Rogue GM crops wreak havoc

Monsanto’s unauthorised GM wheat in the US has spooked the world, but contamination is widespread

A million snake bites

We are only beginning to understand snake bites better

Lost rhythm of health

Third world power

China has proved that genomics is no longer the preserve of developed countries

Breach of trust

The world’s premier rice research institute tilts towards intellectual property rights

In Search of the Forgotten Rice Varieties

If the current trend towards genetic uniformity in rice varities continues, our food security will be severely imperilled

Cupfuls of misery

Nothing more than a vote-catcher, Andhra Pradesh's cheap rice scheme has resulted in an ecological disaster in its drought-prone areas

A question of political will

Two innovative states prove PDS can be made efficient

Trouble in store

The GM snare

Rice intensification for increasing productivity

System of Rice Intensification is new mantra for reducing water usage and increasing productivity

Legislation for a few

Benefits of the Act that encourages conservation of plants reach few farmers

Experiments in budgeting water

State is trying to get farmers to budget water

Persistent in folly

Rice and wheat fetch a secure price and subsidies on farm inputs. Coarse grains have no place in the public distribution system, although their …

Rice: the real cost

It is said the future wars would be fought over the issue of water, not land. Yet Indian government promotes rice, which consumes water, over …

Farming made unprofitable

Grain of truth

India's public distribution system promotes rice and wheat. These water-intensive crops require more inputs and are less nutritious as compared …

The escape route

Punjab, which accounts for only 1.5 per cent of the total geographical area of the country, cannot continue producing for the whole country. It …

Cancer-struck

Incidence of cancer and other diseases have increased. But callous officials prefer to call it a 'coincidence'

Punjab: end of the revolution ?

Cost of production has spiralled, but the rate of increase in production has not shown a similar trend. Ecological and social costs, meanwhile, …

Diminishing returns

"Subsidy culture has killed local agriculture"

Thupstan Chhewang, Chief Executive Councillor and chairperson of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) speaks to Down To Earth.

High altitude, high pressure

Ladakh's leadership is alive to many problems. But, challenges are not easy

Panchayati Raj: A good beginning

But will there be a place for traditional institutions in modern local self-governance?

More energy, Less wastage

Solar is Ladakh's way out of the diesel trap