Ghana’s first cowpea biotech triumph has emerged after the government approved a new genetically modified (GMO) cowpea variety for cultivation. The “Songotra T cowpea” by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) gained this distinction on July 25, 2024. The pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is the first GMO crop that the West African...
The distribution of food basics to markets is underway in Warrap State in northern South Sudan in a bid to subsidize food prices. This comes amid high cereal costs, despite grain prices having declined in May 2024 in some states. By July 28, a consignment of maize flour and sorghum had reached six counties in Warrap, reported Radio...
Alfalfa farmers in California’s Imperial Valley could soon stop watering their thirsty fodder crop for 2 months and instead accept compensation to shore up a depleted Colorado River. So far, growers are willing to receive $300 per acre-foot of irrigated area primarily because current oversupply of hay has killed prices. According to calculations, this kitty could offer more...
The tomato season is starting in August across leading producing states such as Florida, Indiana and California. Meanwhile, central Ohio is already reaping the vine crop, and could enjoy handsome prices which echo those of the corresponding August 2023 period. Some farms around the state capital Columbus were already inviting “u-pickers” for the summer vegetable as of...
The cultivation of ginger in sacks has become a booming business in Khulna, a famous industrial center in southwestern Bangladesh. According to BSS News on June 25, 2024, 276 local growers who have ventured into this farming method are now expecting bumper yields. In its part, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) remarked that Khulna’s residents have now...
Wet weather could slash the South Africa citrus export volume for the April-September 2024 season. This is according to an announcement by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) on July 23, 2024. This could mean a dent for yearly exports, which increased slightly in 2023 to 165.1 million 15-kg cartons. Valencia and Navel oranges will see shipment volumes...
The governorate of North Sharqiyah has registered uptick agricultural production growth beginning 2021, boosting food security in Oman. Located in central-eastern Oman, the governorate saw its horticultural and fruit output in the three years ending mid-2024 reach 250,000 tonnes. While announcing these results, Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashaikhi, Director General of North Sharqiyah’s Agriculture and...
Global sugar prices sunk on July 23, 2024 in the futures markets as production hubs Brazil and India reported surplus. On the 23rd, sugar #11 or unrefined sugar for October delivery lost by –0.77% in New York, according to Barchart. This was even as refined white sugar #1 in London shed 1.39%. A spot check on Market...
Following his surprise stepping down as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, President Joe Biden Ag legacies are worth appraisal. In brief, most of his successes revolve around climate, rural funding and partially around the Farm Bill. Firstly, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on July 21, 2024 praised his close ally as among “the most consequential American...
At 12.01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on July 24, 2024, the Florida mini-season began with lobster harvesters heeding regulations. The two-day recreational harvest follows the bonus harvest day that residents enjoyed on July 14 courtesy of governor Ron DeSantis. This time round, recreational fishermen will follow extra rules that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission...