AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – December 2025

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!         

Australia  I  BangladeshChina  I  India  I  Indonesia  I  Japan  I  Korea  I Laos I MalaysiaPakistan I Philippines Singapore I Taiwan  I Thailand I Vietnam  I  Plant Science  I  Global

Global/Regional News

Global Maize Industry Annual Review (2024-2025): From Technological Eruption to Ecosystem Reconfiguration

This highlights strategic conclusions; key technical advancements; regional strategic differentiation; industry integrations; and outlook and challenges. Read more…

Genetically Modified Foods Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Vegetables,Crops,Animal products,Fruits), By Application (Herbicide Tolerance (HR),Insect Resistance (IR),Stacked Traits (ST)), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

CropLife Asia November Wrap-up

Here are some highlights of activities and engagements conducted by the CropLife Asia team during the month of November. Read more…

Country News

Australia/New Zealand

Australia demands China respect trade deal after shock beef tariffs

Australia’s trade and agriculture ministers have condemned China’s shock decision to impose new tariffs that could cost the beef industry $1 billion a year. Read more…

Farmers encouraged to learn how to correctly identify native armyworms

Following multiple reports of the native armyworms across Victoria, farmers are encouraged to learn how to correctly identify them. Read more…

India-New Zealand FTA delivers tangible, wide-ranging benefits to economy

The FTA eliminates duty on 100 per cent of Indian exports, along with a $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years to strengthen long-term economic and strategic cooperation. Read more…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh gets cautious as global rice price spikes

Global rice-price spike in recent months has nudged  major rice-consuming countries like Bangladesh into bracing with preparation to fend off any external shocks to food security. Read more…

Bangladesh’s corn deal with US triggers social media storm, netizens debate over use of pig manure

Bangladesh is importing corn from the United States, a development announced by the US Embassy in Dhaka on December 27. The embassy shared the update on X, a post that quickly drew attention and sparked mixed reactions on social media. Read more…

China

China updates pesticide labeling rules: Key changes under MARA Announcement No. 925

The Announcement sets forth clear regulatory requirements addressing industry issues such as difficulties in tracing technical material (TC), and chaotic trademark labeling. The new regulations will be officially implemented starting January 1, 2026. Read more…

Agricultural Development: Key meeting outlines China’s roadmap for rural revitalization

The Central Rural Work Conference took place in Beijing and reviewed the current situation and challenges in agriculture, rural areas and farmers’ work, while setting priorities for China’s agricultural development in 2026. Read more…

Smart agri tech to spur rural modernization

Officials and experts have commended China’s mission to enhance efforts to modernize agriculture and advance rural vitalization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). Read more…

China enhances int’l exchanges in seed breeding in Hainan

Leveraging the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the island province’s tropical climate, Hainan is building a Nanfan “Silicon Valley,” a global platform for seed industry cooperation and an experimental zone for deepening reform and opening up of the seed sector. Read more…

China created boneless crucian carp by “genetically cutting”

Chinese scientists have created a crucian carp species without small bones using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Read more…

India

India has surpassed China to become the world’s largest rice producer: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Speaking at an event, Chouhan said, “India has surpassed China in rice production and has become the world’s largest producer.”. Read more…

Govt set to clear genetically modified mustard: Officials

India is close to approving a genetically edited variety of mustard, which offers better nutrition and disease resistance. Read more…

Govt releases 184 varieties of 25 crops to hike productivity

The new varieties included 122 of cereal crops, 22 of Bt cotton, and 13 of oilseeds, among others. Read more…

Tarmeem Turns One: The Story Behind India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep

India’s first gene-edited sheep has marked its first birthday, and scientists confirm that its health remains completely normal. Read more…

Punjab plans to use AI to boost agriculture

He also directed officials to install automatic weather stations, involve farmers in data collection, support horticulture clusters and expand AI-based livestock productivity solutions. Read more…

Chouhan flags challenges in pulses, oilseeds cultivation

The Minister emphasised the need to maintain a balanced crop portfolio. “We need rice, wheat and maize, but pulses and oilseeds cannot be neglected,” he said. Read more…


Indonesia

Indonesia halts rice, sugar, corn imports in 2026

He stated that the country has successfully achieved self-reliance in these strategic commodities for household consumption, following a comprehensive review of the 2026 National Commodity Balance. Read more…

Indonesia accelerates irrigation rehabilitation to boost rice output

Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has emphasized that accelerating the rehabilitation of agricultural irrigation systems is key to increasing rice production, ensuring water availability, and achieving sustainable national rice self-sufficiency. Read more…

Japan

Survey on consumer attitudes towards genetically modified/genome-edited foods

The Biotechnology Information Dissemination Association (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) conducted a nationwide survey of 2,000 men and women aged between 20 and 50 on their attitudes toward genetically modified foods/genome-edited foods. Read more…

Japan’s rice policy at crossroads amid output shift and high prices

Japan’s rice policy is at a crossroads as prices of the country’s staple food stay around record highs, squeezing households. Read more…

Laser drone built to repel wild birds infected with avian flu

In the battle against avian flu, an NTT East Inc. affiliate has developed a drone that emits laser beams that can scare away disease-ridden wild birds from poultry houses. Read more…

Laos

CCTV+: China-Lao Agricultural Science Cooperation Delivers New Results in 2025

China and Lao PDR have stepped up their cooperation on agricultural science and technology. Read more…

Malaysia

DOA Shortens Grain Import Approval, Bolsters Food And Feed Industries

In a proactive move to bolster national food security, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) has halved the grain import approval period from two months to one. Read more…

National Grain Corn Conference has potential to strengthen govt policies, food security

Agricutlure and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the govt is currently in the final stages of finalizing the National Grain Corn Industry Development Policy, with a new approach that encompasses the entire value chain. Read more…

Food security drive stepped up with major agriculture initiatives

Sabah is boosting its 2026 food security agenda with expanded paddy production, biotech research and improved agro-marketing. Read more…

193 Jersey A2 young cows arrive from Australia to boost Sarawak’s dairy self-sufficiency

The arrival of 193 pregnant Jersey A2 heifers from Australia marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak’s push to strengthen food security and advance towards becoming a new food exporter. Read more…

Pakistan

Seed sector reforms gain momentum as regulatory framework modernized

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Saturday provided an overview of ongoing institutional reforms and modernization initiatives being undertaken to strengthen Pakistan’s seed sector and ensure the availability of quality, certified seed for farmers nationwide. Read more…

LCCI presents doable proposals to boost exports

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented a doable set of proposals to enhance exports. Federal Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul said that the Prime Minister has clearly instructed that exporters should be included in policymaking and their suggestions given priority. He said export growth must be led by the private sector, while the government’s role is to facilitate and provide policy support. Read more…

China, Pakistan sign Package of MoUs to deepen Industry Education Training

China and Pakistan signed a package of cooperation documents and launched joint programs to advance vocational education, with a focus on integrating industry needs with skills training, China Economic Net (CEN). Read more…

Philippines

The 10th Filipino Faces of Biotechnology Awards

The FoB celebrates its 10th year with its formal institutionalization within the DA through Department Order No. 17, Series of 2024. Read more…

Philippines ink 5 yr MOU with IRRI to boost regional rice production

The partnership seeks to boost the country’s rice industry through sustainable practices that will enhance yield, reduce production costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve marketing efficiency and value addition. Read more…

Philippines ink 5 yr MOU with IRRI to boost regional rice production

The partnership seeks to boost the country’s rice industry through sustainable practices that will enhance yield, reduce production costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve marketing efficiency and value addition. Read more…

US gears up for agricultural trade mission to Philippines

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it is now accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Manila slated on April 13 to 16, 2026. Read more…

SEARCA unveils future-focused initiatives at 2025 X Agriculture Forum in Taipei

During the forum, Dr. Sombilla presented SEARCA’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia). Read more…

Singapore

How Singapore plans to grow 30% of its food locally by 2030 | The high-tech farming revolution

Discover how Singapore is transforming its food landscape with the “30×30 Express” strategy—an ambitious initiative to boost domestic food production to 30% by 2030. Read more…

South Korea

Minister Song Launches GMO Labeling, Food Security Push in 2026 Policy Shift

Minister Song Mi-ryung of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced plans to establish 2026 as the inaugural year of a ‘major agricultural policy transformation,’ Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan, Philippines sign livestock research MOU

Taiwan and the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding cooperation on livestock reproductive technology, breed registration systems, ex-situ genetic resource preservation and genetic improvement systems. Read more…

Researchers awarded for reduction of animal testing

The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday awarded experts and institutions for commitment to laboratory animal welfare, as animal experimentations decreased by 9 percent nationwide over the past decade. Read more…

Thailand

Thai rice sector must rethink strategies

Lisa Sriprasert, vice-president of operations at Riceland International, a Thai rice exporter, noted several factors impact shipments, including the resumption of India’s rice exports and the baht’s recent appreciation. Read more…

Vietnam

Biotechnology – the foundation of adaptive agriculture

For agriculture to adapt to climate change, improved varieties are a crucial solution, including those developed with the strong support of biotechnology. Read more…

From paddy to passport: How ViRiCert could redefine green rice

In a major step toward climate-smart rice production, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Vietnam Rice Sector Association (VIETRISA) have unveiled ViRiCert, a digital compliance and certification mechanism designed to underpin Vietnam’s flagship One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Programme in the Mekong Delta. Read more…

Seminar “Meeting VIETRISA: One Million Hectares – One Journey”

The leaders of Can Tho City are committed to continuing to cooperate with VIETRISA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and localities in the region to create a favorable environment for businesses to invest and develop the rice value chain. Read more…

Associate Professor, Dr. To Thi Mai Huong receives the L’Oréal-UNESCO award.

For her outstanding contributions to applied research in rice genomics and molecular biology on the response of rice plants to the challenges of climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and moving towards green and sustainable agriculture , she has been honored as one of three outstanding female scientists to receive the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science 2025. Read more…

Plant Science Updates

Chonnam National University scientists discover a molecular switch that protects crops from freezing cold

A research team from Korea have uncovered how plants rapidly activate a hidden genetic “switch” helping them survive in cold environments. Read more…

Researchers make breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize food: ‘Many people never think about [this]’

The research group has been co-led by the University of Kentucky and China’s Northwest A&F University. It says it has found a genetic on/off switch of sorts in corn seeds that could be used to help them last longer, thereby reducing waste. Read more…

Chinese scientists develop “precision-designed” seeds to boost food security

Chinese scientists have announced a series of major breakthroughs in developing “precision-designed” seeds that can increase crop yields while reducing fertilizer use and enhancing disease resistance. Read more…

Institute develops resilient banana type

The Taiwan Banana Research Institute has developed a Panama disease-resistant banana variety, Tai-Chiao No. 9 (TC9), which is expected to change the global banana supply landscape. Read more…

Scientists make key breakthrough in fight against major threat to food supply: ‘Far more effective’

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have reportedly developed a method to genetically modify organisms without leaving any foreign genes behind. According to a study published in Horticulture Research, the method could be used to make plants more disease-resistant. Read more…


Credits to the owners of the news embedded on this post.

Share this: