As Valentine’s Day approaches, many people are excited about chocolate. However, the future of chocolate is uncertain due to climate change. Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, is under threat. Cocoa trees grow best in certain conditions, mainly in regions near the equator. These areas are experiencing rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, which affect…
Velvet tamarind, also known as Dialium guineense, is a tropical fruit that is often overlooked in favour of the more popular common tamarind. It is native to West Africa and Southeast Asia, but it has immense potential for growth and cultivation in India. The fruit is small and grape-sized, with a hard shell that should…
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a major initiative aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. Launched on June 8, 2025, at ICAR-IIHR in Bengaluru, this campaign focuses on modernizing farming practices. Union Minister Shri Shivaraj Singh Chauhan addressed over 500 farmers, showcasing new technologies and gathering their feedback. The goal is to ensure that agricultural research…
Nituben Patel from Rajkot, Gujarat, is making waves in Indian agriculture. She has been named the ‘Richest Farmer of India’ at the recent MFOI Awards 2024. This award highlights her remarkable work in sustainable farming and rural empowerment. Nituben’s story is inspiring for many women in agriculture. She was born into a non-agricultural family, yet…
Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Cooperation and Home Affairs, recently inaugurated several important dairy and cooperative projects in Gujarat. This event marked a significant milestone in the cooperative sector. The launch included the expansion of Amul’s chocolate plant in Mogar and a new cheese plant in Khatraj. Together, these projects are worth over Rs…
In a worrying case of agroterrorism, two Chinese researchers, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been arrested for allegedly smuggling a dangerous crop fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the United States. This fungus poses a significant threat to agriculture and public health. The case highlights the potential risks of biological threats to food security. Yunqing Jian,…
Scientists have issued a serious warning about synthetic chemicals used in our food system. These chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and “forever chemicals” (Pfas), are linked to rising rates of cancer, infertility, and developmental problems in children. They are also harming the environment and agriculture. A new report estimates that the health costs from these…
In recent years, exotic mushrooms have become a significant part of Indian agriculture. These mushrooms, such as shiitake and oyster, are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They offer a sustainable farming option that requires less space and can yield high profits. The Indian mushroom market was valued at approximately USD 276 million…
Lakhan Yadav is a remarkable farmer from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He has built a successful agro-business worth Rs 2 crore through innovative bamboo cultivation and natural farming methods. With 400 acres of land, Lakhan’s journey is inspiring for many in the agricultural community. Born into a farming family, Lakhan always had a love for agriculture….
French agri-trading giant Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has rapidly become India’s second-largest exporter of pulses, just a year after launching its dedicated global pulses business unit. Sumeet Mittal, CEO of LDC India, shared this news during an online interaction, highlighting the company’s significant growth and future plans in the Indian market. LDC, with a history…
