Training in Artificial Insemination Technique: Opportunity for Rural Employment

Training in Artificial Insemination Technique: Opportunity for Rural Employment

by | Oct 3, 2026 | Blog

Dr. Lata Sharma
Oct 12, 2026
Dr. Lata Sharma
Oct 12, 2026
Introduction

Good Production (milk yield and herd management) and Good Reproduction (breeding efficiency, genetic improvement) contribute to sustainable and profitable dairy farming. Among the reproductive technologies implemented for enhancing reproductive performances of dairy animals, Artificial Insemination (AI) is extremely useful in a country like India where lack of availability of quality sires is a major hurdle in dairy development.

BAIF Central Research Station has been engaged in conducting training courses on AI in cattle and buffaloes for rural youth. There are 5 Artificial Insemination Training Institutes (AITI) in BAIF’s operational areas which are imparting skilled training to unemployed youth. These are AITI-Uttar Pradesh, AITI-Karnataka, AITI-Chaswad, Gujarat and AITI- Maharashtra – one at Uruli Kanchan and the other at Peint, Nashik. The courses are of a duration of three months and provide theoretical and practical know-how along with hands-on experience. These training courses are a boon for the youth as they gain skills leading to either self-employment opportunities in villages or employment in dairy cooperatives.

Training in AI Technique

As AI training is one of the most important tools for delivery of services at the doorsteps of dairy farmers, the training conducted by AITIs is critical for ensuring AI technicians with requisite skills and competencies to undertake artificial insemination services at the doorsteps of smallholders It has been used extensively for breeding dairy cattle and buffaloes where there is no spread of certain infectious diseases. By regular examination of semen after collection and frequent checking on fertility make, early detection of interior males and better breeding efficiency is ensured.

 

 Core Aspects of AI Training

 While AI is highly effective, it requires precision, patience and repetition. Hence, the training course focusses on the following aspects:

Heat Detection and Timing: Technicians are trained to spot behavioural and physiological signs of estrus. Cows showing signs of heat in the morning are typically bred in the evening, and those showing heat in the evening are bred the following morning.

Semen Handling and Thawing: Semen is highly sensitive to environmental factors and temperature shock. Training includes the technique of safe selection of straws from liquid nitrogen, thawing them at temperature range (usually around 35°C to 37°C for about 40–45 seconds), and loading the AI gun.

Recto-Vaginal Technique: Involves inserting the hand delicately into the rectum to manipulate the cervix, while passing the AI gun through the reproductive tract. Trainees practice on live animals and reproductive tracts to learn how to correctly deposit the semen into the body of uterus.

Challenges
  1.  Logistical & Supply Chain Issues
  •  Cold-Chain Interruptions: Maintaining liquid nitrogen (LN₂) and semen straws at specific cryogenic temperatures is necessary.
  • Lack of Advanced Inputs: Accessing sex-sorted semen and high-quality genetic material can be difficult and hence, limits the services extended to progressive farmers. 
  1. Farmer Cooperation & Awareness
  •  Identification of Estrus: The optimal time for insemination is critical. Farmers often fail to identify the exact heat period, leading technicians to perform inseminations outside of the optimal window, resulting in failures.
  • Resistance to Crossbreeding: In some regions, farmers prefer traditional or natural breeding methods due to a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of artificial insemination and high-yield genetics. 
  1. Technical Constraints and Health of Animals
  •  Conception Failures: Factors such as underlying reproductive diseases, poor nutrition, and improper handling can cause repeat insemination which can adversely affect the reputation of technicians and diminish the trust of farmers. 
  1. Geographical and Time Constraints
  •  Vast Service Areas: Technicians need to travel long distances across rural terrain to provide services to a dispersed population of livestock, especially in hilly terrain. 
  1. Low Coverage and Insemination Rates
  •  Despite decades of promotion, cattle and buffaloes are still bred through natural service using scrub bulls in some areas.
  • AI penetration remains limited, covering only 30–33% of the breedable bovine population, leaving a vast majority outside the purview of scientific breeding. 
  1. Lower Conception Rates
  •  Extreme summer heat stress, which reduces fertility.
  • Poor estrus (heat) detection among farmers, leading to ill-timed inseminations.
Benefits

 Artificial insemination is economical because semen from a single bull can be used to inseminate several thousand cows. It has a high rate of successful conception. There is zero maintenance of breeding bull in the herd. It also prevents the spread of certain diseases and sterility due to genital diseases and contagious abortion and vibriosis.

Impact

The impact of AI in India spans across several key areas:

  1. Dairy Industry
  •  Genetic Upgradation: AI enables crossbreeding of indigenous cattle with high yielding exotic breeds such as Jersey and Holstein Friesian, thereby ensuring rapid improvement in milk yield.
  • Increased Milk Yield: Over the last decade, scientific breeding by AI technique has helped to boost national milk production by more than 63%.
  • Cost Efficiency: It is extremely cost-effective with scope for increasing the net daily returns of smallholder farmers.
  • Disease Control: Natural breeding exposes herds to sexually transmitted diseases and injuries. AI significantly reduces the spread of reproductive infections among livestock. 
  1. Rural Youth 
  • Employment generation: Creates livelihood opportunities for unemployed rural youth.
  • Entrepreneurship: Many rural youth set up private AI centres or integrate it with dairy/poultry/goat farming.
  • Community benefit: Improves herd quality, milk production, and income for farmers.
  • This programme well demonstrates how skill development can directly translate into economic empowerment and rural sustainability.
  1. Economic Impact and Initiatives at the National Level
  •  Livelihood Security: AI has become a vital source of rural self-employment. Thousands of grassroots technicians known as Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technician in Rural India (MAITRI) are able to earn their livelihood by delivering services at farmers’ doorsteps.
  • National Programmes: The Government of India has scaled AI benefits through the National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
  • Advanced Techniques: Initiatives such as sex-sorted semen help prevent the birth of unwanted male calves while preserving native breeds, ensuring both productivity and biodiversity.

Dr. Lata Sharma

Associate Program Manager
BAIF, CRS, Uruli Kanchan, Pune

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When Plants Become Part of Butterfly Courtship

When Plants Become Part of Butterfly Courtship

by | Sep 21, 2026 | Blog

Vinod Borse
Sep 21, 2026
Vinod Borse
Sep 21, 2026
Ground-Nesting Bees

A butterfly resting on a flower may appear to be doing something very ordinary – feeding on nectar, collecting nutrients, or simply moving through the landscape. But sometimes there is much more happening than we can see. For certain butterflies and moths, plants can provide not only food but also chemical resources that become important in defence, communication and reproduction; one fascinating group of compounds involved in these relationships is pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), natural chemicals produced by many plants as part of their defence. Some insects have evolved the ability to locate, acquire and tolerate these compounds, turning a plant’s chemical defence into a useful resource of their own.

This relationship is particularly interesting among daniade butterflies. Male butterflies such as the Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus), Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace) and Common Crow (Euploea core) may seek out plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This behaviour, known as pharmacophagy, is different from regular feeding because the insect is seeking a particular chemical resource. After acquisition, the compound may be stored or processed within the insect and become associated with chemical defence and, in some species, as male courtship. Specialised scent structures in males can play an important role in releasing chemical signals during interactions with females. Compounds such as danaidone are associated with the characteristic scent chemistry of danaid butterflies.

The Plain Tiger: When a plant chemical becomes part of the courtship

biomass

The Blue Tiger: A similar chemical strategy

Lantana Bio-Pellets

The Common Crow: Euploea core – A Chemical specialist in Courtship

Lantana Bio-Pellets

The tale becomes even more intriguing with tiger moths such as Utetheisa pulchella. In these insects, the relationship with plant chemistry can begin during the larval stage. A caterpillar feeding on a suitable host plant may acquire pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and some of this chemical resource can remain relevant after metamorphosis. The adult male may then use pyrrolizidine alkaloid-derived chemistry in association with pheromone production and reproductive behaviour. In this way, a decision made by a caterpillar while feeding can potentially have consequences much later in the life of the adult.

Lantana Bio-Pellets
Utethesia pulchella

Heliotropium indicum: More than a nectar source

Plants such as Heliotropium indicum therefore deserve attention beyond their role as sources of nectar. Their chemistry can form part of wider ecological relationships involving insect that use plant-derived compounds. This does not mean that every visit to such a plant has a reproductive purpose; insects may visit plants for several reasons. But in chemically specialised species, a plant encounter can represent an opportunity to acquire something far more valuable than energy.

The connection sometimes extends into mating itself. In some butterflies and moths, males transfer substances to females during copulation as part of a nuptial gift associated with the spermatophore such as a compound originating, storage or processing, male chemical communication and potentially reproductive transfer.

Lantana Bio-Pellets

Heliotropium indicum

This hidden movement of chemistry gives us another way to look at butterflies and moths. A plant is not always simply a place to feed, and a male visiting a flower is not necessarily just collecting nectar. Beneath these visible behaviours, chemical resources may be moving quietly between plants and insects, linking plant defence, insect adaptation, courtship and reproduction in a remarkably intricate ecological relationship.

Co-authors: Dr. Vithal Kauthale, Dr. Sadashiv Nimbalkar, Dr. Deepak Patil, Mr. Kailash Gavhane, Mr. Sushant Khot

Vinod Borse

Associate Thematic Programme Executive (Agroecology)
BAIF Central Research Station, Uruli Kanchan, Pune

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BAIF signs MoU with CSIR–NCL to strengthen Science in Livestock and Agriculture

BAIF signs MoU with CSIR–NCL to strengthen Science in Livestock and Agriculture

by | Sep 8, 2026 | Events

BAIF Development Research Foundation and CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, signed a MoU to advance research, innovation and technology-led solutions for Livestock and Agriculture. The MoU was signed by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, NCL in Pune.

This strategic partnership will build on CSIR–NCL’s scientific and technological expertise and BAIF’s field experience of more than six decades, to explore innovative scientific solutions, research ideas and project opportunities in Livestock and Agriculture. It will aim at strengthening the connect between laboratory science and field-level development and support impact-oriented solutions for farmers, livestock keepers and rural communities.

Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, Mr. Pramodkumar Takawale, Dr. Sachin Joshi, Dr. Santoshkumar Jadhav, Dr. Pankaj Musale and Dr. Velu D, BAIF and Dr. Dhanasekaran Shanmugam, Dr. Mahesh Dharne, Dr. Ashok Giri, Dr. Rakesh Joshi and Dr. Narendra Kadu and other officials from the Biochemical Sciences Division, NCL, were present on the occasion.

When technology reaches the last mile, transformation begins

When technology reaches the last mile, transformation begins

by | Sep 4, 2026 | Events

BAIF is proud to lead the implementation of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) at Prakasha in Shahada Block, Nandurbar—an important initiative to bring science, technology and innovation closer to farming communities.

Launched on 4 September 2026, the RSVC will serve a cluster of 10 villages, creating a local hub for farmers to access relevant technologies, practical knowledge, training, digital services and sustainable farming solutions.

Implemented by BAIF with the support of NABARD, under the RuTAGe initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, the Centre reflects BAIF’s commitment to ensuring that innovation reaches the grassroots in a form that is accessible, affordable, locally relevant and easy to adopt.

The Centre was virtually inaugurated by Dr. Ajay K. Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, in the presence of Dr. Sapna Poti, Director, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

The occasion was further strengthened by the presence and commitment of key stakeholders, including Shri A.V. Bhavani Shankar, CGM, NABARD Maharashtra; Dr. B. R. Premi, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Head Office; Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF; and Dr. Rajashree Joshi and Dr. Raviraj Jadhav, Vice Presidents, BAIF, along with senior officials from NABARD and BAIF.

The RSVC will demonstrate and facilitate access to practical solutions ranging from AI-based crop advisory, agri-drones and precision agriculture to solar-powered solutions, post-harvest technologies, sustainable agricultural inputs and digital services—helping farmers reduce costs, improve productivity, manage climate risks and strengthen livelihoods.

For BAIF, the RSVC is more than a technology centre. It is an opportunity to build a vibrant rural innovation ecosystem, connecting farmers with local institutions, KVKs, FPOs, technology providers and other stakeholders.

BAIF looks forward to making RSVC Prakasha a model for technology-enabled, climate-resilient and inclusive rural development.

Article on BAIF’s Spineless Cactus Demonstration at BRIC

Article on BAIF’s Spineless Cactus Demonstration at BRIC

by | Sep 1, 2026 | News

Cactus, hailed as the greengold crop of the country, is being popularised by BAIF as a climate-resilient crop with multiple uses. A spineless cactus arboretum, established at the BAIF peri-urban knowledge centre – BAIF Rural Innovation Centre (BRIC) at Uruli Kanchan, Pune, is functioning as a demonstration hub for popularisation of spineless cactus as Fashion, Food, Fuel, Fertiliser and Fodder. This energy crop with its increasingly popular use as vegan leather, has met with increasing interest from smallholder farmers, youth, industries and academic institutions for its tremendous potential as a reliable future crop and beyond a drought-resistant fodder crop.

Read more…

BAIF’s Agrivoltaics Multi-Model

BAIF’s Agrivoltaics Multi-Model

by | Aug 29, 2026 | News

India’s first multi-model agrivoltaics demonstration facility has been established at the BAIF Rural Innovation Centre (BRIC) at Uruli Kanchan, Pune. This is a significant step in the field of energy farming with potential to increase farm income, create green jobs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure clean energy for a sustainable future.

Read more…

BAIF Enters its Diamond Jubilee Year with a Renewed Vision for Rural Prosperity

BAIF Enters its Diamond Jubilee Year with a Renewed Vision for Rural Prosperity

by | Aug 24, 2026 | Events

Address by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF 

Six decades of rural transformation; BAIF charts a new roadmap for Viksit Bharat @2047

BAIF Development Research Foundation today entered its 60th year of service to rural India, marking the beginning of its Diamond Jubilee year. Speaking at the Foundation Day programme at Uruli Kanchan, Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, traced BAIF’s journey from livestock development to a comprehensive rural transformation organisation and outlined its roadmap for contributing to Viksit Bharat @2047.

Recalling BAIF’s contribution to India’s dairy transformation, Dr. Kakade noted its role in scientific cattle breeding and livestock development during Operation Flood, when milk production rose from around 22 million tonnes in 1970 to 75 million tonnes by 1998 becoming the top milk producing country and maintaining the position even today. The Wadi programme initiated in 80’s, benefits 2.5 lakh families, generating about Rs. 2,000 crore annually, while contributing to carbon sequestration. BAIF’s watershed programme started in 1992, today covers around 3.5 lakh families, generating over Rs. 2,200 crore annually, and is a recipient of the UNESCO Water Digest World Water Award 2025.

During 2025–26, BAIF’s programmes expanded to 18 states, reaching more than 50 lakh families across 1.15 lakh villages. The estimated annual contribution generated through BAIF’s interventions to the rural economy, is about Rs. 31,000 crore.

Dr. Kakade highlighted the evolution of BAIF’s women’s empowerment programme from Self-Help Groups to entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. Nearly 2 lakh women entrepreneurs have emerged from BAIF’s programmes, while its Digital inclusion initiatives have enabled 1000 young rural women to provide e governance and financial services to 5 lakh families.

Among the significant initiatives during 2025–26 were the pilot application of Artificial Intelligence for residue-free vegetable production, genomic selection work with West Bengal Government, and the BAIF Rural Innovation Centre (BRIC) at Uruli Kanchan which is being developed as a platform for innovation, incubation and technology transfer in ecological agriculture, livestock, water and renewable energy. Through its Incubation Centre, the organisation is supporting rural entrepreneurship, green enterprises, start-ups and young innovators.

Rural prosperity and Viksit Bharat @2047

Dr. Kakade said that transforming the rural economy would be central to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Agriculture currently contributes around 15% of GDP while supporting nearly 45% of the workforce, highlighting the need to increase productivity, incomes and value creation in rural areas.

BAIF’s emerging self-reliant rural bioeconomy model integrates ecological and AI-enabled agriculture, bio-inputs, dairy and livestock, renewable energy, FPOs, manufacturing and services. It envisages the potential to raise annual rural family incomes from the present median of around Rs.1.65 lakh to Rs. 8–12 lakh through diversified rural enterprises.

“The rural economy must move from subsistence to enterprise, from production to value creation and from dependence on external inputs to a self-reliant bioeconomy. This transformation can make the farm sector a major engine of Viksit Bharat @2047,” stated Dr. Kakade.

Dr. Shitalkumar Mukane, Additional Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Maharashtra and Chairman, Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, presented the “Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav Puraskar” to the Best Self Help Group in BAIF’s Programme – “Adarsh Radhika Self Help Group” from Sambalpur, Odisha

Dr. Shitalkumar Mukane, Additional Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, appreciated the contribution of women, particularly women working as Livestock Technicians in remote regions, and emphasised greater participation of women in dairy husbandry.

Best SHG in Maharashtra Programme – “Kukadimai Mahila Bachat Gat, Parner, Ahilyanagar at the hands of Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Chairperson, BAIF

Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Chairperson, BAIF, appreciated BAIF’s organisational stability, values and culture and highlighted its strong engagement with participating families and the emergence of nearly 2 Lakh Lakhpati women.

Mr. Sunil Lalbhai, Chairperson, Finance Committee and Human Resources Committee of Trustees, BAIF, appreciated BAIF’s relationship with participating families and emphasised that technological advancement must remain anchored in organisational values. Mr. Pratap Pawar, Trustee, BAIF, highlighted the potential of AI-enabled technologies in agriculture.

In his virtual address, Dr. Vilas Kharche, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, emphasised modern technologies in agriculture and announced the joint postgraduate and research programme with BAIF.

Second Best SHG in BAIF Programme – “Wardha Mahila Swayam  Sahayta Samuh, Nandurbar at the hands of  Mr. Sunil Kumar, Head – Sustainability and CSR, ACG

Mr. Sunil Kumar, Head – Sustainability and CSR, ACG, appreciated BAIF’s holistic approach to sustainable development and urged greater focus on nutritional deficiencies.

Outstanding women’s Self-Help Groups, Livestock Technicians, Community Resource Persons, farmers, scientists, thematic specialists, employees and meritorious students were felicitated during the programme.

Earlier, Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni, Group Vice President – Finance, BAIF, welcomed the dignitaries and emphasised that values, credibility and commitment must remain non-negotiable foundations of BAIF’s growth. Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, BAIF, proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Pritam Chandak, Vice President – Finance and Dr. Rajashree Joshi, Vice President – Programmes, BAIF, were also present on the occasion.

Release of BAIF Publications – Research Report, Annual Reports 2025-26 and The BAIF Journal

As BAIF enters its Diamond Jubilee year, it renews its commitment to taking science, innovation and sustainable livelihoods to rural communities and contributing to a prosperous, inclusive, climate-resilient and self-reliant rural India.

BAIF Celebrates 80th Independence Day

BAIF Celebrates 80th Independence Day

by | Aug 15, 2026 | Events

The 80th Independence Day of our great nation and the 150th year of our national song “Vande Mataram” were celebrated with pride, patriotism and enthusiasm at the BAIF Head Office in Pune. Subsequent to the ceremonial Guard of Honour, the national flag was hoisted by Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni and Dr. Avinash Deo in the presence of Mr. Rakesh Shinde, Dr. P.K. Kulkarni and the BAIF team. Chetan Dubey led the national anthem. Mr. Kulkarni expressed that freedom and independence signified adherence to rules and regulations and Viksit Bharat also meant the need for instilling discipline among every individual, unity, support and reaching out to each other. The approaching 60th year of BAIF was also highlighted on this occasion. Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Deo, Mr. Shinde, Chetan Dubey and Sucharita Dhar. The state offices also celebrated the occasion with nationalistic pride.

Pan BAIF Celebrations

The Role of Biochar in Enhancing Soil Health and Moisture Retention

The Role of Biochar in Enhancing Soil Health and Moisture Retention

by | Aug 1, 2026 | Blog

Mr. Harish Batham
Aug 01, 2026
Mr. Harish Batham
Aug 01, 2026
biomass

Contemporary agriculture faces significant challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and a marked decline in soil fertility. The persistent application of chemical fertilisers has contributed to soil compaction and degradation. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify effective strategies for restoring soil vitality

A remarkable scientific solution to this modern and serious problem is biochar.

Now you may wonder, what is biochar? In simple terms, it is a special type of coal or charcoal. When we burn farm waste, dry wood, crop residues, or useless shrubs in the absence of oxygen (or with very little air) using a specific method, the black substance which is formed is called biochar. It is not like normal ash. It is a complete elixir for the soil.

biomass

Let us see the importance of biochar for agriculture and its role:

1. ‘Waste-to-Wealth’: Turning Farm Waste into Gold. Post-harvest, farmers often burn the residual waste, weeds or stubble in the fields, causing smoke and pollution. If we convert the same waste into biochar rather than burning it, it becomes ‘Waste to Wealth’.
This way, the smoke does not go into the air. All the carbon from the waste is trapped as biochar. When we apply it on agricultural fields, it builds up the soil, rather than damaging the environment.

 

2. Magical Improvement in Soil Health:
Biochar acts as a tonic for the soil. A Safe Haven for Microbes: If you look closely at a small piece of biochar, it is hollow and porous inside like sponge. Earthworms and friendly microbes present in the soil, which actually make the soil fertile, find an excellent home to live in these tiny pores.
Saving Fertiliser (Nutrient Retention): When we apply urea or any other fertiliser in the field, a lot of it is wasted when it is washed away by water or when it evaporates. Biochar absorbs these nutrients from the fertilisers and continues to slowly nourish the plant roots over a long period.
Soil Balance: Due to the continuous use of chemicals, soil in many places has become either highly acidic or alkaline. Biochar greatly helps in normalising the soil by improving its pH level.

 

3. Moisture Conservation: With Proper Use of Every Drop of Water for areas with low rainfall and droughts, biochar can be nothing less than a boon.

Acting Like a Sponge: As mentioned, it is porous on the inside, so it can absorb and retain water several times on its own weight.

Protection from Drought: When there is strong sunlight, the groundwater evaporates rapidly. But if biochar is mixed with soil, it binds the moisture. As a result, the crop does not dry out easily even in intense heat or low rainfall.

Reduced Irrigation Costs: Since moisture remains in the soil for a long time, farmers do not need to irrigate frequently. This saves water, electricity, and labour.

 

4. A Profitable Deal for Farmers: The best part is that biochar technology is not very expensive. Farmers can prepare it very easily on their own farms. It can be made by digging a specially shaped pit in the ground or by using a simple iron drum (like a Kon-Tiki Kiln).

Another major benefit is that it is not like ordinary cow dung manure that dissolves in the soil and finishes in a few months. Once added to the field, biochar remains in the soil for hundreds of years. It is a ‘one-time investment’ made in farming, the benefits of which will be reaped by the coming generations.

biomass

Conclusion:

If we want to keep farming a profitable venture in the long run, we have to refocus on the health of our soil. Organisations like BAIF have always promoted sustainable agriculture. Biochar does not just increase crop yields; it is an excellent and proven method to save our environment, water, and soil.

Mr. Harish Batham

Project Officer
Rajasthan

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 Co-author: Mr. Prakash Chand Rai

 

BAIF signs MoU with Forest Department, Maharashtra for Sustainable Development of Forest Buffer Zone

BAIF signs MoU with Forest Department, Maharashtra for Sustainable Development of Forest Buffer Zone

by | Jul 29, 2026 | Events

On the occasion  of  International Tiger  Day and as a  collaborative  commitment to  wildlife  conservation  and sustainable  farming  practices, Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing event between BAIF Development Research Foundation and the Forest Department, Maharashtra for implementation of the Jal Samruddhi Project in 17 villages of Parseoni block of Nagpur district with the support of HDFC Bank Parivartan on July 29, 2026 in Nagpur. Mr. Fadnavis stated that this collaborative project between the Forest Department and Development Organisations is significant for ensuring sustainable development of communities living in fringe areas and will serve as the base for impactful partnerships in the future.

The non-financial MoU was signed by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Raviraj Jadhav, Vice President and Regional Director – West, BAIF and Mr. Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and Mr. Ashish Pilani, President, Sahyadri Wildlife Foundation and aims at sustainable agriculture, water conservation, natural resources management, wildlife-friendly farming, reducing crop losses caused by wildlife and strengthening livelihoods of more than 2000 families living in buffer villages through technical support, training of farmers and community engagement.

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Mr. Ganesh Naik, Hon. Cabinet Minister, Forest, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. M. Srinivasa Rao, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra State, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Pench Tiger Reserve, Mr. Shailesh Bhagat, Chief Programme Manager, BAIF and HDFC senior officials – Mr. Amit Lad, Zonal Head, Mr. Sushant Bhange, Zonal Head, Mr. Pavan Dongare, CSR Head and Mr. Satyendra Singh, Branch Manager. Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Home and School Education, Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Labour, Mr. Sumit Wankhede, MLA, Arvi constituency, Wardha district and Representatives from Bhutan, Cambodia and Bangladesh were also present on this occasion which was held at IIM Nagpur.

BAIF and NIAB explore scope for collaborative scientific and technology innovations

BAIF and NIAB explore scope for collaborative scientific and technology innovations

by | Jul 27, 2026 | Events

Dr. Ravi Kumar Gandham, VPPS, Director, BRIC-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, visited BAIF Central Research Station, Uruli Kanchan, Pune on July 27, 2026 and interacted with the senior leadership and team of scientists on advancing livestock genomics, animal health and collaborative research for sustainable livestock development.

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, highlighted BAIF’s holistic, farmer-centric approach to sustainable rural development and key initiatives in livestock improvement, climate resilience and technology-driven extension services.

Dr. Gandham shared the pioneering work of NIAB in livestock genomics, biotechnology and animal health and expressed his admiration for the contribution of BAIF in livelihoods enhancement of smallholder dairy farmers during a subsequent field visit to Kopargaon in Ahilya Nagar district.

BAIF team of scientists – Dr. Sachin Joshi, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Animal Genetics, Breeding and Genomics, Dr. Kaustubh Bhave, Dr. Santosh Jadhav and Mr. Yuvaraj Gaundare showcased various innovations in livestock genomics and health with focus on  genetic improvement and enhanced animal productivity.   Mr. Pramodkumar Takawale,    Programme  Director – Agricultural   Research, Dr. Vitthal Kauthale,   Chief   Thematic   Programme  Executive – Farm    Research  and   Seed     Programme    and    Dr. Manojkumar Aware, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Animal Nutrition and Climate Action also participated in the discussions which identified areas for collaborative research and technology development.

BAIF and NIAB reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging scientific innovation, genomics, and field-based implementation to strengthen sustainable livestock development and empower rural communities.

BAIF signs MoU with Government of Maharashtra to launch Special Tussar Silk Development Project in Gadchiroli

BAIF signs MoU with Government of Maharashtra to launch Special Tussar Silk Development Project in Gadchiroli

by | Jul 21, 2026 | Events

Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing event between BAIF Development Research Foundation and the Directorate of Sericulture, Department of Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles for Tussar-centric Livelihoods Development in Gadchiroli district on July 21, 2026 in Mumbai. The non-financial MoU was signed between Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Mr. Vinay Moon, IAS, Director, Sericulture, Maharashtra in the presence of the Hon. Textile Minister, Mr. Sanjay Sawakare, Mrs. Anshu Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary, Textiles, senior officials from Government of Maharashtra and Dr. Raviraj Jadhav, Vice President, Mr. Sudhir Wagle, Joint Regional Director – West and Mr. Shailesh Bhagat, Chief Programme Manager, BAIF.

This special project is being undertaken by the Government of Maharashtra and BAIF. The private company, Herbalife has joined to support initial rearing of the cocoons and assets for the reeling activity. The project aims at strengthening the local economy by establishing private tussar seed production centres, promoting commercial cocoon production, value-added post cocoon activities and technical training for capacity building and empowerment of 2270 Scheduled Tribe families and women’s Self Help Groups in Gadchiroli district. Subsequent discussions with Hon. Textile Minister focussed on future collaboration to explore the potential for expansion of the tussar and mulberry silk industry across Maharashtra.