In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian agriculture, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has developed the world’s first extreme heat-tolerant pigeonpea variety, named ICPV 25444. This innovative cultivar can mature in just 125 days and withstand high temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius. This advancement is crucial for farmers facing…
Mumbai, June 07th, 2025: Bayer, a leading global company in agriculture and healthcare, has launched a new product called BICOTA. This product is designed to help rice farmers manage stem borer pests effectively. Stem borers are insects that can cause significant damage to rice crops, leading to lower yields and affecting farmers’ incomes. BICOTA combines…
Macherla sheep are a unique breed from Southern India, mainly found in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are known for their distinctive coat, strong growth rates, and adaptability to local conditions. These sheep play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods. The Macherla breed is primarily raised for meat. Farmers value them for their efficient…
Sat Shiro Bheno is a remarkable okra variety from Goa, known for its unique seven ridges and long pods. This vegetable can grow up to 30 cm and is light green or light yellow in colour. Farmers in Goa have a special name for it, calling it ‘Satpani’, due to its blooming pattern. The first…
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 International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has recently launched a new hub aimed at enhancing climate-resilient agriculture in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative intends to support farmers in facing the challenges posed by climate change, which is increasingly affecting agricultural productivity. The new hub will act as a central point for coordinating agricultural innovations. It…
The Bhimthadi horse is a unique breed from Maharashtra, India. This horse is known for its strength, agility, and endurance. It played a vital role in the Maratha cavalry during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it still supports pastoral communities and is gaining recognition in modern equestrian sports. The name “Bhimthadi” comes from the…
In a significant move to promote sustainable fisheries, ICAR-CIFRI has partnered with local organisations to engage over 3,300 farmers and fishers on Sagar Island, located in the Sundarbans. This initiative, under the VKSA 2025 programme, aims to address the pressing challenges faced by the community due to climate change and environmental degradation. Sagar Island is…
In May 2025, global food prices saw a slight decline. This change was mainly due to lower prices for cereals, sugar, and vegetable oils. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reported that the FAO Food Price Index fell by 0.8 percent. This is good news for consumers but not for all…
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…
