
Mongabay series: Conserving Agro-biodiversity
The Conserving Agrobiodiversity series looks at a gamut of stories from the fields of India -- from technological advances to traditional knowledge, from saving seeds to modifying them -- all focussed towards protecting the diversity of crops and food we eat and efforts to ensure food security for generations to come. In the quest to feed a burgeoning population, India's agriculture is scrambling for ways to keep up production in the face of climate change and livelihood challenges. Whether it is going back to basic natural farming methods, unlocking genetic diversity of primary crops or bringing traditional grains back into vogue, institutions and individuals across the country and working on new and old ways of conserving agrobiodiversity.


Increasing carbon dioxide is making our food less nutritious

Ecosystem-based adaptation takes nature-based, people-centric approach to agriculture

[Commentary] How grassroots-led natural farming at the landscape scale can support communities and heal the planet

Community-based natural farming outshines other farming practices in Andhra Pradesh

[Video] Bihar’s makhana and the wetlands they grow in

Unseasonal rain, temperature variations affect Alphonso yield and increase prices in Maharashtra

How a drought-prone village in Maharashtra attained agricultural success with millets

Thirunelly’s seed festival celebrates traditional climate-resilient seeds and farm produce

[Explainer] Why is 2023 the International Year of Millets? What do we achieve by celebrating such years?

Nations adopt Global Biodiversity Framework amid concerns over watered-down targets

[Commentary] A renewed CGIAR can better support South Asia to determine its food future

Equitable benefit sharing of digitised genetic information to span across discussions at COP15

Making sense of rainfall changes in Karnataka’s coffee estates through old records

Adivasi honey harvesters demand forest control and criticise ‘unfriendly’ conservation measures

[Commentary] Is agroecological farming a solution for rainfed degraded land?

Farmers fear low fruit production as Kashmir records decline in precipitation

Scientists sequence chickpea genome which could inform crop improvement efforts

[Video Explainer] What is the significance of the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill and why did it face opposition?

Tackling agrobiodiversity loss in Odisha’s Similipal protected area
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter

Environment And Health
- Gig workers in India are exposed to highly polluted air and carcinogens, finds preliminary study
- [Explainer] Living with microplastics, is not fantastic
- Residents in Haryana point to stone crushing units for their respiratory troubles and drop in crop yield
- As heatwaves projected to worsen across India, do vulnerability assessments and heat action plans suffice?

Almost Famous Species
- [Commentary] Why are evolutionary scientists studying the crawlies?
- The silent trade of elusive small cats in Mizoram
- Researchers study the elusive dugongs of the Andamans with help from community stakeholders
- New species of parachute gecko recorded in Mizoram

Eco Hope
- Green pilgrimage model balances faith and conservation
- [Video] Restoring the perennial Thamirabarani river with people power
- [Interview] Conservation scientist Joli Rumi Borah on integrating traditional knowledge in research
- [Interview] Scientist Ruth DeFries on deforestation: There isn’t one driver, there’s a different context in different places

India's Iconic Landscapes
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
- Improved tiger numbers come with hidden messages on invasives, habitat connectivity
- Gymnosperms that are critical for coniferous forest health may be steadily declining in response to climate change
- Experts call for coexistence, sustainable development as tiger population is close to saturation

Beyond Protected Areas
- Darkness-loving bats are being nudged out of the shadows
- Bioinvasions are a global threat to ecosystems, says IPBES report
- Artisanal fishers wary of coastal aquaculture regulation amendments that legalise past violations
- Tiger poaching network, that spread from west to east India, busted

Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Excavating farmlands for highways
- Increasing carbon dioxide is making our food less nutritious
- Ecosystem-based adaptation takes nature-based, people-centric approach to agriculture
- [Commentary] How grassroots-led natural farming at the landscape scale can support communities and heal the planet

Just Transitions
- Climate action not on track to meet Paris Agreement goals, says Global Stocktake report
- [Interview] Suravee Nayak on why transformative justice for women, Dalits is key for a just transition
- Promised rehabilitation eludes residents living near one of India’s earliest coal mines
- As e-mobility gains traction, what’s in store for the friendly neighbourhood mechanic?
