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. Youth advocacy group calls for long-term Youth in Agriculture Programme in Africa
Youth Rise International (YoRI) has urged African governments to invest in a long-term Youth in Agriculture Programme (YAP) to tackle youth unemployment and make agriculture more attractive to young people.
The organization emphasized the need for national-level YAPs that promote commercial agriculture, create jobs through modern irrigation systems, improve food security, and alleviate extreme poverty. YoRI released a statement on World Earth Day, calling attention to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change on Africa’s economic situation, which has led to youth uprisings and involvement in rebel movements.
The organization highlighted the importance of protecting the Earth and addressing challenges like high food prices and the cost of living. YoRI also pointed out that climate change adversely affects food security and that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates a 50% increase in food production by 2050 to feed the growing global population. Read More.
2. Sri Lanka's farmers face crisis as harvests drop and food shortages loom
The farmers of Sri Lanka are facing a crisis as their harvests drop and food shortages loom due to the worst economic crisis the country has seen since its independence in 1948. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s sudden ban on chemical fertilisers last year, which has now been reversed, has had significant and far-reaching implications for the farming community. Farmers report that their livelihoods are under threat, and for the first time in its modern history, the country may run out of food as the government can no longer afford the food imports it has become overdependent on. The rice yield has already dropped, and there are warnings of imminent starvation among the island’s 22 million people. Read More.
3. FAO launches flagship project to boost resilience among rural communities in Somalia
On Thursday, 27th May, 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) announced the launch of a flagship project called “Reducing communities’ vulnerability to drought and external shocks (Recover)” in Somalia. The project aims to enhance the resilience and climate adaptation agenda among rural communities in the country.
FAO’s Representative in Somalia, Etienne Peterschmitt, stated that Somalia is currently experiencing a cycle of climate shocks leading to prolonged humanitarian crises, and efforts need to be focused on making communities self-sufficient and able to withstand these shocks to break the cycle of disasters. The project is expected to provide a pathway for vulnerable families to transition from humanitarian dependency to resilience. Read More.
4. New hydroponic system to boost food supply in extreme climate territories
A new hydroponic system has been developed that will be a vital element of national security, especially in Arctic regions, by ensuring a consistent supply of food to the population.
The system is similar to the General Hydroponics Europe nutrient but contains additional nitrogen and a wider range of microelements, along with organometallic compounds used to recover contaminated land.
Studies have shown that the system resulted in a 30% greater growth in biomass, a 65% increase in root mass, and a 16% larger leaf blade area compared to a similar international brand. The new hydroponic system offers a promising solution to boost agriculture production in extreme climate territories. Read More.
5. USDA urges Pennsylvanians to be vigilant of invasive pests
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned residents of Pennsylvania that April is the best time of the year to detect invasive pests that could harm trees, plants, and crops. Invasive pests inflict about $40 billion worth of damages annually in the United States.
The USDA urges people to watch out for Spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that feeds on fruits and woody trees, and to be cautious not to inadvertently transport them to new areas.
The department recommends scraping the mud-like egg masses and disposing of them properly or reporting any sightings online at ‘hungrypests.com’. Additionally, the USDA suggests reporting invasive pest sightings to help combat the problem. Read More.
Conclusion
So, that’s a quick summary of what’s been going on in the last two weeks. If you enjoyed this update, please consider giving us a like, sharing it with your friends, leaving a comment, and subscribing to our channel.
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