Twenty-three suicides reported in Adilabad district since November 2011

In a scenario dominated by Bt cotton, only those farmers in Adilabad seem to be safe and happy who have practically given up cotton cultivation. Many farmers, especially those with smaller holdings, are finding the economics of Bt cotton to be really deadly. Some 23 suicides by cotton farmers have been reported in the district since November last year. In a majority of these instances, the farmers were caught in debt traps.

This new study by UK-based PG Economics presents the findings of research on global socio-economic and environmental impact of biotech crops from 1996-2010, since they were first commercially planted on a significant area.

A coalition of more than 2,000 U.S.

“India's farmers need to change with the times to enhance their efficiency”

Experts taking part in a panel discussion on agricultural technology here over the weekend laid emphasis on giving a fillip to farm technology and underscored the need for adopting modern methods to boost farm productivity, even as the country's agro-based economy is stated to be on the threshold of a second green revolution.

Calls for engaging local people on a continuous basis

Renowned agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan has suggested that consultative committees be formed in and around the Kudankulam area, comprising civil society representatives and nuclear technology experts, so that the local people could be engaged on a continuous basis on the nuclear power project's safety aspects.

This paper describes and analyzes a series of complementary policy initiatives in India to adapt and commercialize existing global biotechnologies to meet local needs in healthcare, agriculture, industry and the environment in a more affordable manner.

After hectic research over three years, six scientists and three researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST) have managed to clone a Pashmina goat — the

The path drawn up by the government’s first-ever official agriculture survey in suggesting more private investment in farming is likely to find resonance in this year’s Budget.

Officials said apart from infrastructure and skill development, agriculture could be the next big focus area. In 2009-10, private sector investment in agriculture stood at Rs 1.09 lakh crore, constituting 82 per cent of the total investment in the farm sector.

This has reference to the article, “Beware the biotech Bill” (March 5) by Avik Roy. This was a much needed comprehensive article on genetically modified crops and the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill. The questions raised are the ones that people regularly get to hear. There is this basic assumption that GM crops will increase yields.

This report provides snapshots of frontline struggles against Monsanto & other biotech corporations pushing GM crops. It shows that small-holder and organic farmers, local communities and social movements around the world are resisting Monsanto and the agro-industrial model that it represents.

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