In this issue

CORPORATE PAWNS : A mechanism devised to aid creation of farmer producer companies has become a tool to help big businesses

Familiar discourse

The world met to discuss the burgeoning water crisis after nearly half a century; but commitments on action were largely a reiteration of ongoing work

7 mins

Displaced by settlers

Tribal communities in Kerala's Attappady block are being alienated from their land despite laws in place to protect their rights

6 mins

Fake determinants

A series of research papers and an open letter by 200 global figures hold industries accountable for the growing publichealth problems, call for urgent actions

6 mins

HEAVY SWAY

India developed the concept of farmer producer company (FPC) two decades ago to help small farmers own and run businesses and gain standing in the market by negotiating collectively. In 2019, the government set a target of creating 10,000 FPCs by 2024. It also introduced the concept of cluster-based business organisation (CBBO) to provide hand-holding support to farmers in forming FPCs. The move, however, has led to creation of FPCs that are controlled by the bigger companies that operate as CBBOs

10+ mins

Mined To Destruction

Sand is the second most exploited resource after water and the most mined material globally, as per the UN Environment Programme. Its extraction from riverbeds is often done without regard to the adverse impact on natural river ecology. In India, sand mining grew as a large and, in many cases, illegal industry after the rapid urbanisation brought on by the economic liberalisation in the 1990s

3 mins

Bedaquiline patent win is a half victory

India's ability to eliminate its huge TB burden by 2025 will be a test of both its patent laws and healthcare policy

4 mins

Revival of a tradition

Rajasthan communities restore pastureland to ease impacts of fodder crisis in livestock farming

4 mins

Fatal coincidence

Forest fire season in Uttarakhand coincides with flowering and breeding months of several vulnerable species, many of them native to Himalayas

4 mins

A brave, flimsy take

BHEED IS A LOUD SOCIAL COMMENTARY THAT FALLS FLAT DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF TOO MANY HALF-COOKED STORIES AND CHARACTERS SEQUENCED INTO A LINEAR PLOT

4 mins

PERENNIAL GUAVA

Used in street food, chutneys and perfumes, the climate-resistant fruit is a clear option for farmers

3 mins

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Down To Earth Magazine Description:

Down To Earth is a fortnightly magazine published by the Society for Environmental Comm, a non-profit research and advocacy organization based in New Delhi, India. It is one of the most respected environmental magazines in the country.

The magazine covers a wide range of topics related to the environment and sustainable development, including:

* Climate change: DTE provides in-depth coverage of climate change, including its causes, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation strategies.
* Energy: DTE covers a variety of energy topics, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and fossil fuels.
* Water: DTE covers a variety of water topics, including water pollution, water scarcity, and water management.
* Pollution: DTE covers a variety of pollution topics, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
* Biodiversity: DTE covers a variety of biodiversity topics, including forests, wildlife, and conservation.
* Sustainable development: DTE covers a variety of sustainable development topics, including green economy, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable transportation.

Down To Earth magazine is known for its high-quality journalism and its commitment to environmental protection. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the environment and sustainable development in India and around the world.