Syrian Farmers Reclaim Heritage with ‘Baladi’ Seeds Post-War

In the Syrian countryside of al-Dheibeh, a quiet revolution is taking root. Farmers, once reliant on imported, hybrid seeds, are returning to “baladi” seeds – traditional, open-pollinated varieties that are native to the Levant. This movement, championed by the NGO Buzuruna Juzuruna (Our Seeds Are Our Roots), aims to restore agricultural independence and preserve Syria’s…

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Bayer Considers Phasing Out Glyphosate Amidst Growing Legal and Weed Resistance Challenges

Bayer AG, a major agricultural science company, is contemplating a significant shift in its product line by considering an exit from the glyphosate business. Glyphosate, most famously known as the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, has been a cornerstone of modern farming for over five decades. However, the chemical is now facing a dual challenge:…

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India’s Ethanol Boom: A Sweet Deal for Farmers, A Sugary Windfall for Gadkari Family?

India is celebrating a major milestone: reaching its target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol (E20) five years ahead of schedule. This achievement is hailed as a triumph for cleaner air, reduced reliance on imported oil, and increased income for farmers. However, this seemingly sweet story has a bitter undertone, with questions arising about potential…

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Invisible Toxins: Pesticide Drift Threatens Health in India’s Cotton Belts

In the heartlands of India’s cotton farming, a silent threat looms. Farmers in villages across Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat report that the air itself can cause discomfort, stinging eyes and tightening throats, especially after pesticide spraying seasons. This isn’t just a feeling; scientific studies confirm that harmful pesticide residues are travelling far…

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Insecticide Exposure Linked to Lasting Brain and Motor Differences in Children

A recent study has found that exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF), a common insecticide, before birth can lead to lasting changes in children’s brain structure and reduced motor skills. These effects were observed in children and teenagers living in New York City. The research, carried out by scientists from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health,…

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Maharashtra Needs Scientific Policy, Not Mass Capture, to Tackle Rising Leopard Conflicts

9 November 2025 Experts in Nagpur have warned that trapping or sterilizing leopards will not solve Maharashtra’s rising leopard–human conflict and urged the Forest Department to adopt a long-term, research-led policy to reduce future numbers responsibly. They stressed the need for scientific studies and a clear policy framework to guide population management rather than ad‑hoc…

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