Cultivation

Hazardous mould contaminates many food staples – what you should know about mycotoxins

By Oluwadara Pelumi Omotayo, North-West University Mycotoxins are substances produced by mould that poison food. They are harmful to humans and animals when consumed. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), about 25% of the world’s agricultural harvests are contaminated by mycotoxins. Though reliable data is lacking, mycotoxin contamination is widespread in Africa. It often takes the form of aflatoxin in cereal crops and has led to health […]

March 28, 2024 40

World

Myanmar is the world’s largest source of Opium

The United Nations says Myanmar has now become the world's largest source of opium. That's according to a report, which said it was due to domestic instability and a decline in cultivation in Afghanistan. Patrick Fok reports.

December 13, 2023 12

Africa

UN declares 2023 as International Year of Millet

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet/Mahangu, with the aim of increasing public awareness of the health benefits of millets and their suitability for cultivation under tough conditions marked by climate change. Here is the Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Sabine Böhlke-Möller.

November 21, 2023 24