Solidaridad

SOLIDARIDAD REGIONAL EXPERTISE CENTRE

Issue/Volume: 22/02

August 2024 saw significant events in the Kanpur–Unnao leather cluster, with the establishment of a new gender resource centre. We also gained recognition for our efforts to promote regenerative agriculture in Madhya Pradesh, and our training sessions and workshops across the country continued to address a wide range of topics – from decent work, gender inclusivity and green jobs to health and nutrition, intercropping in rubber plantations, and more.

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NEWS

Landmark Initiatives to Strengthen and Upskill Women in Leather Industry Launched in Kanpur Cluster

On 13 August 2024, Solidaridad, in collaboration with its partners, launched multiple initiatives and activities in the Kanpur Leather Cluster, with the goal of training, strengthening, and building up the capacities of women in the leather industry.

Inauguration of a Gender Resource Centre

The day began with the inauguration of a Gender Resource Centre in the Kanpur leather cluster. This Centre aims to upskill women in leather goods and manufacturing, emphasizing entrepreneurship and ensuring better linkages with suppliers and big companies. To enhance their skills, the Gender Resource Centre is equipped with modern machinery to smoothen a transition towards better working conditions.

The launch event was attended by representatives and leaders of several organizations such as the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC), Uttar Pradesh Leather Industries Association (UPLIA), Small Tanners Association (STA), among others.

Solidaridad–LSSC Sign an Important MoU

In the evening, an MoU, formalizing a significant partnership between Solidaridad and LSSC, was signed by Mukhtarul Amin, Chairman of LSSC, and Monika Khanna, Country Manager, SREC India. The pivotal partnership promises to drive forward the vision of a more inclusive and sustainable leather industry, by introducing transformative changes to skill-based training for women workers, particularly those working from home in the Kanpur–Unnao leather cluster.

Launch of Sustainability Toolkit and Training Module on Pollution Prevention

The event also saw the launch of a sustainability toolkit for the Kanpur and Unnao leather cluster by R. K. Jalan, Chairman, CLE. This toolkit is tailored to help industry stakeholders, while also strengthening the technical acumen and capacity of tannery and leather workers.

Solidaridad bags the Madhya Pradesh Business Glory Award 2024

Solidaridad recently won the Madhya Pradesh Business Glory Award 2024. We earned the recognition under the category of 'Madhya Pradesh Excellence Award for Promotion of Regenerative Agricultural Practices and Good Farming Good Food Good Health'. The award, an initiative of Swiftnlift Media and Tech LLP, was conferred upon Solidaridad by Sudha Chandran, the renowned actress and Bharatanatyam dancer. The recognition celebrates our remarkable efforts and achievements in promoting regenerative agriculture, good farming practices, and ensuring health and nutrition among agricultural and rural communities.

Immersive Workshop for CUKK and BWI Seeks to Replicate Smart Agri Hub Model

The Smart Agri Hub in Bhopal hosted an exposure visit-cum-IoT (Internet of Things)-integration workshop for representatives from Credit Union Keling Kumang (CUKK) and Business Watch Indonesia (BWI).

The immersive workshop, conducted from August 21 to August 24, provided insights into the operations of the Smart Agri Hub, focusing on replicating its successful model in Indonesia. More specifically, the visit offered the guests a comprehensive understanding of the hub’s approach to integrating technology and innovation in agriculture – an approach that relies on the use of IoT-based solutions and smart sensors for real-time agricultural advisories. The visit also included interactions with farmers’ groups and cooperatives, providing an in-depth view of how the Smart Agri Hub’s initiatives are being implemented on the ground.

The participants were also informed about the Sustainable Development Goals Program (SDGP), particularly about the goals that highlight the role of women in agriculture. This was supplemented by discussions with women that yielded useful information on the ways in which the programme supports women. It is expected that the replication of the Smart Agri Hub model in Indonesia will help strengthen agricultural practices, promote gender inclusion, and enhance the use of technology in farming.

Solidaridad–QCI Workshop Supports Farmers with Knowledge on Certification for Medicinal Plant Growers

A one-day workshop on the Voluntary Certification Scheme for Medicinal Plant Production (VCSMPP) was held jointly by the Malwa Farmer Producer Group, Quality Council of India (QCI), and Solidaridad. The workshop aimed to educate farmers regarding the certification process for medicinal plant cultivators, and the importance of maintaining high-quality standards.

Opening remarks from QCI and Solidaridad representatives highlighted the significance of quality control and certification. Detailed insights were provided on important aspects of VCSMPP implementation, emphasizing benefits such as improved product quality, better market access, and economic opportunities. Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma, from the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), spread knowledge on good agricultural practices (GAPs), including site selection and post-harvest management, and stressed upon the importance of documentation and traceability. On the other hand, Jangaiah M, from QCI, explained the certification process ,covering the stages and requirements of Quality Management Systems (QMSs).

A Strategic Collaboration on Regenerative Agriculture Takes Flight

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR–IISS) and Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC) to establish a strategic collaboration as knowledge partners. This partnership aims to promote regenerative agricultural practices that contribute to sustainable agricultural production, and enhance carbon sequestration.

The collaboration will focus on supporting farmers associated with SREC projects by promoting practices that restore and maintain soil health. Through this MoU, ICAR-IISS will engage in policy-level dialogues and contribute to processes that advocate for regenerative agriculture. Furthermore, the partnership will involve conducting training sessions and capacity-building programmes for farmers, focusing on various aspects of soil health assessment and management.

Gram Sabhas on Independence Day Address Agriculture as a Key Agenda for the First Time

On Independence Day this year, Solidaridad actively participated in Gram Sabhas organized across project areas in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. For the first time, agriculture was featured as a key agenda in these Sabhas. In the events, Solidaridad's commitment to promoting sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices was recognized and appreciated by the gram panchayats. The acknowledgment from these local governing bodies serves as an inspiration for us to adopt regenerative agriculture systems to enhance rural development and ensure long-term sustainability. These collaborative efforts are set to pave the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly future in the regions covered.

Unnati Initiative Promotes Cocoa and Coffee Intercropping in Rubber Plantations

Rubber is usually cultivated as a standalone crop, mainly because other crops (if grown with rubber) find it difficult to access sunlight from under the shade of the rubber trees. However, this is not the case with shade-tolerant species such as cocoa and coffee, which make them ideal as intercrops for rubber plantations in which rows of the plants have sufficient space in-between.

Solidaridad’s team overseeing Unnati, the sustainable natural rubber initiative, recently distributed over 28,000 cocoa and coffee saplings to rubber farmers, with the support of Bridgestone India. The saplings were distributed to 157 rubber farmers who are associated with 28 rubber producer societies, covering a total area of 56 hectares.

Intercropping with perennial crops (such as cocoa and coffee) in rubber plantations enriches soil health, increases crop diversity, and leads to biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, these intercrops enhance the livelihoods of rubber farmers by generating additional income and ensuring long-term sustainability in agriculture.

Water Conservation Gets Spotlight at Farmers’ Training Sessions

In August, Solidaridad conducted two farmers’ training sessions on water-efficient agricultural practices in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district – one in Undarni village, the other in Danoda village. The sessions focused on supporting farmers with knowledge on water-user groups, and their personal responsibilities in implementing water-saving practices. The team also guided farmers on practices such as drip irrigation, mulching, crop rotation, rainwater harvesting, soil moisture conservation, rotational grazing, and more. The importance of Smart Agri’s mobile advisories and missed-call facility was also discussed at the events.

Water conservation in agriculture has become increasingly crucial for sustainable development and environmental well-being. By adopting water-efficient techniques, farmers can optimize water use, maximize crop yield, and become resilient to issues such as water scarcity.

Women in Maharashtra Receive Lessons on Good Agricultural Practices, IPM, and More

In early August, Solidaridad conducted a farmers’ training session for women at its resource and training centre in Hinganghat, Wardha district, Maharashtra. The focus was on helping the participants distinguish between beneficial and harmful insects. The team also highlighted measures to control pest infestation through integrated pest management (IPM), and low-cost inputs to reduce expenditure on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In addition to this, the session also covered activities and topics such as vermicomposting, nutrition gardening and mushroom cultivation. The event also featured a module on anaemia and malnutrition, and how women can address such health issues.

A Holistic Approach to Addressing Insecurity in Food and Nutrition

Insecurity in food and nutrition, due to poor-quality diets and undernutrition, often triggers a vicious cycle of declining productivity and income among small-scale farmers. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, Solidaridad conducted a session on health and nutrition among the residents of Mangrul Dastagir village, Amravati district, Maharashtra.

The training, held in August, aimed to instruct farmers on the importance of maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet for their livelihoods as well as for food security. Solidaridad staff guided farmers on good agricultural practices, and aspects of health and nutrition, particularly their role in improving the nutritional status of families. Activities like mushroom cultivation and nutrition gardening that have the potential to elevate nutritional status of families, were also discussed during the interactive session.

Training Session Generates Awareness on Green Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods

This month, Solidaridad organized a training session on green jobs in Andhbori village, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. The session supported women by providing knowledge on income-generating, sustainable activities that would help them improve their livelihoods. The event also featured an exposure visit to the farms in the village, where members of a local self-help group (SHG) have set up a vermicompost unit.

Topics discussed include the importance, application, maintenance and preparation of vermicompost, mushroom farming, kitchen and nutrition gardening, among others. Furthermore, conversations regarding wilting, yellowing and necrosis of plant leaves highlighted the necessity of proper water-efficient practices and fertilizer application.

Solidaridad–UMED Convergence Session Instructs SHGs on Financial literacy and Decent Work

Recently, Solidaridad conducted a convergence training session with UMED - Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM). The session was held in Solidaridad’s resource and training centre in Borujwada village in Nagpur district. Members of local SHGs participated in the event.

The Solidaridad team and the block development officer served as resource persons for the session which focussed on financial literacy, decent work conditions and good agricultural practices. The training also aimed at improving women’s livelihoods, the bargaining power of farmers, and ensuring improved decision-making. Key points in the agenda included financial budgeting and borrowing, and the importance of transparency in such activities. Women were also guided on low-interest loans, insurance, and saving strategies. In addition to these, components of decent work (such as association and bargaining, fair remuneration, non-discrimination, bonded labour, no child labour, decent working hours, health and safety) were also discussed. Other topics such as water-efficient practices, soil management, crop management, low-cost inputs, and IoT sensors for advisories were also addressed during the training.

IMPACT STORIES

Envisioning a Sustainable Future for the Farm and Family

Meet Suresh Nagar, a seasoned 45-year-old farmer from the village of Bhanda Heda in Rajasthan’s Kota district. He supports a household of six by farming on 68 bighas (around 17.2 hectares) of land, supplemented by an additional 30 bighas (around 7.6 hectares) on lease for cultivation.

Suresh cultivates a variety of crops all through the year – garlic, wheat and mustard during the rabi season, moong in summer, and soybean during the kharif season. With the support of the Smart Agri Project, Suresh made his foray into organic farming, producing jeevamrut and kandapaani, which have helped him reduce ₹7,000–₹8,000 in expenses in one cycle. The project also provided him a vermi-bed for producing vermicompost. Mustard seeds were also given, and instructions provided to try out a process called topping, which involves the removal of the aerial part of a crop, in order to prevent seed formation and distribution into the soil. Empowered with useful knowledge, Suresh envisions a future where his fields yield not just crops but sustainable prosperity as well.

EMPLOYEE CORNER

WELCOMING NEW COLLEAGUES

Rajesh Rai, joined us on 7 August, as a Project Officer-MSME (Textiles) in Panipat. He has more than sixteen years of work experience in the textile industry. He has experience of working in the lab, polyester and cotton dyeing, quality control tests and inventory management. He has completed his Bachelors in Science from Allahabad University.

Arvind Patidar, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as Assistant Manager-Advocacy. He has more than five years of work experience in the development sector. He has extensive experience in Government and Institutions liaising, building partnerships with programme beneficiaries and advocacy work. He has completed Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from School of Rural Management, MP. He was previously working with Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation as Project Coordinator.

Lalit Upadhyay, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as a Programme Officer. He has more than four years of work experience as an Agronomist. He has prior experience in implementation of regenerative agriculture practices with farmers, supporting farmers through mobile applications and advisory units, providing technical advice. He previously worked with Wayfield Agricultural Technology as a Senior Agronomist and Crop Advisor. He has completed M.Sc. in Agronomy from Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Dapoli.

Sandeep Mishra, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as a Programme Officer. He comes with a strong experience in organic farming, FPO formation, sustainable agricultural practices, farmers training, concept note development, soil testing and community engagement. He was previously working with Arohan Financial Service Ltd. as a Senior Executive. He has completed MBA in Rural Development from Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, University of Allahabad.

Rambabu Lodha, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as a Field Coordinator. He has ten years of work experience in the development sector. He has prior experience in project management, reporting, documentation, community mobilization, conducting surveys and liaising with government department. He was previously working with Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation. He has completed his Masters in Social Work from VMOU, Kota.

Dharmendra Bairagi, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as a Field Coordinator. He has more than five years of work experience in programme management, FPO, documentation and community engagement. He has completed his Masters in Social Work from Vikram University, MP.

Rahul Gehlod, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as a Field Coordinator. He has more than four years of work experience. He has a proven track record in rural development, agriculture, and community empowerment. He has previously worked with American India Foundation Silvassa DNH as an Asst. Community Educator. He has completed his PGDM in Rural Management from the School of Rural Management, Ratlam.

Dheerendra Kumar, joined us on 8 August, in our EU funded project at Bhopal as a Field Coordinator. He has more than five years of work experience in farm management, agriculture development, farmer training and community engagement. He was previously working with Lupin Human Welfare & Research Foundation as an Assistant Project Coordinator (Agriculture). He has done his B.Tech in agriculture from Vision Institute of Technology, Aligarh.

Barad Bharat H, joined us on 16 August at the Jamnagar project funded by Nayara Energy as a Field Coordinator. He comes with more than five years of work experience in community engagement, field operations and programme management. He was previously working with Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority as a District project officer. He has completed his Masters in Social Work from Saurashtra University.