Justice league for people’s rights
In June 1979, an innovation in the field of law and politics came about in the form of Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal. The idea behind it is …
Biotechnology Bill: deadline for public feedback extended
Parliamentary committee has extended date till August 25; activists demand public consultations across the country in regional languages
Synthetic pesticide use is on the decline; bio-pesticide use is up
Pesticides consumption in India is less than 1 kg/ha as against 4.5 kg/ha in USA and 11 kg/ha in Japan; Parliament panel recommends price control …
Monsanto told to quit India
Farmers from 20 states to present national flag made from non-Bt organic cotton to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for Independence Day
Mosquito matters
The blood-sucking pest is altering itself with changing environment. But studies on it are few and far between
Biodiversity body claims coal
In a first-of-its-kind case, a biodiversity committee in Madhya Pradesh asks for royalty on coal
‘BRAI will benefit both private and public sectors’
Introduction of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill has brought cheers to the agri-biotechnology industry that was facing …
Pawar's daughter on panel that will examine biotechnology Bill
Supriya Sule joins Parliament panel on science and technology; panel to submit report on Bill that gives easy access to GM crops in three months
More bite, less to chew
The most controversial aspect of the food security law is the restructuring of the public distribution system to cover an unprecedented 67 per …
Drinking water audit report by March 2011
In addition to conducting financial audits, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), VINOD RAI, has decided to conduct a social and …
Contaminating millets
There is disquiet over government scheme to wean traditional millet farmers on chemical inputs
Guar mine
Farmers in Rajasthan make big bucks as shale gas rush boosts demand for little-known cluster bean
India’s deepening farm crisis: 76% farmers want to give up farming, shows study
Benefits of government schemes and policies go to big farmers, shows survey undertaken by CSDS on behalf of farmers’ association
Difficult to digest
After much debate, the Cabinet cleared the food security bill. Will it really ensure food for every Indian?
GM crop field trials: anti-GM activists protest outside Moily's office
Moily’s approval will now allow event selection trials of rice, castor, cotton and a few other genetically modified crops ÒÇÇ
Hailstorm drives farmers to suicide
Over 100 kill themselves as large tracts of crops are damaged; food prices likely to go up
‘Let farmers decide the price’
Mani Chinnaswamy’s contract farming model has prompted IIM graduates to study his Appachi formula. After all, it gives farmers the right to …
Is Bt cotton a success or failure?
Participants attending conference to review Bt cotton call for extensive investigation into all aspects of cotton production before drawing …
Is new land bill up to mark?
Draft land bill proposes higher compensation for land acquisitions, but complaints persist
Parliament panel deliberates plea to ban meat exports
Petition to Parliament panel draws attention to severe cattle depletion in the country affecting agricultural economy; public comments invited
States told to roll out contingency plans
Plans cover crops, poultry, livestock and fisheries; Centre allows use of funds from agriculture schemes for funding contingency plans
One-sided deal
Contract farming is increasing in India, but laws are not in place to protect farmers
Bt Brinjal – the war goes on
Pro Bt Brinjal group releases a report challenging contention that the vegetable is used in medicine
Act of omission
Public institutions do not seek permission from the biodiversity authority before genetically manipulating crops
CAG blames Centre for increase in foodgrain procurement cost
Lack of specific method in determining minimum support price of grains caused variation in margins over production, says report