Private sector sourcing commitments are driving major market growth for sustainable commodities, according to the State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) Review 2014 published by an alliance of international organisations. This 2014 edition provides a bird's eye view of market and performance trends of the 16 most prevalent standards initiatives - such as the Forest Stewardship Council, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance - across ten leading commodity sectors.

The world will need 70 percent more food, as measured by calories, in order to feed a global population of 9.6 billion people in 2050 finds this new report by UNEP, UNDP, WRI and the World Bank. Also provides solutions to close the food gap by reducing excessive consumption.

The Department of Land Resources, Government of India in collaboration with World Bank have undertaken a National Watershed Development Project called Neeranchal which proposes to positively influence the Integrated Watershed Management Programme with technical and financial support.

The National Advisory Council has recommended formulation of a national agroforestry policy, which provides for support price for farm-grown trees and other produce.

As renewed international efforts are needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock sector can contribute its part. An important emitter of greenhouse gas, it also has the potential to significantly reduce its emissions.

Developing and developed countries alike need a paradigm shift in agricultural development: from a "green revolution" to a "truly ecological intensification" approach.

Maintaining or enhancing organic carbon is a slow process particularly in tropical regions where rapid decomposition of organic matter results in loss of carbon. Results of a number of experiments conducted in India and abroad conclusively proves the potential, however the rates of sequestration have been low.