The alarm has been raised by the president of the National Farmers’ Union. Harvests in the coming Yala and Maha seasons are at risk, with the threat of a severe food shortage. Around 130,000 tonnes of fertiliser are needed for rice, but stocks stand at just 60,000 tonnes. For industry operators, the problem reflects a deeper structural vulnerability.
Tajikistan’s five-year plan for its agricultural sector identifies 50 key issues to be resolved: from logistics to quality certification, from diversifying market outlets to financing schemes for businesses. The aim is to establish an “internationally recognised Tajik brand”.
Expert wars of a "depressing and grim" situation in the country. Hezbollah’s accusations of treason, along with its open challenge to the government, threaten to further inflame the domestic situation. The arrival of US Marines in the region fuels fears of escalation. Meanwhile, Israel continues to advance across the border in the south.
A conference in Rome looked at the 1,001 messages the cardinal wrote while imprisoned in Vietnam. They were brought to his family, who had found refuge in Australia, hand-copied by people who later escaped by boat. Declared venerable by Francis in 2017, the cardinal was an extraordinary example of meekness and love for Christ. For Cardinal Tagle: "There was no trace of bitterness or hatred in him." His sister Élisabeth was present; she co-authored a new biography that was published recently.
After testing the programme in some regions with a series of pilot projects, China is preparing to launch a form of universal plan specifically for long-term disability care. The mutual support will be funded by a 0.3 per cent contribution rate. This will help families in a country where people over 65 are expected to make up 20 per cent of the population by 2033.
To boost local employment, the government has announced new steps that include higher salary thresholds for visa applications and limited stays, even for high-income migrants. But without investment in training, Malaysia risks only a shortage of skilled labour and rising costs.
