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…
Punjab’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as farmers increasingly adopt drip irrigation techniques. This modern method of watering crops is proving vital in conserving precious water resources, a growing concern in the state. With over 25 years of experience and a doctorate in new media, Vibhor Mohan, a senior assistant editor with The…
The transition to digital land records in Andhra Pradesh, intended to improve efficiency, is creating significant problems for tribal and Dalit farmers. While the state aims for digital governance, many farmers are losing their land rights due to errors in the digital system and lack of access. Meebhoomi, the state’s digital land record portal, launched…
The Indian government has strongly defended the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 in the Supreme Court. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has filed an affidavit to counter a plea challenging the legal standing of the 2012 Rules made under the Act. The Centre argues that the FRA is more than just about land…
The way we talk about genetically modified (GM) crops often sparks heated debates. Terms like “GM-cotton” or “Bt-brinjal” can be confusing and lead to emotional discussions, rather than clear understanding. This article explores the history and science behind GM crops and suggests a new way to name them that focuses on their specific traits, helping…
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….
