Chris Infotainment

The Link Between Food Security and Nutrition The conversation about good nutrition is often overshadowed by the harsh reality of hunger. Many people go to bed with empty stomachs, making it difficult to focus on the importance of a balanced diet when survival is the immediate concern. This situation is not just an individual struggle but a widespread issue that affects entire communities. As the population grows rapidly, the pressure on the available food supply increases significantly. This growth has placed additional strain on already limited resources, leading to a lack of food security in many regions. Without sufficient food, it becomes challenging to promote nutrition education, as the basic need for sustenance takes precedence over dietary choices. In these circumstances, the call to action must extend beyond teaching people about healthy diets. It is crucial to ensure that there is enough food on the table for families to begin with. Addressing food insecurity is the first ...

The Brine Shrimp: A Potential Solution for China's Salt-Affected Regions Brine shrimp, also known as Artemia, are among the oldest surviving species on Earth, with a history stretching back about 400 million years. These tiny creatures have an incredible ability to withstand extreme conditions, including high salinity levels. Recently, they were discovered in the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, raising hopes for their potential use in addressing food security challenges in salt-affected areas. The discovery was made by life science researchers from Tarim University, who found the brine shrimp in a wildlife water source in the city of Aral, also known as Alar. The water source was found to be more saline than seawater, indicating that the region has natural conditions suitable for cultivating salt-tolerant organisms. This finding could lead to new opportunities for aquaculture in the area. Laboratory studies are currently underway to determine if the shrimp...

Degas Limited's Strategic Investment in Ghana's Agricultural Sector Degas Limited has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest $100 million over the next four years, aiming to position Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub. This initiative builds upon a successful model that has already supported more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres nationwide. During a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama on the sidelines of the Ghana Presidential Investment Forum, Doga Makiura, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Degas Limited, highlighted the potential of this investment. “Ghana has demonstrated that when technology meets a clear national vision, smallholder farmers can thrive,” he stated. The CEO emphasized that the $100 million commitment will focus on scaling up AI-driven satellite monitoring and precision agriculture techniques. These innovations are expected to help farmers increase yields, reduce risks, and access fairly priced finance. Accord...

A New Hope for Pakistan’s Cotton Sector Pakistan's cotton sector is witnessing a significant transformation, thanks to the development of a groundbreaking seed variety that promises to nearly triple per-acre yields and withstand extreme heat. This innovation has sparked renewed optimism for reviving the country's struggling textile industry, which has long been a cornerstone of the economy. The new seed, named CEMB-33, is the result of 25 years of dedicated research by the Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) at Punjab University, in collaboration with a private agri-research company. It marks a major milestone as it is the first genetically modified cotton seed developed entirely within Pakistan. Field trials conducted in southern Punjab districts such as Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Vehari have shown impressive results. The CEMB-33 variety recorded yields of 40-45 maunds per acre, significantly higher than the national average of 15 maunds. These fi...

Strategic Partnership Between BAAC and TISTR to Boost Agricultural Innovation The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has entered into a significant collaboration with the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) to elevate the value of Thai agricultural products. This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), focuses on academic cooperation and technology transfer. The initiative aims to bring together scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and innovation to empower farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. Enhancing Competitiveness Through Knowledge and Technology Chatchai Sirilai, president of BAAC, emphasized that the partnership is designed to integrate and disseminate knowledge across various domains. The goal is to help farmers and entrepreneurs, especially younger generations, apply this knowledge in production, processing, yield improvement, marketing, and addressing challenges faced by the...

Launch of Nigeria's 2025 Food and Agriculture Policy Monitoring Review The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to launch the 2025 Nigeria Food and Agriculture Policy Monitoring Review (PMR). This initiative is designed to support evidence-based agricultural transformation under the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP). The PMR aims to provide a clear roadmap for policy implementation and investment planning by analyzing public expenditure and commodity price incentives over multiple years. The launch event, held in Abuja, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior government officials, development partners, representatives from the World Bank, private sector leaders, farmer organizations, civil society groups, and academic institutions. The gathering provided an opportunity for strategic dialogue on the future direction of Nigeria’s ...

Expansion of Smart Farming Solutions in Rwanda Heifer International Rwanda, in collaboration with Hello Tractor and the Government of Rwanda, recently launched a second mechanisation hub in Nyagatare District. This initiative marks an expansion of access to smart farming solutions for smallholder farmers, following the successful launch of the first hub in Kayonza District in November last year. The Nyagatare hub, established under Heifer’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems (RDMS) project, is designed to improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable mechanisation services. The hub offers modern tractors, operator training, and a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model that allows farmers—especially youth—to acquire tractors with a 5 per cent down payment, with the balance repayable over five years from service income. The launch event brought together government officials, partners, and farmers, featuring live tractor demonstrations, equipment handovers, and farmer testimonials highlighting the ben...

Dhakki Dates: A Symbol of Pride and Economic Potential The sweet aroma of freshly harvested Dhakki dates has once again filled the orchards of Dera Ismail Khan as the harvesting season for this world-renowned variety gets underway. Known as the pride of the district, Dhakki dates have gained worldwide acclaim for their impressive size, thick pulp, and unmatched flavor. This unique fruit is not only a local treasure but also a significant contributor to the region's economy. The Dhakki variety, originally cultivated in the Dhakki area of DI Khan, holds the honor of being the first fruit in Pakistan to secure the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status. This achievement was officially registered by the Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Dera Ismail Khan. The GI status ensures that only dates produced in this specific region can be labeled as Dhakki, protecting its authenticity and quality. Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai, a senior scientist at ARI, praised the relen...

Strengthening Agricultural Collaboration Between China and Pakistan A significant step in strengthening agricultural collaboration between China and Pakistan was made when a delegation led by Prof. Zhang Lixin, Chairman of the Silk Road Bio-Healthy Agriculture Industry Alliance at Northwest A&F University, visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI). During this visit, the delegation reached a consensus on establishing a joint research lab and a China-Pakistan Bio-Healthy Agriculture Science and Technology Demonstration Park. Prof. Zhang emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the goal is to share China's advanced agricultural technologies with Pakistani partners to address common food security challenges and improve the lives of farmers. This collaboration aims to create a sustainable framework for agricultural development that benefits both nations. Prof. Rao Zahid Abbas from the Department o...

Introduction to Hydroseeding Technology In response to the growing environmental challenges caused by climate change, Punjab's Forest Department has initiated the use of hydroseeding technology to restore barren lands and combat land erosion. This innovative approach involves spraying a mixture of seeds, water, and nutrients onto the ground using specialized machinery. The technique has shown promising results in areas such as Jallo Park near Lahore, where it has been successfully implemented over several acres. Benefits and Potential of Hydroseeding According to the Chief Conservator of the Punjab Forest Department, Abid Gondal, hydroseeding is an effective method for greening barren lands and accelerating environmental restoration. He emphasized that this technique has been tested at the government level in Pakistan with the goal of improving green cover and restoring degraded ecosystems. Gondal highlighted the potential of hydroseeding, especially in regions where traditional...

A New Era of Agricultural Cooperation Between Nepal and China Chitwan, August 11 — A significant event took place at the China-Nepal Southern Agricultural Science and Technology Park Hybrid Rice Demonstration Zone, marking a major step in the agricultural collaboration between Nepal and China. The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) and Nepal’s Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) conducted the first trial seedling transplanting ceremony on Monday, symbolizing the deepening partnership between the two nations. This event coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, highlighting the importance of their long-standing relationship. The ceremony was not just a celebration but also a demonstration of commitment to enhancing agricultural development and food security in Nepal. During the ceremony, 37 high-yield hybrid rice varieties were transplanted as part of an ongoing demonstration project. These varieties are being tested to dete...

Introduction to Agri Stack: A Digital Revolution in Pakistan’s Agriculture Pakistan has taken a significant step towards modernizing its agricultural sector with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative known as Agri Stack. This digital platform aims to transform traditional farming practices by introducing advanced technological solutions that empower farmers, streamline services, and improve overall efficiency in the agricultural value chain. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, with collaboration from other key stakeholders such as the Ministry of National Food Security, LIMS (Lahore Institute of Management Sciences), and SIFC (Sustainable Irrigation and Farming Center). The government's vision is to create a more transparent, efficient, and resilient agricultural system through the use of digital tools and data-driven decision-making. Addressing Key Challenges in Farming Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that Agri Stack ...

The Power of AI in Transforming Nigeria’s Agriculture To truly transform this vital sector, a new approach is needed—one that moves beyond traditional methods and embraces the power of technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a futuristic buzzword; it is the imperative for Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. AI holds the key to unlocking higher yields, building resilience, and fostering an inclusive and sustainable food system that can feed a nation and drive economic growth. Precision Farming: A New Era of Agricultural Efficiency The most immediate impact of AI is in the area of precision farming. By integrating AI with technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, farmers can gain an unprecedented understanding of their land. AI-powered systems can analyze real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health, providing actionable insights for targeted interventions. For instance, smart irrigation systems can optimize wa...

The Charcoal Industry in Nigeria: A Complex Web of Economic Necessity and Environmental Crisis Charcoal farming has emerged as a significant but largely unregulated industry in Nigeria, driven by both local and international demand. What was once a small-scale rural activity has now transformed into a multimillion-naira business, supporting the livelihoods of thousands across several states, including Oyo, Niger, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Enugu, and Ogun. Rural farmers, informal cooperatives, and middlemen are the primary participants in this trade. Many villagers venture deep into forest reserves to cut trees, often illegally, which are then processed into charcoal using slow-burning techniques in earthen kilns. Once bagged, the charcoal is sold to aggregators who distribute it to local markets or export it in bulk, particularly to countries in Europe and the Middle East. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Nigeria ranks among the top global pr...

Strengthening Pakistan-China Ties Through Multifaceted Collaboration Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, recently embarked on a three-day visit to Gansu Province, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, education, and cultural exchange. The trip underscored the growing importance of collaboration between Pakistan and this Chinese province, with discussions centered around fostering deeper government-to-government, business-to-business, and people-to-people relationships. During the visit, the ambassador met with senior provincial leaders, including Hu Changsheng, the CPC Secretary of Gansu. These meetings provided a platform for exploring ways to strengthen existing partnerships and identify new avenues for cooperation. The discussions emphasized the need for sustained engagement across multiple sectors, highlighting the mutual benefits that can arise from closer ties. Focus on Agricultural Development Agriculture was a central t...

The Role of Science Communication in Achieving Africa’s Vision One of the key outcomes of the Second African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT2025), held in Kigali, Rwanda, in June, was a reminder to African governments and people that the continent has a shared vision: “The Africa We Want – Agenda 2063.” This 50-year blueprint, developed in 2013, serves as the continent’s master plan for sustainable development and economic growth. Aspiration 1 of Agenda 2063 envisions “a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development,” with the goal of achieving zero hunger. According to Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Acting Head of the Genome Editing Programme at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), realizing this aspiration hinges on the core pillars of policy, science, and community engagement, supported by appropriate science communication. Communicating Science Within Political Spaces During the ACAT2025 conference, Prof. Akinbo emphasized the...