ALL AGRI

The rising global demand for indigenous grains such as quinoa, fonio, and teff suggests that Nigerian local rice varieties could also attract international interest.

Cashew nut processors in Ivory Coast have urged the government to renew a crucial subsidy deal, warning that the sector faces imminent bankruptcy without continued support. The appeal comes as new data released on Wednesday showed that only 22% of the country’s cashew output was processed locally in 2023.

In a bid to unlock the untapped potential of millet cultivation in Africa, a distinguished panel of experts convened to address emerging challenges in cultivating pearl and finger millets. This high-profile discussion was part of a workshop titled “Addressing Bottlenecks in the Expansion of Pearl and Finger Millets in Africa,” jointly organized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA), and CIMMYT. The workshop focused on identifying and prioritizing critical obstacles in improving millet cultivation strategies across the continent.

India continues to rely on African nations, particularly Mozambique, for importing tur dal (pigeon pea) as domestic production struggles to meet growing demand. Despite efforts to stabilize prices and ensure steady supplies, concerns over price fluctuations and trade practices have prompted the Indian government to explore stronger regulatory measures.

Ethiopia's Wheat Production Under Scrutiny Ethiopia has made bold claims of achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production, with alleged surpluses being exported. However, independent analyses question the validity of these claims, suggesting that the production numbers may be inflated.

The K-Rice Belt project, led by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, significantly increased rice seed production in Africa, exceeding initial targets. In 2023, the project produced 3,562 tons of rice seeds across seven African nations, 20% more than the target of 3,000 tons.

Lusaka/ Lilongwe – Rising soybean prices in Zambia and Malawi are posing a serious threat to the poultry industry, a key source of affordable protein for millions in the region. The price surge is driven by limited supply, rising production costs, and increased demand from local and international markets.

Niakara – The 2025 raw cashew nut marketing campaign has seen a rise in farm-gate prices, allowing producers in Niakara (North-Central, Hambol region) to gain better value for their production.

Malawian consumers are experiencing much-needed relief as maize prices have dropped by 19%, easing household expenses and contributing to lower inflation levels.

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is set to expand its avocado exports to China following the successful market opening, with a 40-foot container carrying 21 tons of avocados already shipped in 2024. This shipment represents a mere 0.03% of South Africa’s total avocado exports of 81,012 tons but marks a significant step towards long-term trade relations with China.

In Burkina Faso, the export of raw cashew nuts has been suspended across the entire national territory until further notice, the government announced in an interministerial statement dated March 28, 2025.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is spearheading efforts to mobilize $2.2 billion in funding to establish Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across 28 states in Nigeria. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security, reduce food imports, and generate employment opportunities in Africa’s most populous country.