Genetically modified (GM) crops like Bt cotton were introduced in India with high hopes. The idea was to reduce pesticide use and help farmers. However, a recent study shows a different reality. GM crops have led to increased reliance on pesticides over time. The research focused on four GM crops: Bt cotton, herbicide-tolerant (HT) soybean,…
The Indian government has recently established the National Turmeric Board. This is great news for farmers who cultivate turmeric. The board’s main goal is to support the development and growth of turmeric and its products in India. Turmeric is known for its health benefits. The board will create awareness about these benefits and work to…
In Odisha, two farmers, Nabin Chandra Senapati and Hajaru Barik, have transformed their lives through natural farming. Nabin once struggled to earn Rs 20,000 a year. Now, he is a successful natural farmer, earning three times that amount. His journey began when he decided to stop using chemicals on his land. With hard work and…
In a significant move, the Indian government has introduced new rules to simplify the process of felling trees on agricultural land. This initiative aims to promote agroforestry, which is the practice of integrating trees into farming systems. The goal is to support farmers in increasing their incomes and enhancing the environment. On June 19, the…
In a recent event in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced exciting news for farmers. The state will set up separate arrangements in mandis for the procurement of natural and chemical crops. This initiative aims to support farmers who practice natural farming and make it easier for consumers to choose healthier options. During…
Farmers in Maharashtra are increasingly turning to the illegal Herbicide Tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton. This trend is driven by high labour costs associated with traditional Bt cotton. Laximant Kauthankar, a farmer from Adgaon Budruk village, explains that weed control for Bt cotton costs him over ₹20,000 per acre, while it costs just ₹2,000 for HTBt….
Maharashtra has a rich history of pastoral traditions. For centuries, shepherds moved freely across lands to graze their sheep. This movement was supported by the local government and was an important part of their culture. However, a new study by Rushikesh Gawade, a PhD researcher at IIT Bombay, shows that colonial land reforms have erased…
Kerala’s mid-day meal scheme is changing. The state is now serving fortified rice to schoolchildren. This rice is meant to help fight anaemia, but it has raised serious health concerns. Many experts are worried that fortified rice may not be safe for everyone. Children with certain health conditions, such as thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia,…
The agriculture sector in India has seen a remarkable transformation over the past 12 years. According to a latest report from the National Statistics Office (NSO), the Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and allied sectors has surged by 225%. This increase has raised the GVA from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011-12 to ₹4,878 thousand…
India, the world’s largest producer and exporter of rice, is making a significant change in its agricultural policy. With rice stocks at record highs, the government has decided to allocate 5.2 million metric tons of rice for ethanol production. This step aims to manage surplus rice stocks while supporting the country’s ethanol blending program. The…
