The government has paused the rice fortification scheme after an IIT Kharagpur study found nutrient loss during storage. Critics say universal fortification ignores anemia’s complex causes, risks groups like Thalassemia patients, and sidelines dietary diversity. The pause enables targeted, evidence-based, and nutrition-focused interventions.
Click to View MoreRiver Ranching is a scientific fisheries management initiative implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to restore depleted fish populations in India’s rivers. The programme involves releasing hatchery-reared fingerlings of native species into natural water bodies to enhance fish production, conserve riverine biodiversity, and strengthen ecological balance. Implemented by the Department of Fisheries with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as the nodal agency, it covers major river basins such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi. The initiative also supports sustainable inland fisheries, improves food security, and enhances the livelihoods of river-dependent communities while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable river ecosystem management.
Click to View MoreThe National Highways Authority of India has launched a first-of-its-kind Bee Corridor initiative to develop pollinator-friendly green stretches along National Highways. The project focuses on planting native, nectar- and pollen-rich species to ensure year-round food and habitat for honeybees and other pollinators. By addressing pollinator decline caused by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, the initiative aims to strengthen agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. It also represents a shift towards nature-based, climate-resilient infrastructure, integrating ecological conservation with highway development and promoting sustainable growth.
Click to View MoreThe India - United States farm trade understanding allows limited imports of sorghum and distillers’ dried grains to support India’s rapidly growing animal feed demand while retaining the ban on genetically modified maize and soyabean to protect domestic farmers and biosafety standards. As India’s feed industry, producing about 60 million tonnes and valued at over ₹1.7 lakh crore, faces rising demand and productivity constraints, the agreement aims to balance feed security and cost stability with agricultural self-reliance, though concerns remain over future import dependence and the need to strengthen domestic crop productivity.
Click to View MoreAn Action Against Hunger report warns of a deepening global food crisis, centred on Africa and Nigeria, driven by conflict, climate shocks, economic collapse, and funding gaps. With 295 million food insecure, it exposes SDG-2 failure and urges urgent humanitarian-development-peace action.
Click to View MoreIndia has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer due to assured MSP procurement, expanding cultivation area and strong export demand. However, excessive dependence on paddy has led to water stress, high fiscal costs, surplus stocks and poor crop diversification, making a shift toward pulses, oilseeds and millets essential for sustainable and nutrition-secure agriculture.
Click to View MoreIndia’s participation in the 2nd Global Summit on Blue Food Security highlights its commitment to sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient aquaculture, and the Blue Economy, while strengthening global cooperation to enhance nutrition, livelihoods, and marine governance.
Click to View MoreIndia’s rice exports rebounded strongly in 2025 after the lifting of export restrictions, rising nearly 20% to around 21.55 million tonnes, close to a historic high. Non-basmati rice led the surge due to strong demand from Asia and Africa, while basmati exports reached a record level driven by premium markets in West Asia and Europe. Competitive pricing and ample domestic production helped India regain global market share, lower international rice prices, and strengthen its role in global food security, even as challenges of domestic price stability and sustainability remain.
Click to View MoreClimate change threatens food security, making Climate-Resilient Agriculture essential. Though initiatives like NICRA and NMSA exist, adoption remains weak due to smallholder constraints, poor bio-input quality, digital gaps, and fragmented policy, demanding an urgent, unified national CRA roadmap.
Click to View MoreThe India–Argentina agricultural work plan (2025–27) strengthens their strategic partnership through joint research in biotechnology, sustainable farming, and value chains. It boosts India’s food security, especially edible oils, leverages Argentina’s climate-smart practices, deepens South–South cooperation, and complements collaboration on lithium, supporting India’s Aatmanirbharta goals.
Click to View MoreWorld Soil Day, observed on 5 December, highlights soil’s vital role in sustaining food systems, climate stability, water regulation and biodiversity. With nearly one-third of global soils degraded and India facing significant land decline, the day underscores the need for scientific soil management, grassland restoration, and farmer-led stewardship. It serves as a reminder that soil is a living resource requiring urgent protection to secure livelihoods, ecological health and long-term sustainability.
Click to View MoreIndian scientists have created an indigenous, IP-free gene-editing tool using TnpB proteins, offering a cheaper alternative to CRISPR-Cas9. It enables precise edits without foreign genes, supporting resilient, nutrient-rich crops. Despite eased rules for SDN-1/2 crops, regulatory gaps, ethics, and public distrust after the GM Mustard debate remain major hurdles.
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