-The Hindu   The site will feature initiatives in various fields Sangareddy (Andhra Pradesh): The Deccan Development Society (DDS), an NGO based in the district and working on improving the standard of living of farming community as its motto, has taken up another initiative. Along with Kalpavriksh, Shikshantar and Bhoomi College, the DDS has established Vikalp Sangam/ Alternatives India, a website dedicated to the creative work that people across India are doing as alternatives...

-Tehelka If a house can be insured against natural disaster, why can't a crop field? There is nothing more gruesome for any farmer than to see before his own eyes his lush green standing crop flattened by the vagaries of nature. All his hopes and aspirations from a bountiful harvest are grounded in a matter of few minutes. Not only the crop, but his life too is flattened. As many as 24...

-The Pioneer From the right farming techniques to efficient and not wasteful use of water for irrigation purposes, new and modern agricultural methods can help optimise production and save the environment from degradation At a time when a burgeoning population is putting immense stress on available resources, foodgrains production as a critical and life supporting resource is exceedingly finding itself on the back foot, thanks to a rapidly degrading environment. The state...

-DNA Elections 2014 are around the corner. And when elections draw nearer, the Government suddenly wakes up and thinks of its duties towards the people. This year is no exception. Whether it is the one-rank-one-pension for the retired defence personnel or the legal monthly entitlement of 5kg of wheat/rice/millet for poor households under the national Food Security Act or the announcement of a 7th Pay Commission along with a DA instalment...

-The Hindu Business Line Faced with inadequate returns, a significant chunk of farmers in the country are ready to quit farming if they get alternative job opportunities in urban areas, says a nation-wide study commissioned by Bharat Krishak Samaj and conducted by CSDS. The study - Report on the State of Indian Farmer - reveals some alarming facts, with 47 per cent of those surveyed believing that the overall condition of...