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.
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
An indigenous community in Meghalaya offers lessons in climate resilience
Sweet pineapples and a variety of trees nurture each other in this patchwork plantation
How climate change is taking a toll on livelihoods of small-scale fishers in Kerala
Plant Man Miguel Braganza on how Konkan Fruit Fest preserves food biodiversity
Building up carbon sinks in northeast India’s shifting cultivation landscape
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
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- Wildlife rescue operations in Kashmir face an uphill battle with rising human-wildife conflict
- Pathogens find new pathways as agriculture, deforestation intensify
- Measuring the scavenging value of vultures
- New rules spell giant troubles for jumbos
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination