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Carbon Credits: Solis Capital Targets Regenerative Agriculture and Land Restoration in Central Asia

Investment firm Solis Capital has launched a financing vehicle for voluntary carbon projects in Central Asia, aimed at supporting afforestation and land management initiatives. This innovative financing model covers the initial costs of projects before carbon credits are sold, focusing on high-integrity and transparent projects. Kazakhstan is identified as a key market, with significant potential for nature-based programs and agricultural transition needs.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Solis Capital Launches Carbon Stream Financing Vehicle for H..." - 12 June 2026

China: Supreme Court Strengthens Legal Protection for New Plant Varieties to Secure Seed Innovation

The Supreme Court of China has issued a directive aimed at regulating technical investigations in disputes concerning new plant varieties. This document seeks to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights in the seed industry, improve the management of counterfeiting cases, and ensure a legal environment conducive to innovation. It proposes a systematic framework clarifying the roles of judges and experts.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "China - Guideline issued to enhance legal protection for new..." - 10 June 2026

Combating Moroccan Locusts in Central Asia: Kazakh and Chinese Scientists Collaborate on a Fungal Biopesticide

Kazakh and Chinese scientists have tested a new biological pesticide based on the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae to combat Moroccan locust infestations. Results show a mortality rate of 70-80% of locusts within five days of treatment. This project aims to control locust invasions in cross-border breeding areas.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Kazakhstan and China test biological locust control agent" - 10 June 2026

Genomic Editing: A Major Breakthrough for Early-Maturing Corn Without Yield Loss

A team of Chinese researchers has managed to overcome one of the main trade-offs in corn breeding: achieving earlier varieties without penalizing their yield. By finely modifying the regulatory mechanisms of the ZmRap2.7 gene using CRISPR genomic editing, scientists have advanced flowering by several days while maintaining the productive potential of the plants in field trials.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Origin Agritech co-authors plant biotechnology journal study..." - 3 June 2026

Disease-Resistant Wheat: A Global Alliance Accelerates Genetic Selection Against Fungal Risks in Africa and Asia

The Global Wheat Health Alliance (GWHA) is a new international initiative aimed at protecting wheat from diseases in South Asia and East Africa. Co-led by CIMMYT and Cornell University, this alliance will integrate gene discovery, field testing, and preventive breeding to develop more resilient wheat varieties. With a financial backing of $2.7 million, the alliance aims to train 100 scientists in disease assessment and resistance breeding.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Global Wheat Health Alliance launched to strengthen disease ..." - 11 May 2026

Sino-Agri Union Accelerates International Expansion and Strengthens Agrochemical Innovation Portfolio

In 2025, Sino-Agri Union experienced a 4.54% increase in its international revenue, primarily driven by its activities in Europe and America. The company is investing in R&D, with innovative products such as fluopimomidea and fluquinometoate, while enhancing its competitiveness in the neonicotinoid insecticide market.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Sino-Agri Union: Overseas revenue increased year on year, du..." - 7 May 2026

FMC Sells Crop Protection Business in India to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 Million

FMC Corporation has announced the sale of its subsidiary FMC India to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 million, allowing FMC to refocus on its global growth opportunities. This transaction, expected to close by the end of 2026, includes the acquisition of FMC's crop protection business operations by Crystal, along with a preferred supply agreement for active ingredients. FMC will continue its R&D activities in India.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "FMC Corporation announces agreement to divest India commerci..." - 7 May 2026

Precision Agriculture: China Dominates Patent Filings, but Quality Raises Concerns

In 2024, China significantly outpaced other countries in precision agriculture patents, with 66,095 filings, accounting for 63% of the global total. Only 247 were granted, resulting in a conversion rate of 0.4%, raising questions about the quality of these innovations. South Korea, with a grant rate of 43.1%, emerges as a serious competitor, while giants Deere and CNH Industrial continue to dominate the market with grant rates of 30.1% and 34.3%, respectively.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "China Leads Precision Ag Patent Filings by a Wide Margin. Th..." - 6 May 2026

Nano-Fertilizers: Meghmani Crop Nutrition Secures Approval for Nano DAP, Nano NPK, and Nano Zinc in India

Meghmani Organics Limited announced that its subsidiary Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd has received approval from the Indian Ministry of Agriculture to produce nano fertilizers, including Nano DAP, Nano NPK, and Nano Zinc. This initiative aims to meet the growing needs of Indian farmers for crop nutrition. Nano fertilizers are designed to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce waste. Production will commence at the Sanand plant in Gujarat.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Meghmani Organics to manufacture Nano DAP, Nano NPK and Nano..." - 5 May 2026

India: Agrochemical Industry Warns of Data Protection Risks

The Indian Crop Protection Federation (CCFI) warns of the consequences of introducing data protection in the Indian agrochemical sector. CCFI President Deepak Shah emphasizes that data exclusivity could create monopolies, delay the arrival of generic products, and increase costs for farmers, while undermining India's competitiveness in the global market.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Data exclusivity in agrochemicals could undermine ‘Make in I..." - 1 May 2026

Post-Harvest: AgroFresh Strengthens R&D in Asia to Reduce Fresh Fruit Waste

AgroFresh Solutions Inc. has recently opened a research and development center in Yangling, China, an agricultural innovation hub. This center focuses on post-harvest preservation technologies and digital tools to enhance the quality of fresh produce and minimize waste. By targeting key regional crops, including apples and kiwis, AgroFresh aims to provide tailored solutions for the Asia-Pacific markets.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "AgroFresh opens new Asia Pacific R&D Center in Yangling, Chi..." - 30 April 2026

Netafim Reports 7% Growth in Q1 2026, Driven by Turkey and Brazil

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

China: Microcapsules Emerge as a Key Technology in Agrochemistry with a Focus on Insecticides

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

Middle East Conflict Causes 25% Drop in Fertilizer Production in India

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

Oman Invests $240 Million in 11 Key Projects for Food Security

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

China Set to Approve Laminarin as a Biopesticide

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

El Niño: A Restructuring of the Herbicide Market in India by 2026

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

China Unveils Its Scientific Plan for Weed Control by 2026

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

Discovery of a Key Gene for Rice Resistance to Bacterial Blight

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

Deployment of Robots for Transporting Tea Leaves in China

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