In recent years, farmers and scientists have been exploring new technologies to improve agriculture. One such innovation is genome editing. This technique allows scientists to change a plant’s genetic material in a precise way. Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced new varieties of rice created using this technology. These rice varieties are…
The Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Nagpur is developing a new genome editing technique aimed at increasing cotton yields. Cotton is a vital crop for many countries, including India, as it provides fiber for clothing, edible oil, and livestock feed. The growing world population and climate change pose significant challenges for cotton production….
In today’s world, trees face many challenges. Urbanization and climate change threaten their health. A young innovator from Gurugram, Abeer Rohan Gosain, has developed a unique solution called Trevive. This system uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor tree health in real-time. Trevive aims to support smart agriculture and environmental conservation. This innovative device…
Legumes, such as beans and peas, are important food sources for many people around the world. They provide essential nutrients and are a great source of plant-based protein. However, they contain natural compounds called antinutrients that can make them hard to digest. Antinutrients like tannins, lectins, phytic acid, and trypsin inhibitors protect the plant from…
In a major breakthrough, scientists from Bose Institute have developed a smart gene switch that helps crops fight heat and disease only when necessary. This innovation could change farming practices worldwide. The tool is based on CRISPR technology, which is known for editing genes. However, this new version, called dCas9, does not cut DNA. Instead,…
New Delhi, India- A broad coalition of 691 individuals, including doctors, researchers, farmers, and public health experts, alongside hundreds of public-spirited organisations operating under the banner of the Coalition for a GM-Free India, has issued an urgent plea to the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. In a letter dated June 26, 2025, the…
At a time when Maharashtra’s farmers are grappling with soaring input costs and erratic weather patterns, a crucial government service lies dormant in the heart of Nagpur. The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Nagpur, which once proudly offered soil testing services to farmers for just ₹30, has not been functioning for over a year. The…
In a recent event at ICAR-CIAE in Bhopal, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the importance of bringing technology to the fields. He emphasized that the needs of farmers, especially smallholders, should guide the development of agricultural innovations. One of the key innovations discussed was a tractor-operated plastic mulch layer-cum-planter. This…
In a significant advance for agriculture, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has introduced an innovative speed breeding method called ‘Rapid Ragi.’ This method aims to speed up the growth of finger millet, also known as ragi. Traditionally, developing new varieties of finger millet takes a long time, about 100 to…
Transgenic animals are animals that have been genetically modified. This means their DNA has been changed to include genes from other species. Scientists create transgenic animals to improve certain traits or for research purposes. Some common examples include supermice, GloFish, and goats that produce human proteins. The main goal of creating transgenic animals is to…
