In their fight against food waste, farmers in rural Kenya are turning to mobile solar-powered cold storage facilities. This helps salvage large amounts of produce that usually go bad in high temperatures.

Solar-powered cold storage helps farmers reduce costly waste

From 2022, no vegetables and fruits would be sold in wrapped plastic packaging, as France’s new law banning overwrapped eatables comes into force on Saturday.

A total of 30 varieties, including cucumbers, lemons and oranges, have been banned from being wrapped in plastic. Larger packs, as well as chopped or processed fruit, have been exempted.

President Emmanuel Macron called the ban “a real revolution”, saying it showed the country's commitment to phase out single-use plastics by 2040.

An estimated 37 per cent of fruit and vegetables were reportedly sold wrapped in plastic packaging in France in 2021.

The government believes the ban will cut more than 1 billion items of single-use plastic packaging a year. The environment ministry said there must be curbs on the “outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives”.

Also read |&nbsp;G<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-pulls-the-plug-on-3-of-six-nuclear-power-plants-remaining-to-be-shut-by-2022-end-441562">ermany pulls the plug on 3 of six nuclear power plants, remaining to be shut by 2022-end</a>

Since 2021, the country had already banned plastic straws, cups and cutlery, as well as polystyrene takeaway boxes.

After France, Spain will be following suit as it is planning to introduce prohibitions of the use of single-use plastic for the packaging of fruits and vegetables by 2023.

WWF France, which has campaigned on the impact of&nbsp;plastics&nbsp;on biodiversity and marine life in the Mediterranean and across oceans, did a poll in 2019, where it found that more than 85% of the people were in favour of banning single-use plastic products and packaging.

More than 2 million people have signed a WWF petition calling on world governments to stop the plastics pollution crisis.

Macron's government also announced several other new environmental regulations, including rules calling on car adverts to promote greener alternatives such as walking and cycling.

(With inputs from agencies)

From 2022, no vegetables and fruits would be sold in wrapped plastic packaging, as France’s new law banning overwrapped eatables comes into force on Saturday. A total of 30 varieties, including cucumbers, lemons and oranges, have been banned from being wrapped in plastic.

From 2022, no vegetables and fruits would be sold in wrapped plastic packaging, as France’s new law banning overwrapped eatables comes into force on Saturday. A total of 30 varieties, including cucumbers, lemons and oranges, have been banned from being wrapped in plastic. Larger packs, as well as chopped or processed fruit, have been exempted. President Emmanuel Macron called the ban “a real revolution”, saying it showed the country's commitment to phase out single-use plastics by 2040. An estimated 37 per cent of fruit and vegetables were reportedly sold wrapped in plastic packaging in France in 2021. The government believes the ban will cut more than 1 billion items of single-use plastic packaging a year. The environment ministry said there must be curbs on the “outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives”. Also read | Germany pulls the plug on 3 of six nuclear power plants, remaining to be shut by 2022-end Since 2021, the country had already banned plastic straws, cups and cutlery, as well as polystyrene takeaway boxes. After France, Spain will be following suit as it is planning to introduce prohibitions of the use of single-use plastic for the packaging of fruits and vegetables by 2023. WWF France, which has campaigned on the impact of plastics on biodiversity and marine life in the Mediterranean and across oceans, did a poll in 2019, where it found that more than 85% of the people were in favour of banning single-use plastic products and packaging. More than 2 million people have signed a WWF petition calling on world governments to stop the plastics pollution crisis. Macron's government also announced several other new environmental regulations, including rules calling on car adverts to promote greener alternatives such as walking and cycling. (With inputs from agencies)

Towards a greener future: France starts banning plastic packaging of fruits and vegetables

Vegetable rates have soared in China after recent rains lashed crops this month. The price rise has led to concern at a time when consumers are bracing for energy cost hike as winter approaches.

In northern parts of China unusually heavy rains flooded Shandong province in September-October. Shandong province is the top vegetable growing province in China.

"All the vegetables are dead in the ground," said Zhou Rui, a farmer who cultivates about 7 hectares (17 acres) in the Juancheng county of the province. He was quoted by Reuters.

She added that there was little left to pick after spinach, cabbage and coriander were flooded.

The price of spinach has jumped to 16.67 yuan ($2.61) per kg this week from 6.67 yuan in late September, a price index published in the provincial vegetable trading hub of Shouguang showed.

The prices of broccoli, cucumbers, and cabbage have also more than doubled in recent weeks.

The rocketing prices are a hot topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo, with many users saying vegetables now cost more than pork, the nation's staple meat.

"Coriander is now 17.8 yuan per half kilo, it really is more expensive than pork!" wrote one user in the eastern province of Anhui.

The rise, at a time of growing scrutiny for inflation, is worrying government officials in Beijing who are keen to ensure sufficient food supplies ahead of winter.

The average wholesale price of vegetables in the capital has jumped by 39.8% since last month, while some leafy vegetables rose more than 50%, the city government said on Tuesday.

Authorities in Beijing have warned that prices could rise further in the next few weeks, as the city looks further south to source its vegetables when temperatures fall and high energy prices boost transport costs.

High vegetable prices are unlikely to push up overall consumer price inflation, but they come as soaring fuel costs look set to be gradually passed on to consumers.

"It's a very sharp increase, so it's very noticeable," said Darin Friedrichs, senior Asia commodity analyst at StoneX. "We may see consumers budgeting purchasing of other things in response."

Higher energy prices are also pushing up operating costs for greenhouses, in addition to record prices this year for fertiliser.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vegetable rates have soared in China after recent rains lashed crops this month. The price rise has led to concern at a time when consumers are bracing for energy cost hike as winter approaches.

Vegetable rates have soared in China after recent rains lashed crops this month. The price rise has led to concern at a time when consumers are bracing for energy cost hike as winter approaches. In northern parts of China unusually heavy rains flooded Shandong province in September-October. Shandong province is the top vegetable growing province in China. "All the vegetables are dead in the ground," said Zhou Rui, a farmer who cultivates about 7 hectares (17 acres) in the Juancheng county of the province. He was quoted by Reuters. She added that there was little left to pick after spinach, cabbage and coriander were flooded. The price of spinach has jumped to 16.67 yuan ($2.61) per kg this week from 6.67 yuan in late September, a price index published in the provincial vegetable trading hub of Shouguang showed. The prices of broccoli, cucumbers, and cabbage have also more than doubled in recent weeks. The rocketing prices are a hot topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo, with many users saying vegetables now cost more than pork, the nation's staple meat. "Coriander is now 17.8 yuan per half kilo, it really is more expensive than pork!" wrote one user in the eastern province of Anhui. The rise, at a time of growing scrutiny for inflation, is worrying government officials in Beijing who are keen to ensure sufficient food supplies ahead of winter. The average wholesale price of vegetables in the capital has jumped by 39.8% since last month, while some leafy vegetables rose more than 50%, the city government said on Tuesday. Authorities in Beijing have warned that prices could rise further in the next few weeks, as the city looks further south to source its vegetables when temperatures fall and high energy prices boost transport costs. High vegetable prices are unlikely to push up overall consumer price inflation, but they come as soaring fuel costs look set to be gradually passed on to consumers. "It's a very sharp increase, so it's very noticeable," said Darin Friedrichs, senior Asia commodity analyst at StoneX. "We may see consumers budgeting purchasing of other things in response." Higher energy prices are also pushing up operating costs for greenhouses, in addition to record prices this year for fertiliser. (With inputs from agencies)

In China, vegetables become pricier than pork

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work.

A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us.&nbsp;

World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us.&nbsp;

Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs.&nbsp;

Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change.

But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher.&nbsp;

Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are.

Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells.

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work. A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us. World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us. Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs. Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change. But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher. Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are. Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Local markets are a way of life

Pakistan has put a halt to import of cotton and other agricultural produce from India through the Wagah border and Karachi port.

According to a report in Pakistani daily Dawn, the department of plant protection (DPP) order affects import of vegetables among other produce. Permits will be required for future imports.

The decision comes amid escalating tension between the two neighbours and Pakistani claims that Indian troops had targeted a passenger bus and an ambulance near the Line of Control (LoC) and killed three of its soldiers and 10 civilians on Wednesday, as per Dawn.

Cotton importers and customs clearing agents claimed that the department had stopped the import of agriculture commodities from India without a warning or written order because of increase in tensions across the LoC.

DPP director Sahabzada Imran Shami, however, said the step was taken as Pakistan already had a surplus of fresh vegetables.

&ldquo;We have stopped import of tomatoes and other fresh vegetables in order to protect our farmers. We have enough tomato and other vegetables stocks, which we import from India only in case of shortages in the domestic market,&rdquo; he told Dawn on Friday.

Shami said the cotton imports from India had not been stopped, but suspended over reports that &quot;Indian exporters are not meeting our bio-security conditions&rdquo;.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re looking into these reports and will lift restriction on cotton imports if our apprehensions are proved wrong.&rdquo;

(WION)

The move comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two countries.Pakistan says?it was because of its surplus vegetable produce

Pakistan has put a halt to import of cotton and other agricultural produce from India through the Wagah border and Karachi port. According to a report in Pakistani daily Dawn, the department of plant protection (DPP) order affects import of vegetables among other produce. Permits will be required for future imports. The decision comes amid escalating tension between the two neighbours and Pakistani claims that Indian troops had targeted a passenger bus and an ambulance near the Line of Control (LoC) and killed three of its soldiers and 10 civilians on Wednesday, as per Dawn. Cotton importers and customs clearing agents claimed that the department had stopped the import of agriculture commodities from India without a warning or written order because of increase in tensions across the LoC. DPP director Sahabzada Imran Shami, however, said the step was taken as Pakistan already had a surplus of fresh vegetables. “We have stopped import of tomatoes and other fresh vegetables in order to protect our farmers. We have enough tomato and other vegetables stocks, which we import from India only in case of shortages in the domestic market,” he told Dawn on Friday. Shami said the cotton imports from India had not been stopped, but suspended over reports that "Indian exporters are not meeting our bio-security conditions”. “We’re looking into these reports and will lift restriction on cotton imports if our apprehensions are proved wrong.” (WION)

Pakistan 'halts' import of Indian veggies, cotton

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