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.

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.