Rainmatter by Zerodha’s Post

How do we scale regenerative agriculture? That’s the question at the heart of The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Agribusiness Taskforce, launched by HM King Charles in 2020. The taskforce started with three value chain case studies – basmati rice in India (with Olam Agri), potatoes in the UK and wheat in the US.   It found five key issues which require urgent action to make regenerative farming more appealing to farmers: 1️⃣ Cost. Create mechanisms to share the cost burden of transitioning to regen ag with other stakeholders. Farmers can’t – and shouldn’t -- bear them alone.  2️⃣ Sourcing models. Develop new sourcing models to share transition costs across the value chain. 3️⃣ Incomes. Build farmers’ incomes from environmental outcomes. 4️⃣ Policy. Ensure it enables and rewards farmers for transitioning. 5️⃣ Metrics. Agree on common metrics to measure environmental results. Last week, we were proud to participate in the SMI Action Committee in London to chart the way forward for 2024. Olam Agri was represented by Jessenia Angulo. #regenerativeagriculture #sustainability https://lnkd.in/dm5SS9Ki

Some good points here about sharing the cost burden of transition and compliance. Tangible rewards for producers is the driver with sustainable markets central to delivering these incentives.

After harvest, food loss affects a farmer's finances and the environment since it wastes agricultural inputs and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. With better transportation and storage, more accurate demand forecasting, and processing to lengthen shelf life, post-harvest agricultural technologies contribute to a decrease in food loss. Reducing food miles, increasing investments in post-harvest technologies, and enhancing supply chain transparency are all recommended by agritech experts as ways to cut losses and boost food security. #foodloss #technology #supplychain #postharvest #foodsecurity #farmerincomes #agriculture

Food Security and Market Stability Sustainable agriculture not only benefits the environment but also plays a critical role in ensuring food security and market stability. By promoting diverse crop cultivation and agroecological farming systems, sustainable practices decrease the vulnerability of food production to climate risks. This, in turn, helps in stabilizing food prices and ensuring a consistent food supply, thus contributing to overall market stability.

🌿 A New Dawn for Agriculture: National Mission on Natural Farming Launched! 🌱 As a passionate advocate for natural farming, I am thrilled to share the incredible news about the launch of the #National_Mission_on_Natural_Farming (#NMNF) by the Government of India (GoI). Approved by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, this mission signifies a monumental step toward chemical-free, sustainable, and eco-friendly farming practices rooted in traditional wisdom. 💡 #Key_Highlights: ✅ Empowering Farmers: Supporting 1 crore farmers across 7.5 lakh hectares in adopting natural farming practices. ✅ Strengthening Resources: Establishing 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) for easy access to inputs like Jeevamrit & Beejamrit. ✅ Skill Development: Training 18.75 lakh farmers and deploying 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs for guidance and support. ✅ Healthy Soil, Healthy Food: Promoting biodiversity, soil health rejuvenation, and climate-resilient farming practices. ✅ Market Accessibility: Introducing simple certification systems and branding for natural produce. 🌍 A Vision for Sustainability: This mission not only aims to reduce farming input costs but also fosters healthy ecosystems, builds climate resilience, and ensures nutritious food for families. It’s a stride toward reviving our connection with nature while preparing for a sustainable future. I am deeply inspired by this initiative and believe it will revolutionize the way we approach agriculture. As we embark on this journey, let us join hands to make natural farming a way of life for farmers and consumers alike. #NaturalFarming #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #ClimateResilience #HealthyFarming #NMNF #FarmingRevolution

🌾 Agriculture & Allied Sector: The Green Revolution 🥦 Leading globally in milk, millet, and sugar, India's agri-sector is vast. With 59.1 Lakh ha under organic cultivation, it's a sustainable farming model to watch. 🌱🐄

We are working with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from the semi-arid regions of India, where water availability is always a concern. Despite these challenges, the aspirations of these marginal farmers are just as high as those in areas with better water resources and more progressive farming practices. Our close collaboration with these FPCs involves training them in Climate Resilient and Regenerative Agriculture practices, designing better Packages of Practices (POPs) to reduce the use of harmful chemicals and lower production costs. We expect our partners supplying inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants, etc.) to adhere to the same philosophy. Unfortunately, it often feels like suppliers are more focused on sales numbers rather than genuine agricultural extension, which is disappointing. I believe suppliers should become our long-term partners, helping farmers and FPCs achieve goals like minimal input usage, reduced production costs, and increased profitability. This approach would not only benefit the farmers but also help suppliers retain farmers and build lasting trust. Is it really too much to expect input suppliers to align with this mindset for the greater good of sustainable farming? Suggestions are welcome! FarmPrecise Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)

Any business needs to manage the use and cost of key inputs — like energy in the case of vertical farming. As we start using new technologies to grow food, or even to grow new foods, producers will need to have or have access to new skills. Transitions over the next decade or two will be beyond many of the older, more traditional farmers. Recruitment of new skills into farming will need to be unprecedented if the global food system is to adapt to climate change and other key factors affecting production, or to become more sustainable and resilient at the same time. Many farmers are prepared for this, but most are not even aware of the range of different crops they will most likely need to produce to survive economically going forward. https://lnkd.in/eRW4z8NU

I am excited to share my recent article in Nepali, published by the Directorate of Agriculture Development in Koshi Province, exploring the benefits of predatory insects in our agroecosystems. As agriculture faces increasing challenges from pests and the harmful effects of chemical pesticides, it’s essential to look for sustainable solutions. Beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, can effectively suppress pest populations, allowing us to reduce chemical inputs that harm our health and environment. We can foster healthier and more resilient farming practices by embracing these natural allies. Collaborating with nature is key to sustainable agriculture.

How do we feed humanity?????? Feeding humanity is a critical global challenge, especially as the population grows and resources become more limited. To ensure food security, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, involving innovations in agriculture, sustainability, and distribution. One key solution is improving agricultural productivity through advanced farming techniques. Precision agriculture, which uses technology like sensors and GPS-guided equipment, helps farmers optimize water, fertilizer, and pesticide use, increasing crop yields while reducing environmental impact. Additionally, the development of genetically modified (GM) crops that are resistant to pests, diseases, and extreme weather can help grow more food in less favorable conditions. Sustainable practices are also essential. This includes adopting organic farming, reducing food waste, and promoting plant-based diets, which require fewer resources to produce. In many parts of the world, food is lost due to poor storage or transportation infrastructure, so improving these systems is vital to ensure food reaches those who need it. Lastly, social and political efforts are needed to ensure equitable distribution of food. Many regions suffer from hunger not because of a lack of food, but due to poverty, conflict, or poor governance. Addressing these issues, along with promoting education and economic development, will help ensure that all people have access to nutritious food.