https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/bangladesh bangladesh https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:39:54 +0530 FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero warns of cascading impacts on energy, fertilizer supply, and global food systems as tanker traffic collapses and shipping risks surge The ongoing disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major shock to global commodity flows, with implications for energy, agriculture, and food security. According to Máximo Torero of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, tanker traffic through the corridor has dropped by more than 90 percent within days of the escalation. The strait typically carries around 20 million barrels of oil per day—about 35 percent of global crude flows—along with significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Speaking at a United Nations briefing, Torero described the situation as a systemic shock affecting global food systems, not just energy markets. He highlighted the Gulf region’s role in supplying nearly half of global sulfur, a key input in phosphate fertilizer production. Disruptions to sulfur flows could impact fertilizer output worldwide, including in major agricultural economies. Shipping challenges have intensified due to surging war-risk insurance premiums, with recovery expected to take months even if tensions ease. Systemic Shock Transmission To what extent does the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz represent a new class of systemic risk, where energy, fertilizer, and food supply chains converge into a single point of failure? The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most concentrated chokepoint for simultaneously disrupting energy, fertilizer, sulfur, and agrifood systems. Under normal conditions, it carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day (one‑quarter of global seaborne oil), one‑fifth of global LNG, and up to 30 percent of internationally traded fertilizers. The current conflict has collapsed tanker traffic by more than 90 percent within days, stalling an estimated 3–4 million tonnes of fertilizer trade per month. What makes this a new class of systemic risk is the convergence of three interdependent chains: Energy – oil and gas prices spiked 20–35 percent (Brent) and 50–75 percent (European gas). Fertilizer – no strategic reserves exist; urea prices rose 19 percent in one week. Sulfur – essential to produce phosphate fertilizer. Food – Gulf countries import 70–90 percent of their food, and import‑dependent nations face immediate yield threats. Because natural gas is the feedstock for nitrogen fertilizers, and sulfur (half of global trade passes through Hormuz) is essential for phosphate processing, a single disruption simultaneously raises fuel costs, fertilizer prices, and transport expenses. The FAO notes that “there are no large strategic fertilizer reserves comparable to oil stocks,” so any sustained interruption quickly elevates global food inflation. This convergence turns a maritime chokepoint into a single point of failure for the entire agrifood value chain. Fragility vs. Resilience of Globalization Does this crisis fundamentally challenge the assumption that globalized agricultural supply chains are efficiency‑maximizing, but structurally fragile in the face of geopolitical shocks? Global supply chains are needed to assure all countries have access to the diversity of food that is required and to use our natural resources optimally. Although it is true that on the inputs there are shock points  that increase the risks for global supply chains but will be the same for local supply chains. The FAO analysis shows that the current globalized system delivered low costs and just‑in‑time efficiency in peacetime, but the Hormuz disruption exposes its structural fragility. Within days, a conflict in one region removed a quarter of global oil trade, one‑third of fertilizer trade, and a major share of food demand from the Gulf. The document highlights that the Gulf States’ high import dependency (70–90 percent for staples) was sustainable only when trade routes were open. Once the strait closed, their strategic grain reserves (4–6 months) became a finite buffer, not a solution. Similarly, fertilizer‑importing countries like Bangladesh (53 percent Gulf dependency) and Kenya ( 40 percent ) face immediate shortages with no alternative supply chain ready. The FAO’s modeling of a “policy inaction baseline” shows that without coordinated intervention, real household income in Gulf countries could decline 14–18 percent, and global cereal producer income could drop nearly 5 percent. This is not a temporary inefficiency; it is a structural vulnerability built into efficiency‑maximized, highly concentrated supply chains. The crisis therefore challenges the assumption that globalization’s benefits automatically outweigh its geopolitical risks. Fertilizer Dependency Trap Given the heavy reliance on energy‑linked fertilizers, are we approaching a structural ceiling in yield growth, where input dependency itself becomes the primary constraint on global food security? The evidence points toward a growing constraint, not yet a hard ceiling, but dangerously close in many regions. Nitrogen fertilizers are produced from natural gas, and the Persian Gulf is a low‑cost producer. When energy prices spike, fertilizer prices follow directly. The FAO estimates that if the crisis continues, global fertilizer prices could average 15–20 percent higher in the first half of 2026. The “dependency trap” operates through three mechanisms: Cost‑driven reduction – Farmers facing high prices apply less fertilizer, reducing yields. No strategic reserves – Unlike oil, there is no global fertilizer stockpile to smooth shocks. Nonlinear yield response – In low‑input systems (e.g., sub‑Saharan Africa at ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/2942/adb-backs-water-efficient-irrigation-to-combat-drought-in-bangladeshs-vulnerable-regions.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/2942/adb-backs-water-efficient-irrigation-to-combat-drought-in-bangladeshs-vulnerable-regions.html Thu, 22 May 2025 10:59:30 +0530 In a push to promote sustainable agriculture and combat groundwater depletion in Bangladesh’s drought-prone Barind region, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a pilot project to encourage the adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation practices among local farmers The Barind area, located in the country's northwestern region, faces chronic water scarcity due to low rainfall and poor aquifer conditions. Groundwater is heavily relied upon for dry-season rice cultivation, raising concerns about the long-term viability of farming in the area. To address this challenge, ADB, in collaboration with several national and international partners, has initiated a study involving 1,000 farmers in Niamatpur Upazila of Naogaon District during the 2024–2025 Bboro season. Project partners include the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), DASCOH Foundation, Nippon Koei, Nodes Digital, and Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST). AWD is a scientifically proven irrigation technique that can reduce water usage by up to 20 per cent and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent, without compromising crop yields. Despite being introduced in Bangladesh in 2004, the adoption of AWD has remained limited. The current initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing technical support, capacity building, and data-driven validation of the technology’s benefits. IRRI is leading the technical aspects of the project, supporting farmers and partners in implementing AWD while monitoring water dynamics, GHG emissions, and socio-economic factors that influence adoption. In partnership with BRRI, IRRI also collects data to explore potential carbon credit opportunities linked to AWD usage. Nodes Digital and PUST have deployed Internet of Things (IoT)-based water sensors and automatic GHG measurement devices to enhance data collection. These are being cross-referenced with manual measurements to validate their accuracy and support wider application of smart agriculture technologies. The DASCOH Foundation is overseeing field-level training and farmer engagement, while Nippon Koei is examining irrigation behavior, GHG data, and business models for carbon trading under international standards such as the Gold Standard and Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). A media day held on April 28 showcased early results and generated broader awareness. The event brought together 50 participants, including 12 journalists from major media outlets, alongside representatives from government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and farming communities. Dr. Takashi Yamano, Principal Economist at ADB, highlighted AWD’s potential to conserve groundwater and reduce emissions. “AWD not only helps save water and lower costs, but also creates opportunities for farmers to benefit from global carbon credit markets,” he said. Farmers participating in the project reported positive outcomes, noting a reduction of 4–5 irrigation events, increased tiller density, and the potential for slightly higher yields compared to previous seasons. Representatives from the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) echoed the urgency of widespread AWD adoption in light of worsening groundwater scarcity. IRRI officials noted that adopting AWD across 50 per cent of Bangladesh’s dry-season rice fields could save approximately $30 million annually in irrigation costs. Representatives from PUST and Nodes Digital reinforced the role of technology in promoting precision farming and sustainability. The event concluded with a strong consensus among stakeholders on scaling up AWD adoption as a critical step toward ensuring sustainable groundwater use and securing agricultural productivity in one of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable farming regions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1655/csbi-joines-forces-to-boost-agricultural-research-and-innovation-in-bangladesh.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1655/csbi-joines-forces-to-boost-agricultural-research-and-innovation-in-bangladesh.html Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:51:03 +0530 Signs Mou to support sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh In a significant development for the global agricultural research community, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and CABI have come together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement, inked on 9th October 2023 at BARI’s seminar hall, paves the way for collaborative research. As a part of the workplan, efforts are underway to establish the Trichogramma rearing facilities under CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme. These will increase the availability of the biological control (biocontrol) agent for local communities. Dr. Debasish Sarker, the Director-General of BARI and CABI’s Dr. Vinod Pandit, Acting Regional Director for South Asia, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Ashraf Uddin Ahmed, Chief Scientific Officer of BARI’s Training and Communication Wing (T&C), Dr. Nirmal Kumar Dutta, Chief Scientific Officer of the Entomology Division, and Dr. Md. Saleh Ahmed, CABI’s Country Representative in Bangladesh. Dr. Malvika Chaudhary, Regional Coordinator Asia for PlantwisePlus, joined virtually and spoke in the event. The event was coordinated by Dr. Md. Imran Khan Choudhury, Principal Scientific Officer of T&C, BARI. Scientists and staff members from T&C and the Entomology Division, and CABI staff were also present at the ceremony. Under this MoU, CABI commits to sharing its knowledge and expertise in agricultural research, innovation, and development with BARI. The shared objectives of this partnership include helping Bangladesh to predict, prevent, and prepare for plant health threats. This ensures that smallholder farmers reduce their crop losses and produce more and safe food.  All in the face of a changing climate. Additionally, CABI and BARI will work together to create, manage, and disseminate valuable information through various means. This includes collaborative research, training, policy advocacy and promoting digital technologies. This collaboration will drive agricultural innovation and boost the agricultural sector’s overall sustainability. Both organizations will also initiate activities of mutual interest, such as joint research, conferences, workshops, and training, to further their common goals. CABI, with its expertise in plant health science, will provide technical support to various research activities at BARI. Particularly in the areas of conservation and sustainable use of biocontrol agents. Plus, knowledge management for safe and high-quality food production, and export enhancement. On the other hand, BARI has committed to supporting CABI by connecting it with BARI’s resource hub where possible, sharing knowledge and expertise in agricultural research and innovation, and providing technical support for research in different aspects of crop production. This includes integrated pest management and the promotion of biopesticides. BARI will also offer laboratory, scientific, and field facilities for collaborative research projects. The signing of this agreement signifies a new era of cooperation in the field of agricultural research and innovation in Bangladesh. BARI and CABI’s partnership promises to bring about positive changes in the agricultural landscape of the country, fostering growth and sustainability in the sector. This collaboration holds great promise for the future of agriculture in Bangladesh, aiming to address the challenges and opportunities of the agricultural sector through science and technology-driven solutions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1224/new-digital-tools-for-more-sustainable-shrimp-production-in-bangladesh.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1224/new-digital-tools-for-more-sustainable-shrimp-production-in-bangladesh.html Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:44:08 +0530 Exeter team develops a innovative tools for shrimp hatcheries to strengthen supply chain across Bangladesh's more than 300,000 fishing farmers Researchers at the University of Exeter are helping the Bangladesh shrimp industry become more sustainable through a new set of digital training tools. The digital tools created by the Exeter team are for shrimp hatcheries, which produce larval shrimp and supply the entire industry of more than 300,000 farmers across Bangladesh. They have been produced in collaboration with shrimp hatcheries and in-country partners WorldFish and the Centre for Communication Action Bangladesh. The shrimp industry is hugely important for the Bangladesh economy, employing around 3.5 million people. It is a key source of dietary protein for the Bangladeshi people. The industry has expanded rapidly over the past 40 years but now faces increasing losses from disease – partly due to poor biosecurity (preventing the introduction and spread of harmful organisms). This has substantial economic, social and environmental costs.  “Our project aims to help the Bangladesh shrimp aquaculture industry become more sustainable by improving biosecurity,” said Professor Charles Tyler, project lead. “If we can support the shrimp industry to improve biosecurity in Bangladesh, this should in turn increase productivity and lower the impacts on biodiversity loss, pollution of water systems and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.” Lead researcher Dr Kelly Thornber said: “Most biosecurity training materials are not aimed at low-income, extensive farming systems, which are commonly found across Bangladesh, and they are usually technical and text-based, so not very appropriate or readily accessible. “By working with in-country partners, we have identified pragmatic solutions that are simple and relatively cheap to implement. “We have developed a set of digital training videos, a self-assessment app and monitoring sheets, to make biosecurity training more engaging and accessible.”  “In this endeavour disease control is key, and therefore projects such as this, focused on training and improving biosecurity measures, are hugely important for the long-term sustainability of the industry.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1177/aquaculture-in-bangladesh-more-than-just-a-load-of-carp.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1177/aquaculture-in-bangladesh-more-than-just-a-load-of-carp.html Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:01:00 +0530 New research provides insights into small-scale carp production in Bangladesh, aiding targeted policies for sustainable aquaculture WorldFish is a leading partner of the CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods, which aims to unlock the full potential of aquatic food systems by tackling systemic challenges to their sustainability and resilience through research and innovation.New research provides a clearer picture of small-scale carp production in Bangladesh, which could support the development of more targeted policies to boost sustainable aquaculture in the country. Aquaculture plays a vital role in economic growth, rural development and food and nutrition security in Bangladesh, with the country ranked as the world’s third-largest inland fish producer after India and China. While the output of farmed fish tripled between 2003 and 2022, improving productivity, management and sustainability has been hampered by a lack of accurate and up-to-date data and information on the sector. A new study by researchers from WorldFish and partners, as part of the CGIAR Aquatic Foods Initiative, engaged over 200 stakeholders to gather insights from eight regions of Bangladesh on different small-scale production models for the country’s most popular aquaculture species: carp. The sessions brought together representatives from academia, NGOs, research institutions, national government, farmers, feed suppliers and more. The discussions revealed that polyculture systems involving combinations of different species of carp (typically rohu, catla and mrigal) dominated the aquaculture landscape, with significant variability in the range of production models. The researchers categorised these into four types, according to the level of intensification and the dominant carp species, combined with prevailing socio-economic conditions (e.g., the cost of feed and labour), infrastructure (e.g., the state of the road network for transporting fish seed or grow out fish), and environmental conditions (e.g., the incidence of flash floods, droughts and water pollution) affecting production. The stakeholders identified the availability of high-quality seed, transport and flash floods as key determinants impacting the production system. They also flagged that climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic intensified the impacts. Researchers also noted an important shift in small-scale carp aquaculture in the country – from subsistence to commercially-orientated production. They found that commercial fish farmers typically preferred to have available and use improved strains selected for traits such as large size and rapid growth. “This study provides valuable insights into the enormous potential for sustainable expansion of carp aquaculture in Bangladesh. The information provided by stakeholders sheds light on the variability within the sector, something that has generally not been visible in the highly-aggregated data available up to now. These new insights help us better understand the dynamics of the sector, the preferences and interests of its many stakeholders, and the opportunities for targeted and more localised policies and actions to improve and boost production,” said, Cristiano Rossignoli Co-author WorldFish. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1160/bangladeshi-langra-ashwina-mangoes-and-tulshimala-rice-earns-gi-tag.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1160/bangladeshi-langra-ashwina-mangoes-and-tulshimala-rice-earns-gi-tag.html Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:44:56 +0530 Fifteen products from Bangladesh have been recognised as GI products Bangladesh’s four more products, including the yoghurt of Bogura, mango varieties Langra and Ashwina from Chapainawabganj Aman variety of the fragrant Tulshimala rice from Sherpur have been recognised as geographical indication (GI) products. Md Zillur Rahman, deputy registrar (Trade Marks) of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), informed. The department under the industries ministry issued GI certificates to the four products recently. As a result of this, fifteen products from Bangladesh have been recognised as GI products thus far. These products include Jamdani, Ilish, Muslin, Rajshahi silk, Rangpur's Shatranji, Dinajpur's Kataribhog rice, Rajshahi's Fazli mango, and Chapainawabganj. Bogura, frequently referred to as the yoghurt capital, employs 400 manufacturers of varying sizes to create an average of 50 tonnes of yoghurt daily. During holidays like Eid, demand for fermented dairy product rises. The GI certification is seen by Nurul Bashar Chandan of Asia Sweets as a fantastic opportunity to expand the yoghurt industry. Asia Sweets is currently the top producer of yoghurt in Bogura, producing about 1,000 kg of yoghurt each day. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1118/bayers-smallholder-farming-initiatives-strive-to-improve-growers-income.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/1118/bayers-smallholder-farming-initiatives-strive-to-improve-growers-income.html Fri, 30 Jun 2023 09:45:19 +0530 Since joining Bayer's Independent Research projects in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Mexico/Honduras, smallholder farmers' income has increased by 70 to 90 percent Smallholder farmers say livelihoods have improved after participating in initiatives led by life sciences company Bayer. This is the result of research by independent social impact measurement company 60 Decibels on four Bayer smallholder projects in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Mexico/Honduras. In each of the four surveys, a clear majority of participants states that the programs have increased their yields and farming income and improved their way of farming as well as their quality of life, ranging from around 70 percent in Mexico and Honduras to around 90 percent in Kenya. Bayer recognizes the critical role of the 550 million smallholders worldwide in ensuring food security in low- and middle-income countries and for more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. In 2019, the company set the goal to support 100 million smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries by 2030. To ensure that the implemented smallholder farming strategy contributes to that goal and delivers measurable positive impact, Bayer asked 60 Decibels to examine four projects as a starting point. ”The positive results are encouraging because they validate the objectives of Bayer’s smallholder and regenerative agriculture strategy, with its focus on sustainable production and improving the social and economic well-being of farmers and their communities,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy and Sustainability of Bayer’s Crop Science division. “The results underline the importance of access to innovation and modern technologies for smallholders, along with knowledge transfer and market linkage.” 60 Decibels surveyed between 275 and 700 randomly selected smallholders in each of the projects from October 2022 to April 2023. The core set of questions are based on longstanding sector research by 60 Decibels and are an integral part of each impact survey they conduct. Regionally tailored programs lead to positive social impact The different programs for smallholders are tailored to the needs and agronomic conditions in the respective regions. The Better Life Farming (BLF) initiative in India is part of the global Better Life Farming Alliance that Bayer established in partnership with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation and Netafim, along with many local partners. At its core, the alliance aims to provide smallholders with education, modern technology, and resources to grow their small farms into commercially viable and sustainable farming businesses. More than 2,500 Better Life Farming centers operating in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mexico, Honduras, and Tanzania improve farmers’ access in remote rural regions through the last-mile delivery model. Two thirds of farmers said they have accessed a service like BLF for the first time and feel more confident than before about investing in agriculture. Through the Better Life Farming (BLF) initiative: 78% experienced increased crop production ; 72% reported increased farming income; 74% achieved a better way of farming; 71% said that quality of life has improved. Similarly, In Bangladesh, GeoPotato is designed to support small-scale potato farmers by enabling preventive crop protection and easier decision-making. It is a geodata-driven early warning system for late-blight disease in potatoes to optimize fungicide use, devised by Wageningen Plant Research, Terrasphere, mPower, Bayer and governmental institutions. The study showed that GeoPotato has proven successful and is unique in late-blight alert messaging. It contributes to smallholder farmers’ resilience and recovery from climate shocks. Through GeoPotato: 86% experienced increased crop production, 83% reported increased farming income; 87% achieved a better way of farming; 82% said that quality of life has improved. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/963/bangladesh-lifts-fumigation-requirements-on-u-s-cotton.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/963/bangladesh-lifts-fumigation-requirements-on-u-s-cotton.html Fri, 19 May 2023 12:21:21 +0530 This shift will remove a significant export barrier for U.S. cotton to Bangladesh A Cotton Council International (CCI)-sponsored Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture Delegation's U.S. visit coupled with indispensable efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Dhaka, ultimately convinced the Bangladesh government to relax its nearly-five-decade-long fumigation requirement on U.S. cotton imports. This shift will remove a significant export barrier for U.S. cotton to Bangladesh, as well as save Bangladeshi mills time and money as they look to the U.S. to fill their cotton fibre import needs. Bangladeshi mills have been paying over a million dollars annually to cover unnecessary fumigation costs imposed on cotton imported from the U.S. U.S. exporters will continue to use APHIS-generated phytosanitary certificates, but under the new regulation, the certificate will have additional language confirming no live boll weevils are in U.S. baled cotton. APHIS will issue revised instructions for exporters. Bangladesh's Agricultural and Commerce Ministries' decision to lift the fumigation requirements came after six Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture delegation members joined a CCI-sponsored U.S. cotton tour coordinated with the National Cotton Council (NCC).  The delegation learned why U.S. cotton bales do not harbour live boll weevils, including a review of the U.S. cotton industry's successful Boll Weevil Eradication Program and its modern cotton harvesting and standardized ginning techniques. Bangladesh presently ranks as the No. 2 global importer of cotton, according to the USDA FAS's global market analysis in May 2023. Although there is some domestic cotton produced in Bangladesh, it accounts for 1 per cent or less of the total demand. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/639/crocodile-farming-in-asia-needs-a-push.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/639/crocodile-farming-in-asia-needs-a-push.html Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:32:31 +0530 According to a report, the global crocodile farming market is projected to grow at 5 per cent CAGR during the forecast period of 2022-2030. But on the other hand,Crocodile farming, which is one of the growing industries in Asia and Australia, is facing challenges due to the export restrictions in many countries. Amendments in export policy and better infrastructure will give a big push to the crocodile farming industry in Asia. Recently 22 freshwater baby crocodiles were seized in Thailand, a man was selling baby crocodiles on Tik Tok. Phuket Provincial Fisheries office took action against the man and found crocodiles in a small pool. The farmer was selling baby crocodiles on social media due to restrictions on crocodile exports.  Crocodile farming is a popular business in Asia. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Bangladesh are having crocodile farming companies. The purpose of crocodile farming is to get meat, skin, oil, medicine and other things. Crocodile meat is known for low cholesterol and high protein. Luxury brands use crocodile skin to make expensive fashion products. In Malaysia, Thailand and Papua Guinea crocodile related events are getting popular. The farming and breeding of crocodiles are also beneficial for the growth of tourism in these countries. But due to trade restrictions farms are suffering losses.   In Thailand, there are many crocodile farms across the country, but the crocodile farm business is dwindling due to the regulations on cross-border trade. Crocodile farmers in Thailand have demanded relaxation in regulations. During the pandemic, there were tight regulations on the export of crocodile meat and skin. Thailand’s crocodile industry’s $ 200 million annual sales plunged which is around 90 per cent.   In Cambodia, farmers are seeking help from the government to find more international markets for export. Cambodian farmers export crocodiles to Vietnam and Thailand. During the pandemic price of crocodiles has dropped drastically. Previously farmers were selling per crocodile for $500 to $800, but now the price of the crocodile has dropped to $30 to $40 per head.   Bangladesh’s first commercial crocodile farm suffered serious losses during the pandemic, as many crocodiles died due to food shortages and a complete halt in the export of crocodiles. The Reptile's Farm is located at Hatibeer of Mymensingh's Bhaluka upazila and it shipped 1507 skins between 2014 and 2019. The farm has been exporting skin to Japan for the last five years. The farm is now having more than 2,500 crocodiles out of 93 at the breeding stage and 500 are ready to shed skins that could be processed and exported. The farm is waiting to relax export restrictions and plans to export 1,000 skins annually. A piece of skin can bring $600 to $700. Vietnam’s crocodile farming is also facing heavy losses as the pandemic affected meat export. Vietnamese traders were dependent on China. HCM City in Vietnam is a crocodile hub of the country. The city is farming 2 lakhs animals every year. City also developed eco-tourism but during covid 19 outbreak city’s revenue dropped by 80 per cent. Vietnamese farmers are expecting planning and investment for the development of the industry.  According to a report, the global crocodile farming market is projected to grow at 5 per cent CAGR during the forecast period of 2022-2030. According to a United Nations Environment report in 2017 more than two million crocodile skins are traded annually across the world.  There are around 27 species of crocodile in the world, all species are listed under Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) but most of them are used for trade. Nine species are used for meat across the world. Nile crocodiles and New Guinea crocodiles are two species considered to have stable wild populations and low-concern conservation status by the International Union for Conservation status. There are three other species which are having stable populations and low conservation concerns mugger, saltwater crocodile and Morelet crocodile. These three types of crocodiles are raised for fashion and accessories purposes. Species like the American alligator, spectacled caiman, and broad-snouted caiman are raised for meat purposes.   Crocodile farming is one of the growing industries in Asia and Australia, Due to the export restrictions many of the crocodile farms in Asia are in problem. On the other hand, luxury brands are also entering into crocodile farming. French fashion brand Hermes built one of the biggest crocodile farms in Australia, which can hold 50,000 saltwater crocodiles.  Crocodile farms in Asia  Sriracha Farm Asia is one of the oldest crocodile farms in Thailand, supplying fresh and processed crocodile meat. The company also supplies crocodile skin. For more than three decades the company has been into crocodile farming. Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo is one of the oldest and largest crocodile farms in Thailand, the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo is a popular tourist attraction that is home to over 100,000 crocodiles.Pattaya Crocodile Farm is located in the coastal city of Pattaya, this crocodile farm offers daily crocodile shows and other attractions for visitors.Koorana Crocodile Farm is from Australia and has operations in Indonesia, this company breeds and raises saltwater crocodiles for meat, skin, and other products. It has operations in both Australia and Indonesia.CROCODYLUS PARK is also from Australia and has operations in Indonesia CROCODYLUS PARK breeds saltwater crocodiles for meat, skin, and other products. Park also offers tours and educational programs to visitors. Malindo Feedmill Company is a leading producer of animal feed in Indonesia, including feed for crocodile farming.Taman Buaya Indonesia is a crocodile farm, and the zoo is located in the city of Medan in North Sumatra and is one of the largest crocodile farms in Indonesia.Langkapuri Crocodile Farm in Malaysia located in the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo, this crocodile farm breeds and raises saltwater crocodiles for their meat and skin. Crocodile farming, which is one of the growing industries in Asia and Australia, is facing challenges due to the export restrictions in many countries. Amendments in export policy and better infrastructure will give a big push to the crocodile farming industry in Asia. By Shraddha Warde shraddha.warde@mmactiv.com ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/454/dmcc-and-bsaf-collaborate-to-boost-agri-commodities-trade-with-south-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/454/dmcc-and-bsaf-collaborate-to-boost-agri-commodities-trade-with-south-asia.html Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:59:30 +0530 MoU to focus on FoodTech and AgriTech projects, business opportunities, and knowledge transfer through events. The world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – and the Bharat Subcontinent Agri Foundation (BSAF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see the two entities collaborate to advance the global agricultural (agri) commodities sector between the UAE and South Asia. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, and Sudhakar Tomar, Chairman of BSAF, at the inaugural South Asia Agri Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal. Targeting the growth of the global agri commodities sector and solidifying agri trade ties between the UAE and the South Asian subcontinent – which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal – the MoU will see DMCC and BSAF partner in FoodTech and AgriTech projects, share prospective business opportunities and enhance knowledge transfer through exhibitions and conferences. On the signing, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said, “DMCC has a longstanding and proud track record doing business with South Asia. Today, we are home to over 4,250 members from the region covering agri and many other sectors. The timing of this MOU with BSAF is strategically very important as trade has soared between the UAE and South Asia in recent years and will only grow further with the signing of new CEPA agreements and food trade corridors, including the recent UAE-India CEPA.” Sudhakar Tomar, Chairman of BSAF, said, “We are delighted to partner with DMCC in building the next chapter of agri-food trade between South Asia and the UAE. This is a vibrant new partnership which will provide crucial knowledge sharing in the wider efforts to grow South Asia’s connectivity and enhance food security at the regional and global levels.” DMCC has a longstanding history of driving agri trade between South Asia and the UAE. With growing awareness of global food security issues, agri goods occupy an increasingly strategic role in DMCC’s commodities mix, which encompasses tea, coffee, soya, sugar, spices and many other agri commodities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/310/ifc-singapores-agrocorp-partner-to-improve-food-security-in-bangladesh.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/310/ifc-singapores-agrocorp-partner-to-improve-food-security-in-bangladesh.html Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:20:33 +0530 IFC investment is in line with a new $6 billion Global Food Security Platform (GFSP). To improve food security in Bangladesh at a time of rising commodity prices amidst a global shortfall of staple crops, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is providing a $32.5 million loan to Singapore-based agricultural commodity-trading company Agrocorp International, which is a leading supplier of wheat and pulses to the South-Asian country. IFC, the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, is providing an eight-year financing package consisting of a senior secured loan of up to $18 million as well as a concessional loan of $14.5 million from the International Development Association’s Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility. At a time when trade financing has been constrained globally amid price instability, the investment will allow Agrocorp to buy and deliver millions of tons of wheat and pulses from Australia and Canada to Bangladesh, providing safe, nutritious, and calorie-rich staples to the country at a time of heightened food insecurity. These staples are sold to millers and food processors, which depend on them to produce basic foods for the Bangladeshi population. The IFC investment is in line with a new $6 billion Global Food Security Platform (GFSP), which aims to mobilise private investment to address the deterioration in food security, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable countries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/306/azelis-establishes-its-presence-in-bangladesh.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/306/azelis-establishes-its-presence-in-bangladesh.html Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:49:17 +0530 Azelis’ Bangladesh office serves the pharma, food, agricultural, CASE and personal care markets. Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the chemicals and food ingredients industry has announced the opening of its first office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is an integral part of the group’s organic growth strategy to strengthen its footprint across the South Asian continent and provide additional solutions and expertise to customers. Azelis’ rapid growth in South Asia, along with the support of its partners, enabled Azelis to further invest in its geographical expansion. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Bangladesh is an important hub that offers many new business opportunities in key markets across the life sciences and industrial chemicals industries. Azelis’ Bangladesh office serves the pharma, food, agricultural, CASE and personal care markets, complementing its more than 30 offices across the region. This new expansion brings Azelis closer to its customers in Bangladesh, deepening customer intimacy and supporting growth in Asia Pacific, while also enabling closer collaboration with partners and reducing complexity for their sales organization. Aparna Khurana, Azelis India Managing Director, said, “Expanding into Bangladesh is a strong reflection of our commitment to organic business growth and remaining a leader in our industry through providing innovative solutions to a wider audience.” Vivek Pandey, Bangladesh Country Manager, said, “Through our new Bangladesh office, we aim to support our existing principals by bringing their product portfolio to a larger audience, leading to new and untapped opportunities in a market with high potential. We will also be able to better support local customers directly, by bringing our sales capabilities, technical expertise and supply chain solutions closer to them, along with better sourcing and product availability, as we collaborate to develop solutions that meet their needs.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/288/syngenta-and-plantix-launch-ai-farming-tools-for-farmers-in-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/288/syngenta-and-plantix-launch-ai-farming-tools-for-farmers-in-asia.html Mon, 12 Dec 2022 13:25:27 +0530 The Cropwise Grower app is now available in India in nine languages and will be progressively rolled out in Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Syngenta and image recognition specialist, Plantix, have launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital farming tools. Which is set to provide access to at least half a million smallholder farmers across the Asia Pacific. The partnership gives Asia’s smallholder farmers access to a global database of over 50 crops and 500 diseases, which will be available through Syngenta’s Cropwise Grower app for farmers. The app uses the power of data to protect crop yields with on-demand advice on agricultural best-practices crop protection solutions. With a rollout covering five countries and 750,000 hectares of farmland, the farming app will widen access to smart farming features for half a million farmers producing staple cash crops such as cotton, rice, corn, wheat and more. Using AI, Cropwise Grower will allow farmers to take a photo of their crop problem, and in real-time, diagnose crop pests and diseases with 93 per cent accuracy. The Plantix algorithms analyse the image to identify the issue and provide a recommendation. The uploaded images are also geo-tagged so that the app is able to alert farmers with early warnings when pest and disease pressures are identified in their surrounding area. Targeting farmers in Asia’s top agriculture economies, the Cropwise Grower app is now available in India in nine languages and will be progressively rolled out in Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. “The emergence of challenges, such as new pests and diseases with climate change, coupled with extreme weather events, have made farming incrementally challenging. By bringing smart solutions closer to farmers, AI and data can help them overcome traditional constraints and information gaps. Our aim is to make digital tools as commonly used by smallholder farmers as the traditional rake here in the Asia Pacific. This partnership taps into our extensive regional networks to make this technology accessible at a large scale,” said Alexander Berkovskiy, APAC Regional Director at Syngenta. Features of the Cropwise Grower app have been designed and tested with rural farmers in mind and include critical elements which are available offline for users in areas with intermittent internet connection. It is tailored to regional crops and diseases and will be available in local languages, including nine local languages across India. Historical diagnoses and recommended solutions can be stored for on-demand offline access by farmers. “As part of our commitment to the communities in which we operate, we are investing heavily in digital and believe that it has the power to help farmers make better decisions, reduce crop losses and increase yields,” explained Chris Chen, APAC Head of Digital Transformation at Syngenta. “Cropwise Grower is the vehicle that allows us a direct connection, at scale, with millions of growers across the Asia Pacific. By ensuring the end-to-end user flow is 100 per cent automated, the partnership with Plantix allows an accurate diagnosis and recommendation to be provided in less than five seconds. This real-time feedback will be critical in driving behavioural change for our smallholder farmers across the region,” he adds. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/270/bangladesh-farmers-revive-floating-farms-technique.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/270/bangladesh-farmers-revive-floating-farms-technique.html Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:01:41 +0530 Around 600 farmers have adopted the method which played a critical role in maintaining agricultural production.   Farmers from Bangladesh have revived a 200-year-old agriculture practice using rafts as a secure platform for farming. Due to the threat of prolonged waterlogging threat farmers have started using the ancient method of farming. According to the local media around 600 farmers have adopted the method which played a critical role in maintaining agricultural production.   Due to the low-lying area, Bangladesh is considered the most climate-vulnerable country, with the impact of rising water levels by storms, floods and erosion. According to the Global Climate, Risk Index 2021 Bangladesh was ranked seventh in the list of countries suffering from climate change between 2000 and 2019. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, rising sea levels and coastal erosion could cause Bangladesh to lose 17 per cent of its land surface and 30 per cent of food production by 2050. Cyclones from the Bay of Bengal frequently hit Bangladesh and global warming has changed the rainfall pattern, due to which farming has become vulnerable in the country.     ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/237/bangladesh-to-form-dairy-development-act.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/237/bangladesh-to-form-dairy-development-act.html Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:43:18 +0530 A dairy development board will be established to take decisions on dairy development. Bangladesh Government formulating Dairy Development Board Act to overhaul the dairy sector. After formulating the act a dairy development board will be established to take decisions on dairy development. According to the local media, the board will also look into the issues including government cooperation, market management and monitoring, organising farmers, and creating an environment to sell dairy and dairy foods at fair prices. The proposed act has been sent to the law ministry for vetting after it got an initial nod from the cabinet. In the last four years, the price of milk at the consumer level has increased by 48 per cent, but dairy farmers have not received a fair price. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/161/central-coastal-agricultural-research-institute-launches-a-coastal-agricultural-information-system.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/161/central-coastal-agricultural-research-institute-launches-a-coastal-agricultural-information-system.html Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:00:52 +0530 The function was attended by eight foreign and six national participants from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives and Vietnam The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) has launched a Coastal Agricultural Information System (CAIS) developed by ICAR-CCARI. CAIS launched for the benefit of farmers, scientists and policymakers during the ongoing 5-day international training program on "Diversification of Coastal Agroecosystems for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Security”. The program was organised by ICAR-CCARI in collaboration with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF). The inaugural function was attended by eight foreign and six national participants from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives and Vietnam. ICAR Director General (natural resource management) Suresh Kumar Chaudhari stressed on the importance of diversification, climate resilience and livelihood in coastal regions as different components of the training program. He also said CAIS will act as a knowledge platform and a way forward for sustainable coastal agriculture benefiting farmers, scientists and policymakers. CIFOR-ICRAF Country Director, Chandrashekhar Biradar stressed that "climate change is a fact and rising sea level, and land degradation, especially in coastal regions which are adversely impacting agriculture." Highlighting the importance of the training programme, CIFOR-ICRAF Asia Director Javed Rizvi urged the participating countries to identify opportunities for mutual collaboration. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/145/philippines-approves-commercial-cultivation-of-bt-eggplant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/145/philippines-approves-commercial-cultivation-of-bt-eggplant.html Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:27:30 +0530 The Philippines Government approved the commercial cultivation of the borer-resistant Bt Eggplant in the Philippines. The Philippines is the second country after Bangladesh to be approved for the cultivation of Bt Eggplant. This regulatory approval came after strict and comprehensive biosafety evaluations conducted by the Joint Assessment Group comprised of representatives from Competent National Authorities-Biosafety Committees, and the certification of the Event EE-1 as a Plant Incorporated Protectant (Group 11A Insecticide) by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. Prior to this approval for commercial propagation, the DA-BPI also approved Bt eggplant for direct use as food, feed, or for processing, affirming its safety for consumption. Bt eggplant contains a natural protein from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, making it resistant to the crop’s most devastating insect pest – the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). This Bt protein is highly specific to EFSB larvae and is safe for humans, animals, and other non-target arthropods. “The biosafety approval for commercial propagation allows us to scale up our operations and ensure the availability of the Bt eggplant seeds in the coming years”, said Dr Lourdes Taylo, the current leader of the Bt Eggplant Project in the Philippines. Bt eggplant was developed in India in 2002, but India banned commercial cultivation of Bt eggplant in 2010 because of opposition from environmentalists and food safety activists. In 2013 Bangladesh approved a genetically modified version of the eggplant, also known as aubergine and brinjal ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/133/godrej-agrovet-inks-mou-with-assam-manipur-and-tripura-govts-under-nmeo-op-scheme.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/133/godrej-agrovet-inks-mou-with-assam-manipur-and-tripura-govts-under-nmeo-op-scheme.html Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:03:40 +0530 The collaboration will bring new opportunities and growth in building oil palm plantation in Assam, Manipur and Tripura. Godrej Agrovet, one of India’s largest diversified agribusiness companies, today announced that it has signed three MoUs (Memorandum of Understand) with Assam Manipur and Tripura state governments for development and promotion of oil palm cultivation in the region under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) scheme. In August 2021, Government of India had launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEOOP) with planned outlay of Rs 11,040 Crore. Under this mission, Government has envisaged to raise area under cultivation of oil palm to 10 Lakh hectares by 2025-26 and 16.7 Lakh hectares by 2029-30 with special focus on the North East region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As part of the MoU signed, Godrej Agrovet will be allotted land across the three states for promotion and development of sustainable palm oil plantations in the region. The collaboration will bring new opportunities and growth in building oil palm plantation in these three states and would help to provide the required support to the farmers. Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited, said, “With more than thirty years of experience in oil palm business, Godrej Agrovet has been working and educating farmers from North East on sustainable palm oil plantation processes. Currently, we have around 65,000 hectares under palm oil cultivation across the country, which we plan to increase to 1 lakh hectares in the next few years. We are confident that the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) along with active participation of responsible organisations such as Godrej Agrovet will lead to bridging the gap in India’s oil mission.” Sougata Niyogi, CEO – Oil Palm, Godrej Agrovet Limited, added, “We have been invested in promoting and developing north east as a growth market for palm oil cultivation for over a decade. According to industry estimates, these states have utilised less than 1% of its potential. These states promise huge opportunity for growth and improving income of the farming household. With our processing plant in Mizoram, we are prepared to sustainably serve the demand of the north east markets. With active support of the state governments, we can develop 15000 hectares in four North Eastern states in the next five years.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/134/centre-amends-export-policy-for-wheat-flour-to-ensure-food-security-2.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/93/134/centre-amends-export-policy-for-wheat-flour-to-ensure-food-security-2.html Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:02:18 +0530 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister,  Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for amendment of policy of exemption for Wheat or Meslin Flour (HS Code 1101) from export restrictions or ban. Russia and Ukraine are the major exporters of wheat accounting for around 1/4th of the global wheat trade. The conflict between them led to the global wheat supply chain disruptions increasing demand for Indian wheat. As a result, the price of wheat in the domestic market showed an increase. In order to ensure food security for 1.4 billion people of the country, the decision was taken to put a prohibition on export of wheat in May 2022. However, due to prohibition on export of wheat (which was done to put a check on increasing prices in domestic market and to ensure food security in the country), the demand for wheat flour has increased in foreign markets and it’s exports from India have registered a growth of 200 per cent during April-July 2022 compared to the corresponding period in 2021.  Earlier, there was a policy not to prohibit or put any restrictions on the export of Wheat flour. Therefore, a partial modification of the policy was required by withdrawing the exemption from ban/ restrictions on export for Wheat Flour in order to ensure food security and put a check on mounting prices of Wheat flour in the country. The increased demand for wheat flour in the international market led to significant price rise of wheat flour in the domestic market. The approval will now allow a restriction on the export of Wheat Flour which will ensure a curb on rising prices of wheat flour and ensure food security of the most vulnerable sections of the society. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) shall issue a notification to this effect. ]]>