The World Bank has launched a new risk management instrument to provide protection to agricultural producers and consumers in developing countries from volatile food prices.

The Northern Mindanao Vegetable Producers Association (NorMinVeggies) is implementing a groundbreaking farming and marketing system that has boosted the stock of hundreds of small-hold farmers across Mindanao in the southern Philippines, and revolutionized vegetable production in the region.

Mango trees are affected by a number of fungal and bacterial diseases at various stages of their life. Anthracnose, scab, stem-end rot and bacterial spot are all recorded diseases of mango, although anthracnose is the most damaging.

FAO's Food Price Index rose one percent to 234 points in June 2011 - 39 percent higher than in June 2010 but four percent below its all-time high of 238 points in February of this year.

Adequate nutrition is essential during the growth and development stages of the oil palm since nutrient uptake establishes the plant’s production potential.