Our Scans · (LF.2) Zero Hunger · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

• [New] In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Wageningen University & Research will start new field trials with genetically modified potatoes in 2026. Mirage News
• [New] The World Bank has approved a USD 500 million concessional loan to support Nigeria's agriculture sector through the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, running from 2026 to 2032. SEWF
• [New] Southeast Asian rice production across Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia faces fertiliser access constraints that could reduce yields during upcoming planting cycles, threatening regional food security and potentially triggering export restrictions that amplify global supply tightness. Unbreakable Ventures
• [New] UNICEF has so far delivered more than 200 metric tons of emergency supplies and is preparing to scale up its response, particularly in health, nutrition, and disease prevention, as the rainy season threatens to worsen conditions and limit access to affected areas. Pan African Visions
• [New] Financial stability in spotlight amid higher energy and fertilizer prices, supply-chain disruptions and above-target inflationAccording to the FAO, the most vulnerable countries in terms of agriculture are Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania. Emerging Market Skeptic
• [New] By 2026, organic farming is projected to cover over 75 million hectares globally, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Farmonaut
• [New] Key Insight By 2026, Mexican agricultural imports are projected to be the primary source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the US and a growing secondary source for Canada, underscoring Mexico's role in North American food security. Farmonaut
• [New] More critically, disruptions to the global flow of oil and refined products constrain production capacity across a wide range of industries - from semiconductors to agriculture. First Business Bank
• [New] An index of food commodity prices created by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization averaged 128.5 points in March, up 3 points from February, as disruptions from the Iran war ripple through food supply chains. Edge and Odds -
• [New] The US agriculture and biobased fuel industries are welcoming two recent actions by the US Environmental Protection Agency: a waiver allowing summer sales of gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol and a final rule that raises the required level of biofuel blending in 2026 and 2027. American Chemical Society
• [New] Over 60% of African farmland could benefit from climate-resilient practices outlined in FAO's sustainable agriculture guidance. Farmonaut
• [New] Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports triggered a surge in grain prices, placing millions - particularly in Africa and the Middle East - at risk of hunger until a UN-brokered agreement, and later Ukraine's military power, prompted Moscow to retreat. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• [New] The IPCC notes with high confidence that concurrent heat waves and droughts will continue to increase, creating compound risks that multiply harm across ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Climate Adaptation Center
• [New] More than 87 million people are facing hunger in East and Southern Africa, and 52 million are projected to be acutely food insecure in West and Central Africa by mid-2026. World Bank
• [New] By 2026, over 60% of farms worldwide are expected to adopt intelligent agriculture data management systems. Farmonaut
• [New] By adopting integrated approaches and the latest data-driven technologies, Africa's mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors can harmonize growth, embracing opportunities and addressing challenges as one interconnected system. Farmonaut
• [New] Rising temperatures are expected to widen the food security gap between rich nations and poorer ones, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Food Tank
• [New] By 2026, precision agriculture is projected to boost crop yields in South sectors by up to 25%. Farmonaut
• [New] Fertilisers are the No 1 issue of concern today, while the UN World Food Programme says the total number of people facing acute levels of hunger could hit record numbers in 2026 if the destabilising conflict continues. The Guardian
• [New] Russia's war in Ukraine caused immediate and widespread disruptions to Ukraine's agriculture sector and global food markets. Center for Strategic and International Studies
• [New] The ongoing disruption of the Strait of Hormuz trade corridor is triggering one of the most severe shocks to global commodity flows in recent years, with major implications for food security, agricultural production, and international markets. fundsforNGOs News - Grants and Resources for Sustainabi
• [New] U.S. farmers plan to plant less corn and more soybeans in 2026 than last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said, as the Iran war drives up fertilizer and fuel prices in the latest blow to the struggling agricultural sector. ADM Investor Services
• [New] Economic Impact: Closing gender gaps in agriculture could increase productivity by up to 30% and reduce global hunger for 150 million people. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation

Last updated: 13 April 2026