In age of hybrid crops, the importance of preserving landraces

News: Recently, Rahibai Popere, popularly known as Seed mother, from Maharashtra won this year’s Padma awards. It was in recognition of her work that has helped save hundreds of landraces (wild varieties of commonly grown crops at the village level) Contents1 How Landraces are different from commercially grown crops?2 Why preserving landraces is important?3 What… Continue reading In age of hybrid crops, the importance of preserving landraces

Explained: What is Allium negianum?

Contents1 What is the News?2 What is Allium?3 What about Allium in India?4 Where is the newly discovered Allium negianum found? What is the News? A team of researchers has discovered a new species of the genus Allium named “Allium negianum” from the Uttarakhand Himalayan region of India. What is Allium? Allium is one of… Continue reading Explained: What is Allium negianum?

India’s pulses problem: We need real reform

Synopsis: Some inherent flaws in MSP system and what the government needs to do to address them. Contents1 Introduction2 How is the ‘MSP’ price  determined?3 What are the issues in ‘MSP’ system?4 What are the reforms needed? Introduction India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world. However, we consume more than… Continue reading India’s pulses problem: We need real reform

Sowing better to eat better

Synopsis: Understanding the new challenges plaguing the agricultural system and remedies needed.  Contents1 Introduction 2 What is the current scenario of agriculture in India? 3 What are the new challenges that have emerged in the agri-food system? 4 What is the way forward?/What kind of agri-systems we need?5 What steps have been taken in this regard?  Introduction  The health… Continue reading Sowing better to eat better

Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture? 

Synopsis: Government’s plan to promote ethanol, its benefit to the country, various effects of this plan, its impact on crop diversification and food security and way forward.  Contents1 Introduction 2 What’s the govt’s plan to promote ethanol? 3 How would ethanol blending benefit India? 4 What are the unintended effects of the policy? 5 What is the way forward?  Introduction … Continue reading Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture? 

Union Minister inaugurates training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health

What is the News Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj has inaugurated a training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health. The program is structured around the basics & benefits of Indian sandalwood, seed handling, nursery techniques & managing the health of the plant. What is Sandalwood? Sandalwood is a class… Continue reading Union Minister inaugurates training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health

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