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 …

How farmers united in Punjab and Haryana during the 2023 floods

For every farmer whose crop has been ruined, there is another one who is sending him saplings from hundreds of kilometres away

The maize debt trap: Why are tribal farmers in this Odisha district caught in a loop of debt?

Depleting soil quality and rising fertiliser costs perpetuate a crushing cycle of debt and marginalisation

Why are tomato prices going north?

Delayed monsoon, high temperature, low production, heavy rainfall, reduced supply from neighbouring states, all are to blame  

Meet the Telangana Dalit women working to preserve millet biodiversity for 30 years

While the money these women make might not be as much as cash crops like sugarcane or wheat, they have managed to end hunger and ensure food …

Does India really need GM Mustard?

Botanists say that pests and insects may grow resistant to the transgenic crop after a decade or so, triggering the need for newer versions of …

Antimicrobial resistance: Intensification of food production must be sustainable

Rise in demand for meat and dairy products was reconciled through the intensification of livestock systems

Scanty rain in India’s largest state; kharif sowing hit in eastern UP

41 of 42 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, except Varanasi, are reeling under severe rain shortfall, India Meteorological Department has reported

Dry to deluge: Incessant rain a threat to Marathwada farmers

After scanty rainfall in June & early July, Maharashtra region now has a problem of too much downpour in too short a span      

Tropical forests the size of Europe lost in first 20 years of this century

South America lost around 68 million hectares — the highest in the world, followed by Africa with 49 million hectares, according to a new …

How COVID-19 controls hit farmers in 7 low-income countries, most in Africa

In countries with strictest controls, 80% smallholder households reported major disruptions

Hottest March in 122 years damages wheat crop across North India

heat is a temperature-sensitive crop that requires a cool temperature, especially in March when it is at its final stage

Agriculture is linked with malaria in complex ways: evidence from 16 African countries

This is worrying because, currently, three branches of development are trying to achieve their goals in isolation

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  

Fifth edition of national bio-entrepreneurship competition launched

Over 30 industry and investment partners come forward to support bio-entrepreneurship in India through this competition  

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. 

Bihar’s advice to villagers — cook lunch early morning to avoid fire incidents

Spike in fire incidents coupled with losses due to COVID-19 lockdown has become cause of worry for farmers 

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

Why Brazil’s new pesticide rules should worry India

The country’s dilution of rules for pesticides such as glyphosate could spell a health crisis in India, which consumes its beans

Nigeria becomes fourth African nation to join global coalition to protect pollinators

Even as pollinator populations are declining globally, data about them, especially in the developing world, is insufficient