The Indian government has recently approved the procurement of moong and urad pulses from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This decision aims to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with agriculture ministers from these states to discuss the procurement process. The primary goal…
On June 9, 2025, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and CGIAR, with support from the Gates Foundation, announced a significant initiative aimed at improving rice farming in Asia-Pacific. This $1.5 billion program is designed to support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable, low-carbon rice production. Rice is vital for the region as it feeds over half…
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across several states in India. This includes Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand. The southwest monsoon is expected to advance further in the coming days, bringing a significant amount of rain. The IMD’s forecast predicts extremely heavy rain due to the…
Manpreet Singh, a 40-year-old farmer from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has shown that owning vast lands isn’t the only path to success in farming. Starting with his family’s modest three acres, he now manages 40 acres, with 37 of them leased. His journey began after finishing his 10+2 education in 2000. Encouraged by his father, a retired…
Shiitake mushrooms are not just a tasty addition to your meals; they are also beneficial for your health. Originating from East Asia, these mushrooms are now popular worldwide. They are known for their rich umami flavour and various health benefits. What are Shiitake Mushrooms? Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a type of edible fungi. They…
In India, banned herbicide-tolerant genetically modified (HTBt) cotton seeds are gaining popularity. These seeds now make up about 15% of the country’s ₹3,600 crore cotton seed market. Farmers are turning to these seeds to reduce labour costs. They can spray herbicides to kill weeds, saving time and money. This trend is concerning for the government…
Punjab’s agricultural landscape is buzzing with a new sound – the hum of drones. Farmers in the state are increasingly adopting drone technology for various farming tasks. This shift is marking a significant step towards modernising agriculture and improving efficiency. Experts believe this could be a game-changer for the region’s farming community. For years, Punjab…
Brazil has made a significant achievement by being officially recognized as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without the use of vaccination. This important milestone was celebrated during the 92nd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in Paris. FMD is a serious viral illness that mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle. It…
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…
India’s demand for cooking oil has seen a significant rise, with imports from China increasing sharply. This surge is linked to a large supply of soybeans in China, leading to a surplus. China, a major global player in soybean production, has experienced a bumper crop this year. This abundance has resulted in a glut of…
