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.
Revival and absence of Bengaluru’s traditional crop varieties
India’s millets policy: is it headed in the right direction?
Salt-tolerant rice, innovations help farmers deal with salinity in the Sundarbans
Why do indigenous communities persist with practising shifting cultivation?
Involving traditional healers in public health initiatives to mitigate spread of COVID-19 in Bastar
[Commentary] Covid-19 and food security: Lessons for Indian Agriculture
[Interview] Lockdown throws up challenges for quarantine of plant samples for research
Agrobiodiversity initiatives open women’s horizons in Kerala
Bioresource access and benefit-sharing: How far have we come in India?
Could tribal honey hunters help save the bees and improve our food security?
Return of indigenous crops helps reduce farm distress and restore ecosystems
[Commentary] Shifting cultivation landscapes in transition
[Commentary] Zero budget natural farming is not a one-size fits all solution
Going back to the roots with natural farming
Crops under shifting cultivation hit in Mizoram villages: Study
Invasive whiteflies on coconut palms raise biosecurity concerns
Are changing agricultural practices responsible for vanishing happiness in remote Tripura hamlets?
How wild mushroom delicacies in Goa are threatening its forests
Making children resilient to droughts
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
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
- Understanding the elevational movements of Himalayan birds to improve conservation efforts
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