Nuclear for paddy gains momentum (Malaysia): Nuklear Malaysia and Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) signed an MoU at MAHA 2026 to use nuclear science for hydrology and water monitoring in rice areas, plus smart ag R&D using IoT, isotope pest/disease monitoring, and climate-resilient padi varieties. Farm fires and air quality (India): NCR’s CAQM is working with Punjab and Haryana to improve stubble-fire measurement, including better “ground truthing” with ISRO, as Punjab’s paddy straw burning remains a key winter pollution driver. Climate shock to farming (Asia-Pacific): The WMO warns a “supersized” El Niño is strengthening toward late 2026, raising drought, flood and heat risks that can hit agriculture and food systems across multiple regions. Smart farming tech transfer (Philippines): The Philippines’ DA is studying China’s digital farm systems in Zhejiang to modernize water, fertilizer, crop monitoring and ecological protection, with potential technology transfer and partnerships. Land restoration push (Central Asia): ICBA highlighted drought resilience and land restoration at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, with Uzbekistan renewing ICBA’s Tashkent office accreditation through 2029. Durian export drive (Vietnam): Vietnam targets 2026 durian export revenue of at least $3.85B (around $4B), with origin tracing and working delegations to clear bottlenecks—China accounts for 95% of early shipments. Agritech investment and trade (Asia): AGBI is opening an Abu Dhabi office to attract foreign investors for Brazilian farmland, while India’s US BTA talks hinge on preferential tariff terms for exporters, including farm-linked products.