Solidaridad showcase and sessions at Bharat Tex draw attention

The regional office of Solidaridad in Panipat participated in the Bharat Tex expo, hosted by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, from 26-29 February 2024, at Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The grand event, which featured 10,000 textile brands, and clocked 40,000+ visitors, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At Yashobhoomi, we showcased initiatives from our ‘Pollution Prevention and Effective Waste Management of the Panipat Textile Cluster to Optimize the Trade Potential’ project, supported by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Government of India, which is aimed at reducing water, energy, and chemical use in the Panipat textile cluster.

At the event, Sravan Kumar Kota, our technical expert, conducted two master classes, sharing insights on sustainability and pollution prevention in the industry. The sessions focused on strategies for reducing water, energy, and chemical use, along with promoting Best Available Techniques (BAT) for resource-efficiency and environmental compliance, and garnered significant interest from textile unit owners, multinational companies, educationists, and students, underlining the importance of sustainable practices in the textile industry.

Rubber farmers’ meet highlights importance of regenerative and integrated farming

Solidaridad’s Unnati (the sustainable natural rubber initiative) team recently organised a ‘Rubber Farmers’ Meet’ at the Municipal Town Hall in Pala, Kottayam district, Kerala. The event saw a footfall of more than 200 participants, including over 170 farmers.

Multiple sessions were held. The first one saw discussions on knowledge-sharing on innovative farming featuring farmers practising it. This was followed by a session led by scientists and researchers from the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) on intercropping in rubber, latex harvesting systems and good latex processing systems. At the event, the project’s demo plot farmers and lead farmers also shared their experiences in incorporating good agricultural practices and ensuring the enhancement of the quality of rubber. A plenary session was also organised – it focused on the integrated farming approach in rubber cultivation, and highlighted the importance of regenerative agriculture, intercropping, animal husbandry and apiculture, along with an emphasis on the relevance of maintaining a regular tapping frequency and the need for mechanisation. Speeches by M. Vasanthagesan (IRS, Executive Director, Rubber Board India), Monika Khanna (Country Manager, Solidaridad), Ranu Kulshrestha (Head–CSR, Bridgestone India), Sreerag PP (Programme Manager, Solidaridad), and Dr Jessy M.D. (Director, RRII) provided the participants with valuable insights on many relevant aspects such as Solidaridad’s strategy and Bridgestone’s outlook on sustainable activities, and an overview of the Unnati project.

Smart Agri Project’s Jamnagar team hosts CSR partner’s top executive

A top executive of our CSR partner for the Smart Agri project recently visited the project area in Jamnagar district, Gujarat, and witnessed the grassroot-level work Solidaridad is involved in. Deepender Kumar, Vice President, CSR and Sustainability Head, Vodafone Idea Limited, visited various facilities and demo plots in the state resource centre, met local farmers, and witnessed various demonstrations on pest management, mulching practices, and the production of vermicompost and organic manure jeevamrut, and organic fertiliser mrudamrut. During the visit, Kumar Raghvendra, Programme Manager – Castor, Solidaridad, explained how the Smart Agri Project and its interventions like automatic weather stations are helping transform agricultural practices in rural areas.

Financial and digital literacy for women farmers gets a leg-up during two-day ToT

A two-day training of trainers (ToT) on financial and digital literacy for women farmers was conducted in Jamnagar recently. Under this initiative, the field team is expected to train 1,000 women farmers on financial and digital literacy over a period of time.

The training started with a pre-training assessment to gauge participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness about financial and digital literacy. It covered topics such as financial planning and budgeting, savings, responsible borrowing, insurance, digital finance, fraud, among others. The participants were also explained ‘the rules of 72, 114 and 144’ (calculations to estimate the time taken for an investment sum to double, triple and quadruple itself, respectively), and a comparison of the returns on various savings/investment products was done. Additionally, characteristics of good and bad borrowings were discussed, followed by a session on responsible borrowings. The trainers were also explained ways of accessing financial services digitally, and how to identify and prevent different kinds of fraud.

Celebrating happiness and resilience among farming communities in Madhya Pradesh

Solidaridad marked the International Day of Happiness 2024 (20 March) in Bhopal, under the theme "Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities”, set by the United Nations. The event brought together farmers from different regions to share their stories of success and celebrate their association with Solidaridad, highlighting the importance of resilience and community-bonding in achieving sustainable growth and development. The event in Bhopal served as a platform for farmers to strengthen their bonds while reflecting on their collective journey towards prosperity and resilience. Through storytelling, music, and interactive sessions, participants engaged in meaningful conversations and celebrated their collective achievements, reaffirming Solidaridad’s commitment to promoting happiness and well-being through sustainable development initiatives.

New Solidaridad–BASF programme trains farmers in climate resilience

Solidaridad and BASF have joined hands to launch a programme for vegetable farmers in the districts of Dhar and Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh. The programme is aimed at uplifting tribal communities while simultaneously strengthening their livelihoods and resilience to climate change. By introducing sustainable and innovative farming practices, Solidaridad and BASF are planning to support tribal farmers in cultivating vegetables in an efficient, eco-friendly manner. Through training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, farmers will gain valuable insights into modern agricultural methods designed to their unique environments. From optimising water usage to selecting climate-resilient crop varieties, the programme hopes to equip farmers with the skills they need to thrive in the face of ever-changing climatic conditions.

Medicinal and aromatic plant growers get hands-on experience of good farming practices

The Government of Madhya Pradesh’s AYUSH Department and Solidaridad, under the Devaranya Yojana, recently organised two-day training and capacity-building programmes for medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) growers across multiple districts including Mandsaur, Shajapur, Ratlam, Vidisha, and Sehore. The programmes, held at the respective district Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), featured sessions led by the KVK scientists, and experts from the AYUSH Department, and the state Horticulture and Agriculture Department. The sessions were focused on the good cultivation practices for selected medicinal plants such as ashwagandha, tulsi, kalmegh, shatavari, and akarkara.

In each of the districts, around 40-50 farmers participated in the programme. On the final day, an exposure visit to demonstration plots (showcasing selected MAPs) and herbal garden plots was organised. This visit provided practical insights and hands-on experience to the participating farmers. Additionally, certificates of participation were distributed to acknowledge the farmers’ completion of the training programme.

Value chain development workshop supports cotton farmers and FPOs in ensuring quality produce

On 19 March 2024, at Badegaon, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, Solidaridad organised a value-chain development workshop for farmers and members of farmer producer organisations. Solidaridad staff discussed safe picking practices, and the regenerative agriculture principles.. Since FPOs have a major role to play in the cotton value chain, Solidaridad experts guided them on their responsibilities in ensuring adequate quality and availability of cotton. Both individual farmers and FPOs gained valuable insights on how to ensure good quality of cotton and how to protect the crop from weather extremities.

At Smart Agri session, progressive farmers motivate others to adopt good practices

At the State Resource and Training Centre in Nagpur, Solidaridad conducted a training session for farmers on 12 March 2024. The Solidaridad staff discussed the Smart Agri Project, with a focus on good agricultural practices and the equipment installed at different locations. At the event, progressive farmers shared their own experiences with good agricultural practices, and motivated others to use bio-inputs in their fields. “We are using advisory services and have found them beneficial since they save our crops from weather uncertainties and help us manage agricultural operations,” said a participating farmer.

Meet in Rajasthan focuses on good agri practices, income diversification for women farmers

Solidaridad recently organised a farmers’ meet in Bamarda village in Rajasthan. Farmers received information about various aspects and benefits of good agricultural practices ranging from vermicomposting, mulching, intercropping, cover cropping to the use of organic manure, jeevamrut and nimboli ark to increase crop yield and get better results.

The Smart Agri Project and its digital interventions were discussed. Women farmers gained useful information on alternative and additional sources of income from activities such as mushroom cultivation and vermicomposting.

Leading the way

Annapurna Moharana, a resident of Golarhat village in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, received training in mushroom cultivation from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Kendrapara, five years ago. Upon engaging with the Smart Agri Project team, Annapurna explored various farm-related livelihood activities suitable in her region and appropriate to her skills. After careful consideration and consultation with experts, she decided to venture into oyster mushroom cultivation, as she had already been trained in mushroom production. The Smart Agri Project supported her with technical knowledge and the construction of a shed for cultivating mushrooms. At the end of the first season, she was able to grow 31 kgs of mushroom, earning ₹3,000 in the process. Currently, she is preparing to carry out paddy straw mushroom cultivation for the upcoming summer season.

Now equipped with the necessary tools for self-sustenance, Annapurna is mobilising her fellow villagers. As a matter of fact, she has already mobilised 20 women who were previously engaged in non-farming activities to take up agriculture. Annapurna is also the secretary of the Abhiram Producer Group set up in 2019 with the help of the Odisha Livelihoods Mission. The 20 farmers trained by Annapurna are also part of the group, and are now engaged in mushroom enterprises. Annapurna’s efforts towards community mobilisation has had a ripple effect, with more women in her village getting employment opportunities and achieving financial independence.

Delhi

Solidaridad celebrated International Women’s Day in Delhi under the theme of “Inspire Inclusion”. The event saw three sessions where farmers as well as gender experts and practitioners shared their perspectives and insights on strengthening women’s participation in agriculture and MSMEs. While the first session charted a path forward for the empowerment of women in the realms of regenerative and climate-smart agriculture (through awareness, knowledge-sharing and the opening-up of entry points for women’s participation) the second session featured enriching conversations on how industry and civil society can work together to create safe workplaces for women and to strengthen their position and roles in the MSME sector and supply chains. In the concluding session, women farmers and leather entrepreneurs spoke on their inspirational journeys. The voices of Rani Verma (a member of the Dhrati Mahila Kisan Producer Company Ltd. based in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh), Sher Banu (proprietor of Libua Fashions, Chennai, Tamil Nadu), Reena Daimari (a tea grower from Udalguri and President of the Sondang Widow Women’s Group), Maviya Azam (a leather entrepreneur from Kanpur) and Sanjana Bamaniya (a rural entrepreneur from Sehore, Madhya Pradesh) made for a most lively and informative end to the proceedings.

Kerala

Solidaridad’s Unnati team celebrated International Women’s Day with more than 50 women farmers at Vellakkayam Tribal Rubber Producer Society (RPS), Vannappuram village, Idukki district, Kerala. The event was inaugurated by Shiny Reji, Idukki Panchayat Member, while the presidential address was delivered by Sarasamma Sreedharan, President, Vellakkayam Tribal RPS. Among the participants, were 13 women tappers from Vellakkayam and Pathippally RPS who were honoured for their support to the rubber community. The felicitation was done by P K Noorjihan, Dy RPC (i/c), R.O. Thodupuzha. As a token of appreciation, tapping kits were distributed among the participants.

Haryana

On International Women’s Day, Solidaridad’s regional team in Panipat organised a meet with 150 textile workers, conducting training sessions on occupational health and safety. With an emphasis on hygiene, the event saw the distribution of sanitary kits among those present. The team also visited six industry premises, providing comprehensive training and first-aid sessions, while promoting and spreading awareness on workplace safety for women. The celebrations culminated with appreciation from industry owners, who recognised the invaluable contributions of women.

Gujarat

The achievements and contributions of women farmers were celebrated during the International Women’s Day celebrations in the two districts of Banaskantha and Sabarkantha in Gujarat. The events consisted of sessions addressing their health, safety, and livelihood concerns. They also sought to raise awareness on gender equality, besides promoting sustainable agricultural practices, which contribute to the well-being of women farmers in Gujarat. Various government schemes and initiatives, such as Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, were discussed to promote financial inclusion and social security among the women participants.

Assam

A meeting to commemorate International Women's Day was jointly organised by the Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre, Tinsukia, and Assam Press Correspondents’ Union (APCU) in Digboi, Assam. The meeting was chaired by Pallav Sharma, Tinsukia District APCU President, and the welcome speech was delivered by Mokshadev Das, Programme Manager, Solidaridad. The event saw speeches from three resource speakers – retired District Commissioner of Sivasagar District Laxminanda Gogoi (on "empowerment of women in a sustainable world"), Barnali Phukan, Block Development Officer, Kakopathar (on "government schemes for women society"), Uddhab Chandra Sharma, Senior Coordinator, Solidaridad Network (on “the participation of women in the tea industry”) and Ritu Bouah Bora, social worker and advocate (on “women and child protection law”).

At the event, a book titled Science, Nature And Society, written by Dr. Arun Chandra Sarmah, retired Principal of Digboi Mahila Mahavidyalaya, was released. Sanjan Deka Saikia, a progressive woman farmer, Pranati Phukan, a woman entrepreneur, and a women’s self-help group (SHG), were also felicitated.

Madhya Pradesh

In Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, Solidaridad observed International Women's Day under the banner of the Smart Agri Project. The event, a joint collaboration between Solidaridad, Vodafone-Idea Foundation and Indus Towers, highlighted the collective commitment to supporting women in agriculture and rural communities, under the overarching theme of “women empowerment and rural entrepreneurship.The celebration, held on 10 March, brought together women from various walks of life, including farmers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Through a series of engaging activities and discussions, participants were inspired to explore their potential as entrepreneurs and leaders in the agricultural sector. The event also witnessed the launch of a book titled Women of Wonder, a collection of stories showcasing the remarkable journeys of exemplary women in their respective fields. From entrepreneurship to leadership, sustainability to innovation, these stories celebrate the resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering spirit of women in rural communities.

Maharashtra

Solidaridad celebrated International Women’s Day in three locations in Maharashtra – Nagpur, Amravati and Yavatmal, which were attended by farmers, block development officers, divisional officers and project directors, to name a few. Stalls were set up displaying dashparni, neemark (bio-inputs) and vermicompost produced by women farmers with Solidaridad’s support.

Some women farmers and women farmer groups were awarded “Progressive Farmer” certificates. These farmers shared their experiences, inspiring and motivating others to embrace change in the form of sustainable agriculture. The participating women farmers also received expert guidance on the different government schemes and the loan facilities available for them to set up small-scale enterprises.

WELCOMING NEW COLLEAGUES

Sanjeev Rathod, joined us on 11 March 2024, as a Senior Programme Manager. He will be leading SREC’s Gujarat programmes (Nayara and Castor projects), based out of Palanpur. Sanjeev comes with experience of about 17 years in managing & implementing large scale national and International sustainable impact projects in Horticulture / Agriculture, with objective to build fair & sustainable communities with learning agility & Innovations.

Previously, he was associated with GIZ- on Global Program Green Innovation Centre for the Agriculture and Food Sector- India. He is also Recipient of 2 international fellowships from Centre of Development Innovation CDI -Wageningen UR-Netherlands.Sanjeev is a Science graduate and holds a Postgraduate in Management from Karnataka University- Dharwad.

Jarif Ahmad, joined us on 18 March 2024, as an Assistant Manager in our Textile Project in the Panipat office. He has more than 10 years of work experience in the development sector. He comes with an expertise in programme and stakeholder management including field level operations across various development projects.

He has worked in the State Urban Governance in Jharkhand for five years and with the State Labor Department in Chhattisgarh for two years.

Jarif has completed his Masters in Social Work from Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, UP and Bachelors in Business Administration from Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi. Prior to joining Solidaridad, he was working with Indus Action and managing project operations in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Prashant Kumar
Programme Associate, Kanpur

Pallab Jyoti Sarmah
Finance and Admin Associate, Tinsukia