Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture refers to farming systems that meet present food and fibre needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It seeks to balance agricultural productivity, environmental conservation and farmer livelihoods. The concept gained global recognition through the Brundtland Report (1987). Sustainable Agriculture in India In India, sustaina

Shifting Cultivation

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn or swidden farming, is an indigenous agricultural system in which farmers clear and burn small forest patches, cultivate them for a few years, and then leave the land fallow for natural regeneration. The nutrient-rich ash temporarily improves soil fertility, after which cultivation shifts to another plot. Process The practice begins with

Rewa Sundarja Mango

Latest News The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first commercial export of Rewa Sundarja Mangoes from Madhya Pradesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking an important milestone in promoting India's premium mango varieties in international markets. About Rewa Sundarja Mango The Rewa Sundarja Mango is a pr

Mission for Cotton Productivity

The Union Cabinet has approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity with an outlay of ₹5,659 crore for 2026–31. The mission aims to increase cotton lint productivity from 441 kg/hectare (TE 2025–26) to 755 kg/hectare by 2031. While the target is ambitious, experts question whether it can be achieved amid declining productivity, technological stagnation, weak innovation incentiv

MAKHANA

Mango

Coffee in India

India’s coffee exports to West Asian markets are currently facing logistical delays, with shipments either stranded at ports or moving slowly through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption is affecting export timelines and trade efficiency, particularly for West Asian buyers. About Coffee Coffee is a tropical plantation crop that typically grows under shaded conditions provided by t

Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24. This decision is aimed at ensuring that cotton farmers receive remunerative prices when market prices fall below the government-declared MSP, thereby protecting their income and stabilizing the cotton market. About Co

Grain ATM

The government of Bihar has recently approved the installation of three Grain ATM machines in Patna as part of a pilot project. The initiative is aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of food grain distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS). If successful, the model may be expanded to other regions. What is a Grain ATM? A Grain ATM, also known as

Mustard Crop

The mustard crop has recently shown increasing susceptibility to infestation by Orobanche aegyptiaca, a parasitic weed that significantly reduces crop productivity. The growing spread of this parasite has raised concerns regarding oilseed production and farmer income, especially in major mustard-growing regions. About Mustard Crop Mustard is an important Rabi season oilseed crop cultivat

Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System

Recent soil tests conducted in the Kuttanad paddy fields of Kerala have revealed elevated concentrations of aluminium. These fields form part of the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System, raising concerns about soil health, crop productivity, and long-term sustainability of this unique farming system. About the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System The Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System

Green Revolution in maize

Context: India has seen significant success with the green revolution in maize production. This success has been primarily driven by the private sector. Over the past 20 years, maize production in India has more than tripled. Historical context of Green Revolution The Green Revolution in India began in the 1960s. To increase food production in the country. Key method: Introduction of hi

Direct seeding of rice

Direct seeding of rice (DSR), or the ‘tar-wattar’ technique, is indeed a promising agricultural practice with several benefits, but its adoption in Punjab has been limited despite various incentives and government support. Benefits of DSR: Water Conservation: DSR requires less water compared to traditional transplanting methods, which is crucial given the water scarcity issues

What is Roen olmi

Overview: Two researchers in Goa have said that they synthesised gold nanoparticles from a wild mushroom species that is widely eaten as a delicacy in the coastal state. About Roen olmi It is a mushroom of the Termitomyces species. It grows on termite hills and is locally known as ‘roen olmi’ in Goa. It is an edible wild mushroom popular among Goans and consumed during t

Cassava(Tapioca)

Context: On January 8, 2024, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) issued a cautionary advisory regarding the feeding of animals with cassava, commonly known as tapioca. About Tapioca Plant: Tapioca is a significant horticulture crop extensively cultivated on nearly 3 lakh hectares in Tamil Nadu, yielding an annual production of 60 lakh tonnes. It holds global importa

A plan for the Winter Crop

A plan for the Winter Crop     Why in the News? The Rabi conference was recently held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), to discuss about the problems and prospects of rabi crops in the upcoming winter season. India’s food production: The Indian monsoon (June to September) recorded a 5.6% deficit rainfall compared to the lo