The Indian government is set to enhance soybean production with improved varieties using genome editing technology. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced this initiative during a meeting at the National Soybean Research Institute in Indore on June 26, 2025. Currently, the productivity of soybean in India has stagnated, while countries like Brazil achieve higher…
Kanuj Kachhawaha, a former cloud architect from Rajasthan, has made a remarkable shift in his career. With over 17 years of experience in cloud technology, he has now turned his focus to sustainable agriculture. His journey into farming is driven by a deep concern for food systems and health. Kanuj believes that technology can play…
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…
A group photo of all the participants
Monika Mohite is a shining example of how organic farming can change lives. She is the founder of Paarakhi Organic Farms, located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Her journey began in 2006 when she started growing vegetables in her kitchen garden. The idea of organic farming took root in her heart when she wanted to provide her…
Glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, may be linked to kidney damage and cancer. A recent study used advanced computer methods to explore how this chemical affects the body. Scientists looked at how glyphosate interacts with different parts of our cells to understand its potential harm. The research identified many potential targets for glyphosate in the…
Laetiporus sulphureus, often called the Chicken of the Woods, is a unique mushroom that has much to offer. This edible fungus is known for its delightful taste and texture, resembling chicken meat. Let’s explore its cultivation, health benefits, and market potential. This mushroom grows on hardwood trees like oak and chestnut. It thrives on decaying…
India’s rich agricultural heritage, built over centuries by farmers, is facing new challenges. A global agreement, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (often called the Seed Treaty), is raising concerns about the potential biopiracy of the country’s indigenous seeds. While the treaty aims to conserve and share plant genetic resources…
Backyard duck rearing can be a great way for small farmers in rural India to earn extra income. This method is eco-friendly and requires low investment. The crossbred ducks, a mix of White Pekin and Khaki Campbell, are perfect for this purpose. They thrive on local feeds and can produce good weight gain and eggs…
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…
