Local Cream, promises to significantly reduce pesticide use, lower production costs, and contribute to the island's food security.

Nuclear science has paved the way for a breakthrough in Mauritius' agricultural sector with the development of a new cauliflower variety that is resistant to the destructive Black Rot disease

This advancement is the result of a decade-long collaboration between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Mauritian agricultural experts. The newly developed variety, named Local Cream, promises to significantly reduce pesticide use, lower production costs, and contribute to the island's food security.

Black Rot has been a persistent issue for Mauritian cauliflower farmers, causing severe damage to crops and forcing many to rely on costly pesticides. The disease often renders the cauliflower unfit for consumption or export. However, Local Cream has been bred using radiation-induced mutation techniques that have enhanced its tolerance to Black Rot, a bacterial disease known for its devastating effects on crops. The variety’s compact, cream-coloured head makes it ideal for local markets and export, while maintaining the nutritional qualities of the traditional local variety.

Over the years, IAEA’s technical cooperation programme has played a crucial role in supporting Mauritian scientists at the Food and Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (FAREI). The collaboration involved hands-on training, expert guidance, and access to advanced nuclear technologies, culminating in the successful development of Local Cream by 2025. The variety was officially launched at a high-profile ceremony attended by Arvin Kumar Boolell, Mauritius’ Minister of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries.

The Local Cream cauliflower variety is particularly significant for Mauritius, where cauliflower is a staple crop that plays a key role in food security and the export economy. By making this disease-resistant variety available to local farmers, the initiative is expected to boost domestic production, improve the quality of the produce, and help smallholder farmers reduce dependency on expensive, imported seeds and pesticides.

The development process involved exposing local cauliflower varieties to gamma rays, a technique used to induce mutations that enhance traits like disease resistance and yield. After years of rigorous research, the best-performing lines were selected for field trials, ensuring that the new variety met both disease resistance and high production standards. Today, Local Cream is ready for harvest in just 60 to 65 days, providing farmers with a faster, more reliable crop cycle.

Feedback from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive, with early trials showing high disease tolerance and impressive product quality. Gashaw Wolde, IAEA’s Director for Africa, emphasised the benefits of this variety, which allows farmers to save on pesticide costs while offering consumers safer, healthier produce. Moreover, as an open-pollinated variety, Local Cream empowers farmers to save and exchange seeds, further promoting sustainability and self-reliance in the agricultural sector.

This successful collaboration marks a milestone in the development of resilient, sustainable crops for Mauritius, and IAEA’s technical cooperation programme will continue to support future efforts in enhancing the island's agricultural resilience.

Empower farmers in Mozambique's rice sector.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a pivotal US$22.8mn grant to elevate rice production in Mozambique, reinforcing the country’s agricultural resilience against climate change

This funding is central to the Mozambique Rice and Climate Resilience Development Project, an initiative aimed at tackling critical issues within Mozambique’s rice farming sector while ensuring sustainable food security.

Rice holds a vital place in Mozambique’s agricultural landscape, yet challenges such as low productivity, insufficient irrigation infrastructure, and heightened climate vulnerability remain significant obstacles. The AfDB grant will directly address these concerns by funding essential irrigation development, distributing climate-resilient rice varieties, and promoting sustainable farming methods. A key focus will also be on empowering farmers through training programmes, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that will drive long-term growth and sustainability.

The impact of this project will be most felt in the key rice-producing regions of Zambézia and Nampula, where enhanced rice yields will not only meet local demand but also stimulate rural economies. In a country where agriculture is a lifeline for many, the project’s success will be crucial in boosting food availability and improving income generation for thousands of farmers.

Given Mozambique's vulnerability to climate change, the project’s focus on climate resilience is timely. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events threaten agricultural productivity and food security. By developing rice farming that can withstand these challenges, the project will reduce Mozambique’s dependence on rice imports, which currently account for a significant portion of national consumption.

This initiative aligns with Mozambique’s broader goals of economic diversification, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. As the project unfolds, it is poised to serve as a model for other African nations grappling with similar agricultural and climate issues, delivering lasting benefits for both the economy and the resilience of Mozambique’s farming communities.

Farmers across Nigeria are raising alarms over the government’s newly introduced Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI).

Farmers across Nigeria are raising alarms over the government’s newly introduced Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), warning that it could drive up the already escalating cost of fertilizers, further intensifying the struggles of smallholder and youth farmers

The Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN) and Himma Youth Farmers Association of Nigeria (HYFAN) have expressed concerns that this initiative, amidst growing input costs and distribution challenges, could undo the progress made in recent years and worsen the nation's ongoing food crisis.

Abubakar Bamai, National President of COFAN, noted that the current price of fertilizer- at US$58,000 per 100 kilograms - has already forced many farmers to sell off their lands just to afford essential farm inputs. The rising costs have caused a significant number of farmers to abandon their crops, unable to cope with the financial burden. According to Bamai, "COFAN and HYFAN commend President Bola Tinubu for his bold agricultural reforms and programs aimed at repositioning Nigeria's food systems. These reforms show strong commitment to farmer empowerment, youth inclusion, and national food security. However, as the Federal Government undertakes the ongoing deliberation and restructuring of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), we express deep concern about the immediate effects on Nigerian farmers, particularly smallholder and youth farmers."

Bamai further stressed that "rising input costs, distribution gaps, and uncertainty in fertilizer supply threaten to undermine the gains made over the past eight years," highlighting the fragile state of the agricultural sector.

As part of their demands, the coalition urged the government to ensure the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) continues to manage the importation of raw fertilizer materials. This, they argue, would ensure a steady, transparent supply of fertilizers until local production can reliably meet national demand.

In the face of rising challenges, the farmers have called for a balanced approach: one that provides immediate relief to farmers while building a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector for the future.

Producing top-quality bale silage requires attention to a few essential steps.

Bale silage is gaining ground among livestock farmers in warm regions as a reliable, high-quality feed option that’s easy to store, transport, and use

In hot and humid climates where feed spoilage is a major concern, this method preserves nutrition by preventing fermentation and overheating after baling two common challenges in tropical environments.

One of the biggest advantages of bale silage is its convenience. Each bale functions as a self-contained, ready-to-feed unit, making handling much simpler. It removes the need for large silage pits or extensive infrastructure. For farms that rely on Total Mixed Ration (TMR), the uniformity and ease of mixing bale silage into daily rations make it an appealing option.

Producing top-quality bale silage requires attention to a few essential steps. Chief among them is compressing the forage tightly to remove air and wrapping it immediately to maintain an airtight seal. Clean handling is also critical feed must be kept free from dirt, soil, and other contaminants to avoid compromising quality.

Modern baler-wrapper machinery plays a central role in this process. Equipment that can adjust to different bale sizes and handle various chopped materials from maize and alfalfa to sugar beet by-products and wood chips helps ensure that forage is efficiently compacted and securely wrapped.

Using bale silage can significantly reduce feed losses, particularly in areas where pests, moisture, and high temperatures threaten traditional storage methods. It also supports better nutrient retention, offering a more consistent and reliable feed supply throughout the year.

For livestock farmers aiming to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and boost animal health, bale silage presents a practical, cost-effective solution. When done correctly with proper compression, cleanliness, and airtight wrapping this method delivers a powerful combination of convenience, quality, and long-term feed security.