Indian agriculture is facing discussions around the approval of new crop varieties, particularly herbicide-tolerant (HT) ones, and the use of pesticides. Following a directive from the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to suspend the licence of a pesticide manufacturer, experts are questioning the widespread approval of HT crops. These varieties, they argue, lead to…
A recent study has uncovered a surprising fact about organic coffee. It seems that even organic coffee samples can contain traces of AMPA, which is a residue of glyphosate. This is unexpected because glyphosate is banned for use in organic farming practices. The research indicates that the levels of these residues can vary. Several factors…
The Indian government has ordered an urgent investigation into reports of toxicity in soybean fields across several regions. This potential issue is believed to be linked to the use of agricultural chemicals, specifically herbicides, that may not meet required standards. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that large areas of farmland have shown signs…
Karnataka’s forests have been gripped by a disturbing trend of unnatural wildlife deaths. In recent months, alarming numbers of peacocks, tigers, and macaques have been found dead across the state. These incidents have raised serious concerns about potential wildlife poisoning, possibly linked to the misuse of agricultural pesticides. In early August, a grim discovery was…
The much-anticipated Technology Mission on Cotton, aimed at boosting productivity and promoting long-staple varieties, may be postponed until next year. This delay is due to the main sowing window for cotton already having passed, with reports of lower acreage from several Indian states. If the government finalises the mission this year, its implementation is likely…
Vani V., a dedicated farmer from Alappuzha, Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious State Karshaka Thilakam (Best Woman Farmer) Award. This recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture and the conservation of biodiversity on her 4.5-acre farm, ‘Vasu Jaivanganam’. Located near Haripad, the farm is a shining example of a self-sustaining ecosystem. For the…
Farmers in Patiala have reason to celebrate after the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered compensation for losses caused by fake sunflower seeds. The court has directed dealers and a manufacturer to pay ₹76,800 per acre to farmers whose crops failed in 2022 due to the supply of spurious seeds. This significant ruling aims to…
Farmers in Patiala have won a significant victory, with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordering compensation of ₹76,800 per acre for crop losses. These losses were due to the supply of spurious sunflower seeds in 2022. The Commission also awarded an additional ₹35,000 to each farmer for the mental distress caused by the incident….
Farmers in Patiala have won a significant victory, securing compensation for losses incurred due to the supply of spurious sunflower seeds. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Patiala has ordered the payment of ₹76,800 per acre to farmers whose sunflower crops failed in 2022. This failure was attributed to the use of fake seeds….
Farmers in Maharashtra are facing a difficult time. Even as the monsoon season continues, many areas have not received enough rain. This has caused great worry among farmers, who fear their hard work and money spent on sowing might go to waste. Historically, farmers’ voices have been loud. In the 1980s, farmer leader Sharad Joshi…
