What we desperately close our mind to is once again becoming pronounced ever more clearly: climate change is here; it is already bringing devastating extreme weather events; and it will become wors

Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday that the country should adopt genetically modified (GM) crops in order meet the higher foodgrain requirement under the landmark food security law.

"We have to accelerate the pace of agricultural growth on a sustainable basis to meet the additional requirement of foodgrain for proper implementation of the food security Act," Pawar said as he addressed a national rabi conference.

Patna : The Bihar government on Wednesday declared drought in 33 of the 38 districts as the state has received 668.6 mm rainfall as against the annual average at 892.2 mm — a deficit of 28 per cent

The State government has declared as many as 167 hoblis in 80 taluks of 21 districts has drought affected this year, even as other parts continue to receive excess rainfall.

Citing it a matter of ‘serious concern,’ the government said that some of the hoblis showed all the three drought indicators, including, deficit rain while others showed two.

The government is likely to seek financial aid from the Centre to tackle drought and floods in the State.

Official sources said the government had prepared a memorandum seeking about Rs 475 crore to take up relief works in flood-affected areas, and Rs 744 crore in drought-hit areas.