Saharan dust storms are increasingly intense, depositing microorganisms over Europe. A study in Portugal found bacteria in dust that could act as natural fertilizers, potentially benefiting crop growth, especially in vineyards.
India's agriculture sector has seen significant growth over 12 years due to increased investment, record foodgrain production, and improved farmer support, boosting GVA and farmer income.
Rains in Iraqi Kurdistan have filled dams and ended drought, boosting crop yields. While beneficial for many, some areas saw crops submerged. Farmers face challenges with government wheat purchases and electricity costs for rice cultivation.
A study by ICAR scientists reveals El Niño years have historically reduced India's key kharif crop yields, like paddy and maize, by over 10% in many districts. Researchers urge contingency planning for drought-tolerant varieties and water management.
The CEO of fertiliser giant Yara warns that disruptions to supplies caused by conflict in the Gulf could cost up to 10 billion meals per week globally. Svein Tore Holsether said 500,000 tons of nitrogen fertiliser is not being produced due to the situation blocking the Strait of Hormuz, with fertiliser prices up 80%. Without nitrogen fertiliser, crop yields could drop by up to 50%, potentially triggering a bidding war for food between richer and poorer nations.
The CEO of Yara, one of the world's largest fertiliser producers, has warned that supply disruptions caused by the Gulf war could cost up to 10 billion meals per week globally. Svein Tore Holsether said 500,000 tons of nitrogen fertiliser are not being produced due to blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with reduced crop yields of up to 50% possible without nitrogen fertiliser. The conflict has already driven fertiliser prices up 80%, with the poorest countries set to suffer most in any bidding war for food.
The CEO of global fertiliser producer Yara has warned that the war in Iran could cost up to 10 billion meals per week globally due to disrupted fertiliser supplies. Svein Tore Holsether said 500,000 tons of nitrogen fertiliser are not being produced because of blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Fertiliser prices have soared by 80% since the conflict began, with reduced crop yields of up to 50% expected. The UK faces rising food costs, with inflation potentially reaching 10% by December.
The CEO of world fertiliser producer Yara has warned that supply disruptions due to the Gulf conflict could cost up to 10 billion meals per week. Svein Tore Holsether said half a million tons of nitrogen fertiliser are not being produced due to the situation blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Fertiliser prices have soared by 80% since the US and Israel's war on Iran began, and reduced fertiliser use could cut crop yields by up to 50% in the first season, potentially triggering a bidding war for food between richer and poorer nations.
The CEO of world fertilizer giant Yara has warned that the war in Iran could cost up to 10 billion meals a week as supplies of nitrogen fertilizer are disrupted. Svein Tore Holsether said half a million tons of fertilizer production has been lost due to the conflict blocking the Strait of Hormuz, with fertilizer prices soaring by 80%. He urged Europe to consider the impact on vulnerable populations in developing nations who could lose bidding wars for food to richer countries.
Extreme heat is severely impacting global food systems, threatening crop yields, livestock, and farmers' ability to work, according to a UN report. This crisis puts over a billion livelihoods at risk and highlights the urgent need for adaptation and climate action.
Rising fertilizer costs tied to global shipping disruptions are squeezing U.S. farmers, forcing cutbacks that could reduce crop yields and supply.
