Mouthpiece of small farmers

The name speaks volumes. An initiative by Hyderabad-based non-profit Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, the blog is all about the social and financial dilemma that small and marginal farmers face.

Monsanto does it again

April 26 is celebrated as International Seed Day when you rejoice in the vast biodiversity of the world— shrinking at a horrifying rate—and also fight for seed and food sovereignty. The last two appear to be a losing battle. In India, control of seeds has slipped out of farmers’ hands into those of the companies.

Letters - April 30, 2012

Give coffee a chance

A friendly air wave

Quishuarani people believe the ancient Inca still live in the oldest quiwuña (polylepis trees) in the community. These trees are taller and thicker and are respected by everyone,” a radio announcer says, describing the beliefs of the highlands community of Peru.

Paying farmers for ecological services

MGNREGA 2.0 has the potential but its realisation needs course correction Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee programme is being refurbished as MGNREGA 2.0. Within two months, the country will have a rural employment programme that will pay people for the work they usually do for sustenance.

Letters - March 31, 2012

Science restricted

Government rolls back ban on cotton exports

Reclaiming retail democracy

Rural haats offer solution for the logjam to foreign direct investment in retail sector

Nomads fenced in

Letters - March 15, 2012

Puranas as sci-fi