World in brief

The demand for pineapple in India has seen the prices hit a record high. According to the Pineapple Growers’ Association Keralam, traders reported an all-time high of 60 rupees (about R14) per kilogram, compared to 48 rupees (R11) the previous year. The association said that demand had increased because the fruit was refreshing as the weather heated up. However, despite the good returns for farmers this year, there is a struggle to keep up with demand as the plants are drying up before harvest season.

PHILIPPINES

The country reported its lowest milk production in the past few years due to rising temperatures. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that the weather in the Masbate region, where the country’s largest dairy farms were situated, reached over 42°C According to a statement from the government, the heat is expected to worsen in the next few months. It is urging farmers to provide well-ventilated resting areas for the cattle and ensure an abundant source of fresh water.

NEW ZEALAND

A genetics project conducted by the Informing New Zealand Beef will receive a million-dollar boost from the NZ Meat Board for their facial eczema research. The NZ Meat Board said that the reserve funds allocation was decided on following meetings with beef farmers. “The programme to improve beef genetics will develop tools to help farmers drive productivity and profitability within the beef herd,” said the board. The facial eczema project aims to provide tools, knowledge and solutions for farmers to combat the disease while also improving productivity in the red meat and dairy sectors.