A locust plague in Madagascar, which started back in April 2012, is threatening the food security and
livelihoods of 13 million people, nearly 60 percent of the island's
population.
According to an assessment carried out by the FAO in May this year, vast swarms of the insect have already damaged large areas of cropped land and pastures.
Although the locusts have mainly hit the south of the country, in late
2013/early 2014 some insects are expected to reach the more productive
northern region.
Damage to cereal crops, including rice and maize were estimated at as much as 70 percent in some regions.
Off-season production is expected to have decreased compared to previous years as farmers are reluctant to plant because of the locust threat.
Full assessment available here.
A global research report looking into the the trace minerals for animal feed market has forecasts an annual growth rate of
6.97 percent between now and 2016. One of the key factors contributing to
this market growth is the growing demand for animal proteins.
The market has been witnessing an
increase in use in water-soluble organic feed additives. However,
stringent laws and regulations could pose a challenge to the growth of
this market.
Full report available here.
A grain company in Kangaroo Island, Australia recently unveiled new silos which it is hoped will allow for increased exports.
The
silos, which cost a million dollars (AUD), were co-funded by Kangaroo Island Pure Grain and the state government and are being opened today.
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| Burn scars show red in this false-colour satellite image of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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