SHIMLA: Over 70 participants from diverse backgrounds, representing states such as Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, recently convened at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni for Consortium for Agroecological Transformations (CAT), North Region Convening to discuss systemic change for transformative pathways through agroecology.
The convening was organised by the CAT in joint collaboration with UHF Nauni, and GIZ India. Partners for the event included India Climate Collaborative, Bharat Agroecology Fund, CEEW, Kheti Virasat Mission, HimRRA Network, and others.
This event marked the sixth convening with the North India Chapter as part of a national initiative to scale up farmer-centric, landscape-based agroecology transitions. The convening featured several experts discussing various aspects of agroecological transformation in the northern region of India. The participants included agroecology practitioners, civil society leaders, NGOs, farmer groups, scientists,state government officials, and donors.
During the inaugural session, renowned food policy expert Devinder Sharma said: “We need to think about the future model of agriculture, emphasising the importance of adopting agroecology at a large scale. There is a strong need to allocate more budget to agriculture and maximise farmers' share in the price paid by consumers. Farmers' incomes are among the lowest, not only in India but across the world. We need to re-engineer economic policies to make farming attractive for youths and help them grow healthy and safe food.” He also appreciated the efforts of UHF on natural farming.
Prof. Rajeshwar S. Chandel, UHF Vice Chancellor highlighted the multiple benefits of natural farming for the farming community, consumer health, and the environment. He noted that several national and state programs could be utilised to promote natural farming, emphasising the need for collaboration between institutions and civil society. “All of us have to come together and join hands to promote agroecology. It will help in the development of rural areas and address climate change,” he said.
Minhaj Ameen from the Bharat Agroecology Fund said, “India is striving to overhaul its food systems and agroecology has emerged as a possible and promising solution to address multiple crises. There is a call for significant efforts to ensure collaboration among diverse ecosystem stakeholders working towards agroecology in different capacities and to build wider support and a narrative for agroecology.” “CAT is a collaborative platform that brings together diverse stakeholders across the agroecological value chain in India,” said Ameen.
Ute Rieckmann, head of GiZ India’s Support to Agroecological Transformation Program, stated that global problems, such as climate change, degradation of biodiversity and land, need global cooperation. Knowledge management and capacity development of institutions and farmers are key aspects. “Conducting research in new avenues like natural farming is very important. It will be beneficial to have more collaborations among several stakeholders,” she added.
Umendra Dutt from Kheti Virasat Mission said, “We need a holistic food production system through collaborations among several ministries, such as health, agriculture, and the environment. A reorientation of the entire agriculture extension system and experts is needed towards organic and natural farming. We need natural farming cells in all KVKs and agricultural universities. Better coordination and collaboration between agricultural scientists and grassroots farmer organisations and NGOs is the need of the hour.”