Welcome back to another weekly update on the agricultural sector across the globe. Agriculture is a crucial component of the world’s economy, and it plays a vital role in ensuring food security for the world’s ever-growing population. In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest developments and highlights from the past week in the agricultural industry.
1. The Agriculture Department of Sivasagar District in India steps up campaign against pesticides
The District Level Task Force Team of Sivasagar District Agriculture Department in India conducted inspections of various fertilizer and pesticide shops in Sivasagar town to ensure compliance with departmental regulations and collect samples for quality testing.
The team also educated traders and the public on the proper use of these products. The team included several officers and a media expert. Read More.
2. NESG advocates for more women's involvement in agriculture
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called for greater participation of women in politics and the agricultural sector to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.
Dr. Osasiyi Dirisu, the Deputy Director of NESG’s Policy Innovation Centre, emphasized this at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) Gender and Inclusion Summit (GS-22) on November 16. The summit will explore ways to promote gender-responsive governance and improve inclusion and equity in Nigeria. Read More.
3. Tunisia Implements Strict Water-Use Restrictions for Agricultural Purposes
Tunisia has implemented strict water-use restrictions in response to a severe drought. The government has introduced a rationing system and banned the use of drinking water for agricultural purposes. Watch
4. World Bank, Romania Sign €60 Million Loan to Promote Sustainable Farming and Reduce Agricultural Pollution
The World Bank and the Government of Romania have signed a €60 million loan for the Romania Rural Pollution Prevention and Reduction project. The project aims to enhance Romania’s ability to monitor agricultural pollution, promote public awareness of its environmental impacts, and encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices to reduce and prevent pollution.
Romania’s agriculture sector is the main source of environmental pollution in rural areas and the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, making it challenging for Romania to meet its climate change mitigation targets. The five-year project will be overseen by Romania’s Ministry of Environment, Waters, and Forests. Read More.
5. National Association of Agricultural Contractors Launches 2023 Contracting Prices Survey Results
According to a survey by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), contracting rates for soil preparation and drilling in the UK have increased by just over 4% and almost 3.5%, respectively, since last year.
However, the survey also revealed substantial variations in pricing for individual services due to the nature of the survey. Although the costs of fuel, labor, and inputs continue to increase, the NAAC is advising its members to review their pricing structures to ensure profitability and maintain a professional standard of service.