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A farmer walking along freshly harvested rice fields struck luck by trapping an unusually large catfish. The familiar rural scene of farmers catching fish among golden rice fields brings a sense of calmness to any viewer. After following a narrow water channel along recently harvested paddies, a man beams as he spots a giant catfish hiding in a shallow pool. With only a traditional bamboo fish trap, he quickly secures the catfish. People nearby rush over to take a look at the oversized catch. The scene briefly turns lively in the otherwise quiet rural setting. Some viewers call the fish a post-harvest bounty. The video captures an everyday moment of rural fishing while offering a simple and calming glimpse of the countryside, leaving viewers relaxed and hungry for a freshly grilled catfish served with ginger fish sauce. Disclaimer: This asset – including all text, audio and imagery – is provided by Kien. VnExpress has not verified or endorsed the material, which is being made avai...

The Challenges Facing Dry-Season Farming in Nigeria This year's dry-season farming operations have started at a slower pace, with many farmers showing a lack of enthusiasm due to the current decline in prices for key food items such as rice, maize, and wheat. This drop in prices, along with rising production costs and other related expenses, has left many farmers hesitant to engage in the process. In 2023, during the same period, a significant number of farmers left their communities to seek out irrigation land for dry-season production, as grain prices were attractive. However, the recent decline in grain prices—particularly for rice, maize, and wheat—has led to substantial losses for farmers. Many who spoke to Weekend Trust expressed that they are not encouraged by the current situation and may either avoid farming this season or do so on a very small scale. The government has launched a dry-season program targeting 500,000 hectares of land. According to Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdulla...

The Essence of Farming Farming is a profound expression of life, rooted in the earth and sustained by the cycles of nature. It encompasses the fields of yields, where springs and sprouts flourish, and grains and nuts grow in abundance. Tubers and fingers, roots and fruits—each element plays a role in this intricate dance of growth. From apple to pineapple, from berry to strawberry, from yam to cocoyam, from avocado to potato, from cocoa to coconut, and even from akple to tuo zaafi, farming is a testament to the diversity of life. The Farmer's Dedication The farmer is a figure of unwavering determination. The cold morning could not hold him in bed after the first cockcrow. The dew could not deny his due, as he embarks on his chosen duty. The rising sun could not shut his reason for rising before sunrise. Wild weeds could not weaken his will to weed the field. He sows his seed in the morning, and his hand does not rest until the evening. After the rain, he casts his seed beneath t...

A New Agricultural Boom on the Chars As floodwaters gradually receded across northern Bangladesh, the newly deposited silt has transformed the sandy river islands of the Teesta, Dharla, Saniyazan, and Brahmaputra—locally known as chars—into fertile land, leading to a significant increase in agricultural activities. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, there are nearly 786 char areas in the northern rivers, and communities living there have started to rebuild their livelihoods after the recent floods. The agricultural sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with farmers focusing on cultivating a wide range of crops. Agriculturist Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur agricultural region, mentioned that this year's cultivation target for the chars has been set at 36,911 hectares, with an expected output of 362,000 tonnes of various crops. He explained that the harvest this year could help many families recover, as a single crop can sustain them...

A New Era of Agriculture on the Chars As floodwaters gradually receded across northern Bangladesh, the newly deposited silt has transformed the sandy river islands of the Teesta, Dharla, Saniyazan, and Brahmaputra—locally known as chars—into highly fertile land. This change has sparked a significant increase in agricultural activities, with farmers working tirelessly to cultivate the land. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, there are nearly 786 char areas within the northern rivers, and communities residing there have started to rebuild their livelihoods after the recent floods. Agriculturist Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur agricultural region, stated that this year's cultivation target for the chars has been set at 36,911 hectares, with an expected output of 362,000 tonnes of various crops. "Char residents are likely to recover through this year's harvest. A single crop can sustain many families for an entire year," he explain...

Pakistan's Ambitious Onion Production Targets for 2025-26 Pakistan has set a new target for onion production for the 2025-26 crop year, aiming to produce 2.78 million tons of onions across the country. This goal is to be achieved by cultivating onions over 168,000 hectares. The government’s decision to increase this target is based on the successful output from the ongoing 2024-25 season. According to official data from Wealth Pakistan, the national onion production during the 2024-25 season increased by 19.2 percent, reaching 2.747 million tons compared to 2.3046 million tons in the previous year. Additionally, the cultivated area expanded by 16.8 percent, increasing from 142,500 hectares to 166,400 hectares, as reported in a document from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Onion is the second most important vegetable crop in Pakistan after potato, with annual consumption estimated between 1.6 and 1.8 million tons. It plays a crucial role in household cooking ...

Key Recommendations for Optimizing Wheat Production in Punjab The Agriculture Department has issued a critical reminder to farmers across Punjab, urging them to complete wheat cultivation by November 20 to maximize production outcomes. As the most vital food crop in Pakistan, wheat plays a central role in the nation's food security. Punjab, known for its favorable climate and soil conditions, is targeting a production goal of 10.65 million acres this year. The province’s agricultural potential is significant, with opportunities to boost per-acre yields through proper farming techniques. Cost Reduction Measures for Farmers To support farmers in reducing their production costs, the government has taken several steps. One key measure is the reduction of certified wheat seed prices from Rs6,500 to Rs5,500 per bag. Additionally, both federal and provincial governments have set the wheat support price at Rs3,500 per 40 kg. These measures are aimed at making wheat cultivation more acce...

Renewed Hope for Moroccan Farmers Amid Rainfall Forecasts Promising forecasts of rainfall across Morocco next week have brought a wave of optimism among farmers, who are preparing for the new agricultural season after years of drought. In provinces like Larache, known for their agricultural vitality, activity has increased as farmers begin early planting of crops such as alfalfa, barley, and sugar beet. Local farmer Abdelssalam Cherki shared his thoughts on the situation, stating that many growers are rushing to plow and sow before the first rains arrive. He expressed hope that sufficient precipitation will help reduce irrigation costs. “There is real optimism this year,” he said. “Farmers want to believe this season will finally bring relief.” Weather Patterns and Agricultural Planning Agricultural expert Riad Ouhtita highlighted that Morocco’s current weather instability typically begins in the mid-south and moves north, with early rains usually arriving before the end of Octobe...

CropLife International Embraces Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture For decades, CropLife International has been known as the global association representing manufacturers of chemical crop protection products. However, as the agricultural landscape evolves and the demand for sustainable farming intensifies, the organization is now undergoing a transformative shift by embracing biopesticides as part of a balanced, nature-friendly approach to crop protection. “Even if we have been developing chemical pesticides for many years, we always advocate that chemicals should be used as a last solution, only when other pest management approaches have failed,” says Margaux Rundstadler, Director of Public Affairs and Communication at CropLife Africa Middle East. She made these remarks during the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) 2025 Congress organized by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) in Nairobi, Kenya. According to Rundstadler, the...

Federal Committee on Agriculture Reviews Kharif Crops and Sets Rabi Targets The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA), led by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, recently convened to assess the performance of the Kharif Crops 2025-26 season and approve production targets for the upcoming Rabi Crops 2025-26. The meeting brought together provincial agriculture ministers, secretaries, and senior officials from both federal and provincial departments. Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring food security, and improving the living standards of farmers. He emphasized that the agriculture sector is the backbone of the national economy and plays a vital role in national growth, rural prosperity, and employment generation. The minister also stressed the importance of better price mechanisms, access to credit, and availability of quality inputs to support farmers effectiv...

Morocco’s Cucumber Exports to Spain Surge Dramatically Between July 2024 and June 2025, Morocco exported a total of 18,200 tons of cucumbers to Spain, generating $21.1 million in revenue. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years, with a 34 percent rise from the previous season. The volume has more than tripled since the 2020–21 campaign, showing an average annual growth rate of 33 percent over four consecutive export seasons. This remarkable growth highlights not only Morocco’s expanding export capabilities but also Spain’s increasing reliance on external suppliers to maintain its position in international markets. The relationship between the two countries has evolved significantly, with Spain now absorbing nearly 60 percent of Morocco’s cucumber exports—up from 31 percent just three years ago. This shift is primarily driven by Spain’s need to ensure a steady supply of cucumbers despite stagnant domestic production levels. Year-Round Supply and Marke...

Morocco’s Agricultural Innovation: Boosting Cereal Yields Amid Drought Morocco is making significant strides in reducing its dependence on imported cereals, with early results from the Al Moutmir programme showing a remarkable increase in wheat yields. Despite facing severe drought conditions, the initiative has managed to boost production by more than 20 percent, offering hope for the country's agricultural future. The Al Moutmir programme, supported by OCP and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), has been instrumental in transforming traditional farming practices. The initiative focuses on improving productivity through innovative techniques such as tailored fertilization, integrated pest control, and direct seeding. These methods are designed to conserve moisture and enhance crop resilience, particularly in challenging climatic conditions. Key Components of the Al Moutmir Programme The programme has established 1,102 demonstration platforms across 24 provinces duri...

The Rise of Chinese Cauliflower Varieties in Pakistan and Beyond Chinese cauliflower varieties have significantly transformed agriculture in Pakistan and other regions, according to recent reports. These seeds are not only affordable but also offer high quality and yield, making them a game-changer for local farmers. In Punjab, located about 4,000 kilometers from Tianjin, farmer Mohammad expressed his satisfaction with the new harvest of cauliflower. He noted that each planting season has seen a 50% increase in revenue compared to previous years. “Our local seed salesperson brought us this Chinese cauliflower seed, promising high quality and yield. I bought a batch to try. It was a surprise, indeed,” he said. Pakistan imports more than 90% of its cauliflower seeds, with a pressing need for hybrid varieties. Now, China is capturing a significant market share by offering comparatively cheaper seeds. Muhammad Muzaffar Raza, a science officer at the Vegetable Research Institute of Ayub ...

Introduction to the New Satellite-Based System In a significant move towards modernizing agricultural data collection, a new satellite-based system is set to launch next year. This initiative aims to provide accurate and reliable figures on crop cultivation, particularly for Punjab's cotton production. The project seeks to resolve long-standing disputes over production data and enhance transparency in the agricultural sector. By leveraging advanced technology, the system will support informed decision-making and guide future planning related to imports, exports, and agricultural policies. Collaboration and Objectives The project will be overseen by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in collaboration with China and the Land Information and Management System (LIMS). LIMS was established in 2023 with the goal of modernizing farming practices. This partnership highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges and improving d...

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...

The Growing Reliance on Chinese Drones in US Agriculture US farmers are increasingly turning to drones and other technological systems made by Chinese companies, despite growing concerns about national security. This trend is particularly evident in the agricultural sector, where the use of Chinese-made technology has become widespread. David Bruntz, vice-president of the US Meat Export Federation, recently faced a dilemma when he needed drones to monitor his cattle on a Nebraska ranch. He found that only one brand offered a "reasonably priced" solution: DJI, a leading Chinese tech company. DJI dominates the US drone market, and its products are now being rapidly adopted across agriculture for tasks such as sowing fields, spraying crops, and tracking livestock. “It's moving rather fast,” Bruntz said, highlighting the speed at which these technologies are becoming essential in farming operations. However, many farmers, including Bruntz, are not entirely comfortable with...

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...