Australia I Bangladesh I China I India I Indonesia I Japan I Korea I Laos I Malaysia I Pakistan I Philippines I Singapore I Sri Lanka I Taiwan I Thailand I Vietnam I Plant Science I Industry l Global
UPCOMING HYBRID EVENT: Smallholders in the Global Arena: The Socio-Economic Impact of GM Adoption in Indonesia and Beyond
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc., in partnership with CropLife Asia and CropLife Indonesia, will host a hybrid webinar, titled Smallholders in the Global Arena: The Socio-Economic Impact of GM Adoption in Indonesia and Beyond, in Jakarta, Indonesia, and via Zoom on October 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM (GMT+7). Zoom registration is now open to all interested participants. Read more…
ISF holds its five-parts webinar series on Combatting Illegal Seed Practices
Across five sessions, farmers, seed sector representatives, enforcement specialists, technical experts and international organisations discussed the real-world consequences of illegal seed practices and the practical measures available to address them. Recordings of the webinar can be accessed below from the ISF channel:
Fact vs misinformation: An official EU guide to GMOs and gene-edited foods
The rules governing new gene editing techniques for plants – called “new genomic techniques” (NGTs) – are being changed at EU level. Gene-edited plants will be divided into two categories, depending on the type and number of edits involved. Read more…
AUS – ABCA convenes Canberra meeting
The Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA) convened at Parliament House in Canberra, bringing together leading industry organisations from the farming, agricultural, biotechnology, and scientific sectors. Read more…
AI opens new doors for NZ agriculture
AI will help unlock and disseminate valuable research in dairy, sheep and plant genetics. Read more…
AUS – Banana industry looks to GM solutions
The Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4) has spread to an eleventh banana farm. The soil-borne fungus is widely considered one of the world’s most devastating banana diseases as it can stay in the soil for decades. QUT researchers have developed this approved genetically modified disease resistant plant. Read more…
Heat-tolerant hybrid variety of bottle gourd developed
A researcher at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has developed a heat-tolerant hybrid variety of bottle gourd, opening up new prospects for cultivation of the vegetable. Read more…
JnU researchers develops tech to cut fertiliser use by 22%
A team of researchers at Jagannath University (JnU) has developed a smart technology that could help farmers reduce nitrogen fertiliser use on agricultural land by 22 to 23 per cent. Read more…
Govt approves import of 155,000 tons of fertilizer from 3 countries
The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase has approved four proposals to import 155,000 tons of fertilizer from Canada, Russia and Saudi Arabia under state-level and government-to-government (G2G) arrangements at a total cost of Tk982.61 crore. Read more…
Bangladesh: Grain and Feed Update
China, U.S. agree tariff cuts on $60 billion of goods
China and the United States have agreed to cut tariffs imposed on $60 billion worth of goods imported from each other, on an array of products ranging from US corn to cosmetics, and from Chinese household appliances to toys. Read more…
China Proposes Negative List to Bar Specified Pesticides from Online Sale
China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), through its Department of Crop Management, issued a notice on September 16, 2026, opening a public comment period on a draft “Internet Pesticide Negative List (2026 Edition),” a proposed catalogue of pesticide products that would be prohibited from sale through internet and e-commerce channels nationwide. Read more…
China expects bumper 2026 grain harvest as agricultural, rural modernization gathers pace
China is on track for a bumper grain harvest in 2026 amid steady progress in agricultural and rural modernization, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said. This year, summer grain output exceeded 150 million tonnes for the first time, and early rice output remained above 28 million tonnes for the sixth consecutive year, the ministry said at a press conference. Read more…
China Buys 1 Million Tonnes of US Soybeans Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
Chinese buyers purchased roughly 1 million metric tonnes of US soybean, according to traders cited by Reuters, in one of the clearest signals yet that Beijing is following through on its pledge to resume large-scale American soybean purchases ahead of a planned meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping later this month. Read more…
GM Crops: India’s Policy Dilemma Amid a Rapidly Changing Global Agriculture Landscape
India’s long-running debate over genetically modified (GM) crops has gained renewed attention, driven by developments both at home and abroad. Read more…
The Minister inaugurated SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis (SPROUT) facility at BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research in New Delhi. SPROUT is a season-independent, controlled-environment facility designed for high-throughput phenotyping, precision stress screening and evaluation of germplasm, breeding populations, mutants, transgenic and genome-edited lines. Read more…
World Bank & UP Govt engage with UP-AGREES on scaling climate-smart innovations
The World Bank and the Government of Uttar Pradesh continued to show its support to the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) project and engages on scaling sustainable and climate-resilient rice innovations during a recent visit in its innovation sites. Read more…
The collaboration aims to support the development of capacities among farmers, seed producers, extension personnel and relevant state institutions, enabling a more reliable and sustainable seed supply system across the state. Read more…
Indonesia and Thailand Look to Turn Trade into Deeper Economic Ties
Indonesia has the resources and market, while Thailand has manufacturing, agricultural and technological expertise. Thai ambassador to Indonesia Prapan Disyatat sees agriculture as one of the clearest areas for cooperation. Read more…
The 2026 Indonesian Farmers’ Summit Strengthens Food Sovereignty
The Indonesia Farmers’ Summit, held from September 22-24, 2026, in Karawang Regency, West Java, serves as a platform for cross-sector dialogue to discuss how policies, research, innovation, and collaboration can be implemented into real solutions for farmers while supporting the national food agenda. Read more…
Artificial intelligence helps answer farmers’ questions by processing satellite data and agricultural data. Read more…
Fortified Rice Scandal: Indonesia Flags 25 Brands, Cites $5b Consumer Loss
Agriculture Minister and National Food Agency chief Amran Sulaiman has flagged 25 fortified rice brands for allegedly failing to meet the nutritional standards stated on their labels. Read more…
The Biotechnology Information Dissemination and the Food Safety Information Network held a “Thorough Discussion on Genetically Modified Organisms” on September 10 at the Hibiya Convention Hall of the Hibiya Library and Culture Center. Read more…
Japan Certifies New Smart-Agriculture Development Plans
Japan’s newest certified smart-farming project is not another driverless tractor. It is a five-year attempt to manage temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and airflow in the small space where greenhouse crops actually grow—and to turn that control into better farm economics. Read more…
Inside Japan’s Agritech Boom: The Startups Transforming Farming
This article will examine some of the success stories already emerging from this drive for agritech expansion and highlight areas of opportunity — as well as some potential challenges — for agritech start-ups considering putting down roots in Japan. Read more…
Laos, Vietnam Seek Stronger Agricultural Investment to Boost Production and Food Security
The Lao PDR and Vietnam are strengthening cooperation in agriculture, with a focus on attracting more Vietnamese investment, resolving challenges facing businesses and promoting modern and sustainable agricultural production that can benefit farmers, consumers and the wider economy. Read more…
Nuclear Techniques Improve Rice Varieties, Boost Yields in Lao PDR
Farmers and scientists in Lao PDR have worked with the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop improved rice varieties that can better withstand changing conditions while meeting the needs of consumers. Read more…
MDEC steps up digital agtech to strengthen Malaysia’s aspiration to become an AI Nation by 2030
Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is strengthening its role in driving the digital transformation of the country’s agri-food sector following it appointment by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) as the National Strategic Digital Technology Validator and Implementation Agency for KPKM’s Digital AgTech Programme. Read more…
Hajiji: Sabah can play bigger role in Malaysia-China ties
With robust ties and significant economic potential, Sabah offers a promising platform for Chinese investment, particularly in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture. Read more…
MACC may call in minister, sec-gen over Kedah fertiliser supply delays
The MACC is prepared to call in the relevant minister and ministry secretary-general if necessary as part of its probe into delays in fertiliser supplies to about 60,000 paddy farmers in Kedah. Read more…
Pakistan moves towards consensus on genetically modified corn commercialisation framework
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb-led committee agrees to coexistence of GM and non-GM maize, focus on seed supply, safeguards and phased transition. Read more…
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif discussed the potential cooperation during a meeting with Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2026). Read more…
Pakistan, FAO discuss stronger cooperation in agriculture, food security
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s agricultural priorities and opportunities to enhance collaboration in sustainable agrifood systems, food security, agricultural development and support for farming communities. Read more…
Biotechnology promotes sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security
A two week regional training course on developing crops resilient to climate change and various agricultural threats concluded at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) Faisalabad with the cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Read more…
DENR opens 22nd National Biotechnology Week
The four-day event centers on the theme “Biotek para sa Kinabukasan: Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran.” Read more…
30-Year Study Credits GM Crops with Billions in Farm Income, Lower Emissions
A newly released global assessment of three decades of genetically modified crop adoption estimates that GM crops generated nearly 385 billion dollars in cumulative farm income between 1996 and 2024… Read more…
China’s smart farming technology under study
The Department of Agriculture is studying China’s smart farming technologies as the Philippines looks for ways to modernize production, improve farm productivity and leapfrog technological gaps. Read more…
Singapore agrifood group develops crop biological plans
The Asia Biologicals Platform, an initiative convened by Singapore-based agrifood network Agrifood Futures, said on September 22 that it is developing its first crop deployment programs in Southeast Asia for agricultural biologicals in rice, cassava, and cocoa. Read more…
The launch took place as part of AgriS Global NEXUS 2026 – Converge to Elevate, bringing together representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions, research institutions, universities, financial institutions, investment funds and enterprises from Vietnam, Singapore and the wider region. Read more…
South Korea
South Korea Hosts Major Workshop on Genome Editing in Agriculture
The Agriculture & Food Systems Institute (AFSI) organized the fifth workshop in the series on Gene Edited Plants: Context and Communication for Plant Breeding Innovation on September 15-16, 2026 at Hotel Interciti in Daejeon, South Korea. Read more…
ISF Brings Global Seed Industry Perspective to Korea Plant Biotechnology Conference
The session brought together leading Korean researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and journalists to examine how plant biotechnology and genome editing can help address climate-related challenges. Read more…
33 professionals from 11 Asian countries learn SL’s experience in market-oriented agriculture
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka jointly commenced the SHEP International Training in Sri Lanka recently. Read more…
China offers advanced agricultural technology to Sri Lanka
China has highlighted its possession of advanced technology for developing hybrid rice varieties capable of cultivation even in seawater, along with methods for preparing land adaptable to both dry and wet climatic conditions. Read more…
Fourth-generation fertiliser successfully introduced to paddy cultivation
Another successful phase of the national program to introduce advanced fourth-generation MCI Hybrid Pellet Fertiliser and Biofilm Biofertiliser to paddy cultivation was held at the Wilwatta Farmers’ Association in Mirigama. Read more…
Taiwan, Thailand deepen AI smart agriculture cooperation
The agriculture ministry sent a delegation to Thailand last week to exchange views on AI-powered smart agriculture. Read more…
Taiwan Smart Agriweek 2026 concluded on September 10 after three days of international sourcing, technology exchange and business networking. The event brought together more than 400 exhibitors and over 21,000 industry professionals from 63 countries. Read more…
Taiwan Expo brings smart farming technology to Phl
Among the featured products are Autonomous Mobile Robots designed to handle repetitive agricultural tasks, along with smart environmental control systems for poultry and swine operations. Read more…
The project brings together research institutes and universities from several countries, including the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark; the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, the Netherlands… Read more…
What changes will the conditions for exporting rice change from October 1st?
From October 1st, many new regulations on rice import and export officially come into effect, aiming to reduce business conditions, simplify procedures, expand opportunities for high-value rice products, and increase the responsibility of traders. Read more…
Vietnam, India see potentials in key agriproducts
(VAN) Agriculture, hosts offer significant room for cooperation between Vietnam, India toward efficient and sustainable value chains. Read more…
Developing an integrated climate change adaptation monitoring system
Vietnam is updating its national climate change adaptation monitoring system to improve data management, assess adaptation outcomes and strengthen evidence-based decision-making. Read more…
“Agricultural production ensures national food supply and security.”
Over the past nine months, Vietnam’s agricultural production has continued to be maintained, ensuring national food supply and security; the trade surplus in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries reached US$16.9 billion (an increase of 7.4%). Read more…
Vylor Launches Vylor Edge, New Investment Platform for Global Agriculture Innovation
Vylor, the advanced seed and genetics company that will spin-off from Corteva on October 1, 2026, announced the launch of Vylor Edge, a new investment platform dedicated to accelerating the development of advanced technologies in global agriculture. Vylor Edge will collaborate with start-ups, entrepreneurs, universities and the wider innovation ecosystem through equity investments and strategic partnerships. Read more…
Bayer leaves NZ off list for new herbicide
No plans for NZ launch of glyphosate alternative, a product of Bayer’s AI-driven CropKey system. Read more…
BASF Agricultural Solutions and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have extended their scientific collaboration named “Optimizing Management for Reduction of Greenhouse Gases in Rice” (“OPTIMA Rice”) to further advance sustainable rice cultivation, targeting reductions of methane and other greenhouse gases. Read more…
‘Sunshine’ tomato one step closer to market
The first marketing notice for a precision bred tomato in England has now been approved, moving the biofortified ‘Sunshine’ tomato developed at the John Innes Centre closer to commercialisation. Read more…
Japanese Researchers Use CRISPR to Edit the Tears Out of Onions
Scientists at Chiba University in Japan, working with food manufacturer House Foods Group, have used CRISPR gene editing to knock down the gene responsible for making onions sting the eyes when they are cut. Read more…
Scientists Fine-tune Rice Texture Using Prime Editing
Scientists from China leveraged prime editing to develop rice with lower amylose content that could improve texture and cooking quality. Read more…
ICRISAT Deploys Gene Editing to Strengthen Small Farms, Farmer Profitability Across Asia, Africa
In a key milestone for food security and climate-resilient agriculture, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has licensed CRISPR-Cas9 in order to deploy gene editing, one of the world’s most transformative new technologies, across smallholder Asian and African farms. Read more…
Field trials support oil-rich sorghum as a potential sustainable aviation fuel feedstock
Researchers evaluated oil sorghum lines in Nebraska and Illinois over two years to quantify genotype-by-environment effects on agronomic performance and triacylglycerol accumulation. Read more…
Scientists discover how to make plants absorb more nitrogen
Researchers have identified the molecular switch that tells plants to stop absorbing nitrogen. Read more…
Chinese Scientists Crack Genetic Barrier Blocking Asian-African Rice Crossbreeding
A research team at Nanjing Agricultural University has identified the genetic mechanism that has long prevented successful crossbreeding between Asian and African rice species, a discovery published in the journal Science on August 28 that could open the door to a new generation of higher yielding hybrid rice varieties. Read more…
IRRI, Nottingham scientists join forces to develop Rice that can withstand rising temperatures
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the University of Nottingham have launched a new research partnership to help rice withstand rising temperatures and maintain productivity in a changing climate. Read more…
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