Paddy farmers in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta are facing severe procurement issues due to high moisture content caused by unseasonal rains. The state government has requested the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs to relax the permissible moisture content limit from 17% to 22%. Under the decentralized procurement scheme, the state government procures paddy on behalf of the Centre, which pays the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The lack of adequate Direct Purchase Centres (DPCs) and storage infrastructure has left many farmers vulnerable to private traders and crop damage.
- Unseasonal rains have increased the moisture content of Kuruvai paddy, making it difficult to meet procurement standards.
- The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) is the primary agency for paddy procurement in the state.
- Decentralized procurement allows states to manage the logistics of grain collection while the Centre monitors quality.
While government data suggests a 70% decline in stubble burning incidents in Punjab (from 36,663 in 2023 to 10,909 in 2024), experts warn that satellite limitations might be masking the true extent. Small, short-duration fires or those occurring between satellite overpasses often go undetected. Additionally, the total burnt area has not decreased as significantly as the fire count, indicating larger individual fires. Stubble burning remains a major contributor to air pollution in Northern India. Effective management requires a combination of thermal satellite data, optical sensors like Sentinel-2, and rigorous ground verification to assess actual emissions.
- Punjab reported a 70% drop in fire incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, according to government data.
- Satellite sensors like MODIS and VIIRS may miss fires that are small, low-intensity, or occur late in the evening.
- Burnt-area estimation using optical sensors like Sentinel-2 provides a more accurate picture than simple fire counts.
Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that rice paddy microbes, rather than just soil arsenic levels, determine arsenic toxicity and crop losses. The study identified 17 key microbes that predict arsenic risk. Specifically, arsenic-methylating bacteria produce dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), causing 'straighthead disease,' which can lead to a 70% yield loss. Conversely, demethylating archaea found in older soils (over 700 years) help mitigate toxicity. This discovery suggests that managing microbial balance through agronomic practices, such as midseason drainage to reintroduce oxygen, could significantly protect rice yields and ensure food safety.
- Microbial composition in paddy soil is a more accurate predictor of arsenic risk than total arsenic concentration.
- Arsenic-methylating bacteria increase toxic organic arsenic, leading to straighthead disease in rice.
- Demethylating archaea, prevalent in long-cultivated soils, act as a protective barrier against arsenic toxicity.
As India develops its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), it must learn from global failures where carbon projects exploited local communities. Carbon markets reward emission reductions but risk becoming 'modern plantations' that bypass land rights and customary usage. The article highlights the Northern Kenya Rangelands project as a cautionary tale of top-down governance. For India, especially in agriculture and forestry, it is vital to ensure Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), equitable benefit-sharing, and transparent legal frameworks. This prevents the marginalization of smallholders and tribal communities while ensuring that climate action does not come at the cost of social justice.
- India is establishing its own Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to set emission benchmarks for energy-intensive sectors.
- Carbon projects in afforestation and agriculture often extend into areas with customary land use, risking local displacement.
- The principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is essential to ensure community-led resource management.
The Northeast Monsoon arrived on October 16, slightly ahead of its normal date, bringing relief to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the southern peninsula. While vital for agriculture, the season poses risks of cyclonic disturbances and cloudbursts, which have become more frequent according to recent studies. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts 'above normal' rainfall this year. Urban flooding remains a critical threat, particularly in Chennai, prompting the state to implement real-time flood forecasting systems. Additionally, a shortage of fertilizers like urea is currently bothering agriculturists, requiring urgent intervention from the Union Ministry of Agriculture to meet seasonal demand.
- The Northeast Monsoon accounts for 48% of Tamil Nadu's and over 30% of Andhra Pradesh's annual rainfall.
- Climate change has increased the frequency of cloudbursts and cyclonic disturbances in the Bay of Bengal region.
- Tamil Nadu is deploying a real-time flood forecasting system to calibrate reservoir discharges and mitigate urban flooding.
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh are increasingly adopting chemical-free natural farming practices, supported by the state’s flagship Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y). The state government has incentivized this shift by introducing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) specifically for naturally grown crops like maize, wheat, and raw turmeric. Over 3.06 lakh farmers have been trained, and 2.22 lakh are practicing it on over 38,000 hectares. Natural farming has improved soil health, reduced input costs, and provided better yields compared to chemical-based methods, contributing to both farmer welfare and environmental conservation in the hill state.
- PK3Y is Himachal Pradesh's flagship scheme to promote non-chemical, sustainable farming practices.
- The state provides specific MSP for naturally grown crops: Maize (₹40/kg), Wheat (₹60/kg), and Raw Turmeric (₹90/kg).
- Natural farming reduces market dependency by allowing farmers to produce all necessary inputs on-site.
Around 10 Indian marine and saline fish varieties are seeking certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This move is intended to counter potential trade restrictions and higher tariffs from the U.S. and to access affluent markets in Europe and Japan that prioritize sustainably sourced seafood. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) will subsidize the certification process, which is conducted by third-party auditors. MSC certification ensures that fishing practices are ecologically sustainable and helps maintain steady income for fishing communities while opening new international market avenues.
- MSC certification is expected to increase fisheries sector revenue by 30% and open new international markets.
- The certification is based on FAO's Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and guidelines for eco-labelling.
- PMMSY plays a crucial role in supporting fishermen through the auditing and certification process.
The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights several critical social and legal issues. Illegal migration cases under the Foreigners Act were highest in West Bengal and Tripura. Farmer suicides remain a major concern, with Maharashtra and Karnataka accounting for over 60% of cases, often attributed to government policies and import duties. Additionally, crimes against children rose by 9.2%, with kidnapping and POCSO cases being the most prevalent. The report also noted a significant 30.4% increase in environmental offences, primarily related to tobacco products and noise pollution regulations.
- West Bengal recorded the highest number of cases (1,050) under the Foreigners Act and Passport Act in 2023.
- Maharashtra (38.5%) and Karnataka (22.5%) reported the highest percentages of farmer suicides in India.
- Crimes against children reached a rate of 39.9 per 1,00,000, with Madhya Pradesh topping the list of total cases.
Women's participation in Indian agriculture has surged, with nearly two out of every three working women now engaged in the sector. However, this 'feminisation of agriculture' is marked by significant challenges: nearly half of these women are unpaid family workers, and they often lack official recognition as farmers. This invisibility prevents them from accessing credit, land ownership, and government subsidies. While global trade trends and digital tools like e-NAM offer opportunities for income-generating entrepreneurship, structural barriers like low digital literacy and limited land rights persist. Policies must recognize women as independent farmers to ensure equitable growth.
- Women's employment in agriculture surged by 135% over eight years, now accounting for over 42% of the sector's workforce.
- Approximately 59.1 million women in the agriculture sector are classified as unpaid family workers as of 2023-24.
- Only 13-14% of women in agriculture are official landholders, limiting their access to institutional credit and insurance.
Observed on September 29, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) highlights that one-third of global food is lost or wasted. In India, post-harvest losses cost nearly ₹1.5 trillion annually, impacting farmer incomes and environmental stability. Food loss contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from rotting paddy. Solutions include strengthening cold chains through the PMKSY scheme, adopting AI-driven forecasting for logistics, and promoting a circular economy where surplus food is redirected to food banks and waste is converted into compost or bioenergy.
- Nearly one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, undermining food security and climate goals.
- In India, post-harvest losses amount to approximately 3.7% of the agricultural GDP, with fruits and vegetables being the most vulnerable.
- Food loss generates over 33 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually in India across 30 major crops.
Union Minister Hardeep S. Puri highlights the Prime Minister's focus on sustainable infrastructure and citizen-centric governance. A key achievement mentioned is the launch of India's first bamboo-based 2G ethanol plant in Numaligarh, Assam. This project aims to convert bamboo—a fast-growing grass—into ethanol, providing a sustainable fuel source and boosting farmer incomes. The editorial emphasizes the use of technology and 'Jan Bhagidari' (people's participation) in achieving 'Viksit Bharat.' It also touches upon the simplification of the GST structure and the focus on 'Antyodaya' (serving the last person) in every government scheme.
- India's first bamboo-based 2G ethanol plant has been launched in Numaligarh, Assam.
- The project utilizes bamboo stalks, leaves, and residue to produce ethanol, furfural, and acetic acid.
- The initiative supports the 'Viksit Bharat' vision by integrating clean energy with rural economic development.
During a meeting in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Patrushev discussed the creation of a BRICS Grain Exchange. This common agricultural food exchange aims to boost trade among BRICS member-countries and strengthen win-win cooperation in agriculture and food processing. The two sides also discussed the ongoing work on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Trade turnover between India and Russia reached a historic high in 2024, and both nations are looking forward to the 23rd India-Russia annual summit.
- The BRICS Grain Exchange is proposed to facilitate agricultural trade within the bloc.
- Discussions included a potential Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
- Agricultural cooperation focuses on fertilizers, food processing, and mutual trade.
India and the U.S. are in disagreement over corn imports. While the U.S. seeks market access for its surplus corn, India remains hesitant due to its strict policy against Genetically Modified (GM) crops. Currently, India only allows GM cotton cultivation. Importing GM corn could risk contaminating the food chain. Additionally, India's push for ethanol blending has increased domestic demand for maize, but the government prefers boosting local production over imports. India's small-scale farming model contrasts sharply with the U.S.'s large-scale, subsidized industrial agriculture, making direct competition difficult for Indian farmers.
- India prohibits the import of GM food crops to protect its biodiversity and food chain.
- The demand for corn in India is rising due to the ethanol-blended petrol programme.
- U.S. agriculture is highly subsidized and dominated by large-scale industrial operations.
Thousands of onion farmers in Maharashtra are protesting a sharp decline in market prices, which have fallen well below production costs. Farmers blame the government's Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) policy, specifically the release of buffer stocks by NAFED and NCCF at lower rates, for further depressing market prices. They are demanding a stable export policy and a halt to buffer stock sales that disadvantage local producers. With production exceeding demand and quality deteriorating in storage, farmers are facing significant financial distress, leading to calls for immediate government intervention and a minimum support price of ₹1,500 per quintal.
- Onion prices in Maharashtra have dropped to ₹800–₹1,000 per quintal, while production costs are around ₹2,200–₹2,500.
- The Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) is used to maintain a strategic buffer to regulate prices for consumers, often at the expense of farmers.
- NAFED and NCCF are the primary agencies responsible for procuring and releasing onion buffer stocks.
A Supreme Court Bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai suggested reintroducing criminal prosecution for farmers involved in stubble burning to curb winter air pollution in northern India. The Court emphasized that while farmers are vital, they must also protect the environment, advocating for a 'carrot and stick' approach. However, the Union government opposed this, stating that current policy focuses on cooperative measures rather than punitive jail terms. The Centre noted that farmers are currently exempted from prosecution under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act as a matter of policy to avoid criminalizing the agricultural community.
- The CJI advocated for criminal prosecution to send a strong message against environmental pollution.
- The Centre argued that its policy is to take farmers along rather than putting them behind bars.
- Farmers are currently exempted from prosecution under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act.
Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist of the FAO, has highlighted the urgent need for India to diversify its food production. Currently, 40.4% of the Indian population (approximately 60 crore people) cannot afford a healthy meal, although this is a significant improvement from 74.1% in 2021. Cullen argues that while the Green Revolution succeeded in cereal production, the focus must now shift to high-value, nutrient-dense commodities like fruits, vegetables, and pulses. Diversification is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030 and for building resilience against global trade uncertainties and climate change.
- Over 40% of Indians still lack access to a healthy, balanced diet despite improvements in food security.
- Agricultural diversification from cereals to pulses and vegetables is necessary to address malnutrition.
- Global tariff wars and trade uncertainties make food systems more vulnerable, requiring localized resilience.
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is exploring the possibility of blending 10% isobutanol with diesel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that while ethanol blending with petrol has been highly successful (reaching 20%), trials for blending ethanol with diesel were not successful. Isobutanol, an alcoholic compound with flammable properties, is being considered as a viable alternative for diesel blending or standalone use. This move aims to reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and support the biofuel industry, particularly benefiting corn and sugarcane farmers by creating new demand for their produce.
- ARAI is testing a 10% blend of isobutanol with diesel to promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
- Ethanol blending has been successful in petrol but faced technical challenges when applied to diesel.
- Isobutanol is a versatile compound used in paints and coatings, now being repurposed for energy.
The uninhabited island of Katchatheevu remains a sensitive issue in India-Sri Lanka relations. Recently, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the island, the first such visit by a head of state, reigniting political debates in India. India ceded the island to Sri Lanka through maritime boundary agreements in 1974 and 1976. However, Tamil Nadu politicians frequently demand its retrieval to protect the fishing rights of Indian fishermen, who are often arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The issue is complicated by the practice of bottom-trawling, which is banned in Sri Lanka.
- Katchatheevu was recognized as part of Sri Lanka's territory under the 1974 and 1976 maritime boundary agreements.
- The island is home to St. Anthony's Shrine, where Indian pilgrims are allowed access without visas for an annual festival.
- The dispute centers on the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait.
India's economy continues its strong trajectory, with real GDP growing at 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26. The nation has ascended from the 10th to the 5th largest economy globally, driven by manufacturing, services, and digital public infrastructure. Significant progress in social welfare is noted, with 24.82 crore people moving out of multidimensional poverty. In the energy sector, India is expanding its refining capacity and accelerating ethanol blending, which has reached 15%. The government aims to cover 1 million square kilometers for sedimentary basin exploration by 2030 to ensure long-term energy security and reduce import dependence.
- India is currently the world's 5th largest economy and is projected to become the 3rd largest by 2030.
- Real GDP growth of 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26 reflects strong domestic consumption and investment.
- The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity and UPI have been instrumental in formalizing the economy.
This article pays tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, highlighting his pivotal role in India's food self-sufficiency during the 1960s Green Revolution. It extracts key lessons for future scientific development, emphasizing the need for international collaboration, reduced bureaucratic control, and political leadership that listens directly to scientists. The article notes that Subramaniam's support was crucial for funding trials of new wheat seeds, which faced initial resistance. It also points out that while the Green Revolution was a success, environmental issues from excessive water and fertilizer use remain unaddressed, and India's agricultural research funding and quality lag behind China.
- M.S. Swaminathan was instrumental in India's food self-sufficiency during the Green Revolution in the 1960s.
- Key lessons include fostering international scientific collaboration and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for research.
- Political leadership, exemplified by C. Subramaniam, must directly engage with scientists on complex technical issues.
Global chronic undernourishment is declining, with 673 million people undernourished in 2024, down from 688 million in 2023, marking a reversal from COVID-19 increases. India has been pivotal in this progress, driven by policy investments in food security, digital technology, and improved service delivery. The prevalence of undernourishment in India decreased from 14.3% (2020-22) to 12% (2022-24), meaning 30 million fewer people living with hunger. This success is largely attributed to the transformed Public Distribution System (PDS) through digitalization and Aadhaar-enabled targeting. However, challenges remain in nutrition, with healthy diets unaffordable for over 60% of the population, necessitating agrifood system transformation and continued investment in digital tools and women-led enterprises.
- Global chronic undernourishment has decreased, with India significantly contributing to this positive trend.
- India's prevalence of undernourishment declined from 14.3% to 12% between 2020-22 and 2022-24, reducing the number of hungry people by 30 million.
- The transformation of India's Public Distribution System (PDS) through digitalization and Aadhaar-enabled targeting is central to this achievement.
India has achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol five years ahead of schedule, driven by fiscal incentives for the sugarcane industry. While the government cites benefits like reduced emissions, increased farmer income, and lower oil import bills, vehicle owners express concerns about reduced mileage and increased maintenance. The policy's environmental impact is debated, especially regarding the water-intensive nature of sugarcane cultivation and its contribution to land degradation. India is also diversifying ethanol sources to include rice and corn, leading to increased corn imports. The US views India's policy as a trade barrier. Furthermore, the article questions if ethanol blending truly aids decarbonization compared to the faster adoption of EVs, which faces its own challenges like dependence on rare earth elements.
- India achieved its 20% ethanol blending target (E20) ahead of schedule, primarily using sugarcane.
- Vehicle owners report concerns about reduced mileage and higher maintenance costs with E20 petrol.
- The environmental sustainability of sugarcane-based ethanol is questioned due to its high water demand and impact on land degradation.
Scientists from Yangzhou University in China have identified a gene, Chalk9, that controls chalkiness in rice, a trait that increases grain breakage during milling. Less chalky varieties showed higher expression of Chalk9 in endosperms. The Chalk9 gene, activated by the OsB3 transcription factor, encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase protein. This protein tags and destroys OsEBP89, a 'power switch' that turns on genes (like Wx for amylose and SSP for starch storage) responsible for chalkiness. By modifying Chalk9, OsEBP89 can escape tagging, leading to less chalky rice. This discovery allows breeders to introduce Chalk9-L, the low chalkiness version, into rice varieties to improve grain quality.
- Researchers have identified the Chalk9 gene, which plays a crucial role in controlling chalkiness in rice grains.
- Chalkiness is an undesirable trait that leads to increased breakage of rice grains during the milling process.
- The Chalk9 gene, activated by the OsB3 transcription factor, produces a protein that tags and destroys OsEBP89, a protein regulating other genes responsible for chalkiness.
India's waterways are increasingly threatened by the invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which forms green deserts on rivers, backwaters, and lakes. This plant, introduced during colonial rule, devastates aquatic biodiversity by blocking sunlight and oxygen, and disrupts livelihoods, especially for farmers and fishermen in regions like Kerala's Kuttanad. Beyond ecological damage, its decay releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. While local communities have experimented with turning it into handicrafts, paper, and biogas, these efforts are isolated. The article calls for a coordinated national policy with region-specific strategies, single-point accountability, and scientific removal drives, emphasizing that this is not just an ecological problem but impacts rural livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience.
- Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic plant rapidly spreading across India's waterways, forming dense mats that suffocate aquatic ecosystems.
- The invasion severely impacts rural livelihoods, particularly for farmers and fishermen, by blocking irrigation, impeding water flow, and destroying fish nurseries.
- Beyond ecological damage, decaying water hyacinth releases methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.