Dr. T.R. Sharma, Deputy Director General – Crop Sciences, ICAR, New Delhi chaired the inaugural session. While highlighting the highest milk producing states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh as in 2021-22, he also highlighted that green fodder made up 11.24% and dry fodder 23.4% and the need to work on for green and dry fodder management. Fodder sources were three – one, 18% grazing source, second, 54% crop residues and 28% green fodder and rain-fed systems. He identified the existing gaps as the need to broaden the genetic base of raised grasses, develop multi-cut legume varieties, develop improved varieties of perennial grasses, legumes and fodder trees and praised the geo-meditating effort at IGFRI which he stated will increase genetic variability in targeted crops, joining hands with private companies, standardization of seeds and seed production technologies, post-harvest and value addition for forage conservation, utilization and storage, development of strategies for mainstreaming of bio-fortification, he further stated. Dr. Sharma was speaking at the National Group Meet: Rabi 2023-24 of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops and Utilization (AICRPFCU) hosted by BAIF Development Research Foundation, Urulikanchan, the approved Official Centre of AICRPFCU at its Head Office at Warje, Pune.

The major activities at the BAIF Centre include development of improved forage varieties and hybrids, generation of intensive forage production technologies, fodder seed production and technology transfer in the field.

Establishment of Golden Jubilee Forage Gardens in 50 Coordinated Centres and Voluntary Centres under the Project which have been visited by more than half a lakh visitors since 2020, identification of 114 forage varieties during 2017-2023, 53 forage production technologies and 1305 forage technology demonstrations. Genomic assisted breeding and speed breeding by Indian Grassland and Forage Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi and under the AICRP Project, commercialization of various technologies to private companies, Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) and seed hubs in forage crops, development plans for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and North Eastern Hills were some of the major recommendations. The proposed activities included summer trials for fodder oats and Lucerne in dry temperate regions, off-season nursery for generation advancement and standardisation for bio-fortification in forage varieties such as maize, oats and pearl millets, were the significant achievements of the Technical Programme implemented during Rabi 2022-23 highlighted by Dr. V.K. Yadav, Project Coordinator, AICRPFCU.

Dr. Amaresh Chandra, Director, IGFRI and Special Guest on the occasion, shared the plan of increasing the number of Golden Jubilee Forage Gardens from 50 to 100 gardens and the need for reliable data for identifying the deficiency in green and dry fodder and also in millets and grassland development.

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session, proposed a Voluntary Centre for Millets and also highlighted the more than four- decade old association of BAIF with ICAR, development of nationally released promising fodder varieties of BAIF Napier and BAIF Bajra.  He stated the importance of the landscape management programme undertaken by BAIF to address the issues of land degradation, vegetation cover and soil health and especially the grassland management in the country. He also highlighted that BAIF has already planted more than one million fruit and forestry plants during the current year 2023 with the small holder poor families which will fetch them an annual income in the range of Rs. 50,000 to 70,000. So far, BAIF has supported the needy farmers to develop Agro-horti-forestry (wadi) on 2.8 lakh ha area across 12 states and watershed management on 3 lakh ha area. He emphasized devising coping strategies to deal with the upcoming challenges of competing demand for green biomass and agri-residues for bio-energy production through the private sector. At the same time he mentioned the potential of fodder production along with carbon sequestration through management of 17 to 18% of pasture lands in the country.

The All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops and Utilization (AICRPFCU) was established in 1970. The coordinating unit of this research project is located at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi. It has 22 Coordinated Centers and 25 Voluntary centers located in different agro-climatic zones of India. The project works for the development of improved forage varieties, hybrids and synthetics; technologies for sustainable forage production, forage seed production and technology transfer. The project has a mandate to coordinate multi-location testing programme at the national level with a view to identify appropriate technologies for different agro-ecological conditions, monitor research-related to problems of national and regional contexts, conduct strategic and applied research for boosting production and productivity of forages (arable rain-fed and irrigated forage crops, range grass and pasture legumes) and to function as a major service center for exchange of scientific information and research material related to forages.

The Annual Report – Rabi 2022-23: All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops and Utilization was released on this occasion along with other publications brought out by various coordinated centres such as “Four Decades of Forage Research: BAIF”, “Beneficial effects and management practices of millets” and “Molecular interventions for Developing Climate-Smart Crops: A forage Perspective” among others.

Mr. P. S. Takawale, Officer in charge of BAIF AICRPFCU Center and the Organizing Secretary of this National Group Meet proposed the vote of thanks. Earlier, Dr. Ashok Pande, Senior Advisor, Scientific Research and Livestock Development, BAIF welcomed the dignitaries and more than 80 participants comprising of research scientists in forage breeding, agronomy, plant protection and biochemistry from coordinated and voluntary centers of the AICRPFCU, National and State Seed Corporations, National Dairy Development Board, private seed companies and dairy farmers.

A special brainstorming session on Technological options and challenges for fodder security under present scenario was held after the inaugural session.

The two-day meet will be reviewing the work undertaken at the Coordinated Centres in various disciplines of forage crops, dissemination of technology in the field and engaging in discussions on breeder seed production to be taken up during the next season. The proposal for identification of varieties / hybrids received from various centres will be taken into consideration with focus on their release by the Varietal Identification Committee established under this Research Project. The plenary session on September 27, will focus on the recommendations which will emerge from the technical sessions.

Chief Guest Shrimant Sanjeev Raje Naik Nimbalkar, Chairman, Govind Dairy, Phaltan awarding Best SHG Award to Madhav SHG

The 57 Foundation Day of BAIF was celebrated on August 24, 2023 at BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan near Pune. Mrs. Ritu Chhabria, Managing Trustee, Mukul Madhav Foundation was the Guest of Honour. On this occasion, Shri. Arvindbhai Mafatlal Kisan Mitra Award was awarded to outstanding farmers associated with BAIF programmes. The BAIF and BAIF Livelihoods Annual Reports and Research highlights were released. Dr. Ashok Pande, Senior Adviser, Scientific Research and Livestock welcomed the audience . Dr. Jayant Khadse, Research Director, BAIF proposed the vote of thanks.

BAIF Trustee Shri. Pratap Pawar awarding Second Best SHG Award to Ganesh SHG

BAIF Trustee Shri. Kishor Chaukar awarding Best SHG in Maharashtra Programme to Kumkum SHG

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF signing the MoU

An MoU was signed between National Dairy Development Board and BAIF Development Research Foundation on the 57th Foundation Day of BAIF on August 24, 2023 for promotion of collaborative research, training and outreach programmes and facilitation of exchange of scientific outcomes and research applications for dairy development in the country. This overarching collaborative agreement between the apex dairy development organization in India and a leading civil society organization was a watershed event in the history of dairy development in the country.

The agreement was signed between Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune and Dr. Meenesh Shah, Managing Director, National Dairy Development Board, Anand in the presence of research scientists and senior officials from BAIF and NDDB.

Dr. Meenesh Shah Managing Director, NDDB signing the MoU

India stepped into its 77th Independence Day after completing 76 years of independence.  The day also marked the culmination of the nationwide enthusiastic celebration of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” which was announced in 2021 when India entered its 75^th year of independence.

The tri-colour was hoisted at the headquarters of BAIF amidst an atmosphere charged with patriotism, pride and joy.  The programme began with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the security staff stationed at the headquarters followed by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President, BAIF hoisting the national flag in the presence of BAIF Pune team including Mr. Sujit Gijare, Group Vice President, HR and Administration and singing of the national anthem in unison.

While welcoming the assembled staff which comprised of Senior Management, Senior Programme implementation teams and school-going children of the staff, Dr. Kakade made a plea to everyone to make an effort to contribute to the development in the country. This was the need of the hour as he lamented that out of the total 191 countries in the world, India ranked 132 which meant that there were 131 countries above India which were better positioned in terms of progress and development in their respective countries.  Against this background, he expressed the urgent need to ensure development in every sphere in our country and especially in the rural sector which is still struggling due to lack of basic infrastructural facilities and attention.  He called upon the BAIF team to continue their mission and focus on addressing the problems of the rural poor.  Dr. Kakade highlighted the scope for BAIF to contribute to the economic development of the country through sustainable development which can also improve the overall status of India worldwide. He also highlighted the need for suitable climate actions to address climate change-induced issues in rural areas of our country.

Dr. Avinash Deo, Adviser, BAIF, highlighted the scope of the livestock development sector in ensuring rural prosperity and the contribution of BAIF to this sector through its dairy husbandry and smallholders-focussed development. Mr. Gijare highlighted the significance of this celebration for BAIF and conveyed his good wishes to the audience on this occasion.

Flag hoisting ceremony was also held in various State Headquarters and operational areas of BAIF with immense pride and enthusiasm.

In line with its mission of rehabilitation of rural communities, BAIF has always stepped forward to provide immediate relief to families affected by various natural calamities in its operational areas across the country. 

In the recent floods which have ravaged Haridwar and caused immense loss to a large number of families in the region, BAIF Uttarakhand with immense concern for the affected families and extremely keen to provide relief as soon as possible, subsequent to its meeting with Mr. Ashish Mishra, IAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bhagwanpur block on July 15, swung into action and contributed 200 food kits to the Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund and delivered the food kits to the Bhagwanpur Supply Office which is functioning as the Control Room for Roorkee on July 16, to meet the requirement. Thus, BAIF showed the way for other organisations to come to the rescue of the helpless families and to help them to cope with this calamity by organising supply of essential resources and arranging for relief measures as a part of its Disaster Management Plan. BAIF Uttarakhand expresses its gratitude to the team at the SDM office at Bhagwanpur, BAIF’s Senior Management, HVDP Haljora Project team supported by Panasonic CSR and BAIF’s Dehradun team for their support and timely action.

The more than five-decades-old association between BAIF and Godavari Cooperative Milk Union, Kopargaon which has always been marked by mutual understanding, admiration and support, was reinforced on June 21, 2023 on the occasion of the 19th death anniversary of the visionary leader of Western Maharashtra – Shri. Namdeo Parjane Patil, former Chairman of Godavari Khore Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh Ltd., Kopargaon and a strong supporter of BAIF and its Founder – Dr. Manibhai Desai.

On this occasion, Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians associated with BAIF/BAIF Livelihoods Maharashtra and enterprising dairy organisations in the region, were felicitated by Dr. Hemant Vasekar, Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Maharashtra in the presence of Dr. Shitalkumar Mukane, Additional Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Maharashtra, Dr. Sunil Tumbare, Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Ahmednagar, Shri. Rajesh Parjane Patil, Chairman, Godavari Cooperative Milk Union and Mr. V.B. Dyasa, Regional Director, BAIF Livelihoods.

Navnath Kawade, Balasaheb Kolhe and Namdev Gaware were adjudged the Highest Achievers of Conventional AIs while Bhausaheb Jadhav, Gaurav Jadhav and Jalandar Sable recorded the highest Sorted Semen AIs during 2022-23. Various small and medium dairy organisations were recognised under various categories such as Highest Milk Collection Organisations (Jai Bajrang Sah Dudh Utpadak Sanstha, Padhegaon and Kalpataru Women Cooperative Dairy Society, Kolhale); Highest Rate Paying Milk Organisations (Janardhan Cooperative Milk Society, Astgaon and Jai Ambika Mahila Sa Dudh Utpa Sanstha, Tilvani);  Non-perishable Milk Organizations (Renuka Mahila Cooperative Milk Production Society, Ukadgaon and Avdhut Cooperative Milk Production Organization, Madhi Budruk);  Highest Milk Supply Centres (Om Sai Milk Collection Centre, Jhapewadi and Suregaon Godavari Milk Collection Centre, Suregaon); Highest Rate Paying Centres (Babhulgaon Godavari Milk Collection Centre and Godavari Milk Collection Centre); Highest Centres for Non-perishable Milk (Kolgaon Pati Godavari Milk Collection Centre and Shriram Milk Collection Centre, Kanlad) and Highest Milk Chilling Centres (Sahyog Milk Chilling Centre, Nimgaon, Madh Chhatrapati Milk Chilling Centre, Dadh and Anuja Milk Chilling Centre).

Shri. Rajesh Parjane Patil, Chairman, Godavari Cooperative Milk Union, in his Address, traced the growth of this Cooperative Milk Union, the challenges encountered and its significant contribution to the dairy sector in Maharashtra while acknowledging the significant support received from BAIF which has given a boost to the milk production in the region.  Dr. Hemant Vasekar, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, expressed admiration for the entrepreneurial and resilience qualities demonstrated by Godavari Cooperative Milk Union and the partnership with BAIF Livelihoods while highlighting the remarkable extent of this collaboration by concluding that the milk produced in the entire Marathwada region was alone contributed by this partnership in Kopargaon. Dr. Shitalkumar Mukane, Additional Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, highlighted the value of public-private partnerships in the dairy value chain and cited the example of this partnership which has contributed to the growth of Godavari Cooperative Milk Union.

On this occasion, ‘Harit Dhara’, an anti-methanogenic feed supplement with methane emission reduction properties was introduced to the livestock fraternity.  Dr. Manoj Aware, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, Animal Nutrition & Climate Action, BAIF, highlighted the critical role of nutrition in livestock, methane emission mitigation strategies and contribution of ‘Harit Dhara’ towards a green economy.  A field exposure visit of 30 livestock owners to BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan was flagged off on this occasion.

‘Harit Dhara’ is an anti-methanogenic feed supplement with methane emission reduction properties.  This carbon offsetting technology with its nature-positive benefits, was recently launched at the Godavari Cooperative Milk Union, Kopargaon, on June 21, 2023, on the occasion of the 19th death anniversary of the visionary leader of Western Maharashtra – Shri. Namdeo Parjane Patil, former Chairman of Godavari Khore Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh Ltd., Kopargaon and a strong supporter of BAIF and its Founder – Dr. Manibhai Desai for livestock productivity improvement and reduction in environmental pollution.

On this occasion, this environmentally-beneficial feed supplement produced by BAIF, was distributed to a large number of livestock owners and milk producers from Kopargaon, Ahmednagar district and its neighbouring villages, in the gracious presence of Dr. Hemant Vasekar, Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Sheetalkumar Mukane, Additional Commissioner, Maharashtra, Shri. Rajesh Parjane Patil, Chairman, Godavari Cooperative Milk Union and Mr. V.B. Dyasa, Regional Director, BAIF.  This formal launching ceremony highlighted the joint mission of various stakeholders such as BAIF,  Cooperative Milk Unions and the State Animal Husbandry Department in promoting nature-positive feed supplements with scope for improved livelihood and enriched environment.  Dr. Manoj Aware, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, Animal Nutrition & Climate Action, BAIF, highlighted the critical role of nutrition in livestock, methane emission mitigation strategies and contribution of ‘Harit Dhara’ towards a green economy.  Artificial Insemination Technicians associated with the livestock development programme of BAIF Maharashtra, were felicitated on this occasion for their significant contribution to sustainable livestock development.

A MoA signed in September 2022 between ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP) and BAIF, has entrusted BAIF with licencing and commercial production rights of this Nature-positive feed supplement.

June 7 was an important dateline in the calendar of BAIF/BAIF Livelihoods and ACG Cares Foundation. On this day, under the joint CSR partnership, a watershed and spring shed development and Climate Change and Mitigation Project was launched at Zagalwadi village in Khandala block of Satara district of Maharashtra – one of the designated scope areas apart from Lohom, Limbachiwadi, Karnwadi and Ghadgewadi villages. 50 enthusiastic volunteers from the Shirval factory of ACG, Mr. Zakir Shukri, Plant Head, Mr. Umesh Patil, General Manager – HR, Mr. Sunil Kumar – Head – CSR, Mr. Sandip Jadhav, Administrative Manager, ACG Cares Foundation and Mr. Chandrashekhar Walke, CSR Manager were present on the occasion.  Driven by the desire to save Mother Planet from degradation, the volunteers took a pledge to plant 100 fruit and forestry plants with the mission of transforming barren land into productive environmentally sustainable plantations along with the village community.  The BAIF/BAIF Livelihoods team was represented by Dr. Rajashree Joshi, Programme Director, Mr. Sudhir Wagle, Chief Programme Executive, Mr. Waman Kulkarni, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, Mr. Mukul Baviskar, Additional Chief Programme Executive and Mr. Pankaj Katte, Project Officer.  The village display board inaugurated in the presence of the 270-strong village community, Gram Panchayat leaders and CSR partners, marked the launch of the project and the joint commitment to ensure a safe environment.

The Global Environment Community including the United Nations, has been setting targets to control global warming for saving the future generation.  However, the pace of temperature rise has accelerated unexpectedly due to over use of non-renewable energy sources because of which, climate change impacts are being faced by the present generation itself.  Thus, this current generation does not have any option before it to cut down on emissions and thereby ensure their own safe living on this planet.

At BAIF, we have strong and large-scale programmes to ride on and contribute to mitigation.   However, we need to gear up our efforts to contribute to carbon positive development. 

On the occasion of World Environment Day, let us ramp up our Carbon positive initiatives.

Bharat Kakade, President, BAIF

World Environment Day was celebrated by BAIF, its participant families and corporate partners across various locations through demonstration of various Nature-positive initiatives.

Madhya Pradesh:  Village cleanliness, tree planting and conservation were well demonstrated by enthusiastic village leaders and village community and also by the participants of the agri-horti-forestry (wadi) programme under the FDP Wadi Development Programme at Gopalpura and Dhamaniya Jali villages in Mandsaur district. The event was jointly organised by HDFC Bank under its Parivartan Initiative and BAIF.

School children and women Self Help Groups led the campaign for promotion of a plastic-free environment with the slogan “Beat Plastic Pollution – If you can’t reuse it, refuse it” at Berchha and Kalsi villages, Nagada, Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh.  The participants undertook a tour of the entire village for spreading awareness among the village community and also took a pledge to stay away from bio-degradable wastes and thereby save Mother Earth.  The event was jointly organised by Grasim Jan Seva Trust and BAIF.

Maharashtra: A tree plantation drive was organised at Jawulgaon in Wardha district, with the active participation of school children and the village community.  Mr. R.K. Sharma, Head – Human Resources, Evonith Metallics Ltd., graced the occasion.  On this occasion, a women-led Turmeric enterprise was also inaugurated at Bhugaon, Wardha district, with the involvement of Pragati Self Help Group.

BAIF in association with Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, organised a plantation programme to symbolize the need to green degraded lands at Barwadpada, Jawhar in Palghar district in the presence of the Gulf Oil Silvassa Plant Head, Mr. Ankur Jain, HR team and CSR Coordinator, Hinduja Foundation, Mr. Benedict Poshapir.

Bihar:  Nature-positive initiatives such as tree planting and conservation drive and greening of village premises were launched at Dharhara, Munger, under the Holistic Rural Development Programme supported by “Parivartan” initiative of HDFC Bank with active participation of the village community.  On this occasion, a pledge was also taken to save and protect the environment and lectures on environmental protection organised to create environmental awareness on a large scale.

Nature-positive initiatives through tree plantation and plastic-free environment drives were undertaken at Kaprada in Valsad, Gujarat, Barmer and Gudalmalani in Barmer, Rajasthan, Kasira in Sundargarh, Andharikata in Anugul, Badaberana in Cuttack and Basiapada in Sambalpur, Odisha and suitable climate proofing measures were undertaken at Madakkal, Karadikkal, Manjugiri, Sulagunta and Arulnatham in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu and various other operational areas of BAIF.

Rice Varieties “Kirti ” and “Madhura “, developed by Mavanji Pawar, an innovative tribal farmer from Jawhar, Palghar District of Maharashtra, have been recognised and registered under Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights (PPV &FRA), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Government of India.  “Kirti” variety is a short, bold and reddish-coloured upland rice which matures at 110-115 days, blast resistant and boasting of a grain yield of 10-15 quintals per acre.  “Madhura“ variety is a long and slender with good swelling quality, white-coloured upland rice which matures at 110-115 days, water-stress tolerant and with a  grain yield of 17-20 quintals per acre.

This innovative rice breeder had developed another upland rice variety – “Kamal” which was registered under PPV &FRA in the year 2022. This unassuming conservationist, a recipient of the Government of India-awarded ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmer’ award 2012-13 also shared his experiences in rice breeding and conservation at the C-20 Conference held at Palghar in May 2023.   Mavanji is closely associated with BAIF and enjoys imparting hands-on training and guiding other farmers in conservation and protection of crop cultivar diversity under the Agro-biodiversity conservation programme being implemented by BAIF as a nature-positive initiative.

The 103^rd Birth Anniversary of our Founder, Dr. Manibhai Desai was observed as a day of fond remembrance, immense admiration, gratitude, pride and inspiration.  While many have had the privilege of working with Dr. Manibhai Desai, there are others who have never met him but have drawn inspiration from his dedication and commitment to Rural Development. The rich legacy left behind by Dr. Manibhai Desai in the form of an organization which is continuing his noble mission and Gandhian ideals which are responsible for sensitization of every member of the BAIF family to the chronic problems of the rural poor, are the most valuable assets of those associated with BAIF.  Thus, the observance of his birth anniversary across BAIF renewed the devotion of the staff to the organization and determination to continue to contribute to the goals of sustainable development and a clean environment.