Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!
Australia I BangladeshI China I India I Indonesia I Japan I Korea I Malaysia I Pakistan I Philippines I Singapore I Sri Lanka I Taiwan I Thailand I Vietnam I Plant Science I Regional/Global
Global/Regional News
REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL AUG 31, 2025: 8th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA8)
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc., announces the opening of registration for the 8th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA8), which will be held on September 8-12, 2025, at Vivere Hotel, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. Read more…
Here are some highlights of activities and engagements conducted by the CropLife Asia team during the month of July. Read more…
U.S. delegation meets with U.S. agribusiness cooperators and asserts U.S. agricultural interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Read more…
Country News
Labelling rules ease for genetically-modified food made without adding new DNA
Food produced using new breeding techniques, including gene editing, will not need to be labelled as “GM” on the food label if novel or new DNA was not introduced in the process. Read more…
NZ – McClay brings personal touch to Pakaraka
Minister caps big week of global trade talks by making a plan to meet farmers in Taranaki and Whanganui. Read more…
NZ – Trust will be key to ag’s embrace of tech
New technology such as artificial intelligence has the potential to solve many of the issues the primary sector faces around meeting regulatory compliance. Waikato event outlines how AI can help on farm – but first it has to prove itself to farmers. Read more…
Bangladesh advancing towards sustainable agriculture through climate adaptation
With continued success in climate change adaptation, Bangladesh’s agriculture sector is gradually transforming into a sustainable system by consistently increasing food production every year. Read more…
Farmers get mini cold storages for first time in Bangladesh
The project, “Enhancing farmers’ income through expansion of affordable cold storage technology to tackle climate change risks”, was formally launched in Singair, Manikganj. Read more…
China pushes to reopen canola trade with Australia: Bloomberg
China is making efforts to reopen rapeseed trade with Australia after a five-year hiatus, as it seeks to secure supplies of a key animal feed ingredient as ties with supplier Canada sour, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. Read more…
Origin Agritech Commences Full-Scale Seed Processing Operations at Xinjiang Production Base
Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) (the “Company” or “Origin”), a leading Chinese agricultural technology company, today announced that its Xinjiang production and processing facility (the “Facility”) has commenced full-scale seed processing operations for the 2025 season. Read more…
Optimizing Corn Seed Development: A User-Centric Approach to Product Design and Sowing Efficiency
From understanding the nuances of product definition to embracing future trends, mastering this art can transform corn farming worldwide. Read more…
China slaps anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola
CANADIAN canola farmers are reeling from last Tuesday’s shock imposition by China of hefty anti-dumping duties on canola seed imports from Canada, escalating the year-long trade dispute that began with Ottawa’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle last year. Read more…
China Tightens Pesticide Label Regulations Ahead of 2026 Implementation
In a significant regulatory move, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China has announced new requirements for the labeling and instruction manuals of pesticide products. Read more…
Corteva Introduces Bexavie® Insecticide in India for Fall Armyworm Management in Corn
Corteva Agriscience has introduced Bexavie® (Technical: Spinetoram 0.1% w/w RB) insecticide in India, the country’s first bait formulation product developed for the management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in corn. Read more…
The meeting centered on deepening India–WFP cooperation, with discussions spanning food and nutrition security, South–South cooperation, climate-resilient farming, and innovations in digital agriculture. Read more…
Biotech conference in Hyderabad calls for state-level leadership in advancing crop innovation
A state-level workshop held in Hyderabad called for increased adoption of biotechnology tools such as genetic modification and gene editing to tackle agricultural challenges. Read more…
Possible Decline in Wheat Production in India, Says Agriculture Minister
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has underlined both the achievements and the looming challenges in India’s wheat production. Read more…
More than half of Tripura is self- sufficient in food grain production, says Minister
State Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday announced that 31 rural development blocks have achieved self-reliance in food grain production. Read more…
New Steps for Sustainable Agriculture: BRIN and CropLife Indonesia
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and CropLife Indonesia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Research and Innovation, as well as the Utilization of Research and Innovation Results in the Field of Sustainable Agricultural Technology. Read more…
Indonesian govt urges shift from conventional to modern agriculture
“We need to change our mindset, transforming agriculture from conventional to modern. This is both an obligation and an inevitability,” said Idha Widi Arsanti, head of Indonesia’s Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development Agency. Read more…
Indonesian govt urges shift from conventional to modern agriculture
“We need to change our mindset, transforming agriculture from conventional to modern. This is both an obligation and an inevitability,” said Idha Widi Arsanti, head of Indonesia’s Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development Agency. Read more…
Indonesia Teams Up With UK’s Dataswyft to Build $5M Smart Data Ecosystem for Agriculture
Indonesia is partnering with UK-based Dataswyft to roll out a nationwide “smart data” ecosystem designed to boost food security, streamline farming operations, and empower rural communities. Read more…
Agriculture Minister honored for national food sovereignty
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman received the Bintang Mahaputra Adipurna—the highest class of the Bintang Mahaputra award—from President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta. Read more…
Indonesia Eyes 33.8M Tons of Rice in 2025, Self-Sufficiency Within Reach
Indonesia’s rice production is projected to reach 33.8 million tons in 2025, with the potential to climb as high as 35.6 million tons, according to government estimates. If realized, the output would secure the country’s rice self-sufficiency target for the year and remove the need for imports. Read more…
Farm ministry to extend sales deadline for stockpiled rice
Sources said the ministry determined that it will be difficult for retailers to meet the deadline as time-consuming processes, such as transportation from warehouses and milling, have delayed distribution. Read more…
Japan PM makes major policy shift to boost rice production
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced Tuesday a major shift in rice policy — from curbing output to boosting it — as Japan continues to grapple with shortages and associated high prices. Read more…
Japan expert warns of onion rot, offers tips for safe storage and consumption
The Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which is knowledgeable about onion cultivation, explains that scale rot is caused by bacteria in the soil. Read more…
South Korea boosts Sri Lanka’s future with biotechnology education initiative
South Korea has extended a significant gesture of cooperation towards Sri Lanka by funding the establishment of a Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) programme at the University of Colombo. Read more…
Korea maps 30 AI, deep tech projects to reignite economy
These include humanoid robots for logistics and manufacturing, autonomous vehicles and ships, AI-powered home appliances, drones for firefighting and agriculture, and AI-enabled factories that combine robotics with process optimization. Read more…
Lee approves promulgation of controversial broadcasting, agriculture bills
President Lee Jae Myung on Monday approved the promulgation of controversial bills once vetoed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, including a grain bill mandating government intervention to stabilize rice prices. Read more…
Low-sugar, gut-friendly: Malaysia’s first prebiotic rice, ‘Beras Pahang’ hits market at RM8 per kg
Pahang has become the first state in Malaysia to produce prebiotic rice, marketed under the brand name Beras Pahang. Read more…
Malaysia launches first local edge AI processor, MARS1000
With the MARS1000, Malaysia industrial players will now have a homegrown chip that can be used to power smart agriculture, Industrial 4.0, smart cities, smart traffic and safe cities. Read more…
ACCCIM: Malaysia can tap Heilongjiang’s agritech to enhance food security
Malaysia can tap the expertise of the agriculture sector in China’s Heilongjiang Province, which has achieved scale, mechanisation, digitalisation and smart innovation. Read more…
Malaysia and Brunei agree to enhance ties in strategic cooperation areas
Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various strategic areas during the 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Read more…
Malaysia makes contingency plans for agriculture exports under EU deforestation rules
Malaysia has contingency plans in place to remain competitive in European markets as it works to avoid being classified as a “standard risk” country under the European Union’s new deforestation rules. Read more…
National biotech policy finalised, NA panel told
The Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has been informed the government has finalised the national ‘biotechnology policy’, which is ready for submission to the cabinet for approval. Read more…
PM vows deeper economic ties with Japan, opens new labour export avenues with Belarus
Prime Minister Shehbaz assures facilitation for Japanese banks and investors, seeking cooperation in agriculture, IT, textiles. Read more…
Rice cultivation in Punjab surpasses target by 20%
Rice cultivation in Punjab has exceeded the official target for the current season with over six million acres brought under the crop compared to the five-million-acre target. Read more…
Mind-Blowing Biotech Discoveries Made in Lahore Universities
Discover groundbreaking biotech discoveries from Lahore universities! From gene editing to drug development, explore cutting-edge research innovations. Read more…
Cotton has always been regarded as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. It provides the fundamental raw material to the textile industry and serves as a major source of valuable foreign exchange through exports. Read more…
Philippines urged to adopt high-value GM crops
The Philippines should expand its adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops to strengthen the agriculture sector, particularly by introducing bio-engineered high-value crops that can resist pests and diseases, improve yield and enhance the country’s export potential. Read more…
SEARCA suggests new rice planting strategy for better rice production
With this, SEARCA, together with Bayer CropScience (BCS) Philippines and the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) gathered earlier this month leaders from government, academe, industry and farming communities, highlighting DSR as a “crucial strategy for making the country’s rice production more sustainable and resilient to climate change.” Read more…
USDA reduces PH rice import forecast by 500,000 MT
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has lowered its forecast for the Philippines’ rice imports this year by 500,000 metric tons (MT) to 4.9 million MT, following a 60-day import ban ordered by the government. Read more…
The Philippines has extended support to India’s request to accelerate the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). Read more…
Singapore, Ghana to Deepen Green and Agribusiness Partnership
Ghana and Singapore discussed cooperation in sustainable development and value-added agriculture, anchoring their talks around a pioneering carbon markets agreement and plans to scale agro-processing and jobs in Ghana. Read more…
Sri Lanka inks deal with China for technical support on fruit value addition
Sri Lanka’s Agriculture Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences with the objective of value addition of banana, mango, and pineapple in the island nation, the government said. Read more…
QR code system for fertiliser subsidy distribution
The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved the introduction of a QR code–based digital mechanism to streamline the distribution of fertiliser subsidies to farmers, in a move to boost efficiency and eliminating intermediaries. Read more…
Proceedings of the Symposium on Important New Emerging Crop Diseases in Taiwan and Their Controls
Thailand’s future food industry still young but steadily growing
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming a leader in this sector, leveraging the advances it has made in agriculture, fishing, food processing and biotechnology… Read more…
Decoding genes to find the stature of Vietnamese rice in the new era
Domestic research institutes, universities and businesses are promoting a large-scale “gene transfer” campaign, applying modern biotechnology and genetic technology to create new generation rice varieties: resistant to pests and adverse environmental conditions, good quality, rich in micronutrients, and environmentally friendly. Read more…
Khánh Hòa develops smart farming to modernise agriculture
The south-central province of Khánh Hòa is stepping up efforts to modernise agriculture through science, technology, and digital transformation, in line with the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Read more…
Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports grow in Japan and EU
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports to Japan continue to expand, supported by growing demand for safe and organic products. Read more…
Presidents of Vietnam and Angola witness agricultural cooperation agreement signing ceremony
Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment signed an Action Plan on agricultural cooperation with Angola’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Read more…
From August 21 – 24, 2025, Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment coordinated with AEON Group to organize the 2025 Agricultural Trade Promotion Fair, OCOP products, attracting 17 provinces and cities nationwide to participate. Read more…
One risk assessment for genetically modified plants
The article advocates for greater international sharing of GM plant risk assessment summaries to reduce redundant evaluations, enabling more efficient regulatory reviews without compromising safety. It also supports streamlined approvals for GM plants with RNAi or cisgenic traits, promoting faster access to improved crops and benefiting developers, farmers, and consumers alike. Read more…
Chinese scientists develop world’s first full-process intelligent breeding robot
Chinese scientists have recently developed the world’s first robot capable of conducting full-process breeding, highlighting deep integration of biotechnology and AI technologies in the agricultural intelligent breeding sector. Read more…
AI now driving food security, sustainability
Drones, self-driving tractors, automated hydroponics, climate-simulated greenhouses, auto-crop planting robots, targeted pest-control and precise irrigation are all part of the new agricultural ecosystem run by the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Read more…
Pakistan develops cotton variety able to withstand 50⁰C temperature
The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) at Punjab University, in collaboration with a private agricultural biotechnology research company, has developed a new cotton variety capable of thriving in temperatures as high as 50⁰C. Read more…
Scientists invent ‘superfood’ they hope will save honeybees and boost global food security
Scientists have devised a food supplement for bees that they say will have a wide-reaching effect on global food security. The experts say the yeast strain will help honeybees live longer as intensive farming and the climate crisis rob the insects of flowers and pollen. Read more…
Scientists Discover New Gene to Protect Pigeonpea from Deadly Sterility Mosaic Disease
ICRISAT and partner institutes have discovered a new gene, Ccsmd04, that provides resistance against Sterility Mosaic Disease in pigeonpea, a crop-threatening infection that can destroy up to 90% of yields. Read more…
Low-Cost Drone Imaging Uncovers Hidden Genes to Boost Wheat Breeding
Researchers in China have unveiled a low-cost drone imaging method that captures wheat height in fine detail, revealing subtle variations within plots and identifying genetic regions that traditional measurements often miss. Read more…
IRRI, NBAIM to advance microbial innovations for improved rice systems in India
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR–NBAIM) have entered into a strategic Letter of Intent (LoI) to accelerate microbial innovations that will strengthen the resilience and sustainability of rice-based farming systems across South Asia. Read more…
Credits to the owners of the news embedded on this post.