sustainable farming
Subsidies, Fertilizer Lobbies, and Pre-Poll Cash Schemes: How India Built a Political Economy That Keeps Farmers Poor
India’s development model today rests on a fragile but politically convenient formula: chemicals for farmers, cash for voters.It is a system designed not to solve problems, but to manage them till the next election cycle. At the heart of this lies a political economy where fertilizer lobbies, agricultural subsidies, and now large-scale pre-election cash transfer schemes like Ladli/Ladki Behna define…
BEYOND BAILOUTS: Why Maharashtra’s Farmers Deserve More Than Political Palliatives
A food systems analysis of the Nagpur protest.November 7, 2025 When farmers led by Prahar Janshakti Party chief Bacchu Kadu blocked National Highway 44 in Nagpur for three days in late October, it wasn’t just another agrarian protest—it was a symptom of systemic failure decades in the making. The agitation, which brought traffic to a…
From Engineering to Earth: The Inspiring Journey of Mandar Deshpande
Choosing the Soil Over Steel Mandar Deshpande, a mechanical engineer by training, made a transformative decision to leave behind a conventional career and embrace organic farming in Wardha, Maharashtra. His journey is rooted in a desire for a stress-free, environmentally conscious life, one that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and community over profit. Living by Choice, Not…
The Lost Maize: A Perfect Harvest ?
In the year 2042, the Indian heartland was a land of yellow and golden maize, stretching as far as the eye could see, waving in the hot wind like a uniformed army. But beneath the surface, the soil was tired, the rivers ran thin, and the people who once danced to the rhythms of their…
Krushak Swaraj: Transforming Indian Agriculture Through Farmer-Owned Innovation
In the heart of rural Maharashtra, a quiet revolution is unfolding, one that promises to reshape the future of Indian agriculture. The Krushak Swaraj Farmer Producer Company, based in the Rajura region, has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation for small and marginal farmers, offering a replicable model for sustainable, profitable, and organized…
The Chicken of the Woods: Laetiporus sulphureus and Its Market Potential
Laetiporus sulphureus, often called the Chicken of the Woods, is a unique mushroom that has much to offer. This edible fungus is known for its delightful taste and texture, resembling chicken meat. Let’s explore its cultivation, health benefits, and market potential. This mushroom grows on hardwood trees like oak and chestnut. It thrives on decaying…
Unsung Heroes of India’s Food System: Why Everyday Farmers and Labourers Deserve More Than Our Indifference
6 July 2025 In India, food is a cultural cornerstone, a source of national pride, and a daily necessity for 1.4 billion people. Yet, the very people who make this abundance possible like farmers, farm labourers, and countless workers across the food systems remain largely invisible in the national consciousness. Their struggles rarely make headlines…
Genome Editing: A Pathway to Sustainable Rice Farming
In recent years, farmers and scientists have been exploring new technologies to improve agriculture. One such innovation is genome editing. This technique allows scientists to change a plant’s genetic material in a precise way. Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced new varieties of rice created using this technology. These rice varieties are…
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Receives Prestigious Agronomist Award
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, a dedicated scientist from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Patna, has been awarded the Dr. R.C. Gautam Young Agronomist Award for 2024. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to sustainable farming practices, especially in climate-resilient agriculture. His work has focused on empowering farmers…