Agriculture sector undergoes a historic change as livestock surpasses the economy of food grain Policy makers in India are finally acknowledging a structural shift in the agriculture sector they have been noticing for a decade. Economic contribution of livestock is today more than that of food grain crops. Traditionally, of the three components of the sector—crops, livestock and fisheries—crops drove the growth, and food grains are a major part of it....

* Only those inside houses coated with cow dung escaped the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.   * There are only two ways to remain insulated from nuclear radiation, and one of them is application of cow dung. * Using cow dung can ensure normal delivery instead of C-section. * Those who drink the milk of jersey cow and buffaloes commit more crime than those who consume only desi cow’s milk. * Only the cow can...

-The Indian Express   The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh comes down on cow slaughter with an exceptionally stringent law. The Gau-Vansh Vadh Pratishedh (Sanshodhan) Act, which has received the presidential assent, makes cow slaughter a serious offence liable for punishment up to seven years. Even transport of cows to slaughter or storing of beef could invite punishment of varying degrees. Prohibition on the killing of cows and consumption of beef has been...

-The Asian Age   Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s honouring of the Koraput tribals at the 99th Indian Science Congress for their conservation of climate resilient rice and pulses has helped place this backward community in the forefront of the world map. Ascribing their practices as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage system ( GIAHS), the Prime Minister honoured the tribals, Raita Muduli and Chandra Pradhan, for preserving the traditional agricultural practices of this region. This...

-The Indian Express Tribals generally impose social boycott as punishment for those suspected of practising sorcery. The tradition is strong in Uttnoor, Narnoor, Jainoor and Indravelli mandals in Adilabad district . The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) officials, though aware of it, could not do much as tribals go by the word of the village head rather than the advice of an ITDA officer. In Kolamguda village under Bersiahpet panchayat of...