BIZARRE: 5 | Mind Blowing Facts

Asian silktree's pink blooms brought it to America; dry seeds last 150 years

Silktree, scientifically known as Albizia julibrissin, made its way to North America in the 1700s. Its adaptability allows it to grow in a variety of places, including roadsides and abandoned fields, thanks to its prolific seed production. Unfortunately, this tree’s life expectancy is only twenty to thirty years, predominantly due…

The Times of India · Oct 12

'A calling': women's work strengthens rural Australia

A farmer finding the sector's next generation and an academic training rural first responders have been honoured for work to make country communities stronger.

AAP · Oct 11

Jason Mraz transforms old San Diego avocado grove into a 17-acre regenerative organic farm

In 2004, Jason Mraz purchased an avocado grove near San Diego, which he transformed into Mraz Family Farms. Now known for its organic avocados, California-crafted coffee, and seasonal crops, the farm emphasizes regenerative agriculture for enhanced soil health and resilience. Products are supplied to local eateries and shops, and available…

The Times of India · Oct 11

Bambara groundnut: new maps show where southern African farmers can grow this drought-tolerant crop

Across Africa, wheat, maize and rice are the most consumed cereal crops. When they fail because of drought, floods or other climate disasters, this can be devastating for farmers, particularly smallholder farmers whose livelihoods and food security depend directly on how many crops they can grow and sell.

The Conversation · Oct 11

Farming and solar power are competing for land. Can agrivoltaics solve the problem?

Agrivoltaics could help to prevent farmland abandonment by protecting crops and boosting income. But some say the solution ignores the real problems.

Euronews · Oct 11

Farmer Builds Stone House: Dionísio Bertoldi crafts 10-room home; honours Italian heritage

Dionísio Bertoldi, a Brazilian farmer, spent two decades creating a stone house that reflects his Italian roots and personal journey. Using local stones, he dedicated countless hours of labor, returning to the project after overcoming personal losses. Completed in 2015, this home showcases his family's heritage, earning accolades on both…

The Times of India · Oct 10

Burma Reed Now Restricted: USDA import turned invasive grass; Florida tightens controls

Known scientifically as Neyraudia reynaudiana, Burma reed was brought to Florida more than a century ago for potential use in controlling soil erosion. However, it has now become an environmental menace, significantly impacting Miami-Dade County's pine rocklands. As a Category I invasive species, it’s deemed a noxious weed, making its…

The Times of India · Oct 10

US diesel prices surge 70% amid Iran war: Can Trump-Putin deal bring relief to truckers and stop grocery prices from rising?

Diesel prices impact on trucking: US diesel prices have surged 70% since the US-Israeli war with Iran began, putting growing pressure on truckers, farmers and businesses. Despite President Donald Trump's efforts to boost fuel supplies, rising costs threaten to increase trucking expenses and push up prices for groceries, deliveries and…

The Economic Times · Oct 10

India Mobile Congress 2026 concludes with focus on agricultural AI, 5G automation and last-mile connectivity

Held over four days under the theme 'Scale Without Boundaries', the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and technology developers to discuss applications of emerging technologies and their role in driving inclusive digital growth.

The Economic Times · Oct 10

A message to my daughters: Don’t get left behind

This Fall, my younger daughter entered college; her sister is starting her third year. This is what I want to tell them about AI hype.

Fortune · Oct 10