A bean full of problems
In utter disregard of environmental and health safety norms, the Indian government has okayed a deal for import of soybean to satisfy oil …
Used vehicles on Africa’s roads: UN report flags environment concerns
At least 60% vehicles on Africa’s roads are used and imported; regulations weak in as many as 44 countries
Stop importing black pepper, it’s causing price crash: growers to Centre
Despite a ban on sale of pepper under Rs 500 per kg, its price has dipped to Rs 335 per kg owing to imports from Vietnam, Sri Lanka
A grain revolution for Africa
In just a few decades, Africa has become a net food importer. But it has to feed more and more people in the future. Estimates suggest the …
French fries prompt battle with McDonald's
Israeli farmers resent fast-food giant McDonald's intention to import the cheaper frozen French fries
EC quota drives Germans bananas
A plan to restrict import of bananas from Latin American countries is being opposed tooth and nail by the Germans.
RCEP will hurt local industry and allow workers’ exploitation, says civil society
The trade agreement is being negotiated in secrecy, but it is likely to favour big companies and threaten India’s agriculture, industry and …
Dhaka to give drug policy a free-market dose
Under pressure from transnationals, the Bangladesh government is likely to ease restrictions on producing and importing medicines.
Should customs concessions be withdrawn?
Proposal by manufacturers to withdraw import concessions on certain pesticides is resented by farmers who fear that it will result in major price …
Should free trade include toxic dumping?
Many European nations have banned the free passage of toxic waste between borders, despite the common-market concept.
With warm regrets
A US boutique is fined for selling shahtoosh shawls. In India, the government plans to ban its sale
India must rethink timber strategy
From being a net exporter of timber, India has turned into its net importer. The reversal stems from the country's soaring demand for industrial …
Jakarta scavengers moan loss of scrap trade
Indonesia is burdened, in more ways than one, by other nations treating it as a dumping ground for their wastes.
In the dumps
Despite international regulations and campaigning by environmentalists, hazardous waste continues to be dumped in India
Fishing in truobled water
Does India need to import exotic fish species, when the experience with them has not been particularly good? Besides, the country already boasts …
Heavy levy
US adopts a tough stand on softwood imports from Canada, imposing a 27 per cent duty on the imports
Well-oiled racket
Two incidents of illegal handling of waste oil have come to light recently, underscoring the fact that trade in the hazardous product continues …
Making India energy-independent by 2047: A look at PM Modi’s blueprint
The PM’s remarks come a few months before India is projected to miss its goal of reducing crude oil import dependence by 2022
Second-generation bioethanol: It is time to launch it headlong
Reactive pipeline technology could be a game changer for bioethanol production; it can reduce crude oil imports and bolster India’s energy …
Point of no agri-returns Part 1: How India lost its historic agriculture recovery growth phase in just four years
Government reports say 2004-14 had the highest agriculture growth that has fast slipped back to near-zero growth despite normal monsoons and …
Food for all to free for all: The collateral of Russia vs Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine war has razed global agriculture system, once sold as the magic formula. It led to concentration of food production in a few …
For clean air
Vikrams are out, electric vehicles are in. Still, the Nepal government's decision to import minibuses could put their clean air campaign back to …
A cattle crisis
The food-and-mouth disease spreads panic across the world and raises several questions about livestock culling
Going to town with agriculture
Helped by a proactive government, residents of Havana resort to urban agriculture to solve their food crisis
Row n-gulfs Finland
Environmentalists see red as Finnish lawmakers give a green light to yet another nuclear reactor
