The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has taken a significant step by becoming the CGIAR’s Breeding Resources hub for South Asia. This new role will help improve crop breeding services in the region. ICRISAT aims to provide high-quality and standardized breeding services. The focus is on accelerating crop improvement to meet…
Rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world. It is a vital part of many cultures, especially in Asia. Recent research reveals that rice was first grown around 10,000 years ago. This crop played a key role in connecting India and Southeast Asia. The story of rice begins in the Yangtze…
Farmers in Karnataka are raising concerns about the loss of seed sovereignty. They believe this loss threatens food security in the region. Seed sovereignty means farmers have the right to save, use, and exchange seeds. When large corporations control seed production, farmers lose this right. This control can lead to a decline in biodiversity and…
Renowned chef and humanitarian Sanjeev Kapoor has been recognised as one of the Top Agri-Food Pioneers of 2025 by the World Food Prize Foundation. This honour showcases his significant contributions to improving nutrition and promoting sustainable food practices in India. Chef Kapoor is well-known for his culinary skills, but his impact goes beyond the kitchen….
Climate change is a growing concern for farmers in India. A recent study shows that rising temperatures will cut the yields of staple crops like wheat and rice. This decline could put food security at risk for millions. The study, published in the journal Nature, highlights that for every 1°C increase in global temperature, 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…
In a significant advance for agriculture, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has introduced an innovative speed breeding method called ‘Rapid Ragi.’ This method aims to speed up the growth of finger millet, also known as ragi. Traditionally, developing new varieties of finger millet takes a long time, about 100 to…
In a major breakthrough for crop science, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has introduced a new speed breeding protocol for finger millet, known as Rapid-Ragi. This innovative method significantly shortens the crop’s growth cycle, allowing researchers to grow up to four to five generations of finger millet each year. Traditionally,…
The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This decision highlights the crucial role women play in agriculture worldwide. Nearly half of the global food supply comes from women farmers. In developing countries, they are responsible for 60% to 80% of food production. Yet, they face many challenges, including…
Agriculture is a vital part of our lives. It provides food, jobs, and contributes to the economy. However, in recent years, we have seen troubling trends in how we approach farming. As countries develop, agriculture often takes a back seat. This is especially true in India, where the focus on industrial growth has led to…
