Sanjay Sethi

#ACROPICS is a large network of partners and Sustainable Agricultural Systems ( #SAS ) - across 12 countries and 4 continents - which are co-developing Agroecological Crop Protection methods. In India #GramDishaTrust ( www.gramdisha.org ) (GDT) - is a SAS based in Himachal Pradesh - collaborating with 3 Natural Farming Farmer Producer Companies (NF FPCs) - to co-develop such solutions. The solutions range not just from production aspects - but also Food Systems Transformations drivers - such as market linkage, price discovery, Carbon estimation - among other innovations. From a systems perspective it is not just production which is to be address - but also the supply/value chains, finance, markets and consumer behavior - which influence a producers practice. Here is an article in Tehelka by Deepanwita Niyogi - which highlights these aspects of #ACROPICS, GDT and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan - who are co-designing solutions for #TheSmall holder farmers of the Himalayas. More #SAS across the worlds are detailing their endeavors and soon, we may see results of these in public domain in the years to come. More here - https://lnkd.in/g7EDRX24 #NoFarmersNoFood #KnowFarmersKnowFood #Vocal4LocalGlobal https://lnkd.in/gbUn9M9K

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🌱 Sustainable Packaging for Tea & Coffee: The Path to Net Zero 🌍 As the tea and coffee industry evolves, so must our approach to packaging. It’s time to embrace bio-based, plastic-free solutions that meet global sustainability standards. 🚫🌍 With increasing regulations like EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and international targets such as CoP29 and Net Zero, manufacturers need to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining product quality. Our cutting-edge, OK Compost-certified packaging ensures taste and aroma preservation while aligning with decarbonization goals. ♻️🍃 Partner with us in leading the way for greener packaging. Let’s ensure your tea and coffee are as sustainable as they are refreshing! ☕🍵 #SustainablePackaging #BioBasedSolutions #NetZero #Decarbonization #EPR #OKCompost #CoP29 #GreenInnovation

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#Maharashtra state government has confirmed milk subsidy and #SMP #exportsubsidy for #dairyfarmers and processors respectively on July 2nd 2024. They did the same on July 19th 2018 also. The timing, the #milkprice challenge, farmers’ despair, massive SMP stockpiles, the price parity of #dairycommodities particularly SMP, with #globaldairyprices, and the Global Dairy Trade index drop 5% on July 3, 2018, compared to 6.9% down on 2nd July 2, 2024—nothing has changed. The how can we expect different results by doing the same thing? If the combination of #milksubsidy and #exportsubsidy was a solution in 2018, why is the industry standing at the same crossroads again? Read in a comparative analysis of July 2018 situation versus today in a blog by Kuldeep Sharma .. Indian Dairy Association Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Varsha Joshi R S Sodhi Suruchi Consultants Saloni Sharma Dhruv Sharma Devinder Sharma National Dairy Development Board Ndri Graduates https://lnkd.in/g_Z_4eUz

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Are #milksubsidies and #milkpowder #exportsubsidies truly #sustainable solutions? In #Maharashtra, a similar approach was taken six years ago, yet #dairyfarmers find themselves at the same crossroads today. They are now rejecting the ₹35 milk price, even after a ₹5 subsidy as they want minimum Rs 40 per kgs. Moreover, over two-thirds of processors cannot benefit from the export subsidy as they sell fresh category products. So, who are these #subsidies really for? Spend 5 minutes reading an insightful analysis on how history has repeated itself in just six years. The million-dollar question remains: "Can we expect different results by doing the same things under similar circumstances?"

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#COP29: Join food systems thought leaders at this Asian Development Bank (ADB)-hosted side event which will feature ADB’s innovative partnerships for food systems transformation. IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto will be moderating the high-level panel on sustainable food systems in Asia and guide discussions with esteemed experts, including CGIAR Executive Managing Director Ismahane Elouafi on how partnerships for climate action and increased investments in evidence-based solutions can transform food security across the region. #IRRIatCOP29 #FoodSystems #ClimateAction #COP29 #OneCGIAR

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Chana, Mustard may follow Soybean Sans Futures Trade Restart Soybean crisis is almost over (despite sluggish prices) as Maharashtra goes for polls on 20th Nov. Dilution in moisture norm, addl per/ha subsidy may do its bit in polls. Will Chana (#chickpea) & Mustard (#rapeseed) become next #Soybean is a key issue. Likely rise in Acreage in both crops due to better rates, ample water, elevated edible oil prices may yield bumper output in Mar-Apr. On the other hand, prices of Australian #chana and local markets are hinting at more declines, likely edible oil duty cut, huge NAFED stock or sharp correction in global edible oil mkt may drag #mustard below MSP. Current rates of both crops reasonably attractive for Farmers if they can realize it for their Rabi harvests. Unfortunately, suspension of Chana, Mustard Futures are depriving farmers of remunerative prices. Time is opportune for all stakeholders (Exchanges, Farm Leaders, Politicians--opposition to be precise, trade bodies, and think tanks) to fight for getting futures trading back in all suspended/banned agri-derivatives, including #Tur, Urad, #Moong and #Rice in addition to Soy complex and Palm oil. May be Delhi State Polls will have Chana/Mustard crisis as a major issue. My article on the issue: https://lnkd.in/dCrbNhW8 Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP)Indian Nationalist Congress Party - SharadChandra PawarNationalist Congress PartyShivsenaShivsena RajasthanNCDEXMulti Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.NSE IndiaBSEIndiaBSE E - Agricultural Markets (BEAM) PRABINA RAJIBIndian Institute of Management AhmedabadIndian Institute of Management BangaloreIndian Institute of Management, CalcuttaICRISATICRIERPahle India FoundationNITI Aayog OfficialMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of IndiaSEBIMadhabi Puri BuchVoice of CPAI: Commodity participants Association of IndiaVAMNICOM OUTREACHmedia-e- niama-IDEA, NAARM-TBINational Commodities Management Services LimitedICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy ResearchPCMU SMARTMAGNET_Maharashtra Agribusiness NetworkWorld Bank Development EconomicsTamil Nadu Agricultural UniversityKrishi JagranWorld Agriculture ForumAgriculture Today GroupAgriculture by S&P Global Commodity InsightsNDTV ProfitNDTV NetworkTimes NowCNBC-TV18ZEE Business

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#NewBlog 🍅 Despite being one of the world’s leading producers of food, India deals with substantial food loss and waste (FLFW), especially in its tomato supply chain, where postharvest losses reach a staggering 11.61%. This not only affects farmers' livelihoods but also worsens nutritional insecurity and contributes to increased carbon emissions. In their latest blog, Shweta Lamba and Dr. Ruchika Singh, WRI India explore the complexities of FLFW in tomatoes, offering insights from their recent working paper. They discuss the multifaceted challenges facing farmers, the ripple effects on food availability, and the urgent need for effective strategies to reduce waste throughout the supply chain. 🍅 Key takeaways include:  ➡️ Understanding the scope of FLFW in India  ➡️Assessing its impact on farmers and the broader community  ➡️Exploring innovative solutions to mitigate losses and enhance sustainability Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/dEmSkXs9 🍅   #FoodLoss #PostHarvestLosses #FoodWaste #SustainableAgriculture #India #FoodSecurity #SupplyChain 

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Challenges and reforms in India's Agriculture and Food Processing Sectors:   ❇️ Challenges: Yield persists below global averages, amplified by increased marginal land holdings, inadequate land records for credit access and dependency on monsoons   ❇️ Food Processing Potential: India, the 14th largest food exporter, holds only a 2% share in global processed food exports With the sector projected to reach US$ 535bn by 2025-26, driven by post-Covid demand shift towards processed foods like health foods and RTE meals, there is vast scope to enhance exports ❇️ Prospects and reforms: Food processing industry has attracted over US$ 10bn in cumulative FDI from FY01 to FY22, reflecting robust investor confidence and growth prospects Policy changes which could uplift agricultural income: 1️⃣ Land leasing law reforms 2️⃣ Access to quality seeds 3️⃣ Shift to micro irrigation 4️⃣ Improving pricing mechanism and competition Read our perspective on India's growth story in our latest analysis: https://lnkd.in/g3yWc689 Kulmani Rana Preksha Razdan Rohit Rawat Akshay Garg

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Over 73 per cent of Agriculture Budget goes towards welfare measures, subsidies: ICRIER New Delhi [India], August 2 (ANI): Food and fertilizer subsidies account for more than 50 per cent of the Union Budget for the rural and agrarian sector in FY25, highlighted a report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). The report noted that in the Union Budget document for 2024-25, the central government has allocated Rs. 6.2 trillion for the agriculture sector, which constitutes 13 per cent of the overall budget of Rs. 48.2 trillion in FY25. Out of this, the food subsidy allocation accounts for 30 per cent of the entire agrarian budget, amounting to Rs. 2,05,250 crores. The fertilizer subsidy accounts for 24 per cent of the agriculture budget, with an allocation of Rs. 1,64,000 crores. The total expenditure for the rural-agrarian sector is approximately Rs. 6.2 trillion, which constitutes 13 per cent of the overall budget of Rs. 48.2 trillion in FY25. The report also pointed out that despite this significant investment of Rs. 6.2 trillion, the focus remains heavily skewed toward welfare measures and subsidies, such as food and fertilizer subsidies, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). All these account for Rs. 4.55 trillion, or over 73 per cent of the total agriculture budget expenditure. “The budget for the rural-agrarian sector is heavily skewed towards welfare measures, with food, fertilizer, and MGNREGS accounting for Rs. 4.55 trillion, or 9 per cent of the total budget expenditure. The focus on welfare measures, which comprise the bulk of the budget for the rural-agrarian sector, requires immediate rationalization,” said the report by agriculture economist Ashok Gulati and Purvi Thangraj. It added that while these initiatives aim to improve living conditions, they have not effectively addressed the underlying issue of low rural incomes, which currently average less than Rs. 20,000 per month for rural families. The report suggests ways to re-orient these policies and with better preparation. However, the key question for the government is whether they are ready to take these bold steps to transform the rural agriculture sector. According to agriculture economist Gulati, every rupee spent on agricultural research and development yields much better returns (11.2) compared to returns on every rupee spent on fertilizer subsidy (0.88), power subsidy (0.79), education (0.97), or on roads (1.10). He added that this makes a compelling argument for rationalizing these subsidies and investing their savings in developmental expenditures like agri R&D. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dtx-c4D6 #India #Sugar #Sugarcane #ChiniMandi #Agriculure #Agrimandi

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In August 2024, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released the draft of ‘The Sugar (Control) Order, 2024’. As the government sought feedback from #SugarMills, #traders, and other key #stakeholders, ChiniMandi.com—India’s leading digital news and networking portal for the #sugar, #ethanol, and related industries—decided to bring these key voices together for comprehensive discussions under one roof. Consequently, ChiniMandi organized a series of brainstorming sessions with senior experts from the #SugarIndustry in Kolhapur and Goa. A Committee of experts and visionaries was set up to delve into the matter thoroughly. The members are- Mr. M.G. Joshi G. Joshi (MD – Jawahar SSSK), Mr. P. G. Medhe (Ex. MD – Chh. Rajaram SSK), Mr. M. V. Patil (MD – Datta SSSK), Mr. vijay autade (Ex. MD – Chh. Shahu SSK), Mr. Jitu Shah (Chairman, JK Sugars & Commodities), Mr. Mohan Narang (MD, KS Commodities), Mr. Rahil Shaikh (MD, MEIR Commodities), Mr. Husain Gangardiwala (Director, Najmuddin Trading Company), Mr. Janeesh Patel (Director, Samarpan Sugar), Mr. Uppal Shah (Co-founder & CEO, JK Group Official), Mr. HEMANT Shah (Co-founder & Dy. CEO, JK Group Official), Mr. Rahul Desai (Legal Team, ChiniMandi.com). Read the finalised set of well-considered suggestions that aim to address the industry’s current needs while ensuring its #SustainableGrowth and compliance with regulatory requirements: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gKRSAsYa #SugarControlOrder1966 #DraftSugarControlOrder #RoundTableConference #Kolhapur #Goa #SugarIndustryNews #IndustryExperts #SugarPolicy #SugarByproducts #Regulations #Policy #India #GOI

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The #Budget FY 25 has been presented, and while it's encouraging to see the Indian government prioritizing #productivity and #climateresilience in #agriculture and #alliedsectors, it's disappointing to note the absence of any mention of #livestock. Livestock contributes approximately 25% of the total agricultural #GDP in low and middle-income countries (#LMICs), providing a vital livelihood source for hundreds of millions of poor people. However, livestock production faces significant threats from climate change, with rising temperatures and unpredictable #weather patterns drastically impacting how livestock feed, produce, and reproduce. In #India, the need for climate-resilient #dairying is urgent. As temperatures rise and weather becomes more erratic, traditional livestock management practices are increasingly challenged. Adaptation and resilience strategies are essential to ensure the sustainability of livestock farming, a cornerstone of rural livelihoods and the agricultural economy. The visualization on the screen is a joint production of SEBI Livestock, University of Edinburgh, The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), the @The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems GAAFS at the University of Edinburgh, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya. These organizations are members of the Livestock Data for Decisions (#LD4D) Community. This comprehensive map highlights the adaptive measures livestock keepers globally are employing to build resilience against climate change. It showcases the vast potential for promoting climate resilience within the livestock sector through various means, including: Heat and Drought-Tolerant Breeds and Climate-Adapted Feeds Let us explore five transformative case studies from India that have paved the way for creating climate-resilient livestock ecosystems. Indian Dairy Association Ndri Graduates Saloni SharmaDhruv Sharma Dairynews7x7 Kuldeep Sharma Suruchi Consultants National Dairy Development Board Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Varsha Joshi https://lnkd.in/gGFmM5ZV  

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It is important to include livestock into top priority of Productivity and Climate resilient agriculture. This video showcase 5 case studies from India wherein efforts of various stakeholers is reducing emissions from the livestock at small holder level.

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#SuSPNF - Enabling Sustainable Food Systems through Natural Farming - International Conference 2nd Circular. This details about the session for presentation by participants from India and other countries. There is also possibilities of field visits to different Natural Farms and witnessing the functioning of CETARA-NF certification at play for market linkage. Overwhelming number of papers have been recieved for this event, showcasing the importance of the topic! Do share and plan. #NoFarmersNoFood #KnowFarmersKnowFood #Vocal4LocalGlobal #SustainableFoodSystems

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"Tripartite collaboration essential to overcome food and nutritional security challenges," write Joachim von Braun & Ashok Gulati in Financial Express today. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gBmeE27z Financial Express (India) #AgEcon #Agri-investment #sustainableagriculture #ICAE2024

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The Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and Aquaculture Index (WEFI) framework highlights key enablers and barriers that impact women’s participation and reveals critical gaps that must be addressed to enhance their agency and decision-making power within the sector.

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