-The Financial Express The Narendra Modi government's decision to disallow field trials of 15 varieties of genetically modified (GM) crops came on top of several state governments virtually thwarting such trials of 45 GM crop varieties approved by the regulator during the previous UPA regime. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) gave approval for 45 GM crop trials ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. However, states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha,...

-The Hindu State has sanctioned Rs. 43.75 lakh for Perambalur district Tamil Nadu: An intensive fodder development programme will be implemented in the district in irrigated and rainfed areas through a comprehensive programme. The government has sanctioned Rs. 43.75 lakh for this special scheme for 2014-15. Special agricultural implements with a focus on water harvesting strategy will be distributed among farmers and cultivators. Fodder with more protein content to enhance the weight of the livestock...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: When it comes to healthcare, some are more equal than others for the government. Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) which covers central government employees, including serving and retired babus, current and ex-members of Parliament and the judiciary, the annual per capita expenditure is more than Rs 5,000. In contrast, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), which caters to the rural masses, spends just...

-The Times of India COIMBATORE: The father of the Green Revolution, M S Swaminathan, on Wednesday said that it was important to focus on better yield with limited per capita land and water resources in the future. The veteran was interacting with students of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University of which he is an alumni. Swaminathan was on his way to Kerala for treatment, when he visited the university to deliver a lecture...

-Down to Earth System of crop intensification, specially in rice, has shown sizeable savings in water and seed usage. Yet its adoption has not spread despite incentives SIMPLE TECHNIQUES and manag-ement practices tend to be viewed with suspicion. In the age of input-intensive agriculture which calls for an array of machinery and a host of scientific props, a crop management system whose core basically is protecting the plant's roots to provide better...