In the first quarter of 2026, Netafim, Orbia's precision agriculture division, recorded a 7% increase in revenue, reaching $290 million, fueled by strong demand in Turkey and Brazil. Orbia anticipates this momentum to continue, supported by the launch of new technological solutions and growing demand in emerging markets.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Netafim Reports 7% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026, Orbia’s Precis..." - 29 April 2026
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The formulation of microcapsules for pesticides in China is undergoing significant evolution, with the addition of 20 new active ingredients since 2023, thereby expanding their applications. Insecticides still dominate the market, but herbicides are experiencing notable growth, surpassing insecticides for the first time. Microencapsulation is seen as a solution to extend the value of active ingredients in light of regulatory restrictions.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Chinese Pesticidal Microcapsule Formulation Observation: 20 ..." - 28 April 2026
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Fertilizer production in India experienced a significant decline of 24.6% in March 2026 compared to March 2025, a direct consequence of disruptions in natural gas imports due to the Middle East conflict. This gas is crucial for urea production, a vital fertilizer for Indian agriculture, which employs 45% of the population. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which many fertilizers transit, raises concerns about global food security as India seeks to diversify its supply sources.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "India fertiliser output drops a quarter on Mideast war" - 23 April 2026
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The Omani government has unveiled a $240 million investment portfolio aimed at enhancing food security through 11 projects in agriculture and aquaculture. This program, developed by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizes self-sufficiency and export, featuring diverse projects ranging from vegetable cultivation to shrimp and abalone production, while integrating sustainable value chains.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Oman Launches $240M Food Security Investment Portfolio Acros..." - 22 April 2026
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Laminarin, a polysaccharide derived from Laminaria japonica, is on the verge of being approved by the Institute for the Control of Agrochemical Products of the Ministry of Agriculture of China (ICAMA), marking a significant advancement in the use of biopesticides. This innovative product, submitted by Laboratoires Goëmar, activates the natural defense of plants against diseases such as Botrytis cinerea and Podosphaera xanthii, providing an ecological alternative to traditional fungicides.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Breakthrough in biopesticides: Laminaria japonica Polysaccha..." - 22 April 2026
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As the Kharif season of 2026 approaches, the Indian crop protection industry faces significant climate challenges, including forecasts of below-normal rainfall. Companies must adapt to changing market conditions, where the demand for herbicides may vary considerably based on planting delays and local conditions. A proactive approach grounded in accurate data will be essential to navigate this uncertain season.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "El Niño could reshape India’s herbicide market in 2026. Is t..." - 22 April 2026
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The National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center of China (NATESC) has highlighted the growing challenges posed by weeds in rice paddies, exacerbated by simplified cropping systems and increased resistance to certain herbicides. The 2026 plan proposes region-specific strategies, including recommendations on active herbicide ingredients, while emphasizing the importance of crop rotation to combat weed resistance.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Popular rice field herbicides recommended by NATESC in China" - 21 April 2026
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A team of researchers has identified the Xa48 gene, providing a new avenue for the selection of rice varieties resistant to bacterial blight (BB), a disease threatening rice production in Asia. This breakthrough enhances understanding of the trade-offs between yield and resistance, while establishing a research platform to bolster crop protection. The findings, published in Nature, open new prospects for the genetic improvement of rice in the face of phytosanitary challenges.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Gene discovery opens new path for disease-resistant rice bre..." - 20 April 2026
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Two Chinese companies, DEEP Robotics in collaboration with JD Logistics, have introduced quadruped and wheeled robots to facilitate the transport of freshly harvested tea leaves at the Longwu plantation, addressing logistical and labor challenges in the mountainous West Lake Longjing region. This innovative project aims to enhance the efficiency of premium tea harvesting while addressing the rural labor shortage.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "DEEP Robotics Deploys Robot Dogs for Tea Leaf Transport in C..." - 6 April 2026
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At the Chinese International Agrochemical and Crop Protection Products Exhibition held last week in Shanghai, the agrochemical sector displayed signs of tension, with larger companies attracting more visitors than niche ones. The rise in raw material prices, driven by disruptions in the energy supply chain, complicates the situation. Indian producers face increased cost pressures, while farmers struggle to keep up with rising prices, which could impact future demand for agrochemical products.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Visita ao CAC Xangai: custos em alta, mas o repasse nos preç..." - 27 March 2026
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