A section of women self-help groups growing vegetables at Bahour in Puducherry had switched to organic fertilizers due to the growing demand for organically grown crops.

Developed by the city-based Directorate of Oilseeds Research, BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), a bio-pesticide, will be showcased at the CoP-11 biodiversity conference, it was informed.

BT extract is used to kill pests such as pod borer, castor semi-looper and other insects that affect the rice crop, castor and pigeon pea and other oil seeds. Instead of transgenic crops, which give rise to serious apprehensions on bio-safety, scientists say the BT extract bio-pesticide is a safer alternative.

Action plan will be submitted to Union Ministry

Introduction of a “climate-tailored agricultural management” system, preservation of ecologically important biomes, and development of water bodies are some of the strategies proposed by the State to overcome the impact of climate change. The strategies have been listed in the State Action Plan for Climate Change, prepared by the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The strategic plan, with a projected financial outlay of Rs.1,000 crore, is being circulated among various stakeholders.

The Cardamom Research Station at Pampadumpara is taking measures to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in cardamom plantations and promote eco-friendly methods with a view to protecting the soil

Demand for effective bio-pesticides rising across the globe

The crop protection industry has joined hands with Crop Life India, an association of technology-driven agriculture companies, to form an Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force in a bid to check the rampan

The cabinet at its meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today endorsed the State

LUCKNOW: The production of pulses in the country has been hit by a pest called pod borer. The common pest which attacks all pulses, chick pea, pigeon pea, gram, groundnut and lentils is a cause of worry for farmers in several states.

The farmers who have decided to start bio-farming and other farmers who prefer to adopt local methods to reduce cost of farming should start preparations to make bio-pesticides. Soyabean and other main important crops of Kharif crops are attacked by several types of insects. Since the number of insects is very large, they should be controlled to save the crops.