Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC) is driven by its vision and mission, through which it seeks to address the challenges posed by India’s rapidly increasing population and an equally rapid reduction of its poverty, putting pressure on its land and water resources. Today, consumers want more food, more fibre for cloth and more feed for their animals. SREC believes that this ever-growing demand can be sustained only if the agricultural sector makes a transition towards smart and sustainable land and water use, increase its production by adopting efficient processes, coupled with less pollution, greater precision in the use of fertilisers and pesticides, and a reduction in the use of water and energy.
SREC is working together with small farmers, workers, local authorities, private sector and research institutes as a catalyst for improved food production, a safer workplace, access to clean water, and a better income.
SREC Centre is a Charitable Trust established in December 2008, registered under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 and 80 G & 12 AA of The Income Tax Act, 1961. Wherein we,
Sixty-five-year-old Kanwar Lal of Narwal village in Agar Malwa district of Madhya Pradesh had been practicing chemical intensive farming on his 8-acre land for several years read more
How one of the largest leather clusters in India is turning to sustainability, one block at a time, with Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre’s ‘Waste to Walk’ read more
Forty-two-year-old Indira Kadam is an anganwadi worker in Munoli village in Belagavi district of Karnataka in southern India. A single woman, she read more
Issue/Volume: 27/02
We welcome 2025 with a flurry of activities. From the incorporation of solar energy in leather tannery operations to training farmers on the use of biochar as an alternative to crop-residue farmer to helping farmers explore additional livelihood options such as apiculture, Solidaridad embraced and advanced the cause of sustainability in its operations in diverse ways.
Happy reading!
Utilizing Solar Power for Leather Tannery Operations
Leveraging solar energy for the operations of the leather industry can cut down electricity costs, reduce environmental impact, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute to sustainability practices in the sector.
Recently, Solidaridad, in association with Dugros, installed solar panels in the Kolkata Leather Cluster, for tanning operations. This environment-friendly move is expected to yield several benefits, both short-term and long-term:
This initiative is supported by the Netherlands Fund for Responsible Business (FVO).
New Medical Centre in Kolkata Leather Cluster Prioritizes Health and Safety of Workers
In the Kolkata leather cluster, a medical centre was recently inaugurated under the FVO–RVO project, a co-funding arm of the EU Switch-Asia programme. The centre will support the cluster through health, safety and wellness initiatives. Workplace safety, emergency care and first aid training will be provided to the workers. It is hoped that the centre will play a role in improving workers’ health and safety, reducing absenteeism, boosting employee retention, minimising workplace injuries, and lowering healthcare costs.
The centre was inaugurated by Rajendra Kumar Jalan (Chairman, Council for Leather Exports) and Ramesh Kumar Juneja (Vice-Chairman, Council for Leather Exports). Other dignitaries at the event included Imran Ahmed Khan (General Secretary, Calcutta Leather Complex Tanners’ Association), Gopal Naredi (Chairman, Industrial Safety Products), Mohammed Azhar (Vice President, Crescent Exports Syndicate), Zia Nafis and Shahid Parvez (both Joint Secretary, Calcutta Leather Complex Tanners’ Association).
Progressive Farmers Share Perspectives on Regenerative Agriculture
On the occasion of Farmers’ Day, training sessions were held in Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts of Gujarat. Progressive farmers shared their experiences with regenerative agriculture practices and encouraged other farmers to use bio-inputs in their fields. Around 70 farmers from Devaliya village and 40 farmers from Ahir Sinhan village participated in the training session held in Jamnagar. At the session, the participants were given phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) culture to increase crop yield and growth. The advantages of biogas were also discussed during the sessions, and farmers were encouraged to install biodigesters on their farms to reap social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Nayara Energy Team Visits Demo Plot in Gujarat to Oversee Project Interventions and Benefits
Nayara Energy’s CSR team recently visited a demo plot developed under the Gram Samruddhi project in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The plot exhibited several useful tools, interventions and resources such as biodigester, drum/container for microbial multiplication, solar trap, nutrition garden, vermicompost pit, soil and moisture sensor, organic and bio-inputs, personal protective equipment, leaf colour chart, mulching bed, azolla bed, and others.
The team interacted with the farmers, gathering insights into the benefits and knowledge received by the farmers pertaining to regenerative agricultural practices.
A Sustainable Alternative to Cotton Residue Burning
In the cotton belt of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, crop residue is often burnt, reducing the number of soil microorganisms and adversely affecting soil fertility. As a sustainable alternative to this practice, Solidaridad is motivating farmers to prepare biochar from the cotton residue instead. Biochar improves soil health, boosts CO2 sequestration and water retention, and is useful for waste management
On 24 January 2025, Solidaridad conducted a biochar demonstration session at Talegaon Dashasar village in Amravati district. The staff discussed biochar, its importance in agriculture, CO2 sequestration, and combating climate change. The farmers were also guided on the harmful effects of burning cotton waste.
Women SHGs in Maharashtra Empowered with Knowledge on Green Job Creation
Training centres established by Solidaridad play an important role in strengthening farming communities through different activities. These centres serve as the platform for learning and extension training.
On 16 January 2025, Solidaridad conducted a training session on green job creation at the training centre in Burujwada village, Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Women belonging to self-help groups participated in the session, with an aim to gather business ideas. Solidaridad staff guided the members on different small-scale agriculture-allied enterprises. Good agriculture practices and the preparation and sale of bio inputs were also discussed during the session.
Capacity-Building Session Focus on Rabi Crop Management and Regenerative Practices
Solidaridad has made an impact through its programmes at the grassroots level. Strengthening the farming communities through various capacity-building activities has been a prime focus of the organization.
On 16 January 2025, Solidaridad conducted a farmers’ training session at its Hinganghat Resource and Training Centre, in Wardha district, Maharashtra. During the event, Solidaridad trainers discussed planning for rabi crops, irrigation management, and integrated pest and disease management for the rabi season.
Another session was conducted on 21 January 2025 at Patansavangi village in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. During this training, the staff conducted a demonstration of dashaparni ark and also guided FPO and SHG members on the preparation of inputs (such as jeevamrut, nimboli ark, mycorrhiza), vermicomposting, post-harvesting practices, health and nutrition, and green jobs creation.
Workshop on Beekeeping Explores Global Market Potential of Apiculture and Honey Processing
Solidaridad collaborated as a Sustainability Partner in an event on “Business Opportunities in Apiculture & Forest Honey Processing – Exploring Global Market Potential" held on 4 January 2025 in Bhopal. Himanshu Bais (Senior Programme Manager, Solidaridad) attended the inaugural session as a keynote speaker. A stall showcasing products from the Bharatkhand Consortium was also set up.
Organized by the Madhya Pradesh chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), the event was a unique initiative to bring together beekeepers, honey associations, farmers, MSMEs, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Experts from agricultural and industrial sectors, entrepreneurs and farmers participated in the workshop.
The aim of the programme was to discuss new technologies and innovations in beekeeping and advanced methods of honey processing. It explored the immense opportunities in sustainable beekeeping and honey processing.
Training of Agriculture Extension Officers Sheds Light on Aspects of FPO Development
A training session on FPO management and smart digital solutions was recently conducted at the Smart Agri Hub, Bhopal, for 54 rural agriculture extension officers (RAEOs) from various districts of Madhya Pradesh. The officers were undergoing a specialized training program at the MP-State Institute of Agricultural Extension and Training (SIAET), focusing on FPO management and development.
The session covered essential aspects of FPO management and business development, highlighting the role of the Bharatkhand Consortium in facilitating backward and forward linkages and providing technical support to FPOs. A dedicated segment on smart agriculture and digital solutions introduced participants to cutting-edge technologies, data-driven decision-making, and digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity and efficiency.
The training concluded with a visit to the Smart Agri Hub, where participants gained first-hand insights into its activities and operational framework.
Participation in the 79th Annual Convention of the Oil Technologists’ Association of India
Earlier this month, Solidaridad participated in the 79th Annual Convention of the Oil Technologists Association of India and the National Conference on Oil Palm: Recent Trends in Production, Processing, and Applications in the Food and Non-Food Sectors, held at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.
Suresh Motwani (Programme Head, Vegetable Oils, Solidaridad)delivered a presentation on “IPOS-Aligned Sustainable Production of Oil Palm in India.” He highlighted Solidaridad's initiatives in oil palm cultivation and its contributions towards reducing India's dependency on edible oil imports—of which palm oil constitutes approximately 60% of the total imported edible oils.Dr. Motwani also emphasized the significance of oil palm for smallholder livelihoods and rural prosperity, and its positive environmental impact in the Indian context. He further discussed the role of the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework in promoting sustainable oil palm development across the country.
Farmer Field School in Maharashtra Yields Insights on Bio-Input Preparation
Solidaridad’s capacity-building activities, such as farmer field schools, guide farmers on farming activities to be undertaken throughout the season.
On 15 January 2025, Solidaridad conducted a farmer field school (FFS) at Selu village in Kalmeshwar block, Nagpur district. This FFS was conducted in convergence with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA). Farmers were guided on good practices, the effects of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, integrated pest management, the use of resistant seed varieties, and various methods of producing bio-inputs. Farmers were also guided on integrated nutrient and pest management in rabi crops such as wheat, bengal gram, among others.
Neetu Chauhan
Programme Officer, Bhopal
Anil Khare
Assistant Manager-SDGP Project, Bhopal
