Immigration & Farm Labor: Japan says its agriculture faces a serious worker shortage and is looking to recruit highly skilled Pacific workers, while warning that overly tight immigration rules could backfire. Trade Policy & Farmers: South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung ordered a fresh, from-scratch review of whether to join CPTPP, citing major concerns from agriculture and fisheries and insisting on trust with farmers and fishers before any decision. Weather Risk: Thailand’s meteorology agency warns of heavy rain, gusts and hail through Oct 7, with flash-flood and forest-runoff risks in vulnerable areas. El Niño Contract Risk: Southern Africa’s potential El Niño is flagged as a driver of drought, water shortages and supply disruptions—raising the stakes for how farmers and agribusinesses manage contract risk. India Growth, Agriculture Watch: The World Bank lifted India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% but warned El Niño and weather could hit agriculture and food security. Ladakh Saffron Push: Ladakh’s Leh begins a mass saffron plantation drive with 90,000 corms to create new farm livelihoods. Ube Boom Meets Supply Limits: Philippines ube exports and demand are surging, but smallholder yields and growing timelines are struggling; the government is moving to ban raw ube exports to protect the market. CPTPP Agriculture Impact: South Korea’s CPTPP projections include manufacturing gains but estimated annual losses for farming and fisheries. Fertilizer Infrastructure: Bangladesh’s KAFCO plant work advances with a new pool condenser installation completed, supporting urea and ammonia output for farmers. Pulses Prices: India’s pulse prices jumped on rainfall worries and tighter supplies, reigniting debate over whether to cut import duties. Agri Education: IIT Ropar’s ANNAM.AI launches AVNI, an AI-based learning app to build children’s agriculture awareness. Food Security & Climate: Sri Lanka is reported to have reached pre-crisis economic levels, but recovery is uneven and El Niño-linked risks remain for productivity and food security.