Introduction:

In many villages, farmers are noticing gradual changes in the condition of their fields. Soil that was once relatively easy to plough is becoming hard and cloddy. After the first rain or irrigation, water sometimes remains on the surface instead of moving into the soil. When the field is ploughed, large clods are often seen.

There is another change that farmers frequently talk about. Earlier, a normal dose of fertiliser could produce good crop growth, but in some fields the same fertiliser dose does not give the expected response. Farmers may apply additional urea or other fertilisers. Yet the crop can still appear pale and the yield may not improve.

These observations should make us look beyond fertilisers alone and focus on the condition of the soil.

Soil is much more than the medium in which a crop grows. It contains organic matter, microorganisms, earthworms, air and water. These components work together to maintain soil structure and support healthy root growth. Continuous cultivation, residue burning, inadequate addition of organic matter and imbalanced fertiliser use can gradually affect these properties.

The situation, however, is not irreversible. Soil health can be improved with regular management. Farmers do not always need expensive inputs or complicated technologies. Some simple practices, when adopted according to local soil and crop conditions, can help improve soil structure, nutrient cycling and water management.

Based on field observations and agricultural experience, four practical approaches are discussed here: proper use of well decomposed farmyard manure, green manuring, inclusion of pulse crops in the cropping system, and appropriate use of biochar.

1. Proper Use of Well Decomposed Farmyard Manure

Farmyard manure is one of the oldest sources of organic matter available to farmers. However, the quality and stage of decomposition of manure are important.

One common practice is to remove fresh dung from the cattle shed and apply it directly to the field. While this may appear convenient, fresh manure is not always the best option for immediate field application.

Why should fresh manure be avoided?

Fresh manure contains relatively unstable organic materials. Depending on its composition and the soil conditions, its decomposition can temporarily affect the availability of some nutrients. It may also contain weed seeds and other unwanted materials if it has not been properly composted.
Well decomposed manure, on the other hand, is generally easier to handle and provides a more stable source of organic matter.

What should good manure look like?

Well decomposed farmyard manure is generally dark brown to black, crumbly and relatively uniform in appearance. It should not have a strong smell of fresh dung.

Wherever possible, manure should be allowed to decompose properly before field application. A period of around four to six months can be used as a practical guideline, although the actual decomposition period depends on moisture, temperature, turning and the method used for preparation.
For field application, the quantity should be decided according to manure quality, soil condition and the nutrient requirement of the crop. As a practical farm-level recommendation, farmers may consider around 3–4 trolley loads of well decomposed farmyard manure per acre, subject to the size and capacity of the trolley.

Where vermicompost is available, it can also be used as a concentrated organic input. Around 1.5–2 tonnes per acre may be considered wherever appropriate, but the quantity should ideally be adjusted according to soil-test results and crop requirements.

Organic manure does more than supply nutrients. Regular addition of organic matter can improve soil aggregation, support microbial activity and help create better conditions for root growth. In heavier soils, improved aggregation can also support better movement of air and water.
The important point is not simply to add more manure every year. The quality, maturity, quantity and method of application all matter.

2. Green Manuring: A Low-Cost Way to Add Organic Matter

For farmers who have limited access to farmyard manure, green manuring can be a useful option.

Green manure crops are grown primarily to improve the soil rather than for harvesting grain. Crops such as dhaincha (Sesbania spp.) and sunnhemp are commonly used for this purpose.

If there is a suitable window between two main crops, green manure can be incorporated into the soil before it becomes too mature.

Which crop should be selected?

The choice depends on the local climate, available moisture, cropping system and duration of the fallow period.
Dhaincha is particularly useful in many parts of India because it grows relatively quickly under suitable moisture conditions and produces substantial biomass.

Farmers should use a seed rate appropriate for the crop and local recommendation. For dhaincha, approximately 12–15 kg seed per acre may be used as a practical range in suitable conditions, although recommendations can vary with seed quality and sowing method.

When should it be incorporated?

Timing is important.

Green manure should generally be incorporated while the plants are still relatively young and succulent, commonly around 45–50 days after sowing, depending on crop growth and local conditions. Incorporation can be done using a rotavator, harrow or suitable tillage implement.
If the crop is allowed to become too old and woody, decomposition may take longer and the immediate benefits may be reduced.

What does green manure contribute?

A well grown green manure crop adds a significant quantity of fresh biomass to the soil. The exact amount depends on crop growth, plant population, soil fertility, moisture and climate.

Leguminous green manure crops can also contribute nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation. However, the nitrogen contained in the plant material does not become immediately available to the following crop in its entirety. A portion is released gradually as the organic material decomposes.
This gradual release is one reason green manuring can be useful as part of an integrated soil-fertility management programme.

The decomposition of organic residues can also influence nutrient cycling and, under suitable conditions, may improve the availability of some nutrients.
For farmers, the main advantage is simple: green manure converts sunlight, water and a short fallow period into organic biomass that can be returned to the soil.

​Conclusion

Improving soil health is not a one-time activity; it is a continuous process that requires the regular addition and proper management of organic matter. Farmyard manure and green manuring are simple and locally available practices that can help rebuild soil organic matter, improve soil structure and support better nutrient cycling.

The quality and timing of these practices are as important as their quantity. Well-decomposed farmyard manure should be preferred over fresh manure, while green manure should be incorporated at the appropriate stage to ensure effective decomposition and nutrient release.

For Indian farmers, particularly those facing declining soil quality, water-related challenges and rising input costs, such practices can form an important part of an integrated soil-health management approach. However, their effectiveness depends on soil type, climate, crop, moisture availability and the overall farming system.

Organic manure and green manuring provide the foundation for rebuilding soil health. In the next part, we will explore how pulse crops and biochar can complement these practices and contribute further to improved soil structure, nutrient management and long-term soil sustainability.

Introduction

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

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

Training in AI Technique

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

 Core Aspects of AI Training

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

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

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

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

Challenges

1.  Logistical & Supply Chain Issues

•  Cold-Chain Interruptions: Maintaining liquid nitrogen (LN₂) and semen straws at specific cryogenic temperatures is necessary.
• Lack of Advanced Inputs: Accessing sex-sorted semen and high-quality genetic material can be difficult and hence, limits the services extended to progressive farmers. 

2. Farmer Cooperation & Awareness

•  Identification of Estrus: The optimal time for insemination is critical. Farmers often fail to identify the exact heat period, leading technicians to perform inseminations outside of the optimal window, resulting in failures.
• Resistance to Crossbreeding: In some regions, farmers prefer traditional or natural breeding methods due to a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of artificial insemination and high-yield genetics. 

3. Technical Constraints and Health of Animals

•  Conception Failures: Factors such as underlying reproductive diseases, poor nutrition, and improper handling can cause repeat insemination which can adversely affect the reputation of technicians and diminish the trust of farmers. 

4. Geographical and Time Constraints

•  Vast Service Areas: Technicians need to travel long distances across rural terrain to provide services to a dispersed population of livestock, especially in hilly terrain. 

5. Low Coverage and Insemination Rates

•  Despite decades of promotion, cattle and buffaloes are still bred through natural service using scrub bulls in some areas.
• AI penetration remains limited, covering only 30–33% of the breedable bovine population, leaving a vast majority outside the purview of scientific breeding. 

6. Lower Conception Rates

•  Extreme summer heat stress, which reduces fertility.
• Poor estrus (heat) detection among farmers, leading to ill-timed inseminations.

Benefits

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

Impact

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

1. Dairy Industry

•  Genetic Upgradation: AI enables crossbreeding of indigenous cattle with high yielding exotic breeds such as Jersey and Holstein Friesian, thereby ensuring rapid improvement in milk yield.
• Increased Milk Yield: Over the last decade, scientific breeding by AI technique has helped to boost national milk production by more than 63%.
• Cost Efficiency: It is extremely cost-effective with scope for increasing the net daily returns of smallholder farmers.
• Disease Control: Natural breeding exposes herds to sexually transmitted diseases and injuries. AI significantly reduces the spread of reproductive infections among livestock. 

2. Rural Youth 

• Employment generation: Creates livelihood opportunities for unemployed rural youth.
• Entrepreneurship: Many rural youth set up private AI centres or integrate it with dairy/poultry/goat farming.
• Community benefit: Improves herd quality, milk production, and income for farmers.
• This programme well demonstrates how skill development can directly translate into economic empowerment and rural sustainability.

3. Economic Impact and Initiatives at the National Level

•  Livelihood Security: AI has become a vital source of rural self-employment. Thousands of grassroots technicians known as Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technician in Rural India (MAITRI) are able to earn their livelihood by delivering services at farmers’ doorsteps.
• National Programmes: The Government of India has scaled AI benefits through the National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
• Advanced Techniques: Initiatives such as sex-sorted semen help prevent the birth of unwanted male calves while preserving native breeds, ensuring both productivity and biodiversity.

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

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

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

The Blue Tiger: A similar chemical strategy

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

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

Utethesia pulchella

Heliotropium indicum: More than a nectar source

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

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

Heliotropium indicum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion:

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

Introduction:

Brinjal or eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops in India and plays an important role in household nutrition, local vegetable markets, and farmers’ livelihoods. In many parts of India, brinjal cultivation supports small and marginal farmers through year–round production and steady market demand. Yet, one important factor often overlooked in brinjal cultivation is pollination. While fertilisers, irrigation, and pest management receive majority of the attention, pollinators quietly contribute to fruit development and crop productivity

A recent study conducted on farmers’ fields highlighted how managed pollination can significantly improve the yield and fruit quality of brinjal crop. The study compared the effect of Indian honey bee Apis cerana indica and Stingless bee (Tetragonula sp.), and pollinator exclusion control conditions on the fruit set and crop performance under field conditions.

Pollination is a natural biological process that directly influences fruit formation and crop productivity. Insect pollinators transfer pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female reproductive structures, thereby improving fertilisation efficiency and fruit development. Although brinjal flowers possess the ability for self-pollination, insect visitation significantly enhances pollen movement, fruit set, and seed development, thereby improving yield stability and marketable produce in many horticultural crops (Klein et al., 2007; Free, 1993).

In recent decades, pollinator populations have declined globally because of habitat destruction, excessive pesticide use, agricultural intensification, and climate-related disturbances (Potts et al., 2010). This decline has raised concerns about food security and agricultural sustainability. As a result, researchers and farmers are increasingly exploring managed pollination systems involving honey bees and stingless bees to improve crop productivity while supporting biodiversity conservation. A study conducted at a farmer’s field evaluated the influence of managed pollination on brinjal yield and fruit quality. The findings demonstrated that managed pollinators, particularly stingless bees, can substantially improve fruit set and crop performance in brinjal cultivation.

Importance of Pollinators in Brinjal Cultivation:

Brinjal flowers are structurally adapted to benefit from insect visitation. The anther tube in the brinjal flower is compact, and pollen is released more effectively through vibrations produced by visiting bees, and pollen is efficiently dislodged during bee visitation and buzzing behaviour. When bees visit flowers in search of nectar or pollen, they facilitate pollen transfer between flowers, thereby improving fertilisation efficiency. Better pollination generally leads to increased fruit set, reduced flower bloom abortion, improved fruit size and weight, enhanced seed formation, better fruit shape and quality. Previous studies have shown that bee pollination significantly improves reproductive success in vegetable crops, especially in tropical agroecosystems where pollinator diversity is relatively high (Garibaldi et al., 2013).

Despite their ecological importance, pollinators are often negatively affected by intensive farming practices. Broad-spectrum insecticides, removal of flowering vegetation, and habitat fragmentation reduce nesting and foraging opportunities for bees. Sustainable agricultural systems, therefore, require farming practices that conserve and support pollinator populations.

Experimental Design:

The investigation was conducted on the fields of three farmers. Irrigated field locations represent typical vegetable-growing regions characterised by tropical semi-arid climatic conditions, moderate rainfall, and mixed farming systems.

Three pollination treatments were evaluated: treatments involving Apis cerana indica, Stingless bees’ pollination, and a control treatment (Pollinators exclusion). Flowers under each treatment were tagged, and precautions taken to prevent any further interaction of pollinators. Flowers assigned to the control treatment were covered using pollination exclusion cages to prevent insect visitation. Flowers blooming on the same day were selected and tagged. Managed bee colonies were placed near experimental plots to encourage active pollination. Observations included fruit set percentage, tagged fruit/flower abortion, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, pest infestation, fruit abnormalities.

Figure 1. Experimental brinjal field showing tagged flowers under different managed pollination treatments.

Results

The study revealed that stingless bee pollination produced superior yield and quality parameter results compared to Apis cerana indica pollination and pollinator-excluded control treatments.

Table1.  Effect of different pollination treatments involving Apis cerana indica, stingless bees, and pollinator-exclusion control on fruit set, fruit abortion, and average fruit weight of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Percentage increase compared with control:

Figure 2. Percentage increase in fruit set, fruit weight, and reduction in flower/fruit bloom abortion under stingless bee and Apis cerana indica pollination treatments, compared with pollinator-exclusion control in brinjal (Solanum melongena L).

Major Observations:

A total of 108 flowers were tagged, of which 73 successfully developed into fruits. Higher fruit set was recorded under stingless bee pollination treatments, total flowers tagged, and fruit set. Fruit abortion was lowest in both bee-pollinated flowers. Apis cerana indica also improved fruit set, compared to control treatments. Pollinated plants produced larger and heavier fruits. Control treatments showed comparatively poor fruit development.

Figure 3. Average fruit weight of brinjal under different pollination treatments.

Why stingless bees are emerging as important pollinators?

Stingless bees are increasingly recognised as efficient pollinators in tropical agriculture. Unlike larger honey bees, stingless bees are well adapted to warm and humid climatic conditions and can forage continuously throughout the day. Several characteristics make them suitable for vegetable pollination such as non-aggressive behaviour, continuous flower visitation, and longer interaction with flowers, and adaptability to tropical agroecosystems. Their role is particularly valuable in smallholder farming systems where maintaining ecological balance is essential for sustainable crop production. Studies conducted in tropical regions have also reported improved fruit development under stingless bee pollination (Abrol, 2012).

Figure 4. A stingless bee visiting a brinjal flower during active pollen collection.

Pollinator-Friendly farming and Sustainable Agriculture:

The findings of this study demonstrate that pollinator conservation is not merely an environmental concern but also an economically beneficial farming strategy. Pollinator-friendly farming can improve crop productivity, fruit quality, farm income, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem stability. Farmers can encourage pollinator populations by adopting simple ecological practices such as reducing unnecessary pesticide application during flowering period, conserving flowering plants around farms, maintaining natural nesting habitats and integrating managed bee colonies into cropping systems. Such approaches contribute to ecological intensification, where natural ecosystem services improve agricultural productivity sustainably.

The field study demonstrated the significant role of managed pollinators in improving brinjal yield and fruit quality under real farming conditions. Among the treatments evaluated, stingless bee pollination produced the highest fruit set, lowest abortion percentage, and maximum fruit weight. The findings highlight the growing importance of integrating pollinator management into vegetable farming systems. As agricultural sustainability becomes increasingly important, managed pollination offers a practical and eco-friendly approach for enhancing crop productivity while conserving biodiversity.

Supporting pollinators ultimately benefit ecosystem as well as farmers. By protecting and promoting pollinator diversity, farming communities can achieve better yields, improved fruit quality, and more resilient agricultural systems.

References:

2010. Abrol, D.P. Pollination Biology. Springer.
2011. Free, J.B. Insect Pollination of Crops. Academic Press.
2012. Garibaldi, L.A. et al. Wild pollinators enhance fruit set regardless of honey bee abundance. Science, 339, 1608-1611.
2013. Klein et al. Importance of pollinators in changing landscapes for world crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 274,303-313.
2014. Potts, S.G. et al. Global Pollinator Declines: trends, impacts and drivers. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25, 345-353.

Co-authors: Arun Shankar, Sadashiv Nimbalkar

Millet is an ancient and climate change-resistant crop. It is a practical solution for climate crisis because it requires minimal watering, grows well in less fertile soils and can tolerate extreme heat. It has the ability to replace resource-consuming crops, reduce emissions, counter food insecurity and promote sustainable farming.

Today, climate change has become a global crisis. The weather is no longer reliable. Sometimes, the heat is intense, sometimes there is unseasonal rains, and along with these complexities, there is rapid depletion of the groundwater level. Somewhere, the rivers are drying up, somewhere, they are flooding. Due to this, the soil fertility is also decreasing. The most direct and worst impact of all these phenomenon is on agriculture and farmers.

Somewhere along the way, we have abandoned cultivation of our old and traditional ‘coarse grains’ (now referred to as ‘Shree Anna’ or ‘Millets’) and are engaged in the cultivation of wheat and paddy (rice). But the truth is that these crops need a lot of water, good fertiliser and plenty of care. When there is less rain or drought, these crops are ruined. As water-intensive crops like paddy and wheat succumb to the ravages of the weather, an old and traditional alternative has emerged as a new hope – ‘millets’.

Coarse grains like jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo and kutki not only nourish our plate but are also an infallible natural solution to save the deteriorating environment. Let us understand how millets are proving to be a game-changer in this era of climate crisis. After the Green Revolution, our agricultural system became mainly dependent on wheat and paddy. These crops ensured our food security, but also came at a heavy environmental cost.

Growing a crop like paddy requires a lot of water. According to an estimate, it takes about 3,000 to 5,000 litres of water to produce a kilo of rice. Today, when many parts of the country are facing severe drought and shrinking groundwater level, relying on such crops is a warning bell. This is where the importance of millets comes into play.

What are Millets?

Millets are small-grained coarse grains called ‘Shree Anna’ in India.

Major Millets: Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Kodo, Kutki, Sawa, Chena, Kangni

Major Millet-Producing States in India: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Why are millets ‘climate-smart’?

Millets  are called the ‘food of the future’, and there are solid scientific and environmental reasons behind it:

•  Very low water consumption: While crops like rice and sugarcane require water in the fields, jowar, bajra and ragi are rain-fed crops. It takes only 250 to 300  litres of water to grow one kilo of coarse grain which is almost 10 times less than paddy! This is no less than a boon for areas with less rainfall or drought.
• Amazing ability to withstand temperature: Heatwave due to global warming are now common. Wheat grains shrink in rising temperatures, but millets can easily withstand temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. They  are called ‘hard crops’ which do not deceive the farmer even in bad weather.
• Low carbon footprint: Paddy fields emit huge amounts of dangerous greenhouse gases like methane which increases global warming. In contrast, the emission of greenhouse gases in the cultivation of millets is negligible.
• Freedom from chemical fertilisers: Millets require neither expensive chemical fertilisers like urea nor toxic pesticides for their growth. They are naturally insect-resistant. This not only saves the fertility of the soil, but also prevents poisonous chemicals in the environment.

A Safety Net for Farmers’ Livelihoods

Climate change has made farming a risky deal. Sometimes floods and sometimes droughts  destroy the entire crop of the farmer. Millets reduce this risk.

These crops ripen in a short time (about 60 to 90 days). They give good production even in barren and less fertile soils. Since these are low costs (saving on seeds, fertilisers and water), the farmer does not fall into a huge debt trap even in the event of crop failure. Millets act  as a kind of ‘natural insurance’  for small and marginal farmers.

Steps towards change

The Government of India has given millets  a new identity on the  global stage by naming it  ‘Shree Anna‘. Today, the health conscious section living in the cities is adopting ragi biscuits, jowar roti and bajra noodles. But this demand should not be limited to just ‘diet trends’. It should be seen as a movement for environmental protection.

Food, forests, water, and livelihoods were once woven together. The story of how three clusters in Maharashtra are restoring that connection, carries lessons far beyond the Western Ghats.

When a Connected System Begins to Fall Apart

For generations, farming families in Akole lived in rhythm with the forests, slopes, and seasonal rains of the Western Ghats.

Fields were small but diverse. Millets, pulses, oilseeds, dozens of rice varieties, and fruit trees shaped what was grown and what was eaten. Forests offered wild foods, fodder, and medicine. Communities held knowledge of seeds, soils, seasons, and wild plants refined over centuries.

Over time, economic pressures and climate stress shifted the balance. Paddy replaced diversity. Forests thinned. Soils eroded on the steep slopes. Once the cropping season ended, 42% of households sought casual labour opportunities, and 28% moved to nearby towns for daily wages. Soil, water, biodiversity, energy, and nutrition, once held together as a system, had gradually come apart.

The story unfolds across three clusters in Maharashtra, each with its own character: Akole’s hilly agroforestry terrain, Igatpuri’s forest-fringe farming systems, and Shahada’s tribal, water-stressed landscapes. Together, they reflect challenges that smallholder communities face across the world, which is what makes this work significant beyond the Western Ghats.

What the landscape held

Beneath the visible strain, three things remained intact: deep indigenous knowledge held by women and elders, strong community institutions, and remarkable biological richness in seeds, soils, and forests. These became the foundation the recovery was built on.

Science and communities, working at the scale of a landscape

The CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Programme is built on the principle that agriculture, biodiversity, water, livelihoods, and climate resilience are most effectively addressed together, across an entire landscape, rather than sector by sector. In Maharashtra, this programme builds on the earlier Nature-Positive Solutions (NPS) initiative operated from 2022 to 2024, integrating it with the learnings from Agroecology Initiative.

The three Maharashtra clusters were chosen thoughtfully, each representing a distinct agroecological reality, together forming a living laboratory for integrated, nature-positive approaches that can inform practice well beyond this region.

The partnership runs deep, from global research centres to village institutions. CGIAR centres, including the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), anchor the global research framework. National institutions including ICAR-NIASM, MPKV, and NBPGR bring domain expertise. State agencies, civil society organisations, and communities themselves shape what that science looks like on the ground.

Where Research Meets the Field: BAIF’s Role in the Programme

Founded in 1967, BAIF Development Research Foundation has built its work on a single, enduring idea: that sustainable livelihoods grow from communities, rooted in the land and knowledge they already possess. Today, BAIF reaches 4 million families in more than 100,000 villages of 18 states, with a multidisciplinary team of more than 7500 people.

In the MFL programme, BAIF functions as the key implementation partner, co-creating interventions with communities, generating field-based evidence, and connecting indigenous knowledge with scientific tools. BAIF’s approach is participatory at every stage: communities co-design what is tested on their land, evaluate what works on their own terms, and own what continues. Farmers are researchers. Women are conservationists. Elders are the knowledge archive.

Three threads, one landscape

The work spans three interconnected areas: agrobiodiversity, landscape restoration, and circular bioeconomy, each reinforcing the other.

Agrobiodiversity

Three community seed banks now conserve 125 indigenous crop landraces and 288 local cultivars across 1,550 farming households, held as living repositories of centuries of farmer selection. Through participatory varietal selection, 377 farmers evaluated 138 traditional varieties across 500 plots, ranking them by yield, climate resilience, fodder value, and taste. Eleven wild food and biodiversity festivals brought together 650 participants, reviving knowledge of more than 150 wild food crops and recipes that had faded from daily practice. Seeds of nutrient-rich vegetables reached 50 women-led self-help groups, bringing dietary diversity closer.

Landscape Restoration

Micro-watersheds became the entry point. In two pilot watersheds in Akole, covering 200 hectares, soil and water conservation planning was co-designed with farmers and research partners. Within a year of intervention, the pilot watersheds recorded an 18% reduction in soil loss, a 21% decline in carbon loss, and improved water infiltration even under higher rainfall. Farm ponds extended water availability through dry months. On community lands in Shahada, 18,200 saplings and 6,000 seeds were planted across 19 hectares through convergence. Agroforestry systems combining fruit trees, fodder grasses, and bamboo stabilised slopes and reduced pressure on forests. Twenty-four farming families introduced bee hives, flower strips, and nectar-rich crops, rebuilding pollinator habitats and natural pest control, restoring local ecosystem services.

Circular Bioeconomy

Firewood dependence had long connected energy, forest pressure, and women’s drudgery in a single knot. Household biogas units now provide clean cooking energy equivalent to 12 LPG cylinders or 2.6 tonnes of firewood per year, while producing organic manure for fields. A school-level unit at an Adivasi residential school in Akole converts 30 kg of food waste daily into cooking fuel. In Shahada, a community biochar unit managed by a Farmer Producer Company converts cotton stalk residues into soil-enhancing inputs and biochar-based value-added products, with 32 farmers trained in production, value addition and enterprise management. The Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Hub platform, inaugurated in 2023 with its physical secretariat at BAIF’s Central Research Station, brings together partners to scale circular bio economy-based innovations and builds enterprise skills among women and youth. The Circular Bio Economy Innovation Challenge organised for startups, provided a platform for innovators to present their ideas and upscale their innovations to business models.

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Innovation challenges conducted
475+
people trained
10+
Innovation Hub partners

When Everything Connects: Farms, Forests and Families Rebuild Together

Mandabai, Akole cluster

Smallholder farmer: 7.5 acres

When farm pond development and solar irrigation improved water availability on her land, Mandabai moved beyond a single cropping season for the first time. Vegetables joined the staple crops. Then followed strawberries, which she independently expanded the following season, because the economics worked. A household biogas unit replaced firewood collection. The organic slurry feeds her fields. The kitchen is cleaner. The workload has shifted. Her farm now offers work through the year, and the family stayed together. Mandabai’s is one of many stories across the clusters where water, nutrition, energy, and markets have come together in a single family’s life, each intervention reinforcing the next.

Across the clusters, the gains are visible across every dimension the programme set out to strengthen. Fields are more diverse, with farmer-to-farmer seed exchange active again at the grassroots level. Diets are richer, as wild foods return to kitchen tables and kitchen gardens supply vegetables through lean seasons. Households that once spent hours collecting firewood now cook on clean energy, with the slurry from biogas units feeding back into their soils. Watersheds hold soil longer. Pollinators are returning. Young farmers talk about experimentation, not exit.

Women have been central to this rebuilding, leading seed systems, documenting wild foods, managing community nurseries, and driving biodiversity festivals that have become spaces for intergenerational knowledge exchange. Youth have engaged in mango variety documentation, participated in crowdsourced varietal trials, and taken up biochar enterprise development. Market linkages have strengthened alongside this community action. At Bhimthadi Jatra and similar platforms, Farmer Producer Organisation members have showcased and sold native rice and millet varieties directly to urban consumers, testing demand, refining branding and packaging, and building evidence that traditional grains have a market well beyond the village

Building landscapes that hold

Across Akole, Igatpuri, and Shahada, the shift is sustained and runs deep. What has taken root here grew from cocreation — communities and researchers designing, testing, and evaluating solutions together, with ownership resting where it belongs: with the people on the land.

The gains span all three dimensions the programme set out to strengthen. Ecologically, soils are healthier, watersheds more resilient, and biodiversity more actively conserved. Socially, women lead, youth innovate, and indigenous knowledge is being documented and passed on. Economically, diversified farms, clean energy, and emerging market pathways for traditional crops are reducing dependence on a single season and a single income source.

From Maharashtra to a global evidence base

The evidence generated in these three clusters, on soil health, participatory varietal selection, watershed management, and circular bioeconomy models, feeds directly into CGIAR’s broader MFL Programme. Maharashtra’s clusters inform integrated landscape approaches in rainfed smallholder contexts across South Asia and beyond..

Challenges of climate variability, market access, and livelihood security are real and ongoing. And the programme continues to generate the evidence, build the institutions, and strengthen the community capacity to meet them, season by season, village by village.

Read the full Impact Report

The BAIF Impact Report on Advancing Multifunctional Landscapes documents the evidence, methods, and people behind this work in detail.

Access the Impact Report

A practical guide to habitat creation, artificial nesting, and conservation management

When most people hear the word “bee”, the picture that comes to their mind is honeybees in wooden boxes arranged neatly along bunds and boundaries. While this is a familiar sight, this image represents only a small fraction of bee diversity. A much larger and often unnoticed community lives quietly below the surface of the soil. These are solitary and efficient ground–nesting bees who are deeply connected to the health ecosystem.

Across farms, orchards, forest boundaries and village landscapes in India, these ground-nesting bees play a crucial role in pollination. Yet, they remain largely unrecognised because their nests are underground. Unlike honeybees or bumblebees, they do not form colonies or produce honey. Each female works independently, constructing her own nest, gathering food, and ensuring the survival of her offspring. Their lives are simple, but their ecological contribution is far-reaching.

Recognising these bees begins with observing some minute details. Tiny holes in the soil, often surrounded by loose particles, mark the entrances to their nests. Bees may be seen flying low over the ground, pausing and hovering as they assess suitable nesting sites. In undisturbed, sunlight areas, multiple nests may occur together, forming quiet aggregations that signal a healthy habitat.

Ground-nesting bees include diverse groups such as mining bees and sweat bees, among others. Their nesting process is remarkably systematic. A female excavates a narrow tunnel that branches into small chambers. Each chamber is provisioned with pollen and nectar, forming a food reserve for the developing larva. After laying a single egg, she seals the chamber and repeats the process. There is no cooperation or division of labour, just consistent individual effort driven by instinct.

In some species however, males are often seen guarding the entrance of the nest, while the female forages for nectar and pollen for the developing young. The male usually remains inside near the entrance, camouflaged as a small stone or soil particle in the soil. If he senses danger or disturbance near the nest, he may temporarily prevent the female from entering until the surroundings are safe. Once the threat passes, the female is allowed to enter the nest and continue provisioning activities.

Despite their ecological importance, these bees are often misunderstood. In reality, they are gentle, as they have no hive to defend. Their activity is closely linked to seasonal flowering and soil conditions, making them sensitive indicators of environmental change. In places where they thrive, the soil is usually well-drained, biologically active, and relatively undisturbed.

Their contribution to ecosystems and agriculture is significant. Many ground–nesting bees are highly effective pollinators, sometimes outperforming managed species for certain crops due to their foraging behaviour and body structure. They support fruit set and seed production in crops such as pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruit trees. At a broader level, their presence enhances biodiversity and strengthens ecosystem resilience (Klein et al. 2007; Ollerton et al., 2011).

One of the most encouraging aspects of these bees is that their conservation does not require expensive infrastructure. A simple and effective method involves creating artificial nesting habitats using soil-filled pots. This approach is practical, low-cost, and adaptable to farms, institutions, and even small home gardens.

This process begins with preparing a suitable soil mixture. A combination of 70% of red soil, 20% of well-decomposed compost and 10% of sand provides the right balance of structure and organic content. The soil should be firm enough to hold tunnels but loose enough for bees to excavate easily. Wide shallow posts work well, as they provide sufficient surface area for nesting.

Placement is equally important. Pots should be kept in the shade preferably semi-sunny areas as most ground-nesting bees prefer warmth and direct sunlight. Heavily shaded or waterlogged locations should be avoided. The surrounding area should remain relatively undisturbed to facilitate nesting activity.

Moisture management requires special care. The soil should be slightly moist but never wet. A gentle sprinkling of water is enough to maintain suitable conditions. Excess water can collapse tunnels and destroy brood development, making overwatering one of the most common and damaging mistakes. The key lies in moderation – small amounts applied carefully.

Nesting habitat alone is not sufficient; bees also need reliable food sources. Planting nectar- and pollen-rich species near the nesting area ensures continuous foraging opportunities. Crops such as mustard, sunflower, sesame, and pulses are excellent choices. An integrated approach works best. By combining nesting substrates with flowering plants in proximity, it is possible to create a self-sustaining microhabitat where bees can both nest and forage efficiently. Over time, such spaces can support a diverse and stable pollinator community.

Once established, the habitat begins to attract bees naturally. The process starts with exploration, followed by excavation, provisioning of chambers, egg laying, and sealing. As more bees adopt the site, multiple nests may develop within a single pot, forming small aggregations that indicate successful colonisation.

Long-term success depends on simple but consistent management. Disturbance should be minimised – soil should not be dug or frequently moved. Watering should remain gentle and controlled. The use of pesticides and herbicides near nesting areas must be avoided, as even low levels can harm bees. Occasional seasonal maintenance, such as refreshing soil, can be done carefully when nests are inactive.

These habitats can be easily integrated into different landscapes. On farms, they can be placed along field margins; in orchards, near flowering trees; and in home gardens, even a few pots can make a difference. They are also valuable in educational and research settings, offering opportunities to study pollinator behaviour and biodiversity.

It is important to avoid common mistakes such as overwatering, using compared or clay-heavy soil, or neglecting nearby floral resources. Small adjustment in these factors can significantly influence the success of the system. Beyond their ecological function, these habitats offer a chance to observe to connect with nature. Watching a bee emerge from a tiny hole, carry pollen, or hover over soil reveals a hidden world that often goes unnoticed. Documenting such observations can contribute to local biodiversity knowledge and inspire conservation efforts. Ground-nesting bees remind us that not every important ecological work is visible. They operate quietly, beneath our feet, sustaining pollination processes that support both natural ecosystems and agriculture. Their conservation does not require complex interactions – only awareness, a suitable habitat and a willingness to accommodate their needs.

Each pot prepared, is more than just soil. It is a living system, a refuge for pollinators, and a small but meaningful step toward ecological balance. In today’s times when natural habitat is under pressure, such simple actions can make a lasting difference.

Note: Students and Researchers with an aptitude for field work and with a keen interest in studying ground-nesting bees, are welcome to contact BAIF Central Research Station, Uruli Kanchan, Pune, Maharashtra, India by E-mail at crsbaif.baif.org.in.

References

2007. Klein, A.M., Vaissiere, B.E., Cane, J.H., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Cunningham, S.A., Kremen, C. and Tscharntke, T. Importance of Pollinators in changing landscapes for world crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 274, pp.303-313.

2011. Ollerton, J., Winfree, R. and Tarrant, S. How many flowering plants are pollinated by animals? Oikos, 120, pp.321-326.

 Vinod Borse, Dhananjay Jadhav, Deepak Patil and Sadashiv Nimbalkar

The legacy of BAIF’s work with rural women is not merely recorded in fiscal ledgers or annual reports. To recognise the achievement of a woman at BAIF is to acknowledge the profound silence she has finally managed to break.

For generations, the rural woman was someone who worked behind the scenes. She rose before the sun to fetch water several kilometres away, her spine curving under the weight of brass pots. She cooked over smoky fires that stung her eyes, and she tended to cattle that belonged to the household. She was the primary worker, yet she owned nothing—not the land she tilled, not the cow she milked, and often, not even the right to speak and utter her name in a village gathering.

The achievement of BAIF is the systematic dismantling of this invisibility. It began with the Wadi Programme. When BAIF insisted that the fruit orchards be registered in the names of both husband and wife, they weren’t just ensuring the sharing of property; they were restoring their dignity. This approach changed how her husband saw her, how her children saw her, and most importantly, how she saw herself.

There is a specific kind of music in a BAIF-transformed village. It is the sound of a woman’s voice—once a whisper—now leading a Self-Help Group (SHG) meeting. These women, who were once told they couldn’t understand “money matters,” now manage lakhs of rupees. They have become the bankers of their own destinies.

The emotional weight of this achievement is best seen in the “Digital Sakhis”, “eDosts” and the “Pashu Sakhis.” Picture a woman who was once confined to her courtyard, now walking through the village with a computer tablet in her hand or a veterinary kit slung over her shoulder. She is the one the village turns to when a cow is sick or when a pension needs to be withdrawn. She has moved from being a “dependent” to being a provider of solutions. The pride in her stride is an achievement that no graph can truly capture.

Perhaps the greatest achievement is the gift of time. By bringing water to the doorstep and smokeless stoves to the kitchen, BAIF didn’t just reduce “drudgery”—they gave women a priceless gift – their lives.

With couple of hours saved from fetching wood or water, a mother can finally sit with her children while they study. She can dream of a future where her children aren’t labourers, but doctors or teachers. The cycle of poverty is being broken not by charity, but by the resilience of women who finally have the tools to match their ambition.

The true achievement isn’t just the millions of trees planted or the thousands of crossbred cows reared. It is the demolition of fear. It is the sight of a woman standing tall in a Gram Sabha, looking into the eyes of village elders and speaking for the well-being of her community.

Today, the rural woman in BAIF is a “Change Agent”. She speaks with authority, leads with competence, and serves as the primary leader of rural progress. She is the soul of the village. When she earns, the money doesn’t go waste; it goes into milk for the toddler, books for the teenager, and medicine for the elder. She is the multiplier. The narrative has shifted from one of survival to one of aspiration. Starting with a few women, after four decades, more than 18 lakh rural women are associated with BAIF’s programmes spanning 10 states in the country. The numbers are growing.

This transition outlines the strategic shift from marginalisation to leadership, while highlighting BAIF’s role in fostering sustainable empowerment.

In the forests and countryside of India, Lantana, locally known as Jarmari, is an extremely dangerous shrub, which has become a major concern for the people living in these rural areas. This plant grows on its own;It absorbs soil nutrients and moisture, making the land toxic to cattle, destroying crops, and causing economic damage to agriculture by harbouring wild animals and pests. It is a fast-spreading shrub that completely destroys the native vegetation and poses a major threat to biodiversity. However, now with the help of technology, this wild shrub can be turned into a great source of energy by turning it into biomass pellets. This article delves into the industrial use of lantana and the entire process of pellet manufacturing.

Why Lantana? (Raw Material Advantage)

Lantana is an ideal choice as a biomass because of its following characteristics:

1. High Calorific Value

The energy value of lantana wood is very high.
• Its calorific value is around 3800 to 4200 kcal/kg .
• It competes with many common woods and even inferior quality coal (lignite).

2. Abundance of Lignin (Natural Binder)

While making pellets, a ‘binder’ or glue is needed to hold the pellets together.
• The amount of lignin in lantanas is very good.
• When it is pressed (compression) in the machine, the heat melts the lignin and acts as a natural glue. With this, you do not need to add any chemical on top and the pellet becomes as strong as stone.

3. Low Ash Content

When coal is burned, up to 20-30% ash is released, which corrodes the boiler.
• The ash content of Lantana pellets is only 2% to 5%.
• This increases the lifespan of the machines and also reduces pollution.

4. Free and Unlimited Raw Material Cost

Lantana is an ‘invasive weed’.
• The farmer does not have to provide seeds, fertilizers or water to grow it.
• It is spread free of charge over forests and barren land. The government and the forest department also encourage its removal, so that raw material can be obtained very cheaply or only at the price of wages.

5. Ecosystem Restoration

If Lantana Camara is burnt, there is pollution. But if pellets of lantana are prepared, then:
• The forests will be freed of this poisonous bush.
• This will improve the ground water level and provide space for other native grasses/plants to grow.

6. Low Moisture Retention

Lantana wood dries quickly. For pellets, 10-12% moisture is needed, which is easily obtained by exposing lantana to the sun.
Comparing fuel sources, Lantana pellets are a superior and environmentally friendly alternative to coal. Coal causes high pollution, emits carbon dioxide and releases 20-30% ash, while Lantana pellets are carbon-neutral and release only 2-5% ash.
From an economic perspective, coal is often expensive and has to be imported, while Lantana offers an affordable and local solution. Most importantly, while coal mining damages the earth, clearing the invasive lantana for fuel actually helps restore wasteland and improves soil health.

The Detailed Process of Pellet Manufacturing

A systematic process is followed to prepare pellets from lantana:

1. Collection and Harvesting: Lantana from forests or wasteland is harvested from the top of the root. This can include both dry and green woods.
2. Drying: The moisture level should be 10% to 12% for making pellets. The cut lantana is dried in the sun or by using a ‘dryer machine’.
3. Crushing and Chipping: Large bushes are put into a ‘wood chipper’ machine and turned into smaller pieces. It is then converted into fine powder or sawdust through the ‘Hammer Mill’.
4. Pelletisation: This is the most important step. The pellet is passed through the moulds (dyes) of the ‘pellet mill’ at high pressure. Due to high temperature and pressure, the pellet  compresses and takes the form of a hard, shiny and cylindrical pellet.
5. Cooling & Packing: Pellets are heated when leaving the machine. These  are cooled in a ‘pellet cooler’ and then packed in sacks to protect them from moisture.

Technical Specifications

The characteristics of a standard lantana pellet are the following:

• Size: 6 – 10mm Diameter
• Humidity: < 10%
• Ash Content: 2 – 5% (much less than coal)
• Density: > 600 kg/m³ (easy to transport)

Environmental and Economic Benefits

 Coal Substitution:  The use of pellet in place of coal in industries (such as textiles, brick kilns, and power plants) reduces carbon emissions.

• Forest Conservation: Removing lantanas allows native plants and grasses to regrow in forests.
• Employment Generation:  Local people obtain employment through harvesting in rural areas.
• Cheaper energy: These pellets are economical and more efficient than coal.

Economic Benefits via Soil

• Reclamation of Wasteland: Land covered with lantana is of zero value to the farmer. After clearing it, the land is ready for cultivation of fodder  again, which increases the market price of the land.
• Compost saving: As removal of lantana returns the natural fertility  of the soil,  the cost of chemical fertiliser  is reduced in the crops grown later on.
• Benefits in animal husbandry: When lantana is removed, nutritious grass starts growing. This provides free and good fodder to the animals, which increases milk production and increases the income of the farmer.
•  Carbon Credits: If lantana is removed on a large scale and trees are planted instead,  in the future, one can also earn money from ‘carbon credits’ through Soil Carbon Sequestration.

Industrial Uses – Largest Market

In factories that require a large amount of heat, pellets are used instead of coal:

• Thermal Power Plant: Co-firing 5-10% biomass pellets with coal is now becoming mandatory to generate electricity.
• Textile and Textile Mills: Here it is used to operate boilers and in the manufacture of steam.
• Brick Kilns: As an alternative to coal for baking bricks.
• Food Processing Industry:  For manufacturing of steam in milk dairies, biscuit factories and sugar mills.
• Chemical and Pharma Company: For heating drugs and chemicals.

Commercial Uses

In cities and towns where larger machines are needed:

• Hotels and Dhabas: To operate tandoors, furnaces and large water heaters.
• Hospitals:  In large boilers for heating water and drying clothes (laundry).
• Community kitchens: Kitchen of a gurdwara or mid-day meal for cooking in large pots.

Domestic Uses

• Pellet stoves: There are special types of stoves for cooking in which very little smoke from pellets is emitted.
• Room Heaters: Pellets are burnt instead of wood to keep homes warm in colder areas.

Conclusion

The creation of biomass pellets from  Lantana  is an excellent example of ‘Waste to Wealth’ and  ‘Problem to Solution’. While this invasive weed was swallowing our forests, bio-diversity, and fertile land,  it has now become an inexhaustible source of clean energy through technology and innovation.

The project not only provides industries with a cheaper and greener alternative to coal but  also plays a revolutionary role in generating employment in rural areas, rejuvenating pastures for animal husbandry, and enhancing soil fertility.

Women’s health is not just a personal matter—it is a cornerstone of the well-being of families, communities, and nations. A healthy woman nurtures not only herself but also the people around her. As caregivers, decision-makers, and community builders, women shape families and influence the next generation. Investing in women’s health therefore goes far beyond individual well-being; it strengthens societies and contributes to healthier economies. A healthy woman is truly an asset to the nation.

Whether in a rural village or an urban city, the core responsibilities women carry are often similar. Women support families, nurture relationships, contribute to their communities, and balance multiple roles all at one time. Yet while caring for others, many women overlook their own well-being. Uplifting women’s health must therefore become the starting point of true empowerment.

A key aspect of this empowerment is preventive health, both at the individual and community level. At the individual level, preventive health means adopting healthy habits—regular physical activity such as yoga, walking, or sports; maintaining balanced nutrition; prioritizing menstrual hygiene; and undergoing timely health check-ups and screenings. Early detection of conditions such as anaemia, cervical cancer, or breast cancer can save lives and prevent long-term health complications.

At the community level, preventive health focuses on spreading awareness, improving health literacy, and creating support systems that encourage healthy lifestyles. When communities collectively prioritise prevention, they reduce disease burden, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs for families.

Organisations such as BAIF Development Research Foundation are actively strengthening preventive healthcare among rural and tribal women. Their work focuses on prevention and health promotion through initiatives that address anaemia, promote nutritional security, encourage sustainable menstrual hygiene practices, and facilitate cervical and breast cancer screenings for early detection. By increasing health literacy and access to basic healthcare services, these programs empower women to take charge of their health.

For many rural and tribal women, limited access to healthcare often leads to alarmingly high medical expenses which are beyond their capacity. Community-based preventive health programmes help reduce this financial burden while building healthier and more informed villages.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that investing in women’s well-being today leads to stronger communities tomorrow. International Women’s Day can be more than a celebration—it can be a moment for reflection and self-growth. Each year should add something valuable to our lives. It is worth asking ourselves: What new strength, skill, or perspective have I gained this year?

Physical health grows when we keep our bodies active, while mental well-being strengthens when we nurture hobbies, build meaningful friendships, and engage in activities that bring joy and peace to the mind. Learning to celebrate small achievements, acknowledging personal progress, and setting new goals can transform this day into a milestone for personal growth.

The true spirit of women’s empowerment lies in growth, self-belief, and collective progress. When women measure their journey not against others, but against who they were yesterday, they build real confidence—and confidence turns aspirations into reality.

So let us not only celebrate International Women’s Day. Let us celebrate the journey of learning, growing, caring for ourselves, and supporting one another. Because when we give importance to women’s health—through prevention, awareness, and collective action—we truly gain stronger families, healthier communities, and a more resilient nation.

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to spotlight the essential goals women play across agri-food systems from production to trade, while often going unrecognised. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience . It calls for collective action, increased investment, and mainstream gender equitable policies in agriculture. As farmers, agricultural workers, food processors, traders, entrepreneurs and community leaders, women play a central role in rural economies, natural resource management and food production – they make significant contributions to food security, nutrition and the well-being of families and communities . Globally, women are reported to make up around 43% of agricultural labour, yet they control only a small fraction of land and resources, and are often excluded from credit, technology, and markets. The International Year aims to shift this imbalance by making women’s contributions visible, amplifying their voices in policy, and strengthening women centred programmes.

The Indian context

In India, women are the backbone of agriculture, albeit they are seldom recognised as farmers in their own right. Official records often treat them as “dependents,” “family helpers,” or “casual labourers” because the legal and institutional framework links the identity of a “farmer” mainly to land ownership, which remains male dominated. This invisibility means women’s labour is undervalued, under paid, and excluded from many schemes and benefits. Farm women are also heavily concentrated in the most labour intensive, drudgerous tasks, whereas control of mechanisation and decision making around crops remains in the hands of men. They rarely own land or hold titles to farm assets, which limits their access to credit, insurance, and government schemes, even when they are the ones managing day to day cultivation. Therefore, priority action areas include: increasing women’s access to and control over productive resources; developing gender-sensitive value chains; investing in labour-saving technologies; and addressing gender issues in climate change adaptation and resilience building. For India, this year presents an opportunity to confront the structural gaps that keep farm women at the margins of decision making, land ownership, and income security.

Increasing Feminisation of agriculture in India

In India, agriculture employs about 80% of rural women , with higher shares in some states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, land ownership remains the most glaring inequality. As per the agricultural census, 2015-16, at the national level, only 14% of operational land holdings are owned by women, which amounts to 11% of the total land in the country. This gap reflects patriarchal inheritance practices and limited success of land reforms. The phenomenon of “feminisation of agriculture” is also evident with men migrating to cities or to non farm work. However, this feminisation is not inherently empowering; it often means women manage more work without greater control over income, technology, or policy space.

• Home | International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026 | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/en

Although the majority of women are full time agricultural workers, yet they appear in records as “casual labourers” or “family helpers.” This invisibility directly translates into lower wages and weaker entitlements. Women are often paid less than men for the same tasks, and their work is not counted in household income. Their contributions—as seed savers, animal caretakers, and market linked producers—are treated as “natural” or “unskilled” rather than as skilled labour, which further entrenches economic dependence.

Women are disproportionately concentrated in the most physically demanding and time consuming tasks: transplanting paddy, weeding, harvesting, threshing, fetching water and fodder, and tending livestock and kitchen gardens. These activities are often back breaking, poorly compensated, and tied to seasonal spikes, yet they are rarely mechanised or supported by ergonomic tools. Women often work 10–12 hours a day in the fields, then perform household chores late into the night, with little rest or recognition. Mechanisation has largely favoured male dominated tasks like ploughing and sowing, while “women’s tasks” remain labour intensive, reinforcing patterns of drudgery instead of shared farm work.

Women’s exclusion as farmers and decision-makers limits their role in household and community decisions about cropping patterns, technology adoption, and market linkages. Men often control income from crops, while women bear responsibility for household food sufficiency and livestock, yet their insights are rarely considered into practice and policy dialogues.

In response to these challenges, the Government of India has introduced several schemes that explicitly target women farmers. Some of the schemes include Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) under DAY NRLM, which is aimed at improving the productivity and income of women farmers by promoting agriculture-based livelihood options. It provides women with technical training, financial support, and a better understanding of sustainable agriculture. Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), a component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, provides benefits for women, such as subsidised hiring or purchase of equipment that reduces drudgery. Another key initiative is the Namo Drone Didi scheme aiming to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drone technology to provide agricultural services. This initiative is expected to generate an additional income of at least Rs. 1 lakh per year for each SHG, contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood generation.

BAIF’s Initiatives for Farm Women

Alongside government schemes, several NGOs and farmer movements have emerged as strong advocates for farm women empowerment. BAIF Development Research Foundation which has a long history and avowed commitment towards women as equal partners in fostering sustainable rural development. To this end, some of our programmes implemented in partnership with corporates have focussed exclusively on women farmers, like ‘Prerna: Empower Women Farmers as Change Makers in Agriculture’ wherein women farmers were given knowledge support through package of practices, access to mechanisation, and tractor driving. A similar initiative, ‘Sathi’ was also designed for women farmers in tribal areas, specific to their needs. BAIF also has a women-led farmer producer organisation (FPO) in Maharashtra is developing milk value chain. On-farm women entrepreneurs are also being nurtured through expert guidance, training, market linkages and finance, as required.
Through its initiatives, BAIF recognises women farmers as custodians of traditional seeds and indigenous knowledge, helping conserve agrobiodiversity. Women participants are also championed as catalysts for digital and financial inclusion, enabling them to access banking services, government schemes, and digital platforms with confidence. BAIF also advances gender and technology inclusion, by means of programmes, such as, Drone Didis, eDost, and Sanvadini, bridging the digital divide and creating new livelihood opportunities while positioning rural women as leaders in sustainable and technology-driven development.

• NITI AAYOG, India | Rural Women: Key to New India’s Agrarian Revolution
• National Commission for Women

Conclusion

In summary, the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer provides a powerful frame to highlight both the scale of women’s contributions in Indian agriculture and the persistent gaps in recognition, assets, and agency. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge their vital role as well as the challenges they continue to face. Government policies such as Namo Drone Didi and MKSP, along with NGO supported initiatives, are beginning to shift the landscape, but much more is needed to ensure that farm women are not only seen but also empowered as equal partners in India’s food future.