India has made a significant decision regarding its cotton imports. The government has waived the 11% import duty on cotton until December 31, 2025. This move aims to support the Indian textile industry, which is facing challenges due to lower domestic cotton production. Domestic cotton output has been on a decline. For the 2024-25 marketing…
The Indian agrarian community is facing significant challenges due to trade policies influenced by US President Donald Trump. Recent actions by the US have led to a 50% tariff on many Indian imports, with a 25% penalty specifically for India’s purchase of Russian oil. This comes despite Europe, a larger buyer of Russian energy, facing…
Indonesia, a major buyer of Indian groundnuts, has temporarily stopped imports. This decision, effective from September 3rd, is due to concerns about the quality of groundnuts, specifically high levels of aflatoxin. The Indonesian Quarantine Authority (IQA) issued a notification stating this. Shipments with bills of lading dated up to seven days before the order will…
Following a crackdown on pesticide companies, Indian agricultural experts are raising concerns about the approval of herbicides and herbicide-tolerant (HT) seed varieties. This comes after the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, suspended the license of a pesticide company. Experts believe that the increased use of these herbicides, often promoted alongside HT seeds, could…
The Indian government has updated the rules for its Green Credit Programme (GCP). This programme encourages voluntary actions for environmental protection. The new rules focus more on the survival and health of planted trees. Previously, green credits were awarded based on the number of trees planted per hectare within two years. Now, credits will only…
India’s agricultural story is a long one, marked by significant changes since its independence. Before 1947, British rule led to a shift from growing food crops to cash crops like jute and cotton. This change, along with policies that favoured trade over farming, weakened the country’s food system and contributed to famines. The colonial government…
The Indian government has extended the exemption on import duties for cotton until December 31st. This decision is a significant boost for the domestic apparel sector, which has been struggling with the impact of a 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian exports. The exemption, initially set to end on September 30th, provides…
A group of scientists has written to the Prime Minister of India expressing their concerns about the recent release of genetically modified (GM) rice varieties. These new varieties were developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The scientists believe this technology could lead to intellectual property rights (IPR) issues. They fear these problems might prevent farmers from getting…
India’s agriculture sector is facing a debate over the approval of new crop varieties, particularly herbicide-tolerant (HT) ones. This discussion comes after the Union Agriculture Minister ordered the suspension of a pesticides manufacturer’s licence. Experts are raising questions about the widespread approval of HT crops, warning that they could lead to increased herbicide use and…
Enjoying fresh, sweet strawberries is a delight. You don’t need a large garden to grow them. Growing strawberries in balcony pots is a simple and rewarding way to have your own supply of this popular fruit. It’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of nature and fresh produce to urban living. **Choosing the Right…
