Of algae, worms and cash flow
Continuing the series on organic farming, Down To Earth's reporter found that both the scientific community and farmers are showing interest in …
Organic thread
Even as Bt cotton invaded Indian fields in the past few years, some farmer groups kept pushing for organic cotton. In 2009-10, production in …
Organic Universe
Organic is all the rage. Organic food, cosmetics, clothes and even organic medicines. But mostly it is food. There are speciality stores that …
Boost to ecofriendly farming
A department of biotechnology project to popularise the production of biofertilisers has recently been approved.
A question of sales: Natural farming faces challenges in Himachal; here is how
Natural farming practices have drastically reduced input costs, but Himachal Pradesh’s farmers still lack market access
Biochar application can help Ghana’s smallholder farmers fight back climate change: Study
New research shows biochar application is more effective in promoting cowpea growth and yield in Ghana
Karnataka coffee farmers selling estates, killing themselves: Report
Market prices, erratic weather and increasing input costs are making coffee cultivation unviable, it notes
Scientists assess how continuous use of fertilisers affects soil bacteria
Application of Nitrogen Phosporus Potassium with farmyard manure increases the minerals' availability in the soil as compared to other treatments
Bloom fades on Holland's famous flower trade
Dutch export of flowers has fallen in the face of increasing competition from other countries and a drop in the quality of plants at home.
Every cow-pat counts
Even the lowly cow-pat has ownership rules in rural India. But rights over dung, an important source of energy and soil fertilisation, vary from …
Whre science and tradition join hands
The Gloria Land farm in Pondicherry and another run by a couple in Karnataka, show natural inputs can effectively replace factory produced …
Slurry from toilet biogas systems fetches Gujarat farmers better price
Slurry discharged by toilet-linked biogas plants, when used as manure, improved crop yield, its appearance and hence increased its market price …
How Karnataka manages its faeces
Thirty years after banning manual scavenging under the Night Soil Carrying System Abolition Act, Karnataka is still a fair way away from flushing …
Davos 2023: Rich nations must help poor counterparts’ small farmers to transform food systems, says RK Singh
India will soon have enough green ammonia to cease importing ammonia-based fertilisers, which account for a significant portion of its import …
Crop nutrient management using digital tool improves yield, reduces greenhouse gas emissions: Study
More than 80% of 1,594 participating farmers reported an increased crop yield and farm income, according to the study
Neem-coated growth
The Union government's decision to produce neem-coated urea will not only improve soil health and agriculture, but also halt its illegal …
Economic Survey 2019-20: Agriculture growth stagnant in last 6 years
Document emphasises sustainable agricultural practices to support farmers and avert water crisis
Reaping organic
Karnataka was the first state to adopt a policy on organic farming in 2004. Since then, several initiatives have helped farmers fight drought, …
Mothballing nitrogen
Some now ways of using fortilisers which will prevent nitrogen seepage into the water table
Flushing down its traditions
A good society knows how to clean its rubbish. But instead of setting an example for the world through its traditional handling of human excreta,…
Organic farming: Reaping mixed benefits
Contradictory state of affairs in two Uttaranchal villages highlights both potential and obstacles of organic farming. The paradox has cropped up …
Win some, lose some
Experts debate the phasing out of methyl bromide, a chemical with potent ozone-depleting qualities
Not a waste until wasted
Punjab farmers burn straw after harvest. It is time to exploit the potential of this agro-waste
The meat you eat
A behind-the-scene look at how slaughterhouses in India dispose hazardous bio-waste by endangering the environment
Shit, it's profitable
Bengaluru farmers have revived the practice of using human excreta as manure. This has created an informal economy that is benefiting many
