AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

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

CAC Shanghai: Rising Tensions in the Agrochemical Sector

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

Weijing: The New Chinese Acaricide Targeting Growing Pest Resistance

On March 12, 2026, Sinochem Crop Care launched Weijing, a revolutionary acaricide in China, developed over 14 years of research. This product is designed to combat harmful mites responsible for massive agricultural losses, distinguished by its unique mode of action and application benefits. Weijing addresses an urgent need for innovations in the agrochemical sector, providing an effective solution against the growing resistance of mites to existing treatments.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "China’s first trifluoroethyl sulfide-structured acaricide We..." - 26 March 2026

Pesticides: A 20 to 25% Increase Expected in India

Disruptions related to tensions in the Middle East could lead to a 20 to 25% increase in the costs of crop protection products in India, according to CropLife India. The organization, which represents major Indian players in crop protection, warns of potential shortages during the agricultural season, which could affect yields and promote the rise of counterfeit products.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Pesticide costs may go up by 25% due to West Asia crisis, sa..." - 24 March 2026

In India, Corn Gains Ground Over Soybeans and May Boost Urea Demand

In India, the increase in corn acreage at the expense of soybeans could lead to a rise in demand for nitrogen fertilizers, particularly urea. Cultivated on over 120 million hectares in 2024-2025, corn requires up to five times more nitrogen than soybeans. In a context of tensions in the fertilizer markets, this shift in crop rotations could impact supply balance.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "As maize competes with soybean for acreage, India’s urea dem..." - 16 March 2026

Traditional Philippine Rice Reveals Key Genetic Traits for Climate Adaptation

A sequencing program of 1,001 traditional rice varieties, led by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the University of the Philippines Los Baños, highlights early maturity traits and flood tolerance. These genetic resources could support the selection of more resilient and nutritious varieties in the face of climate challenges.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Genomics study finds early maturing traits in PH heirloom ri..." - 11 March 2026

Vietnam Embraces Japanese Technologies to Optimize Rice Cultivation

The National Center for Agricultural Promotion of Vietnam, the Vietnamese agribusiness group Loc Troi, and the Japanese company Newgreen have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy Japanese technologies in rice farming in the Mekong Delta. The project includes the use of the Aigamo robot, equipped with AI and GPS, to improve rice quality while reducing methane emissions. The initiative also aims to expand sustainable rice cultivation areas.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Viet Nam to apply Japanese technology in rice production" - 6 March 2026

Yimutian Group Expands Integrated Agricultural Model with Jiufeng Acquisition

The Chinese Yimutian Group, a digital agriculture platform active in the integration of production, processing, and marketing, has announced an acquisition agreement with Jiufeng Agriculture, a regional producer of camellia oil. This move aims to strengthen Yimutian's integrated agricultural model as part of a broader large-scale development program in Guangdong province, focusing on the digitalization and standardization of agricultural production.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Yimutian Group Announces Acquisition Agreement and Launches ..." - 6 February 2026

Honglian Hybrid Rice Technology: A Breakthrough for Food Security in Pakistan

The Honglian hybrid rice technology, developed by China, offers superior yields in Pakistan, with varieties reaching up to 12.3 tons per hectare. This collaborative project between Wuhan and the University of Punjab aims to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, this initiative paves the way for strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan, while addressing the growing food needs of both nations.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "China-Pakistan Hybrid Rice Technology: Joint initiative expa..." - 5 February 2026

Origin Agritech and Shunfeng BioTech: Agreement for Genetic Editing of Corn

Chinese specialist in seed selection and genetic editing, Origin Agritech Ltd. has signed a licensing agreement with Shunfeng BioTech to apply the Cas-SF01 technology to corn, aiming for high-yield hybrid varieties that are tolerant to climate stresses.

MADISON HONG, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Origin Agritech Enters Patent License Agreement with Shunfen..." - 2 February 2026