Agriculture

Congressional candidates from Minnesota's First, Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Districts participated in forums at Farmfest in Redwood County, discussing agriculture and rural issues. The event, held one week before the primary, continued on Wednesday with forums for governor and U.S. Senate races.

The megafires in Gironde are introducing a new, unknown dimension in Earth's human history, impacting the planet, biodiversity, environment, and agriculture.

Benue state has launched a five-year Strategic Food Security Plan aimed at enhancing food production, strengthening resilience in farming communities, and promoting sustainable peace and economic development. The plan serves as a roadmap for these initiatives.

Plateau State has launched a strategic food security plan to enhance agriculture. The initiative, described as a significant step by Director of Agricultural Services Lang Zakka, involves a partnership to strengthen the sector.

Pakistan faces severe water stress due to depleted surface storage and groundwater resources, impacting agriculture and small farmers. Institutional failures, unregulated tube wells, and industrial pollution exacerbate aquifer depletion, leading to poverty cycles and health crises.

We The Leaders has released a policy paper addressing the impact of climate change on Tamil Nadu's economy, agriculture, coastal livelihoods, and urban infrastructure. The paper highlights severe effects from changing weather patterns across these sectors.

President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on Canadian imports could significantly impact Missouri, which exported $5.8 billion in goods to Canada in 2025. The state's economy relies heavily on manufacturing and agricultural exports to Canada, with small and medium-sized businesses comprising 84% of Missouri's exporters. Tariffs may raise costs, disrupt trade, and threaten 74,000 jobs tied to Missouri's $18.7 billion in total exports.

President Donald Trump promised a 'golden age' for agriculture, but farmers in Iowa and elsewhere are struggling with tariffs and the Iran war. The article highlights the gap between Trump's agricultural pledges and the ongoing challenges faced by farmers.

Hawaii's retail trade and agriculture sectors are projected to lose hundreds of jobs over the next decade according to state projections. Job losses in these sectors are expected to be the most significant by 2034.

Weather extremes such as heat, drought, heavy rain, and late frosts are negatively affecting German farmers. In response, they are adopting adapted crop varieties, new crops, modern breeding techniques, and modified farming methods.

Water scarcity acts as a catalyst for conflict by combining with pressures like climate change, population growth, and industrial demands, though cooperation examples show conflict is not inevitable. The article highlights how strained water systems threaten instability but also note instances of collaborative resource management.

The Thanjavur Collector has initiated a Water Budget and Management exercise due to reduced flow in the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, anticipating scarcity. The initiative involves the Water Resources, Agriculture, and Agriculture Engineering departments.

Samyukta Horata Karnataka is calling for a 'Kalaburagi Bandh' on August 17 to address a drought that has severely impacted agriculture, depleted groundwater, dried up standing crops, and caused an acute drinking water crisis in the district. The organization highlights the widespread devastation across the area.

The article discusses AI's role as foundational infrastructure for future economies and systems, emphasizing Africa's opportunity to shape AI's development rather than merely adopting technologies created elsewhere.

The DST-STI Hub was launched to empower SC/ST women in agriculture and livelihood. The SPMVV Vice-Chancellor emphasized the role of science and technology in transforming rural livelihoods during the inauguration.

China and the EU have renewed a two-year joint research agreement to collaborate on climate and agriculture despite trade tensions. The agreement was signed by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the European Commission.

Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) forecasts GDP growth to slow to 3% in 2027, down from 4.8% in 2026. The IMF, World Bank, and AfDB project higher growth of 4–4.5% for 2027, with the HCP being the most conservative. The slowdown is linked to agriculture normalizing after previous anomalies.

Atchannaidu urges greater central support for agriculture in Andhra Pradesh during meetings with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Srinivasa Varma. The Agriculture Minister discusses initiatives to strengthen the sector, improve farmers' incomes, and accelerate economic growth.

Deutsche Bank warned that this year’s strong El Niño weather system could disrupt global supply chains, agriculture, hydropower, and shipping, while also pushing inflation higher amid existing economic stress. The phenomenon is expected to bring wetter conditions to the US, weaker monsoons in India, and increased natural disaster risks, with China preparing typhoon survival training.

Brazil's IBC-Br activity index, a GDP proxy, rose 0.1% in May as agriculture declined 1%, indicating the economy is cooling after a strong start to the year. The weak growth has increased expectations for interest rate cuts.

Pakistan annually faces a recurring debate over sugarcane prices between farmers and sugar mills, with governments intervening to set prices. The article argues that the focus should shift from pricing to productivity, as structural challenges like stagnant farm productivity, rising costs, and resource scarcity hinder long-term competitiveness. Despite a 6.2% increase in sugarcane production last fiscal year, the crop contributes only 0.8% to GDP.

YSRCP accuses the government of neglecting agriculture due to rainfall deficit and poor water management. The party highlights delays in procurement and inadequate support for farmers during the kharif season.

Nigeria has launched a new initiative to boost agricultural development in the Niger Delta. Vice President Shettima emphasized the region's historical reliance on agriculture before oil became central to the economy.

Marvin Moniz, a candidate for the Maui County Council in the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū district, proposes leasing unused state and county land at low costs to residents and local farmers for growing vegetables and other crops.

Misty Cluett, a candidate for State House District 17, emphasizes the importance of teaching critical thinking, problem solving, trades, technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship to prepare the next generation for building innovative local businesses.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizes agriculture and livestock as key to Pakistan's economic revival, citing their significant GDP contribution and employment impact. However, the article highlights decades of policy neglect, budget shortfalls, and market failures undermining the sector's potential despite its untapped export and growth opportunities.

BUA Foods plans to expand production of flour, pasta, edible oil, and launch a noodles business while investing in agriculture to enhance local food production and affordability in Nigeria. The initiative aims to support the country's economic growth and food security.

Peru has signed new free trade agreements with Hong Kong and Guatemala, granting zero-tariff access for Peruvian goods in sectors like fishing and agriculture, and allowing Peruvian firms in design, business services, and application development to export to Hong Kong without requiring a local office.

China has provided over $180 billion in loans to African countries since 2000, funding infrastructure and industrial projects including agriculture. However, analysis by Adrino Mazenda reveals a focus on farming rather than food processing and storage, raising concerns about systemic food system gaps.

Five Republicans are competing in Missouri’s 6th Congressional District primary, emphasizing agricultural ties and alignment with Donald Trump. Nathan Willett received Missouri Soybean Association’s endorsement for his engagement with farmers, while Chris Stigall, endorsed by retiring Rep. Sam Graves, prioritizes agricultural policy. The August 4 primary will select a candidate to face Democratic and Libertarian contenders in November.

Hawaii state-funded internship programs offer public high school students paid, hands-on training in agriculture and aviation to enhance workforce development.

The Coffee County Commission will vote on zoning changes to limit data centers to the M-2 Special Impact Industrial District, protecting agricultural land. A one-year ban on data centers was approved previously to allow time for drafting protections, with conditions for approval still under research by the planning commission.

Fresh floods and landslides have disrupted normal life in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, affecting at least 97,182 people across 425 villages in 26 districts. The disaster has caused widespread damage to agriculture and public infrastructure.

Climate shocks are impacting South Africa's food businesses, with a study highlighting the need for adaptation. The article notes that agriculture in southern Africa is most visibly affected by environmental shocks like droughts, floods, declining crop productivity, and heat stress on livestock.

India and the Taliban government of Afghanistan reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new collaboration opportunities in agriculture, irrigation, livestock, agricultural research, education, capacity building, and agri-trade.

Six potential candidates for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District discussed their reasons for running, emphasizing economic development, rural issues, and legislative experience. Candidates highlighted concerns like population loss, job creation, and sector-specific expertise in healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Recent rain in Middle Tennessee has improved drought conditions, with Nashville now in moderate drought and most areas receiving 2-6 inches of rain (50-90% of normal). Agricultural and hydrologic conditions have benefited, though some regions still require more rainfall to fully replenish water storage. Additional rain is forecasted, which could further alleviate drought conditions.

Guyana’s Oil Fund holds $4 billion, while 560 rice farmers in Region Three received a total of GY$201 million ($966,000), averaging $1,725 per farmer. The payout formula provides $72 per acre for holdings of 50 acres or fewer and $48 per acre for larger plots. The article also notes a collapse in payments by millers.

The CBSE Skill Expo in Visakhapatnam features 25 schools from Andhra Pradesh showcasing approximately 60 student exhibits focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship, agriculture, media, and other themes.

A.P. SIPB cleared 11 investment proposals worth ₹9,076 crore. Chandrababu Naidu calls for an ethanol blending policy to complement agriculture with industrialization, creating income opportunities for farmers and enabling them to become entrepreneurs.