Farmer Protest at Khanauri: Punjab farmers camp at the Haryana border after police blocked their Delhi march, with leaders saying even foot protesters are being stopped and plans for wider protests on Aug 20. India Farm Policy Push: Tamil Nadu expands cooperative crop-loan waivers, covering more farmers with higher relief slabs up to ₹75,000. Agriculture Roadmap for Viksit Bharat: India’s agriculture minister Shivraj Chouhan will administer the “Sapt Dhara of Shakti” pledge on Aug 18, focusing on agriculture, rural livelihoods and expanding the Lakhpati Didi programme. Food & Nutrition Security: Bangladesh looks to soybean expansion to cut edible-oil and feed import dependence, while noting the need for seeds, mechanisation and farmer awareness. Grasslands Conservation: India launches its first guide to grasslands and open natural ecosystems at UNCCD COP17, calling for science-based protection of biodiversity and pastoral livelihoods. El Niño Watch: NOAA raises odds of a very strong El Niño by late 2026, with potential crop and rainfall impacts across parts of Asia. Kenya-China Investment Tensions: Chinese enterprises face political backlash in Kenya amid election-year accusations, even as officials argue Chinese projects remain key to development. Japan Health Alert: Nepal reports rising Japanese encephalitis deaths, with many victims linked to areas near paddy farms and piggery.