How Sumi Nagas’ traditional knowledge helps them navigate nature’s vagaries
The Sumi tribe of Nagas uses several ecological indicators to facilitate agricultural practices and predict seasonal variation; but this wisdom …
A farmer becomes a labourer
The challenge for doubling farmers’ income is this foundational change in the economy of an agricultural household
One-third of the world's nature reserves are under threat from humans
A new survey finds that one-third of this area is subject to pressure from human developments, potentially putting …
Foreign food trade impacts importing countries’ environment too
Soybean farmers in a country that imports soybean have to switch to other crops on a land where there is leftover nitrogen after crop harvest
Livestock manure not so safe for food production
An FAO report highlights that livestock manure is one of the top sources of soil contamination
Leaves from nitrogen-rich trees can be potential fertilisers
Banaras Hindu University scientists have shown that application of leaves from nitrogen-rich trees in soil can increase the soil fertility and …
Death by pesticides: farmers continue to die as India flouts global norms
The pesticides that have killed 272 farmers in Maharashtra in the last four years are banned in most countries
Centre to roll back controversial ban on trade of cattle for slaughter
The government’s May 23 notification on changes made to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Market) Rules, 2017, …
What is pushing India's small dairy farmers out of business?
A new study establishes a link between global development in dairy industries and slowing down of local small-scale dairy business
Cocoa wilts in Ghana
Ghana, known to provide a favourable price regime to cocoa farmers, discontinues the perks as the crop price crashes in international market
The global food system still benefits the rich at the expense of the poor
Global food system issues can be traced to colonial history. It's time food production became more sustainable so that it meets the needs of …
Can farming mean a permanent renewal of life?
For the past three decades, the practice of permaculture has found acceptance from not just rural communities in India but also from urbanites …
Rs 1,402,680,000,000: India's agrarian import bill for 2015-16
This is India's agrarian import bill for 2015-16. More than three times of India's annual agriculture budget, this money could have been …
Cattle can no longer be traded for the purposes of slaughter: Centre
Sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets banned; now cattle can only be sold for ‘agricultural purposes’
Droughts getting intense, more frequent in southern states
Be it temple tanks or rainwater harvesting structures, South India had set the standard in water conservation. Now they are just forgotten traditions
Synthetic influx
Synthetic menthol threatens the livelihoods of 400,000 families of farmers who grow Mentha
Maratha silent protests make noise for economic security, social justice
Reservation in government jobs and relief to drought-hit farmers are among the major demands of the Marathas
Land grabbing intensity doubled in last four years, says report
Land deals primarily target areas previously used for agriculture, which increases competition for land and the potential for conflicts
Dragon fruit: Is it the next big thing in Indian horticulture
The dragon fruit, which is indigenous to the Americas, can grow in arid and semi-arid regions with very low input cost
How Maharashtra’s tomato belt can tackle its viral menace
A plethora of viruses as well as insect vectors and pests pose an emerging threat to the tomato belt of Maharashtra; it is a wake-up call to …
‘Crop residue can boost soil health’
Andy MacDonald, manager, Rothamsted long-term experiments, Rothamsted Research, UK, speaks to Down To Earth on key findings of the Broadbalk …
New targets to protect biodiversity must include farmers and agriculture
Africa’s protected areas cover an area of 20.4 million km² or 15.1% of the landmass. But experts say this isn’t enough.
Promoting agri practices in Punjab for water efficiency, better residue management
New-age machines can help save costs, water & electricity usage as well as combat the problem of stubbles
IISF 2019: Experts advise sustainable, climate-smart, diverse farming
With reduced land holdings, increasing populations and climate change looming large, this was the solution to farmers’ problems, they said
This man saved his village from flash floods, reclaimed surrounding sal forests
He constructed the first check dam in Jamtoli village in Jharkhand to ensure heavy rains don't wash away farms