Food System: An important Agenda for local and global action:

Food is the most commonly discussed topic in today’s world. And why not? People across the globe are currently worried about the kind of food system we have. There is growing demand that existing food system should be transformed to make it more inclusive, nutritive, sustainable, nature positive and resilient and healthy! Similarly, such transformation should result in making food resources more accessible, available, adequate, affordable, safe, diverse and produced in a nature positive manner.

Food and nutrition security is a growing concern due to several newer and emerging challenges in the form of land fragmentation, labour scarcity, growing disconnect between agriculture and nutrition, climate change and associated challenges. Although agriculture is supporting food and nutrition security, it is also known to be contributing to GHG emissions. The challenge of feeding the ever growing number of people, still remains. COVID, Climate Change, War-like Crisis, unsustainable practices expressing nature’s boundaries, degrading base of natural resources, increasing incidences of human illnesses, health crisis and unaddressed issue of malnutrition and hidden hunger have necessitated us to urgently start reimagining our food system! It is a challenge even to reimagine a food system with scarce resources like water, healthy soils, finances, infrastructure, inputs and other support services.

World over, Food System has gained attention as an important agenda to discuss and plan actions for sustainable and healthy future of planet and people.  The countries, UN food Systems, Development and Research organizations at International, national and sub-regional levels, people’s movement and governments   are looking for best practices around food system transformations that need to be revived and upscaled.

What is Food Systems Approach?

It is aptly called ‘’System’’ as it consists of all the activities, actors and their interactions. All the actions from Farm to Fork like production, distribution, consumption, supply chain and value chain interventions from infrastructure, mechanization, governance aspects, marketing and value chain, etc. It also encompasses actors and enablers like farmers, government agencies, market players, financial institutions, insurance, FPOs, Investment players and other inputs and advisory service providers and associated socio-cultural, economic, behavioral, nutritional, environment and ecological impacts.

What are the buzz words and interesting discussion points in Food SYSTEM Dialogues:

It is very interesting to be a part of the discussions which focus on interventions one can think of while reimagining food system.

Globally, there is an urgent need to focus on agrobiodiversity for dietary diversity and healthy planet. Agrobiodiversity includes a variety of crops and livestock, which can provide a more balanced diet and help combat malnutrition. Diverse crops are more resilient to pests, diseases and changing climate conditions, ensuring stable food production even under stress.  Incorporating a variety of species can improve soil health and ecosystem stability, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. Diverse genetic resources allow farmers to select varieties that are well-adapted to local conditions, increasing food security in different regions. Further, Agrobiodiversity can create new markets for underutilized crops, supporting local economies and improving livelihoods. What is important is not only to conserve these diverse resources along with their habitats but it is also important to conserve the traditional wisdom and  sustainable practices that are associated with these resources.

Food as our Medicine:

“Food as medicine” is both possible and increasingly recognized as a viable approach to health and wellness. A diet focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods can help prevent diseases. Many foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can prevent or mitigate health issues. Certain foods, like turmeric or ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health.

There are many research and scientific institutions who are working on fermented foods and probiotics which can promote gut health and gut micro flora.

Foraging practices for Healthy and resilient food system:

Foraging is a practice traditionally followed by many indigenous communities. This has significant implications for traditional knowledge and food security. Foraged foods are seasonal and local in nature such as wild greens, berries, mushrooms, and nuts. They can enhance dietary diversity and provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in conventional diets. These are often rooted in traditional knowledge passed down through generations, preserving cultural identities and community ties. In times of crisis e.g. natural disasters and economic downturns, foraging can serve as a vital resource for food.

Access to Healthy food via sustainable and diversified production system:

There is growing thrust on doing away with modern, high input-based, monoculture, commercialised and chemical farming and adopting utilizing methods like agroecology, mixed and multiple cropping, organic farming that can help in reducing  environmental impact, conserve resources and maintain soil health, leading to more healthy and safe food sources. An agroecological approach to farming can significantly address both hunger and environmental issues. Agroecology promotes the cultivation of diverse crops and livestock. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping and reduced tillage improve soil fertility and structure, leading to better water retention and reduced erosion. Agroecological practices optimize the use of local resources so that cost is reduced. Healthy agroecological systems support pollinators, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems.

Promoting local food system, local markets that are people-led:

Involving local communities in decision-making about food production can empower them and ensure that farming practices are culturally and contextually appropriate. Strengthening local food networks reduces dependency on global supply chains, making communities more resilient and ensuring fresher produce is available.

Local food markets including village haats (local markets), play a vital role in enhancing food security, ensuring seasonal and local food availability and supporting local economies. Local markets make fresh, healthy food more accessible to communities, reducing the distance that food travels and ensuring it reaches consumers quickly. Village haats provide a direct link between farmers and consumers. Further, Village haats often reflect local traditions and culinary practices, preserving cultural heritage and fostering pride in local food systems. It creates more opportunities and spaces for farm women to participate as main decision makers in food production and in sell-related activities.

Focus on role of Women in food system transformation:

In many regions, women contribute significantly to food production, often growing a diverse range of crops that enhance dietary diversity and nutrition for their families and communities. Their insights can be invaluable in transforming food systems. Women are custodians of traditional knowledge of local food systems, nutritional aspects, food traits and local recipes. Women are key educators within families and communities. At home too, they can drive better dietary choices and improve health outcomes. Women are often at the forefront of adapting to climate change impacts, using traditional knowledge and innovative practices to enhance resilience in food systems. Women play a vital role in preventing food loss and waste across various stages of the food system.

Livestock-based food options are vital for future food systems, offering nutritional diversity, economic opportunities, and sustainable practices. There is growing interest on incorporating insect protein into diet that can offer a high-protein, low-resource option. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese can enhance nutrition and offer functional health benefits such as improved gut health. Developing resilient and disease-resistant livestock breeds through research can enhance productivity and sustainability in future food systems.

However, interestingly, vegetable sources that mimic or provide similar nutritional profiles to non-vegetarian foods are gaining popularity, especially among those looking for plant-based options. A lot of research and innovations are happening in this space too.

Are there any Key Lessons for India?

All the above food system-related actions are important considerations for Food System transformation in India. Further, in India, we need to keep small holder farmers, indigenous communities and farm women at the centre of any food system transformation process. As almost 84% of the farming is led by small and marginal farmers, there is growing feminization of farming and indigenous communities and tribal areas have tremendous amount of amazing food system-related traditional knowledge which needs to be relooked and revived.  

There is an urgent need to foster Food System transformation by focusing on innovations and newer research while also learning from our culture and traditions. There is also a need for effective institutions and enabling policies and programmes to facilitate such a transformation in India.

Dairy development is the cornerstone of rural livelihood, contributing significantly to the economy of the nation and the well-being of thousands of farming families. As one of the pioneering organisations in dairy cattle development in the country, BAIF has been promoting sustainable and climate-resilient dairy development through genetic improvement of indigenous cattle population. In this blog, we explore BAIF’s comprehensive approach to enhancing the productivity and resilience of indigenous breeds and their significant contribution to the dairy sector.

Importance of Indigenous Breeds

Indigenous cattle breeds in India have evolved over centuries, adapting to diverse climatic conditions, diseases and local available feed and fodder practices. They are known for their resilience, disease resistance and ability to thrive in harsh environments. However, due to the increasing preference for exotic breeds, the population of indigenous breeds has been declining. BAIF recognizes the need to conserve and improve these native breeds to ensure the sustainability of the dairy sector in India.

Genetic Improvement: A Core Strategy

At the heart of BAIF’s dairy development programme is the genetic improvement of indigenous breeds. Genetic improvement involves selecting animals with superior traits, producing frozen semen, and disseminating it through artificial insemination (AI) in the respective breeding tracts. This systematic approach not only enhances the productivity of individual animals but also contributes to the overall genetic pool of the breed, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Selection and Frozen Semen Production

BAIF’s efforts in genetic improvement begin with breed surveys and population studies which provide valuable insights into the population structures of various breeds. These studies are guided by quantitative genetic principles, enabling BAIF to identify superior animals for breeding programmes. BAIF has been involved in characterizing notable indigenous breeds such as Dangi, Khillar, Krishna Valley, and Kathani cattle. These efforts have been instrumental in conserving these breeds and ensuring their continued contribution to India’s dairy industry.

One of the key components of BAIF’s breeding programme is the production of frozen semen. BAIF operates state-of-the-art semen production facilities, accredited by the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) of the Government of India in Jind, Haryana and the Central Research Station in Urulikanchan. These facilities produce frozen semen doses for 18 cattle breeds, including Gir, Sahiwal, Khillar, Amritmahal, Dangi, Hallikar, Tharparkar, Ongole, Krishna Valley, Gangatiri, Red Kandhari, Nimari, Red Sindhi, Rathi, Gaolao, Nagori, Deoni and Hariyana.

Artificial Insemination for superior progeny

BAIF has made effective use of Artificial insemination (AI) as a tool for disseminating superior genetics across a geographical area. By providing farmers with access to high quality semen doses, BAIF ensures that the benefits of genetic improvement are realized at the grassroots level. In the past five years, BAIF has produced over 151.87 lakh frozen semen doses from indigenous cattle breeds catering to the AI needs of field animals across the country.

Conservation of Indigenous Breeds

In addition to genetic improvement, BAIF is also committed to the conservation of indigenous breeds. Conservation efforts are essential to preserving the unique genetic traits of these breeds, in the face of changing environmental conditions and emerging diseases.

In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation

BAIF makes effective use of in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods to safeguard indigenous breeds. In-situ conservation involves preserving the breed in its natural habitat, while ex-situ conservation includes measures such as collection and storage of genetic material. BAIF has collaborated with the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) to produce and store frozen semen doses for Krishna Valley cattle. These efforts ensure that the genetic diversity of this breed is preserved for future generations. BAIF was also a part of the animal biodiversity project in which 40,000 semen doses from Khillar, Dangi, Rathi and Nagori breeds (10,000 doses of each breed) were deposited at the National Gene bank at NBAGR as a part of ex-situ conservation.

Field Performance Recording and Collaboration

To support its conservation and genetic improvement initiatives, BAIF conducts field performance recording (FPR) for various breeds. FPR involves systematically collection of data on the performance of individual animals which helps in selecting the best animals for breeding. BAIF undertook the FPR of Khillar cattle between 2010 and 2012 with the support of Maharashtra Livestock Development Board (MLDB). More recently, BAIF completed another FPR project for Khillar, Deoni, and Gaolao breeds.

Biotechnology and Genomics: The Future of Dairy Development

BAIF is adopting cutting-edge technologies to further enhance the productivity and sustainability of indigenous breeds. Biotechnology and genomics are playing an increasingly important role in BAIF’s programmes, offering new avenues for genetic improvement and conservation.

IVF and Sex-Sorted Semen

BAIF has established advanced facilities for the production of embryos through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and sex-sorted semen. Sex-sorted semen allows farmers to increase the likelihood of producing female calves. Over the past five years, BAIF has produced 3.11 lakh sex-sorted semen doses for indigenous cattle. These innovations are empowering farmers to maximize the potential of their herds while contributing to breed conservation.

Genomics and Population Studies

In collaboration with reputed international universities like the University of New England and The French National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), BAIF is applying genomics to better understand indigenous population structures. Genomic tools are being used to assess genetic diversity, effective population size, breed relatedness, and genetic purity. These insights are crucial for developing breeding programmes that maintain the genetic integrity of indigenous breeds.

National Bovine Genomic Centre and Indigenous SNP Chip Development

BAIF is also a member of the National Bovine Genomic Centre (NBGC) for Gir cattle. This initiative is focused on developing genomic selection protocols that will further enhance the genetic improvement of cattle breeds. BAIF is also a consortium partner in a project to develop an indigenous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip for Indian cattle. This project, in collaboration with NBAGR, NDDB, and NIAB, Hyderabad, aims to create a powerful tool for genomic selection in Indian cattle, marking a significant milestone in the genetic improvement of indigenous breeds.

Empowering Farmers and building Resilient Livelihoods

BAIF’s efforts in genetic improvement, conservation, and the application of biotechnology are not just about enhancing the productivity of cattle but also about empowering farmers and building resilient livelihoods. By providing farmers with access to superior genetics and cutting-edge technologies, BAIF is enabling them to improve their herds, increase their income, and contribute to the overall development of rural communities.

Pilot Projects and Field Implementation

One of the standout initiatives is BAIF’s pilot project on the use of biotechnology tools in livestock for sustainable development of families in the desert areas of Rajasthan. This project with its focus on Tharparkar breed of cattle, was implemented with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi. The project demonstrated how the application of advanced breeding techniques significantly improved the productivity and resilience of livestock in challenging environments.

Road Ahead: Scaling Impact and Ensuring Sustainability

BAIF continues its efforts in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient dairy development by blending traditional breeding practices with cutting-edge biotechnology.  BAIF plans to expand its genetic improvement programmes to reach more farmers and cover a larger number of indigenous breeds. It is also striving to integrate genomics into its breeding programmes, enabling even more precise selection of superior animals. BAIF is also exploring new ways to leverage technology for data collection and analysis, which will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its breeding and conservation efforts. Thus, BAIF is not only preserving India’s rich livestock heritage but also paving the way for a prosperous future for millions of dairy farmers across the country.

Increased anthropogenic pressure and livestock population have depleted the natural resources to an alarming extent. Land degradation accompanied by acute scarcity of water and frequent droughts, has resulted in a serious shortage of fodder for livestock. The situation which is close to a famine-like situation, has led to food insecurity and poverty forcing the rural population in such regions to migrate to other areas for survival.

Promotion of Unconventional fodder resources

There is a need to explore new fodder crops to address the issue of fodder scarcity in semi-arid regions. With 53.4 per cent of the land area in India comprising of arid and semi-arid regions, fodder cultivation is suitable for such areas.  Unconventional fodder such as cactus (Opuntia ficus indica), Hydroponic fodder and azolla have good potential to serve as alternate sources of fodder for animals.

Spineless cactus : Spineless cactus also known as Prickly pear or Cactus pear, of Mexico origin and a member of the Cactaceae family, is a domesticated plant is a reliable source of food and fodder in arid and semi-arid regions of the country. Besides fodder, cactus also has the capacity to produce good biomass throughout the year with minimum water. It is a drought tolerant multipurpose plant species, easy to establish, in rangelands and pasturelands with its ability to facilitate soil and water conservation.

Cactus, is a Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) crop, where the stomata in the leaves remains shut during the day to reduce evapotranspiration but opens at night to collect Carbon dioxide (CO₂). The stored CO₂   is then used during photosynthesis during the day time. Due to this physiological character, it has high water use efficiency making it an excellent suitable crop species in water-stressed conditions. Cactus is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and potassium and has moderate protein and fibre content. It has a high biomass yield, high digestibility, palatability and moisture content. It can be cultivated in poor, degraded land which is not suitable for other crops. Cactus leaf known as cladode, is a source of fodder for livestock especially during the dry season when green fodder is not available. Cactus contains more than 85% of water and can be fed with other fodder crops during dry spell conditions.

Thus cactus is an excellent fodder crop compared to other conventional fodder crops such as acacia. While this particular cactus species uses 267 kg of water per kg dry matter (DM) produced, Pearl millet, a prominent drought-tolerant cereal crop uses 400 kg water per kg DM produced.

Cactus may be planted during September-October or in February-March. It is propagated through the cutting of cladodes, using at least 6-month-old cladodes. To get a good yield of cladodes, cactus may be planted at a distance of 3 x 2 or 3 x3 m distance by erect planting, keeping one-third portion of the cladode above the soil on field bunds, wastelands and degraded lands.  Perennial cactus can produce green fodder up to 20-25 years. Cactus cladodes should be harvested by cutting the mature cladodes with a sharp knife into small pieces. While feeding the animals, it should be mixed with dry fodder in 1:3 ratio.  It prevents soil erosion, protects the biodiversity, and encourages arable crop diversification for sustainable livelihood and food security.

BAIF has standardized nursery techniques and tissue culture protocol for mass multiplication and production of cactus. Cactus nurseries have been established for availability of planting material. Protocol has been developed for feeding of cactus.

BAIF has introduced and demonstrated cactus on more than 1000 farmers’ fields in arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Hydroponics Technology for Fodder Production

Hydroponics fodder: To ensure the availability of quality green fodder throughout the year, hydroponic fodder production technology by vertical farming is being promoted.  This low-cost technology, ensures the growth of fodder in water without any soil, in controlled conditions/environment which require almost no land, very little water and manpower. Seed, optimum water, sunlight and added nutrients are the only essential inputs required to grow as green fodder and as feed for animals after about 7-8 days. Farmers cultivating cereals such as maize, oats, barley, bajra and wheat   are making good use of hydroponics to produce superior quality nutritious green fodder for animals.

Clean, viable, good quality and untreated, unbroken grains should be used. The seeds are soaked in normal water for 4-24 hours, depending on the type of seeds followed by draining, packing soaked seed in a gunny bag for germination, sprinkling water daily over the gunny bag to maintain optimum moisture and placing the germinated seed in the individual trays for growing inside the hydroponic unit. Water needs to be sprinkled every one hour on a tray and continued till harvest. The seed rate (quantity of seeds loaded per unit surface area) also affects the yield and varies with the type of seeds. The greenhouse needs optimum cleanliness and hygiene to be maintained to ensure successful production of hydroponics fodder.

To ensure green and quality fodder, BAIF has designed low-cost hydroponic fodder units for cultivation of maize and oats.

Azolla :Azolla is an aquatic fern and contains most of the nutrients, crude protein (about 23%), minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, vitamins A and B12 and essential amino acids like lysine required for livestock.

Among the different species of the genus Azolla, A. pinnata is more popular for cultivation in artificial ponds. Azolla prefers shade and requires light (30-50%) for photosynthesis. It grows well in warm climate with an ideal temperature in the range of 20-35°C. Azolla can survive in a water pH range of 3.5–10, but optimum growth occurs when the water is between pH 4.5 and 7.

The soil needs to be dug at least at a depth of 20 cm depth and levelled.   A plastic sheet 10 feet long and 4 feet wide needs to be placed on the ground with a durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet, to prevent water loss. The bed should be preferably under the shade of a tree or partial shade needs to be provided with grass or a green net on the top to prevent fall of debris like dried leaves and other litter on the bed.  Azolla bed 12x4x1 feet size is also available in the market.  About 10 – 15 kg of sieved fertile soil needs to be spread uniformly on the sheet followed by slurry made with 1 kg cow dung and 100 g of superphosphate.  The bed needs to be filled with water to a level of about 10 cm and the pond left aside for 2-3 days to enable the ingredients to mix well. After 10-15 days, azolla will be observed on the bed and the farmer can harvest one kg Azolla every day. After harvesting, Azolla should be cleaned with fresh water and fed to the animals by mixing with regular feed.

To make available protein-rich nutritious fodder for cattle, goats and poultry, BAIF has set up azolla demonstration units on farmers’ fields in Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and Gujarat.

Thus, unconventional fodder resources are a boon for smallholders in arid and semi-arid regions with scope for livelihood security and reversal of migration.

India is an agricultural country. Irrigation is the basic requirement of agriculture. A look at the data at the global level reveals that the maximum use of water is in agriculture.

On the one side, most parts of the country have a hot climate which leads to excessive evaporation and increased consumption of water while on the other side, there is inequality of rainfall which makes it necessary to develop irrigation facilities, especially in low rainfall areas. Most of the rainfall in the country occurs in a particular season.

Drip irrigation is an advanced irrigation system which ensures the availability of water to the root of ​​the plant at short intervals through specially made plastic pipes. This system of irrigation is beneficial as there is 60 percent less consumption of water as compared to traditional irrigation, increase in productivity by 40 to 50 percent and superior quality of the produce. Drip irrigation is a very popular method of irrigation in countries such as Israel, USA and Spain.

Water can be applied with high uniformity through drip irrigation and can prevent runoff and excessive spraying. Drip irrigation is suitable for protective cultivation in greenhouses, shade nets and low tunnels. It provides controlled application of water and nutrients to each plant without wetting the leaves, which is an important feature for high-value crops such as flowers, potted plants and greenhouse vegetables. Saline and poor-quality water can be used more safely through drip irrigation as compared to any other method of irrigation. It is well suited for a variety of row crops ranging from widely-spaced fruit crops to closely-spaced vegetable crops.

Initiatives taken by BAIF

Looking at the problems of water scarcity, irregularity of water, saline water, etc. in Rajasthan, BAIF’s Samadhan project is enabling farmers to practice agriculture through drip irrigation in Udaipur, Chittor, Rajsamand, Bhilwara and Ajmer districts.  As a result, farmers are receiving higher yield and annual income. Farmers are making judicious use of drip irrigation for horticulture, vegetable production and other crop production. In horticulture, plants receive water uniformly through drip irrigation. This method of irrigation makes it very easy to produce vegetables in less water. In this, mulching paper is also used along with drip, which reduces weeds and reduces water evaporation. Hence, drip irrigation reduces weeds, saves water and saves labour in horticulture.

Benefits for farmers

Water saving: In drip irrigation system, water does not flow on the soil surface or through the air. Hence run-off losses are totally eliminated. Due to controlled flow and application of small quantity of water, deep percolation losses are also reduced to a great extent.

Improvement in plant growth and crop yield: As this method allows efficient use of small quantity of water repeatedly, it is possible to maintain the water content in the root zone of the soil close to field capacity or within acceptable deficient soil moisture. At this stage, soil moisture stress is low and the plant does not need to exert too much to extract water from the soil. It thus improves plant growth and in the process achieves higher crop yield as compared to other methods.

Labour and savings: There is considerable saving of labour, as a well-designed system requires labour only to switch the system – on or off. This method is also suitable for low to high level of automation in the application of water and fertilizer. Hence, expenditure on manual labour can be reduced to a great extent.

Energy Saving: Due to high efficiency of irrigation, less quantity of water is required and less time is taken to supply the desired quantity of water.  Thus, this method saves energy.

Weed Control: Due to partial wetting of soil in drip method, weed infestation is less as compared to other irrigation methods. This reduces the requirement of expensive and environmentally hazardous chemicals and labour required for application of these chemicals.

Increase in Fertilizer Application Efficiency: In drip irrigation system, water soluble fertilizers can be used. Since water can be accurately applied in the root zone, the fertilizer can also be applied in the root zone of the crop itself. Hence, losses of fertilizers in the process of deep percolation, leaching, runoff etc. can be eliminated to a great extent, thereby saving precious fertilizer, causing minimum hazard to the environment and reducing ground water pollution.

Zero soil erosion: Since water does not flow on the land surface, there is no soil erosion due to drip irrigation.

Minimal disease and pest problems: In drip system, minimum disease and pest problems are observed due to low atmospheric humidity.

Thus, Drip Irrigation is the key to agricultural profitability as it ensures returns on investment.

Drought and desertification are immense threats to our food systems, livelihoods, and the balance of the Global ecosystem.

About 1 in 8 people globally are affected by drought, and the rural poor of the Global South are most vulnerable to the risks of desertification and drought. These are the people on the frontlines of climate change, experiencing extreme weather events and bracing for the social and economic challenges that follow disaster.

The Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health is rooted in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification because of the need for increased global soil health as a major tool to halt desertification, combat drought, and restore land.

Since the 2024 theme for Desertification and Drought Day (held annually on 17 June), is United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future, we asked members of CA4SH to share the relevance of soil health and fighting drought in the context of their organizations, and the role that multi stakeholder partnerships play in achieving their goals. We received responses from youth organizations, scientists, farmer organizations, multistakeholder organizations and advocates for indigenous knowledge systems.

Here’s what they said:

1. Green Youth Force

What is your main approach to curbing desertification, combating drought, and restoring land?

At Green Youth Force, our main approach to curbing desertification and drought is based on the restoration of natural ecosystems and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. We focus on:

• Promoting agroforestry to increase vegetative cover and soil organic matter
• Adopting no-till farming and cover cropping to improve soil health
• Restoring degraded lands through assisted natural regeneration
• Empowering local communities in decision-making and implementation
• Advocating for policies that incentivize sustainable land use

Why is soil health important for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land in the context of your organization?

For Green Youth Force, soil health is crucial in the fight against desertification and drought. A rich and fertile soil is indeed the foundation of healthy and resilient ecosystems, better able to withstand extreme climatic conditions. By improving soil structure, organic matter content, and biodiversity, we can increase their water and nutrient retention capacity, which promotes the growth of abundant vegetation. This holistic approach to land restoration is at the heart of our strategy to address the challenges posed by desertification and drought.

How do you leverage partnerships with other sectors to achieve this?

At Green Youth Force, we know that the fight against desertification and drought requires the mobilization of all stakeholders involved. That’s why we establish close partnerships with government organizations, private companies, research institutions, and local communities. These collaborations allow us to pool our expertise, resources, and networks to deploy innovative and large-scale solutions. For example, we work with agricultural companies to test new soil management practices, and with local authorities to involve citizens in our ecosystem restoration programs.

2. KYETE BIINGI TAI NYEME

What is your organization’s main approach to halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land?

 We use a community-based land management approach by involving the local communities, especially smallholder farmers, in land management decisions and training like water retention measures on their farmland (e.g., drip irrigation, contour ditches). We also promote individual and institutional agroforestry by supporting individual farmers and farmers’ cooperatives with fruit trees to stabilize the soil, increase underground water levels, prevent soil erosion, and improve soil fertility. These sustainable land practices ensure that conservation efforts align with local needs, knowledge, and collective actions.

Why is soil health important for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land in the context of your organization?

Healthy soil has a porous structure and high organic matter content which increases water retention. This provides a buffer against periods of low rainfall and maintains soil moisture. Healthy soil preserves soil structure and fertility, aiding in land restoration efforts, and supporting robust microbial communities that break down organic matter and recycle nutrients, contributing to overall ecosystem resilience and stability. This makes it easier for landscapes to recover from disturbances like drought and desertification, thereby enhancing soil fertility and facilitating vegetation recovery in degraded areas. It also acts as a carbon sink which helps to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

How do you leverage partnerships with other sectors to do this?

 We partner with local farmer cooperatives to promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health through training programs on regenerative agriculture and incentivizing practices like cover crops and reduced tillage. We also collaborate with academic institutions like the University of Buffalo to advance knowledge on soil science and sustainable land management practices. We work closely with government agencies like local governments and the Ministry of Refugees (OPM-DOR) to promote subsidies or incentives for sustainable land management practices, implement regulations, and integrate soil health considerations into broader environmental policies. We also Partner with environmental NGOs that focus on sustainable development and joint initiatives that include community-based soil conservation projects, educational campaigns on soil health, and advocacy for land stewardship practices. Lastly, we collaborate with international organizations such as CA4SH, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to access global expertise, funding opportunities, and technical support for large-scale soil restoration and conservation projects.

3. World Business Council for Sustainable Development

What is your organization’s main approach to halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land?
As a membership organization, we work with our members – leading businesses – across land-based sectors on material issues related to land use. We address issues such as water, soil health and restoration through pre-competitive collaboration; developing guidance, best practices and advocacy that enable businesses to establish meaningful targets and take action. Examples of this collaboration include: Co-optimizing solutions in water and agriculture, Soil investment and OP2B’s Framework for restoration.

Why is soil health important for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land in the context of your organization?

For the food system, healthy soils are essential to ensure that we can provide food and nutrition security for a growing population and do so within planetary boundaries. From agricultural input companies to retailers, businesses understand the value of healthy soils and the need to collaborate across the value chain on issues related to identifying common metrics to measure soil health, incentivizing farmers to continue being stewards of soil health and creating investment opportunities for improving soil health.

How do you leverage partnerships with other sectors to do this?

We bring our work and members to multi-stakeholder forums, to ensure we engage and align with governments, researchers, NGOs, farmer groups and other key stakeholders. Our active engagement in CA4SH is a good example of how we do this. Our participation in the CoPs of the three Rio conventions (CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD) is another example of how we bring a business voice in a multi-stakeholder setting to demonstrate what collaborative leadership looks like.

4. Aaranyak

What is your organization’s main approach to halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land?

Aaranyak conceptualized and developed the Natural Resource Management program in 2017 with a broader perspective of natural resource management, watershed improvement, soil improvement, biodiversity conservation, habitat conservation, strengthening the livelihoods of communities, and overall human wellbeing. The program has initiated activities for Ecological Restoration in the Kohora River Basin (KRB) and Diring River Basin (DRB) in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKL) and the fringe village of the Raimona National Park. The Ecological Restoration includes active restoration of degraded land as well as Agroforestry in the multi-use land. Apart from Ecological Restoration, Natural Farming of Vegetables, and field cropping like pulses, and oilseeds have been promoted in villages of KRB and DRB in KKL and in the fringe villages of Bhuyanpara Range of Manas National Park. Local and Indigenous communities are our partners in the ecorestoration activities which supplement their livelihoods as well as inculcate nature-positive behavior to sustain coexistence.

Why is soil health important for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land in the context of your organization?

Soil health is crucial for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land. We emphasize soil health due to its foundational role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable land use. Strengthening soil biomass,  soil moisture, soil organisms, and soil carbon, are the priorities. Some of our project areas face significant risks of soil degradation due to several factors, including the spread of monocultures, as well as the practice of shifting cultivation. Each of these agricultural practices, while economically important, contributes to soil degradation in distinct ways. Monoculture plantations involve growing a single crop species over a large area, leading to several ecological and soil-related issues namely soil erosion, nutrient depletion, soil compaction, and biodiversity loss. Better soil moisture and texture also help in water retention which will help in water percolation and leaching in the ground water table. Addressing soil degradation in our project area is critical for maintaining the long-term health and productivity of the land. By implementing sustainable practices and restoring ecological balance, we aim to create a resilient and sustainable environment for future generations.

How do you leverage partnerships with other sectors to do this?

It is crucial to engage a diverse range of stakeholders to combat desertification and land restoration. Each stakeholder can bring unique perspectives, resources, and capabilities enabling comprehensive solutions. Partnering with local communities to utilize the loads of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in practice, and foster ownership and ensure the sustainability of land restoration efforts for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land is one of the crucial efforts. The community institutions can enable knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the co-creation of solutions in the local context. Partnering with policymakers at all possible levels can help to create an environment for sustainable land management which will also enhance the collaborative advocacy efforts. Also, collaboration between the scientific community and different research institutions can work as a scientific approach to build a strong foundation regarding halting desertification and land restoration. Partnerships with academic institutions are also important as young minds need to be nurtured. Besides, government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Forest and Environment, and the Department of Soil Conservation play a significant role in our collaborative efforts. Effective collaboration among the mentioned stakeholders can foster resilience and sustainable land restoration efforts as we move forward. By leveraging the collective strengths of different stakeholders, we can scale to develop innovative solutions, mobilize resources, and achieve the targeted impact.

5. BAIF Development Research Foundation

What is your main approach to halting desertification, combating drought and restoring land?

BAIF Development Research Foundation aims at Sustainable Natural Resource Management through suitable community-led region-specific approaches to minimize land degradation and to secure rural livelihoods, resilience, and an enriched environment. India with its spatiotemporal variation in rainfall (100 to 11000 mm) faces challenges of droughts in various parts of the country. To combat drought, a watershed approach is found suitable in drought-prone areas. This approach includes treatment of micro-watersheds for land restoration, participatory resource mapping, geo-hydrological investigations, soil mapping, vulnerability assessment, and application of remote sensing and GIS for the conservation of soil, water, and vegetation along with area-based and family-focused interventions. The implementation process involves local institutions for systematic implementation of the programme and is integrated with tree-based farming (wadi) and silvopasture development with a view to transform wastelands and other lands vulnerable to degradation. Thus, land degradation neutrality is achieved by implementing runoff control measures and targeting recharged zones of watersheds to ensure drinking water security and to improve water availability for agriculture. Capacity building of communities on water budgeting, use of water-efficient technologies and renewable energy, and managing the demand side of water in agriculture is emphasised upon to reduce emissions and water footprint in drought-prone regions.  BAIF’s land restoration programmes in 12 states of India have reversed the land degradation process on 461,245 ha, benefiting 507,300 vulnerable families. 

Why is soil health important for halting desertification, combating drought, and restoring land in the context of your organisation?

Soil is vital to human life as it impacts major ecosystem services such as food, water quality, groundwater, stream flows, and soil erosion. BAIF believes that soil, especially Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), is an important soil health indicator to improve landscape productivity and a valuable contributor to food production, climate change adaptation and mitigation. Excessive soil erosion leads to desertification in India while the use of chemical fertilisers, burning of crop residues and improper plant protection practices result in soil degradation and loss of productivity. BAIF’s ‘Pro-soil’ approach aims at the promotion of soil sample test-based nutrient management with integration of organic farming. BAIF is promoting the production of biochar from crop residues and the use of biochar in soil, use of composting, and is adopting practices such as crop rotation and other organic methods to sustain the soil fertility. BAIF has implemented the Pro-soil project on 10,000 ha and integrated best practices in various projects to improve soil health. Under Pro-Soil initiatives, BAIF has undertaken soil testing and distribution of soil health cards among farmers in various land-based programmes followed by technical guidance by Agricultural experts on soil test-based nutrient management to ensure the balanced use of fertilizers based on the needs of the crops. To prevent the top fertile layer of soil from being washed away with rain water, the soil on hill slopes was protected by adopting water-centric livelihoods for land degradation neutrality and soil carbon enrichment. Practices such as agro-horti-forestry (locally known as “wadi”) have good potential not only to convert wastelands into productive lands but also to improve soil health with higher potential to sequester carbon and thereby halt desertification.

How do you leverage partnerships with other sectors to do this?

BAIF has entered into global partnerships with climate-sensitive organisations such as 4 per 1000, INRAE, France, and Global Evergreening Alliance for research and knowledge exchange. GIZ and KFW have also provided support for the implementation of projects to halt desertification and to combat drought. BAIF has also partnered with Indian Organisations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and various agricultural universities for research and to undertake sustainable livelihood in vulnerable areas of degraded landscapes. BAIF has always expressed its willingness to leverage partnerships with national and international organisations based on areas of mutual interest and in line with livestock development, land restoration and plantation-based initiative for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

6. Land and Health Association

What is your main approach to halting desertification, combatting drought, and restoring land?

From a technical standpoint, this issue is directly included in the indicators defined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to express land degradation.

The convention considers three indicators, specifically:

• Land productivity, which is the ability of the ecosystem or land to generate biomass
• Soil organic carbon, expressed indirectly by the amount of biomass under the soil or mixed with the soil,
• Land cover, to indirectly express how the land is protected by vegetation cover. The soil should therefore not be subject to the direct impact of climatic weathering (rain, sunlight, etc.) or should be able to allow water infiltration and combat soil erosion.

To technically address the approach to ending desertification, combating drought, and restoring land, it is simply necessary to ensure that the land is rich in organic carbon (for example, through the burial of organic matter or agricultural residues), is protected at all times (using cover crops such as mucuna and avoiding tillage), and is highly fertile (capable of providing plants with all essential nutrients for their development, such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which are among the most important minerals for plants). These combined practices can put an end to desertification, combat drought, and restore land. Of course, the implementation of these practices is not easy, and this is where the holistic approach to the issue must be considered. The entire solution should take place within the landscape context. This involves different landscape actors, various forms of land use, and a technical approach requiring science, financing, and adequate policies.

Why is soil health important for halting desertification, combatting drought, and restoring land in the context of your organisation?

Soil degradation due to poor management, overexploitation, and misuse of natural resources leads to desertification when it occurs in arid or semi-arid regions. Evidently, degraded soil is more susceptible to drought and requires restoration to recover its health. Land degradation poses a threat to biodiversity loss, food and energy security, the sustainable development of the socio-economic system, and human habitats. To address these social challenges, it is necessary to take care of our soil resources by promoting and maintaining soil health. The simplest way to achieve this sustainability is to care for our soil resources by fostering and maintaining their health. The fundamental concepts of “soil health” date back over 100 years and have evolved since then. Doran et al. in 1996 defined soil health as “the capacity of soil to function as a vital system, within land-use boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and promote plant and animal health.”

The basic idea behind the concept of soil health is that soil is a living ecosystem and that soil health is essential for obtaining high-quality ecosystem services, promoting microbial diversity, supporting high agricultural yields, and promoting human health. The concept of soil health required a revision of agricultural practices in such a way that the soil could be used without impairing its ability to provide known ecosystem services. In response to this issue, sustainable land management (SLM) was introduced in the early 1990s in response to land degradation. SLM encompasses soil, water, and vegetation conservation measures and is based on key principles of improving productivity and protecting natural resources while being economically viable and socially acceptable. When implemented, sustainable land management effectively combats desertification and drought.

How do you leverage partnerships with other sectors to do this?

This issue highlights the necessity of implementing a holistic approach to address the problem, as I previously stated. A landscape approach is required to solve the problem of desertification and drought and to restore the land. It necessitates designing a solution with stakeholders, even if the technical basis is known. Indeed, to scale up technical approaches, financing, governance, and clear policies that involve other actors are needed. This is why all organizations tackling this issue must also work on these levers by raising awareness among other actors about the problem, investing in the formulation and implementation of non-detrimental policies for the land, and attracting funding.

The word insect derived from the Latin word ‘insectum’, meaning “cut into sections,” plays a crucial role in our ecosystem, particularly in agriculture and forest ecosystems. Insects have permeated human culture since ancient times, evident from depictions of honey bees in caves, Egyptian hieroglyphs and references of beetles and lac insects in the Mahabharata. These tiny creatures play multiple roles, serving as pollinators, predators and as a source of livelihood. Bees, in particular, stand out for their role in pollination and honey production. Traditional honey harvesting methods which are destructive, are being replaced by scientific approaches, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both bees and beekeepers.

There are many saints in India of which almost all preach that every life on earth is precious and needs to be conserved and lived with. Saint Tukaram Maharaj, a saint had said “Wruksh walli amha soyari,” meaning the importance of co-existence of flora and fauna with human interventions and more diverse the nature, more healthier is the environment. Intensification of flora or crops leads to decrease in diversity. Decrease in diversity leads to loss of a healthy environment.

BAIF documented 700 plus species of lepidoptera insect species from different parts of the country and mostly from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha states i.e. a few areas of Western Ghats and a few areas of Eastern Ghats. A few species were reported 100 years ago.  56 lepidopteran species associated with Alstonia scholaris were documented.

Insect documentation during the British era in India included most of the insect species and the first entomologist post was started in India.  Many volumes are available for reference studies.  In the year 1758, Carl Linnaeus published “Systema Nature”, J.C Fabricus classified the insect into 13 orders,   J.G. Koenig published a special account of termites of Thanjavur district, Dr. Kerr published an account of lac insect and lac insect genus named kerria lacca on his name.

These insects are extremely useful in creating a healthier environment. They are many types of pollinators, predators and parasites. Insect is useful for livelihood and they provide various services with pollination and natural control of insect being their most known services.

The first insect which comes in one’s mind is butterfly.  Second, bees. Bees are mostly honey producing and non-honey producing, social and Eusocial wasps. Apis dorsata, Apis cerana indica, Apis florea are commonly seen in the field. Stingless bees are also one of the honey producing bees two species of which are reported from India. Stingless bees are mostly small bees which visit diversified flowers at a single time. They collect nectar and pollen.  In a few parts, such bees are reared by farmers. They are mostly found in crevices of old houses and trees. Agricultural crops like brinjal and cilli cucumber are different gourds pollinated by Apis dorsata, Apis cerana indica, Apis florea,Tetragonula iridipennis, Xylocopa sp., Xyalocopa amethystina, Amegilla sp. Nomia westwoodi etc. Our study shows that Apis cerana indica visits more diverse crops and plants. Xyalocpa Sp. are also important in agriculture.

Apis dorsata – Commonly known as rock bee, this species is aggressive in nature having sting and attacks more serious than other bees.  A few people are traditional honey harvesters and in many areas, they use smoke in the night and cut whole honey hives which is a very unsafe practice. 

BAIF is teaching such honey bee practitioners a scientific honey harvesting method, as the hive contains a special structure where the honey is kept and can be harvested without damaging the entire colony. This practice will increase the colonies and population of Apis dorsata. As in scientifically honey harvesting practice, the hive is kept intact in the same position and only the stored honey is harvested and in due course of time, it is again filled by bees. The eggs and broods are safe in the colony.

Endemic plant species, such as Smithia purpurea and Senecio bombayensis, form crucial habitats for insects, highlighting the importance of conserving these unique ecosystems. However, modern agricultural practices, including use of herbicide cause loss of these endemic species. The intricate relationship between insects and farming communities underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices which promote biodiversity.

Soil moisture is the most important parameter for increasing floral diversity and decrease in moisture results in loss of floral diversity. Soil moisture conservation is the most important criteria for a healthier environment. Under ecological restoration activities, soil moisture retention is the major task performed by BAIF.

However, modern agricultural practices marked by intensive pesticide use are more harmful to nature for insect populations. BAIF is working on holistic approaches that harness natural pest control mechanisms and enhance pollination services. Crop combination and natural control of pest insect enhance pollination services.

Sericulture, lac cultivation, honey bee keeping are examples of how insects contribute to livelihood and environmental sustainability. Sericulture is a homestead activity in many parts of the country but lac cultivation is possible only in some parts of the country such as subtropical regions with availability of host plants like Schleichera oleosa, Ziziphus mauritiana and Butea monosperma which result in successful lac cultivation. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar are the major lac producing states. The intricate ecosystems of lac cultivation with predators and parasites coexisting, underscore the delicate balance of nature.

In Central India, farmers from Vidarbha region are involved in lac cultivation on Butea monosperma (ber), and Schleichera oleosa (kusum). Female lac insect has a greater role in lac cultivation than the male lac insect.  Lac cultivation is also a micro ecosystem with predator and parasite insects.  These predators also have some other parasites such as Bracon greeni Pristomerus sulci and Apanteles sp. etc found in lac cultivation.

While tussar silk, muga silk and other types of silk are generally produced in the Southern part of India and Northeast, in Maharashtra. Tussar silk production is in an open environment and sericulture, the Gynandromorph is also found in tussar silk. Lepidopterous insect voraciously feeds on the host plants and casts cocoons which are used in silk production. Xanthopimpla punctata is the parasite for tasar silk. She lays eggs over larva which are mature enough.  These mature larvae make cocoons and safely comes inside the developed cocoons and starts to grow inside the cocoons, feeds on the pupa inside and the adult Xanthopimpla sp. comes out of tussar silk cocoon.  This Xanthopimpla sp. is the most important parasite in agriculture which controls many lepidopterous insects from the cucurbits field. by parasitising the larvae. BAIF documented gynandromorph from Tasar moths.

Farmers are adopting innovative practices like creating flower strips along bunds, hedge rows of long-term nectar source crops and a few plants like Moringa oleifera, Citrus sp., Bergera koenigii, Pongamia pinnata, shrubs such as Celosia argentea and other nectar producing and attractive coloured flowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects and birds.  These pollinators stay for a longer duration in the field as they also require food, water and shelter. Farmers are keeping soil moisture, dry wooden logs for buildings or constructing nests inside dry woods. Diversified cropping patterns not only enhance pollination but also a healthier agro-ecosystem.

Many solitary bees and wasps make houses in dry wooden cavities, collecting pollen and nectar to feed their young ones or larvae. These insects are pollinating different crops in the agriculture field. They are sowing crops in a 100–200-meter area for food production. Many species are making nest in the dry wood. Bee hotels can also be used by farmers to attract solitary bees and wasps to make nests in the agriculture field.

Diversified cropping pattern adaptation leads to a healthier environment and as a source of nutritive food. While maintaining the diverse cropping pattern, a few patches of strips of colourful flowers like yellow, orange and violet blue are used. These flowers attract most of the pollinators with nectar, Crotalaria juncea and other Crotalaria sp.  also attracts more pollinators in the field by providing nectar and pollen, for maintaining the pollinators in the agriculture filed for longer duration.  Such crops are useful while these have their own benefits rather than pollinators support. Based on traditional knowledge, farmers were earlier maintaining a diverse cropping pattern in which  multiple crops were cultivated as perennial crops or long duration crops such as oil seed crops like Linum usitatissimum (Flax seed), Foeniculum sp.(Fennel seed), Cuminum Sp. (cumin seeds), Carthamus tinctorius L (Safflower), Brassica sp. (Mustard), Seasamum indicumL., Cajanus cajan, etc. These are the most useful floral diversity combinations.  With different crops, this flora attracts the pollinator as well as predators. This flora produces nectar and pollen grains, for longer duration and many of these diverse crops have medicinal properties. Pollinators are important in agriculture as the pollinators mediate pollination, increase the quantity as well as quality of food as revealed by many studies.

BAIF developed butterfly gardens initiatives to serve as educational hubs, with focus on awareness about the vital role insects play in our ecosystem. Knowledge sharing with the new generation results in multiple host plants planted in such a way that the butterflies can be attracted towards it for laying eggs over larval host plant and nectar host plants. The butterfly population lay eggs and start the life cycle in the garden, egg-larva, pupa, and adult. These butterfly gardens are playing a major role in educating and enhancing the awareness of children and the community.

As indicators of environmental quality, insects offer valuable insights into the state of our ecosystems, water availability and soil moisture as they are mostly dependent on the floral diversity. Some insects are host specific, monophagous, some are polyphagous and a few flora are grown only in particular places and particular temperature and humidity. Hence, the insect is also growing over flora and having a bearing on the quality of environment.

 In some regions, insects even find their way onto our plates, with tribal communities incorporating them into their diets. This practice highlights the symbiotic relationship between humans and insects . Edible insects exist in a few areas in India where people use insects as food – ants’ eggs, wasp nests and broods of honey bees.

eDost, a women-centric programme initiated to address the existing digital divide and empower women in rural areas, holds great promise in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities in terms of internet accessibility and digital services. The initiative aligns with the broader Digital India Initiative, ensuring that the benefits of technology and the internet reach even the remotest villages.

The dual objectives of the programme – bringing digital services to the doorsteps of villagers and empowering women by providing livelihood opportunities – contribute significantly to inclusive development. By focusing on women, eDost recognizes the importance of gender inclusivity in the age of DigitAll, acknowledging the crucial role of women in the socio-economic development of communities.

Door-to-door delivery of digital services recognizes the need to make these services easily accessible, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure may be lacking. Through eDost, women can become active participants in the digital economy, contributing not only to their personal development but also to the overall growth of their communities.

Moreover, integrating aspects of skill development and entrepreneurship within the programme can enhance its impact. By equipping women with digital skills, eDost can pave the way for them to explore various opportunities such as online entrepreneurship, remote work, and participation in e-commerce platforms.

eDost has the potential to become a transformative initiative that not only addresses the digital divide but also empowers women in rural India. By fostering inclusivity and providing the necessary tools and education, this programme can contribute significantly to the vision of a digitally empowered and gender-inclusive society.

The journey of eDost in Pathardi village showcases a remarkable transformation in overcoming challenges and bringing digital services to a community previously deprived of mobile networks and internet access. The success story highlights the positive impact of the programme, especially in empowering women and creating a trusted network for financial services.

The observation that predominantly, it was the men in the village who owned hi-tech phones and women were unfamiliar with smartphones and the internet emphasized the need for targeted interventions. By identifying a semi-literate woman, preferably a daughter-in-law from the village and equipping her with a smartphone, eDost adopted an inclusive and strategic approach. This decision not only addressed the gender gap but also leveraged the potential of a local community member to act as a bridge between technology and the villagers.

The first and foremost step was to impart training to the selected eDost on the use of a mobile and how to conduct financial transactions through a fintech mobile application. This reflected the importance of digital literacy in enabling individuals to harness the benefits of technology. The initial challenge of gaining the confidence of the villagers in accepting digital financial services was expected, but the perseverance of the eDost and the gradual development of trust among the villagers demonstrated the effectiveness of the programme.

The paradigm shift whereby villagers proactively approach the eDost for financial services instead of traveling to nearby towns, not only saved time and resources but also indicated a growing reliance on digital services facilitated by the eDost. The programme has become a trusted source for financial transactions, demonstrating the potential for further expansion of services and influencing a larger number of people while responding to the demands of the villagers. The inclusion of essential services such as DTH recharge, bill payments and various e-governance services highlights the efficacy of the programme in transforming into am as an adaptable and comprehensive solution for the villagers.

With the inclusion of essential services such as PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Train and Bus reservations, eShram card, Soil Card, Vaccination Certificates, Voter ID, Land record and Driving License, eDost has become a one-stop solution for various digital needs while reducing the need for villagers to travel to urban centres to avail these services.

The sustainability of the programme is ensured by a nominal service charge being levied for the services provided by the eDost which creates a source of sustainable livelihood as well as ensures value for the service being provided. This economic aspect is crucial for the viability and success of such an initiative.

The geographical expansion of the eDost programme into various parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha indicates its positive reception and scalability. The presence of over 100 eDosts actively providing digital services at the doorsteps of villagers signifies the potential for replication in other areas and tailored to suit the specific needs of diverse regions.

The eDost programme serve as a model by showcasing the transformative potential of grassroots-level initiatives in bringing about positive change through technology and digital empowerment. The role of eDost cadre as local digital service providers is evidently impactful, extending beyond the provision of digital services. Their contribution to the financial independence of women, support for education and overall positive influence on family dynamics underscores the broader societal benefits of the programme in the following ways:

1. Financial Independence and Empowerment: The eDost cadre is not only providing essential digital services but also creating economic opportunities for themselves. This financial independence is crucial for women empowerment and gender equality. By actively participating in the digital economy, these women are breaking traditional gender roles and contributing meaningfully to their households.

2. Education and Skill Transfer: The fact that these women are contributing to the education of their children highlights a positive cycle of empowerment as education is a key driver for social and economic progress. Their role in educating other women in the village in financial and digital literacy indicates the impact of the programme in creating a multiplier effect by spreading knowledge and skills within the community.

3. Community Building and Trust: The eDost cadre, by residing within the community, establishes a foundation of trust essential for the success and sustainability of digital initiatives. As these women gain the trust of the villagers through consistent and reliable services, it fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.

4. Opportunities for eCommerce and Insurance Companies: The presence of the eDost cadre in remote villages creates an infrastructure that eCommerce and insurance companies can leverage. These local agents can act as intermediaries, facilitating transactions and bridging the gap between digital platforms and rural customers. eCommerce companies can use these local agents to establish last-mile connectivity, ensuring the delivery of goods and services to the most remote areas. Insurance companies can tap this network to cover rural populations and make insurance products more accessible and tailored to local needs.

In conclusion, the eDost cadre plays a pivotal role in transforming rural communities by not only providing digital services but also contributing to the socio-economic fabric of the villages while contributing to a more inclusive and digitally connected Rural India.

Amidst the scenic Gir forest dotting Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India, lies a treasure — the Gir cow. This local breed known for its unique qualities, plays a significant role in the farming system of this region. Join us as we dive into the world of the Gir cow, exploring its distinct features, historical significance and its role in sustaining livelihoods.

Intoduction:

The Gir cow hails from the Gir hills and the forested areas of Kathiawar and hence the name. Saurashtra region includes Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Amreli districts. The Gir cow is also known as Bhodali, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti across different sections of its breeding habitat.

Origin and Heritage:

The Gir cow, scientifically known as Bos indicus, finds its roots in the Gir forest of Gujarat. This historic breed has been a companion to farmers for centuries, playing a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of the region. Its adaptation to the hot and humid climate, marked by a distinct hump and pendulous ears, reflects the flexibility that has been improved over generations… Its presence in the agricultural practices of the region dates back to several centuries. The breed has played an essential role in sustaining communities, providing not only nourishment but also contributing to the economy through dairy.

Gir Communities:

Behind this iconic breed lies the dedicated communities of livestock keepers who have safeguarded the legacy of this breed for generations and which also reveals the rich cultural traditions and the importance of preserving and promoting sustainable practices for the well-being of the communities and the cherished Gir breed. These communities are Maldhari, Bhrawad (Gaderia), Rabari, Ahir, Jaat, Barda Dungar, Sumara, Sama – Muslim, Charan and Kathiawadi who have discovered their integrated connection with the valued Gir cow.

Breeding Practices:

Gir breeding practices are steeped in tradition, with focus on maintaining the purity of the breed. Gir breeders wisely select parent cows and bulls, considering their family and physical traits. This careful matchmaking ensures that the distinctive features of the Gir cow are passed on through generations.

Management practices:

The Gir cow, a symbol of India’s rich agricultural heritage, demands careful attention and thoughtful management to thrive in various environments. As keepers of this royal breed, farmers and caretakers play an essential role in ensuring the comfort and efficiency of Gir cows. In this note, we will explore key management practices that contribute to the health, comfort, and overall achievements of Gir cows. Management practises involve Quality Nutrition, comfortable Housing, Healthcare and Record keeping.

Gir Morphometric characteristics:

This indigenous breed has distinctive morphometric characteristics that contribute to its uniqueness including the features of the head, characteristics of the eyes, hump size, skin coat colour, skin types, body size, udder attributes, teat placement, horn characteristics, tail features and type of hump.

Milk Production:

A true leader in the dairy world, the Gir cow is famous for its high milk yield. The milk, rich in butterfat, forms the foundation for the production of ghee and other dairy products. This quality has elevated the breed to a major player in the dairy industry. Renowned for its adaptability, the Gir cow sparkles in tropical climates. Its ability to withstand heat stress and resist diseases makes it a valuable asset for farmers facing environmental challenges. Milk yield per lactation is a critical parameter in assessing the productivity of Gir cows. The average yield of 2110 kg reflects a moderate to high production capacity. The range from 800 to 3300 kg underscores the variability in individual cow performance, emphasizing the need for tailored nutrition and management practices to optimize milk production. Milk fat percentage is an important element of the quality of dairy products. The average fat content of 4.6% positions Gir cow milk favourably for the production of high-quality dairy products. The range from 3.9% to 5.1% indicates a steady and appealing fat, contributing to the nutritional value and market appeal of Gir cow milk.

Conservation Efforts of BAIF:

Recognizing the importance of preserving this genetic treasure, BAIF has made significant efforts to conserve and promote the Gir breed through Indigenous Breed Improvement Programme (IBIP) and Enhanced Genetics Project (EGP). Conservation initiatives aim to maintain the purity of the breed, ensuring its continued existence for future generations. On-going conservation efforts ensure that future generations can benefit from the invaluable genetic traits of the Gir breed, securing its place in the agricultural heritage of India.

In the agricultural scenario of the country, the Gir cow stands as a testament to the cooperative connection amongst humans and livestock. Its adaptive nature, rich history and immense contribution to dairy farming make it a breed worth cherishing. As we navigate the challenges of modern agriculture, the Gir cow serves as a reminder to the need to preserve our agricultural heritage and embrace sustainable practices for the future. The Gir breed has gained popularity not only in India but also in other parts of the world due to its desirable characteristics. It is important in the context of livestock diversity and contributes significantly to the agricultural economy, particularly in dairy farming.

The journey does not end here. There is a need to continue efforts in collecting various insights into Gir cow and thereby contributing to conservation initiatives for Gir breed for livestock management.

Stay tuned with us for more updates…

Introduction:

BAIF is committed to improving the lives of the underprivileged across 14 states in India. To ensure efficient outreach of services to the farmers, a strong monitoring plan, efficient data collection systems, and advanced data analysis tools are necessary for ensuring accurate recording of field data with focus on precision.

Realising the need to improve its data collection and analysis systems, BAIF began its transition from traditional book-keeping system to modern electronic databases and introduced Data Logger devices in its field operations in the year 2005.

First Model: Tackling the Initial Hurdles

The initial model developed with the technical support of MDL Solution Ltd, aimed to capture reproduction data in selected Cattle Development Centres of Maharashtra. However, the following challenges were observed:

1. Bulky Device
2. Limited scope of operation
3. Code-based entry and display
4. Not user-friendly
5. Short battery backup
6. Difficulty in handling

Second Model: Progress in Efficiency

Building on the lessons learned, the second model had the following benefits:

1. Smaller in size, the device was made more compact and portable.
2. In-built Battery
3. Increased Data Handling Capacity

However, challenges like display issues and limited data storage persisted.

 Third Model (PALM Mobile): Embracing Mobility

BAIF attempted to capture livestock reproduction data using a smartphone Palm Treo 680 model in its satellite form.

Features:

• Data Download Facility: Streamlined data transfer processes.
• Convenient Handling: A more user-friendly and portable device.
• Flexibility: Improved flexibility compared to previous models.

Challenges:

• Frequent power adapter failure
• High cost of replacement after warranty expiry

Switching Over to Windows Phones: Embracing Progress

The experience gained from PALM mobile and subsequent unavailability of devices and service backup of PALM mobile as well as easy accessibility with affordable price of Windows smart phones led to the switchover to Windows-based software for capturing the data.

Fourth Model: Windows Phones

Windows phones First Generation was developed to examine Windows-based software – a suitable device with affordable price, HTC model P-3452 with Microsoft windows and mobile operating system 6.1/6.5 was selected during the initial project period. This model was able to ensure systematic data recording without any need to validate the data once it is warehoused in servers. The software used an architecture in which all the scenarios and processes were simulated to an object model. This model used to replicate the real-life scenario thereby ensuring that the data entered was pre-revalidated.

On the other hand, it gave intelligent responses and pre-emptive appointments and responses for possible scenarios. The system behaved like an interactive assistant at various levels like Centre In-charge, Area office, State office and Central office. As the technology became more advanced in the field of mobile computing, windows mobile 6.1/6.5 operating system was phased out by Microsoft being replaced with windows phone 7.1/7.8/8.0/8.1 Hence, the next generation of software application was developed with data, feature and functional continuity with previous generation software (Windows mobile 6.1/6.5).

First Generation:

Device: HTC model P-3452 with Microsoft Windows Mobile OS 6.1/6.5.

Validation and Intelligence: Systematic data recording with pre-validation and intelligent responses.

Second Generation:

Technological Advancement: Evolving with Windows Phone 7.1/7.8/8.0/8.1.

Continuity: Maintained data, feature and functional continuity from the previous generation.

Switching over to Android Phones

Following the phase-out of Windows phones after 2016-17, BAIF recognized the need to adapt and transition to Android smartphones. This shift marked a strategic move towards modernization, enabling a more streamlined and efficient approach towards livestock reproduction data collection. Acceptance of the online-offline model, BAIF introduced the “Godhan Seva” Android App specifically designed for Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs). This innovative app, powered by TCS-DFI® (Tata Consultancy Services – Digital Farming Initiative), not only facilitated seamless data collection but also empowered AITs with a user-friendly platform.  The application also had a multi-language support. The transition to Android smartphones and the integration of the “Godhan Seva” app exemplify BAIF’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements for enhanced livestock management. More than 1200+ BAIF Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians are using this application in the field and around 40+ lakh Artificial Insemination data is available since the past 6-7 years in digital form. Various research publications and articles have been published based on data collected through such modern technology in national and international journals.

Systematic representation of the current livestock data collection system

The systematic representation of the current livestock data collection at BAIF involves incorporation of additional add-on modules on body measurement, performance recording, disease and vaccination thereby reflecting a refined and comprehensive approach towards data management. This signifies a strategic enhancement in our data collection system, designed to capture a more detailed picture of livestock-related information. These add-on modules serve as supplementary components, addressing specific aspects of livestock data that may require specialized attention.

Dashboards and Reports for data visualization and monitoring

Various dashboards and reports have been precisely developed to facilitate effective data monitoring and downloading by the supervisory staff. These tools serve as integral components of our streamlined approach, providing real-time insights and comprehensive overviews of the collected data. The dashboards offer a visual representation of key metrics, enabling rapid and informed decision-making.

Future scope: A platform independent software solutions

 Currently, our focus is on developing a platform-independent software solution to ensure the adaptability of livestock data collection software solution across various devices. This strategic initiative is geared to enable deployment on a wide range of platforms, including Android phones and tablets, iOS devices, Windows phones and tablets, PCs, and desktop computers. By creating a software solution compatible with diverse operating systems and devices, we are striving to enhance accessibility and flexibility, allowing AITs to seamlessly utilize our application on their preferred devices. This approach reflects our commitment to provide a user-friendly and universally accessible tool for livestock reproduction data management across diverse technological ecosystems.

Conclusion

 In our relentless pursuit of efficiency and accuracy, BAIF’s experience with data logger equipment is a testament to our commitment to innovation in livestock reproduction data management. The evolving technology landscape serves as a catalyst for our continued dedication to inventing and implementing superior solutions. As we navigate the dynamic currents of technological advancement, our resolve to remain at the forefront of progress remains unwavering.  However, the journey does not end here.  We have to continue our efforts to adapt our methods to new possibilities and contribute to the ongoing transformation in livestock management. So stay tuned with us…

India is an agricultural country. Hence, the economy of India is dependent on the agriculture sector. Agriculture and farmers have assumed unique positions in Indian society. The population is increasing day by day and along with the increasing population, the comforts and conveniences of people i.e. buildings, roads, settlements, industries and dams are also increasing rapidly. Therefore, the amount of arable land is gradually decreasing. The challenge is to satisfy the hunger of the growing population from the limited agricultural area. After independence, Green Revolution emerged and our traditional farming system started changing into a modern farming system.

To obtain more yield, we started cultivating hybrids and improved varieties of crops which gave maximum yield initially. But as crop production increased, so did the uptake of nutrients from the soil. This resulted in deficiency of different nutrients in the field and the amount of organic carbon in the field also decreased. We started using chemical fertilizers to overcome the deficiency of nutrients in the soil. Due to the balanced use of primary and secondary micronutrients, we were successful in increasing the productivity and quality of crops.

Chemical fertilizers have given us tremendous benefits. In the last 50 years, farmers have been using excessive amounts of chemical fertilizers in an unbalanced way in an attempt to obtain more production. Therefore, it started having an adverse effect on the availability of nutrients. For example, if the phosphorus content in the soil was high, micronutrients like zinc and iron in the soil were not available to the crops even though they were in the soil. Therefore, it is important to balance the nutrients with the right fertilizers to compensate for the nutrient deficiency in the soil.

Many farmers believe that the more water they give to crops like sugarcane, the higher will be the yield. Thus, farmers continue to water the crop even when it is not needed. As a result, the soil loses its nutrients. Some farmers dig wells and borewells in the fields and use the groundwater for irrigation. The amount of salt in such water is high. Due to the excessive use of such water in agriculture, the soils become saline and over time, these soils are converted into unproductive soil. Therefore, it is necessary to plan the watering of the agricultural field.

New hybrid varieties of crops have come into the market which enable farmers to receive maximum output from agriculture.  However, these crops are also attacked by various diseases and pests. Farmer can manage these diseases and pests by traditional, physical, mechanical, biological and chemical methods. In recent years, farmers are also in a hurry to receive quick yields and returns. To achieve this, they make excessive use of different chemicals which is much more than the recommended use. Thus, due to over-use of chemicals, the chemical residues accumulate in the soil and destroy soil beneficial microorganisms and degrade the quality of the soil.

To increase the area under cultivation, we have started clearing forests and establishing agriculture and thereby changing the landscape created by nature. As a result, the fertile soil layer on the surface of the land has started moving from one place to another. This is what we call soil erosion. Soil erosion adversely affects agricultural land. The fertile layer of the soil is lost, while in some places, the soil on the hill slopes is eroded and the materials such as mud, soil, stones, sand, etc., flow along with the flow of water and spread on the fertile land rendering the fertile land useless. In some places, there are problems of flooding, while in some places there is division of land. Soil erosion in this manner adversely affects soil health.

The UN General Assembly launched 2015 as the “International Year of Soils” under the theme “Soils: A Foundation for Family Farming” which aimed to create awareness in civil society and decision-makers about the fundamental role of soils in human life. Similarly, we are celebrating December 5, 2023 as “World Soil Day” under the theme “Soil and Water: A Source of Life”. The main purpose is to raise awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

BAIF’s Initiatives on Soil Health Management:

1. As more capital is required in modern agriculture, soil and water testing is extremely important. Regular soil and water testing is the key to planned and profitable farming. Under its Pro-Soil Project, BAIF Development Research Foundation undertook soil testing and distribution of soil health cards among the farmers in various land-based programmes followed by technical guidance by BAIFs Agricultural experts on soil test-based nutrient management to ensure balanced use of fertilizers based on the needs of the crops.

2. To prevent the top fertile layer of soil from being washed away with rain water, the hill slope soil was protected by adopting water-centric livelihoods for land degradation neutrality and soil carbon enrichment. Till date, BAIF has developed 789 watersheds covering 3,72,109 hectares area which has raised the groundwater table and green cover, improved micro-climate and increased agricultural productivity by 35 to 40 %. The estimated carbon sequestration/offset achieved through BAIFs initiatives on natural resources management, silvopasture, soil health improvement and efficient water use is about 1,00,000 t C per year.

3. To reduce the soil disturbance BAIF promoted direct seeded rice technology on 1102 ha in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar and zero tillage cultivation practices on wheat demonstrated on 3532 ha in Bihar.

4. With increased organic carbon content in soil, BAIF promoted green manuring activity with Dhaincha, Sunhemp and Navadhanya on 1000 ha at Prakasam, Palnadu and Eluru districts of Andhra Pradesh. To improve the organic carbon content in soil and alternative solutions for crop residue management BAIF promoted Biochar, vermicompost, farm yard manures, city compost, biodigester, bio-prom and decomposers in Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

5. Generally, 33 % of the total area in any village, district or state should be under forest cover. To convert the uncultivated land into productive assets and increase the tree cover outside the forest, BAIF has been implementing the Agri-Horti-Forestry (Wadi) programme and has planted fruit and forestry trees on 89,000 ha. The BAIF Wadi model has been scaled up in 25 states with the support of NABARD. Two million tons of total estimated carbon has been sequestered through the wadi programme.

6. To reduce the production cost of farmers and to reduce the excess use of chemicals in agriculture, BAIF established 10 Drums, Jeevamrut, Bijamrit and Dashparni Neem Ark and Vermiwash units at the village level and guided the farmers on its preparation and application.

7. BAIF has promoted integrated pest management, bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides under various projects.

8. To end mono-cropping system, BAIF has promoted and introduced alternative crops at farmers’ fields and maintained a crop rotation system.

9. To increase nutrient use efficiency BAIF demonstrated and promoted Briquettes technology in rice crops with 157 farmers at Bhor, Welhe, Rajgurunagar and Jawhar in Maharashtra.

10. To increase water use efficiency and avoid excess use of irrigation water, BAIF has promoted Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems. This has ensured conservation of 90 % of water and prevented soluble elements of our soil from being washed away.

Introduction

In India, livestock is the primary source of income for landless farmers supplemented with agriculture. However, a majority of the dairy farmers have poor or no access to information apart from lack of access to extension and veterinary services, education and training facilities. There are also very few call centres catering to the needs of dairy farmers.

Challenges faced by dairy farmers

 Despite a wide range of reform initiatives in agricultural and livestock extension in India in the past few decades, the coverage, access to and quality of information provided to marginalized and poor farmers is unevenly distributed. This hinders the growth of the dairy enterprise or business resulting in loss of interest of farmers in this enterprise. Hence, there is a need to establish call centres to cater to the needs of the farmers on various critical aspects such as breeding, housing, health and feeding of animals for achieving higher production with a smaller number of animals.  Some of the challenges faced by dairy farmers are:

• Shortage of feed/fodder. Growing trend of high breed animals is creating a huge demand for good quality feed and fodder to cater to the dietary requirement of milking animals and use of feed pre-mixes.
• Hygiene conditions.
• Health issues of animals.
• Lack of awareness and training of dairy farmers
• Supply Chain. Absence of requisite infrastructure such as chilling plants and bulk coolers to prevent contamination and spoilage at the village level.
• Poor returns on investment
• Growing shortage and cost of labour. Farmers welcome farm mechanisation in order to handle the situation.
• Growing consumer awareness and shifting lifestyle are forcing processors to move towards product innovation and thereby a growing demand for high quality equipment and various food ingredients.

The other concerns of dairy farmers are competition, cost of production and productivity of animals. Demand for high-quality dairy products is increasing, as is production in many emerging countries.

On account of a growing middle class, rising prosperity, changing food habits and level of awareness, the demand for milk and milk products is increasing at a rapid pace in the Indian market. A lot of innovation is taking place at the consumer end and thus the demand for new technology, machinery, packaging solutions, food diagnostics and food ingredients is increasing.

Keeping all the challenges and current marketing demand in the mind, it is necessary to educate dairy farmers to ensure higher milk production with a smaller number of animals and to create awareness about animal rearing for ensuring breeding of healthy animals.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched a call centre – Pashu Mitra for dairy farmers to address their queries on animal health, nutrition and productivity. BAIF too launched a farmers’ Call Centre – Sanvadini in the year 2015 particularly for BAIF participant farmers to provide support to farmers through dialogues over the telephone.

This outbound Call Centre was started to provide advisories to farmers involved in Dairy husbandry activities.  Rural women with farming background have been appointed as Operators or Communicators who call the farmers to provide valuable information and to satisfy their queries on dairy cattle management.

Major Objectives of Sanvadini

 The main objectives of Sanvadini are:

• To provide technical guidance, input support and extension services such as veterinary care, breeding, supply of balanced ration and feed supplements, fodder seed, fodder crops and training to dairy farmers through experts.
• To identify farmer problems and ensure proactive discussions and solutions and their demand for various services.
• Calls can lead to wider application of services and dissemination of inputs, improve the quality of milk and thereby increase farm income significantly.
• Generate a database of dairy farmers, which can further be used for various surveys, market studies and development planning.

Impact

 In the last 8 years, more than 200,000 farmers have been covered through Sanvadini which has successfully provided ready solutions to farmers’ problems over telephone calls. If the communicator is unable to respond to various queries raised by the farmers, the call is escalated to the Subject Matter Specialists who answers the call and responds to the farmers’ needs.  The response from the farmers has been very encouraging as they are getting advisories and updates on various critical issues in the dairy sector. Thus, today almost 10-12 percent calls are inbound calls, as against a totally outbound call centre form when it was launched.

There is a need to start more of such centres for not only helping the farmers in animal rearing and management but also for educating them about management of high yielding animals, technical guidance, advisories and input services. Such kind of centres will certainly help dairy farmers in operating dairy enterprise successfully.

The Call Centre is technically backed with a Customer Relations Management software integrated with cloud telephony, making it easy to replicate it in other States; farmers and calling data are managed centrally.   Expansion or creation of more of such call centres will help to overcome the language barrier, as the advisories can be provided in local languages.

The Contact Number of Sanvadini is 02248914067

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a biotechnological technique widely used in livestock. IVF in livestock offers several advantages, particularly in the multiplication of superior germplasm, which refers to the genetic material of animals that exhibit desirable traits such as high milk production, disease resistance, or other economically important characteristics.

The clinical and technological advances executed for a long time in animal duplication have resulted in the development of a variety of tools commonly referred to as Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The primary focus of these tools is to maximize the number of offspring from genetically superior animals and disseminate germplasm to breeders’ and farmer’s doorstep. Furthermore, ART allows for the effective utilization of donors with anatomical disabilities and sub-fertile conditions, for shielding the germplasm of threatened species and home breeds and transmission. The major advances in In Vitro Embryo Production (IVEP) today seek to improve overall performance at all procedural stages viz. ovarian stimulation, oocyte recovery, maturation, fertilization, embryo development, embryo freezing, embryo transfer and pregnancy establishment.

The native breeders are interested in conserving their native breeds for genetic assurance in the future. The conservation includes preservation along with upgradation of the genetic potential and management of a breed for use in the future. The powerful control of livestock assets consists of identification, characterization, evaluation, documentation and conservation.

BAIF established the IVF laboratory in 2018 with the project entitled, “Conservation and Multiplication of Superior Germplasm in Cattle by OPU-IVF Technology” under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP), Government of India. Indigenous breeds such as Dangi, Deoni, Gaolao, Gir, Red Kandhari, and Sahiwal donors were selected based on the Minimum Standard Protocol set by the Government of India.

Farmers and animal breeders are utilizing BAIF’s IVF-Embryo transfer (ET) facility to multiply embryos from genetically superior animals. It enables rapid dissemination of desirable traits in the population. For those who are interested in producing desired sexed calves, during IVF only, sex-sorted semen is used. Nowadays, breeders are also trying to ensure genetic improvement in their herds, leading to higher productivity and profitability. As there is less transportation of live animals, it reduces the risks of disease transmission.

The desirable approach is to take up genetic development as well as conservation. Establishment of regional gene banks and participation of breeders, communities, gaushalas, NGOs and different applicable stakeholders are essential in the conservation programme.