El Niño Water Crunch in the Pacific: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are stepping up dry-weather plans as El Niño threatens below-normal rainfall, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and PNG preparing for partial water shutdowns. Bangladesh–ASEAN Push for Fisheries and Aquaculture: Bangladesh’s fisheries, livestock and agriculture minister says Dhaka is seeking deeper ASEAN ties and has applied to become an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner, spotlighting fisheries cooperation. India–SACU Trade Talks: India and the SACU bloc are set to sign terms of reference on Aug 12 to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement, aiming to boost farm and industrial trade. Pakistan–Russia Farm Input Cooperation: Pakistan is exploring Russian supplies of agricultural machinery, fertilizers, pesticides and livestock vaccines to tackle low mechanisation and high input costs. Vietnam Pepper Exports Climb: Vietnam’s pepper exports rose strongly in Jan–Jul, with Asia the biggest buyer and China showing sharp growth. Sugar Factory Protests in India: Farmers in Vizianagaram oppose liquidation plans for sugar factories, warning of more distress as cane cultivation and payments come under pressure. Samoa Hosts WCPFC Science Meeting: Samoa is hosting the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission scientific committee to review stock status and management approaches. Food Security vs Industry Land Use (Philippines): A new analysis flags that a proposed AI/data-center hub could take large tracts of farmland and strain water supplies, raising food security risks.