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…
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 Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for Undergraduate courses is a crucial exam for students aiming to join central universities and other institutions in India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this exam. The CUET UG 2025 exam took place from May 13 to June 3, 2025, across multiple locations. This year, around 13 lakh…
In the Gadwal district of Telangana, many farmers are facing a severe crisis. This situation arises from spurious seeds and the exploitation by middlemen. Farmers, who rely on seed cotton production, are struggling under heavy debt. The situation has grown so bad that many have lost their land. Farmers claim that over 40,000 of them,…
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…
The state government of Maharashtra has reported a concerning rise in farmer suicides, with 1,183 farmers taking their own lives in the past eight months of 2025. This figure comes despite the government’s claims of implementing various measures to support the farming community. These initiatives include establishing counselling centres, ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce,…
The monsoon season is in full swing in India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall across many states in the coming days. This weather change is a relief from the summer heat but also brings potential hazards. The IMD predicts that areas like Jharkhand and Bihar will experience extremely heavy rainfall…
In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural innovation, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has launched the Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). This new centre aims to foster collaboration and innovation among countries in the Global South. The launch took place during the Conference on Global South…
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a significant initiative aimed at transforming agriculture in India. Launched on May 29, 2025, this nationwide campaign focuses on modernizing farming practices through scientific outreach and sustainable methods. The campaign is designed to empower farmers by providing them with essential information and resources. On the fifth day of the…
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…
