Latest News & Developments
agricultural technology
Cannabis ban | Backlash from industry and activists who warn of job losses
The unexpected ban on cannabis and hemp-derived products by South Africa's health ministry has left the burgeoning cannabis sector in turmoil, raising concerns among businesses and activists about the potential economic fallout and job losses.
Revitalising South Africa’s seed systems: a call for inclusive reform
South Africa’s agricultural sector stands at a crossroads. Whilst the country boasts one of the most industrialised seed industries on the continent, it remains inaccessible to a significant portion of smallholder farmers. A recent policy gap analysis by the Agricultural Research Council and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network reveals alarming disparities in South Africa’s seed systems.
Hunan and Africa Vow to Deeper Ties Based on Long-Standing Friendship
The Chinese culture is taking root, germinating, blooming, and flourishing on African soil, says the writer.
Drones are revolutionising SA Industries from farms to healthcare
A major driver behind the boom is growing demand for smaller, more versatile models.
The importance of managing your finances like you manage your farm
Taking a short-sighted approach to financial planning can be as devastating to a farmer’s livelihood.
Working with nature: The ‘knitty’ gritty of regenerative wool farming in the Karoo
A comprehensive study conducted by Holly Kane at the University of Cape Town sheds light on the motivations and challenges surrounding the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices within the wool value chain in the Karoo region of South Africa.
The highs and lows of yeast-derived cannabis
As the cannabis industry evolves, some companies are turning to innovative methods like using yeast enzymes to synthesise THC and CBD, potentially revolutionising how these compounds are produced.
South Korean scientists develop sustainable meaty rice
Researchers at Seoul's Yonsei University in South Korea have developed a new type of sustainable hybrid food - a meaty rice that they say could help solve food crises.
China holds central rural work conference
To advance Chinese modernisation, the country must make unremitting efforts to strengthen the foundation of the agricultural sector and advance rural revitalisation across the board, Chinese President Xi Jinping said.
National Assembly gives private cannabis Bill green light
South Africa’s National Assembly on Tuesday passed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill and sent it to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for consideration.
eThekwini Municipality encouraging residents to enter cannabis and hemp sector
The eThekwini Municipality is encouraging potential cannabis and hemp farmers to join its pilot project to develop the sector in hopes of commercialising it.
Development of SA’s busiest port welcomed by citrus growers
The Citrus Growers Association has welcomed Transnet’s plans to develop its fresh produce handling capabilities in a bid to expand the sector and grow the domestic economy.
World Tourism Day: Tourvest and the Siyazisiza Trust – creating sustainability and ensuring food safety
The partnership has grown over the years to encompass the vital areas of food security and sustainable livelihoods.
ARC - Growing women in agriculture, science and technology
As part of Women’s Month, the ARC is honouring women in agricultural science who continue to work tirelessly to mitigate food insecurity.
BRICS: Technology, low trade tariffs and farmer incentives could make Africa the food basket of the world
During one of the panel discussions at the BRICS Business Forum, sustainable development in agriculture and the promotion of trade and investment in agriculture across BRICS nations was discussed.
Xi Focus: Xi's inspection trips show key points of China's high-quality development
China has set attaining high-quality development as its primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects.
BRICS must be held to high standards if it wants credibility
OPINION: BRICS posture has changed dramatically from that of a few countries fighting for a bigger slice of the global economy to that of a group with daunting ambitions of being the anchor or mid-wife of an alternative world order, writes the author
What Africa can learn from China’s dry-alkali-tolerant wheat farming
Huanghua dry-alkali-tolerant wheat is a special variety developed to thrive in regions with high soil salinity and alkalinity.
Infrastructure is vital for sustainable growth in S. A
South Africa has a mammoth task, to accelerate economic growth and create job opportunities amid a global economic slump.
Observing China's whole-process people's democracy at two sessions
China should pay attention to the improvement of quality of life for vulnerable groups.
SA farmers’ eye-in-the-sky milestone
EOS SAT is touted as the world’s first agriculture-focused satellite constellation providing the agriculture and forestry industry with high-quality data to support efficient and sustainable practices.
Fifth CIIE writes story of win-win cooperation
The fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which concluded in Shanghai on Nov. 10, was indeed a fruitful event as expected.
WATCH: Egypt turns to solar power to reduce farming costs and emissions
As rises in temperatures affect different aspects of people's lives, in Egypt, climate change is affecting the Nile River, a water supply source that 10 countries rely on for their crops and power. As a result some Egyptian farmers have turned to solar power.
Fulbright Fellowship sharpens UKZN plant pathology professor’s gene editing skills
Prof Augustine Gubba will be utilising the latest advances in gene-editing technologies in his research programmes into developing plant virus resistance.
Dali people and Erhai Lake symbolizes harmony between man and nature
The ups and downs of the Bai people’s lives are closely intertwined with the water.