Ramesh Deshpande’s Post

It would be good to know more about WEF's initiatives and activities in india, especially in agriculture

World Economic Forum (WEF) acting as catalyst to Transform Agriculture through Innovations and Technology!! WEF has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture, launching several initiatives to address the pressing challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. It is our privilege that our founder Deepak Pareek who was awarded as "Technology Pioneer' by the WEF was amongst the initial few who raised this key topic at various meetings of WEF at Davos, Dalian, Tianjin, New York, and Dubai. 1. Food Action Alliance (FAA) One of WEF’s flagship initiatives, the Food Action Alliance, is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together a wide range of partners, including governments, businesses, farmers, and NGOs, to accelerate action on food systems transformation. The FAA focuses on scalable, sustainable solutions that improve both agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes. For instance, the Alliance supports projects that enhance soil health, optimize water use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also boosting farmer incomes and resilience. 2. Innovation for Agribusiness Value Chains WEF is leveraging technology and innovation to create more sustainable agribusiness value chains. Through the "Innovation with a Purpose" platform, it is identifying and promoting technologies that can transform agricultural practices. An example is the use of blockchain for supply chain transparency, which not only improves food safety but also ensures fair trade practices. This initiative helps smallholder farmers gain better access to markets and financial services. 3. Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) TFA, an WEF initiative, aims to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable land use. By fostering partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society, TFA works to eliminate deforestation from global supply chains. For example, the Alliance has been instrumental in promoting sustainable palm oil production in Southeast Asia, helping to protect vital ecosystems while supporting local economies. 4. AI for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) WEF's AI4AI initiative aims to harness artificial intelligence to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing crop management, optimizing resource use, and streamlining supply chains. AI4AI seeks to improve productivity, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact. The initiative also focuses on providing data-driven insights to help farmers. Through collaboration with tech companies, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers, AI4AI promotes the adoption of AI solutions, ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to farmers worldwide. The WEF’s multifaceted approach to sustainable agriculture encompasses a blend of innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, WEF is playing a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

Embracing Profitability & Sustainability☕ As climate change accelerates, the push for sustainable agriculture has never been more critical. Yet, the misconception that sustainability & profitability can't coexist still holds many farmers back, especially in the global south. This fear often drives them back to outdated, harmful farming practices. At Ndungu Coffee, we challenge this narrative head-on. We believe that sustainability and profitability are not only compatible but are essential pillars for the future of coffee farming. Our commitment is unwavering, and our actions speak louder than words. Here's how we're making a difference: 1. Supporting Cooperatives: We've partnered with 23 cooperatives, providing them with the resources and knowledge they need to thrive in a sustainable manner. This collaboration empowers entire communities, fostering a collective approach to sustainable farming. 2. Enhancing Traceability: By facilitating traceability for 6,393 farmers, we ensure transparency in our supply chain. This not only boosts consumer confidence but also helps farmers get the recognition and fair a compensation. 3. Geo-Tagging Gardens: We've geo-tagged 9,220 gardens, creating a robust database that helps in monitoring and managing farming practices more efficiently. This technology-driven approach allows us to support farmers in optimizing their yields while maintaining sustainable methods. 4. Certification and Auditing: We've facilitated the certification and audit of 4,413 farmers. These certifications are not just badges of honor but are gateways to premium markets where sustainable practices are highly valued and rewarded. 5. Significant Financial Impact: In 2023 alone, we paid over USD 5.6 million for farmers' coffee. This substantial financial investment underscores our commitment to ensuring that our farmers are well-compensated for their hard work and dedication to sustainable farming practices. It also highlights the economic viability of sustainable agriculture, proving that farmers can achieve financial success while adhering to environmentally responsible practices. Our efforts are already bearing fruit. Certified farmers under our program are earning substantially more than their counterparts, proving that sustainable farming is not just an idealistic goal but a profitable reality. This dual focus on profitability and sustainability ensures that farmers do not have to choose between their livelihoods and the health of our planet. At Ndungu Coffee, we are proud to lead this transformation in the coffee industry. By investing in sustainable practices and supporting local farmers, we are creating a model that others can follow. Our vision is a world where coffee farming is both environmentally responsible and economically viable. Join us in championing a future where coffee farming is sustainable and profitable for all 🌟☕  #Sustainability #Profitability #ClimateChange #NdunguCoffee #SustainableFarming #CoffeeIndustry

Enhancing MSP Policy for Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Welfare As a student of economics and public policy, I've been exploring solutions to improve the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, ensuring it benefits more farmers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Current Challenges: - Limited Reach: Only 6% of farmers benefit from MSP. - Storage Issues: Granaries are overflowing with 900 lakh tonnes of food against an 818 lakh tonne capacity. - Market Dynamics: MSP isn't enforceable on private entities, meaning supply and demand primarily dictate market prices. - Cheaper Imports: Wheat imported from Russia is significantly cheaper than locally grown wheat. - Cost Implications: Procuring at MSP leads to higher costs for wholesalers, increasing inflation in the food supply chain. - International Pricing: MSP often exceeds international prices, leading to government stockpiling rather than selling. Proposed Solution: To address these challenges, here's a strategic approach: Diversified MSP: Broaden Crop Coverage: Extend MSP to a wider range of crops, beyond the traditional staples like rice and wheat. This can include more than 10-15 crops, such as pulses, oilseeds, and other cereals. Cap on Purchases: Implement a cap on the quantity of each type of crop that the government will purchase from each farmer. For example, a cap of 10 kg of wheat per farmer. Encourage Crop Diversity: By capping the amount of each crop that can be sold at MSP, farmers will be incentivized to grow a variety of crops rather than overproducing one or two staples. This encourages crop rotation, which has several benefits: Soil Health: Different crops replenish soil nutrients in various ways, preventing soil degradation and maintaining fertility. Pest and Weed Control: Crop rotation can disrupt pest and weed cycles, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and pesticides. Water Use Efficiency: Diversified cropping can help manage water resources more efficiently, crucial for areas facing groundwater depletion. Market Stability: Diversifying crops can stabilize farmers' incomes, as they won't be as reliant on the market performance of a single crop. This also makes the agricultural sector more resilient to price fluctuations in international markets. Encourage Crop Rotation: This policy will incentivize farmers to diversify their crops. It will address issues like groundwater depletion and soil nutrient depletion caused by decades of mono-cropping (e.g., rice). This approach not only makes MSP more effective but also promotes sustainable farming practices and better resource management. By addressing the current challenges and implementing a diversified MSP policy, we can ensure better farmer welfare and a more sustainable agricultural sector. Let’s engage in a constructive discussion on how we can refine the MSP policy to benefit our farmers and environment. #Agriculture #MSP #Sustainability #FarmerWelfare #PublicPolicy #Economics #CropRotation

"Sustainable Agriculture: A Catalyst for Global Food Security" _“The survival of humanity hinges on not how much we grow, but how responsibly we do it.” I’m thrilled to unveil my latest project, a video titled "How Sustainable Agriculture Practices Can Help Ensure Global Food Security." This video was conceptualized as part of my verbal ability course under the insightful mentorship of Ms. Manisha Dangi. Every aspect—from crafting the script to directing, acting in dual roles, and executing it in single-take shots—was orchestrated with precision. The entire production was carried out using just my smartphone, with no professional assistance, which challenged and enhanced my technical capabilities in cinematography, video editing, and project management. The video delves deep into the pressing global challenge of "food insecurity", addressing it through the lens of sustainable agricultural methodologies. We explore scientifically-grounded approaches such as "hydroponics", which bypasses soil, allowing for nutrient-dense, water-efficient plant cultivation; and "aeroponics", which enhances plant growth with minimal resources. Topics like "agroecology", and the use of organic composting as regenerative practices that rehabilitate soil fertility while enhancing biodiversity are examined. Moreover, I shed light on the detrimental impact of deforestation, emphasizing the need for afforestation and the vital role of sapling growth in carbon sequestration. The project also touches upon the integration of sustainable farming within the framework of the "pharma society"—highlighting how agro-industrial collaborations could spearhead the development of biofortified crops aimed at eradicating malnutrition, thereby advancing the UN’s Zero Hunger goal. These advanced agricultural interventions, when applied at scale, have the potential to mitigate global food scarcity, ensure equitable distribution, and bolster resilience against climate change. This endeavor was intellectually stimulating, pushing me to hone not just technical skills but a deeper understanding of how intricate systems of modern agriculture can be leveraged to drive tangible solutions. I hope this project sparks dialogue on the indispensable role of sustainable agriculture in shaping a resilient, food-secure future for all. Sorabh Lakhanpal, PhD Dr. Kanishka Jha, PhD Dr. Sawinder Kaur Dr.Sanjay Modi Guneetpaul Singh Lovi Raj Gupta, PhD Monica Gulati Prof. (Dr.) Lavish Kansal Lovely Professional University LPU School of Agriculture Dr. Chandra Mohan Mehta Dr. Harpal Thethi Food Technology and Nutrition LPU Prasad Rasane Gagandeep Kaur

Must watch to understand the Farm to Fork Approach in Agriculture, our students have given great insights in making agriculture more sustainable and addressing food and nutritional security.

While the proposed strategic approach to enhancing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy aims to address current challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices, there are several concerns and limitations to consider from an economic and policy perspective: 1. Administrative and Logistical Challenges: Extending MSP to more crops and implementing purchase caps require significant administrative resources and robust tracking systems. 2. Market and Economic Implications: MSP above market prices can distort markets, lead to oversupply, and increase fiscal costs. Procuring at MSP may raise food supply chain costs, contributing to inflation. 3. Feasibility of Diversified Cropping: Farmers need training, financial support, and resources to adopt diversified cropping. Regional variations necessitate tailored approaches for effective implementation. 4. Economic Viability for Farmers: Initial costs for diversified cropping may be high, and market access and infrastructure must be ensured. Economic viability needs to be assessed to avoid financial burdens on farmers. 5. International Trade and Competitiveness: Setting MSPs above international prices could hinder export competitiveness and impact market stability. In conclusion, while the proposed enhancements to the MSP policy aim to address key challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices, it is essential to carefully evaluate the administrative, economic, and practical implications of such changes. A comprehensive approach that considers regional variations, market dynamics, and farmers' financial viability is crucial to ensuring the policy's success in benefiting both farmers and the environment. #Agriculture #MSP #Sustainability #FarmerWelfare #PublicPolicy #Economics #CropRotation #IndianEconomy

↪ How is Tech and Innovation helping the global agriculture sector with the most long standing issues? A timely article post from the World Economic Forum: "The current ways of producing and consuming food have led to many seemingly intractable issues that threaten the planet and our food security." 📢 'The current ways of producing and consuming food, however, have led to many seemingly intractable issues that threaten the planet and risk our ability to feed ourselves in the future.' 📢 'The agriculture sector is the second largest global emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, second only to the energy sector. It is also responsible for 70% of all freshwater withdrawals' 📢 'Today, over half of agricultural land is degraded, resulting in productivity losses of $400 billion per year. The backbone of this system is smallholder farms that produce 29% of the world’s crops.' "[To]feed a growing population of over 8.2 billion people, it’s clear that the way we produce, distribute and consume food must change." ➡ How are companies innovating in Tech for Agriculture? ⏭ Consumption of Beef and Dairy: '14.5% of global emissions come from the animal agriculture industry, with 65% of these emissions attributed to beef and dairy cattle. Investors are now seeing this as an opportunity to focus on protein innovation. ..In 2022, investments in this space in Europe have increased by 24%...' "To ensure a protein transformation that can secure livelihoods, nutrition and the environment, a multiplicity of transition pathways are needed... This software-as-a-service solution is that it allows farmers to sell water offsets to companies that want to become water-neutral" ⏭ Freshwater use -  'Innovation can play a large part in changing our agricultural practices that deplete our freshwater supplies, from precision agriculture that can pinpoint the precise amount of irrigation required, to advances in biotechnologies that can create more drought-tolerant crops.' "Kilimo is leveraging the power of big data and machine learning to verify, improve and offset water usage in agriculture.... this software-as-a-service solution is that it allows farmers to sell water offsets to companies that want to become water-neutral" ⏭ Soil Degradation - 'The key to making an impact in this area is closing the soil health knowledge gap, often through the use of technologies and data.'  "Boomitra, are deploying satellite and AI technology to enable the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon removal credits across the globe....working with over 150,000 farmers and ranchers...Its platform can measure soil improvements and the soil’s ability to store carbon" "However, as standalone solutions and without commercially sustainable ecosystems, these technologies will not scale." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gryHQa23 #ml #bigdata #agriculture #innovation #wef #foodsecurity #watersecurity

Not either/or, but a portfolio of methods for sustainably feeding humanity. Key considerations would include: -agrifood landuse planning based on a science-informed systems-level approach considering all salient factors and tradeoffs beetween growing modes -a focus on the leakages of food loss/waste, and slashing this through reduced food miles and flexing of tech-based and traditional preservation and circular solutions -more attention to the demand side -- both shaping food habits and values, and anticipating future demographic trending. More eco/health/wellness-mindful consumption and attenuated population growth worldwide would reduce the volume and eco footprint of future demand -how about a bit more openness to risk-assessed application of #agribiotech? --- "the World Resources Institute (WRI) noted that while around 85% of the planet’s usable land is already used for commercial forestry or agriculture, the world is on course to need more than 50% extra food and wood by 2050 compared to 2010. At present rates of yield increase, meeting this demand would mean converting an area of natural habitat up to two times the size of India. A biodiversity and environmental Armageddon. [..] while governments worldwide come under increasing pressure to adopt policies intended to lessen farming’s environmental impact – including agri-environment schemes, rewilding and organic agriculture – a corresponding failure to account for the wider effects of reduced food production, particularly through increased food imports, could exacerbate problems of biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental degradation. Independent research published in Nature has shown that if England and Wales switched 100% to organic, it would lead to a 21% increase in the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our food supply, primarily because of the greater need for imports caused by a 40% reduction in food production compared to non-organic. [..] With grain production per unit area 54% lower in organic compared with conventional fields, Professor Benton advised that organic production should be concentrated on more marginal land as a result. [..the "Three Compartment Model"] is based on a land-sparing approach – optimising food production on as small a land area as possible, so leaving more room for intact nature and carbon sequestration – but acknowledges that a limited number of farmland species fare better under low-intensity farming systems, hence the provision for a third compartment alongside high-yield farming and land set aside for nature.  However, the allocation of land to each of these three compartments will be the critical factor in the ultimate success of a coherent land use framework which reconciles competing demands of food production, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, recreation, forestry, flood management and so on, and which does so based on sound science and evidence." #futureSofFood Jeya Henry

By embracing organic farming, urban farming, sustainable agriculture, and other key initiatives, CEOs and founders can drive positive change, improve food security, and build resilient food systems for the future. Investing in these solutions not only benefits businesses but also strengthens communities, protects the environment, and ensures access to affordable, nutritious food for all. My Topic: Addressing Food Price Inflation: A Call to Action for CEOs and Founders 🍂 🥬 ¶ Organic Farming - According to the Organic Trade Association, the organic food market has experienced steady growth, with sales reaching $56.4 billion in 2020, reflecting consumer demand for healthier and sustainably produced food options. ¶ Urban Farming - Urban farming initiatives promote local food production, reduce transportation costs, and enhance food security in urban areas. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of urban farming in meeting the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced produce. ¶ Sustainable Agriculture - #Sustainable #agriculture practices promote environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity within food systems. The Food and Agriculture organization ( FAO ) reports that sustainable agriculture has the potential to increase crop yields by up to 79%, highlighting its role in improving food security and reducing poverty. ¶ Precision Agriculture - Precision agriculture utilizes technology, data analytics, and automation to optimize resource efficiency and crop yields. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) estimates that precision agriculture technologies could increase global crop yields by 67%, demonstrating their potential to enhance food production and mitigate price pressures. ¶ Crop Production: - Crop production faces numerous challenges, including climate change, pests, diseases, and soil degradation. The FAO estimates that global crop production needs to increase by 70% by 2050 to feed the world's population, highlighting the urgency of investing in sustainable agricultural practices and technologies. ¶ Food Security: - The World Food Programme reports that over 800 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, exacerbated by factors such as conflict, poverty, and natural disasters, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to address food insecurity. ¶ ""Agribusiness: - The global agribusiness sector is valued at over $8 trillion, with opportunities for innovation, investment, and collaboration to enhance productivity and resilience across food value chains. As I conlude, tackling food price inflation requires a holistic approach that leverages innovation, technology, and sustainable practices across the agricultural industry. #organicFarming #UrbanFarming #sustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #Agricbussiness