-ThePrint.in Scientists from around the world have used genome sequencing to help produce new varieties of chickpea, which are expected to give increased yields at about similar input cost. New Delhi: Research led by scientists from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is set to help produce more chickpea or chana, and make it more nutritious and climate-change resistant. The worldwide research project has made it possible to...

-Down to Earth Lack of planning, introduction of hybrid seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides and weed killers are responsible for decline in pulses’ cultivation Pulses have an important place in our culture. But with imports increasing every day, they are getting too expensive for the poor. As a result, malnutrition is increasing. It is not that farmers do not grow pulses here due to lack of seeds and knowledge, but there is a lack...

-Down to Earth Productivity of released varieties of pulses is much lower than the notified variety of lower-yielding ones  When it comes to pulses, India stands out: The country produces a quarter of all pulses in the world and consumes 27 per cent — more than any other. India is also the largest importer of pulses. Madhya Pradesh is a major pulse-producing state in the country; it caters to 32 per cent of...

-The Hindu Business Line Senior Commerce Ministry official says discussions will be conducted before a dispute is filed at WTO Ahmedabad: India is set for another trade face-off with the United States and Canada at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to a senior Union Commerce Ministry official, the US along with Canada is likely to raise objection at the WTO opposing quantitative cap on pulses imports. This is separate from the objections...

-Down to Earth Local food crops should be preferred over GM crops to address deficiencies, say experts at Bhubaneswar food sovereignty meet. A recent study has found that Gandhari saag, a leafy wild plant found in Odisha, can be a much better source of Vitamin A than golden rice, a genetically modified variety, which was being looked at as a revolutionary solution to check the vitamin deficiency. “Gandhari saag has 9 per cent...