Fall of the bees
Population of bees, the main pollinators of food crops, is declining. This can constrain food supply, warns a UN report
Increasing population puts pressure on land and water too: UNCCD
Demand of water for agricultural purposes will double by 2050 due to increasing demands for food
Water in forests: Finding the blue in the greens
It is time we rediscover forests as a ‘water commons’ to aid India’s fight against climate change
Plantation mission may destroy Odisha’s forests and river ecology
The Green Mahanadi Mission would fiercely impact the livelihood of farmers and cattle herders
Why are pests developing resistance to Bt cotton in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh?
Low compliance to planting refuge crops along with Bt crops and selection of refuge crops are some of the problem areas identified by a recent study
Keeping pace with climate change in crop development
The problem of climate change and crop development represents a challenge for agricultural systems across the globe
Cropping up
GENES, CROPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT by John Holden, James Peacock and Trevor Williams Publisher: Cambridge University Press Price: Not stated
Bacteria teach crops how to endure drought
A hardy bacterium that can adapt to water-scarce conditions offers clues to how crops can survive dry periods
Green peace in black curls
Traditional tea cultivation in China's Jinuoshan area, unlike in most other places, ensures ecological balance
Surging success
With agriculture playing a dominant role in nations' economy, efforts -should be directed at making it more productive One way of doing it would …
Pouring prosperity
The micro-watershed development project in Maharashtra has put a stop to what was earlier an annual ritual of deserting the drought-prone …
Eating the banana (tree)
Virtually every part of the banana tree finds use in kitchens across south, east and northeastern India. Here are a few recipes from Bengal
New discovery of protein in plants’ immune systems can help create superior crops, boost agriculture
A flood of calcium surrounds plants’ stomata triggering them to close and resist pathogens; exactly how calcium entered cells remained …
Food production experts call for more “quality and indigeneity” in agriculture
The remarks were made at a two-day event in Delhi to discuss how food systems can best be transformed in line with the 2030 Agenda for …
Bihar farmers stare at huge loss of Kharif crops due to erratic monsoon rainfall
Late transplantation of paddy crops may lead to crop yield loss of up to 50 per cent
It’s a hot potato for PepsiCo and farmers
The corporate giant claims that the farmers are cultivating their proprietary FC5 potatoes without permission
Damning allegations: India's fields still have Bt brinjal
Coalition for a GM-Free allege it found the banned genetically modified crop in Haryana
The logic of mass tree plantations
Such plantations can succeed in India only if farmers are given proper incentive and protection to grow them
Tamil Nadu’s innovative methods of seed plantation
The state has been trying out a number of novel and unique ways to plant seeds of various tree species and ensure that they survive and make …
Can Baiga millet be part of mainstream?
The Sikiya millet grows on its own in the bewar plots managed by the Baigas. Currently, IIMR is working towards establishing …
Supreme Court stays commercial release of GM Mustard; to hear the matter on October 17
The apex court is hearing a petition which seeks moratorium on the release of any genetically modified organisms into the environment pending a …
More than half of EU nations decide to go against GM crops cultivation
The development is a big set-back to major multinationals including Monsanto, Dow, Syngenta and Pioneer and they have 30 days to inform whether …
Macdosa, future food
To save the world it may be necessary to create a culture where the humble samosa replaces the mighty burger
Researchers identify climate change-resilient chickpea genes
The first-ever successful genome sequencing of chickpea means the development of new varieties with high yields, and no pests and diseases, …
Pollinator Week: Economic impact of pollination cannot be underestimated
Annual market value of crop production directly linked to pollination was $235-$577 billion, says report