India’s soybean processors have strongly requested the government to stop imports of genetically modified (GM) soybean meal from the United States. The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has stated that the country has enough domestic soybean meal to meet the demand for the 2025-26 marketing year. This move aims to protect the local soybean…
US-based Cibus Inc. is set to bring its advanced gene editing technologies to India’s vital rice industry. The company has teamed up with AgVaya, a Mumbai-based firm, to develop and introduce these innovations. This partnership aims to help Indian rice farmers grow better crops more sustainably. Cibus specialises in using gene editing to improve seeds….
This week, a significant decision was made at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Members voted to not ban, but rather to accept and promote the use of ‘synthetic biology’ in conservation efforts. This move has caused a stir, with many feeling it goes against the core…
India and the United States are close to finalising a trade agreement that could significantly lower tariffs on Indian exports. Sources suggest tariffs might fall to around 15-16%, a substantial drop from the current 50%. This potential deal hinges on key areas like energy and agriculture. One major point of discussion is India’s imports of…
Farmers in Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis as onion prices have plummeted, making it unprofitable to even sell their produce. Many are opting to destroy their harvested onions rather than transport them to market. This situation highlights the financial distress many farmers are experiencing. The recent onion harvest has been particularly challenging. Heavy rains…
Indian farmers may face higher costs for fertilizers this upcoming rabi (winter) season. China, a major global supplier, has stopped exporting urea and specialty fertilizers from October 15. This decision affects not only India but also other countries worldwide. China had only recently resumed fertilizer exports in May after a period of increased inspections. The…
Eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil has once again called for the repeal of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 (WLPA). He stated that the Act is “anti-people” and that the Forest Department, which he believes is “helpless in protecting human lives from wildlife,” should be dismantled. Gadgil made these remarks during an online convention announcing the…
The Rajasthan High Court has put a temporary stop to the sale, manufacture, distribution, and import of any genetically modified (GM) food products in India. This decision comes after the court ordered the government and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to create clear regulations for GM foods within the next six…
Scientists have discovered that the tiny microbes living in rice fields play a crucial role in how much arsenic, a harmful substance, ends up in our rice. A new study shows that a balance between certain types of bacteria and archaea can either increase or decrease the risk of arsenic building up in rice grains….
Our planet’s oceans are becoming less green, a concerning change linked to global heating. A recent study reveals that this shift is due to a decrease in phytoplankton, tiny marine organisms vital for life on Earth. Phytoplankton are responsible for almost half of the planet’s biological productivity, and their decline has serious implications for oxygen…
