Apropos above theme the following observations were made for kind concurrence:
Major problem we encounter sustainability of food systems is primary producers who are
Economically underprivileged are located in LMIN (Low Middle Income Countries), LIN (Low Income Nations) and ELIC (Extreme Low Income Nations). Their number runs into hundreds of millions and so are the inhabitants. If we concentrate our efforts for betterment of these people and development, their overall growth will be confined to less than one fourth of the system. On the contrary, developmental efforts in the food system per se will help enhance overall production which is happening now and so is the enhanced levels of poverty and hunger running into hundreds of millions not because the food is available but because of lack of purchase power. To overcome this dilemma, the above mentioned groups of nations needs to provide
1. Foods at an affordable price to economically underprivileged citizens such as rations.
2. Enhanced levels of financial literacy among women especially of rural women and hinterland residents.
3. Decentralize the food production systems.
4. Establishment of small scale food storage facilities at rural levels
5. Establishment of ‘Mini Food Processing Facilities’
6. Availability of APP based facilities for 1. Weather forecasting 2. Agricultural Produce Price on day to day Basis.
7. Encourage farmers market
The above measures cater to the needs of low income groups.
One of the finest examples of balancing acts in sustainable productions is in India in the form of KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras).
Krishi Vigyan Kendras
The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry. The number of KVKs has risen to 731. The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India and the KVKs are sanctioned to Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working in Agriculture.
KVK, is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), aimed at assessment of location specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement and demonstrations. KVKs have been functioning as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector for improving the agricultural economy of the district and are linking the NARS with extension systems and farmers.
KVK System: Mandate and Activities
The mandate of KVK is Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development.
To implement the mandate effectively, the following activities are envisaged for each KVK
1. On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.
2. Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields.
3. Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies.
4. To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector in improving the agricultural economy of the district.
5. Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers
In addition, KVKs produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers, organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programs within the mandate of KVK.
The above system can be role model for other countries too
Source for KVK is https://kvk.icar.gov.in/aboutkvk.aspx
Thanks for the opportunity.
Kind regards,
Mukteswar Prasad Mothadaka, PhD., ARS
Dr. Mukteswar Mothadaka