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

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, the apex agricultural research institution in the country, has approved and recognised BAIF Development Research Foundation as a Voluntary Centre on Millets (Finger Millets) for conducting various evaluation trials under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Small Millets vide an approval letter F. No. 7 -23/2023-CS-FFC of December 6, 2023.

With ‘Mission Millets’ as its motto during the International Year of Millets and series of field-based programmes and exhibitions arranged by BAIF to showcase its pioneering work on popularisation of millets, this recognition gives a tremendous boost to the agro-biodiversity conservation being implemented by BAIF with special focus on revival and conservation of indigenous landraces of small millets cultivated by farmers in five tribal blocks of Maharashtra.

BAIF is already officiating as the approved Official Centre of theAll India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Forage Crops and Utilization (AICRPFCU), Animal Nutrition and Cattle. It is also a Voluntary Centre of the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Sorghum. Under AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, the focus is on development of improved forage varieties and hybrids, generation of intensive forage production technologies, breeder seed production and technology transfer in the field. BAIF recently hosted the National Group Meet: Rabi 2023-24 in Pune where the President and Managing Trustee of BAIF, Dr, Bharat Kakade had proposed a voluntary centre on Small Millets at BAIF during his Keynote Address.

BAIF has adopted a Pro-Soil approach in all its land-based programmes. Based on this focus on Nature, BAIF has been implementing programmes with smart soil and water management practices which have enhanced the soil carbon content and also demonstrated the sustainability aspects through efficient soil and water conservation measures which have addressed climate change by opting for solutions that are nature-based and nature-positive. Thus, BAIF Programmes are designed not only to enhance livelihoods but also to conserve and regenerate precious natural resources and to ensure a shift from environmental destruction to environmental stability.

World Soil Day is being observed in various operational areas of BAIF across 14 states with a pledge to save soil and enhance soil health to ensure a healthy planet. BAIF delegation is currently participating in various sessions at the Blue Zone of COP28 in Dubai and sharing BAIF’s soil-sensitive and pro-soil approach which have increased the crop yield by 30-40% and decreased the use of external inputs while restoring the ecosystem.

BAIF has been functioning as a coveted study centre for Management students pursuing their post-graduation in Rural Management for many years. IRMA, Anand, a premier Institute for Rural Management in India, deputed six of their Post-Graduate Management students to BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan on a six-week internship programme in partial requirement of the Village Fieldwork Segment of the PGDM-RM programme from October 9 to November 25, 2023. The field learnings of the host organisation – BAIF spanning over 57 years, served as a rich source of hands-on experience in rural development and management for the students prior to embarking on a career in rural transformation and renewal.

BAIF Development Research Foundation signed an MoU with the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha on November 16, 2023 in Cuttack for supply of 1.35 lac goat semen doses over a period of one year. The adoption of goat AI in the State on a large scale was catalysed with the significant initiative taken by BAIF in presenting and demonstrating the scope and benefits of the technology for farmers’ welfare. BAIF is reaching out to 1 lac families in 20 districts through various sustainable livelihood programmes in the State. The entry of BAIF in Odisha was forged with the signing of the agreement with Government of Odisha for “Kalyani” Project in 2011 through which 100 cattle development centres and 25 goat development centres were established in 14 districts for efficient door-step delivery of breeding and allied services.

The birth centenary of Shri. Arvind Mafatlal, former Chairman of BAIF, was celebrated in Chitrakoot and Mumbai with quiet dignity and in perfect synchronisation with the simple life led by Shri. Mafatlal and the values cherished by him throughout his life.

On this occasion, Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi released a commemorative postage stamp in recognition of the contribution of Shri. Arvind Mafatlal to the development of the nation at Chitrakoot in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. Shri. Narendra Modi highlighted the benevolent qualities of Shri. Mafatlal who he described as a visionary industrialist and successful entrepreneur and equally devoted to social causes with women empowerment, health care, education and employment for rural youth being his priorities. Shri. Narendra Modi further stated that Shri. Mafatlal was first and foremost a friend of the poor and always very sympathetic and sensitive to their sufferings.

In Mumbai, special issues of the BAIF Journal and Bhavan’s Journal dedicated to Shri. Arvind Mafatlal were released at the hands of His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of ISKCON at a function organised by the Mafatlal family. Invited speakers from the corporate, rural development and spiritual fields who had interacted very closely with Shri. Arvind Mafatlal, highlighted the noble qualities and values Shri. Mafatlal always upheld in his life – simplicity, humanity, professional management, judicious financial management and technical competency.

Shri. Arvind Mafatlal as Trustee, BAIF since 1974 and Chairman of BAIF from 1977 till 2011, strengthened the programmes of BAIF by his overwhelming support to the Founder of BAIF, Dr. Manibhai Desai, an associate of Mahatma Gandhi.