and the National Food Authority, ensuring both supply and funding remain stable throughout 2026.

The agreement includes the procurement of 1.8 million sacks of rice backed by a 3 billion budget. Officials say this will not only support consumers but also protect farmers by maintaining fair buying prices.

“We assure that this budget will be used to secure better prices for our farmers, especially during the harvest season. In some areas, we have already increased our buying price to as much as ₱30 per kilo to prevent a drop in farmgate palay prices,” said NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson. “The NFA continues to step in to protect the income of our farmers,” he added.

“Given the current instability in market prices due to external conflicts, we are seeing a significant increase in buyers turning to our outlets to access quality rice at lower cost,” said Joseph Rudolph C. Lo. “We are closely coordinating with government partners to manage this demand and are preparing to expand our network further, with a target of reaching 1,800 P20 rice selling sites nationwide by the end of 2026,” he added.

Poultry is steadily becoming the most dynamic segment in the global animal protein trade, driven by rising demand, shifting consumption patterns, and expanding production.

According to the latest report from the US Department of Agriculture, changes in supply and trade flows are reshaping the global poultry market, with Asia playing a central role.

China is at the forefront of this transformation. Its poultry production is expected to reach 17.3 million tonnes in 2026, overtaking Brazil and closing the gap with the United States. This growth has been supported by large scale integrated farming, increased breeding stock, and continued government backing. While production is rising quickly, domestic consumption remains relatively moderate, encouraging producers to look outward.

As a result, China is expanding its presence in export markets. Shipments are forecast to reach 1.4 million tonnes in 2026, nearly three times the level seen in 2020. Having become a net exporter in 2024, the country is steadily increasing its share of global trade. At the same time, its traditional markets such as Japan and Hong Kong are no longer as dominant, making way for emerging buyers across Southeast and Central Asia.

Countries like the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malaysia are now key destinations. Demand in these regions is growing rapidly, largely due to affordability and changing diets. Newer markets such as Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Afghanistan, and Iraq are also contributing to this expansion, showing how far China’s reach now extends.

There has also been a noticeable shift in the type of products exported. Frozen cuts and whole birds are becoming more common, replacing processed items. This aligns with demand in developing markets where lower priced and simpler products are preferred.

Despite its growth, China faces barriers in several major markets, including Europe and parts of the Middle East. This means competition with established exporters like Brazil and Thailand is intensifying, particularly in price sensitive economies.

Overall, poultry is becoming a key driver of protein consumption across Asia. As demand continues to rise, the region is set to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of global trade.

New Holland has given its T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range a thorough rethink, and the result is a machine that feels genuinely fresh from the ground up.

Covering the 180 to 225hp bracket, the updated lineup brings a sharper look, smarter technology and some meaningful mechanical changes that will matter to anyone spending long days behind the wheel.

"We've completely reimagined the key design features of the T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range," says New Holland Standard Wheelbase Global Product Manager, Manfred Pfleger. "Significant upgrades include a new cab design, a new operator interface and armrest, and a more compact front end, core for a tractor range that competes in an important sector of the market with a broad customer base. The redesigned suspension delivers greater comfort and control, and complements the light weight, high-capacity design of this range to boost productivity and performance."

One of the standout changes is the new front axle, offered in standard or heavy duty form, with dual accumulators delivering a noticeably smoother ride. Combined with a redesigned bonnet and a new axle support, the turning circle has been slashed by 17%, dropping from 14.3 metres down to 11.4 metres. That kind of improvement makes headland manoeuvring far less of a chore.

Under the new sloping bonnet sits a Stage V FPT NEF 6.7 litre engine, now reaching peak power at just 1,500rpm to keep fuel consumption and noise in check. Service intervals stretch to 750 hours, and diesel capacity has grown to 350 litres. The T7.225 with Dynamic Command transmission recently posted best-in-class fuel efficiency at the German DLG test centre, consuming just 243g/kWh.

Inside the cab, the new SideWinder armrest puts everything within easy reach, with the option to specify the IntelliView 12 touchscreen, electronic remote valves and a refined CommandGrip multifunction handle. Cab space has grown, climate control is improved and storage has been expanded throughout.

All models come with connectivity included as standard, supporting remote dealer monitoring and data driven efficiency. The range also debuts New Holland's striking new Dynamic Blue colour scheme, which will roll out across future models.

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.