SOUTH AFRICA – The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has published a new national standard that will ensure that consumers have access to fresh and quality fish, marine molluscs and crustaceans. South African National Standard (SANS) 3091 specifies the requirements for the handling, preparation, processing, packaging, transportation, storage and quality of chilled finfish, marine molluscs and crustaceans and products…
READ MOREDay: October 19, 2022
Banana Bunchy Top Virus strikes Ugandan plantations
UGANDA – The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) of Uganda has discovered a new disease that attacks banana plants, stunting their growth and thus reducing production capacity. According to Ugandan Department of Crop inspection and certification (MAAIF), the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) disease was confirmed in 2020 in districts of Arua, Kasese, Zombo. They are now…
READ MOREPolytanks introduces storage containers to double grain shelf life
KENYA – Polytanks & Containers Ltd, an Athi River based company has introduced plastic grain silos that double the shelf life of grain preventing smallholder farmer post-harvest losses. The airtight Polytanks Grain Silo, can be used to store 340-350 kilograms (4-5 bags) of grains, cereals, and pulses without risk of contamination from outside dirt, insects and moisture. “Unlike hermetic bags,…
READ MOREBayer closes deal with Ginkgo Bioworks to augment Agricultural Biologicals capabilities
GERMANY – Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks have completed the previously disclosed partnership, launching a multi-year strategic alliance to advance the study and creation of biological products for use in agriculture. The deal involves the sale of Bayer’s internal discovery and lead optimization platform as well as its West Sacramento Biologics Research & Development facility. The Biologics company, which is a…
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