AGP Executive Report

BRICS diplomacy with farm and food angles: China’s Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and is set for talks with PM Modi, with both sides signaling cooperation and “development first” themes that also touch food security and agriculture. India ethanol feedstocks: India’s ethanol supply hit 895 crore litres by August 2026, with grain-based inputs (mainly maize, FCI rice and damaged grains) driving nearly 70% of cumulative supply. Farmer support in India: Uttar Pradesh distributed free toria (oilseed) minikits to Varanasi farmers to expand oilseed acreage and boost rabi income. Pesticide health warning: A new study estimates pesticide poisoning affects nearly half of farmers worldwide each year, with India accounting for about 60% of deaths. Drought response in Gujarat: Gujarat increased agricultural power supply by two hours in several districts to help farmers draw borewell water amid monsoon dryness, while drought declarations will follow survey rules. ASEAN energy connectivity: Malaysia pushed for stronger IMT-GT regional cooperation, focusing on renewable energy and physical connectivity among Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

BRICS Business Push for Agri Trade: At the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, PM Modi urged safer sea lanes and resilient supply chains as trade barriers rise, while India also backed new BRICS-linked business tools for startups and MSMEs. Digital Agri Connectivity: A dedicated BRICS agri portal is set to link farmers, agri-tech firms, researchers and investors across member nations to boost trade, technology exchange and financing for mechanisation and post-harvest value. Fertiliser Security for Farmers: Russia says it has stepped up fertiliser shipments to India, reaching 2.8 million tonnes in the first half of the year, with BRICS assurances aimed at keeping supplies steady for Indian farmers. India-EU Trade Draft Touches Farm Goods: The draft India-EU FTA would cut tariffs for select agricultural products alongside EU car concessions, with quotas and phased reductions outlined. Climate Risk to Food: New research warns that weakening Atlantic currents could sharply reduce global food production, raising commodity price risks. Agri-PV Expansion: India’s SECI invited bids to lease 20 acres in Delhi for two 5 MW agri-PV projects, aiming to keep farming active under solar panels. Local Land Dispute in Poultry: Ogun State in Nigeria denied arbitrary revocation of an 11-acre poultry farm allocation, saying the offer was cancelled over unpaid land costs. El Niño Watch for Cocoa: Fairtrade flagged potential El Niño impacts that could disrupt cocoa farming communities across West Africa.

BRICS Trade Push (India): At the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, India’s Piyush Goyal urged members to link payment systems, trade in local currencies, cut non-tariff barriers, and improve market access—aiming for more resilient supply chains and smoother movement of skilled workers. Food Security & Climate Risk: A UN-backed summit in Bhutan highlighted how food security is being squeezed by extreme weather, geopolitical shocks, and rising food prices, with El Niño expected to raise inflation risks across ASEAN. Agrivoltaics for Farmers (India): India’s PM-KUSUM next phase will add dedicated agrivoltaics support so small farmers can grow crops and earn from solar power on the same land. Agriculture Value Chains (Kenya): Cotton farmers in Teso North will benefit from a new ginnery at a cooperative, supported via a World Bank-backed value chain project. Agri Partnerships (India–Brazil): Jaishankar met Brazil’s FM Mauro Vieira to discuss cooperation including agriculture and space as BRICS begins. Market Signals (Soybeans): Chicago soybeans eased after recent gains as China stepped up US soybean purchases ahead of Xi’s visit. Food Export Quality (Tanzania): FAO-backed training urged Tanzania’s avocado exporters to improve farming, irrigation, harvesting, and food-safety compliance to lift export-ready volumes.

ASEAN–India Food Security Talks: Malaysia is looking to learn from India’s food security policy as it drafts its National Food Security Act, with focus on buffer stocks, distribution and supply-chain governance, plus seed bank cooperation. India–ASEAN Agri Cooperation: India’s agriculture minister held bilateral talks with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar on research, germplasm exchange, and market access ahead of the ASEAN–India agriculture ministerial. Climate-Smart Rice Deal: Mitti Labs and Google signed a five-year carbon credit agreement to scale methane- and water-saving practices across 100,000 hectares of smallholder rice farms in India. Trade Tensions in Nuts: China extended its anti-dumping probe on pecans from the US and Mexico, adding levies and extending the case to March 2027. BRICS Food/Energy Focus: India is using the BRICS summit to push Global South priorities, especially food and energy resilience, amid rising trade tensions. El Niño Threatens Farms: New forecasts warn “Super El Niño” could bring hotter, drier conditions that may stress crops and cattle herds across the region. Seeds and Pesticides Policy Push: India’s agriculture minister met farmers’ groups on draft Seed and Pesticides Management bills, promising consensus-based finalisation and tighter action against fake seeds. USDA Mission to Oceania: A USDA trade mission to Australia and New Zealand sought market access for US produce and livestock inputs, including organic certification recognition. Grain Export Logistics: A new grain transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore aims to streamline exports for Maryland farmers by loading containers directly at the port. China–US Tariff Talks: China and the US are consulting on reciprocal tariff reductions covering $30bn from each side, with agricultural goods among items under consideration.

Climate & Flood Risk: Heavy flooding hit Central Luzon and Metro Manila as late-season “habagat” rains dumped 300–400mm in days, disrupting Luzon cropping calendars and post-harvest drying. Disaster-Ready Governance: Japan’s record rain is colliding with traditional “unlucky” dates, underlining how extreme weather is outpacing old risk rhythms. ASEAN–India Agri Talks: India’s agriculture minister held bilateral meetings with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar on research, germplasm exchange, and food security during the 9th ASEAN–India agriculture and forestry ministerial meeting. Dryland & Farm Income Pressure: A global survey of 10,234 farmers across 158 countries flags widespread income stress, pricing dissatisfaction and climate-driven production losses. Food Security & Climate Shocks: El Niño is raising food-inflation risk across ASEAN, with monsoon deficits already hitting key pulses and oilseeds. Trade & Market Access: India’s exports under free trade pacts grew faster than imports (Apr–Jul), while China bought about 1 million tons of US soybeans ahead of Xi’s visit. Rural Tech & Productivity: Xinjiang’s smart cotton farms are pushing automation and cutting water, fertilizer and pesticide costs. Agri-Value Chains: Liberia–India signed an agricultural research and education pact to boost extension, training and germplasm exchange. Bioenergy for Farms: KIS Group and Paras Dairy plan 10 BioCNG plants across Indian states, linking dairy feedstock to renewable gas.

ASEAN–India Agri Talks: Malaysia’s agriculture minister joined the 9th AIMMAF in New Delhi, pushing deeper ASEAN–India cooperation on tech, R&D, value chains and food security. South Africa–China Cherries: South Africa signed a landmark protocol for cherry exports to China, opening a new market chapter for stone-fruit growers. El Niño Stress on India Crops: A monsoon deficit of about 15% is raising alarms for pulses and oilseeds, with experts warning of possible Kharif output shrinkage and higher food-inflation pressure. Seed Bill Consultations: India’s government will meet farmer groups ahead of a proposed new seed law aimed at cracking down on fake and substandard seeds. PM-KUSUM Agrivoltaics: India’s next PM-KUSUM phase may add an agrivoltaics component so farmers can earn from solar power while keeping land ownership. Aquaculture Science in the Gulf: Researchers published a full organ atlas for farmed rabbitfish, supporting disease detection for expanding Arabian Gulf aquaculture. Japan Biosecurity Concern: Raccoons are spreading in Osaka, with rising disease and agricultural damage risks prompting local trapping efforts. Farmer Spending Tightens: A global survey finds farmers are pulling back on spending as margins tighten.

BRICS & Diplomacy: Philippines President Marcos Jr. will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13), aiming to align ASEAN Chair priorities—peace, people empowerment and prosperity—with BRICS cooperation. Climate Stress on Farms: In Bohol, Philippines, farmers report cracked rice fields and crop damage from intense heat and prolonged dry spells, with even heavy rain failing to refill water-starved plots. Market Access for Fruit Exports: South Africa’s agriculture minister signed a protocol for zero-tariff South African cherry exports to China, with talks also advancing on blueberries. Food Safety & Compliance: South Korea reports 4,020 delivery-app restaurant cases of agricultural/livestock origin-labeling violations since 2021, led by Baemin merchants. Seeds Regulation: India plans a stricter Seed Act with heavy penalties to curb fake and substandard seeds. Agrifood Research Links: Liberia and India signed an agriculture research MoU (ICAR–CARI) covering crops like cassava, rice, maize, bananas and oil palm, plus fisheries and post-harvest value addition. Co-ops Expansion: India’s government reviewed progress on creating 2 lakh new multipurpose primary agricultural cooperatives, dairy co-ops and fisheries co-ops at village level. Invasive Pest Watch: Japan is drafting a strategy to curb the red-necked longhorn beetle, targeting reduced spread by 2030.

Market Access: South Africa’s agriculture minister signed a landmark sanitary and phytosanitary protocol in Beijing that gives South African cherry producers first-time access to China, with China importing about 586,900 tonnes of cherries worth US$3.3bn in 2025—expected to unlock major export revenue and new jobs. Trade & Food Security: Cebu City in the Philippines is preparing for El Niño-driven drier months through early 2027, coordinating with water suppliers and farmers to protect supplies and crops as rainfall is expected to fall. Smart Farming: In the Philippines, smart farming adoption will take time because farmers still need training and support; a Drones4Rice program is working to standardize drone use for rice inputs. Logistics for Ag: India’s Western Dedicated Freight Corridor sections are now operational, aiming to cut transport time and costs—key for faster movement of farm goods to ports. Climate Risk: Namibia is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 rainfall season as El Niño intensifies, raising alarms for agriculture, livestock and water planning. Aquaculture Outlook: China’s fisheries plan targets a big boost in high-quality aquatic products by 2030, pushing upgrades in aquaculture and better governance.

ASEAN Haze Response: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim urged ASEAN to tighten transboundary haze mechanisms after Serian’s air quality hit hazardous levels (API 302), calling for deeper investigation into open burning in Indonesia. Underground Farming Idea: Chinese researchers say abandoned coal mines could be repurposed into “closed-environment” underground farms, citing thousands of mine closures expected by 2030 and using existing tunnels, power, ventilation and groundwater. China Fisheries Governance: A new look at China’s role in global fisheries highlights its participation in multiple regional fisheries management bodies to curb IUU fishing and protect marine resources. Arunachal Fish Farmers Get Boost: India’s Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu inaugurated a farmers’ hub and flagged off Matsya e-Vaahini and e-Rickshaw to improve fish-farm logistics and training access. Value-Add for Nepal Spices: Japan funded a ginger and timur processing centre in Myagdi, targeting women farmers and aiming to raise product quality and incomes. Coconut Demand in China: Philippines’ DTI XI says coconut water and milk are gaining traction in China, pushing for more processors for export markets. Food-Security Tech Push (India): India’s ambassador to Israel outlined a food-security plan combining climate-resilient crops, AI/sensors, drip irrigation, buffers and millets, plus logistics diversification. BRICS Summit Prep: India ramps up BRICS 2026 preparations in New Delhi (Sept 12-13), with themes including resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Agri-Trade & Market Access: The Philippines is pushing for zero tariffs on banana exports to Japan in revised JPEPA talks, aiming to beat Japan’s current 8–18% tariff band and protect its position as the world’s No.2 banana exporter. Farm Safety & Quality: India’s spice industry is shifting from export compliance to farm-level food safety as brands respond to stricter ethylene oxide testing rules after recalls in Singapore and Hong Kong. Climate Risk for Crops: India’s monsoon is running 14% below normal and may end with a >10% deficit for the first time since 2015, raising alarms for kharif output, reservoirs and water supply. Food & Logistics: India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor is now moving over 14% of rail freight, boosting faster trade corridors for the Northeast. Ag Innovation: China reports a breakthrough in super hybrid rice seed production, with a large plot yield surpassing 1,000 jin per mu for the first time. Agri-Value Addition: Japan’s grant will help Nepal build a ginger and timur processing center in Myagdi to raise women farmers’ incomes through higher-value processing. Agri-Research Recognition: Indian-American scientist Karim Maredia wins the Borlaug CAST Communication Award for decades of agricultural science outreach. Agri-Events: Nepal Post received an Asia-Pacific Postal Union innovation award for remote-area doorstep delivery of key documents.

Climate Risk & Food Security: Sri Lanka braces for an emerging El Niño-driven catastrophe as drought and weather whiplash threaten farm output and raise import pressure. Disaster Recovery: Nepal marks a day of mourning after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood, with hydropower damage and disrupted irrigation, roads and markets set to shape the next phase of livelihood rebuilding. Farm Costs Under Drought: Telangana farmers in rain-deficit areas are forced to resow chilli and cotton multiple times, with repeated seed and drip irrigation adding major extra costs. Ag Tech at Procurement: Gujarat pilots AI grain analysers at MSP paddy centres to speed grading and flag quality issues, aiming for faster, more transparent procurement. Market Shocks in Agro-Inputs: Coconut shell prices in India are surging, squeezing activated carbon makers and raising concerns about competitiveness versus Chinese suppliers. Regional Ag Cooperation: India and ASEAN’s agriculture ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 9, with working-group talks the day before to turn long-running cooperation into farmer-focused outcomes. Pesticide Health Alarm: A new study estimates 402–433 million acute pesticide poisoning cases among farmers and agricultural workers each year, with South Asia worst hit. Value-Add Processing: Japan funds a ginger and timur processing centre in Nepal’s Myagdi to help about 600 women farmers boost quality and incomes. Global Price Pressure: FAO reports food prices rose in August, led by sugar, cereals and dairy amid weather disruptions and Black Sea logistics problems. Trade & Connectivity: China releases a nautical map for the Pinglu Canal to improve maritime safety and strengthen links with ASEAN.

China Agriculture Branding: China is putting scientists and agronomy heroes on metro billboards, replacing commercial ads with portraits of figures tied to missile, nuclear and food breakthroughs, including hybrid-rice icon Yuan Longping—an unusual push to make research feel “celebrity-level.” China Farm-to-Tourism: Heilongjiang, China’s top grain province, is turning rice paddies into tourism attractions, including giant QR-code rice art that uses GPS and 3D layout to draw visitors and boost rural incomes. India Food & Farming Policy Link: India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 is pitching “innovation to action,” with knowledge sharing, digital infrastructure and AI—framing tech as a tool for resilience across sectors that include agriculture. India–Palestine Agri Cooperation: India’s mission in Ramallah discussed climate-smart, water-efficient agriculture and tech use across the agricultural value chain with the mayor of Tubas, described as Palestine’s “food basket.” Disaster Response: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood rescue and relief efforts continue as teams from India and China work alongside Nepali forces to reach missing people and restore damaged infrastructure.

AI for farms in India: Google DeepMind launched an AI farming project using satellite imagery to help farmers boost productivity and climate resilience, including targeted insights for water and eco-friendly rice. El Niño warning: The World Meteorological Organisation says El Niño 2026 could be among the strongest on record, bringing hotter, drier and more erratic weather that threatens farming and water supplies. Nepal flood recovery and food risk: After Nepal’s flash floods, officials report damage to thousands of homes, roads, bridges and about 1,800 hectares of agricultural land, with reconstruction funding likely needing an international donors’ conference. Climate-linked disaster pressure: A separate analysis frames the Nepal-Tibet tragedy as a shared South Asia climate threat, urging cross-border risk management. Extreme rain alert (India): IMD issued heavy rain and strong-wind warnings for Delhi, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan and more, with risks to crops and river levels. Grain storage push (India): India’s cooperative grain storage plan aims to bring storage closer to villages via PACS to reduce distress sales and post-harvest losses. Farm resilience via diversity: Farmers are turning to indigenous crop varieties and perennial grains as extreme rainfall and drought intensify. Kiwifruit training (Pakistan/region): A China-led workshop trained experts from Pakistan, Nepal and others on kiwifruit breeding, orchard management and post-harvest handling. Protest and farm policy (Punjab, India): Farmers escalated a barricade protest demanding MSP, debt relief and water rights, while authorities disputed disruption claims.

Malaysia Agri Deal Surge: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 MoUs hit RM12.6bn, topping the RM8bn target, with China pledging RM4bn and NAFAS RM1.5bn to back fertiliser industry growth. Heat Stress on Farms: Japan farmers are shifting fieldwork to night hours as deadly summer heat reshapes labour and crop schedules. El Niño Food Risk: A strengthening El Niño could push 49m more people into hunger, with Asia and Africa facing the hardest weather impacts. Global Food Prices Up: FAO says world food prices rose in August to the highest since late 2022, driven by heat/drought, Black Sea disruption, and El Niño worries. Nepal Flood Response: India-Nepal teams keep clearing debris at the Chilime tunnel, while forensic support speeds DNA profiling for victims. Climate Justice Spotlight: Nepal’s Rasuwa disaster is fueling calls for climate compensation and stronger mountain-risk planning. Pesticide Poisoning Alarm: A study estimates ~46% of farmers in southern and southeast Asia face pesticide poisoning each year, with India taking a large share of deaths. Trade & Tech for Agri SMEs: APEC highlights AI and connectivity helping SMEs innovate, including automation in rubber processing that cuts labour costs. Export Boost for Kyrgyz Berries: Kyrgyzstan secured access to China for raspberries, tayberries and currants, opening new farm export opportunities.

Trade & Market Access: India signed eight FTAs in five years, opening duty-free access worth $631B for agriculture alongside major gains in electronics and gems. Food Prices Watch: FAO says global food prices hit the highest since late 2022, driven by extreme weather and geopolitical tensions; sugar and cereals saw sharp jumps. Climate Stress on Farms: El Niño-linked drought and heat are hitting India’s Nilgiris tea, cutting green leaf supply and threatening tea powder output and livelihoods; Malaysia’s vegetable growers also report wilted crops, higher irrigation costs, and shade-net expenses. Water for Irrigation: India built its first rock check dam across the Indus in Ladakh to store water and support spring sowing for border farmers. Aquaculture Skills: University of Guam runs a tilapia-to-table workshop on raising, processing, curing, and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Rural Power for Agriculture: Solar infrastructure is expanding rural self-reliance, helping farmers with cooling and pumping needs as India’s clean power growth outpaces grid and storage limits. Space for Agriculture & Disaster Monitoring: ISRO’s EOS-05 launch puts India’s “eye in the sky” into geosynchronous orbit for frequent Earth observation, including agriculture and disaster response.

Customs & Logistics: Malaysia is testing a “Smart Durian Fast Track” with China to cut clearance for Malaysian durians to just 3–4 hours via an inspect-on-arrival model at KLIA–Zhengzhou. Fertiliser & Inputs: Malaysia’s National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) signed a RM1.5 billion, five-year MoU with Chinese firms to build an integrated phosphate fertiliser industry, including raw-material processing and long-term supply. Ag Education & Research: Bangladesh Agricultural University is set to receive a $180m ADB-backed project to upgrade into a South Asia agricultural research and knowledge hub, with climate-focused priorities. Trade & Market Access: India and the US have closed the first tranche of a bilateral trade deal, but India says it’s waiting for Washington’s preferential tariff framework—aiming to protect farmers and fishermen. Food Prices & Climate: FAO says global food prices hit the highest level since late 2022 as adverse weather, Black Sea/Middle East trade disruptions, and tighter fertiliser supplies raise pressure. Water & Farming Innovation: In drought-hit Chile, fog-catch nets can collect up to 650,000 litres a year for agriculture and restoration. Philippines Agri Trade: The Philippines’ agricultural trade deficit widened to $1.19bn in July as imports rose and exports fell.