Oct 22, 2024: Hon. President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the 5^th National Water Awards 2023 for “Best Civil Society” on BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune today at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.  The award was received by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee of BAIF and Mr. Waman Kulkarni, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Natural Resources Management and Climate Action, BAIF in the presence of Shri. C.R. Paatil, Hon. Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri. V. Somanna, Hon. Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Railways and Shri. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon. Minister of State for Jal Shakti.

The award announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India included 38 winners in 9 categories i.e. Best State, District, Village Panchayat, Urban Local Body, School or College, Industry, Water User Association, Institution (other than school or college) and Civil Society for water conservation and management.

BAIF has transformed the lives of 16,970 families from 115 villages of 12 states by promoting diversion-based irrigation and smart irrigation practices on 7816 hectares, construction of 3547 water conservation structures for drinking water and irrigation of rural catchment areas, 299 traditional rain water harvesting structures such as Tankas and Agors in arid regions to benefit 4485 families.

Resolving drinking water scarcity in Surgana, Nashik district, adoption of water positive village approach on 5000 hectares in Nashik and Satara districts, solar irrigation systems to benefit 1068 families and minimise carbon footprint in Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Gujarat, water stewardship programmes for sustainable river basin and micro-watershed management in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttarakhand, roof top rain water diverted into defunct hand pumps to recharge the ground water in Uttar Pradesh and roof top water harvesting in schools in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan were the other achievements.

The selection process included acceptance of the proposal, presentation, verification and impact assessment by the evaluation team from Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board.

We thank Water Resource and Watershed Departments of State Governments of all our operational states, Corporate Partners and Communities for their contributions and support in BAIF’s endeavour of Water for All.

Oct 05, 2024: Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi launched the ‘Unified Genomic Chip’ – ‘Gau’ chip for cattle and ‘Mahish’ chip for buffaloes at Pohara Devi, Washim, Maharashtra, thereby heralding a major breakthrough in dairy farming in the country.

These SNP chips designed for genomic profiling and evaluation of Indian cattle breeds, have been developed by a consortium comprising of BAIF Development Research Foundation, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources and led by the National Dairy Development Board. Each participating organization pooled their genome sequence and genotype data to facilitate the development of these genomic techniques. This advanced technology has enabled the direct application of DNA technologies to enhance the genetic potential of diverse dairy animal populations in the country. These chips will help farmers to identify young, superior quality bulls at an early age for selection and boost livestock productivity.

BAIF Development Research Foundation is working in rural development at Pan-India level for more than 57 years with special focus on genetic improvement, health care and systematic herd management practices.

Sep 19, 2024: BAIF Development Research Foundation, an organisation working at Pan-India level in rural development, with special focus on genetic improvement, health care and systematic herd management practices for improving the productivity of Indian Dairy Livestock, signed a MoU with the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB). NIAB is an autonomous research organisation affiliated to the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The MOU was signed between Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Dr. G. Taru Sharma, Director, NIAB in Hyderabad for collaborative research in livestock genomics and reproductive biotechnology. This collaborative effort will be in huge sync with the BioE3 Policy recently announced by the Union Cabinet.

BAIF and NAIB are already engaged in a collaborative project on Livestock chip development in association with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). On this occasion, Dr. G. Taru Sharma, stated, “NIAB, Hyderabad earlier in 2021, developed the world’s largest and India’s first HD chip for indigenous cattle. Now, the combined data of NIAB chip and NDDB-BAIF chip could lead to the generation of LD chip”.

Dr. Bharat Kakade, stated, “With this collaboration, the strength of BAIF in applied research and large scale field programme outreach and NIAB’s capability in basic research in animal biotechnology have paved the way to jointly work on many problems in animal health, productivity and reproduction and come out with appropriate solutions for the benefit of dairy farmers”.

The MoU focuses on Inter-Institutional centres on thematic areas to promote interdisciplinary research while addressing challenges in Animal Biology and Biotechnology. With shared resources and expertise, BAIF and NIAB will design and implement programmes aimed at innovative solutions, scientific progress and positive societal impact and their dissemination among communities, policy makers and industry through lectures, workshops and contact programmes organised at the national and international levels.

This collaborative partnership will be governed by a Research Advisory Committee led by the Heads of NIAB and BAIF, which will also comprise of experts on livestock genomics and biotechnology.

Sep 03, 2024: A MoU was signed between BAIF Development Research Foundation and Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) to advance the production of Spineless Cactus and Hybrid Napier, as a part of its effort to drive sustainable agricultural solutions.

The MoU signed between Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee of BAIF and Dr. Richard Lobo, Head of Innovation and R&D, Tata Chemicals at the Head Office of BAIF in Pune, aims at leveraging BAIF’s expertise in agricultural practices, climate-smart farming and agro-biodiversity conservation along with the strength of Tata Chemicals in advanced materials, agrochemistry and biosciences.

“Tata Chemicals and BAIF are committed to enhancing the welfare of farmers through the development of Spineless Cactus and Hybrid Napier, which hold significant potential for bio-energy, fodder, and other bio-based products,” said Dr. Lobo.

Dr. Kakade, stated, “This partnership will introduce climate-smart technologies to benefit rural communities and support Tata Chemicals’ agri-tech initiatives aimed at improving rural livelihoods”.

The initiative is set to focus on scaling up the production of these crops, with an emphasis on benefiting farmers and developing innovative bio-energy and bio-based products bio-leather.

Aug 24, 2024: The 58th Foundation Day of BAIF was celebrated by BAIF Offices in all the operational areas in 15 states on August 24 with pride and joy.

The Foundation Day of BAIF was celebrated at BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan, Pune, on August 26. The Chief Guest, Dr. Alfred De Vris, Senior Programme Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA, expressed his appreciation for the large number of smallholder farmers, community leaders and women self help group members associated with BAIF, being recognized by BAIF and the changes in the lives of millions of farmers. He traced his association with BAIF to the International Conference on “Livestock Genomics” held during the Golden Jubilee year of BAIF. He felt that while BAIF has made good use of genetics and other resources from other countries, most of the research and development can be undertaken by BAIF’s internal teams itself as they have the necessary expertise and facilities..

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, highlighted the efforts of BAIF in adoption of a circular economy with focus on agricultural waste management and biomass production and stated that energy farming will be the future of the country apart from food security and livelihood. He highlighted the partnerships with the Government of India, State Governments, public and private sector undertakings and philanthropic foundations. The strength of BAIF lay in the three campuses at Urulikanchan – the Central Research Station with its focus on livestock and agriculture, the Sexed Sorted semen technology Station and the Rural Innovation Centre.

On this occasion, awards were given to the best Self Help Groups associated with BAIF Programmes, Dairy Farmers, meritorious children of BAIF staff and to BAIF staff for Best Scientific Papers and Best Case Studies. The meritorious students of Dr. Manibhai Desai Navchetana Madhyamik School at Chondha in South Gujarat were also felicitated on this occasion. Start-up Organisations – Five F Agroecology LLP and Areete Business Solutions who have recently collaborated with BAIF, were also recognized on this occasion.

Earlier, Dr. Ashok Pande, Senior Adviser, Scientific Research and Livestock Development, BAIF, welcomed the dignitaries, BAIF staff, village leaders and functionaries, partner organisations, programme participants and well-wishers of BAIF. Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President, Livestock Development and Scientific Research, proposed the vote of thanks.

May 27, 2024: There is a need to promote bamboo-based rural enterprises to generate employment in villages, stated Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of India and presently, Trustee of BAIF Development Research Foundation and Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra. Dr. Kakodkar was delivering the Keynote Address at the Round Table meeting on “Bamboo for a Green Economy: Pathways and Technologies for Bamboo Usage” organised by RGSTC in collaboration with BAIF and Maharashtra Bamboo Promotion Foundation in Pune. There is also a need to bridge the gap between industrial demand and actual production of bamboo and for innovative technological adoption by farmers, artisans and industries, Dr. Kakodkar added.

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF stated that with its footprint in 100,000 villages of 15 states of India and reaching out to 40 lakh families in 337 districts, BAIF has been engaged in bamboo germplasm conservation, standardisation as well as establishment as one of the border crops under the agro-horti-forestry (wadi) programme, promotion of bamboo-based polyhouses in Himalayan terrain sustaining harsh climate and high wind velocity, for onion storage and for reinforcement of water tanks. There is scope for villagers to earn income from carbon credits, he added. Dr. Narendra Shah, Member Secretary, RGSTC, highlighted the strategies adopted by RGSTC including the Collaborative Projects between Institutions and Industries for Technology Development/Adoption (CPIITA) scheme. Mr. V. Giriraj, IAS (Retd.) and Chairman, Maharashtra Bamboo Promotion Foundation expressed the need to develop a package of practices for bamboo, ensure its fair price in the competitive market and to include a sustainability module on bamboo in educational institutes. Mr. Girish Sohani, Principal Adviser and Trustee, BAIF, traced the growth of the bamboo programme of BAIF to the early 80’s when it was planted on the periphery of wadi plantations and considered a poor man’s timber and which now has been repositioned as farmer’s produce. The meeting was attended by representatives from RGSTC, BAIF, MBPF, NABARD, Department of Horticulture, GoM, DBSKKV Dapoli, ISKCON, Wonder Grass Initiative, MIT, Pune, STRC, Gondwana University, Bamboo Society Maharashtra Chapter and farmers.

Dr. Manibhai Desai, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and a messiah of the rural poor, walked tall in the development world. His charismatic and legendary leadership in rural development brought BAIF on the international map with global organisations eager to support the innovative programmes of BAIF in dairy development, afforestation, water resources development, tribal development, community health and empowerment of women. On the domestic front too, this crusader of the rural poor received invitations from various states to promote BAIF’s models of rural development in their states and improve the livelihood status of rural communities in those states. Today, BAIF is implementing programmes in 15 states of India and has reached out to more than 4.0 million families from 100,000 villages.

On the occasion of his 104th birth anniversary today, the BAIF team expresses their tribute to their Founder who inspired countless youth to engage in rural development and pledges to continue his mission of ensuring rural prosperity through various livelihood and climate action-oriented programmes for achieving carbon offsetting and neutrality.

Let’s Green Up to Cool Down this Earth Day!

BAIF pledges to continue its efforts to green Mother Earth through enteric methane emissions reduction, soil health management, land degradation neutrality, grassland management, promotion of renewable energy, carbon sequestration through agro-horti-forestry and adoption of nature-based practices in agriculture.

Acceleration of voluntary action for achieving net-zero emissions is the goal of BAIF and also that of every responsible organisation!

Remember! We have already crossed the safe planetary boundaries. So let’s bring back Humanity within the safe operating space of planetary boundaries by greening Mother Earth!

On March 11, 2024, Shri. Giriraj Singh, Hon. Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, inaugurated the first of its kind “Pilot Cactus Park”, at BAIF’s Central Research Station at Urulikanchan near Pune. On the same day, Shri. Manoj Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, inaugurated the Cactus-based vegan leather plant on this occasion. Shri. Sunil Chavan, IAS, Secretary, Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra and Dr. Bharat Kakade, President of BAIF were also present on this occasion. A joint venture of BAIF and Five F Agroecology LLP was conceived and which has led to the establishment of this pilot plant.

During his online inauguration of the first batch of vegan leather based on the objective to promote cactus-based products for Fashion, Food, Fuel, Fertilizer and Fodder (Five F) from spineless cactus at this pilot production plant and interaction with the project partners, the Minister, emphasized that cactus is the future crop of the country and expressed hope that with the extensive network of BAIF, cactus will be established as a economically viable green gold plant and will spread to various clusters in the country. Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, briefed the Minister and attendees about various cactus initiatives of BAIF and applications in addition to vegan leather, viz. as Fodder for animals in dryland areas, Fuel production through Biogas fed by cactus, Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Food industry applications such as cactus juice, products being developed out of cactus and plans of BAIF for promotion of cactus for the benefit of the communities in different parts of the country. Shri. Ravi Madan, Five F Agroecology LLP, Mumbai and Shri. Mahesh Maheshwari from Miracle AgriGreen Solutions, Ahmedabad, expressed their confidence about the benefit to farmers from this energy-efficient cactus crop.

During his interaction with BAIF Scientists and Technical team, while acknowledging the pioneering work of BAIF in cactus promotion, Shri. Manoj Joshi also advised the joint venture team to ensure the economic viability of the project as well as minimum returns to farmers through cactus cultivation. He expressed the need for a buy-back arrangement of the cactus cultivated by the farmers through the project. He also advised working out the economics, formation of a committee and planning for the second round of the pilot project outside Maharashtra and the need to define the number of locations/clusters and area to be covered. He suggested starting with 7-10 clusters and then expanding it to 20-25 clusters in the country, which will not only instil confidence in the farmers but also keep the focus on cactus and enlist the support from the Government of India for the vegan leather project and for taking it from lab to land.

Shri. Sunil Chavan, Secretary, Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra expressed the commitment of his Department to support the cactus cultivation initiative in Maharashtra.

Dr. Vitthal Kauthale, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, Farm Research and Seed Programme, BAIF and In-charge of cactus research at BAIF, stated that there was no adverse effect on animals with their body weight being maintained and that it has become an ideal green fodder for harsh climate without any waste and with carbon sequestration potential. BAIF has been conducting adaptability and performance trial of spineless cactus accessions for fodder production since 2015 and has established an arboretum of 100 accessions of cactus. BAIF has also standardised propagation and production technology and established a protocol for feeding cactus to small and large ruminants and for technology transfer to farmers’ field by establishing over 800 demonstrations in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka apart from decentralised cactus nurseries on over 3.20 ha at various campuses. BAIF has undertaken collaborative research with ICARDA, ICAR-IGFRI, CLRI, NIIST and Five F.

The senior BAIF members present on this occasion included Dr, Ashok Pande, Dr. Jayant Khadse, Mr Pramod Takwale and Dr. S.S. Roy. Shri. Dashrath Tambale, Director, ATMA, Pune, Shri. Ravindra Bhosale, CEO, Soil and Water Conservation Commissionerate, Maharashtra, Ms. Sujata Hande, District Water Conservation Officer and Shri. Subhash Lonkar, Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat, Tilekarwadi, Urulikanchan were also present on this occasion.

Unbridled Patriotism, Pride and Passion marked the 75^th celebration of India’s Republic Day at BAIF Head Office in Pune.

The ceremonial guard of honour was followed by the pride of our motherland – the tricolour being unfurled by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, in the presence of the BAIF team, security and administrative personnel and the future generation of the country – children.

Veteran BAIF member, Dr. Avinash Deo led the team by bringing to attention the need for water conservation which was reiterated by Dr. Kakade by highlighting the need to also focus on soil health management while implementing our livelihood programmes across the country. Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni expressed the need for continued excellence, innovation and commitment towards our work. Dr. Alok Juneja felt that with its good presence in 14 states and recent entry into Goa, BAIF can easily aspire for spreading its good work all over the country. Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Sujit Gijare, Ms. Pritam Chandak and Ms. Sucharita Dhar.

Remembering with reverence, the Father of the Indian Constitution – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other members of the Draft Constitution Committee which had led to the enactment of the Indian Constitution 75 years ago, the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders who had paved the way for India to be declared as a Sovereign, Democratic Republic in 1950 and confidence in the progress of BAIF in the wake of Amrit Kal of the nation were the essence of the celebration.

The 75^th Republic Day was also celebrated with feverish excitement in all the operational areas of BAIF across 14 states including the Karmabhoomi of the Founder – Dr. Manibhai Desai at BAIF Central Research Station, Urulikanchan near Pune.

The five-nation One CGIAR Initiative – Nature+: Nature Positive Solutions in India inched ahead with the launch of the Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Hub (CBE-IH) as a virtual platform during the National level ‘’Pause and Reflect’’ meeting hosted by the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management at Malegaon, Baramati, Pune district of Maharashtra from December 14 to 15, 2023 in the presence of Leads, Co-Leads and Scientists from CGIAR centers – IWMI, Alliance Bioversity–CIAT and IFPRI, implementing partner organizations from India viz BAIF, NIASM, Baramati, MPKV Rahuri and NBPGR and start ups, businesses, educational and research organisations working on circularity. The Innovation Hub will be hosted by BAIF.

The One CGIAR Initiative aims to re-imagine, co-create and implement nature-positive solutions-based agri-food systems that equitably support food and livelihoods while ensuring that agriculture is a net positive contributor to biodiversity and nature with its five intertwined pillars – Conserve, Manage, Restore, Recycle and Engage.

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF in his opening remarks highlighted the historical partnership of BAIF with ICAR and CGIAR centers and the close association with MPKV, Rahuri and NBPGR. While appreciating the circularity brought into the agricultural–food system which would help in achieving the goal of Nature-Positive, Sustainable, Green and Climate-smart economy, he pointed out that BAIF has already been focusing on nature-positive solutions while working on natural resources management projects.

He shared the collaboration between BAIF and INRAE, France for implementing the Living Lab initiative in India to achieve Agroecology-based, nutrition sensitive and resilient food systems by adopting a systems approach while understanding and factoring in various externalities like climate change, changing aspirations, demography, digitalization, rural–urban connect and shifts in policies and programme in India and at the global level.

He highlighted the role of livestock along with crops in Indian farming system and the need for an integrated farming system model, focusing on various resources and context-specific and inclusive actions. A circularity approach would certainly help achieve several goals of greening the economy, reducing emissions and carbon foot prints, creating jobs in rural areas, reducing waste in various forms and achieving resource recovery and efficiency.

The Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Hub, involving many stakeholders, aims to accelerate the bio-residue-based, waste-based businesses for supplementing the overall income of the farmers and create new growth avenues for the local communities. The Hub will strive to create required awareness, support system and ecosystem to facilitate a shift towards Circular Bioeconomy in India.

BAIF and other Civil Society Organisations have a major role in facilitating local individuals and entities to avail of green credits. Broadening of the Climate Change Perspective of India was evident when the Green Credit Initiative along with its web portal was launched at the high-level “Green Credits Programme”, jointly hosted by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Global Summit on December 1, 2023. This initiative marked the transition from only carbon credit to green credit with anticipated far-reaching environmental benefits through local action and promotion of tradable credits. Shri. Narendra Modi likened the Green Credit to the health card of an individual and urged the global community to start adding positive points into the Earth’s health card. Earlier, while addressing the Opening Ceremony of the High-level segment at the Summit, Shri. Narendra Modi stated that “India has set before the world an example of the perfect balance of Ecology and Economy. Despite India having 17% of the world’s population, our share in global carbon emissions is only less than 4%.” This initiative is one more step in alignment with the Government of India’s ‘LIFE – Lifestyle for Environment’ – a grassroots, mass movement for protection and conservation of the Environment and Climate gains.

Indian Express News