CropsWith below-normal rain forecast across Zimbabwe, three farmers in Matabeleland South and the Midlands explain how fodder stocks, urea-treated stover and water reserves are keeping them in production.
EnvironmentThe World Meteorological Organization says this El Nino will grow stronger and last at least until 2027; fires in Indonesia, a busy eastern Pacific hurricane season and a monsoon shortfall in India are already being felt.
AgribusinessFarm organisations welcomed temporary fuel levy relief, R1.5 billion for extension officers and a R10 billion contingency reserve in the 21 October budget statement, but warned that results on the ground will decide its worth.
EnvironmentA CSIRO and University of Melbourne study of more than 7,500 forecasts shows that predictions started during La Niña stay reliable 12 months out, which could give farmers and governments earlier warning.
CropsAt the Bharat International Rice Conference in New Delhi, traders said South Asia and Africa will account for all demand growth in 2026-27 and that El Niño could cut harvests in Indonesia, Vietnam, India and the Philippines.
EnvironmentFires linked to land clearing and an El Niño-driven drought have burned an estimated 1.9 million hectares, closed schools in Malaysia and put Singapore at the top of a world pollution ranking.
EnvironmentDrought in Central America's Dry Corridor, crop failures in more than half of Sudan and floods along the Paraná show how this year's very strong El Niño is hitting farms, Euronews reports.
EnvironmentEnvironment MEC Ewan Botha warned that El Niño could worsen water shortages and crop losses for small and dryland farmers, while an insurer proposed subsidised premiums for small-scale growers.
FisheriesWith the WMO warning of one of the strongest El Niños since 1950, WorldFish says preparedness plans cover crops and livestock but leave out fisheries and aquaculture, and is piloting forecast text messages and pond sensors in Zambia.
AgribusinessDisrupted shipping, high energy and fertiliser prices and the risk of El Nino drought cutting grain output could push world food prices higher still; FAO's Food Price Index averaged 136 points in September, its highest since November 2022.
CropsRajasthan's first estimates put bajra at 4.94 million tonnes and guar at 1.79 million, both down, while groundnut climbs to 2.82 million tonnes in better-watered pockets.
WorldOn World Food Day the World Food Programme called for early action, innovation and funding, saying a triple shipping chokepoint, El Niño and funding cuts threaten to push millions more into hunger.
WorldFood kits of fortified rice, black beans, oil and supplementary food, supplied through USDA's Food for Peace programme, will go to families in five departments facing rising acute food insecurity.
