1. A Farmer From Kerala Is Keeping Litchis Alive Despite Climate Change

The last few years have seen a decline in litchi cultivation. The unstable weather conditions have made it harder and harder for farmers to grow the fruit - and in some parts of India, farmers have lost nearly half their crop. Bihar, known for Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi, has seen a harsh season. However, in Wayanad, a 74-year-old farmer was able to get almost three tonnes of fruit last year. His adapted farming method has been successful enough to be studied by researchers from Bihar, as they attempt to learn how litchi farming can work despite climate change.

In 2016, Joseph’s dedication earned him the prestigious Litchi Ratna award.

This year, India's litchi growers are facing one of their toughest seasons. Extreme heat, unseasonal rain, and hailstorms have taken a toll on orchards across the country; in some areas, farmers have lost nearly half their crop. Bihar, and its famous Shahi litchi, has been hit the hardest. Litchi trees are delicate; they need cool weather to bloom and ripen properly. With winters growing shorter and April temperatures reaching nearly 45°C in some orchards this year, the fruits have dropped too early, and harvests shrank.

In Wayanad, Kerala, a 74-year-old farmer has been able to harvest nearly three tonnes of litchis from just 12 trees last year. Kuruvila Joseph has found a way to work with the fruit, where it no longer ripens in the winter (as litchis normally do), but instead reaches their peak in November and December. He makes use of Wayanad’s cool temperature and avoids any chemical additives.

Researchers from Bihar have taken notice, visiting his farm to understand how litchi cultivation can adapt as the climate shifts. Joseph — who won the prestigious Litchi Ratna award in 2016 — is guided by one idea: "The fruit you won't eat, you should never sell."

You can read Joseph’s story in detail on The Better India

2. How Brazil Is Phasing Out Ultra-Processed Foods

Brazil’s newest initiative is reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in hospitals - where nutritionists and politicians hope that locally grown and freshly cooked meals will improve patient health.

In recent years, Brazil’s hospital menus have seen an increase in UPFs - now, in São Paulo, they are working with local farms and producers to introduce items like organic vegetables and homemade breads. While the transition requires a higher investment in kitchens, storage, and transportation, many states have supported the initiative, with Rio de Janeiro establishing a goal to eliminate processed foods in all of its hospitals over the next eight years.

This move comes soon after Brazil’s other successful food policy tackling nutrition in schools. Since 2020, governments have enforced restrictions on the availability of UPFs in schools, instead encouraging them to purchase food from local farmers. Some states have even managed to completely ban UPFs in schools.

For years now, Brazil has been making a strong stand against ultra-processed foods (UPFs). They were one of the first countries to establish a recognised understanding of the category, proving that it is a public health crisis in Brazil. Earlier this year, the Brazilian government approached the World Health Organization to develop global regulations to restrict the sale of UPFs, especially to children.

Read more on The Guardian

3. Dragon Fruit Is India’s Favourite Fruit Right Now

Across states, more and more Indian farmers are growing dragon fruit. The crop has been popular for using little water and a steady return. The added benefit? Dragon fruit has seen growing demand from consumers as a nutritious and locally grown fruit.

Once considered an exotic fruit, Dragon Fruit - also known as pitaya or kamalam- has become a popular choice among both consumers and farmers. For a long time, most of the fruit that was sold in India was imported from Vietnam and Thailand. Over time, Indian farmers in states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal began to experiment with cultivating it locally. The crop soon became a favourite for how well it fit into India’s changing agricultural landscape.

As more and more Indians seek out healthy and nutritious produce, Dragon Fruit proves a popular choice for being nutrient-dense - rich in fibre, vitamin C, magnesium, and antioxidants. The fruit is often recommended to help regulate blood sugar levels and support gut health, and has become a common ingredient for many smoothies, salads, and snacks.

Now, government and horticulture initiatives are also encouraging dragon fruit cultivation, considering it a high-value crop for India’s agricultural future. The fruit has moved past being just another health fad - it's now a reflection of changing farms and diets in India.

For more information, read about this in The Better India