A controversy has erupted in India concerning two newly developed genome-edited rice varieties. The Coalition for a GM-Free India has accused the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) of manipulating test results and making exaggerated claims about the success of these varieties. These allegations specifically target two rice types: Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100…
The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling, placing a ban on the sale and import of Genetically Modified (GM) foods unless they are clearly labelled. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the potential health and environmental impacts of GM products. The court’s directive aims to provide consumers with the right to…
The Coalition for a GM-Free India has recently voiced serious concerns regarding the field trials of two new genome-edited rice varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These varieties, named Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala), have been the subject of scrutiny due to questions raised about the scientific process and…
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has raised serious concerns about the sugar sector’s future. ISMA Vice President Niraj Shivgaokar stated that a significant reduction in ethanol allocation from sugarcane could lead to distilleries not being used to their full potential. This could also mean less sugar being diverted for ethanol production. As…
India’s natural farming movement is doing well on the supply side. Policies are in place, pilot projects are running, and farmers are being trained. However, there’s a missing piece: strong consumer demand. Without this, natural farming might not reach its full potential. We need more than just farmers and government action; individuals, communities, and ethical…
India is using more herbicides than ever before, and this is causing worry among health experts, environmentalists, and farmers. A recent report, ‘Status of Herbicides in India,’ by the Savitri Waney Charitable Foundation, highlights this increase and its harmful effects. Herbicides are chemicals designed to kill unwanted plants. They were first introduced to India in…
The Indian government has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to organic and natural farming. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of “hand-holding farmers to shift to organic farming for a brighter future” in his 2024 Independence Day speech. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also highlighted these initiatives in recent Budgets. However, an investigation using Right to…
A recent decision by the Rajasthan High Court is causing ripples across India’s agricultural and trade sectors. The court has ordered a halt to the sale, import, and marketing of genetically modified (GM) food products. This directive is in effect until proper regulations are established under Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act,…
The Indian government has announced its approval for procuring key pulses and oilseeds, including moong (green gram), urad (black gram), tur (red gram), and soybeans, at their Minimum Support Prices (MSPs). This initiative covers farmers in Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, with an estimated expenditure exceeding ₹15,000 crore. The goal is to ensure farmers…
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, also known as the Plant Treaty, is a global agreement about seeds and planting materials used for food and farming. It aims to conserve and use these resources sustainably. A key part of the treaty is the Multilateral System (MLS). This system is designed…
