Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used weedkiller, sprayed across millions of acres every year. Designed to destroy unwanted weeds and grass so that crops thrive, it is marketed as a farmer’s ally. But is it really that simple?The truth is darker. Glyphosate is one of the most controversial chemicals in agriculture, linked to cancer, environmental damage, and biodiversity loss. So much so that it is either banned or restricted in several countries worldwide. What is Glyphosate? Chemically, Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. Its scientific name is N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, and it belongs to the organophosphorus compound family (phosphonates). It works by choking unwanted plants to death, ensuring only the main crop survives. While this may sound efficient, the impact goes far beyond weeds, it contaminates soil, water, air, and the food we eat. Why is Glyphosate Dangerous? The World Health Organization’s cancer agency (IARC) declared in 2015 that Glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen. Since then, debate has raged globally about its risks and regulation. Health Risks of Glyphosate Exposure: Environmental Impact: The Use in India: The Ground Reality In India, this widely used weedkiller was approved only for tea crops and non-crop areas (like pathways and fields). States like Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, known for tea plantations, were its primary users. However, government data paints a different picture: Today, around 35 brands of such kinds of pesticides are available in India, with names like Allkill, Azad, and Gladiator, a reflection of their destructive power. Government Restrictions (2022): Despite this, this chemical remains widely available, with products like Roundup, Dhanuka Noweed Glyphosate 41% SL, and Jaikisan’s Glyphos still being sold. Where is Glyphosate Banned Globally? Many countries restrict such pesticides to protect farmers, consumers and the environment. What Can We Do as Consumers? We may not be able to control government policies, but we can control what goes on our plates. Why Organic is the Answer? The simplest way to ban such toxic chemicals from your life is to choose organic food. When farmers and consumers commit to organic, harmful chemicals automatically disappear from our farms, our soil, and our food. At Eat Right Basket, we stand for food that nourishes without poisoning. Our certified organic fruits, vegetables, staples, and snacks are 100% chemical-free, ensuring you and your family eat safe, clean, and natural. References
“Cook Right with Eat Right Basket” Contest: A Celebration of Sweet Delights
At Eat Right Basket, we’re passionate about promoting healthy and organic eating. To celebrate the spirit of cooking and creativity, we organized a cooking contest called “Cooking Right with Eat Right Basket” on February 2nd, 2025. The theme of the contest was sweet dishes, and we were overwhelmed with an incredible response from participants across Delhi and NCR. After careful consideration, our judges shortlisted six outstanding recipes that showcased creativity, innovation, and a passion for healthy cooking. In this blog, we’ll take you through each of these recipes, highlighting the main ingredients and cooking methods used. Recipe 1: Ragi Laddu The first recipe that caught our attention was Ragi Laddu, made with ragi flour, jaggery powder, ghee, almonds, cashews, edible gum, pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, and flax seeds. This traditional recipe is a perfect blend of nutrition and taste. Ingredients: Ragi flour: 250 gms, Jaggery Powder: 150 gms, Ghee: 250 gms, Almonds:50 gms, Cashews- 50 gms, Edible gum: 50 gms Pumpkin Seeds: 50 gms, Melon Seeds: 50 gms, Flax Seeds: 50 gms Cooking Instructions: 1. In a Kadhaai, take Desi Cow Ghee, once it is heated add ragi Flour. 2. Keep shallow frying it on low flame till the mixture leaves ghee and becomes of flowing consistency. 3. Now add chopped almonds, cashew, shallow fried gond (edible gum). 4. Add roasted flax seeds, pumpkin Seeds, melon seeds and mix this well. 5. Add jaggery powder, mix it well. 6. Turn down the flame but continue stirring it a bit. 7. Once this mix cools down, roll its laddus with gentle hands. Recipe 2: Hari Matar ka Halwa with Gajar ki Saunth The next recipe that impressed us was Hari Matar ka Halwa with Gajar ki Saunth. This recipe was made with peas, khoya/fresh malai/condensed milk, ghee, jaggery, dry fruits, elaichi, carrots, and ginger. This innovative recipe combines the freshness of peas with the sweetness of carrots Ingredients: Peas – 600gm (unpeeled), Khoa – 200gm, Ghee – 200gm, Sugar – 300gm, Cashew – 50gm, Almonds – 50gm, Elaichi – 10gm, Adrak – 20gm, Saunf (Fennel Seeds)- 10gm Cooking Instructions: 1. Take two table spoon desi cow ghee in a kadhai 2. Sauté peeled green peas in it on low flame till they turned slightly brown and kept aside. 3. In a pan add two teaspoons of Desi Cow Ghee and add crushed saunf (Fennel Seeds), very fine chopped ginger and crushed cardamom, then add jaggery syrup. 4. Let it boil and then simmer till the mixture thickens to a paste. 5. Put the green peas pan again on the stove. 6. Add malai (fresh cream)/ khoa to it. Mix well gently so that no lumps are formed. 7. Add the jaggery paste to this mixture and keep cooking on low flame till it turns dry, dark and cooked. 8. Sprinkle dry fruits. 9. Hari Matar ka halwa is ready to serve. Recipe 3: Chana Barfi Chana Barfi was another very interesting entry in the cooking contest. It tasted delicious and its recipe was also very unique. Made with roasted chickpeas (Bhuna Chana), almonds, cashews, white rice poha, dhage wali mishri, and milk. Another speciality of this recipe is that no ghee or oil was used in this recipe. Ingredients: Roasted chana (Bhuna Chana) 250 gm, Almond 150 gm, Cashew 150 gm, Roasted Poha 100 gm, Dhage wali Mishri 350 gm, Milk for binding (5/6 tbsp or as required) Cooking Instructions: 1. Dry roast white rice poha till it turns golden brown. 2. Dry grind roasted deskinned roasted chickpea (bhuna chana), cashew, almonds, dhaaga mishri, cardamom, and roasted white rice poha to fine powder. 3. Chop some almonds separately for layering on top. 4. Gently knead the prepared flour with help of milk till it becomes a perfect soft dough. 5. Transfer the dough into a square box, spread even, and leave it for setting. 6. Spread chopped almonds on the top. 7. Cut Burfi of the desired size. 8. Chana Burfi is Ready to serve. Recipe 4: Gajar Ka Halwa (Vegan) The contest also saw a vegan sweet dish made without the use of ghee or milk – Gajar Ka Halwa (Vegan), made with carrots, coconut, raisins, cashews, almonds, seeds, and jaggery. This vegan recipe is a perfect dessert option for those who have lactose intolerance or are vegan by choice. Others may also have it as its highly nutritious and tastes different from the regular Gajar ka Halva. Ingredients: Red Carrot 1.5 kg, Fresh Coconut 1 pc, Raisins: 30 gm, Cashews 150 gms, Almonds 100 gms, Seeds 50 gms each, Jaggery 500 gms Cooking Instructions: 1. Grate carrots and steam them in a kadhai until soft (approx 15 to 20 mins on low flame). 2. Meanwhile, grind one fresh coconut, jaggery, some cashews (optional), and 4-5 cardamom in a grinder. 3. Add this mixture to grated and steamed carrots. 4. Mix everything well and cook it further for few minutes till the carrots are cooked well 5. Garnish it with seeds and nuts. Recipe 5: Whole Wheat Choco Banana Cake No sweet dish contest is complete without the entry of cakes in it. So we had Whole Wheat Choco Banana Cake, made with whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and bananas as the main ingredients. This healthy cake option is perfect for those looking for a guilt-free dessert. Ingredients: Whole Wheat flour 180 gms, Brown Sugar 130 gm, Banana 250 gms, Butter 90 gms, Vanilla Essence 1/2 tbsp, Milk 50 ml, Pumpkin Seeds 5 gm, Sunflower Seeds 5 gm, Baking Powder ¾ tsp, Baking soda ½ tsp, a pinch of Salt. Baking Instructions: 1. Mash banana in a bowl and add the brown sugar – make it into a smooth paste. 2. Sieve/whisk together – whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. 3. Mix mashed banana and brown sugar paste to the whole wheat flour mix and whisk well. 4. Add butter and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, and flour in batches with