The IMF’s April 2025 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa presents a clear warning: regional growth is slowing, debt pressures are mounting, and donor assistance is declining. Yet the report outlines critical opportunities particularly in domestic revenue mobilization, structural reform, and private sector activation that can shape a more resilient …
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 …
Transparency is essential in holy grails like nuke energy and agri research. The resignation of Roddam Narasimha from the Space Commission is a matter of concern and the prime minister has done well not to accept it. It is of some importance to mend that fissure as soon as possible. …
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should impose immediate ban on the genetically modified seed of maize and others distributed by an American company in the province. This was demanded by the office-bearers of the Pakistan Kissan Mazdoor Tehrik, while addressing a press conference at Haripur Press Club the other day. The …
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture led by its chairman Prof Ram Gopal Yadav is visiting Vidarbha on Friday to understand the impact of the genetically modified (GM) cotton on the peasantry. While welcoming the visit in an open letter to Yadav, the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), which works …
This State of Indian Agriculture 2011-2012 released by the Agriculture Ministry calls for wide-ranging reforms in agriculture sector to enable it to meet the growing demands and meet challenges posed by the human & environmental factors. The report on the State of Indian Agriculture calls for wide-ranging reforms in agriculture …
This publication presents a visual synthesis of the major trends and factors shaping the global food and agricultural landscape and their interplay with broader environmental, social and economic dimensions. In doing so, it strives to serve as a unique reference point on the state of world food and agriculture for …
Sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition are high on the social agenda. Work is now being done to face both challenges, often with measurable success. However, huge changes are still needed and some problems have even been exacerbated. Although agriculture and nutrition are closely linked, both issues are often dealt with …
Ten years after Bt cotton first made its appearance in India, the Coalition for GM-free India has released this special report and demands an immediate halt to the policy of promoting Bt cotton. In summary, the story of Bt cotton is clearly that of false hype and failed promises. Bt …
It is 10 years since Bt Cotton was introduced in India / Tamil Nadu . That is the only Genetically Modified crop (though rated non food crop) allowed and it is time the Govt and policy makers think through it strongly and see the stark realities. Safe Food Alliance has …
Science and innovation have always been the key forces behind agricultural growth in particular and economic transformation in general. More specifically, the ability to add value to agricultural production via the application of scientific knowledge to entrepreneurial activities stands out as one of the most important lessons of economic history. …
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. This report provides snapshots of frontline struggles against Monsanto …
The Ministry of Environment and Forests implements policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including lakes and rivers, biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals and prevention and abatement of pollution. The Annual Report to the People on Environment and Forests is trying to …
The Coalition for a GM-Free India has expressed “outrage” at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that foreign-funded NGOs were the reason for the moratorium on Bt brinjal. “It is a clear attempt to undermine and disrespect the exercise of democratic rights by the citizens of this country regarding critical issues …
The Foundation for Biotechnology and Awareness (FBA) has urged the government to lift the moratorium on Bt brinjal and accept the recommendations of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) which recommended its commercial release in 2009. FBA, which consists of leading biotechnologists, also demanded that permission from state governments for …
A federal class-action lawsuit brought last year by a consortium of farmers against the agricultural and chemical company Monsanto was dismissed Monday by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald of Federal District Court. The plaintiffs, none of whom use Monsanto’s products, are seeking to have the company’s agricultural patents invalidated. They said …
Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on Sunday said no NGO influenced his decision to put a moratorium on Bt Brinjal, a statement that comes against the backdrop of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raising questions about the role of foreign funded NGOs in blocking use of genetic engineering. Dr. …
The government should remove all constraints in the research and development work of biotech crops and lift moratorium on commercial release of Bt-brinjal, agri-biotech scientists and industry bodies said today. In a day-long conference on ‘Biotech Crops for Food Security in India’, the scientists from the US, Switzerland and India …
India has made rapid strides in cotton production ever since adopting the genetically modified technology 10 years ago. It has also helped the country emerge as a key supplier of the natural fibre to the global market, especially China. However, the large-scale adoption of genetically modified technology is causing concern …
A report on the safety assessment of Bt brinjal (eggplant/aubergine) by Prof. Jack Heinemann has been submitted to India’s Minister of Environment and Forests. Its findings suggest the regulation and official expertise brought to bear on GM crops are either grossly incompetent or worse.
India has become the testing ground for a whole range of GM crops. These include paddy, wheat, maize, mustard, okra even as testing for the controversial Bt brinjal continues. Testing is being done by private universities, private crop developers and the National Agricultural Research System all of whom are testing …
