Irrigation Push for El Niño Resilience (Philippines): President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the P833.37m Mabini–Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bohol, urging farmers to shift from water-hungry rice to higher-value, lower-water crops like watermelon, ginger, yam, peanuts and eggplant as El Niño risk rises into 2027; the project targets year-round water for 717 farmers across 530 hectares, with hopes to lift yields and expand planting cycles. Pest Threat to Sugar (Philippines): In Negros Occidental and across the Visayas, sugar producers are meeting urgently after red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations surged to 4,847.63 hectares, nearly doubling in days and raising alarms for smallholders. Farm Finance Showdown (India): Maharashtra opposition staged protests demanding a complete farm loan waiver with minimal conditions, after the state approved a ₹36,585 crore scheme expected to aid about 56 lakh cultivators. Bird Flu Lockdown (Australia): Inghams locked down Western Australian chicken breeder farms after H5N1 was confirmed in migratory birds near Esperance, tightening biosecurity and seeking rules to keep free-range birds indoors. Tech for Faster Yield Forecasts (US): University of Florida researchers showcased web-based, AI-assisted tools using drone imagery to better predict strawberry and tomato yields, aiming to speed and improve grower planning. Local Food & Markets (US): Multiple community farmers’ markets and programs rolled out summer schedules and events, including SNAP/EBT/WIC support and new seasonal activities.