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Research Collection on Climate-Resilient Horticulture Highlights Urgent Need for Sustainable Practices

Research Collection on Climate-Resilient Horticulture Highlights Urgent Need for Sustainable Practices

A new research collection focusing on climate-resilient horticulture has been launched to address the challenges posed by climate change on horticultural practices. The collection supports research related to Sustainable Development Goal 12, which emphasizes responsible consumption and production. It invites original research on the impacts of climate change on horticulture, including crop quality, pest dynamics, and stress tolerance. The collection aims to develop strategies for genetic enhancement, abiotic stress tolerance, and carbon sequestration to sustain fruit and vegetable production amidst changing climate conditions.

Breakthrough in Crop Engineering: Small Root Mutation Enables Self-Fertilizing Crops

Breakthrough in Crop Engineering: Small Root Mutation Enables Self-Fertilizing Crops

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a small root mutation that could enable crops to fertilize themselves, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers. This breakthrough involves modifying a receptor protein in plants that allows them to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. By altering just two amino acids in the receptor, plants can switch from activating their immune system to accepting beneficial bacteria. This discovery was successfully tested in the plant Lotus japonicus and showed promising results in barley. The long-term goal is to apply this modification to major crops like wheat, maize, and rice, potentially transforming agricultural practices.

Global Leaders Highlight AI's Role in Sustainable Agriculture at Abu Dhabi Summit

Global Leaders Highlight AI's Role in Sustainable Agriculture at Abu Dhabi Summit

In Abu Dhabi, global leaders and experts gathered to discuss the strategic role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing sustainable agriculture. The summit coincided with the launch of the AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development, emphasizing AI's potential to enhance food supply chain resilience and address agricultural challenges. Key discussions focused on AI's ability to provide timely information to farmers, improve water management, and integrate smallholder farmers into value chains. The event highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and the need for open data to transform agricultural knowledge into practical services.

Union Agriculture Minister Advocates for Integrated Farming to Boost GDP

Union Agriculture Minister Advocates for Integrated Farming to Boost GDP

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for integrated farming and balanced inputs to enhance India's agricultural GDP. Speaking at the Agribusiness Summit 2025, Chouhan highlighted the progress made under the Modi government, including increased production and the development of climate-resilient seeds. The Minister emphasized the need for technology-driven solutions and better resource management to support small and marginal farmers. Industry leaders also discussed the importance of public-private partnerships and responsible agrochemical practices to boost productivity.

Regenerative Agriculture Market Projected to Reach $31 Billion by 2035, Driven by Environmental Needs

Regenerative Agriculture Market Projected to Reach $31 Billion by 2035, Driven by Environmental Needs

Regenerative Agriculture Market Projected to Reach $31 Billion by 2035, Driven by Environmental Needs

Bahrain Hosts Major Agriculture and Livestock Show to Boost Food Security

Bahrain Hosts Major Agriculture and Livestock Show to Boost Food Security

Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Bahrain Animal and Agriculture Production Show, known as Mara’ee 2025, is set to take place from December 9 to 13, 2025. This event is recognized as one of the largest platforms in the region dedicated to agricultural and livestock production. It aims to support national food security efforts, aligning with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The show will feature extensive local and international participation, showcasing agricultural and animal displays, an art exhibition, a heritage village, a farmers’ market, a livestock market, and a children’s play area.

Study Highlights Tariff Cuts and Data-Driven Subsidies as Key to Boosting Agriculture

Study Highlights Tariff Cuts and Data-Driven Subsidies as Key to Boosting Agriculture

A study presented at the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) 2025 emphasizes the importance of eliminating import tariffs on key agricultural machinery and implementing data-driven subsidies to enhance agricultural output. The study, presented by Moogdho Mahzab from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), highlights the significant impact of mechanization on farm performance, employment, and labor allocation in countries like India, China, and Myanmar. The research notes a substantial increase in the use of mechanical harvesters among rice farmers, rising from 0.9% in 2018 to 19.39% in 2023. The study also recommends standardizing subsidy rates, creating dedicated credit lines for machinery purchases, and investing in farmer capacity building.

IRRI Develops Tool to Assess Rice Self-Sufficiency Costs in the Philippines

IRRI Develops Tool to Assess Rice Self-Sufficiency Costs in the Philippines

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is refining a modeling tool to help policymakers and stakeholders in the Philippines assess the costs of achieving rice self-sufficiency. The tool considers various factors such as demand, population, and environmental impacts to project different scenarios for the country's rice industry by 2050. These scenarios include maintaining current import levels, achieving national targets, and an ambitious path towards self-sufficiency with reduced environmental impact. The tool aims to provide insights into the trade-offs and synergies between rice production and environmental sustainability.

Jammu and Kashmir Develops Roadmap for Commercial Cultivation of Medicinal Plants

Jammu and Kashmir Develops Roadmap for Commercial Cultivation of Medicinal Plants

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting to develop a comprehensive strategy for the commercial cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the region. The meeting involved key stakeholders from the Forest and Agriculture Production Departments, CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, and other institutions. The initiative aims to enhance the economic potential of the MAP sector, which currently generates minimal revenue compared to its potential. The strategy focuses on inter-departmental coordination, farmer training, and market integration to boost the sector's growth.

Aarhus University Researchers Discover Root Mutation Enabling Crops to Self-Fertilize

Aarhus University Researchers Discover Root Mutation Enabling Crops to Self-Fertilize

Researchers at Aarhus University, led by professors Kasper Røjkjær Andersen and Simona Radutoiu, have identified a small root mutation that could enable crops to fertilize themselves. This discovery focuses on the natural nitrogen-fixing ability found in certain plants like peas, clover, and beans, which form symbiotic relationships with bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. The team discovered that by altering just two amino acids in a receptor protein, plants can switch from rejecting to cooperating with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This breakthrough was successfully tested in the plant Lotus japonicus and barley, suggesting potential applications in major crops such as wheat, maize, and rice.

UN Calls for Unified Global Action on Climate Change and Environmental Crises

UN Calls for Unified Global Action on Climate Change and Environmental Crises

The United Nations has released a report urging the world to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle interconnected environmental crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution. The report emphasizes that these issues are interlinked and require coordinated solutions that involve increased investment and policy changes. The UN Environment Programme's Global Environment Outlook highlights the need for a transition away from fossil fuels, sustainable agricultural practices, and pollution reduction. The report warns of dire consequences if current environmental trends continue and calls for immediate action to prevent further damage to the planet and human health.

Leicestershire Horse Sanctuary Faces Threat Due to Rising Hay Prices Amid Record Heatwave

Leicestershire Horse Sanctuary Faces Threat Due to Rising Hay Prices Amid Record Heatwave

Pablo's Sanctuary, a horse sanctuary located in Long Clawson, Leicestershire, is facing significant challenges due to the soaring prices of hay. The sanctuary, which cares for 85 horses, has been hit hard by a dry spring and a summer drought, leading to a shortage of hay. Carole Fielding, who has been running the sanctuary for 30 years, reports that the current hay prices are the highest she has ever seen. The sanctuary uses about 20 large round bales and 100 smaller bales of hay weekly, with prices for large bales now between £90 and £100, and smaller bales costing between £9 and £10, up from the usual £4. The situation is exacerbated by the summer of 2025 being the warmest on record since 1884, affecting hay yields. Some farmers have resorted to importing hay from Europe to meet demand.