On June 24, 2025, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced a new initiative called the ‘Crop War’. This initiative aims to improve the production of key crops like sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, soybean, and cotton. The announcement was made during a review meeting at the ICAR Pusa Campus in New Delhi….
A group of 20 agricultural scientists from India has raised serious concerns regarding the recent announcement by the Union agriculture ministry. They are worried about the premature release of gene-edited rice varieties. The scientists say this move could have significant consequences for India’s agricultural sector and farmers’ welfare. The scientists are part of a forum…
Maharashtra has taken a bold step towards modernising its agriculture sector with the approval of the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025-2029. This initiative, supported by a budget of Rs 500 crore, aims to integrate advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and robotics into farming. The primary goal is to enhance productivity while reducing costs for farmers….
Kharif sowing has picked up pace in India, with the total area sown reaching 137 lakh hectares. This increase is mainly due to timely monsoon rains and greater farmer engagement. As of June 13, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare reported a notable rise in kharif crops compared to the previous year. The…
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have been a hot topic for over three decades. Many people hoped that GMOs would solve major global issues like hunger and malnutrition. Yet, recent reports show that the promises of GMOs mostly fell flat. In 1995, the first genetically modified crops, Bt maize and glyphosate-resistant soybeans, were approved in the…
Farming in India faces many challenges today. Climate change, erratic rainfall, and pests make it tough for farmers. However, the Yoddha Hybrid Bajra Seed from Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds is changing the game. This hybrid seed is becoming popular in states like Rajasthan and Haryana due to its many benefits. Yoddha Hybrid Bajra is known…
In a recent event at ICAR-CIAE in Bhopal, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the importance of bringing technology to the fields. He emphasized that the needs of farmers, especially smallholders, should guide the development of agricultural innovations. One of the key innovations discussed was a tractor-operated plastic mulch layer-cum-planter. This…
Artichokes are becoming popular among Indian farmers and gardeners. This unique vegetable, native to the Mediterranean, is known for its health benefits and culinary uses. As more people become health-conscious, artichokes are making their way into Indian kitchens and gardens. Artichokes are not only tasty but also beautiful. They can grow tall, reaching heights of…
STIHL Water Pumps are becoming essential tools for farmers in India. These pumps are compact and petrol-powered, making them perfect for irrigation in remote and hilly areas. They feature EURO V engine technology, which ensures high fuel efficiency and a high head capacity. This means they can pump a significant amount of water quickly. Farmers…
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…
