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Unauthorised agricultural medicines can be harmful for the environment.

The regulatory agency in the Gash Barka area has held food safety workshops for people and animals, focusing on farmers and owners of organisations that provide social services in the sub-zones of Sel'a, Kerkebet, Laelai Gash, Gogni, and Mogolo

During the seminars, Meaze Neguse, an expert in animal resources regulation, cautioned that hazardous food could risk the lives of both people and animals. He stressed the importance of safety and hygiene throughout the whole food production chain, from farm to consumer, and emphasised the close relationship between food safety and environmental protection. He exhorted everyone involved in the food processing and distribution industry to work with regulatory professionals.

Hadish Gebremeskel, a representative of the plant regulatory service, spoke at length about the immediate and indirect negative consequences of misusing pesticides. He aimed at the serious implications of employing unauthorised or harmful agricultural medicines without consulting specialists, noting that these methods are bad for the environment, people, and animals. He requested farmers to switch to organic production methods and utilise only licensed pesticides.

Sub-zone officials, for their part, said that the seminars make a big difference in achieving the objective of "Ensuring Nutritious Food for All and Everywhere." They urged farmers and food processing companies to use the skills they acquired during the training in their regular activities.

The global phosphate fertilizer market is expected to grow upto US$84bn by 2031. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

The phosphate fertilizers market is on a robust growth trajectory, anticipated to expand from US$57.5bn in 2024 to a significant US$84bn by 2031

This growth corresponds to a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031, according to the latest research. Phosphate fertilizers remain crucial for global agriculture, enhancing crop yields and soil fertility, thus playing a vital role in food security and sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Rising population levels, increasing food demand, and the need to improve agricultural productivity drive the expansion of phosphate fertilizer consumption. The market is segmented by product type, with single superphosphate (SSP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) being among the leading segments due to their efficiency and widespread adoption. Geographically, Asia Pacific dominates the market owing to extensive agricultural activities and supportive government policies encouraging fertilizer use.

The phosphate fertilizers market is pivotal in supporting global agriculture by providing essential nutrients that improve soil health and crop output. In 2024, the market value stood at US$57.5bn, expected to rise steadily to US$84bn by 2031, reflecting the growing need for sustainable and enhanced agricultural practices worldwide. The surge is driven largely by increased adoption in developing regions, where food production must keep pace with rising populations and changing dietary preferences.

Growth in the market is primarily fueled by the high demand from staple crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, which require phosphorus for optimal growth. Among different phosphate fertilizer types, single superphosphate holds a significant share due to its cost-effectiveness and suitability across diverse soil types. Regionally, the Asia Pacific market leads because of extensive farmland, large farming communities, and government incentives aimed at boosting fertilizer use to ensure food security and economic growth.

The programme emphasises a community-led approach, ensuring it is culturally relevant and sustainable. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

BRAC has received a US$300,000 grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to create a programme aimed at helping three million women smallholder farmers in Bangladesh, Liberia, Tanzania, and Uganda by 2030

This initiative targets vulnerable communities affected by climate change. It will first launch in Bangladesh's coastal and drought-prone areas, providing farmers with services like agricultural technology, weather forecasts, adaptive insurance, and better market connections.

Deepali Khanna, head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation, stated,“Smallholder farmers are on the frontline of so many challenges, including the impact of climate change. Through our support of BRAC, we are empowering smallholder farmers not only to withstand disruptions, but also to advance solutions that can help build the foundation for lasting economic opportunity.”

The programme emphasises a community-led approach, ensuring it is culturally relevant and sustainable. The aim is to equip communities with skills to build resilience against challenges like rising salinity and erratic rainfall. BRAC plans to raise an additional US$300mn for this program, intending to impact around 14 million people positively.

“At BRAC, we believe in equipping people and communities with the skills they need to build their own resilience,” said Asif Saleh, executive director of BRAC. The Rockefeller Foundation’s support takes an important step in showing that locally driven innovation, when scaled up, can unlock pathways for millions of people to do that.”

Liberia, China to mechanise agriculture. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, recently met with J Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture of Liberia

Chengwu emphasised the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators stand on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and expressed that China is willing to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries, deepening the bilateral relations.

Nuetah said that Liberia is grateful to China for its strong support for Liberia's development and looks forward to continuing to strengthen cooperation with China on agricultural mechanisation and modernisation.

Yanmar’s YR Series rice transplanter conducts demonstration activities at the Smart Farm Showcase

Yanmar S.P. Co., Ltd. teamed up with Chia Tai Co., Ltd. and XAG Co., Ltd. for the opening of the 'Chia Tai Experience' at the Chia Tai Agricultural Center in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

The initiative is focused on improving Thai agriculture by giving farmers access to modern technology, practical know-how, and sustainable farming practices.

The Chia Tai Experience acts as a hands-on space where farmers can learn and try out new agricultural tools and techniques. Chia Tai has created a display showing rice farming methods suited for the region using its Crop Management Plan. This plan is designed to tackle common problems in local rice fields and introduce the idea of developing from 'Farmer to Professional Farmer.' XAG has set up a certified service area for agricultural drones, offering maintenance and support.

One of the main features of the event was a live demo of Yanmar’s YR Series rice transplanter, which took place at the Smart Farm Showcase. This area highlights how Yanmar’s technology is making rice farming more efficient.

This event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Chia Tai, XAG, and Yanmar S.P. Co., Ltd. The signing was attended by Peng Bin, Founder and CEO of XAG; Manas Chiaravanond, CEO of Chia Tai; and Ryosuke Yamaguchi, President of Yanmar S.P. Co., Ltd. The agreement reflects a shared goal of using smart farming to help farmers grow better crops and improve their livelihoods.

President Ryosuke Yamaguchi said during the event, “At Yanmar, we believe that innovation in agriculture is crucial not only for increasing productivity but also for building sustainable futures for our farmers. Our collaboration with Chia Tai and XAG represents a unified effort to bring advanced technology directly to the fields, ensuring farmers thrive in an evolving industry.”

The Chia Tai Experience continues the joint work first seen during Yanmar’s 45th anniversary event held from 3 to 5 October, 2024, in Khon Kaen. At that event, Yanmar introduced the EF393T tractor and a new electric farming machine concept. The company also named Thai actor Nadech Kugimiya as its brand ambassador, highlighting its interest in promoting innovation and sustainability.

Together, Yanmar, Chia Tai, and XAG are working to support a shift toward smarter, more sustainable farming in Thailand, with a focus on real-world solutions that can benefit farmers across the country.

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