In a significant move for Indian agriculture, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce India’s first weather derivatives. This initiative aims to help farmers manage risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns. The partnership was established to create financial instruments that…
The recent trade talks between the United States and India have put maize, also known as corn, in the spotlight. The U.S. government aims to lower import tariffs on maize, particularly on genetically modified (GM) varieties. As the world’s leading maize exporter, the U.S. is eager to tap into India’s maize market. However, India has…
In a significant development for Indian agriculture, farmers and policymakers are expressing serious concerns about proposed amendments to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, commonly known as the Plant Treaty. The matter is currently being discussed in Peru from July 7 to 11, where delegates from various countries are meeting…
As the deadline for negotiations approaches, US officials are urging India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized that agriculture is a critical area, warning that accepting GM imports could harm farmers’ livelihoods and food safety. Since 1996, the global adoption of GM crops has increased…
The debate over genetically modified (GM) crops in India is heating up. With a deadline approaching for negotiations with the United States, India faces pressure to open its agricultural markets to GM crops. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has made it clear that agriculture is a sacred area for India, warning that accepting GM imports…
As the clock ticks towards the July 9 deadline, US negotiators are urging India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared agriculture and dairy as “red lines,” warning that accepting GM imports could threaten farmers’ livelihoods and food safety. Despite these concerns, the global adoption of…
6 July 2025 The Kerala Minister for Agriculture, P. Prasad, has written an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing grave concerns over proposed amendments to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty). The letter, dated July 5, 2025, warns that the changes could threaten India’s control over…
Recent surveys reveal a troubling trend in India’s dietary habits. The National Statistics Office (NSO) shared data from 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 that shows an alarming stagnation in nutrition. While calorie intake is stable, the quality of food is lacking. This is a significant issue as many people are consuming enough calories but not enough essential…
Farmers in Karnataka are raising concerns about the loss of seed sovereignty. They believe this loss threatens food security in the region. Seed sovereignty means farmers have the right to save, use, and exchange seeds. When large corporations control seed production, farmers lose this right. This control can lead to a decline in biodiversity and…
Jammu & Kashmir is set to receive a major boost in its agricultural sector. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the establishment of a Rs 150 crore Clean Plant Center. This initiative is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. The aim is to reduce…
