AT Feb Final

February 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 1
2 AGRICULTURE TODAY February 2024

From The group Editor's Desk
President
President
Towards Climate Resilient

Dr. MJ Khan
Dr. MJ
CEO & Khan
Group Editor
Group Editor
Mamta Jain
Mrs Anjana Nair
Group Executive Editor
Editor, Agri News
Rajni Shaleen Chopra
Sanjay Kumar
Editor Agri News
Agriculture
AndhraKumar
Sanjay Pradesh Climate change and agriculture are intrinsically related. Agriculture
Satish B Gadde contributes to one third of the anthropogenic Green House Gas emissions.
Andhra
Assam Pradesh Animal based farming leads with almost 60% of food-related emissions.
Jyoti Bikash
Satish Babu Nath
Gadde Climate change has also invariably affected the production and productivity
Assam
Bihar of agriculture. Drought, temperature extremities at critical crop stages,
Jyoti Bikash
Girendra Nath
Narayan floods, salinity to name a few climatic aberrations have affected yields to
Bihar
Gujarat
a great extent. The onset of monsoon has been erratic since the last few
Rakesh Jani
Girendra Narayan
years putting at risk the generally followed crop calendar, jeopardizing the
Haryana
Bijender Singh Dalal
Dalal rhythm of agriculture vocation in India. As climate gets more and more out
Bijender Singh
BUREAUS
Himachal of hand, certain measures need to be adopted to acknowledge the changes

Himachal Pradesh
BUREAUS
Pradesh
Rakesh
Rakesh Kumar
Kumar and adopt a corrective course of action.
Karnataka
Karnataka
Santosh Langer The recently concluded COP28 did the first part with the promising adoption
Santosh Langer
ATG
Maharashtra of the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems,

ATG
Maharashtra and Climate Action. In addition to this, for the first time at a COP, an entire
Pasha
Pasha Patel
Patel
OF
Madhya Pradesh day was dedicated to Food Systems. This is positive sign. Although,
OF
Madhya Pradesh
Rakesh Dubey the mitigation aspect was completely left out in the global stocktake
HEADS
Rakesh Dubey
STATEHEADS
Punjab draft, considerable difference can be brought out by adopting adaptation

Punjab
Puneet Singh Thind strategies.
Puneet Singh Thind
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Singh Chauhan Indian agriculture is dominated by small holder and marginal farmers for
STATE
Parvinder
Parvinder
Tamil NaduS Chauhan whom farming is an important source of livelihood. Most of their farming
Telangana
Raju Narasimman systems have a wide array of crops and livestock. Also note, that in India,
Jaipal Reddy
Telangana the largest milk producing country in the world, the bulk of milk comes from
Tamil Nadu
Jaipal Reddy these small scale farmers who both farming and dairying. So for India, it is
Raju Narasimman
Uttar Pradesh a challenging task of balancing environmental commitments with economic
Uttar Pradesh
Umesh Shukla needs.
Umesh Shukla
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Narendra Singh Mehra So the stress at least in the beginning will be on adaptation strategies.
Narendra Mehra Fortunately, there are a number of means and methods by which
Admin &
Admin & IT
IT Head Anil Kumar
Head -- Anil countries with large agricultural sectors like India,
TEAM
IT Manager - Ankit Kumar

SUPPORTTEAM
IT Manager - Ankit can address climate changes. In this edition,

Sr. Business Manager - Vinita Singh Agriculture Today has reached out to different
Assistant Editor -- Rida
Assistant Editor Zaman Almas stakeholders in agriculture to find out
SUPPORT
Business Manager
Asst. Manager, Digi- Tasmin
Mktg - Tanya Kalra
what should be our climate adaptation
Web Designer - Deepak Singh
Web Designer - Mr Rahul
strategies keeping at center the
Graphics - Akash Bhargav
Circulation
Subscription - Rajkumar
- Mohd Aijaz deliberations in COP28. After all there
Circulation - Rajkumar is light at the end of the tunnel!
DESIGN
Graphic Designer
Designer We were fortunate to get in touch with
DESIGN
Graphic
A. Rehman
A. Rehman experts and practitioners, whose
ideas were not only brilliant but
cover PIcture Credit - Sneha Koppula doable. This edition of Agriculture
Publisher & Printer – Dr. MJ Khan on behalf of M/s Con- Today is a compendium of climate
cept Agrotech Consultants Limited, Published from 306 adaptation and mitigation strategies
Rohit house Tolstoy Road New Delhi-110001 and printed
by Everest Press E-49/8, Okhla Industrial Area-II New and addresses agriculture sector
Delhi-110020 post COP28. I hope it can start
Phone No. 011-23731129 Fax No.011- 23731130 off a discussion and a series of
E-mail: editor@agriculturetoday.in
info@agriculturetoday.in interventions.
No part of this magazine can be reproduced, imitated or Thank you

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the publishers. Views expressed in the magazine need not
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www.agriculturetoday.in
Page in the magazine: 60
VOLUME XXVII | ISSUE 2 | february 2024
Content
06
From The Group Editor's Desk 03
Fisheries
Impact of Climate Change on Fisheries Sector 10
tête-à-tête with ANJANA POLICY PERSPECTIVE
Unnikrishnan Divakaran Nair 12 Ashok Dalwai
COP28
08
COP28: A Decisive Moment for Agriculture 15
Success Story
Farming for the Future: A Farmer’s Fight against
Climate Change 22 Perspective
MITIGATION Soumya Swaminathan
From Ashes to Action 24
18
Duel of Opinion
GM Mustard – An Absolute Necessity 26
Do We Need GM Mustard At All ? 27
Smart Agriculture Finance Matters
Hyperspectral Technology: For Efficient and Namita Vikas
Sustainable Agriculture 30
Climate Smart
Hydroponics: A new paradigm for climate resilient
agriculture
14th Agriculture Leadership
32
22
Different strokes
Conclave 34
Sanjay Sethi
Special Coverage
Rallis India: Smart Solutions for Sustainable
Food Security and Resilience 44
Agri Mechanization
Promote Atmanirbhar with Indigenous
Manufacturing 48
28
Soil Wise
In conversation Melind Deshpande
Committed to Sustainability 50
Agri Financing
46
Financing Agriculture Value Chains in India 52
Case Study
Farmer Field Schools: Learning by Doing 54
Agri Education
State Focus
Agriculture Roadmap: A Multi-sectoral and P Chandra Shekara
Holistic Approach 56

FSII gets New Leaders
The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), a 40-member association led by the plant science industry, is a crucial research
and development body of India. With specialization in producing high-quality seeds for food, feed, and fiber sectors in India,
FSII strives to contribute to the vision of increasing farmers' income. Affiliated with global organizations such as the International
Seed Federation (ISF) and The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA), FSII plays a crucial role in the international seed
community.
The New Leadership Team
With a new leadership team in place, FSII plans to drive progress and enhance its
position as a knowledge-driven federation of research-based seed companies in
India.
Ajai Rana, the newly appointed Chairman has over 32 years of experience in
agriculture, including roles at Monsanto and Ricetec. He is currently the CEO for
Savannah Seeds. Rajvir Rathi, the Vice Chairman is the Head of Agriculture Policy
& Stakeholder Affairs at Bayer Crop Science and he brings with him extensive
experience in agriculture. Shirish Barwale, Vice Chairman, has almost 2 decades of
experience in agriculture sector and he is the current MD of MAHYCO. Dr. Venkatram
Vasantvada, Finance Director, is the MD & CEO of Seedworks International Pvt Ltd
adwilbe contributing his financial expertise to the leadership team.
Ajai Rana
Rajvir Rathi Shirish Barwale Dr. Venkatram Vasantvada
Challenges in Seed Industry

The appointment comes at a crucial for seed companies to reach a large introduction of innovative and improved
time when the seed sector is facing number of farmers efficiently. This seeds.Compliance with various seed
some crucial challenges. Climate can affect the economies of scale in quality standards and regulations adds
change is a major factor influencing production and distribution. Inadequate complexity to the seed production and
agriculture today and it has become infrastructure and logistics, including distribution process.Transparency
vital for the industries to develop storage and transportation facilities, across the business value chain is
seeds which can withstand climate can lead to seed quality deterioration the top business challenge in seed
variability and extreme weather and increased costs.Strict regulations production. Balancing transparency
events.In India, small and fragmented and lengthy approval processes for with competitive safeguards remains
land holdings make it challenging new seed varieties can hinder the crucial.

POLICY PERSPECTIVE
Initiatives and Approaches to combat

Climate Change in Indian Agriculture Sector
C
limate change is the places. But to realize these benefits, nutri- ways and same places as done in the past.
dominant environmental ent levels, soil moisture, water availability, The effects of climate change also need
challenge of the current and other conditions must also be met. to be considered along with other evolving
times threatening not just However, rise in temperature has a delete- factors that affect agricultural production,
agricultural production, but rious impact on water and seasonal crops such as changes in farming practices
human civilization on earth in general. like wheat which is an important cereal in and technology. Hence, appropriate and
However, the impact of climate change the Indian food basket. timely interventions including mitigation
on agriculture can prove highly critical, Changes in the frequency and severity & adaptation are necessary to neutralise/
as it is the sector that generates food & of droughts and floods challenge the minimize the negative influence of climate
fodder that meet the basic physiological farmers critically constraining nation’s food change on agriculture in general, and
requirements of human and livestock safety. It can be said, that climate change food & fodder security in particular.
populations. This primary sector also could make it more difficult to grow crops,
generates fuel and raw materials that raise animals, and catch fish in the same Government Interventions to
cater to large number of agro-industries Combat Climate Change
which provide employment and income to In 2008, the Government of India adopt-
large section of the society. ed the National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC), which outlined eight
Climate Change – Its Effect on National Missions addressing climate
Agriculture change. Among the eight missions, the
The variation in climate, negatively influ- National Mission on Sustainable Agricul-
ences the yield & quality of crops, horticulture (NMSA) came to be operationalised
tural crops, livestock, fisheries & aquacul- in 2014-15. The focus interventions of
ture, and challenge food security.Interest- the Mission include Soil Health Manage-
ingly, increases in temperature and CO2 ment (SHC), Integrated Farming Systems
can increase some crop yields in some (IFS), integrated animal components, and
Water Use Efficiency (WUE), particularly
The warming trend in India over in drylands or rainfed agricultural areas to
the past 100 years points to an address the negative impacts of climate
average temperature increase of change in agriculture and allied sectors. In
0.60°C. While the Paris Agreement consonance with the overall NMSA strat-
targeted to limit the projected rise egy, there have been several government
in temperature to a maximum of 1.5 interventions through policy, programs,
degree Celsius, the recent CoP 28 scheme, and even research & develop-
at Dubai expressed the fear that the ment (R&D) routes.
world already seems to have reached NITI Aayog has been designated
this threshold. The temperature as the nodal agency for coordination
increase is only likely to get worse, of SDGs, and Ministry of Environment,
putting at risk life on earth, in water Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
and in atmosphere. Other negative has established the Apex Committee
outcomes of climate change already About the Author for Implementation of Paris Agreement
being experienced are increasing Ashok Dalwai, (AIPA) to oversee and drive climate-
number of weather extremes, that Former CEO, NRAA, and related actions.
include changes in rainfall intensity & Chairman, Empowered Body The Indian Council of Agricultural
patterns causing simultaneous floods DFI, Ministry of Agriculture and Research (ICAR) initiated National
& droughts etc. which are expected FW, Govt. of India Innovations on Climate Resilient
to be further exacerbated. Agriculture (NICRA) network project
in 2011, and has been addressing the

POLICY PERSPECTIVE
While adaptation is an anticipatory and planned process, managed through policies,

technologies and developmental activities, mitigation practices are important to reduce the
drivers of non-sustainable practices and events such as climate change in the long run.
specific challenges posed by climate
Programmes and Schemes
change on Indian agriculture. The
These includes Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMSKY), Pradhan
learnings from this project have been
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY), Soil Health Card (SHC), Green India Mission
found to be relevant for replication across
(GIM), National Water Mission (NWM), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY),
dryland region.
Agricultural Contingency Plans and National Innovations on Climate Resilient
In addition, given the predominance
Agriculture (NICRA), Sub-mission on Agro-forestry (SMAF), National Livestock
of rainfed agriculture in the country, the
Mission (NLM), Blue Revolution (Neel Kranti Mission), Fodder Development
government is committed to encouraging
Scheme, National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP),
rainfed agriculture practices including
National Mission on Himalayan Studies, Agro-Advisory Services, Neem Coated
watershed development approach,
Urea etc.
organic & natural farming practices,
more productive & sustainable integrated
farming systems etc. All these initiatives gas emissions within the agricultural impact of industrial-centric agriculture on
have been collectively contributing to the sector as it has the potential to encourage the ecosystem. The declaration could have
broader strategy of combating climate the uptake of practices that decrease been emphatic about offering financial sup-
change, and promoting sustainability in emissions while sustaining agricultural port to the smallholder farmers, whose sig-
agriculture and allied sectors of the Indian productivity. One can in consequence nificance it recognizes in food production
economy. expect support for adoption of climate- system, and their pivotal role in safeguard-
smart farming methods, development ing ecosystems and ensuring global food
Takeaways from COP28 of infrastructure, and enhancement of security.
At the recent COP28 Summit in Dubai, farmers' capabilities. Promotion of eco- Concerned as India is about the
food and agriculture emerged as a focal friendly practices can be expected to fetch negative impact on the country's rice
concern, with over 130 global leaders sign- higher demand and more remunerative cultivation and substantial livestock
ing a declaration to prioritize their food sys- prices. The exchange of knowledge sector if radical changes are effected to
tems in national strategies, ranging from between Indian scientists and farmers the farming system, it does not accept
production to consumption. The COP28 and global experts is also expected to be targeted commitments. However, India is
UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agricul- mutually beneficial. committed to addressing climate change
ture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate issues, and adopts an approach to
Action outlines the commitment of these What COP28 left out combat climate change in the agriculture
leaders to mobilize over $2.5 billion to While the declaration is promising of sever- sector by rolling out both adaptation and
tackle climate issues related to agriculture. al advantages vis-à-vis agriculture includ- mitigation strategies. While adaptation
This funding aims to scale up adaptation ing that of knowledge access from outside is an anticipatory and planned process,
and resilience efforts for farmers, alongside the country, it does not address negative managed through policies, technologies
initiatives to transform production practices, and developmental activities, mitigation
as stated in the official declaration. The COP28 UAE Declaration practices are important to reduce the
This Declaration at COP28 can drivers of non-sustainable practices and
be expected to facilitate technology on Sustainable Agriculture, events such as climate change in the long
transfer in India involving acquisition of Resilient Food Systems, and run. In the short run, adaptation strategies
are important from the perspective
advanced agricultural practices, resilient
crops against drought, and efficient Climate Action outlines the of small & marginal farmers. The
water management techniques enabling
minimization of yield losses, and realising
commitment of these leaders government is committed to promoting a
cafeteria of strategies and practices that
optimal productivity across the agricultural to mobilize over $2.5 billion to encompass crop/cropping system-based
sub-sectors. The declaration could technologies, resource conservation-
encourage the possibility of rewarding
tackle climate issues related based technologies and socio-economic
nations that effectively cut greenhouse to agriculture. and policy interventions.

One Health
Climate Change, Agri-Food

Systems and Health
C
limate change is not only a major public health While hunger is a global problem, exacerbated by the Covid
challenge for the world, but an existential crisis pandemic, conflicts in different parts of the world and the climate
for humanity. Climate change directly and indi- crisis, lack of access to nutritious food is growing. According to
rectly impacts our nutrition and health through the 2023 Lancet countdown report, around 127 million people in
many pathways including our agri food system, 122 countries were experiencing moderate to severe food inse-
access to safe water, exposure to vector borne diseases and
curity due to frequent heatwaves and droughts in 2021 and this
to extreme weather events. Malnutrition is one of the worst
number is likely to grow.
outcomes of climate change. NFHS 5 showed that the level
Food insufficiency is one of the causes of malnutrition,
of stunting among children under 5 years in India has margin-
however, nutritional deficiencies in food is also a contrib-
ally declined from 38 to 36% between 2015-16 and 2019-20.
Stunting is higher among children in rural areas (37%) than
urban areas (30%). The prevalence of anemia among all six
population groups covered in the National Family Health Sur-
vey 5 was > 52%, except for men and adolescent boys where
it was 25-30%. Further, both under nutrition and overweight
and obesity occur within the same family, community and
even in the same individual sometimes, with anemia being
pervasive. All nutrition and health indicators are worse in
the lower socioeconomic groups.
Lack of Access to Nutritious Food
The current contribution of food

production to Green House Gas (GHG)
emissions is 26% i.e., one-quarter of
the world’s GHG emissions of which
18% is contributed by supply chains,
31% Livestock and Fisheries, 27% Crop
production and 24% Land Use.
About the Author
Soumya Swaminathan,
MD Chairperson,
MS Swaminathan Research
Foundation and Former
Chief Scientist, WHO

One Health
utor, a large population around the world

consumes low quality diet which leads to
many macro and micro nutritional defi- Millets as Alternatives
ciencies. According to FAO, 74% Indians Rice is the staple food in many Indian states and India is the largest exporter of
are not able to afford a healthy diet and rice. Approximately around 3,500 litres of water is needed to produce 1 Kilogram
this is true of many countries. Further, of rice and it accounts for 10% of global methane emissions. Whereas, millets
only 11% infants are getting adequate such as Ragi, Sorgum, pearl millet require less than 30% of water required for
quantity and quality of complementary rice cultivation. Therefore, millets were identified as climate smart nutri cereals
feeds in India.To address this complex under National Food Security Mission and the year 2018 was declared as
problem, we need not only targeted nu-
National Year of Millets. Based on the proposal by Indian Government, United
tritional interventions, but a holistic and
Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
multisectoral health centered approach.
For the first time during COP28, health
was brought into the center of interna-
tional climate action.
Sustainable agricultural Effort
Therefore, a major shift in the behaviors
Environmentally Responsible practices and resilient food to rebalance the food consumption to re-
Food Production
Environmentally responsible and sus- systems are the keys to duce emissions is the need of the hour.
Changing the world’s eating habits using
tainable food production is needed. The
current contribution of food production to
reducing GHG emissions. diverse crops, sustainable agriculture and
food practices, encouraging the consump-
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions is
tion of regionally available crops (millets,
26% i.e., one-quarter of the world’s GHG
legumes, and cereals), fish, and animals to
emissions of which 18% is contributed by
processes will further contribute to the build a low carbon society should be em-
supply chains, 31% Livestock and Fisher-
climate change burden. Sustainable phasized. Usage of biodegradable prod-
ies, 27% Crop production and 24% Land
agricultural practices and resilient food ucts, increasing greenery, rational usage
Use.Around 70% of water extracted from
systems are the keys to reducing GHG of energy resources in order to preserve
nature is for food systems and it causes
emissions. the biodiversity should be promoted. These
around 60% of the biodiversity loss.
collective efforts by all stakeholders con-
Climate change also increases some
pest populations which causes increased One Health Strategy tribute to reduce the ill effects of climate
pesticide usage and this in turn causes Climate smart, nutrition sensitive food pro- change and to build the health of the so-
the pests to develop resistance. Apart duction needs political will and multisector ciety.
from direct pesticide exposure of farm- collaboration. FAO recommends a One
ers, people living in the surroundings and Health strategy as part of the transforma- Inclusion of Women
those who eat the exposed food or drink tion of the agri-food system for the health Finally, we have to remember that the im-
contaminated water are also impacted. of people, animals, plants, and the environ- pact of climate change is not gender neu-
Exposure to pesticides for long periods ment. The One Health concept emphasiz- tral. The climate crisis disproportionately
has been associated with neurotoxicity, es interactions between people, animals, impacts women, who have responsibilities
cancer, asthma, reproductive disorders,
plants, and the environment, recognizing of securing food and water for their families
allergies and asthma, cardiac diseases,
the interconnectedness of human, animal, and for caregiving in the household. The
diabetes and even DNA damage lead-
ing to infertility in males. Nitrogen com- and ecological health. This can only be ac- climate crisis is creating new threats to the
pounds in the pesticides have been re- complished by incorporating a broad range health, livelihoods and human rights of
ported to cause neurodegenerative disor- of stakeholders and focusing on sustain- women, worsening existing gender vulner-
ders like Parkinson’s disease. able agriculture, animal, plant, forest, and abilities. We need more women at the table
The livestock industry uses antibiot- aquaculture health, food safety, AMR, food – at national and international convenings
ics as feed additives to maintain animal security, nutrition, and livelihood security. - and empowerment of women in com-
health. Animal products such as meat, Under the umbrella of One Health, munities so that they can implement local
milk, eggs, fish and honey, etc., and agro-biodiversity which includes crop solutions for adaptation and resilience.
crops produced using water contami- and horticultural, microbial, animal and Tackling interdisciplinary challenges span-
nated due to inappropriate recycling pro- forest bio-diversities are well preserved.
ning nutrition, agriculture and food security,
cesses which have antibiotic residues This is an important component of food
air pollution, water and sanitation and the
can predispose to anti-Microbial Resist- security and also acts as a sustainable
ance (AMR), a major public health threat. solution for climate change. health consequences of displaced popula-
It is clear that increasing food production tions need diverse and transformative lead-
using current agricultural and industrial Reducing Emissions – A Collective ership – both men and women!

Fisheries
Impact of Climate Change

on Fisheries Sector
G
lobal climate change is frequency poses direct threats, causing pelagic fish catch. Studies on Indian mack-
having notable impacts habitat destruction and affecting life cycles. erel reveal negative effects of temperature
on the environment, which Changes in phytoplankton composition and salinity, emphasizing the complex in-
include increasing trends disrupt the food web, impacting fish prey teraction between environmental variables
in temperature, rising sea availability. Rising sea levels jeopardize and fishery dynamics. Small-scale fisher-
levels, acidification of the ocean water, coastal habitats and breeding grounds, ies which are the economic backbone of
and modifications in ocean currents. The intensifying vulnerabilities. coastal communities, face risks from ab-
supporting evidences for these impacts are normal weather events, impacting liveli-
abundant and diverse, derived from ex- Increase in SST linked to a decline hoods.
periments in laboratories, observations of in Fish Catch
natural systems, and computer modeling. Climate change is having a profound im- Shift in Marine Species'
While the specific consequences may dif- pact on marine fisheries in India, affecting Distribution and Behaviour
fer based on location, species, and other both the distribution of fish species and Studies in the northern Indian Ocean
variables, the evidence indicates that the the traditional fishing practices of local quantified the anticipated alterations in key
impacts are substantial and widespread, communities. Over the past two decades, climate variables. Incorporating climate
posing implications for the well-being and there has been a marginal increase in sea change models, the study systematically
sustainability of marine ecosystems. The surface temperatures (SST) in the North examines long-term forecasts involving
widespread influence of temperature on the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal basins, SST, pH, sea level, salinity, rainfall, and
biology and ecology of organisms, along signaling a potential shift in climatic condi- chlorophyll. These variables play a critical
with changes in natural environmental cy- tions. In the last 45 years, the SST along role in shaping the marine environment,
cles, leads to shifts across ecosystems, the Indian coasts has increased by 0.2°C affecting the distribution and behaviour of
including alterations in the distribution of to 0.3°C. There has been a reduction in aquatic species. The study highlights the
fish stocks and the overall structure of fish catch associated with the occurrence impacts on productivity, vulnerability of
ecosystems. Ocean acidification, resulting of climatic disturbances and extremes, ecosystems like coral reefs, and broader
from increased carbon dioxide absorption, such as depressions and cyclonic storms. social implications. Elevated SST disrupts
threatens species with calcium carbonate It is estimated that a one-degree increase ecological balance, influencing marine
structures. Altered rainfall patterns impact in SST corresponds to a significant reduc- species' distribution and behaviour.There
estuarine ecosystems, crucial for saltwa- tion in total fish catch by approximately has been a northward movement of both
ter-freshwater balance. Increased storm nine percent and a 13 percent reduction in oil sardine and Indian mackerel species
About the Authors
Dr.J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General

(Fisheries Science)
Fisheries Science Division, Indian
Council of Agricultural Research,
Dr.G. George, Principal Scientist &

Head, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries
Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala

Fisheries
Brackishwater aquaculture is found to be

more vulnerable in coastal districts on the
east coast compared to the west coast. It
is moderately vulnerable to seasonal vari-
ations (20-40% loss) and highly vulnerable
to extreme weather events (EWEs) like
floods, heavy rains, and cyclones (50 to
100% loss). Significant impact have been
witnessed in ovarian maturation, spawn-
ing, and nursery rearing of shrimp and
fishes beyond 32°C water temperature.
Adaptation Strategies in
Aquaculture
Adaptation strategies in aquaculture
encompass a comprehensive range of
Seaweed rafts integrated with cobia cage (IMTA) initiatives aimed at fostering climate re-
silience and sustainability. This includes
towards higher latitudes. The distributional
and spawning shift of Indian oil sardine on
It is estimated that a one-degree the development of a climate-resilient
the southwest coast of India, changes in increase in SST corresponds to carbon-neutral seaweed integrated multi-
trophic mariculture package of practice.
the vertical distribution of Indian Mackerel, a significant reduction in total Additionally, efforts have been focused
shift in the breeding season of threadfin
breams and increasing landing of juvenile fish catch by approximately on the production of thermo-resilient In-
dian candidate mariculture species, Silver
fishes are strong records indicating the im- nine percent and a 13 percent pompano (Trachinotusblochii), capable of
pacts of climate alternations.
It is predicted that by 2030, around
reduction in pelagic fish catch. withstanding temperatures 2.8°C higher
than the ambient seawater temperature.
78% of the Earth's Exclusive Economic
Sea cage farming along with standardized
Zones (EEZs) will undergo shifts in the dis- global average. With the global increase in seed production of stress-tolerant species
tribution patterns of at least one fish stock. emissions, the latest data indicates a fur- could be successfully demonstrated for the
Climate change found to affect directly the ther reduction, reaching 17.7% below the farming of climate-resilient species and
recruitment and abundance of marine fish global average. This implies a noteworthy seed production. The implementation of
populations. Fish in their early life stages enhancement in the environmental friendli- low-cost cage farming has been success-
are dependent on oceanographic variables, ness of Indian marine fisheries. Over 40 fully replicated in 31 climate-smart coastal
the physical dispersal of eggs and larvae years, a shift in the diet composition with villages. Indigenous seaweed-based mari-
and other planktonic forms of life are also the dominance of phytoplankton instead of culture packages have been developed,
influenced by oceanographic processes, zooplankton and copepods was observed which aretailored for shallow coastal wa-
which are susceptible to climate variability for Indian Mackerel. This is an indication of ters, particularly in locations such as Lak-
and change. Climate-driven changes in pri- the resilient strategy of the fish being able shadweep and Tamil Nadu coast. These
mary productivity are influenced by winds to adapt to climate change. systems, aiming to sustain economic, eco-
and upwelling, followed by phenological logical, and social benefits, rely on factors
changes found to affect lower trophic level Wetlands and Climate Change such as genetic diversity, low stress, and
coupling and eventually the food web and The wetlands are evidenced by depth efficient resource utilization. The concept
recruitment success of marine fish. reduction, shrinkage, eutrophication and of ‘Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture
increased incidence of toxic algal blooms (IMTA) i.e. sea cage farming of cobia (Ra-
A Positive Trend in Carbon leading to fish kills. Impact on the hatch- chycentroncanadum) along with the rafts
Emissions ing of Indian major carps was observed of seaweed Kappaphycusalvarezzi found
Despite the adverse effects of climatic with progressively increased temperatures to be an important climate-resilient farming
variables on fisheries, the marine sector upto 32°C, at which 95% survival rate was model with advantage of additional pro-
in India exhibits a positive trend concern- attained but no hatching was observed duction of fish and seaweed. These tech-
ing carbon emissions. The study revealed beyond 34°C. Extreme climatic events nologies can be looked upon as diversified
that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions further threaten brackishwater aquacul- livelihood opportunities for the stakehold-
from Indian trawlers were 16.3% below the ture, causing significant yield reductions. ers who are affected by the climate crisis.

tête-à-tête with Anjana
COP28: Addressing The Challenges

Within Our Food Systems
Unnikrishnan Divakaran Nair is the Head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat, where he plays
a pivotal role in steering the climate change program. Before joining the Commonwealth Secretariat, Mr.
Nair served at the UNFCCC in Bonn, where he held a crucial role in managing Climate Finance and National
Adaptation Plans for Small Island States and Least Developed Countries. In his conversation with Anjana
Nair, Group Editor, Agriculture Today, he discusses the results of recently concluded COP28 and the need to
integrate climate aspects in program planning and policy implementation.
Pursuant to COP 28, there is

euphoria surrounding inclusion of
The significance
agriculture and food systems into of this COP 28
the declaration. How elated are
you?
lies not only in
I find it incredibly encouraging that in the its focus on food
recent COPs, the presidencies have con-
sistently demonstrated a robust commit- systems but also
ment to addressing the challenges within
our food systems. Numerous countries
in conducting the
have not only increased their awareness first-ever global
but have also pledged investments, rec-
ognizing the tangible impact of climate ex- stocktake of NDC
tremes on food systems and subsequent
reductions in food availability. The critical
commitments by
next step is to observe how these pledges member countries.
will materialize into concrete, real-time com-
mitments and how nations will seamlessly
incorporate these initiatives into their food
system governance. This integration pre-
sents a formidable challenge. On the global
stage, discussions surrounding this theme
are abundant. It is intriguing to witness how
countries will weave these climate action
elements into their policies, actions, and
budgeting. The significance of this COP
28 lies not only in its focus on food sys-
tems but also in conducting the first-ever
global stocktake of NDC commitments by
member countries. This serves as a cru-
cial baseline, underscoring the importance
of agriculture and food-based systems.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming
global stocktake, we have the opportunity

to gauge the progress made against the es-
tablished baseline, fostering optimism for
positive developments ahead.
The final agreement, however,

focused on adaptation, rather than tête-à-tête with Anjana
mitigation. How do you view it?
In the last decade of COPs, a prevalent cri-
tique was that they leaned heavily towards
mitigation efforts. However, the narrative
has notably shifted in the recent past, with
a heightened emphasis on adaptation.
This shift could stem from the acknowledg- It is crucial for addressed?
Certainly. Take, for instance, the digitiza-
ment that despite our current actions, in-
evitable extreme events are on the horizon.
both states and the tion of soil records in India—an explicit
Especially for developing countries, least central government commitment to rationalize fertilizer use
based on soil nutrient status, a major con-
developed nations, and small islands, the
urgency to prepare and adapt has become to systematically tributor to agricultural emissions. Various
multilateral agencies are steering initia-
paramount. It's truly gratifying to witness
the increased prominence of adaptation in
infuse climate tives like Direct Sown Rice (DSR) and the
these discussions. This transition seems considerations adoption of alternate wetting and drying in
rice cultivation, demonstrating potential re-
not only logical but also imperative, allow-
ing us to address the challenges posed by into every facet ductions in methane emissions to name a
few. Notably, considerable focused action
climate change without neglecting the criti-
cal focus on mitigation.
of program is unfolding on the mitigation front. How-
planning and policy ever, countries exhibit a strong inclination

towards approaching agriculture primarily
Agriculture is a significant emitter
of GHGs and also at the receiving implementation. through the lens of adaptation, hesitating to
make firm commitments on mitigation due
end of climate change. If we strides have been made in streamlining to its intricate ties to livelihoods, econom-
compare both sides, which side the mitigation aspects of agricultural pro- ics, and food security. This reluctance is
outweighs the other? duction. compounded by the intricate management
In many developing countries, agriculture of diverse agricultural aspects across nu-
holds paramount significance, serving as a Are there any explicit examples merous departments and ministries. While
crucial sector for food security, livelihoods, substantial progress is evident in mitigation
of how mitigation has been
and economic stability. Understandably, the
emission aspect of agriculture often takes
a backseat in the priorities of governments
compared to adaptation efforts. In densely
populated states, the government faces the
formidable task of safeguarding citizens
and ensuring their basic rights to food, live-
lihood, and economic security. Striking a
balance in agricultural development, while
addressing mitigation challenges, is a com-
plex undertaking. The Government of India
has previously asserted a stance that views
agriculture not merely through the lens of
mitigation but primarily as a realm for ad-
aptation. A closer examination of India's
national action plans reveals a substantial
emphasis on the adaptive dimensions of
agriculture. Concurrently, commendable

tête-à-tête with Anjana
endeavours, it is imperative to underscore
the pressing need for increased financing,
technology deployment, and capacity build-
ing on the adaptation front.
Does India have any plans/

projects solely dedicated to
climate change? To what extent
these plans percolate to the field?
An illustrative case of the percolation of cli-
mate action into practical implementation
is exemplified by the National Adaptation
Fund for Climate Change of Government
of India. Its establishment marked the com- northern part of India, particularly concern- advanced technologies to increase efficacy.
mencement of numerous projects, yet a ing the thermal humidity index. When tem-
substantial portion of the implementation peratures and humidity exceed a certain At policy level, what changes can
phase awaits activation at the state level. threshold, these breeds cease to yield. The be made?
This necessitates a proactive role from project's ingenious design aims to compen- In Agriculture sector, climate change driven
the states in aligning climate change con- sate farmers facing production losses dur- water scarcity, soil quality issues, and bio-
siderations with both centrally sponsored ing such periods, akin to a weather index diversity loss are persistently perceived as
schemes and state-level programs. Par- insurance, showcasing a forward-looking issues that may only manifest in the long
ticularly critical is the imperative for states approach. term. The agricultural sector grapples with
to spearhead the seamless integration of the significant challenge of subsidized
climate change elements into major cen- How can financial instruments agriculture, resulting in both overuse and
trally sponsored and state initiated pro- help the farmers in transitioning underutilization. It is crucial for both states
grammes and schemes. These large-scale towards sustainable food systems? and the central government to system-
endeavours must be attuned to the evolv- A prime illustration to consider is organic ag- atically infuse climate considerations into
ing climate landscape to enhance their co- riculture, which simultaneously contributes every facet of program planning and policy
herence and mitigate investment risks for to both mitigation and adaptation efforts. implementation. With great progress, still-
both the state and the central government. However, the inherent risk of yield reduction climate considerations do not often secure
Presently, there are gaps in enhancing the a prominent position in resource allocation,
poses a threat to farmers' income. In this
dedicated focus on incorporating climate planning, and expenditure. Furthermore,
context, financial institutions play a pivotal
aspects into the planning of these critical there is a noticeable lack of communication
role, with a strategic infusion of funds in the
infrastructure projects. between different departments, highlighting
initial three years mitigating the impact of
reduced yields and sustaining farmers' in- the pressing need for improved coordina-
Any state that you consider to have terest. The corporate sector, through CSR tion to address issues as complex and dy-
done a commendable job in this initiatives, and private entities can also be namic as climate change.
area? instrumental in supporting farmers. The
In my perspective, states like Madhya adoption of blended financial instruments, How can the sense of climate
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha stands combining grants with loans, serves to urgency created in the next
out as states that have made significant de-risk investments and bolster farmers' generation?
strides in the realm of climate action, both in capacities. Models such as the System of Agricultural universities must overhaul
terms of institutional development and im- Rice Intensification and System of Sugar- their curriculum to include comprehensive
plementation. Similarly, the North Eastern cane Intensification present effective ways to insights into climate change. Graduates
States have demonstrated commendable curtail emissions, yet farmer skepticism per- should be well-versed in understanding
innovation with projects like springshed sists. Grant programs should be instituted to how every facet of agriculture influences
development, specifically targeting per- instil confidence and encourage widespread and is impacted by climate change. This
ennial springs in mountainous regions. adoption of these techniques. holistic approach aims to empower gradu-
Another noteworthy initiative is Punjab's Unfortunately, the contingency funds ates to contribute significantly to sustain-
inventive project focused on a climate-in- currently in place lack flexibility and time- able agricultural practices and innovate in
dexed livestock-based insurance mecha- liness. It is imperative to enhance their adaptation methodologies, bringing in a
nism, addressing the challenges faced adaptability. Similarly, insurance schemes monumental shift in their preparedness for
by high-yielding breeds introduced in the need robust improvement, incorporating the challenges posed by climate change.

COP28
COP28: A Decisive Moment

for Agriculture
T
he 28th Conference of the
Parties (COP28) stands as a
COP28 offered an tunity for the international community to
confront the formidable challenges that
defining juncture in our global unprecedented opportunity climate change poses to agriculture. Key
battle against climate change. areas on the agenda included:
In a world where the urgency for the international 1. Emission Reduction: At the
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
adapt to a shifting climate, and safeguard
community to confront the forefront of COP28's mission was the
development of strategies to curb green-
biodiversity is paramount, agriculture formidable challenges that house gas emissions from agriculture.
emerges as a critical arena under scru- This involved promotion of sustainable
tiny. Not only does agriculture contribute climate change poses to farming practices, curtailing deforestation
significantly to greenhouse gas emis-
sions, but it is also profoundly susceptible
agriculture. for agricultural expansion, and fostering
the adoption of renewable energy sourc-
to the impacts of climate change. COP28
offers an unparalleled opportunity to con-
front these pressing challenges head-on
and pave the way for sustainable solu-
tions within the agricultural sector.
The Critical Intersection of

Agriculture and Climate Change
Agriculture, a linchpin of human civiliza-
tion, sustains billions of people worldwide
by providing sustenance, livelihoods, and
economic stability. Yet, it is simultane-
ously a primary driver of climate change,
responsible for roughly a quarter of
global greenhouse gas emissions, chiefly
stemming from livestock, rice cultivation,
and synthetic fertilizer usage. The ramifi-
cations of climate change have already
begun to reverberate through agricul-
ture. More frequent and severe weather
events, shifting precipitation patterns,
and rising temperatures are causing di-
minished crop yields, heightened pest Deepak Pareek with HE Mariam Almheiri Minister of Climate Change and
and disease pressures, and decreased Environment of UAE at World Economic Forum
livestock productivity. These hardships
imperil global food security and jeopard- About the Author
ize the livelihoods of countless farmers.
Deepak Pareek is an agriculture economist, a serial entrepreneur,
The Pivotal Role of COP28 investor, and ecosystem builder in the agriculture technology domain
in Tackling Agricultural He has 25 years of diverse experience working across 34 countries on
various projects. He is a well-decorated technocrat honoured by World
Predicaments
Economic Forum, UNDP and various global organizations.
COP28 offered an unprecedented oppor-

COP28
es on farms.
2. Adaptation and Resilience:
COP28 holds the promise of dressing agriculture and food systems
amid climate change challenges:
COP28 placed a significant emphasis a brighter, more sustainable COP28 UAE Declaration: Backed by
on bolstering the resilience of agricultural 159 nations, this declaration commits to
systems in the face of climate change. future for agriculture—a enhancing resilience for farmers, fishers,
This entails substantial investments in re-
search and technology to cultivate crops
future where we not only and food producers, promoting food se-
curity and sustainable agriculture. It em-
and livestock breeds that can withstand mitigate the impacts of phasizes integrating food systems into
extreme weather events, as well as en- climate plans and reducing emissions
hancement of irrigation and water man- climate change but also while improving soil health.
agement practices.
3. Biodiversity Conservation:
build resilient, thriving Global Stocktake and Adaptation
Goal: Food became a focal point in the
The intricate relationship between agri- agricultural systems that Global Stocktake, recognizing food se-
culture and biodiversity took centre stage curity's vulnerability to climate change. It
at COP28. The importance of preserv- nourish the world while called for multi-sectoral solutions, includ-
ing biodiversity within agricultural land-
scapes was underscored, with a strong
safeguarding the planet ing resilient food systems, in climate ac-
tion plans.
focus on practices such as agroforestry Alliance of Champions for Food Sys-
and organic farming that benefit both the tems Transformation (ACF): Launched
environment and food production. holds the promise of a brighter, more sus- during COP28, ACF, led by nations like
4. Global Cooperation: Given tainable future for agriculture—a future Norway and Brazil, aims to boost food
the inherent interconnection between ag- where we not only mitigate the impacts system resilience and sustainability while
riculture and climate change, internation- of climate change but also build resilient, improving livelihoods. It accelerates pro-
al cooperation is indispensable. COP28 thriving agricultural systems that nourish gress in food systems transformation.
encouraged nations to collaborate, share the world while safeguarding the planet. FAO's Global Roadmap: The FAO intro-
knowledge, technology, and resources duced a roadmap aligning with the UN's
to effectively address agricultural chal- Major Actions for Agriculture at Sustainable Development Goals. It fo-
lenges. COP28 cuses on sustainable crop and livestock
The time for action is now. COP28 COP28 made significant strides in ad- yields, reduced agricultural emissions,

COP28
less food waste, and sustainable diets to

limit global warming.
Non-State Actor Commitment: Over
200 non-state actors, including compa-
nies, cities, farmers, and Indigenous Peo-
ple, committed to action on food systems,
recognizing their pivotal role in address-
ing climate change.
Financial Support: Governments and
foundations pledged $519 million for
sustainable food systems. This funding
backs research and emissions reduction
efforts, crucial for advancing sustainable
food practices.
Financing the Future of

Agriculture
During COP28, significant financial sup-
port was pledged for sustainable food
systems. Here are the key details:
Total Funding Committed: A total of
$519 million was pledged by various
governments, foundations, and organiza-
tions. This funding is aimed at support-
ing the next phase of global agricultural
research and investments in key areas.
Beneficiaries of the Funding: A portion
of this funding is destined for CGIAR, a
global agricultural research consortium (TCC): Alongside these funding com- dressing the complex relationship be-
based in Rome. CGIAR plays a crucial mitments, a Technical Cooperation Col- tween agriculture and climate change.
role in developing sustainable agricul- laborative (TCC) involving key agencies It marked a significant step forward in
tural practices and technologies. A Part like the FAO and the World Bank com- integrating agriculture and food systems
of the funding is allocated for initiatives mitted to coordinate their support in part- into the global climate action agenda,
aimed at reducing emissions from live- ner countries, including those that had recognizing their critical role in achiev-
stock. Livestock production is a signifi- signed the COP28 UAE Declaration. This ing climate goals and sustainable de-
cant source of greenhouse gas emis- collaborative effort is crucial for ensuring velopment. The agriculture sector must
sions, and reducing these emissions is that the funds are utilized effectively and transform to reduce its emissions, adapt
essential for sustainable food systems. that the initiatives have a broader impact. to a changing climate, and protect bio-
Investments will also be made in reduc- Purpose and Impact: The financial sup- diversity.
ing food loss and waste. Addressing food port is a significant signal that govern- By prioritizing emission reduction,
waste is critical for improving the efficien- ments and the philanthropic sector are adaptation, global cooperation, and the
cy of food systems and reducing their en- ready to back the food and climate agen- involvement of farmers, COP28 has
vironmental impact. da. It demonstrates an understanding of paved the way for a more sustainable
Contributors to the Fund: The fund in- the need for substantial investment in and resilient agricultural future. Suc-
cludes contributions from the United Arab sustainable agriculture and food systems cess stories and best practices from
Emirates (UAE), the Bill and Melinda as part of the global response to climate around the world provide a roadmap
Gates Foundation, and the Bezos Earth change. for achieving these goals, ensuring that
Fund, among others. These contributions These financial commitments at agriculture continues to feed the world
reflect a growing recognition from both COP28 highlight the increasing focus on while mitigating its impact on the envi-
governmental and non-governmental and investment in sustainable food sys- ronment. The decisions made at COP28
sectors of the importance of investing in tems as a critical component of climate will shape the future of agriculture and
sustainable food systems. action. our ability to combat climate change ef-
Technical Cooperation Collaborative COP28 is a pivotal moment for ad- fectively.

Finance Matters
Climate Finance
Building Resilient and Sustainable
Agricultural Economy
T
he UN has estimated that
world population would reach
Measures towards innovative project a 20% reduction in rainfed rice yields
by 2050 and 19.3% reduction in wheat
9.7 billion by 2050. To feed financing mechanisms to scale yields by 2050, if adaptation measures are
this escalating population,
global food demand is expect-
up on credit enhancements, absent.
Urgent action, therefore, is required
ed to increase from 35% to 56% by 2050, guarantees and interest towards adaptation and resilience which
necessitating agricultural expansion while
straining natural resources.
subvention schemes need to be include finance. Globally, nations need
USD 680 billion annually to tackle climate
encouraged at policy level. change within agriculture by 2030. How-
Climate Change and Agriculture ever, only 22% of global climate-related
emissions arising from production-linked development finance was allocated to
Climate change adds an additional layer of
on-farm activities, animal husbandry, crop AFOLU. Agri-food systems witnessed a
challenge as agriculture is highly dependent
cultivation, land use, land use change and dismal contribution worth 4% of global
on weather and climatic conditions. Climate
forestry. The AFOLU sector represents climate finance. Asia witnessed a stark
change shrank agricultural yield by 21%
22% of global GHG emissions, with ag- 44% drop in funding. Closing this gap to
worldwide between 1961 and 2021. Further,
riculture contributing to 45% of methane enable the sector’s climate resilient tran-
rising global temperatures are expected to
and 80% of nitrous oxide emissions. sition would require multiple stakeholders
lead to a 10-40% loss in crop productivity by
Climate change and agriculture, there- coming together.
2100. Lower agricultural yields would have
fore, are critically intertwined. Since devel- Financing the sector has its limitations
cascading effects on farmers’ incomes, food
oping economies rely significantly on this and farmers continue to face challenges
security and livelihoods, exposing them to
sector, climate-related impacts are bound due to high actual and perceived risks by
unfamiliar and unprecedented extremities.
to affect economic drivers through produc- capital providers. Smallholder farmers par-
Simultaneously, agriculture exac-
tivity losses, reduced yields, and height- ticularly, need long-term capital to boost
erbates climate change through GHG
ened food, energy, and water insecurity. growth and its unavailability hinders this.
Greater risks, combined with high transac-
Strained Climate Financing tion and monitoring costs, serve as a de-
India, with 45.5% of its population employed terrent, which are further impacted by low
in agriculture, is highly vulnerable and In- profitability, and low margins for financiers.
dian government had estimated an annual This leads to limited capital flows and high
economic loss in agriculture worth USD borrowing costs, especially for climate ad-
9-10 billion in 2018 due to climate change- aptation and mitigation.
related events. Field and simulation models Resultantly, unavailability of capital
About the Author

Namita Vikas is the Founder and Managing Director of auctus ESG, a
global firm providing strategic advisory and enablement on sustainable
finance, climate transition, ESG, and climate risk management. She also
serves on the global advisory board of Climate Bonds Initiative, UK; the
Finance Industry Advisory Board of the International Energy Agency (IEA),
WoTR, India and Digital Green, USA.

Finance Matters
on account of low risk mitigating financial riety development, precision farming and
products, accessibility of finance for vari-
Blended finance has emerged crop-sensing technology.
ous types of farmers, and unaffordability as an effective instrument that Blended finance has emerged as an
due to excessive interest rates, lead to effective instrument that attracts commer-
farmers depending on informal sources
attracts commercial capital cial capital and offers larger pool of funds
like moneylenders, who charge exorbitant and offers larger pool of funds for financing longer term and risky invest-
rates, creating a vicious circle of indebted- ments in high-risk sectors such as agri-
ness.
for financing longer term and culture.Replication of successful models
risky investments in high-risk such as AGRI3 Fund that supports sus-
Government Support tainable agriculture investments in Cen-
Many governments are supporting with
sectors such as agriculture. tral and South America, East Africa, and
schemes that go beyond conventional South Asia, would accelerate capital flows
farming. India’s multiple schemes to tackle ing mechanisms to scale up on credit en- and bring scalability to climate related ag-
impact of climate change on agriculture is hancements, guarantees and interest sub- ricultural projects.
improving the sector’s, For example, Na- vention schemes need to be encouraged
tional Adaptation Fund for Climate Change at policy level. This would provide risk- Building Social Capital
provides funds towards adaptation costs for based mechanisms and access to long Gender equality and social inclusion, inte-
climate related vulnerable areas. Projects term capital to banks and NBFCs to lend grating vulnerable and marginalized com-
like National Innovations in Climate Resil- onward to farmers and FPOs for adopting munities, through financing will help to build
ient Agriculture have been working to iden- sustainable farming practices. Towards resiliency in the face of climate shocks.
tify areas of vulnerabilities to design coping this, opening central / state subsidies or Replicating proven models such as Ukama
mechanisms and IMD’s recent update on leveraging CSR funds tosupport guar- Ustawifrom Eastern and Southern Africa
providing panchayat-level weather forecast antee programs and/or blended finance thatsupport women and youth through fi-
data for farmers is slated to improve plan- funds could be an added advantage, as nancial inclusion and governance frame-
ning and help cut-down on climate-related this would accelerate capital flows. works by providing soft loans and linkages
losses. Regulatory guidance on climate risks to financial services, are enablers to gender
With rising recognition of adaptation management techniques by capital provid- and social inclusion.
in agriculture, specific policy interventions ers to include climate scenario analysis Improving efficiency of rural credit
or strengthening of existing policies would and stress testing, would facilitate naviga- bureaus and partnering with fintechs to
delineate explicit financial mechanisms tionof these complex topics and emerge source alternative data, would help FIs
and enhance capital flows.Capacity build- with climate risk-based pricing and ten- overcome the hurdle of information asym-
ing and guiding farmers through a robust ures, that are factored in traditional risk metry by providing access to up-to-date
sustainable financial landscape can influ- management systems. information on the present and past credit
ence sustainable practices and improve behaviour. This would enhance the evalu-
capital access. Alternate Financial Resources ation of the credit worthiness of borrowers,
Including climate as a sub sector in RBI’s significantly lowering monitoring and trans-
Policy Interventions priority sector lending (PSL), categorised as action costs for FIs, and speed of access
To foster transition towards sustainable nature-based solutions, and climate-related to finance for farmers.
farming practices and reducing sector’s technologies, would help build momentum Awareness and capacity building
impact on climate, approaches like Cli- within PSL, beyond renewable energyand programsfor farmers, alongside existing
mate Smart Agriculture (CSA) need to be increase its allocation towards climate fo- schemes, can help advance towards sus-
mainstreamed into national policies. CSA cused interventions in the agriculture sec- tainable farming and deepen adoption of
encourages sustainable farming practices tor. technology for CSA transition.
such as adoption of climate-resilient crop The quantum of institutional funding Bolstering climate finance mecha-
varieties, conservation techniques, agrofor- required for anticipatory adaptation and nisms, intensified by efforts from policy-
estry, precision farming, water management climate resilience is huge, especially since makers, financial sector players and farm-
strategies and improved livestock man- climate sensitive sectors such as agricul- ers, is vital for India to meet its Nationally
agement. It helps maximize productivity, ture andforestry, contribute significantly to Determined Contribution of reducing emis-
enhance resilience, and lower GHG emis- India’s GDP. Therefore, a particular focus sion intensity by 45% and SDG goals by
sions, while providing a holistic solution to on adaptation finance,to prepare for and 2030. A partnership approach such as this
food insecurity and achieving sustainable manage climate-related risks,need to be would go a long way in unlocking climate
development. deployed by FIs at local level for activities smart financing solutions, whilst support-
Measures towards innovative financ- such as irrigation management, crop va- ing a just transition.

Success Story
Farming for the Future

A Farmer’s Fight against Climate Change
I
n a world grappling with environ- on society. Recognizing the need for a water more efficiently. Through strategic
mental challenges, the significance paradigm shift from maximizing yields to fertilization methods and the selection of
of sustainable agriculture has never considering the long-term well-being of environmentally friendly rice varieties,
been more evident. As we confront the the land and environment, Ravichandran he achieved a remarkable 50 percent
consequences of climate change and initiated eco-friendly practices, focusing reduction in water consumption, simul-
endeavor towards a greener future, it be- initially on rice cultivation. taneously reducing methane emissions
comes increasingly clear that sustainable This journey involved adopting drip and his carbon footprint.
practices are imperative. Ravichandran irrigation, optimizing fertilizer use, im-
VanchinathaIyer, a farmer from Tamil plementing intercropping, and selecting Commitment beyond Cultivation
Nadu, India, whose commitment to eco- rice varieties suited to local conditions. Methods
friendly farming practices has earned him The result was not just increased crop Adopting a zero-plastic waste/zero pol-
recognition within Corteva’s esteemed yields but a profound reduction in water lution approach, composting, crop rota-
Climate Positive Leaders Program. consumption, decreased methane emis- tion, and forestry projects have further
sions, and a significantly smaller carbon enhanced soil health and supported car-
Journey towards Sustainable and water footprint. bon sequestration. He strategically con-
Agriculture In Tamil Nadu, where Ravichandran's verts farm waste into wealth, exchanging
Ravichandran, a graduate in Mathemat- farm is situated, environmental challeng- straw for cow dung from cattle owners
ics, defied conventional career paths in es such as water scarcity, methane emis- and transforming it into compost using
1985 to embark on a transformative jour- sions, and shrinking arable land due to microorganisms. By composting residues
ney toward sustainable agriculture. His urbanization are prevalent. Sustainable in the same field, he not only enriches
motivation stemmed from the belief that agriculture practices, including drip ir- the soil but also addresses the logistical
agriculture presented unique challenges rigation, improved fertilizer application, challenge of transporting farm waste to
and financial prospects, coupled with the and strategic crop selection, have been compost pits.
opportunity to make a positive impact pivotal in mitigating these challenges. Engaging and educating fellow farm-
Drip irrigation emerged as a game- ers is central to Ravichandran's mission.
changer, allowing Ravichandran to use Utilizing agriculture forums, social media,
and farmer-to-farmer communication, he
shares his experiences and insights,
particularly focusing on eco-friendly rice
cultivation and water conservation.
Ravichandran's Micro meetings in fields, WhatsApp
groups, and advocacy for modern farm-
journey exemplifies ing technologies are some of the avenues
how sustainable through which he connects with farm-
ers locally and globally, inspiring them
agriculture can be to adopt sustainable practices. He has
both economically handpicked farmers in his region who
are not only receptive to sustainable
viable and farming practices but also serve
environmentally as ambassadors, spread-
ing the message to more
beneficial, paving farmers.
the way for a greener
Balance
and more sustainable
future in agriculture.
Success Story
Through strategic fertilization methods and the selection of journey exemplifies how sustainable ag-
environmentally friendly rice varieties, he achieved a remarkable riculture can be both economically viable
50 percent reduction in water consumption, simultaneously and environmentally beneficial, paving
the way for a greener and more sustain-
reducing methane emissions and his carbon footprint able future in agriculture.
Ravichandran’s story serves as an in-
between Environmental Benefits and fellow farmers. spiration for farmers globally, proving that
and Economic Viability The recognition provides him with a eco-friendly practices not only preserve
While embracing sustainable farming lifetime membership and training from the the environment but also contribute to en-
practices, Ravichandran stresses the Global Farmer Network, enabling him to hanced productivity and livelihoods.His
need to strike a balance between environ- refine his sustainable farming practices. commitment to sustainable agriculture
mental benefits and economic viability. In This opportunity allows him not only to has not only earned him recognition but
the pursuit of sustainability, if production continue evolving his methods but also has also positioned him as a torchbearer
and productivity are compromised, and to engage in broader conversations about for a new era in farming. As we navigate
farm produce becomes unaffordable for the agriculture industry with stakeholders the complex landscape of environmental
consumers, the entire system may strug- worldwide. challenges and technological advance-
gle to sustain itself economically. ments, his experiences offer valuable in-
To ensure the adoption of sustainable The Future of Sustainable sights into the possibilities and potential
farming practices by farmers, the focus Agriculture pitfalls of sustainable farming.
should be on technologies that not only Looking ahead, Ravichandran envisions The future of agriculture lies in the
enhance production and productivity but a future of farming where innovation and hands of visionaries like Ravichandran,
are also environmentally friendly. Ravi- technology play a crucial role in advanc- who understand the delicate balance be-
chandran has leveraged BT Cotton, the ing sustainability. Embracing biotechnol- tween nurturing the land and reaping its
only genetically modified crop approved ogy, precision agriculture, data-driven bounty. Through continuous education,
for cultivation in India, to its maximum farming practices, and sustainable farm- advocacy, and the adoption of innovative
potential. Not only does it demonstrate ing methods will be key. He emphasizes technologies, farmers worldwide can join
increased yield and cost reduction, but it the importance of science-based proven hands in cultivating a sustainable tomor-
also eliminates the need for insecticide technologies that not only enhance farm- row, where the fields are not just a source
spraying, showcasing the potential of ers' income but also contribute to envi- of livelihood but a testament to our com-
technologies that benefit both farmers ronmental preservation. Ravichandran's mitment to the planet.
and the environment.
Corteva's Climate Positive

Leaders Program: A Global
Acknowledgment
Ravichandran's contributions have not
gone unnoticed, as he has been acknowl-
edged by Corteva’s Climate Positive
Leaders Program. While he appreciates
the personal recognition, he views it as
an opportunity to share his experiences
globally. As a leader in the program, he
has a platform to discuss climate-positive
practices and engage in conversations
with policymakers, government officials,

Different strokes
Nourishing the Planet with

Plant-Based Foods Choices
A
s we step into the year 2024,
our world still finds itself
efficient process. Chickens and other
animals need a lot of feed before they are
According to the
grappling with the undeniable ready for slaughter. In fact, it takes around Food and Agriculture
impacts of climate change.
From unpredictable weather
4 kcal of energy to produce just 1 kcal from
them. This highlights that the current cruel
Organization (FAO),
patterns to surprising changes in Himalayan animal-based food system may the livestock sector
snowfall, the signs of a warming planet
surround us. At the heart of this crisis lies
not be sustainable in the
long run.
is responsible for
our food system, a major player in climate about 14.5% of global
change and a leading cause of biodiversity
loss.
The Urgency
of Change
greenhouse gas
Our current method of producing food, With glob- emissions.
heavily reliant on animal agriculture, is
causing significant problems. Besides
the coal and petroleum-based energy
sectors, including automobiles, one of
the most important contributors to
climate change is the meat and dairy
industry. It contributes significantly
to greenhouse gas emissions,
deforestation, and land degradation.
Livestock, especially animals like cattle,
emit methane during digestion, a potent
greenhouse gas that exacerbates the
climate crisis.
Livestock and Climate Change

According to the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), the livestock sector
is responsible for about 14.5% of global
greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is
approximately 28 times more potent than
carbon dioxide in terms of its global warm-
ing potential over a 100-year period. Cur-
rently, India is the world's fourth-largest
methane emitter.
Raising animals for meat is not a very
About the Author

Mr Sanjay Sethi,
Executive Director, Plant Based Foods Industry Association;
Human Utilisation Adviser, US Soybean Export Council

Different strokes
al temperatures rising, action is crucial.

If we want to limit the rise in temperature
to 1.5 degrees or less, transforming our
food systems is imperative. Without quick
changes to reduce emissions, adapt to cli-
mate impacts, and produce food sustain-
ably for our growing global population, we
will face a daunting challenge. Shifting to
plant-based diets is a key strategy to com-
bat climate change.
The EAT-Lancet Commission report
indicates that embracing plant-based
diets can help us reach environmental
sustainability goals, including reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and protecting
biodiversity. Dr. Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of
the World Health Organization, stressed Health Outcomes of Plant-Based
the urgency of shifting to plant-based diets Foods
during COP28, emphasizing that it is not By 2035, the switch to In a world where more than 820 million
just about personal health but is "essential"
for the well-being of both people and the
plant-based meat and people suffer from insufficient food, plant-
based diets emerge as a beacon of hope.
planet. eggs alone could prevent Despite global food production meeting
Changing the Ecosystem

the emission of over 1 caloric demands, a significant portion of
the global population faces food insecurity
Shifting to plant-based foods can signifi- gigaton of CO2, equivalent and malnutrition, leading to various health
cantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By 2035, the switch to plant-based meat
to making Japan entirely issues, including obesity and diet-related
non-communicable diseases.
and eggs alone could prevent the emis- carbon-neutral for a year. The positive impact of plant-based diets
sion of over 1 gigaton of CO2, equivalent on health is evident in studies supported
to making Japan entirely carbon-neutral for by institutions like the American Heart
a year. Plant-based foods, particularly those Association and the American Institute for
Additionally, embracing plant-based derived from pulses and millets, offer Cancer Research. Plant-based eating is
foods addresses the impending challenges a climate-resilient alternative. These associated with overall mortality reduction,
of food security. With nearly 10 billion crops thrive in diverse and challenging lower ischemic heart disease mortality,
people expected on Earth by 2050, there environmental conditions, contributing reduced medication needs, sustainable
is a considerable gap between current food to a more sustainable and resilient food weight management, and a lower incidence
production and the amount needed to feed system. Boosting agricultural productivity and severity of high-risk conditions such as
everyone. Plant-based foods can provide sustainably is a priority in the race to obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and
a sustainable and efficient solution to meet revamp food systems, allowing farmers hyperlipidemia. Remarkably, plant-based
the nutritional requirements of a growing to produce higher quality food, support diets have shown potential in reversing
population. growing populations, and enhance their advanced cardiovascular disease and
livelihoods while mitigating the impact type 2 diabetes.
How Plant-Based Foods Contribute of agriculture on climate and natural As we navigate the challenges posed
Across the globe, innovative companies are resources. by climate change, our dietary choices
utilizing ingredients such as mung beans, Plant-based farming is generally become a powerful tool for positive change.
yellow peas, and rice to create plant-based more environmentally friendly compared Shifting towards plant-based diets is not
alternatives that mimic the taste of meat to traditional animal farming. Crops like just a personal decision but a collective
and eggs. By providing a diverse array of pulses naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen commitment to a healthier planet. Let us
plant proteins and promoting agricultural and trap carbon, aligning farming practices embrace the nourishing power of plant-
biodiversity, India can attract global cor- with sustainable development goals and based foods, fostering both individual
porations, fostering a sustainable shift in supporting India's aim to achieve net-zero well-being and a sustainable future for
dietary choices. emissions by 2070. generations to come.

MITIGATION
From Ashes to Action

Addressing India's Crop Residue Burning Crisis
Burning of Kharif Crop Residue in India, 2022, derived from MODIS Data
C
rop residue burning, a com-
mon practice of agricultural
biomass management, offers
a cost-effective solution for
residue clearance and pest/
disease/weed control. However, its wide-
spread adoption in India has escalated
into a serious environmental and health
concern. This practice significantly contrib-
utes to air pollution, particularly increasing
particulate matter levels and poses severe
risks to public health. Furthermore,the
burning of crop residue releases green-
house gases (GHGs), contributing to
global warming. It also adversely impacts
soil health. Exploring alternatives for sus-
tainable crop residue usage and reducing
the incidents of residue burning is crucial
for India's commitment to climate change
mitigation and for achieving broader sus-
tainable development goals.
for the use of agricultural residues. While residue into soil (e.g., Happy Seeder), they
Why burn the residue? residue can be used as fodder, in bioen- have yet to gain popularity.
Despite the severe health externalities as- ergy production, or for making biochar, the • Lack of Awareness and Misconcep-
sociated with emissions, farmers continue lack of infrastructure and market demand tions: Some farmers believe that burning
to burn crop residue in India. Understand- in many parts of India limits these options. residue returns nutrients to the soil, al-
ing the reasons behind this practice is es- Although there are machines to incorporate though this is a misconception. In reality,
sential to curb it.
• Time and Cost Efficiency: The govern-
About the Authors
ment regulation (Punjab Preservation of
Subsoil Water Act of 2009) that mandated
delaying the transplanting of paddy to June
10 and beyond to conserve groundwater,
ricefarmers are often left with a short win-
dow to prepare their fields for the rabi crop.
Many farmers consider burning the residue
as the quickest and cheapest way to clear
the field.
Dr. Vijesh V. Krishna Dr. Dhanyalekshmi Pillai, Associate
• Lack of Alternative Uses: While mecha-
Lead Economist and Principal Scientist, Professor and leading the Greenhouse
nized harvesting and other agronomic tech-
International Maize and Wheat gas Modelling and Applications (GMA)
nologies inadvertently increase the labour
Improvement Center (CIMMYT), research group, Indian Institute of Science
required for sustainable residue manage-
Hyderabad. Education Research (IISER) Bhopal.
ment, there are few economical options

MITIGATION
stration plots can enhance the sustainable

According to a recent study, published in the Science of the Total Environment, use of crop residue. In India, the agricultural
the annual crop burning emissions had increased by 1.3 tons of carbon dioxide R&D sector focuses on promoting technol-
equivalents (t CO2e) per hectare during the 2011-2020 period, with over half ogy-based solutions in a similar way, espe-
of the emission events occurring in Northwest India.Punjab has emerged as the cially in Punjab.
leading contributor. Interestingly, there has been asurge incrop burning outside
the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Madhya Pradesh, traditionally not considered to be a
Evolving Market-Based
major contributor, has now become the second largest emitter.Among the crops,
Mechanisms:
rice and wheatwere responsible for about 89% of the estimated emissions, with
The Indian government's move to ask the
rice residue burning contributing the most emissions (55%), followed by wheat
National Thermal Power Corporation to
(34%).
use crop residue pellets mixed with coal
for electricity generation is an example of
burning destroys nutrients and can harm promoting market-based mechanisms.
soil health in the long term.Farmers might Participation in voluntary carbon mar-
not be fully aware of the environmental kets and regenerative agricultural practices
damage caused by burning stubble or of with residue retention can help increase
the alternative methods available.Also, soil organic carbon and reduce GHG emis-
farmers are afraid that keeping residue in sions. The carbon markets provide financial
the field increases rodent and termite infes- incentives for farmers to adopt regenerative
tation and enhances weed growth. residue management practices. However,
• Absence of Strict Enforcement: While challenges exist in building an effective
there are laws and regulations against stub- carbon market, such as designing monitor-
ble burning in many states, enforcement is ing platforms to support global initiatives to
often lax. The absence of stringent penal- increase soil organic carbon.Also, carbon
ties or their ineffective implementation al- credit payments may not be feasible in
lows the practice to continue. areas where residue burning has already
been banned (e.g., Punjab).
How to reduce burning incidents? Photo Credit: Abdullah Thaseem, CIMMYT
To conclude, the challenge of increas-
There is an urgent need for policy interven- ing crop residue burning in India calls for
tions and innovative agricultural practices to The carbon markets multifaceted and region-specific interven-
tions.The effectiveness of these strate-
address the challenges of residue burning.
The existing approaches can be broadly
provide financial incentives gies depends on the regional context, the
categorized into technological innovations, for farmers to adopt involvement of stakeholders, and the inte-
gration of these approaches into the agri-
policy interventions, and evolving market-
based mechanisms.
regenerative residue cultural systems. While technological inno-
management practices. vations provide practical options for residue
management and policy interventions and
Technological Innovations:
degradation and zero tillage are useful ap- offer necessary regulatory frameworks,
Biological or chemical treatment of rice
proach. Zero tillage with residue retention evolving market-based mechanisms could
straw to improve quality and digestibility
is an important technological intervention incentivize sustainable practices. It is cru-
could increase demand from the livestock
that has been promoted by international cial to balance these approaches with the
sector.Certain emerging uses (e.g., biochar
agricultural R&D organizations in the Indo- realities of local farming practices, which
production) can also create demand and
Gangetic Plains. requires collaboration among governments,
increase the market price of crop residues,
farmers, scientists, and industry stakehold-
disincentivizing farmers to burn them.
Policies and Standards: ers. Ultimately, addressing the challenges
Going for short-duration rice varieties
India has developed the National Policy for of residue burning is not just about mitigat-
will provide farmers with a wider window
Management of Crop Residue (NPMCR) ing environmental impact but also about
to manage crop residue.Moving away from
to control residue burning and promote in- enhancing the sustainability and resilience
the conventional rice-wheat cropping sys-
situ crop residue management. Its effective of agricultural systems in India. The suc-
tem to crops with nutritionally more valu-
implementation can curtail residue burning. cessful management of crop residues holds
able residue can be a suitable alternative.
The provision of machinery, such as the key to achieving India's climate change
Technologies that increase the feasibil-
stover choppers and zero tillage drills, at mitigation goals and ensuring environmen-
ity of residue retention on farms, such as
subsidized rates and setting up demon- tal health, both locally and globally.
those utilizing microbes for faster residue

Duel of Opinion
GM Mustard –
An Absolute Necessity
G
M crops have shown great and Australia for the last 20 years.
promise in increasing crop A major emphasis is currently needed
yields since their cultivation on accelerating the process of genetically
started in 1996 with around improving crops grown in India for increas-
1.7 million hectares. Cur- ing food production and becoming self-
rently, GM crops are cultivated globally reliant. We require superior crop varieties
in around 200 million hectares. In India, and hybrids that provide enhanced yields,
Bt cotton is the only GM crop that is com- possess wide adaptability across environ-
mercially grown since 2002 in about 11.5 ments and climate resilience, and have
million hectares.Rapid adoption of Bt cot- high input-use efficiency of natural resourc-
ton has resulted in substantial increase in es. Now that a versatile hybrid seed pro-
cotton production from about 14 million duction system using the barnase/barstar
bales in 2002-03 to 37 million bales in genes has been deployed in mustard and
2021 and reduction in pesticide usage by the resultant hybrid DMH-11 gives an ad-
about 39%. vantage of about 25 % more yield over the
India heavily depends on imported ed- existing parental lines, it is expected that
ible oils, to the tune of around Rs. One lakh thiswould help reduce the country’s de-
crore annually. For increasing productivity pendency on import of edible oils.
and production of oilseed crops,adoption GM food crops have been in cultiva-
of science-based technologies such as ge- tion around the world for many years and tested, and used effectively to develop
netic engineering and genome editing as a have proven beyond doubt to be safe for and commercialize GM mustard hybrids
supplement to conventional breeding meth- human consumption. Currently, more than (Canola) on a large scale in Canada for
ods, has become an absolute necessity. 90% of oilseed crop in Canada are GM a long time. It will be in India’s interest to
As a step forward in this direction, In- hybrids. Recently, in October 2022, Aus- pursue this technology for increasing do-
dia has recently environmentally released tralia has released GM Indian mustard for mestic oil prodction.
the GM Mustard hybrid and its two GM pa- cultivation.
rental lines withthe barnase/barstar gene The high yielding GM mustard in India
systemdeveloped by CGMCP, University has been developed using the same tech-
of Delhi, The bar geneconfers resistance nology that has been deployed in rape-
to herbicide,which is essentially required seed in Canada with some modifications.
for hybrid seed production and to maintain This technology has already been well-
high hybrid seed purity.The GM parental
lines will provide an opportunity to trans-
About the Author
fer the two genes through conventional
breeding into diverse parental lines for de- Dr. KC Bansal has research
veloping more high-yielding hybrids, and interests in genome engineering
with added traits such as disease resist- and functional genomics, and
ance and improved oil quality. is the Former Director, National
The three genes used in the Indian Bureau of Plant Genetic
GM mustardhave been earlier deployed Resources (ICAR) and Secretary,
in rapeseed, also called Canola, for hybrid National Academy of Agricultural
seed production. Hybrids using this sys-
Sciences.
tem have been growing in Canada, USA,

Duel of Opinion
DO WE NEED
GM MUSTARD AT ALL ? Mustard Hybrid 11 or DM H11 and it is the livestock that rural families keep as
a genetically engineered crop (GM crop) additional food and income sources. In
which has used a technology using the a fodder deficit country like India, de-
Bar-Barnase-Barstar gene system to stroying green fodder by spraying herbi-
create a hybrid mustard plant. GM mus- cides is foolish.
tard is a herbicide tolerant (HT) crop Cultivating HT crops with their part-
because the Bar gene confers the Her- ner herbicides would kill the surrounding
bicide Tolerant (HT) trait. vegetation and deprive rural communi-
The scientists who developed ties of the medicinal plants which form
DMH 11 claim it to be higher yield- the basis of indigenous healing tradi-
ing than existing mustard varieties. tions. This would deprive village com-
However,mustard scientists point out munities of crucial health and veterinary
that the existing non GM hybrids NDDB- care opportunities.
DMH 1, NDDB DMH 3 and NDDB DMH Apart from this, using HT crops
4 have higher yields than the GM DMH would make it impossible to do inter-
11.So why do we need the GM DMH cropping and mixed farming which is
11? done to provide additional food and
However, for me the most worry- increased farm incomes. Traditionally,
W
ing aspect is the fact that DMH 11 is a farmers usually plant more than one
hat is GM mustard, herbicide tolerant (HT) hybrid and thus crop in the field. Mixed cropping is wide-
and why is its desir- against the interest of farmers.The HT ly practiced, with differing combinations
ability the subject of technology controls weeds by spray- of crops depending on the region. Often
debate among scien- ing chemicals that kill all plants that do farmers will grow crops like yams, ginger
tists and non-scien- not carry the HT trait, essentially all the or vegetables on the bunds surround-
tists alike?Its technical name is Dhara biodiversity near the fields. This bio- ing rice fields. Thus two or three kinds
diversity is considered to be weeds in of produce are available from the field
monoculture farming but not in the In- in the same season. This advantage
dian context. would be lost if the package of herbicide
These so called weeds like bathua tolerant crop varieties and herbicide use
and chaulai ka saag are useful plants would be implemented.
providing the farm family food and nutri- As can be seen, there are several
tion at no cost. Plants that are not eaten reasons why the adoption of HT tech-
by the farm family serve as fodder for nology in Indian agriculture is detri-
mental to our interests. The Technical
Expert Committee appointed by the
Supreme Court to provide expert advice
About the Author on the matter of GM crops had in fact
recommended a ban on the adoption of
Dr Suman Sahai is a scientist Herbicide Tolerant technology. Any gov-
trained in genetics and ernment wanting to improve the lot of
founder chairperson of the farmers , let alone double their incomes,
Gene Campaign cannot possibly adopt HT technology in
any crop.

Soil Wise
Soil restoration
A Critical Frontier in
Climate Change Mitigation
A
s the global community grapples ing its ability to sequester carbon effectively. techniques can turn the tide by enhanc-
with the escalating challenges Soil degradation not only contributes ing the soil's capacity to sequester carbon.
posed by climate change, a to the release of carbon dioxide into the Practices such as cover cropping, agrofor-
growing consensus is emerging atmosphere but also diminishes the soil's estry, and regenerative agriculture promote
that innovative and sustainable capacity to support plant life and retain wa- the accumulation of organic matter in the
solutions must be sought across multiple ter. This, in turn, exacerbates the effects of soil, acting as a carbon sink. By restoring
fronts. Among the myriad strategies for extreme weather events, such as droughts degraded soils, we not only sequester carbon
mitigating climate change, soil restoration and floods, which are becoming increasingly but also mitigate the release of greenhouse
emerges as a critical frontier, offering not common due to climate change. gases into the atmosphere.
only carbon sequestration but also a host
of other ecological and agricultural benefits. Soil Restoration as a Carbon
Soil restoration assumes importance in the Sink
fight against climate change and holds im- Implementing soil restoration
mense potential in facing unprecedented
environmental challenges.
Soil degradation not
The Role of Soil in Climate Change only contributes to
Mitigation the release of carbon
Soil, often overlooked in the broader dis-
course on climate change, plays a crucial dioxide into the
role in both carbon sequestration and the atmosphere but also
overall health of ecosystems. Healthy soil acts
as a reservoir for carbon, storing substantial diminishes the soil's
amounts of it in the form of organic matter. capacity to support
However, unsustainable land management
practices, deforestation and industrial agricul- plant life and retain
ture have led to soil degradation, compromis- water
About the Author
Melind Deshpande, Founder and CEO of BhoomiSeva,

HCF Tech Services Private Limited and distributor
for Bhu-Vision (Krishi-RASTAA) which is an IOT
based automated soil testing manufactured
by HiMedia Labs and a agronomy advisory
platform developed by KrishiTantra.

Soil Wise
The Carbon-Negative Potential

of Soil
Beyond mere carbon sequestration, certain
soil restoration practices have the potential
to achieve carbon negativity. Biochar, for
example, involves converting organic waste
By restoring degraded soils, tices requires supportive policies at local,
into a stable form of carbon that can persist we not only sequester carbon national, and international levels. Govern-
ments, agricultural organizations, and global
in the soil for centuries. This approach not
only sequesters carbon but also enhances
but also mitigate the release institutions must incentivize and promote
soil fertility and water retention, contributing of greenhouse gases into the regenerative practices through financial
mechanisms, subsidies, and educational
to more resilient and productive ecosystems.
atmosphere programs.
Biodiversity and Soil Health Soil Restoration – Critical Frontier

Soil restoration goes beyond carbon se- but also an opportunity to empower local com- Cultivating hope in the face of climate change
questration, addressing the broader issue munities. Adopting sustainable agricultural requires embracing innovative solutions that
of biodiversity loss. Healthy soils support practices and regenerative land management address the root causes of environmental
diverse microbial communities, which play techniques can enhance food security, im- degradation. Soil restoration stands out as a
a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, pest control, prove livelihoods, and promote community critical frontier in climate change mitigation,
and overall ecosystem resilience. By restoring resilience in the face of climate change. offering a multifaceted approach that goes
soil health, we promote biodiversity, creating
beyond carbon sequestration. Agroecology,
ecosystems that are more resilient to climate Case Studies in Soil Restoration an approach that emphasises sustainable
change impacts. Numerous successful initiatives around and biodiverse farming systems, is gaining
the world demonstrate the potential of soil traction as a means to restore and maintain
Water Management and Soil restoration in mitigating climate change. In soil health.
Restoration China, the "Grain for Green" program has Practices such as crop rotation, intercrop-
Soil restoration also plays a key role in sus- led to the reforestation of millions of hectares ping and the use of organic fertilizers not
tainable water management. Healthy soils of degraded land, resulting in increased car- only improve soil fertility but also contribute
have better water retention capacity, reducing bon sequestration and improved ecosystem to the resilience of agricultural systems in
the risk of both drought and flood events. By services. In Africa, the push for sustainable the face of climate change.By prioritising the
restoring degraded soils, we contribute to land management practices, such as agro- health of our soils, we not only contribute to
the overall resilience of landscapes, protect- forestry and conservation agriculture, aims the global effort to combat climate change
ing communities from the adverse effects to restore soil health and enhance resilience but also build more resilient and sustainable
of extreme weather events exacerbated by to climate change. ecosystems for generations to come. It is
climate change. time to recognize the transformative potential
The Importance of Policy Support of soil restoration and harness its power in
Empowering Local Communities While grassroots initiatives are crucial, the cultivating a more hopeful and sustainable
Soil restoration is not only a global imperative widespread adoption of soil restoration prac- future.

Smart Agriculture
Hyperspectral Technology
For Efficient and
Sustainable Agriculture tices, making them more efficient and sus-
The hyperspectral sensors in tainable.
Moreover, hyperspectral sensors,
agriculture possess the ability when deployed with drones, are instru-
to discern subtle variations mental in capturing essential agricul-
tural parameters such as plant height,
in the colour and reflectance plant canopy cover, panicle forma-
of plants, thereby playing tion, flowering days, disease severity,

water stress, and chlorophyll content,
a pivotal role in the early requiring minimal human intervention
while minimising errors and biases.
identification of diseases, This technological synergy empowers
pest infestations and nutrient farmers with precise and reliable data,
further enhancing the efficiency and
deficiencies productivity of agriculture.
How practical is it in Indian

What is the scope of hyper
agriculture?
spectral sensors in agriculture?
Hyperspectral sensors possess the adapt-
The hyperspectral sensors in agricul-
ability to monitor and analyze the specific
ture possess the ability to discern subtle
requirements of a wide array of crops
variations in the colour and reflectance of
grown across diverse agro-climatic re-
plants,thereby playing a pivotal role in the
gions of India. This versatility renders them
early identification of diseases,
highlypractical, regardless of the crop
pest infestations and nutrient
type or geographical location. Hyperspec-
deficiencies. They facilitate
tral sensors excel in their ability to detect
precision agriculture with
early signs of pest and disease threats,
invaluable insights for opti-
enabling timely and targeted interventions.
mizing crop management,
Precision in nutrient application is pivotal
resulting in higher yields
for crop healthand yield enhancement and
and reduced resource
hyperspectral sensors empower farmers
wastage. The integration
to assess nutrient deficiencies accurately
of hyperspectral technol-
and make data-driven decisions regarding
ogy has the potential to
fertiliser application.
transform farming prac-
Amandeep Panwar
Director & Co-founder, Bharat Rohan

Smart Agriculture
India's variable rainfall patterns ne-

cessitate efficient water management
in agriculture. Hyperspectral sensors
prove invaluable by identifying signs of
water stress in plants. This technology,
especially when integrated with drones
fordata collection, can be scalable
even for small holder farmers. It can
be adapted to suit the needs of small
farms, by providing them with access
to advanced agricultural practices. The
Indian government’s favourable policy
environment aligns seamlessly with
the practicality and potential of hyper-
spectral sensors to modernize and op-
timize farming practices.
Bharat Rohan has been working

with Indian farmers in this area.
How did you convince the farmers
about the effectiveness of this
technology? Drone swarms offer a distinct ate drones in agriculture, making it easier
for startups to offer drone-based services
Since 2016, Bharat Rohan has been at
the forefront of working closely with farm- advantage in agriculture to farmers. Additionally, the government's
focus on promoting technology-driven agri-
ers to empower them with real-time data by significantly enhancing culture aligns with the goals of drone start-
collected through drones equipped with
hyperspectral sensors. efficiency and data collection. ups in the agricultural sector, creating a
conducive environment for innovation and
Our success in convincing farmers
growth in this field.
about the effectiveness of hyperspec-
tral technology can be attributed to our
holistic approach, which included train- Drone swarms offer a distinct ad- What are the advancements in
ing sessions on advantages of preci- vantage in agriculture by significantly Drone Technology?
sion agriculture, localised communica- enhancing efficiency and data col- Longer flight times due to battery technol-
tion by trust-building, offering tailored lection. These coordinated groups ogy improvements enable drones to cover
solutions, and maintaining long-term of drones can cover extensive fields larger agricultural fields efficiently. Minia-
engagement with the farmers. quickly, providing timely and compre- turization has resulted in more portable
We customized our services to hensive data on crop health, pest in- drones, enhancing their ease of use and
suit the specific needs and challenges festations, and field conditions. This deployment in agriculture. Advanced sen-
faced by smallholder farmers mak- real-time information empowers farm- sors, such as hyperspectral and LiDAR, en-
ing the technology more relevant and ers to make informed decisions, opti- able precise data collection for agriculture
practical to meet their requirements. mize resource usage, and ultimately applications like crop health monitoring
We provided them with data about improve crop yields and sustainability. and soil analysis. Obstacle detection and
their crop and they experienced tangi- avoidance systems reduce the risk of ac-
ble benefits of increase in profits and How is the policy environment in cidents during drone flights, ensuring safe
reducing the cost of cultivation. India for drone startups? and reliable operations. Drones can now
The policy environment for drone startups operate in coordinated swarms, enhanc-
What are drone swarms? What is in agriculture-related applications in India ing their application in agriculture, where
has improved over time. The government multiple drones can efficiently cover vast
their relevance in agriculture?
Drone swarms are groups of multiple has recognized the potential of drones in areas. Drones offer higher-resolution cam-
drones that work together in a coordinated agriculture and has introduced specific eras and thermal imaging, improving per-
manner to achieve specific objectives, of- regulations and initiatives to support their formance in tasks like aerial photography,
ten communicating with each other for ef- use. These policies have streamlined the crop monitoring, and search and rescue.
ficient and collaborative operation. process for obtaining permissions to oper-

Climate Smart
Hydroponics
A new paradigm for climate
resilient agriculture
T
he foreseen scenario of
escalating food demand,
Hydroponics emerges approximately twice the size of India.
In the context of hydroponics, it is
coupled with the desire to as a pivotal strategy for observed that a mere 140 liters of nutrient
cultivate fresh vegetables while
recognizing the significance
mitigating the impacts of solution can sustain 50 lettuce plants to
maturity, contrasting with conventional
of nutritious, pesticide-free, and health- climate change methods. When extrapolated to a hydroponic
promoting produce, has prompted a surge setup with an average yield of 25 grams for
in individuals considering the cultivation Arable land per capita has exhibited a the green wave variety and 50 grams for
of vegetables in their residential spaces, consistent decline worldwide, exceeding fanfare, this equates to 140 liters of nutrient
including backyards and rooftops. This trend 20% in many instances since 1975. solution supporting the growth of 2.5 kg and
has facilitated investments in advanced This trend underscores the imperative to 5 kg of lettuce, respectively. Alternatively,
urban farming systems, with an emphasis on address the excessive water consumption 56 liters of nutrient solution are requisite
protected farming methodologies serving as associated with conventional agriculture. for green wave and 28 liters for fanfare to
a driving force. Hydroponics emerges as a Foreseen climatic changes are propelling achieve 1 kg of lettuce. The global average
promising avenue in advancing sustainable the proliferation of protected agriculture. water footprint for 1 kg of lettuce stands
food production to meet the escalating Nevertheless, even within protected at 130 liters, significantly higher than the
demands of the expanding global population cultivation, there exists a noteworthy reduced water footprint associated with
amid heightened climate stress. concern: if such practices are less reliant rooftop hydroponic methods, which is less
on local climatic conditions, their internal than half of global estimates.
Why hydroponics? climate, energy balance, and consequently
Cultivating a diverse array of horticultural economic models are profoundly influenced Hydroponics – A Climate Smart
crops utilizing various substrates encom- by external factors. Cultivation Technique
passed within growbags, pots, conduits, Hydroponics emerges as a climate-smart
pipelines, and trays defines the practice of Land and Water Conservation cultivation technique, boasting water sav-
"soil-less agriculture." In this method, plants Presently, 38% of non-frozen land globally ings of up to 90%, a 75% reduction in
are cultivated hydroponically, devoid of tra- is dedicated to agricultural pursuits. This spatial requirements, and the absence of
ditional soil, either in water or on alternative percentage is poised to escalate significant- traditional soil. This technology not only
soilless mediums. ly, with projections indicating the necessity conserves valuable water, land, and labor
The adoption of hydroponic technology to convert 593 million hectares of land into resources, creating an efficient ecosystem,
primarily seeks to alleviate the strain on agricultural landscapes by 2050 to meet but also ensures 100% residue-free farming
arable land resources, given that the the anticipated calorie requirements of the due to the controlled growing environment
available cultivable land is not expanding. burgeoning global population—an expanse devoid of harmful chemicals.
About the Authors

Shilpa, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Lovely
Professional University; Ranbir Singh Rana, Principal Scientist,
Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh
and
Hemlata, Junior Research Fellow, Department of Vegetables and
Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh

Climate Smart
choice for protected cultivation. This

alternative approach not only offers a viable
solution but also aligns with sustainable
and eco-friendly practices, ensuring the
resilience and prosperity of agricultural
endeavors in protected environments.
Hydroponics and Climate Change

Hydroponics emerges as a pivotal strat-
egy for mitigating the impacts of climate
change. Since rooftop hydroponics enables
on-site production and consumption of food,
In addition to reducing evapo-
transpiration, farmers are increasingly
Hydroponics emerges as a it minimizes or eliminates carbon emissions
associated with food miles.
interested in water use efficiency (WUE), climate-smart cultivation Beyond the direct impact on food
exemplified by a 15% and 20% increase
in WUE observed in a shaded apple
technique, boasting water production, rooftop hydroponics offers
additional carbon reduction benefits.
orchard and a pepper crop within a naturally savings of up to 90%, a Specifically, every 96 square meters of
ventilated greenhouse, respectively.
75% reduction in spatial rooftop vegetation contributes to a reduction
of 62.59 kg of carbon through enhanced
Year Round Production requirements, and the building cooling and decreased reliance on
Vegetables and cut flowers consistently
experience substantial post-harvest losses,
absence of traditional soil air conditioning. However, it's imperative to
acknowledge that the electricity demand
ranging from 20% to 30%. The implemen- mization contribute to local employment op- of vertical farms, a key component of
tation of protected agriculture technologies portunities, fostering social empowerment, hydroponics, can influence greenhouse gas
has the potential to significantly mitigate and enhancing the respectability of grow- (GHG) emissions. To achieve environmental
these losses and enhance productivity by ers within the community. Furthermore, sustainability, a transition from fossil-based
5–10%, especially when facilitating year- the adoption of environmentally friendly energy sources to nuclear or renewable energy
round cultivation. Protected agriculture, strategies, particularly through the utiliza- (wind, water, solar) is indispensable for vertical
through judicious resource utilization, pro- tion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) farming. This shift is crucial for aligning vertical
vides manifold advantages for the cultiva- techniques, mitigates hazards associated farming practices with ecological imperatives
tion of high-quality horticultural crops and with high-value items.This technique not and fostering a more sustainable and climate-
their planting materials. Notably, the cultiva- only bolsters productivity but also elevates resilient agricultural system.
tion of fruits, vegetables, and flowers often the overall quality of horticultural produce.
yields revenues that are 4 to 8 times greater Hydroponics excels in nutrient utilization ef- Hydroponic Farming: Future of
than those derived from other crops. This ficiency, ensuring that every gram of nutri- Indian Agriculture
financial margin can be further augment- ent is precisely administered based on the The agricultural landscape in India grapples
ed by employing protected environments crop's developmental stage. with numerous challenges, including the
such as greenhouses, net houses, tunnels, erratic nature of the monsoon, inadequate
among others. The integration of hydropon- Solution to Soil Borne Problems infrastructure, a shortage of skilled labor,
ics into these systems not only reduces the Compared to soil-based approaches, hy- subpar soil and crop quality, and a limited
time between harvest and consumption droponics or soilless culture presents a adoption of modern farming technologies.
but also facilitates year-round production of superior alternative, fostering ideal condi- Approximately 58% of the country's popula-
vegetables, optimizing the overall efficiency tions for plant growth and resulting in larger, tion, predominantly comprised of farmers,
of the cultivation process. higher-quality yields. Notably, protected finds itself contending with these obsta-
agriculture grapples with two paramount cles, struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Opportunity for Future challenges—nematodes and soil-borne A notable shift towards sustainable and
Entrepreneurs illnesses—prompting farmers to resort to protected farming practices, driven by the
Hydroponics emerges as a highly lucrative precarious chemical treatments, costly soil growing demand for such alternatives, has
avenue for generating revenue and employ- sanitation measures, and soil improvement given impetus to the adoption of hydropon-
ment, with noteworthy potential in both rural practices to safeguard tangible income. ics in India. Hydroponics is gaining global
and urban settings. Its inherent entrepre- In this context, hydroponics emerges as momentum in the agriculture sector owing
neurial value and emphasis on profit maxi- a pragmatic and environmentally beneficial to its capacity for higher yields.

14th Agriculture Leadership Conclave
14th Agriculture
Leadership Conclave
2023 & Awards
T
he 14th Agriculture Leadership 20/12/23 and elaborated on the genesis of the Agri-
Conclave 2023 & Awards con- Inaugural Ceremony culture Leadership Awards. He took a trip
ducted on 20-21 December The inauguration of the first day of the down the memory lane and informed that
2023, saw an impactful par- leadership conclave began with the cer- Agriculture Today pioneered the tradition of
ticipation of key functionaries emonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitar- Agriculture Today Awards and that many
of Indian and global agriculture system. The ies - Justice P Sathasivam, Former Chief important personalities of the agriculture
event organised with the objective of dis- Justice of India; H.E. Manoj Nardeosin- sector were awarded. Somnath Chatterjee,
cussing the challenge of climate change, gh, Secretary General, African Asian Ru- the then Speaker was first chief guest who
and its potential long-term impact on food ral Development Organization; Dr.Tarun had graced the first Agriculture Leadership
and nutrition security situation; and to de- Shridhar, Member, CAT and Former Sec- Summit in 2008. While addressing the topic
liberate upon mitigation strategies for cli- retary, AHD&F; Mr Shantanu Pendse, of the conclave, “Sustainable Agrisystems
mate resilient agriculture through policies, CGM, NABARD; Ms Anjana Nair, Group for a Food Secure planet”, he called for
research and development, government Editor, Agriculture Today Group and Dr MJ 4 Is – Innovation, Investment, Information
programmes and interventions realised its’s Khan, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Food and Integrated approach. He also pointed
goal of developing a roadmap to sustain- & Agriculture , out the potential of Africa in realising the
ability and food security. Dr. M J Khan welcomed the dignitaries objective of Food Security.

Shri Shanthanu Pendse believed that Session 1 : Policy Initiatives: suggested that agriculture in India required
we are at the cusp of agricultural innova- Unlocking Potential of directorial change and suggested that the
tion. He laid out three problem statements. Agriculture country worked on a policy of post-harvest.
He noted that the farmers took the entire Mr. JP Meena, Secretary General, Indian He noted that although mechanization has
risk. He observed thatso far farmers have Beverage Association and former Sec- the potential to increase yields by 20%, In-
not been accommodated in the supply retary, MOFPI was the moderator for the dia has only achieved 47%. Custom hir-
chain. He was of the view toto make pro- session. The session panellists were Dr. ing centres in many states have helped
ducers processors and to make best use SN Jha, DDG ( Eng), ICAR; Dr Praveen to improve mechanisation and there are
of the assets. Malik, CEO, Agrinnovate India Limited; many government schemes to popularise
Dr.Tarun Shridhar observed that to- Dr. Vijay Sardana, Advocate, Supreme mechanisation. However, he emphasized
day agriculture is viewed as a profession Court of India, Arbitrator and Techno- on post-harvest mechanisation.
which was a paradigm shift of how the legal Expert for Food and Agricul- Dr. Praveen Malik encouraged to think
vocation was perceived earlier. He spoke ture; Mr.Alekh Sanghera, Co Founder, about value chain of production while for-
about how Indian agriculture was flourish- Farmart; Dr. MJ Saxena, Advisor, Dabur mulating policies. He said that we have
ing and catering to the global food needs. Foundation and Mr.Chirag Jain, Partner come a long way in agriculture from draft-
He suggested that we need to capitalise and Solution Leader for Agriculture and ing policies for availability of food nutritional
on this aspect. He was of the view that we Food Processing, Grant Thornton. and safe food. He also said that we have
should stop viewing agriculture as merely Mr. JP Meena said that a good policy to open up from the government side for
a source of livelihood to a scenario where should have a vision , clarity of goal, objec- public private partnership. He called for re-
agriculture is the pillar of economic growth. tives and should be sustainable in use and source sharing and risk sharing. He was
Justice P Sathasivam talked about the be flexible and adaptable to the changing also of the view that technology was not
ground realities in agriculture. He recount- environment. He noted that Indian agricul- reaching farmers and feedback from the
ed his own experiences as a farmer. He ture policies are unpredictable and con- farmer is required. Dr Malik noted that sci-
noted that farmers were not getting remu- sumer driven. entists are not looking at the benefit cost
nerative prices. Although there were a lot of Dr. S N Jha was also observant of the ratio while developing new research prod-
impactful schemes by the Central Govern- inequities in Indian agricultural policies. He ucts and technology.
ment, he was of the view that they were not Dr. Vijay Sardana observed that poli-
reaching the farmers. He considered lan- cies were made by politicians. According to
guage barrier to be the primary reason for him policies are to ensure food security at
this, as the details of these schemes were least cost and this principle did not favour
either in Hindi and English. He suggested farmers. He alluded that 90% of exports of
that the government can print and release agriculture commodities from India is hap-
small booklets containing the information pening because they were cheaper when
on these schemes in all Indian languages compared to the rest of the world. He said
for the benefit of the millions of farmers. that the unit cost realisation is very less and
He also noted that labour has emerged we have not understood the market. He
as a big problem with the introduction of commented that short term objectives can
MNREGA. be achieved by programs and long term
H.E. Manoj Nardeosingh cautioned objectives can only be achieved be through
against an impending food shortage on well thought out policies.
account of the burgeoning global popula-
tion. He accorded a lot of importance at the
Agriculture Leadership Conclave as it saw
a confluence of visionaries, experts and
change agents. He said that any changes
in the agriculture scenario needed political
will and better placement of farmers in the
value chain. He also indicated that Africa
was a united continent and presented a lot
of potential in agriculture. Their inclusion
will bring about resolution and solution for
many of the problems.

Mr Alekh Sanghera suggested to link har Biradar, Country Director – India, commented how it can benefit the industry.
farmers to buyers. He has observed that CIFOR-ICRAF; Mr. Varun Khurana, Co Dr.Chandrashekhar Biradar suggest-
by doing so 33% reduction in carbon emis- Founder, Otipy; Mr. Saurabh Pandey, ed regular interactions between industry
sions can be achieved. He also noted that Director, Imperial School of Agri- Busi- and academia and exhorted for a change
it will increase the cost efficiency. Headvo- ness (ISAB) and Dr. Neha Pareek, in the landscape of thinking
cated for policies that will help in achieving Founder & CEO, Attmans were the pan- Dr. Varun Khuranaen lightened the
this and said that this will help to reduce ellists of the session. panel about the challenges faced by a
post harvest losses. Dr. Nutan Kaushik referred to Agricul- company involved in marketing of agri-
MJ Saxena remarked that today ag- ture 4.0 which heavily relied on technology. cultural produce. He was of the view that
riculture is at crossroads. He pointed out She suggested that the industry should the academia, through their research and
thatthere was a hidden cost of agriculture inform their problems in terms of technol- development, can help in quantifying the
such as soil damage and reduction in water ogy to the academia which will help the quality parameters of the agricultural pro-
quality. He was of the view that short term academia to direct their research towards it. duce which will help them in getting better
policies were not good for agriculture and Dr.Yasheshwar called for quality price for the farmers.
that agriculture should be viewed in totality. education in agriculture and the impact it Dr. Keshavulu discussed about India’s
Mr.Chirag Jain noted the 11% is will have on industry. He talked from his seed sector. He noted that the Indian Seed
growth that India had achieved in food pro- experience of conducting research and Sector was placed at 5th place globally.
cessing. He was of the view that enabling
policies can help private sector investment
and agriculture growth. Mr Jain suggested
integrated value chain program and also
noted that regional disparity should be ad-
dressed.
Session 2 : Transforming
Agriculture Through Industry
– Academia Partnership
Dr KML Pathak, Former DDG (AS), ICAR
was the moderator of the session. Dr.
Nutan Kaushik, DG Agriculture, Amity
Foundation; Dr.Yasheshwar, Associate
Professor, ANDC, DU; Dr. Chandrashek-

However, when it comes to global trade,

we made up to only 2%. He also observed
that many countries refrain from seed trade
with India due to quality concerns. With
good academia and industries’ linkage,
Industries can leverage the expertise of
the researchers.
Mr. Saurabh Pandey talked about re-
tention of candidates by the company. He
was of the view that candidates should be
trainedby the educational institutions ac-
cording to the industry demands so that
after they graduate from the respective
organisation they will be industry fit.
MS Swaminathan Global
Dialogue on Climate Change &
Food Security
The 2nd MS Swaminathan Global Dia- of agriculture policies. (PGPR) and its potential in increasing ag-
logue on Climate Change & Food Secu- Dr. Purvi Mehta analysed the meaning ricultural production. He talked about the
rity organized by Agriculture Today Group of MS Swaminathan’s ‘Evergreen Revolu- deteriorating soil and how the inclusion of
on 20th Dec 2023 session saw the par- tion and inferred that it meantthrust on PGPR has helped to restore the balance in
ticipation of Dr Soumya Swaminathan, diversification, increasing productivity and soil. He was particularly concerned about
Chairperson, MSSRF; Dr Purvi Mehta, increase in farmers’ income. She pointed the reduction of soil organic carbon and
Deputy Director, Agriculture - Asia, Bill out at the interconnectedness between elaborated on the efforts of Asian PGPR
& Melinda Gates Foundation; Ambassa- livestock and crop production which was society to popularise and propagate PG-
dor Kenneth M. Quinn, President Emeri- very high in India. She informed that 86 PRs and their use in agriculture.
tus, The World Food Prize Foundation; % of milk production in India came from Dr. William Dar talked about the col-
Dr RB Singh, Former Chancellor, Cen- farmers who are crop farmers and the rest laborative and multilateral efforts which
tral Agricultural University, Imphal; Prof came from livestock farmers. should transcend boundaries to fight cli-
MS Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Asian Mr Rajeev Varshney’s address fo- mate change. Hediscussed about scaling
PGPR Society of Sustainable Agricul- cussed on climate resilience and nutritious up technology to promote food security
ture andDr. William Dar, former DG, food which are profitable to farmers. He dis- through social platforms. He urged to sup-
ICRISAT and Secretary of Agriculture, cussed the significance of genetic improve- port workers in agriculture, strengthen wa-
Philippines. ment in increasing agriculture productivity. ter management and adopt complementary
Dr. RB Singh remarked that green Rapid Discovery and Rapid delivery should measures. Dr Dar asked to have a critical
revolution was important for India back then be pursued. Once the scientist identify the focus on conserving and protecting envi-
when our food supplies were not able to beneficial genes, efforts should be made to ronment and to work on water optimisation
meet our demand. He said that MS Swami- deliver those genes to target crops either through drip irrigation.
nathan wanted to transform green revolu- by traditional or modern genetic tools. De- Dr. Keshavulu talked about the rele-
tion intoevergreen revolution which ensured livering the right variety at the right time is vance of diversity in seed crops and seed
perpetuity of agro ecological situation along important. systems. He talked about the importance
with production and productivity. Ambassador Kenneth Quinn said of good irrigation facilities and the effect of
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan stressed that Government leaders were not giving climate change and encouraged to make
on the relevance of nutritional security. She enough emphasis on creating policies to diverse seeds available to the farmers. He
urged toinclude the element of nutritional address change in climate and their ef- called for inclusive policies and effective
security along with the food development fect on food production. He then talked seed policies to mitigate climate change.
programmes.. Majority of the Indians do about 3Cs that is pertinent today- Climate The session ended with the dignitaries
not have healthy diets and she quoted her Change, Corona and Crop production that presenting the MS Swaminathan Global
father, Dr. MS Swaminathan who always have managed to influence agriculture pro- Leadership Award 2023 to Ambassador
said that nutritional maladies have agricul- duction. Kenneth Quinn. During his acceptance
ture remedies. She lamented that public Dr. MS Reddy primarily talked about speech he reminisced about his associa-
health does not play any role in formulation Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria tion with MS Swaminathan and how they

shared the vision of food security.

Distinguished Panel on Farmers’ Agenda
Silver Jubilee Celebrations Dr. RG Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech noted that farmers were not getting
of Agriculture Today new technology after the green revolution era. He believed that there was reduction
Inviting all to the silver jubilee celebrations, in technology generation and a collapse in external extension. He said that farmers
Dr MJ Khan, President, Agriculture were not getting prices and they should be able to sell their produce wherever they
Today Group remembered the initial wanted. He also enlightened the audience about the menace of spurious pesticides
years of Agriculture Today. He said which wascreating problems.
that while universities and ICAR system A host of farmer leaders also joined the
started technical journals, there was the panel who poured some interesting insights
need for a comprehensive publication, into the farmers’ problems. Padmashree
reporting from field to policy makers, Chauhan Singh was conversant about the
and from industries to markets, and from challenges associated with Farmer Producer
technology institutions to trade and global Organisations. Pushpendra Singh, President,
developments. He said that within a year Kisan Sangh was disturbed at the last prefer-
of its launch, Agriculture Today hosted the ence given to the farmers and said that they have become mere spectators. Raju
first ever Round Table on Farmers Issues Narasimhan, Farmer, Chennai talked about his farm and how new technology can
and Agriculture Policies, participated increase production and productivity of the farms. Naresh Sirohi, Founder, Advisor
by 25 plus Members of Parliament, and DD Kisan channel called for improved participation of farmers in agriculture con-
chaired by Sh. Sompalji himself, now as claves. He also urged policy makers to consider including farmers in committee
Member, Planning Commission. He talked for policy making, especially in those policies which had a direct bearing on them.
vividly how the first state special issue on Shri V M Singh, National convener, BKMS suggested 10% reservation to farmers
Andhra Pradesh was launched and also in the Parliament and he called for respectful partnership with the farmers. He also
how the Agriculture leadership awards vehemently argued for the implementation of the MSP formula as suggested by MS
in agriculture evolved to become an Swaminathan Commission.
important recognition for the stakeholders
in agriculture. 21/12/2023 to work towards alternate resources. He
Inaugural Ceremony also noted that Agriculture Today has an
Sh. Pratap Narayan, former DG, Fer-
The inauguration of the second day of the important role to play in the dissemination
tilizer Association of India, who was part
leadership conclave began with the cer- of information.
of the magazine’s launch program, joined
emonial lighting of the lamp by the digni- Dr.Maharaj Muthoo focussed on glob-
in the silver jubilee celebrations and he ex-
taries Mr. Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman, al food systems. He believed in bottoms
pressed his profound gratitude. Doctor KL
Commission for Agricultural Costs & up approach and said that political will is
Chadda, President, Indian Academy of
Prices; Dr. JK Jena, Deputy Director required for long reaching impacts. He ad-
Horticulture Sciences and father of India’s
General, Indian Council of Agriculture vocated structural transformation for afford-
golden revolution recollected his associa-
Research; Mr. Baldev Prakash, CMD, able and healthy diets. Dr. Muthoo averred
tion with Agriculture Today Group and gave
J&K Bank; H.E. Ms Ronalda Horatio Ed- that SDGs cannot be achieved without ag-
his blessings for all future endeavours. Dr
ward, Hon'ble High Commissioner, High riculture. He called for holistic approach
RB Singh, Former Chancellor, Central
Commission of Guyana; Dr MJ Khan, and urged for the inclusion ofagriculturally
Agricultural University, Imphal also
Chairman, Indian Chamber of Food & diverse and climate resilient crops.
talked about Agriculture Today and how
Agriculture and Ms. Vinita Singh, Agri- H.E. Ms Ronalda Horatio Edward
it has emerged to become an important
culture Today Group. touched upon pandemic, conflict, climate
player in agriculture sector. Shri Ashok
Dr MJ Khan welcomed the audience change, value chain etc.She talked about
Bajpai, former MP and Agriculture Min-
and talked about the journey of Agriculture the global crisis that has gripped us, es-
ister, UP was impressed at the devotion
Today. He tracedthe journey of agricul- pecially with increase in prices of the food.
of Dr MJ Khan towards agriculture sector
ture today and noted that the magazine She urged to make food system climate re-
and also hailed the important role played
has evolved into a composite platform for silient. She cited Guyana’svision in agricul-
by Agriculture Today magazinein address-
diverse stakeholders. ture and how the country was collaborating
ing issues related to the agriculture sector.
Dr J.K Jena talked about the inter- with regional counterparts. She stressed
Personalities associated with Agricul-
sectoral competition of resources existing upon the need for interaction and collabo-
ture Today were honoured through special
in the agriculture sector.For instance, Fish- ration in knowledge exchange.
recognition awards. It was followed by un-
eries and animal husbandry sector com- Mr.Baldev Prakash talked about how
veiling of the special issue of Agriculture
peted for maize and soyabean. He urged agriculture was transforming in J&K. He
Today.

talked about subsidized plantation credit AI was the moderator of the session. Ms the millets had immense business oppor-
facilities and also on the spiralling interest Annapoorna, Head Agriculture, Invest tunity as they are gluten free . Millets are
fororganic farming in Jammu and Kashmir. India; Tara Satyavati, Director, ICAR- not only good for humans but also planets.
He was conversant about improving market IIMR; Mr Vijay Nadmiti, CEO & Direc- Mr.Sathyanarayana Raman dis-
access and linkages. He noted the impres- tor, AgHub; Mr. Sathyanarayana Raman, cussed about the palatability of the mil-
sive minimum import price for apple that CEO, Millet Mart and Dr. Udita Ghosh lets. He asked to ensure a uniform quality
was implemented by the central govern- Sarkar, Associate Director, Grameen process for millets as they are in high de-
ment in J&K. He particularly mentioned Foundation were the panellists. mand in other countries. He also suggested
KCC saturation drive by J&K bank. Ms Annapoorna averred that there altering the taste of millets through recipe
Mr. Vijay Paul Sharma said that was a minor increase in yield of millets. to make it acceptable.
agriculture was important from the socio She stressed for more research in the area Dr. Udita Ghosh Sarkar discussed in
economic perspective and noted that there which could increase the area under pro- length about the good qualities of millets.
has been a Paradigm shift in policies. He duction. She said that cultivating millets in partner-
observed that agriculture now is not just Dr. Tara Satyavati called for integrated ship mode will be beneficial.
production centric and the focus has been development in millets. She observed that Mr.Vijay Nadmiti talked about the 12
shifted to farmers’ income and welfare. He there is a demand for only a small segment million dollar market in the global food pro-
viewed the increased agriculture exports as of millets such as ragi. Smaller millets are cessing ecosystem. He also asked for fund-
an offshoot of trade liberalization. He com- still notin demand. She brought the atten- ing for startups and the need to produce
mented that technology disruption in the tion to Orissa where millet development is many ready to cook culinary items.
form of artificial intelligence and machine happening in mission mode. She said that
learning will shape agriculture in coming
years. Mr Sharma pointed out that limited
resources will lead to stiff competition and
to prevent food wastage, he exhorted the
agriculture community to invest in in post
harvest Technology. He suggested the four
pillars of agriculture growth as technology,
state of the art infrastructure, strengthening
institutions and incentive to the producer
in line with the market demand.
Session 1 : Achieving Global

Nutrition Security Through
Millets
Mr Deepak Pareek, Co-founder, Agrifi.

Session 2 : Climate
Change and Agriculture
Sustainability
Dr Kailash Bansal, Secretary, NAAS
moderated the session and the panellists
were Mr. Anuja Kadian, Director Gov-
ernment Relations & Corporate Affairs
– South Asia, Corteva ; Dr KC Ravi, Sus-
tainability Head , Syngenta; Mr Kaushal
Bisht, Head – Strategic Partnerships,
Varaha and Mr.Pradipta Sahoo, Busi-
ness Head, Safal and International Busi-
ness, Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable
Pvt Ltd.
Mr.Anuja Kadian informed that all the
corteva products will soon be satisfying the
sustainability criteria. They have set a task about the complexity of value chains. Corporation Ltd. was the moderator of the
force of the entire millet value chain. She He suggested crop planning to fall in line session. Mr.Rakesh Magotra, DGM, J&K
informed that they have a mustard variety with climate sustainability. He pointed out Bank; Mr Rajesh Srivastava, Chairman,
which has high oil content and hence will that consumers demanded for certain off Prowess Advisors; Mr Neelam Gupta,
be give good income to the farmers. She season crops which in turn resulted in Head Agriculture, JB Boda Group; Mr
talked about how the improved varieties the transportation to far away locations. Rajeev Ratna Srivastava, DGM, SBI and
and products can help in climate sustain- He suggested using processed products Mr ArunRaste, MD, NCDEX were the pan-
ability of agriculture. such as onion flakes and tomato pureeto ellists
Dr K C Ravi, talked about the rel- tide over price rises. Mr. Rajesh Srivastava said that credit
evance of small holder farmers in climate Mr Kaushal Bisht talked about Vara- is the critical input in agriculture and the
sustainability. He was of the view that right ha’s commitment towards climate change sector is credit hungry. He suggested
inputs at the right time should be used. He and elaborated how Varaha’s Carbon new credit products for food processing.
reminded the audience of the immense re- Credit programme was helping farmers He suggested more products in the insur-
sponsibilities of controllingGHGs, working monetize their agriculture. ance segment.
towards water conservation and feeding the Mr.Rakesh Magotra talked about the
global population. He called for Swachh Session 3 : Credit and various initiatives of J&K bank in the sphere
agriculture Abhiyan and Carbon Neutral Insurance for Powering of agriculture and how credit had improved
technologies. Agriculture Growth the agriculture scenario. He mentioned the
Mr.Pradipta Sahoo was conversant Mr Mashar, MD, Agriculture Finance various products of J&K Bank which were

helping apple farmers of the state in retain-

ing their products in Controlled Atmosphere
and in the process fetching better prices
for them.
Mr.Neelam Gupta talked about the rel-
evance of creating awareness among the
farmers regarding various credit products.
He was sure with appropriate credit and
insurance products, financial inclusivity can
be increased.
Mr. Rajeev Ratna Srivastava talked
about the various initiatives of SBI in farm-
ing. He talked about Kisan Credit Cards
and their Pilot in Karnataka where agri dig-
itisation was helping them to give farmers
hassle free loans and credit products.
at the centre. about stewardship of technology, break-
Mr.Arun Raste talked about his experi-
Mr AK Tyagi explained about Ha- ing the barriers and asked us to leverage
ences in commodity marketing and what
lidiram’s procurement system and the entire our geographical position.
are the products that can help farmers.
value chain.
Dr. Pragul Gadge talked about opitimi- Presentation of 14th
Session 4 : Precision zation of inputs. He also talked about the Agriculture Leadership
Agriculture for Profitable importance of decision support system and Awards
Farming and CEOs Panel on suggested that precision farming should be The 14th Agriculture Leadership Conclave,
Future Agriculture in accordance with Indian conditions. the AT Group's annual flagship event, cul-
Mr Kalyan Goswami, DG, ACFI was Mr Utsav Mishra remarked that right minated on 21st December 2023, with the
the moderator of the session for which now we are at Agriculture 4.0 which used presentation of 14th Agriculture Leadership
Ms Rina Soni, ED, Heifer International; more of sensors and has made precision Awards. Union Minister for Agriculture and
Mr Debabrata Sarkar, Vice President, agriculture cheaper. He also discussed Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda presented
Algaenergy; Mr AK Tyagi, Executive Di- about agristack which was helping in cre- the award in the presence of Justice P
rector, Haldirams; Mr.Raju Kapoor, Di- ating a database and helping farmers. Sathasivam; Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, the
rector, FMC India Limited Presentation; Mr. Gaurav Sharma discussed that Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and
Mr Utsav Mishra, Director Agriculture, agribusiness companies are setting-up tar- Fisheries, Uttarakhand; Shri Tarun Srid-
Ernst & Young; Mr Gaurav Sharma, gets to bring more land under regenerative har, Member, CAT and Former Secretary,
Vice President, Head of Global Ag- agriculture. To help this cause, Accenture AHD&F Government and Dr. M J Khan,
ribusiness Research, Accenture; Dr. has partnered with Microsoft to develop Chairman, ICFA.
Dinesh Chauhan, VP, Dehaat; Mr.T B the Farm of the Future, a regenerative ag- Union Minister for Agriculture and Trib-
S Rajput; Dr. Prafull Gadge, Founder riculture solution. Also, to increase adop- al Affairs, Sri Arjun Munda called for a re-
and CEO Biome technologies and Dr. tion of precision farming, various B2B and duction of imports and augmented exports
Samresh Dwivedi, precision Ag as-a-service models should of agricultural products while addressing
Mr Debabrata Sarkar talked about be adopted. the 14th Agriculture Leadership Conclave
future of agriculture , which depended on Dr. Dinesh Chauhan observed that in New Delhi. He also called for enhanc-
soil health and food security. He advocated cost of technology is still high vis a vis small ing the soil productivity by organic means
sustainable agriculture and suggested us- and marginal holder farmers. He also was and to increase awareness about organic
ing bio fertilizer and optimization in agri- concerned about data security. Adoption of products. In his address, Shri Arjun Munda
culture. technology is another challenge. averred the importance of agriculture in In-
Mr.T B S Rajput talked about precision Dr. Samresh Dwivedi talked about the dia. He said that today India is number one
agriculture. He focussed on water compo- benefits of precision farming. in many agricultural commodities and un-
nent in precision agriculture especially mi- Mr.Raju Kapoor was of the view that der the leadership of Prime Minister, Naren-
croirrigation and how it was revolutionising policies should be inclusive of private sec- dra Modi, several schemes for agriculture
agriculture. tor. And regulator should be renamed as fa- development have been implemented. He
Ms Rina Soni said that future of agri- cilitator. He called for a harmony between exhorted all the stakeholders in agriculture
culturewas small holder farmers. She sug- the centre and the state for the success to work in harmony to realize the intended
gested keeping the small holder farmers of agriculture development. He talked target of prosperity in agriculture.

list of awardees
CATEGORY PROPOSED AWARDEES
1 Policy Leadership Award 2023 The state of Tamil Nadu- Parasuraman
2 Development Leadership Award 2023 NIRD
J & K Bank
3 Industry Leadership Award 2023 Godrej Agrovert Ltd
Dr KC Ravi, Head- Sustainability
4 Research Leadership Award 2023 NDRI, Karnal
5 Farming Leadership Award 2023 Apurva Tripathi
6 CSR Leadership 2023 DCM Sriram Group
REC Limited
7 Academic Leadership 2023 GB Pant University ofagriculture & Technology
8 Startup Leadership Award 2023 Waycool
9 Entrepreneur Agriculture Award 2023 Azad Agro
10 International Agriculture Award 2023 KRBL
11 Corporate Leadership Award 2023 Cargill
12 Woman in Agriculture Award 2023 Dr Vibha Dhawan, DG, TheEnery & Resources
Institute(TERI)
13 Innovation Leadership Award 2023 Carnot Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
14 Best State in Agriculture Award 2023 Orissa
15 Food rocesing Leadership Award 2023 BL Agro
16 Best State in Horticulture 2023 Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra
17 Best State in Animal Husbandry 2023 Uttarakhand
18 Program Leadership Award 2023 Mr JP Meena, Secretary General, Indian Beverage
Association
19 CEO of the Year 2023 Mr Ankur Agarwal,MD, Crystal Group Protection Ltd.
20 Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 RG Agarwal
21 Young Scientist Award 2023 Dr. Roaf Ahmed Parray
22 Special Achievement Award 2023 OP Dhankar

RECOMMENDATIONS
n Translation of the government schemes to all n Introduction of new credit products in the
India languages insurance segment and food processing
segment
n Tapping the potential of Africa in meeting
food security n Introduction of healthy ready-to-cook Millet
products
n Develop a policy on post-harvest agriculture
n Altering the taste of millets through recipe to
n Policies of better Public Private Partnerships make it acceptable
n Resource sharing and Risk Sharing among n Integrated development in millets
private and public sector
n Global interaction and collaboration in
n Enhanced Investments in Post-harvest knowledge exchange.
machines
n Implementation of the MSP formula as
n integrated value chain program suggested by MS Swaminathan Commission
n Addressing Regional Disaprity n 10% reservation to farmers in the Parliament
n Role of public health in formulation of n Including farmers in committee for policy
agricultural policies. making
n Policies for Nutritional Security n Effective seed policies to mitigate climate
n Scaling up technology to promote food change.
security through social platforms n Rapid Discovery and Rapid delivery should
n Support workers in agriculture be pursued. Delivering the right variety at the
right time is important.
n Strengthen water management and adopt
complementary measures n Thrust on diversification, increasing
productivity and increase in farmers’ income
n Water optimisation through drip irrigation
n Regular interactions between industry and
n Adoption of alternate wetting and drying academia
method in rice cultivation
n Promotion of PGPRs
n Swach Agriculture Abhiyan
n Carbon Credit Programme
n Creating awareness among consumers to

use season specific fruits and vegetables
n Maintaining harmony between the centre

and the state for the success of agriculture
development

Special Coverage
Rallis India:
Smart Solutions for Sustainable
Food Security and Resilience
I
ndian agriculture faces several chal- facturing more sustainable. The manufac-
lenges that impact its productivity and turing teams are focused on the principles
sustainability. These include limited of recycle, reuse, and reduce.
knowledge and insufficient infrastruc- All of these developments have helped
ture, especially in rural areas, limited Rallis India bag awards like the FICCI
access to credit and finance, water scarcity Chemicals and Petrochemicals Award
and irrigation, soil degradation and land for “Sustainability – Best Green Process,”
erosion, coupled with food security, and recognizing Rallis’s model approach to
lack of proper food storage. promoting sustainable and green practices.
To address these challenges, India Rallis has evolved its innovation strat-
needs to raise agricultural productivity per egy to 'Serve Farmers through Science’.
unit of land, promote new technologies, Accordingly, it develops innovative solutions
reform agricultural research and exten- Rallis India has focussed on to enable farmers to improve their produc-
sion and diversify to higher value crops. reducing its environmental tivity. Through extensive R&D, Rallis has
Companies like Rallis India, in their 75th initiated several introductions in crop care
year of operations in India are testament to impact in manufacturing with and seeds business that are sustainable
the fact that science has been serving as use of renewable energy. and cost-effective, which will be the key
catalysts in increasing agriculture produc- business driving factors in the coming years.
tion and productivity. rate governance.
Rallis India has focussed on reducing Rallis Innovation Chemistry Hub
Sustainable and Green Practices its environmental impact in manufacturing (RICH)
With rampant concerns about sustainabil- with use of renewable energy. Agrochemical Most of their new formulations contain
ity and resilience, companies are increas- formulations are being developed with high water and other environmentally-friendly
ingly being evaluated on environmental efficacy, and R&D teams are working on solvents as a medium, and other safe in-
and social metrics, as well as their corpo- green chemistry principles to make manu- gredients that lead to sustainable products.
RICH also works closely with strategic al-
liance partners and customer groups to
develop innovative products. In the past,
it has developed a few innovative solutions
based on Focused Group Discussions
(FGD) with farmer groups and collectives.
With a rich research capital, Rallis India
has been focusing on being more resilient in
agriculture using technology. To serve this
purpose, the company has been working
on several projects. Digital preparedness
has been at the forefront of Rallis India’s
future-ready strategy, and it continues to
focus on leveraging digital tools such as
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics,
Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Manufactur-
ing, etc., to fuel future growth and deliver
benefits to the farming community.

Special Coverage
Rallis India bears the name from Ralli Brothers, after the Greek merchants who dealt in agricultural commodities. Rallis was
reborn in India in 1948 and the manufacture of fertilisers and pesticides marked the beginning of the company's foray into
agrochemicals. The company went public in 1951, and by 1962, Fisons and Tatas became the chief shareholders of Rallis
India. By 1962-63, fertilisers and pesticides became a full-fledged division. In the 1990s, Rallis India directed its sole focus
on agrochem. Through the decade and the next, the company enhanced its position in the agricultural space and enhanced
its international footprint. Around this time, Rallis divested its pharma business to consolidate its pesticide and fertiliser
businesses. The company’s acquisition of Metahelix Life Sciences has given it a prominent position in the seeds market.
Today, Rallis stands tall with a robust suite of research, technical knowledge, germplasm, hybrids and seed production.
Rallis continues its journey of “Serving Farmers Through Science”, with over 75 years of experience providing the most
extensive range of products and solutions for Indian farmers in rural markets, it has become one of the top agro sciences
companies in India. Today, Rallis stands tall with a robust suite of research, technical knowledge, germplasm, hybrids and
seed production.
Technology to Transform
Agriculture as We Know It
The demand for digitization in Indian ag-
riculture is well understood and acknowl-
edged to improve crop yield and enhance
sustainability. In September 2021, the
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar, an-
nounced the initiation of the ‘Digital Agri-
culture Mission 2021–2025’. Rallis India’s
state-of-the-art decision intelligence and
crop monitoring system, DRISHTI, essen-
tially harnesses the power of Spaceborne
Remote Sensing (SRS) and Artificial Intel-
ligence (AI). Its predictive analytics helps
the Hybrid Seeds Production (HSP) func-
tion to spot future risks and opportunities
and helps make informed decisions to op-
timize production cost and improve yield.
Following its implementation, Rallis
India has witnessed a four-fold increase
in farm scanning and grading frequency.
The high spatiotemporal resolution of the
DRISHTI farm scan and yield monitoring
process allows the seed team to have near
real-time monitoring of the scattered and
distant production farms. This allows to take
timely intervention for yield protection and Rallis India’s state-of-the-art hybrid seed production activities; Sampark,
a crop advisor app.
enhancement and help in improving yield
compared to manual surveillance. DRISHTI
decision intelligence and crop With a rich history of over 150 years
has also received several accolades from monitoring system, DRISHTI, and a strong focus on serving farmers
through science, Rallis India has been
the industry, including the prestigious CII
Digital Transformation Award.
essentially harnesses the at the forefront of developing innovative
Apart from these, Rallis India has de- power of Spaceborne Remote solutions to enable farmers to improve
their crop yields. They haveconsistently
veloped the following apps: E-Bandhan,
a distributor app; E-Sparsh, a salesforce
Sensing (SRS) and Artificial promoted smart farming practices, enhance
app; Samadhan, an app for farmers to ac- Intelligence (AI). food security, and build resilience in the
face of evolving challenges.
cess crop info; SeedSure, an app to enable

Agri Education
Strengthening Agriculture
Education through
Collaborative Approach
I
ndia's agricultural sector- the backbone improvements needs immediate attention
of the nation's economy, is poised for for realising the fruitful results. Some of the
a transformative journey under the critical areas for improvement in agriculture
New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In education can be envisaged as below.
the heart of India's bustling agricultural • Curriculum Modernization: The cur-
landscape lies an imminent need to re- rent curriculum often lags behind the rapid
vamp the education system that caters to advancements in agricultural technologies
this important sector. The NEP 2020 has and practices, as the changes in technol-
emerged as a beacon of hope, paving the ogy are very rapid. A modernized curricu-
way for a momentous shift in agriculture lum, incorporating emerging fields like pre-
education. To fully harness the potential of cision agriculture, climate-smart practices,
this policy, fostering strong and powerful digital interventions and agripreneurship is
collaborations between the Indian Council very much essential.
of Agriculture Research (ICAR), State Ag- • Practical Exposure: Theoretical knowl-
riculture Universities (SAUs), Agri-Industry, edge alone is insufficient. Practical expo-
farmers, and students is very critical. sure through internships, field visits, and
hands-on training is crucial to bridge the
Key Areas of Improvement gap between theory and real-world appli-
To align agriculture educa- cations. All the agriculture colleges and
tion with the goals and Universities must insist on internship ex-
objectives of new posure to students. National Institute of
education policy, Agricultural Extension Management (MAN-
several key areas of AGE), Hyderabad is offering opportunities
A modernized curriculum, incorporating

emerging fields like precision agriculture,
climate-smart practices, digital
interventions and agripreneurship is
very much essential.
About the Author
P Chandra Shekara, Director General and

Mahantesh Shirur
National Institute of Agricultural Extension
Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad

Agri Education
to students to hone their skills during the

internship to make themselves ready for
professional responsibilities in the field of
teaching, research and extension.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Agriculture
is intricately linked to various disciplines
such as social system, economics, envi-
ronmental science, and life sciences. An
interdisciplinary approach will equip stu-
dents with a holistic understanding of the
agriculture sector.
• Digital Literacy: In today's technology-
driven world, digital literacy is indispen-
sable for farmers and agriculture profes-
sionals. Integrating digital tools, e-learning
platforms, and data analytics into the cur- Having seen agriculture education mostly delivered through
riculum is imperative.
• Entrepreneurship Development: Agri- public institutions for so long, and now the private sector is
culture offers a wealth of entrepreneurial driving the technology development and dissemination, we see
opportunities. Fostering an entrepreneurial
spirit among students, through workshops, a scope for partnership in agriculture education to be effective.
mentorship programs, and access to fund-
ing, can drive innovation and job creation. challenges. tomers, facilitating their growth and suc-
• FPO Promotion: Farmer Producer Or- cess.
Partnership in Agriculture ganizations (FPOs) play a pivotal role in • Agripreneurship Bootcamps: Organize
Education empowering farmers by leveraging the bootcamps to equip students with entrepre-
Having seen agriculture education mostly advantages of scale of economy and col- neurial skills, market analysis techniques,
delivered through public institutions for so lectivisation of individual farmers’ efforts. and business plan development.
long, and now the private sector is driv- Collaborative efforts of the Government • Agri-Startup Competitions: Host com-
ing the technology development and dis- can promote FPO formation, training, and petitions to showcase innovative agri-
semination, we see a scope for partner- market linkages. startups, attracting potential investors and
ship in agriculture education to be effective. partners.
Hence, building a collaborative ecosystem Facilitating Agripreneurship and • Agri-Startup Success Stories: High-
involving multiple stakeholders is very Nurturing Agri Startups light the achievements of successful agri-
much required. Such collaborative efforts In recent times, the solutions to problems startups who have addressed the burning
can be envisaged through following. and challenges of agriculture as avocation problems in agriculture (like scarcity of la-
• ICAR-SAU Partnership: Indian Council are addressed effectively by facilitating Ag- bour, stubble burning, value addition and
of Agriculture Research (ICAR), as the ripreneurship and nurturing Agri Startups processing opportunities, market informa-
apex body for agricultural research, can by incentivising their efforts. The policy tion, etc.) to inspire and motivate aspiring
collaborate with State Agriculture Univer- support and creating congenial ecosystem agripreneurs.
sities (SAUs) to develop cutting-edge cur- for agribusiness to thrive in agriculture sec- Revamping agriculture education in India
ricula, train faculty on regular basis, and tor is very essential. The modern education demands a collaborative approach that
establish research centres. in agriculture must accommodate the fol- brings together ICAR, SAUs, Agri-Indus-
• Agri-Industry Engagement:Agri-indus- lowing to achieve the potentiality of agri- try, farmers, and students. By addressing
tries can provide internships, sponsor re- culture sector. key areas for improvement, nurturing agri-
search projects, and offer career guidance • Agripreneurship Incubation Centers: preneurship, and fostering strong partner-
to students, ensuring they are equipped Establish incubation centers within univer- ships, we can empower the next genera-
with industry-relevant skills. sities and agricultural institutions to provide tion of agricultural leaders to drive India's
• Farmer-Student Interaction: Farmers budding agripreneurs with mentorship, in- agricultural revolution. Together, we can
possess invaluable knowledge and ex- frastructure, and funding support. transform agriculture into a sector that not
perience. Regular interactions between • Agri-Startups Network: Create a net- only sustains the nation but also fuels in-
farmers and students can foster a deeper work connecting agri-startups with inves- novation, entrepreneurship, and prosperity
understanding of agricultural practices and tors, industry partners, and potential cus- for coming generation.

Agri Mechanization
Promote Atmanirbhar with

Indigenous Manufacturing
What are your views on the Agri- We observe a huge disparity in the However, even a big producer state like
mechanization scene in India? level of adoption of farm technology in the Rajasthan is still lagging in adoption of
Have we become an important country. Some states like Punjab, Haryana, mechanised harvesting for crops like
market for farm machines? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, pulses, mustard, cluster beans etc. The
Compared to industrialised economies, Karnataka etc. have led the way in usage size and pattern of landholding are both
where farm mechanisation has exceeded of combine harvesters. In the East, Odisha crucial considerations while mechanising
90%, India's farm mechanisation level is and West Bengal are catching up quickly. farms, the smaller the land area, the more
still between 40% and 45%. Although there challenging to mechanise such farms. The
is wide scope for farming process mecha- The Indian combine exceedingly small size of landholdings and
nisation in the country, unreasonably high
focus on ‚ tractorisation‘ has led to tractors
harvester market size is low purchasing power in the northeastern
parts of the country makes successful
being the most common sight on Indian estimated at USD 231.8 mechanisation quite difficult.
farms, at the expense of specialist ma-
chines such as combine harvesters, bal-
million in 2023 and is How was 2023 in general for the
ers, forage harvesters, paddy transplant- expected to reach USD 306.2 industry?
ers, etc. India’s farm equipment market is The Indian combine harvester market size
7% of the global market, with more than million by 2028, registering is estimated at USD 231.8 million in 2023
80%of the value contribution coming from
tractors. Globally the tractor industry sales
a CAGR of 5.7% during the and is expected to reach USD 306.2 mil-
lion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 5.7%
is annually worth $60 billion, whereas the forecast period (2023-2028). during the forecast period (2023-2028).
corresponding sales of farm machinery The industry performance was good with
is around $100 billion. It is the other way
around in India where tractor industry annu-
al sales is $7~8 billion compared to hardly
$1.2 billion from farm equipment.
In India farm machinery exports
are driven by the tractors, and farm
machinery imports are driven by non-
tractor farm machinery imports., the
direction of trade is lopsided where
53% of non-tractor farm machinery
imports are coming from China without
any restrictions. In India, the central
and state governments subsidise
farmers’ purchases of farm machinery
via Direct Benefit Transfers. Since there
is no requirement for local value-add,
dealers sell Chinese farm machinery
on India’s DBT portals. Thus, Chinese
farm machinery manufacturers get Mr. Sriram Kannan,
support from both China and India, Chief Executive Officer &
leaving the Indian ones at a huge Managing Director,
disadvantage. CLAAS India

Agri Mechanization
production of roughly 7K+ units - 4000+

units of wheeled combine harvesters and
Promote Atmanirbhar Custom Hiring Centre’s (CHCs), opened
remaining market for track combine har- concept by encouraging in public-private partnership mode to make
vesters. In the total market of 7K+ units,
60% was dominated again by lower cost
local manufacturing of agri technology adoption affordable.
Talking about what is disabling the
imports which goes against Make in India machines and discouraging industry, the Government is allowing
initiative of the GoI.
imports when local import of low quality Combine Harvesters
from China and Thailand which reduces
What keeps CLAAS products a substitutes are readily the capacity utilization of domestic
class apart?
CLAAS in India is one of the pioneers of
available. manufacturers to upto 60% and this
conflicts with the government's Atmanirbhar
harvesting mechanisation and the undis- Bharat slogan.
puted technological leader in agricultural and poor availability, of good quality feed.
machinery space. Our machines like the The tractor drawn CLAAS JAGUAR 25 What are your
CROP TIGER series of combine harvest- forage harvester is ideally suited for small recommendations on
ers, JAGUAR forage harvesters, QUAD- dairy farmers for their own use or for rent- improving the farm
RANT and ROLLANT straw balers, PAD- ing it out to other farms in the vicinity for mechanization scenario in
DY PANTHER rice transplanters, etc. have maize foraging. India?
established CLAAS as a household brand Another instance is straw management • Promote Atmanirbhar concept by
among the Indian farming community. In using large sized Balers from CLAAS. encouraging local manufacturing of
a continuous effort in this direction, , our Burning of paddy stubble is a major reason agri machines and discouraging imports
aim for the upcoming years is to capture for worsening air quality in the North, when local substitutes are readily
additional markets and enhance the brand particularly in NCR. The Government is available.
image. working on several initiatives to create • Given the unfair competition that
The CLAAS Academy has all the demand for paddy straw – co-gen plants by Indian manufacturers face, it should
necessary capacities to provide customers public power utilities, production of Ethanol be mandated that farm machinery that
& operators of CLAAS products with the and Compressed Bio-Gas are a few of the is sold under government subsidy on
appropriate in-depth technical training. major steps. This demand generation will government DBT portals (both Central
The CLAAS Harvest Centre is a meeting gradually create a value for paddy straw and State) follow the revised public
place for farmers and the private sector to and discourage farmers from burning. procurement norms with regard to
exchange ideas about the best harvesting Maize is a good example of a future preference to ‘Make in India’ goods.
techniques. CLAAS Rental is an easy-to- growth market. Use of combine harvesters • Regulate price of raw materials
use app that allows CLAAS Combine in maize is today very low at about 10% or inputs in agri machinery industry such
Harvester owner (contractor) to post less. The area under maize is increasing as metals
details about his fleet of equipment. On and the Government recognizes the need • Expand PLI (Performance Linked
the Farmers login & interface, it provides for better harvesting solutions to increase Incentive) scheme to cover components,
access to locate. CLAAS Trackmaster farmer productivity. CLAAS has specially parts, aggregates and finished products
enables the CLAAS customer to track the designed maize harvesting solutions for of agri machinery industry.
location of the harvester, working hours Indian farms. • Availability of finance for machines
and threshing hours, harvester periodical other than tractors is still to improve.
maintenance requirements, cautionary Do the policies and subsidies Bankers need to be sensitised to
alerts via sms alerts &enables recovery program in India favour farm farmers, the various farm mechanisation
in case the harvester is stolen. mechanization? schemes and CHCs.
Among the enabling policy initiatives, the • Eligibility criteria for machine subsidy
How has CLAAS emerged as a Government of India (GoI) has executed programmes requiring a farmer to have
trendsetter in providing solutions various schemes and policies support- at least 1 acre of land (or any type of
to different segments? ing greater mechanisation of Indian ag- land ceiling or any other criteria) should
Over the last few years, CLAAS has been riculture, in the light of its commitment to be removed.
playing a leading role in the mechanisation transform the agriculture sector and double • There is a growing demand-supply
of silage production for cattle feed. Though farmers’ income. The Sub Mission on Agri- mismatch in skilled manpower where
India is the world leader in milk production, cultural Mechanization (SMAM) is a signifi- Private sector also needs to play a more
productivity of our cattle is very low. One of cant initiative by GoI in this direction. The active role.
the main reasons for this is the high cost, government has introduced the concept of

In conversation
Committed to Sustainability
LDC, a global merchandiser of agri Commodities and processors, have been in existence for more than
170 years. Founded in France by Leopard Louis Dryfus, LDC today operates in more than 100 countries.
With more than 17000 Employees across different sectors and different parts of the world, the company
has various businesses and platforms, and is present across edible oil and seeds, cereals such as wheat,
rice and barley, sugar, coffee, cotton and feed solutions. “We believe in afour pillar strategy. Of which one
and two are trading and assets related to our core business,third pillar is more about downstream activities
that includes B2B Sector,offering more solution to our customers and fourth pillar is more about technology
and innovation,” says in an interview with Agriculture Today.
What are your activities in program that was launched in 2022.

India? Tell us more about Jagruti.
We started operations in India 26 years Project Jagruthi was launched in 2022
ago in 1997.We have offices in around to support local cotton farmers in adopt-
10 locations in India ,with two main of- ing sustainable practices, further to the
fices - Gurgaon is the head office, and Pink Bollworm (PBW) outbreak that
Bangalore the other strong office,where led to yield losses from limited pink
the research and data science team is bollworm management knowledge.
based. Project Jagruthi workshops aim to mini-
We have two assets in India;one mize yield losses from pest outbreaks,
is the oil refinery in Kandla (Gujarat), increasing cotton production and farm-
where we refine and process soyabean ers' incomes. The workshops empha-
and palm oil. Secondly, we have a coffee size on scientific PBW pest manage-
processing unit in Karnataka,where we ment, supplying pheromone traps and
sort,grade, and process green beans of educational materials. Farmers receive
coffee. We have sales of around 7-10k technical advice and field demonstra-
tonnes per month. In grains, we carry tions, including pheromone trap in-
out operations in wheat,corn,barley, stallation and pest scouting. Project
millets and pulses. We work closely with Jagruthi's success in 2022-23
farmers at one end, and the consumers helped over 7500 Indian farm-
at other end. So,we are supply chain ers to reduce cotton yield
managers. In cotton our operation are loss from PBW. They saw
inmerchandising and supply chain higher yields in 2022/23
management of cotton.In cotton, we also (an additional 1-2 quin-
work closely with farmers on sustainable tals per acre), translat-
program. Project Jagrutiis one such ing to higher earnings
(roughly INR 15000
Regenerative agriculture can help to

address some of the biggest challenges
facing the world today, including climate
change, soil degradation and biodiversity
loss.

In conversation
per acre). It was well received by farmers

and prompted LDC to intensify efforts in
2023-24, focusing on training farmers in
sustainable cotton cultivation and related
practices. In 2023-24, LDC plans to edu-
cate over 22,000 farmers through educa-
tional workshops held in 70 locations
across India.More than 22,000 farmers
have been trained and equipped with over
120,000 pheromone traps across India in
the 2023/24 crop season.
As you know lot of emphasis

today is placed on adoption on
adaptation strategies and how to
cope with climate changes. Is LDC
working in that area? In 2022, LDC rolled out also distributed free to farmers and farm
workers, to safely handle agro-chemicals
LDC is committed to supporting the adop-
tion of regenerative agriculture practices
its Responsible Sourcing such as fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.
throughout its supply chain. Regenerative Program to certify and Are there any women centric
agriculture can help to address some of the
biggest challenges facing the world today, verify over 300 farmers in programmes for LDC?
Yes. In 2020, LDC embarked on a two-year
including climate change, soil degradation
and biodiversity loss. We are educating
India – representing 4,000 project with the Louis Dreyfus Foundation
over 4,000 farmers in Maharashtra on re- MT of coffee, based on the and the Centre for microfinance, to en-
hance the food security and cash incomes
generative agriculture practices. This pro-
ject is expected to produce 20,000 regen-
ethics and sustainability of women smallholder farmers in the district
erative agriculture certified cotton bales, standards, principles of Tonk. This project supported the crea-
tion of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of
which will help farmers to sell at a premium
price in the market. AFPRO will be imple- and provisions enshrined 10 to 20 women per group, who received
menting this project on the ground, and in LDC’s Global Code of training in finance literacy to facilitate ac-
cess to credit for group members. The
experts from Peterson will provide training
on regenerative agriculture. Until now 30 Conduct for Coffee Suppliers project also worked to improve agricultural
villages have been mapped for regenera- knowledge and production skills among
tive agriculture certification, including over women smallholders, with a focus on low-
4,000 farmers and 300 soil samples have cost, organic farming methods, water har-
been submitted to NBSS and KVK for test- LDC also runs a Coffee vesting and crop diversification. Since its
ing. Sustainability Initiative. Please beginnings in 2020, the project has trained
Demo farmers have been identified elaborate. over 4,232 women farmers.
for drip irrigation, and discussions are in In 2022, LDC rolled out its Responsible In addition to increased productivity,
progress with government departments Sourcing Program to certify and verify over project participants saw an average
for subsidies. Discussions are ongoing 300 farmers in India – representing 4,000 41% improvement in their incomes, as
with Indian Meteorological Department MT of coffee, based on the ethics and sus- better food production practices allowed
scientific data to calculate reductions in tainability standards, principles and provi- participating women farmers to generate a
carbon emissions. By the end odf the seaso sions enshrined in LDC’s Global Code of food surplus that covered their household
we are expecting a marked reduction in Conduct for Coffee Suppliers. LDC is also food requirements for months. Due to its
GHG/carbon emissions and increase in supporting more than 1,500 farmers to im- success, the program has been extended
soil organic carbon. Improved irrigation prove their soil fertility. As part of this initia- until 2024 and aims to empower 6,000
structures, financial literacy and access to tive, LDC organized the distribution of first women farmers in 100 villages across
financial services, with a focus on using aid kits to provide emergency primary treat- the region, through crop diversification,
farmer group structures to improve access ment in case of accidents in farms and in- improved livestock production and efficient
to credit are some of the other expected stall boards to prevent accidents. Full sets water use. 450 farmer groups will also be
outcomes. of Personal Protective Equipment were trained in financial literacy to apply for
government funding.
Agri Financing
Financing Agriculture
Value Chains in India
F
inancing agriculture value
chains (FAVC) is the provision
and management of financial
services that cater to the spe-
cific needs and characteristics
of the AVCs, such as short-term work-
ing capital, medium-term investment,
and long-term asset building. FAVC can
help overcome the constraints and chal-
lenges faced by the traditional sources
of agricultural finance, such as informal
moneylenders, cooperatives, and banks,
which often fail to meet the demand and
diversity of the farm sector.
However, FAVC in India is still at a
nascent stage, and faces several chal-
lenges, such as lack of awareness, in-
formation asymmetry, high transaction
costs, collateral requirements, and regu-
latory barriers. These challenges limit the
access and affordability of FAVC for mil-
lions of small and marginal farmers, who
constitute about 86% of the total farm
holdings in India and hinder their partici-
pation and integration in the AVCs.
Agriculture Value Chain Finance and incomes.

Community-Based Value Chain
FAVC can help overcome the
Models
Producer-Driven Value Chain Model:
Model: In this model, communities work constraints and challenges
together to create, deliver, and capture
This model empowers producers, such as value in the agricultural chain. The SRI faced by the traditional sources
farmers or cooperatives, to influence vari- (System of Rice Intensification) approach
ous value chain activities, from production in states like Andhra Pradesh involves
of agricultural finance, such
to marketing. The Amul cooperative model communities adopting innovative rice as informal moneylenders,
in Gujarat is a classic example where dairy cultivation techniques collectively, lead-
farmers have significant control over pro- ing to increased yields and income. cooperatives, and banks, which
Horticulture Value Chain Model:
ducing, processing, and marketing milk
and milk products under a common brand.
often fail to meet the demand and
Buyer-Driven Value Chain Model: diversity of the farm sector.
Buyers, such as processors or retailers,
have a strong influence over value chain
activities, including sourcing, distribution,
and branding. The ITC e-Choupal initia- About the Author
tive in Madhya Pradesh leverages infor-
Mahadev Trimbak Kakade
mation technology to connect farmers
with markets, providing quality inputs and Chief Manager (Research)
services, thereby enhancing productivity SBIRB, Hyderabad

Agri Financing
Focused on fruits and vegetables, this

model emphasizes efficient post-harvest
handling, processing, and marketing
to minimize losses. Safal, a venture by
Mother Dairy, operates in several states
and facilitates the aggregation, process-
ing, and retailing of fresh fruits and veg-
etables.
Precision Farming Value Chain
Model: This model integrates technol-
ogy for precision farming practices, in-
cluding data-driven decision-making and
resource optimization. Companies like
RML AgTech offer precision agriculture vided by marketing companies, usually in • Weak institutional and policy support
solutions in Maharashtra, helping farm- the form of advance payments, contracts, for promoting value chain develop-
ers with data-driven insights to optimize or guarantees.Lead firm financingis pro- ment and innovation, such as farmer
crop production. vided by a lead firmto its suppliers or producer organizations, contract
Organic Farming Value Chain Mod- distributors, usually in the form of inputs,
el: Focused on organic produce, this farming, e-markets, etc.
technical assistance, or market access.
model includes certification, processing, Receivables financing is based on the
and marketing of organic products. The value of the receivables, or the money
Opportunities
Sikkim Organic Mission in Sikkim sup- owed by the buyers, rather than the cred- • Leveraging digital technologies and
ports farmers in transitioning to organic itworthiness of the seller. The lender pro- platforms to improve information
farming, ensuring a complete value chain vides funds to the farmer or agribusiness flow, traceability, quality assurance
for organic produce. by purchasing or discounting the receiva- and financial inclusion along the val-
Poultry Value Chain Model: This bles, or by using them as collateral. ue chain.
model covers the entire poultry produc- Physical asset collateralization is • Developing and scaling up success-
tion cycle, including feed, farming, and based on the value of the physical as- ful models of value chain financing
processing. Venky's in Tamil Nadu is a sets and the lender provides funds to that involve multiple stakeholders.
vertically integrated poultry company the farmer or agribusiness by using the
with operations ranging from feed pro- • Enhancing the infrastructure and lo-
assets as collateral or by leasing them.
duction to processing and retail. gistics for storage, processing, trans-
Warehouse receiptsare documents that
Aquaculture Value Chain Model: portation and marketing of agricul-
certify the ownership, quantity, and qual-
Focused on fisheries and aquaculture, ity of a stored agricultural product and tural produce, especially for perish-
this model includes hatcheries, farming, can be used as collateral for loans, as able and quality-sensitive products.
and processing. The Vannamei shrimp evidence for contracts, or as instruments • Strengthening the institutional and
farming value chain in Andhra Pradesh for trading. policy support for promoting value
integrates hatcheries, farms, and pro- chain development and innovation,
cessing units to meet global demand for
Challenges such as creating a national agricul-
shrimp.
• Lack of access to formal credit and tural market, easing regulatory con-
insurance for small and marginal straints, and providing incentives for
Agricultural Value Chain Finance value addition.
farmers, who often depend on infor-
Instruments mal sources of finance. In conclusion, financing agricultural
Product financing is a type of financing value chains (FAVC) in India is pivotal
• High transaction costs and risks in-
that is based on the value of the agricul- for advancing the farm sector's efficiency
volved in linking farmers to markets,
tural product itself, rather than the credit- and farmers' income. The diversity of
especially for perishable and quality-
worthiness of the borrower.Trader creditis agriculture value chain finance models,
sensitive products.
provided by traders or middlemen to farm- such as producer-driven and buyer-driv-
• Inadequate infrastructure and logis- en approaches, coupled with a range of
ers or agribusinesses, usually in the form
tics for storage, processing, trans- financial instruments and digital innova-
of inputs, cash, or deferred payments.Input
portation and marketing of agricul- tions, provides a nuanced strategy to ad-
supplier creditis provided by input suppli-
tural produce. dress the challenges. The convergence
ers, such as seed, fertilizer, or pesticide
• Fragmented and unregulated mar- of effective value chain financing and
companies, to farmers or agribusinesses, comprehensive support systems will be
kets that limit the bargaining power
usually in the form of inputs on credit or crucial in unlocking the sector's full po-
and price discovery for farmers and
discounts. tential and fostering sustainable growth.
consumers.
Marketing company credit is pro-

Case Study
Farmer Field Schools

Learning by Doing
M
ost farmers in Northern In-
dia have a good awareness Perishable items such as vegetables and flowers have
of agriculture practices and
mechanization; though not
enormous potential but, due to climate change and
in equal terms throughout erratic patterns of rain and wind, these can also incur
the region they at least have exposure
to the developing trends in the agrarian
huge losses.
sector. Since the early Green Revolution,
diversification, catering to market demand,
Punjab has been at the core of boosting VDCs are social institutions that lead
changing climatic patterns, and availability
agricultural productivity and meeting the holistic development activities and
of forward and backward linkages through-
food security of the nation, with more fo- help select appropriate beneficiaries
out the year. Learnings from the area were
cus on cereal crops and pulses. Over time, for project-related interventions. The
broad-based for replication within the semi-
landholding size was reduced and the next committee also governs the project
arid areas of Haryana. Furthermore, it was
two generations had to survive on the por- activities during and beyond the pro-
planned to convene farmer meetings at
tion of land they received in lineage as per ject period.
different Village Development Committee
the applicability of the law. Currently about
(VDC) levels to increase awareness about
54 percent of the population is dependent
the field schools.Farmer Field Schools thus
upon agriculture directly or indirectly. How-
integrate modern and climate-resilient ag-
ever, there is a meager 20.3 percent of the
riculture techniques for assured crop pro-
total GDP contribution from the sector.
ductivity and diversity, focusing on climate-
Agriculture has the scope to evolve and
suitable off-season vegetables.
produce much more diversified and quality
products to capture a better portion of the
Farmer Field School in Nuh,
GDP. Perishable items such as vegetables
and flowers have enormous potential but,
Haryana
With advice from thematic experts, and
due to climate change and erratic patterns
collaboration of farmers, a Farmer Field
of rain and wind, these can also incur huge
School was established at the field of
losses. Thus, farmer’s motivation and will-
Md. Akhlak, Hamzapur village, under the
ingness to continue farming as an informed
HDFC Parivartan Project being implement-
livelihood option is a must.
ed by Sehgal Foundation.
Akhlak and his father, Iqbal, are hard-
Farmer Field Schools
working and progressive, despite a small
In order to address issues such as mono-
landholding of three acres collectively.
cropping, flood irrigation, and traditional
Both showed keen interest in new practices
methods of farming, Sehgal Foundation
like on-farm seed trials and crop diversity.
formulated the concept of “Farmer Field
However, they did not succeed. When
Schools” in 2020 and tested the model in
About the Authors the VDC proposed them for Farmer Field
different districts in the states of Haryana
Kailash Prasad Gupta, and School intervention, they were sceptical,
and Uttar Pradesh, which paved way for a
Akhilesh Sharma largely about the practices involved, such
positive response garnering appreciation
S M Sehgal Foundation as staking in tomato, but their inherent will-
from the farming community along with
ingness to do something new prompted
positive results. This model has been a
them to move forward.
promising intervention, aligning with crop

Case Study
Built at a total cost of ₹3,80,000/-, the

beneficiary farmer contributed 25 percent
of the total project cost. As the engagement
of both the farmer and the field specialists
intensified, the Farmers Field School read-
ies itself as an income-generating model
along with climate-resilient techniques.
The field schools will be studied as a crop-
ping cycle is completed. The crop basket
was considered to include tomatoes as the
major crop in the field, and ridge gourd and
bottle gourd as border crops. Subsequent-
ly, with healthy saplings raised in-house,
they were transplanted in January 2023,
following all customized practices along
with the judicious doses of micronutrients
and timely bamboo staking of the tomatoes
for enhanced plant growth and prevention
of soilborne diseases.
Profit Maximisation and Better

Soils
It was observed further that as the plants
remained healthier throughout the flower-
ing and fruiting stages with more than 1.5
times the yield of regular crop production
in tomatoes. Furthermore, the intervention
led to improvement in the colour, shape,
size, and quality of the produce. The area
that was averse to crop diversification, and
the notion that vegetable farming would in-
cur losses was broken by the intervention;
and about 314 farmers from the nearby vil-
lages visited Akhlak’s farm to understand
the practices. Over a dozen farmers also
agement across the season and harvested
Farmer Field Schools are well suited
to the trans-Gangetic plains, which
Farmer Field Schools thus bumper produce.
come under agro-climatic zone VI, integrate modern and Akhlaq and his father have used the
increased income to fund education and
with a semi-arid climate and higher
temperature during summers. It fea-
climate-resilient agriculture repaid loans against their mortgaged 0.5
tures technology, implements, and techniques for assured crop acres of land. Out of the gross income of
₹1,62,000, they reinvested about ₹30,000
farming practices that can be adopt-
ed throughout the crop cultivation
productivity and diversity, for the next cycle of strawberries and to-
cycle. These practices include a poly focusing on climate-suitable matoes from September onward. As the
count (yield) spread to 19.75 tonnes, fetch-
house, soilless nursery, fencing, so-
lar spray pumps, mulching and drip,
off-season vegetables. ing more income, it can further continue in
the coming years if the production is main-
and other agriculture equipment
tained.The farmer observed that not only
such as light traps and yellow stick-
introduced some of the practices such as is there increased income from the new
ers. All these work for the benefit of
mulching, fencing, and staking into their practices, but the intervention has allowed
the farmer and also as a demonstra-
fields. On the contrary to conventional for soil health management by crop rotation
tion for other farmers, providing con-
farming, farmers followed integrated nutri- and enabling regeneration of soil microbial
tinuous assistance.
ent management and integrated pest man- activity along with nutrient management.

State Focus
Agriculture Roadmap
A Multi-sectoral and Holistic approach
T
he state government stress- Marcha Dhan.
ing for 'Rainbow Revolution'
has laid its focus on increas- Increase in crop production and
ing the production of pulses, productivity
vegetables, fruits, milk, fish, There has been qualitative increase in pro-
and animal husbandry, alongside ce- duction and productivity of major crops as
reals. Attending to this requirement, a a result of implementation of Agriculture
holistic strategy was chalked out by the Roadmaps.
state government for the first time in 2008 • Rice: The productivity of rice in the
called “Agriculture Roadmap” aimed to- year 2007-08 was 12.37 quintals per
wards enhancing the income and promot- hectare which increased to 24.96 quin-
ing the welfare of agricultural producers. tals per hectare in the year 2021-22. As
Thus far, the government has launched a result of the implementation of the agri-
three Agriculture Roadmaps, each with a About the Author cultural roadmap, the average productiv-
set vision and brought together 12 depart- Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, ity of rice has doubled. The average pro-
ments that are linked to the agriculture Secretary, Department of duction of rice increased from 42.66 lakh
sector. The implementation of Agriculture Agriculture and Department of metric tonnes to 71.31 lakh metric tonnes
Roadmaps led to multifarious positive ef- Transport, during the same period.
fects on the agriculture and allied sector Government of Bihar • Wheat: During the period preced-
in Bihar. To begin with, the state of Bi- ing Agriculture Roadmap i.e., 2003-04
har was accorded with prestigious “Krishi to 2007-08, the average productivity of
Karman Award” five times between 2011- 27,77,925 agricultural wheat was 18.29 quintals per hectare
2018. More importantly, there has been
qualitative increase in production and machines have been provided which increased to 28.89 quintals per
hectare during 2017-18 to 2021-22.
productivity of major crops as a result
of implementation of Agriculture Road-
to the farmers at subsidized Moreover, the average production of
wheat increased from 37.97 lakh metric
maps. Further, over the period the state rates, as a result of which tonnes to 62.82 lakh metric tonnes during
has also been able to leave a footprint in
the global agricultural scenario by receiv-
the farm power availability in the same period.
• Maize: During 2003-04 to 2007-
ing Geographical indications (GI) tag for the state has increased from 08, the average productivity of maize
Katarni Rice, Jardalu Mango, Shahi Li-
tchi, Magahi Paan, Mithila Makhana and 1.23 kW to 3.21 kW. was 25.04 quintals per hectare which
increased to 50.26 quintals per hectare
during 2017-18 to 2021-22. The aver-
age production of maize increased from
15.97 lakh metric tonnes to 33.72 lakh
metric tonnes during the same period.
• Fruits & vegetables: The produc-
tion of fruits in the pre-agriculture road-
map period was 32.2 lakh metric tonnes,
which has increased to 45.36 lakh metric
tonnes. Additionally, vegetable produc-
tion increased from 101.03 lakh metric
tonnes to 169.25 lakh metric tonnes dur-
ing the same period.
• Mushroom: In the year 2021-22,

State Focus
the state has achieved the highest posi-

tion with a total mushroom production of
28,000 MT, which is 10.82 percent of the
total mushroom production produced in
the country.
• Honey: In Bihar, Muzaffarpur (9000
MT), East Champaran and Begusarai
(2500 MT) and Vaishali (1305 MT) are
ranked first, second and third respectively
in honey production. The total production
of honey in the year 2021-22 is 20477.64
metric tonnes, which marks Bihar at an
important place at the national level in
the field of honey production.
dent of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu on
Digital agriculture
By embracing technological advancements
In the fourth Agriculture 18th October 2023. In the fourth Agricul-
ture Roadmap, a strong action plan has
for facilitating enhanced reach of scheme Roadmap, a strong action been devised for sensor-based technol-
benefits to farmers, arrangements were
made by the Agriculture Department for
plan has been devised for ogy. Further, Improved varieties of pulses,
oilseeds, and millets, which have been
Aadhaar-based registration of farmers. Un- sensor-based technology neglected till now, will be developed soon.
der this, a total of 1.90 crore farmers have Efforts will be made to increase the pace
been registered, out of which 72 per cent roadmap, a total of 48,956 agricultural ma- of research and development by incorpo-
belong to the category of small farmers chines were made available to the farmers. rating the latest technology in these crops.
and 20 per cent are marginal farmers. The Thus far, 27,77,925 agricultural machines To give impetus to necessary research
digitization has eased out the process of have been provided to the farmers at sub- and technology development, an incentive
benefit transfer of various schemes to the sidized rates, as a result of which the farm based innovative experiment is envisaged
farmers and the database is being used by power availability in the state has increased that will provide continuity to research and
other departments. from 1.23 kW to 3.21 kW. technology development and pave the
way for creation of technology as per re-
Promotion of modern agricultural Fourth Agriculture Roadmap quirement. Along with this, the provision
machinery The fourth Krishi Roadmap 2023-28 for of 'Flexi Fund' to each universities every
Prior to the implementation of agricultural Bihar was launched by the Hon’ble Presi- year will provide strength to such essential

State Focus
Hon’ble President of India, Smt. DroupadiMurmu launching the fourth Krishi Roadmap 2023-28 for Bihar
research. By making good use of the new works ever done. sumption system which is sustainable &
technology and with the continuous efforts, Working on the principle of 'Save and profitable in nature and is evolving based
all the land records of the state will be cor- Develop' in Agriculture, Bihar is moving on the need and demand of the consum-
rected by 2024 and the door to consolida- towards 'real agriculture' by integrating ers. To cater to the farmers’ need for
tion will open. Undoubtedly, this will give a so-called primary agriculture and sec- technology dissemination, "Gyan Vahan,
new dimension to agriculture and will be ondary agriculture. Therefore, efforts are Vikas Vahan", equipped with more than a
counted among the greatest land reform being made to develop a production-con- thousand technologies, will bring the light
of agricultural knowledge and science to
every village and will provide full support
in achieving the goal of Rainbow Revolu-
tion.
.The agriculture roadmaps are state’s
response to the need for a holistic sys-
tem-based futuristic plan which can si-
multaneously enhance the productivity,
profitability, equity and environmental
sustainability through integrating crop,
cash crop, horticulture, livestock, fisher-
ies, agroforestry, watershed-based soil
and water management, social capital
formation, agro-processing, and market-
ing in an end-to-end mode. The above-
mentioned initiatives and programs un-
der the gamut of Agriculture Roadmap
are proof that steps have been taken by
the state government in the right direction
and the past growth process of the state's
economy is not a short-term phenom-
Enhancing women farmer awareness and participation – Soil Health Card distribution in Sheohar enon, but the beginning of a long-term
district of Bihar stable growth process.

Regular Posting Date 27-28 DL(ND)-11/6128/2024-25-26
Date of Printing 23 RNI No. 68745/98
Post Office: Lodhi Road

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