In this episode of BusinessLine’s Agrispective, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Professor. Rajeswari Raina, Shiv Nadar University, about the challenges and opportunities facing Indian agriculture under climate change. Prof. Raina explains how agriculture, a state subject under the Constitution, requires regionally differentiated policies that can anticipate and respond to climate shocks. She highlights the consequences of policy neglect—from stubble burning to farmer distress—and stresses the need for public investment to build resilience and sustainability. The episode also examines how policy gaps impact farmers on the ground and explores strategies for creating climate-resilient, locally adaptive agricultural systems. Tune in to understand how thoughtful, region-specific policies can safeguard India’s fields, farmers, and food future.

In this episode of BusinessLine's Agrispective, host Subramani Mancombu talks with Dr. RS Paroda, former Director General of ICAR, about the transformative potential of gene editing in agriculture.  Dr. Paroda explains how gene editing, using tools like CRISPR-Cas, allows precise changes to crop DNA to improve traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutrient content—without introducing foreign genes. This technology speeds up crop improvement and helps address challenges like climate change and soil health.  The episode goes on to cover India’s regulatory approach to gene editing, which supports faster innovation while ensuring safety. Dr. Paroda emphasises the importance of public awareness and science-backed communication to address concerns about gene-edited crops.  Tune in to learn how gene editing could revolutionise Indian farming, improve yields, and support nutrition security in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)

In this episode of Agrispective, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Naveen Patidar, CEO of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), about the growing role of women in Indian agriculture. While women contribute to nearly 80% of farm and livestock activities, their access to land ownership, credit, and income remains limited. The episode begins with how rural women are stepping into leadership roles in farming, irrigation, and entrepreneurship. Patidar shares the success of the Solar Didi initiative in Bihar, where women manage solar-powered irrigation services and earn steady incomes. He goes on to talk about women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) that give female farmers more control over profits and decision-making.  This episode sheds light on the challenges women face in agriculture and the steps needed to recognise them as farmers in their own right. From fieldwork to financial empowerment, their contributions are essential to food security and rural prosperity.  Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts are reshaping the future of Indian agriculture by placing women at the centre of progress.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)