Seed multinationals rush for patents SIX leading multinational seed companies, BASF, Monsanto, Syngenta, DuPont, Bayer and Dow, have claimed patent rights on seeds and knowledge designed to combat the impact of climate change in agriculture. They have filed 532 applications in various patent offices for such seeds and plant genomes. Monsanto and BASF have a us $1.5 billion

Controlling methane emissions through acid rain? adding sulphate to soil in paddy fields is a popular method of controlling methane emission, to the tune of up to 70 per cent. In highly polluted countries such as India and China, acid rain also deposits a substantial amount of sulphate. This leads to more than required sulphate, which can be harmful for paddy. In such cases it becomes

Mahyco flouts rules in Bt rice trials in Jharkhand mahyco seed company was found conducting field trials of Bt rice in Jharkhand, flouting all the rules and regulations prescribed for trials of a genetically modified crop. The trials were being conducted at Saparong village in Ranchi district of Jharkhand without the knowledge of the farmers and without isolating the trial field.

Planning Commission designs Rs 27,000 crore package for Bihar bihar can become the next agriculture hub if the Planning Commission has its way. A special cell for Bihar set up in the Planning Commission is considering extending Rs 27,000 crore to boost the state

Delhi ICDS feels the pinch the Delhi government has increased the budget for supplementary nutrition under the Integrated Child Development Services (icds) from Rs 2 to Rs 4 per child per day. The amount was increased to tackle rising food prices as well as to introduce variety in the menu to improve the nutritional intake of beneficiaries, says Debashri Mukherjee, secretary of the

Food gatherer and rope maker tribals in Jharkhand become cultivators Members of two primitive tribes in East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, are trying to retain their forestland in a unique manner. The sabars and birhors, food gatherers and rope makers, have taken to cultivation. They have cleared tracts of forestland on which they have lived for generations, to grow mango, guava,

UPA government

Waterless wheat makes central India 's farmers smile - Savvy Soumya Mishra

Time was when Malwa, a region spanning central India , grew wheat that required no irrigation. What it required instead was careful nurturing of the soil to retain its moisture. That was then. Soil preparation began months in advance; chemical fertilizers were unknown and green mulch was the principal soil nutrient.

a shortage of fertilizers ahead of the kharif sowing season triggered protest in Haveri district of Karnataka on June 10 this year. A farmer, Siddalingappa Churi, was shot down by the police and 12 others were injured. The protests spread to Hubli, Dharwad, Davengere and Chamrajnagar districts; stone pelting, buses burnt. Two cultivators from Davengere committed suicide. The early onset of the

Waterless wheat makes central India

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