In The Spotlight
A groundbreaking UCL study reveals a paradox at the heart of global agriculture: whilst antimicrobial use in livestock has plummeted by nearly a third since 2013, wealthy nations are quietly shifting the burden overseas through strategic imports.
The research, published in Nature Sustainability, tracked antimicrobial consumption patterns across a decade, painting the most comprehensive picture yet of how these critical medicines flow through our interconnected food systems. The findings tell two contrasting stories about progress and persistent problems.
Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020. This remarkable decline accelerated following the landmark 2016 UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance, which catalysed stricter regulations across numerous countries. Per capita consumption fell from 15.6 grams to 10.6 grams during this period.
China and the United States, commanding roughly 60% of worldwide usage, drove this positive shift with reductions of 29% and 28% respectively. These numbers represent genuine progress in combating a threat that currently claims 700,000 lives annually through drug resistant bacteria.
However, beneath these encouraging statistics lies a troubling pattern. Developed nations have effectively exported their antimicrobial footprint by importing products from emerging economies where livestock farming practices remain antimicrobial intensive. Between 2010 and 2020, internationally traded goods' share of antimicrobial use climbed from 16% to 20%.
Perhaps most surprising: half this footprint stems from non food products like clothing, chemicals, and electronics containing animal derived materials. Meanwhile, nations like India and Indonesia face rising antimicrobial consumption, partly fuelled by export demands. India's footprint expanded by 16% across the decade.
"The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock is a serious health concern, posing a potential global health threat. The decline in use in recent years is promising, and shows that government regulation and intervention can be effective. Our research can help inform future guidance for their usage," said Heran Zheng (UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction).
This study underscores a critical reality: reducing antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated global action, not just shifting production to countries with looser regulations. True progress means addressing consumption patterns and supporting sustainable farming practices worldwide.
The recent confirmation of Nipah virus cases in eastern India has brought renewed attention to one of the world’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases.
Although health officials have confirmed that the outbreak is limited and under control, anxiety is growing among farmers and livestock owners who depend on healthy animals for their livelihoods. A key concern is whether Nipah virus can affect farm animals such as cows and buffalo, and whether agriculture could face indirect losses.
Nipah virus belongs to the Henipavirus family and was first identified during the 1998–99 outbreak in Malaysia. That event highlighted how animal to human transmission can accelerate infections, particularly when livestock are involved. Since then, several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia, including India, often with severe consequences for human health.
Fruit bats of the Pteropus species are known to be the natural hosts of the virus. These bats do not show symptoms but shed the virus through saliva, urine and droppings. Humans may become infected by consuming contaminated food, coming into contact with infected animals or through close contact with infected people. In humans, illness can range from mild fever to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis, with fatality rates reported between 40 and 75 percent.
For the farming community, the most pressing question is the risk to cattle and buffalo. Current scientific evidence shows that pigs are the only confirmed domestic animals that can amplify and spread Nipah virus. While antibodies have been detected in some animals like goats, horses and pets, there is no confirmed evidence of natural infection or disease in cows or buffalo. Importantly, no human Nipah cases have ever been linked directly to cattle or dairy animals.
However, India’s mixed farming systems mean humans, livestock and wildlife often share the same spaces. Fruit bats may contaminate fodder, grazing land or water sources. Even if cattle do not become ill, they could unintentionally carry contaminated material closer to people.
Experts stress that there is no need for panic. Milk and meat from healthy animals remain safe, and no restrictions have been placed on livestock trade. Simple hygiene, protected feed storage and awareness are key. As environmental change brings people and wildlife closer together, Nipah virus serves as a reminder that animal health and human health are deeply connected.
Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)
A new partnership between Orbia Netafim and Amazon India is set to deliver significant water savings through large scale drip irrigation projects across key agricultural regions in India.
The collaboration will help save nearly 325 million litres of water every year while supporting more than 110 independent farmers in the agricultural belts surrounding Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Announced on 27 February 2026 in Tel Aviv and Bengaluru, the initiative focuses on improving irrigation practices and addressing growing concerns around water security in these rapidly expanding urban regions. The programme will introduce modern drip irrigation systems across 80 hectares of farmland in western Bengaluru and 40 hectares in northern Hyderabad.
In Bengaluru, farms currently growing gourds and tomatoes will transition from traditional flood irrigation methods to more efficient drip irrigation systems. Around 70 independent farmers are expected to benefit from this shift. The change is projected to save approximately 175 million litres of water each year while maintaining crop productivity and improving irrigation efficiency.
In Hyderabad, a similar transition will take place across 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms, benefiting roughly 40 farmers. The project is expected to conserve about 150 million litres of water annually in the region.
The initiative also contributes to Amazon’s wider environmental commitments. By supporting improved irrigation methods, the company is working towards its goal of becoming water positive in India by 2027. This means returning more water to communities than is used in its direct operations.
Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said: "This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions. We're committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India”.
Water resources in both Bengaluru and Hyderabad have come under increasing pressure in recent years. In Bengaluru, participating farms rely on water sources linked to the TG Halli Reservoir, which also supplies several residential areas, commercial districts and Amazon facilities across west and north Bengaluru. In Hyderabad, farmers draw water connected to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, an important part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of crops in measured amounts. This method reduces evaporation, runoff and unnecessary water use, which is especially important in regions experiencing irregular rainfall and declining groundwater levels.
“We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike,” said Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim. “By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture.”
This marks the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim focused on urban water challenges in India’s fast growing cities. Building on previous irrigation modernisation projects in Karnataka, including the Ramthal Community Irrigation Project, Orbia Netafim continues to promote practical and scalable solutions that improve water management while supporting both farming communities and urban water security.
-
HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)
Philippines expands affordable rice programme to support millions (Image credit: Agro spectrum Asia)
The Department of Agriculture is rapidly expanding its nationwide rice initiative under the programme “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, a key effort backed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The move comes as rising fuel costs continue to affect food prices, putting pressure on household budgets across the country.
To ease this strain, the government is increasing the number of distribution points and extending operating hours, allowing more Filipinos to purchase rice at a subsidised price of P20 per kilo. According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the goal is to ensure food remains accessible despite ongoing economic challenges linked to transport and logistics.
By the first quarter of 2026, 932 selling sites had already been set up nationwide. These include KADIWA centres, National Food Authority warehouses, and outlets managed by local and national agencies, along with partners accredited by Food Terminal Inc.. As of early April, the programme has reached 6.45 million beneficiaries, including senior citizens, low income households, solo parents, persons with disabilities, farmers and fisherfolk.
“We have sufficient food supply, but elevated fuel and logistics costs are pushing market prices to levels that further contain the budgets of many Filipinos,” Tiu Laurel said. “By expanding access to affordable rice and essential goods, we are directly easing that pressure and ensuring vulnerable sectors are protected while we work to stabilize both prices and supply.”
Further expansion is already in motion. The DA plans to introduce another 900 outlets, focusing on areas with greater need such as Capiz, Bukidnon and Cebu. This effort is supported by a strengthened partnership between Food Terminal Inc. and the National Food Authority, ensuring both supply and funding remain stable throughout 2026.
The agreement includes the procurement of 1.8 million sacks of rice backed by a 3 billion budget. Officials say this will not only support consumers but also protect farmers by maintaining fair buying prices.
“We assure that this budget will be used to secure better prices for our farmers, especially during the harvest season. In some areas, we have already increased our buying price to as much as ₱30 per kilo to prevent a drop in farmgate palay prices,” said NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson. “The NFA continues to step in to protect the income of our farmers,” he added.
“Given the current instability in market prices due to external conflicts, we are seeing a significant increase in buyers turning to our outlets to access quality rice at lower cost,” said Joseph Rudolph C. Lo. “We are closely coordinating with government partners to manage this demand and are preparing to expand our network further, with a target of reaching 1,800 P20 rice selling sites nationwide by the end of 2026,” he added.
Across Asia, poultry producers have been steadily moving towards more advanced systems, with gender sorting becoming an essential part of modern hatchery operations
Traditionally done by hand, this process has long supported export requirements, where uniformity and precise weight standards are critical. However, the industry is now facing growing pressure due to labour shortages and uneven manual accuracy.
In response, Ceva Santé Animale has expanded the use of its Genesys solution across the region. Designed for today’s high demand hatcheries, Genesys offers a reliable way to automate gender sorting while improving consistency and efficiency. Its ability to integrate smoothly into existing systems and handle large scale production makes it particularly suited to Asian markets.
Accurate gender sorting brings clear advantages. Since male and female broilers grow at different rates, separating them early allows farmers to fine tune feeding plans and manage processing schedules more effectively. This leads to better flock uniformity, improved processing outcomes, and reduced waste across the value chain.
The growing importance of this technology was evident during the Gender Sorting Symposium held in Singapore on 24 and 25 March 2026. The event brought together hatchery managers, farm operators, nutrition experts, and processing specialists, all focused on improving performance in poultry production. Discussions highlighted how precise sorting at the hatchery stage can influence everything from animal welfare to final product quality.
Genesys stood out during the event for its dependable performance at industrial scale. It was recognised for delivering consistent results, supporting efficient workflows, and helping producers reduce losses while improving sustainability. These qualities have positioned it as a trusted option for hatcheries aiming to modernise their operations.
The overall message from the region is clear. Asian poultry producers are embracing smarter and more predictable systems to meet rising demand and stricter standards. With continued adoption of technologies like Genesys, the industry is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable future.
Plant nursery, Kwekerij Aarts, has taken a bold step towards sustainable horticulture by installing a 2 MW air to water heat pump to support a new 3.6 hectare greenhouse
The system is thought to be one of the largest of its kind within the greenhouse sector, marking a significant shift in how growers approach energy use.
Owner Rens Aarts explored several options before settling on the heat pump. Grid limitations ruled out combined heat and power as the main solution, and although a geothermal permit was secured, the final choice leaned towards a more flexible and forward thinking system. The unit, running on CO₂ as a natural refrigerant, has been in operation since early this year.
"We are willing to pioneer," says Rens Aarts. "We knew we were taking a path where no one had gone before."
The family business has always embraced innovation. With 9.6 hectares already in use for cucumbers and autumn tomatoes, the expansion demanded a heating capacity far beyond standard systems. Careful planning ensured the greenhouse was well insulated and supported by a low temperature heating network designed for efficiency.
"We preferred a natural refrigerant and chose CO₂. Our first thought was that if a leak were to occur and refrigerant entered the greenhouse, CO₂ would not be harmful to the plants," Aarts explains.
The system operates best with a steady return temperature of 30°C, allowing it to deliver flexible output levels. Alongside the heat pump, solar panels and an additional CHP unit provide energy balance and backup. Smart software manages the entire setup, ensuring consistent performance despite fluctuations in weather and electricity supply.
"We can control three heating networks independently, or extend a network when we need a lower return temperature," Aarts explains.
The project has not been without challenges, particularly in maintaining stable conditions for the heat pump. However, interest from other growers is already growing.
"Make sure you have this properly calculated under winter conditions," Aarts advises colleagues. "That is when it really matters."
With plans for future expansion, Kwekerij Aarts is setting a clear example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Aonic, a drone technology company founded in Malaysia, has secured US$10mn in Series A funding to support its next stage of growth.
The investment is led by Kairous Capital, with backing from Jelawang Capital through its Emerging Fund Managers Programme. This funding marks a major step in Aonic’s journey to expand beyond Southeast Asia while strengthening its research, development, and production capabilities.
The company has steadily built a strong presence in the region by offering complete drone solutions for agriculture and industry. Its technology is designed to reduce reliance on labour intensive and risky manual work. By introducing drone spraying, Aonic has helped farmers improve efficiency and productivity. Internal data shows that farmers using its drones have seen income rise by 50 per cent, output increase by around 54 per cent, and water usage for spraying drop by about 75 per cent compared to traditional methods.
"Aonic is scaling a proven system," said Cheong Jin Xi, Founder and CEO of Aonic. "We've spent years building the engineering, manufacturing, and operational foundations to support real-world, field-ready operations. This funding enables us to expand globally with the same level of consistency and reliability we've achieved in Southeast Asia."
What sets Aonic apart is its fully integrated ecosystem. The company designs and manufactures its own drones while developing software in house, allowing full control over quality, cost, and future direction. It also supports farmers through training programmes, financing options, and access to agricultural supplies, making it easier for both smallholders and large operators to adopt new technology.
"We have been searching for transformative food and agri-technology for a long time, and Aonic is a rare Malaysia-based company that can deliver across Southeast Asia at scale," said Adrian Hia, Partner at Kairous Capital. "The team pairs deep technical capability with exceptional execution and financial discipline, bringing measurable outcomes for farmers."
With operations in more than 15 countries and a growing support network, Aonic is now preparing to take its Malaysian built innovation to a global stage while continuing to uplift the agriculture sector at home.
