AGROECOLOGY
Shift from higher yields to nutrient-efficient crops needed to cut fertiliser dependence: ICAR’s Jat
Jat emphasised that soil biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are fundamental to sustainable agriculture
Wendell Berry found life’s deepest lessons in the soil and turned them into poetry, prose and a call to care for nature
Wendell Berry is an American farmer, novelist and poet. He farmed and also developed a body of writing focused on community, agriculture and care for the planet. His books are The Unsettling of America, Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer and The Mad Farmer Poems became part of his prolific output. His ideas also connect with the growing eco-georgic tradition linking farming, environmental responsibility and community life.
BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
Why did scientists ask 1,000 Swiss people to bury their underwear? What the buried 'underpants' could reveal about soil - The unusual science of measuring soil health
The decomposition of cotton underwear has unveiled notable differences in soil biological activity throughout Switzerland. Private gardens displayed the most rapid decomposition rates, highlighting the presence of abundant organic matter and active microorganisms. Conversely, lawns showed minimal organism activity, with agricultural fields and meadows falling in a moderate range. This study emphasizes how land use significantly affects underwear breakdown, offering a unique approach to revealing hidden soil ecosystems.
BRICS agriculture ministers begin deliberations in Indore on food security, small farmers' welfare
BRICS agriculture ministers are meeting in Indore. India is chairing the two-day event. Key discussions focus on food security. The welfare of smallholder farmers is a priority. Greater participation of women and youth in agriculture is also on the agenda. The meeting aims to strengthen agricultural cooperation among member nations. An Indore Declaration is expected.
IFAD moves to unlock finance for Northeast India’s agroecology enterprises
Seventeen agroecology businesses from five Northeast Indian states met in Guwahati. They shared ideas and discussed challenges. The event aimed to connect them with investors and stakeholders. This initiative supports building economically viable, agroecology-based businesses. The goal is to link enterprises to markets and strengthen value addition. This will help small-scale producers and rural enterprises grow.
EAM Jaishankar meets German MP, discusses growing bilateral ties
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with German MP Jurgen Hardt in New Delhi, addressing the expanding bilateral relations and current global affairs. Their discussion highlights the robust strategic partnership between India and Germany, marked by frequent high-level meetings. Jaishankar also bid farewell to Slovenia's Ambassador to India, Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, acknowledging her role in strengthening ties.
India, Germany decide to expand ties in clean energy, mobility sectors
New Delhi and Berlin are enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, urban development, agroecology, and mobility. This decision follows development policy negotiations led by India's Department for Economic Affairs and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The collaboration is part of the 'Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development' established in 2022.
India and Germany fighting climate change together as they are facing challenging weather patterns, says Germany Consul General
India and Germany collaborate to address climate change effects, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems. The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership focuses on aligning with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement to combat climate challenges.
Study reveals dire health risks for pregnant women in India amid climate change
A recent government-backed study in India highlights the escalating health risks faced by pregnant women due to climate change. Rising temperatures are projected to increase the incidence of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia among pregnant women. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate these effects, including gender-sensitive measures in State Action Plans for Climate Change and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Agriculture 4.0 can wait. It is time for farmers to embrace desi techniques
As climate change impacts crop productivity, experts say it’s the time to study the pros and cons of modern as well as natural farming practices before deciding on one option.
Govt working on blueprint to cut use of water and fertilisers, improve soil quality
To reduce use of fertilizers, enhance soil quality by using organic products, diversify crops and minimise the use of water, nutrients and energy on farmlands, Centre is working towards a blueprint as it is focusing on scaling up agroecology in India under its Vision 2047. Agroecology is sustainable farming or application of ecological concepts and principals in farming.
India, Germany begin talk on climate goals, energy transition and emerging technologies
The inaugural NITI-BMZ Dialogue of Development Cooperation was held between Indian government think-tank NITI Aayog and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the statement said. According to the statement, both sides deliberated ongoing engagements and identified potential cooperation in areas that can produce tangible outputs and learnings for India and Germany.
Natural farming need of the hour, says NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant
Natural Farming is a chemical-free farming method. It is considered as an agroecology-based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.
View: Nature produces agricultural solutions for smallholder farmers
Soil degradation and water scarcity caused by overuse of resources and excessive use of chemical inputs are the two most significant challenges to farmers.
India can access carbon credits worth USD 50-60 bn if propagates agroecology: Niti Aayog
In India, there has been a long history of farming that is based on traditional and environment-friendly practices. The state of Sikkim became the first-ever organic state in the world and was awarded the UN Future Policy Gold Award, 2018.
Wheat genome unravelled: can help in dealing with climate change
New Delhi, Aug 31 (IANS/Mongabay) It took the best scientific minds from 20 nations, including India, to scale what is considered as the "Mt. Everest of the genome world".
FAO chief champions agroecology in call for healthier, sustainable food systems
Rome, April 4 (IANS/AKI) United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation chief Jose Graziano da Silva has called for healthier and more sustainable food systems, saying agroecology can contribute to such a transformation, FAO reported on Tuesday.
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