The GM maize rats
Findings of the Seralini lab on effect of Monsanto’s GM maize on rats set off a global furore
A third of global cropland will be drought-hit by 2040 if emissions don’t stop: Report
The yield of staple crops could be globally hit in a business-as-usual scenario for emissions, just at the time when more food is required, …
Was ethanol the reason for the ban on broken rice exports
A look at official data shows that the allocation of Food Corporation of India rice for ethanol was drastically increased in 2021-22, as compared …
This common weed can offer drought-resistant crops
Scientists integrated two metabolic pathways to produce a novel type of photosynthesis that enables the weed to withstand drought while remaining …
Will Bihar farmers have to shift from paddy? Changing rainfall patterns hint at that
State agriculture department has advised farmers to opt for less water-intensive alternatives like maize
Food crisis in Africa: The high cost of imported fertilisers is adding to the problem
If farmers earned better returns, with cheaper input costs, then production could be a multiple of the current levels
Why India is vulnerable to attacks by alien species
The country has faced at least 10 major invasive pest and weed attacks in the past 15 years, with most recent being the fall armyworm that …
A treasure too good to lose
Mexicans are fighting hard to save their traditional maize from the onslaught of GM hybrids and US exports
Asia grapples with GM crops
Victory for anti-GM crusaders in Pakistan is short-lived as government gets high court ban on genetically modified crops suspended
Climate change hits food production
Global warming has resulted in 20 per cent increase in price of wheat, maize, rice and soybean
Wheat could expand to higher latitudes if warming trends continue: Study
Global maize yield could decline 24% while wheat would increase 17% by 2030 if the world warms like it is doing now, says study
Look back in hope: What America’s Hopi people can teach us about living sustainably
Down To Earth talks to author Daniel Pinchbeck about what the Hopi Native Americans of Arizona can teach the modern world which is warming …
Sub-Saharan Africa’s food security has turned out better than feared. But risks remain
Widespread job losses led to rise in food insecurity, most pronounced in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda and Malawi
Hybrid seeds are becoming increasingly popular in India. But that is not good news; here is why
Hybrid seeds could threaten the country’s crop diversity and the hardy traditional varieties suited to grow in their native climes
Prolonged protests in Bihar over acute fertiliser shortage during rabi sowing season
Protests had also erupted in the state during kharif season earlier this year due to shortage of urea.
Some 2.64 million Malawians face acute food insecurity between January and March: Report
Erratic weather patterns as well as job losses due to COVID-19 major factors behind shortages
Scientists develop bio-fortified maize to address ‘hidden hunger’
The new hybrids have 4.5 folds more vitamin A content and similar amounts of lysine and tryptophan as earlier varieties
International Day of Rural Women: A day in the life of a tribal woman farmer in Odisha
Anita Naik, a farmer living near Similipal National Park, has become an entrepreneur after turning to maize instead of leaving uplands fallow
COVID-19 restrictions: No cheer for Odisha’s maize farmers despite bumper harvest
Restrictions on inter-state transport compelled farmers to sell produce at throwaway prices to local traders
What will an El Nino bring next to India?
India’s vital monsoon rains can be disrupted by an El Nino which is a major concern for crop production
India reports 22% less sowing till second week of 2022 kharif season, compared to last year
The southwest monsoon has entered the country, but the initial rainfall figures have become a source of trouble for farmers
Fall Armyworms affect 750,000 acres of maize in Africa, put food security at threat
It may take more than two years before hybrids resistant to the FAW are bred and commercialised in Africa
Fall Armyworm attack: Uganda’s concerted efforts at curbing infestation
The spread of FAW is alarmingly high in Uganda but the African country is also looking at every possible solution to fight the infestation
Fall Armyworm attack: The damage done
The deadly but little understood crop pest, poses a threat to food security and livelihoods of millions as it ravages crops in Africa and …
Fall Armyworm attack: Rwanda fights it back successfully
The country couldn’t predict the pest attack owing to few resources, but it successfully minimised its impact within a year of identifying it