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.
An agroforestry scientist’s notes on Kodagu, coffee and climate change
Fall armyworm, destroyer of maize farms, causes concern in India
Enormous alien fish spotted in Kerala’s rivers after the 2018 floods
How going organic brought hope to MP’s cotton farmers and the wildlife around them
Spotlighting the rising stars: Neglected crops in saline areas in a changing climate
There’s bajra in my beer!
Community farming in Goa emerges as a tool against land conversion
What is preventing the widespread adoption of biopesticides in India?
Kutch’s Wagad or Kala cotton: Back from the (almost) dead
[Commentary] Factory farming for eggs impacts India’s environment
Lack of alternative livelihood linked to Nagaland tribe’s affinity to shifting cultivation
A floral calendar for bee conservation
No country for regulation – of genetically engineered crops
Scientists seek help from wheat’s wild cousins to sustain high yields
Global team unlocks chickpea’s genetic diversity for climate resilience
Farmers become citizen scientists to adapt to climate change
Revive indigenous knowledge, reorient transport to deal with climate change, obesity and undernutrition
Photos: The Dongrias of Niyamgiri revive climate-resilient heirloom seeds
Can we bank on seed banks? Priority should be to conserve natural habitats, feel experts
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
- As cities become megacities, their lanes are losing green cover
- 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
India's Iconic Landscapes
- [Commentary] Complexities of freshwater availability and tourism growth in Lakshadweep
- 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
Beyond Protected Areas
- As cities become megacities, their lanes are losing green cover
- A new handbook recommends how to avoid elephant deaths on roads, rail tracks
- [Commentary] Indigenous traditions honour muggers amidst modern challenges
- The curious case of a frog and a fungus
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Rising temperatures alter insect-crop interactions and impact agricultural productivity
- 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
Just Transitions
- [Interview] “This is in honour of adivasis fighting for their land, water, forest,” says Goldman Prize winner Alok Shukla
- 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