Importing cattle growth hormone hits snags
A growth hormone that the National Dairy Development Board seeks to import because it can increase milk yield by as much as 30 per cent, has run …
Divided colours of cotton
The Union government goes for another field trial of Bt cotton, and another round of confusion
CSE’s organic experiment: Challenge starts with procuring right seeds
Local shops and India’s premier research institute failed to provide organic seeds of vegetable
You will soon be able to buy India’s first high oleic groundnut varieties
The commercialised of these varieties and it is set to benefit all stakeholders, including small famers, food industry as well as the …
FAW attack: Centre orders seed treatment with ‘unapproved’ chemicals
The government has recommended use of controversial chemicals for treatment of seeds without prior permission from the Central Insecticide Board …
Assam to revist Kharif crop calendar to counter effects of erratic monsoon
Yield of rice, the state's major crop, has been affected by unpredictable rainfall patterns
How scientists contained a deadly tomato pest that travelled across the world
Though tomato is the primary host, Tuta absoluta attacks other vegetable crops as well. If not properly managed, the leaf-miner can cause 100 per …
Ministry of Science makes open access to research mandatory
Researchers who fail to meet the requirements would not considered for promotions, fellowships, future grants or appointments
Don't bite that apple!
The government's plans for boosting horticulture to earn foreign exchange do not take into account the hidden costs of deforestation, fertiliser …
On slippery peel: Can India’s banana cultivation face Panama wilt
Panama wilt infection has ruined banana plantations across the world for 50 years now. While scientists are trying to find solutions in natural …
Budget 2020-21: Local level adaptation may be focus vis-à-vis climate change
Funds might be allocated to Panchayati Raj ministry, IMD, other institutions to minimise impact of extreme weather
Rajasthan ignores seed advice
It distributed Monsanto’s hybrid maize seeds that were not recommended for the state
Removing toxins makes kesari dal safe food
A new, non-toxic variety of kesari dal is being field-tested in different parts of the country by IARI scientists.
Ban use of TB drug on crops: Central panel
Minutes of the meeting said that streptomycin, tetracycline use be phased out by 2022-end for crops for which no options were available
Farming for the future
Despite having the potential to give a green edge to the agricultural market, biopesticides are yet to make a mark in the agro sector. To create …
Maya of Indian Science
Lies, denial and outright fraud have become the hallmark of Indian agricultural research because there is no accountability
ICAR gives top award to scientist without checking patent claims
ICAR has asked for Rs 245 crore to promote intellectual property rights but is not doing due diligence on patent claims
Why experts want GM freeze
Say regulatory system has grave deficiencies; challenge agriculture ministry’s claims
Bt Brinjal – the war goes on
Pro Bt Brinjal group releases a report challenging contention that the vegetable is used in medicine
Regulatory battle
Industry and activists have expressed conflicting opinions on GM crops. GEAC has a difficult decision to make
Act of omission
Public institutions do not seek permission from the biodiversity authority before genetically manipulating crops
Mutual interest
Farmers care for the hill slopes only when the hills provide livelihood -- a simple lesson that has been forgotten
Yellow rust strikes wheat in northern India
ICAR, agricultural universities and state agriculture departments issue advisories, alerts
Old as the hills
Shifting agriculture on the hillsides has been going on for centuries. In recent times, it has been blamed for degrading the ecology. Agriculture …
Debating science risks
Chinese scientists appear to be more open to discussing the risks and ethics of new technologies than their Indian counterparts