India’s agricultural story is a long one, marked by significant changes since its independence. Before 1947, British rule led to a shift from growing food crops to cash crops like jute and cotton. This change, along with policies that favoured trade over farming, weakened the country’s food system and contributed to famines. The colonial government…
The Indian government has extended the exemption on import duties for cotton until December 31st. This decision is a significant boost for the domestic apparel sector, which has been struggling with the impact of a 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian exports. The exemption, initially set to end on September 30th, provides…
A group of scientists has written to the Prime Minister of India expressing their concerns about the recent release of genetically modified (GM) rice varieties. These new varieties were developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The scientists believe this technology could lead to intellectual property rights (IPR) issues. They fear these problems might prevent farmers from getting…
India’s agriculture sector is facing a debate over the approval of new crop varieties, particularly herbicide-tolerant (HT) ones. This discussion comes after the Union Agriculture Minister ordered the suspension of a pesticides manufacturer’s licence. Experts are raising questions about the widespread approval of HT crops, warning that they could lead to increased herbicide use and…
Enjoying fresh, sweet strawberries is a delight. You don’t need a large garden to grow them. Growing strawberries in balcony pots is a simple and rewarding way to have your own supply of this popular fruit. It’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of nature and fresh produce to urban living. **Choosing the Right…
Indian agriculture is facing discussions around the approval of new crop varieties, particularly herbicide-tolerant (HT) ones, and the use of pesticides. Following a directive from the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to suspend the licence of a pesticide manufacturer, experts are questioning the widespread approval of HT crops. These varieties, they argue, lead to…
A recent study has uncovered a surprising fact about organic coffee. It seems that even organic coffee samples can contain traces of AMPA, which is a residue of glyphosate. This is unexpected because glyphosate is banned for use in organic farming practices. The research indicates that the levels of these residues can vary. Several factors…
The unchecked exploitation of natural resources, rising pollution, and excessive use of toxic chemicals in farming have posed serious threats to human health. Realizing this bitter truth, Anant Bhoyar, a farmer from Katol taluka in Nagpur district, chose to embrace organic and sustainable agriculture nearly two decades ago. Since 2004, Bhoyar has transformed his 14-acre…
The Indian government has ordered an urgent investigation into reports of toxicity in soybean fields across several regions. This potential issue is believed to be linked to the use of agricultural chemicals, specifically herbicides, that may not meet required standards. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that large areas of farmland have shown signs…
Nagpur, August 17 At a time when India’s food systems face mounting pressures of climate change, farmer distress, and shifting consumer diets, a session in Nagpur brought together practitioners and farmers to bridge the gap between lived experience and everyday choices. The discussion, titled “Food For You”, was led by Akash Naoghare, a food systems researcher and…
