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Agriculture

Guava yields in South Asia shrink due to unpredictable heat & rainfall

Guava farming in South Asia is suffering from reduced yields due to unpredictable heat and rainfall linked to climate change. This decline threatens the livelihoods of farmers in a region that produces nearly half of the world's guava.

Small farmers are more squeezed than ever. A California grant program offers a lifeline.

Javier Zamora's organic farm expanded significantly thanks to a California grant program, which supports small farmers and enhances local food access. This initiative is crucial as federal funding cuts threaten agricultural sustainability.

Madagascar military leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president and thanks protesters

Col Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar's new president following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. This transition is significant as it reflects the power of youth-led protests and the potential for...

Engineering next-generation fertilizers

MIT's Giorgio Rizzo is creating sustainable fertilizers to reduce agriculture's environmental impact. This innovation matters as it aims to enhance crop yields while preserving soil health.

A cacao rush drives ‘alarming’ deforestation in Liberia

The rapid expansion of cacao farming in southeastern Liberia is causing alarming deforestation, driven by migrant labor and local leaders seeking financial gain.

In DRC’s Kivu region, the moringa tree offers valuable health benefits

The moringa tree, valued for its medicinal properties, plays a crucial role in traditional medicine in DRC's Kivu region, despite facing challenges from conflict and deforestation.

Fears of major locust swarms wane in the Sahel but agencies step up monitoring

Fears of major locust swarms in the Sahel are diminishing as monitoring and control measures are enhanced, despite challenges in field reporting.

RSPO sparks NGO outrage for dismissing complaint over alleged ‘shadow companies’

The RSPO has dismissed NGO complaints against First Resources Ltd. regarding shadow companies linked to environmental violations, sparking outrage over potential loopholes.

Instacrops will demo its water-saving, crop-boosting AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Instacrops, a startup focused on AI-driven water conservation in agriculture, will present its innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

Photos: Floods devastate India’s breadbasket of Punjab

Record monsoon rains have flooded Punjab, India, causing unprecedented damage to crops and livestock, affecting over 400,000 people.

How the world’s taste for soya is eating Brazil’s Amazon

The expansion of soya cultivation in Brazil's Amazon is causing significant environmental and social upheaval, impacting local communities and ecosystems.

‘I couldn’t look’: European farmers on losing crops as the industry collides with worsening drought

European farmers are grappling with severe drought conditions, leading to significant crop losses and economic challenges across the continent.