Foro Global sobre Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (Foro FSN)

How can FAO better support countries in addressing governance of agrifood systems transformation to make them more sustainable, inclusive and resilient.

FAO can enhance support by fostering collaboration among countries, providing tailored capacity-building programs, facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms, and promoting policy dialogues. Additionally, prioritizing context-specific solutions, leveraging technology for data-driven insights, and integrating diverse stakeholders' perspectives can contribute to effective governance of agrifood systems transformation.

Certainly! FAO can establish regional and national task forces, engaging policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders to co-create governance frameworks. Tailored capacity-building programs could include training on sustainable practices, digital literacy, and policy implementation. Knowledge-sharing platforms, such as online portals or workshops, can facilitate exchange of best practices.

Promoting policy dialogues at international forums can encourage collaboration and align strategies. Emphasizing context-specific solutions involves recognizing diverse local needs and adapting interventions accordingly. Integration of smallholder farmers and marginalized groups into decision-making processes is crucial for inclusivity and resilience.

FAO & CGIAR [and its 13 centres around the world] and UN Agencies including World Bank [and not NGOs] play important role to stop on thrusting Agriculture Systems with poor quality agrifoods on Indian farmers by Western Multinational Companies. ICRISAT in Hyderabad is one of the CGIAR system canvasing for the MNCs. It recently organized canvassing to serve the MNCs interest forgetting their mandates-- millets. The poor quality technologies entered India as Indian governments and agri-scientists sub-serving MNCs and thus under this scenario it is rarely possible to get sustainable, inclusive and resilient in agrifood. Now the MNCs are moving fast on seeds related food crops. With their poor credentials MNCs dump poor quality agrifoods. With 140 crore population, the health care runs in to???

Stan Cox in 2008 brought out a book titled “Sick Planet: The Impact of Carporate Food and Medicine”. Neoliberals often point to improvements in public health and nutrition as examples of the success of globalization, but this book argues that the corporate food and medicine industries are destroying environments and ruining living conditions across the world. Scientist Stan Cox expertly draws out the strong link between Western big business and environmental destruction, and tells us of the huge damage that drug manufacturers and large food corporations are inflicting on the health of people and crops worldwide. On issues ranging from the poisoning of water supplies in South Asia to natural gas depletion, Cox shows how the demand for profits is always put above the public interest. While individual efforts to 'shop for a better world' and conserve energy are laudable, Cox explains that they need to be accompanied by an economic system that is grounded in ecological sustainability if we are to find a cure for our sick planet.

Seed vs Agriculture Systems: In India three major systems of agriculture are in use. The 2^nd and 3^rd are under the control of MNCs. The three systems in brief are:

·       Traditional Agriculture Technology – Traditional seeds under traditional organic inputs including Animal Husbandry in Agriculture system;

·       Green Revolution Technology – Modern Seeds are tailored to chemical inputs [provided by Indian Government huge subsidy], under irrigation [developed at huge cost] and excluding animal husbandry in Agriculture System;

·       Genetically Modified [GM] Technology --  It is the same as that of Green Revolution Technology except that seeds are Genetically modified;

1.         Biodiversity is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on the Earth. It can be used more specifically to refer to all of the species in one region or ecosystem. Biodiversity refers to every living thing, including plants, bacteria, animals, and humans. It is defined as the variety of all living things; the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form. In other words, it refers to the variety and variability among all forms of life within a given ecosystem or region. It is usually explored at three levels - genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Some areas in the world, such as areas of Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, the southwestern United States, and Madagascar, have more biodiversity than others. Areas with extremely high levels of biodiversity are called hotspots. Endemic species—species that are only found in one particular location—are also found in hotspots.

 2.         All of the Earth’s species work together to survive and maintain their ecosystems; for example the grass in pastures feeds cattle. Cattle then produce manure that returns nutrients to the soil, which helps to grow more grass. This manure can also be used to fertilize cropland. Many species provide important benefits to humans, including food, clothing, and medicine. Much of the Earth’s biodiversity, however, is in jeopardy due to human consumption and other activities that disturb and even destroy ecosystems by Pollution, climate change [natural variability], and population growth. India has the second largest population on 2.3% of world land area. All these are threats to biodiversity. These threats have caused an unprecedented rise in the rate of species extinction. Some scientists estimated that half of all species on Earth will be wiped out within the next century.  Conservation efforts are necessary to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species and their habitats. However, it may be an impossible task with the rapid urbanization or population growth with poor quality governances. For example, more than one-third of Telangana state’s population live in Hyderabad City.

 3.         Biodiversity is the basis of Agriculture. Its maintenance is essential for the production of food and other agricultural goods and the benefits these provide to humanity, including food security, nutrition and livelihoods. It is the origin of all crops and domesticated livestock and the variety within them. It supports the livelihoods of food producers while also reducing negative impacts on the environment. By providing important ecosystem services, like pest control and nutrient cycling, it reduces the need for costly and harmful external inputs. Traditional Agriculture practices form best practices that provide a scalable solution for the integration of biodiversity into agriculture.  Now this can be achieved with organic farming under cooperative agriculture.

4.         Polyculture leads to the greatest genetic diversity whereas monoculture leads to the least diversity. Industrialized agriculture utilizes genetically modified organisms [GMOs] but helps multinational seed giants to amass wealth at the cost of farmers. In 13 years Bt-Cotton seed that entered India illegally and cultivated commercially illegally [entered during 2002-03] it was a failure. Traditionally government agencies and progressive farmers were behind seed production but with the entry of GM seeds the multinational seed giants collected germplasm from developing countries destroyed the local availability of such seed banks and created new seeds and monopolized seed industry. Here CGIAR & FAO played important role.

 5.         Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem functions and services such as pollination, pest control, and soil formation. However, with the seeds tailored to chemical inputs technology caused severe damages to environment. Biodiversity is important because it provides humans with many resources. The food we eat comes from plants and animals that have evolved over millions of years to meet our needs. Without biodiversity, we would not have food or shelter. Other resources provided by biodiversity include clean air and water, medicines to treat disease, clothing fibres, fuel sources such as biofuels and biomass energy, and more. The loss of biodiversity could have serious implications for human health, food security, economies, livelihoods, cultures, and much more.             Biodiversity also helps reduce environmental risks such as climate change – natural variability --, pollution, and natural disasters. It is the case even under chemical inputs with the irrigation mono crop system that includes green revolution technology and GM technology..

 6.         There are three broad agricultural systems. (a) In India, Andhra Pradesh state prior to 2004 tried corporate agriculture at Kuppam wherein farmers’ lands were taken and hand them over to a private company with government finances. Here farmers were asked to work as labourers in their own farms. It was a failure. (b) The present Prime Minister of India brought out three agri. bills on contract farming with the opposition to this form of agriculture, government withdrew them. (c) I proposed organic inputs based cooperative farming wherein the biodiversity fits into agriculture. Government of Andhra Pradesh asked a consultant to prepare the plan of action. Unfortunately he put the heading cooperative farming but inside the text contains corporate farming. On my complaint to the government that was withdrawn. 

7.         Seed is the basic and most critical input for sustainable agriculture.  The response of all other inputs depends on quality of seeds to a large extent.  Indian plant breeders and geneticists have developed a large number of improved crop varieties (conventional varieties and hybrids) that have played pivotal role in enhancing crop production. However, this has not in real terms improved the yield potential of seeds as well improved the yields in the farmers’ fields comparable to scientists farm yields with the existing seed varieties (Reddy 2000 & 2003). The hidden costs are beyond the farmers economics. To reduce this burden governments have been providing huge subsidies.

8.         The Economic Times, Editorial of 3^rd March 2010 states that – “It is surprising to see senior ministers of the government getting drawn into a bout of shadow-boxing over genetically-modified (GM) foods. Environment minister Jairam Ramesh’s decision to put a moratorium on Bt-Brinjal has got the goat of not just some GM businesses, but of some of his ministerial colleagues as well. All that has been called into question is the integrity of the approval process for GM foods. True, the apex body for approval of GM crops, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, had given its nod for commercial cultivation of Bt-Brinjal. But this was not a unanimous decision. India must develop the capability to carry out rigorous and independent testing of all GM crops as these have short life-span, for all foreseeable negative fallouts. Here, rather difficult in an area where people with the requisite expertise also tend to have research links with the GM industry. At Paris meet in 2015 December [COP21] MNC lobbied and negated the proposals by people like Pope and few other heads of states.

9.         Farm expert, M S Swaminathan [few days back Government of India honoured him with “Bharat Rathna”, the highest honour in India] wrote: “Bt-brinjal need not be banned, but there should be caution that one or two hybrids do not replace hundreds of native varieties which all have distinct quality characters.” Besides, he suggested that studies should be carried out on the chronic effects of consuming Bt-brinjal throughout one’s life. He also argued for putting in place a system of testing environmental and health aspects of the GM products of the kind that exists in the US. That country has three different public agencies to examine transgenic crops against any adverse impact on human health, biodiversity and the environment. When you are doing research, but until you are cleared by the committee you are not supposed to produce the seed or grow the crops knowing fully-well that such acts severely affect the environment.   This is exactly what is happening in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, etc. states in India.  Rarely concerned officials question the people behind such bizarre acts? In fact they are covering under farmers’ federation/farmers organizations, who are working as agents of the GM seed companies. If the seed companies are open, such things will not happen at all. Also they control seed market – local varieties with good yields were not allowed in to seed market. After the Bt-Cotton’s effectiveness has comedown drastically, the seed company introduced [Bolgaurd = BG] BG-II and BG-III illegally. Seed is produced illegally and cultivated commercially illegally. The seed company has not even applied for government’s approval. This shows the ethical standards of seed companies [producing & selling illegally] and poor governance [even after knowing the fact that it is illegal, no action was taken but on the contrary allowed growing such seed whose technology was banned even by UN]. With such cotton seeds, seed oil is produced sold in the market.

10.       India is home for several crops native land races [Genetic Resources], which are in the Gene Banks of the MNCs/FAO to monopolize seed industry in India, elsewhere in developing countries.  When central health minister under NDA government spoke openly on health hazards issue of GM crops, he was removed from the Ministership.  When Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister spoke on the poor performance of Bt Cotton in Andhra Pradesh, he was side lined by government [Reddy, 2006 & 2007].  

11.       The negative impacts created by chemical inputs on environment were not accounted in production costs – air, water (both groundwater and surface-water) pollution, soil degradation, food contamination and thus health hazards (new diseases, hitherto unknown – drug companies, hospitals and more pollution).  The chemical fertilizer technology works only with irrigation. Government and as well farmers invested lakhs of crores of rupees on this every year, but the beneficiaries are chemical fertilizer companies that created pollution as gift. Has anybody told us these catastrophes while introducing in to Indian agriculture? Same is the case with GM crops as they also work under the same conditions but in addition creates more hazards.

12.       In fact progressive farmers with traditional wisdom developed technologies and achieved far higher yields than the research station yields and received national and international awards/rewards and recognition but neither the government nor the scientists showed any interest to stabilize that technology and provide packages to farmers to achieve environmental friendly progress in agriculture. Why?  Basically because our agriculture ministers are working under the MNCs and thus they are appointing their agents as advisors or chairmen of different committees to run Indian agriculture under the guidance of MNCs.  It is great shame!!! Instead of wasting the time and money on environmental disaster technology like GM why the government did not care to spend time and money on improving the traditional wisdom based environmental friendly technologies? I presented scientific papers on GM issues [Reddy, 1966 & 1967], but the committee was asked not to send invitation in future to me. This was told to me by the organizers.

 13.       We are better placed on sustainable food security but we are lacking its’ distribution mechanism with bad policies of government and corruption ruling the roots of the nation. Now, farmers of Andhra Pradesh self-declared crop holiday as they could not get minimum support price for their produce. Around 50% of the production is going as waste – recently even Supreme Court pointed on rotting of grain in Food Corporation of India [FCI] go-downs & this was also noted by the Finance Minister in his budget presentation.  That is, we are producing more than what we needed even in drought years or flood years without quality trait. This is happening basically because we don’t have sufficient storage facilities, we don’t have better post-harvest technologies, and we don’t have timely transport facilities. In fact large part of government subsidy and human effort and energy is wasted.  Why not we go in to organic farming through cooperative farming concept so that we can better utilize our resources and at the same time protect environment and our health and produce more than the need. During 2022-23 Rabi season, Telangana state government advised farmers not to grow rice as large quantity of Kharif output is still rotting. This shows scant respect for farmers. Here government has to procure paddy.

 14.       A tiny country like Nepal, the farmers showed a way to double the rice production with SRI [System of Rice Intensification] method of paddy cultivation.  Under this system the seed requirement is very less over the traditional system, less water and less than 50% of fertilizer.  Here young plants of 8-10 days are transplanted one by one at 20 cm apart allowing the roots to spread out further.  Though it requires more hands to weed but it is compensated more than enough by greater harvest. But, we don’t learn from that but harping on Western GM technology. Now a days, everything goes with “you scratch my back and I scratch your back” concept. You all know on IPCC and Al Gore Climate Change goof-ups after they receiving the Nobel Prize and they withdraw their goof-up conclusions by saying regrets but did not returned their Nobel Prize.

 15.       In India most of GM research is manipulation like global warming by manipulating data, without taking into account environmental/climate change impacts. If GM has a logic and science why the seeds are illegally produced? Why the crops are produced illegally in India?  How many of the Public Relations farmers federations and farmers organizations have knowledge on wider aspects of agriculture and environment under global climate conditions? You are talking of spectacular results in Bt-cotton.  Do you know the fact, when Bt-cotton was brought in, we said its’ life is short.  It has come true. 3rd generation seeds are over with high toxicity but these yields are no different from non-Bt-cotton yields as most of the Bt Varieties are nothing but generally grown non-Bt varieties of the region. Last year one MNC in a press release openly agreed Bt-cotton failed.

16.       The words such as “efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable” have rarely achieved under modern systems of agriculture as here diverse people with vested interests on the one hand and weather-climate on the other are involved. The farming is a profit driven system and in the later it is beyond human control need to adapt to them. In the later also entered vested groups for profit diverting the basic science. For example: climate change. The profit driven systems are misusing the word “climate change” as an adjective or as a de-facto global warming. International scientific community entered time-pass computer simulation modelling wasting huge quantity of power. Natural variability forms the principle component of climate change wherein both temperature and rainfall presented systematic/cyclic variations. For example, all-India average annual rainfall presents 60-year cycle. This pattern was later seen in 700 years tree ring data in Bramhaputra River catchment area. Andhra Pradesh in the southeast with two monsoon systems presented 132 year cycle. Here cyclonic activity also plays important role with 56 year cycle.

17.       Here let me give a case of a farmer, Hemadri Reddy holding 40 acres of land invented by chance “Aundu Korra” that one time seeding gives four time harvests. Two years back [2022] for the first time planted in 5 acres. Each crop gave 10 quintals/acre. First time it fetched Rs, 5,000/quintal. Second harvest fetched Rs. 7, 500/quintal. 2^nd year in Kharif season added 15 more acres. Third yield sold at Rs. 9,500/quintal and 4th harvest will take some more time. The investment per acre is around Rs. 20,000. He applied three times irrigation for a crop. By giving more number of irrigations the yield will go down. BY growing “Janumu” and mixing that in the soil and through ploughing the land germinated Aundu Korra fetched Rs. 15,000/quintals.   Here the cost for tractor services got from fodder selling. Goat and Sheep rearing manure in his farm is a cheap way of better fertilising system. This year he wanted extend two other crops, namely Korralu and Aaricalu – all these are minor millets cultivated prior to profit driven green revolution technology which is a mono crop system, fodder is not suitable for animal feed and thus the traditional animal husbandry disappeared. The food is not nutritious and new diseases playing the major role. With this the cost of health care going up and up. Like this several hidden costs. In the case of millets the cost of labour, etc. are minimal. Such innovations are aplenty in India but governments failed encourage spreading such innovations.

 18.       Madhya Pradesh [MP] government formed a separate “Agriculture Cabinet” and passed a comprehensive “organic policy” to make MP an organic state.  However, this does not translate in to action as the government is subsidizing (90%) to hybrid maize seed distribution programs involving the US based seed giant Monsanto and two other biotech companies under “Project Sunshine”.  This is named as “Yellow revolution” and also it is being implemented in Gujarat, Odisha, Rajasthan, among others. That means, government is telling something and doing something else due to the pressure from MNCs!!!, Encouraging production of polluted food. Monsanto, meanwhile, is looking for an alternative site to the Pusa trials that were stopped. A spokesperson for the company says, “This unfortunate decision to stop the trials will be a setback for research and delay access of high-income-generating crop technologies to Indian farmers.” Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar begs to disagree. He says maize, which is a major crop in Bihar, is doing very well. Productivity is higher than the national average and the state turns out 1.7 million tons, contributing more than 60% of the country’s Rabi production. As for the claimed advantages of GM maize, it has no relevance for Bihar. Over a year after bio-piracy complaint against Monsanto with regard to Bt-brinjal which case is still pending, the application of Monsanto to use Indian Onion strains for hybrid research the authorities promptly forwarded. In fact India has been an exporter of Onions.  While NBA failed to demonstrate urgency in dealing with the complaint has wasted no time in processing its application against whom the complaint is still pending. In the case of Bt-brinjal, NBA has decided to take action against Mahyco and Monsanto for use of India varieties of vegetable without monitory permission.

With Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala – later Chhattisgarh joined the three states -- raising concerns over field trial of GM crops without permission, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has issued new guidelines for GM seed companies to obtain prior approval from the state governments. The apex regulator that gives approval to field trials of GM crops has also asked the company conducting the trial to provide the latitude and longitude of the field to ensure they are not close to any ecologically fragile zone or a water body, etc.

According to FAO world population reach 900 crores (9 billion) by 2050 and food output has to be increased by 70% by then.  Again all this is false statement. FAO in a report stated that around 30% of the food produced is going as waste. Present population is 700 crores and by 2050 it is 900 crores that mean the increase in population is less than 30% but he state that food requirement will increase by 70%. In fact by reducing the 30% loss in food as stated by FAO will suffice to meet the food needs of 900 crores population by 2050 – in India the waste is 40% to 50%. The MNCs and their lobbying agencies are using the media in this fashion to push their commodities in developing world.

Supreme Court Bench on 19-1-2010 asked “In other parts of the world, when they frame a rule, it is strictly adhered! But, here the rules are only in the book.  Hence, you detail as how mechanism is being implemented”.  We raised the same questions in our PIL in AP High Court in 2002 on Bt-cotton!!!

 19.       Everybody talks on for the nation's food security GM crops are the solution like a man on the street or like child in cradle.  Is there any proof on this? Dr. Norman Bourlogh sent a letter to some Indian scientists closely associated with MNCs.  The letter was planted in a Telugu daily newspaper “Vaartha, 2002 December 10” as Bt-cotton is being produced illegally in Andhra Pradesh at that time to infuse confidence to Bt-crops.  My reply countering his arguments on food security was published on 17/3/2003.   

Like NGOs, ICAR Dy. D.G. (Crop Science) Dr. Swapan Kumar Datta at a conference in Hyderabad stated that around 300 million people are starving for food & around 300 million are suffering from nutrient deficiency and suggests modern technology as solution to food security – I don’t know where from he got this data but one thing can be said that through feeding the poor with “chemical free rain-fed cereal food crops” in place of “chemical infested rice-wheat” (in PDS system) it is possible to arrest nutrient deficiency and not by modern technology that creates more health hazards. We are wasting 30-50% what we are producing.

Even after 70 years of Independence, in India still around 60% of the cultivated area is at the mercy of “Rain God”.  In addition, government is giving step-motherly treatment to dry-land agriculture in all aspects that provide nutritious food, for example, in terms of government subsidies components, inclusion under low price PDS system but irrigated crops like rice-wheat are enjoining all benefits. Though, Food Security & Nutrients bill passed to include Sorghum, Pearl Millet and Finger Millet they were not sold under PDS. Why???

From around 2010 to around 2050 there is a high possibility of occurrence of droughts more frequently compared to around 1990 to around the year 2010?  Food security will not be achieved through GM crops, as it is highly weather sensitive; but it is achieved only through utilizing all sources of water.  Thus, the research priorities of our agriculture institutions must change from Western-MNCs mind set to Indian-traditional mind set then only we can combat the impending droughts and thus food security.

 20.       In view of weather & soil conditions prevailing in India; with the prevailing extensive biodiversity regime with the poor control mechanism under the powerful hands of MNCs; the government of India, to safeguard life forms & biodiversity, should put a blanket ban on “GM” more particularly food crops [cotton is also comes under this as seed oil is a food item]. The government of India must put more thrust on indigenous technologies that were showing excellent results under progressive farmers’ fields to feed healthy food for ever increasing population that may cross China very shortly!!!

 Biodiversity can be used in agriculture in many ways:

 ·        To improve crop yields through improved soil quality.

·        To make better use of water resources.

·        To help reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture.

 Which biodiversity affects agriculture? Here are some:

 1.     Biodiversity provides food for people—for example, through the cultivation of crops and livestock farming.

2.     Biodiversity provides raw materials for manufacturing—for example, through the cultivation of cotton or timber production.

3.     Biodiversity provides ecosystem services such as pollination and pests that enable production to continue without major problems (e.g., weeds or pests).

How does biodiversity affect agriculture?

 21.       FAO on 7^th December 2018 approved India’s proposal to observe an International Year of Millets. FAO proposed Year 2023 as an International year of Millets. Millets consists of Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl Millet), Ragi (Finger Millet), and minor millets together termed as nutria-Cereals. Though it is a good initiative, yet it is to be seen how far these are going to be implemented in the back-drop of MNCs!!!

 22.       Animal husbandry played vital role in household food & nutrient security in rural India under traditional agriculture. This system has been affected severely with the green revolution under chemical inputs & irrigation technology with poor quality fodder under mono-crop system. Same is the case with GM food crops.     

23.       This increased hidden costs. The unhealthy food of rice and wheat produced under huge government subsidy is supplied again under huge subsidy in Public Distribution System [PDS].  This affected severely the millet based dry-land crops area and consumption of millet based healthy diet for human and animal [fodder]. As a result, the native land races of these crops are in great threat. There is procurement system for rice, wheat & cotton that are grown under high subsidies. No such system exists for millets/minor millets. Fragmentation of holdings is one of the main causes of low agricultural productivity lot of times; and labor is wasted in moving seeds, fertilizers, implements and cattle, etc. In 1970-71 the average size was 2.28 ha; this was 1.41 in 1990-91; and 1.08 in 2015-16. Cooperative farming/agriculture system overcomes the problem of smaller farm holdings.

 24.       Cooperatives though not new to India, in agriculture there are few isolated cases only. Anand Dairy Milk [White Revolution] cooperative was highly successful in Gujarat.  Private dairies are flourishing in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Sugarcane/Sugar cooperative in Maharashtra also showed the success path. Cooperative form of agriculture is the only solution under the present volatile political and climate conditions to achieve near sustainable production at farmers’ level and thereby strengthen their economic conditions and as well nation’s economy.

Here farmers come together and cultivate the land without disturbing the boundaries by better utilization of the natural resources available in an effective way. Also, plan and store and sell the produce through cooperatives joining together. At present middlemen are profiting. By including organic farming that includes components of traditional agriculture, namely animal husbandry, cropping system, crop rotation, etc. under cooperative agriculture system provide economic-food-nutrient security and as well provide employment. Organic agriculture is nothing but a traditional agriculture system wherein the later fertilizer is farmyard manure/green manure and for the former fertilizer is compost – several types.  With chemical input technology in 1950-60s with mono crop based farming killed the animal husbandry based farming and thus nutrition based food security.  To overcome the non-availability of farmyard manure, techniques were devised to create compost – on farm and off-farm [under traditional system]. Here progressive farmers’ innovation techniques can be incorporated.

 25.       In Conclusion, the best system of agriculture that protects the biodiversity of the region/eco-system, particularly in developing countries, is the traditional farm of agriculture, such as organic inputs based “co-operative farming”. This includes crops and animal husbandry that provides nutritious food and positive economy to farmers. Government assistance/subsidies directly go into the co-operatives kitty. Farmers’ children get better education and health care facilities. Research studies showed in green revolution seeds tailored to chemical input technology, rice and wheat in the past 50 years zinc and iron levels respectively decreased by 33% & 27% and 30% & 19%. This increased the people affected by these deficiencies. GM crops are also cultivated under chemical fertilizer inputs. In rice hazardous arsenic levels increased.

FAO must see the germplasm from their gene bank not go in to the hands of MNCs with commercial interests.  Also, FAO must see the quality trait of the seeds developed in terms of quality by those MNCs.  FAO must encourage national governments to develop millet based research and animal husbandry  wherein FAO can provide financial and technical support. FAO must interact with governments of states on these issues to produce nutrifood to improve the health of humans.

 References

·       Reddy, S.J., (2000): Andhra Pradesh Agriculture: Scenario of the last four decades. Hyderabad, July 2000, 104pp.

·       Reddy, S.J., (2003): Evolution of seed technology, biotechnology. B.B.S. Kapoor, et al. [Ed].pp.139-159, Madhu Publ. Bikeneru, India.

·       Reddy, S.J., (2006): Is biotechnology a gateway to environmental destruction? Proc. of “Recent Advances in biotechnology and bioinformatics, pp. 133-147, MUNIRAS, Hyderabad, India.

·       Reddy, S.J.,(2007): Biotechnological approaches impact on natural heritage & health. Proc. of “Genome Analysis perspective in the post-Genomic era and its relevance to society”, pp. 86-99, MUNIRAS, Hyderabad, India.

·       Reddy, S.J., (2019a): Workable Green Revolution: Agriculture in the Perspective of Climate Change. Brillion Publishing, New Delhi, 221pp.

·       Reddy, S.J., (2019b): Agroclimatic/Agrometeorological techniques: As applicable to Dry-land Agriculture in Developing Countries [2^nd Edition], Brillion Publishing, New Delhi, 372pp.

·       Reddy, S.J., (2019c): Water Resources Availability in India. Brillion Publishing, New Delhi, 224pp.

Dr. Sazzala Jeevananda Reddy

Formerly Chief Technical Advisor – WMO/UN & Expert – FAO/UN

Fellow, Telangana Academy of Sciences [Founder Member]

Convenor, Forum for a Sustainable Enviroment

Dear Moderators,

Thank you for reaching out and providing an opportunity to contribute to the call for submissions on enhancing FAO's support in addressing governance of agrifood systems transformation. Drawing upon my experience as a former P-level FAO employee, I would like to present a set of recommendations aimed at optimizing FAO's impact and effectiveness in promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience within agrifood systems.

1. Cost Optimization for International Staff and Consultants:
   • Consider cost-cutting measures on international staff and consultants to allocate resources more efficiently, redirecting funds towards impactful initiatives.
2. Strategic Approach to Studies and Reports:
   • Prioritize the creation of reports that add substantial value, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes rather than generating unnecessary documentation.
3. Efficient Use of Resources for Meetings and Conferences:
   • Streamline the organization of meetings and conferences to reduce costs while maintaining the essential exchange of knowledge and collaboration.
4. Long-Term Investments in Agriculture:
   • Advocate for increased investments in agricultural higher education and the development of robust irrigation systems to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.
5. Harnessing Technology for Agricultural Advancements:
   • Promote the adoption of technology to revolutionize production processes, enhance yield, minimize losses, and improve overall agricultural quality.
6. Balancing Project Implementation with Core Functions:
   • Emphasize a balanced approach to project implementation, ensuring that FAO remains focused on its core mission as a global leader in agriculture rather than becoming solely a project implementation entity.
7. Transparent Hiring Processes:
   • Enhance transparency in the recruitment process to maintain FAO's reputation as a technical agency and avoid politicization.
8. Addressing Language Barriers:
   • Advocate for a more inclusive approach by addressing language barriers in UN recruitment to ensure broader representation and accessibility.
9. Strategic Spending Priorities:
   • Review spending priorities, redirecting resources towards initiatives directly contributing to food production, availability, and utilization, while maintaining a judicious approach to topics like gender studies and environmental sustainability.
10. FAO Leadership in Agriculture:
    • Reinforce FAO's role as the preeminent leader in global agriculture, collaborating with other UN agencies to optimize their areas of expertise and allowing FAO to take the lead in agricultural and food security matters.

These recommendations aim to enhance FAO's efficiency, focus, and impact, ultimately contributing to the organization's mission of promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems globally.

Thank you for considering these suggestions, and I look forward to the continued success of FAO's initiatives.

Best regards, 

Sayed M Naim Khalid Independent Food System/FSQA Consultant

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) can better support Pakistan in addressing governance of agrifood systems transformation by:

Providing Technical Assistance: FAO can offer technical expertise and support to Pakistan in developing and implementing policies, strategies, and action plans aimed at transforming agrifood systems. This can include capacity building for policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders involved in agriculture and food systems management.

Facilitating Knowledge Exchange: FAO can facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices among countries facing similar challenges in agrifood systems transformation. This can involve organizing workshops, seminars, and peer-learning platforms where Pakistani stakeholders can learn from successful experiences of other countries.

Supporting Data and Analysis: FAO can assist Pakistan in strengthening its data collection, analysis, and monitoring systems related to agrifood systems. This can help policymakers make evidence-based decisions and track progress towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems transformation goals.

Promoting Stakeholder Engagement: FAO can facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and partnerships involving government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, research institutions, and farmers' associations. This can foster collaborative decision-making processes and ensure that diverse perspectives and interests are taken into account.

Advocating Policy Coherence: FAO can advocate for policy coherence across different sectors and levels of governance to ensure that policies related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, environment, trade, and rural development are aligned and mutually supportive. This can help address systemic barriers and promote holistic approaches to agrifood systems transformation.

Mobilizing Financial Resources: FAO can support Pakistan in mobilizing financial resources from international donors, development banks, and other sources to finance agrifood systems transformation initiatives. This can include providing technical assistance in project proposal development, accessing grant funding, and leveraging investments for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Monitoring and Evaluation: FAO can assist Pakistan in establishing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of agrifood systems transformation interventions. This can help identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned, enabling continuous improvement and adaptive management.

Overall, FAO's support can play a critical role in helping Pakistan navigate the complexities of agrifood systems transformation and achieve its goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in the agriculture sector.

Au Togo en Afrique de l'ouest plus précisément dans ma localité Hiheatro dans la commune Amou 3 . La biodiversité en agriculture fournit de nombreux produits agroalimentaires , de la matière première pour l'industrie de transformation . Par exemple les paysans produisent du soja et du manioc dans ma zone. Pour le soja on les transforment en lait, en fromage, en yaourt et en farine. Pour le manioc on les transforment en gari, atiéké , tapioca . Le manioc séché en poudre sert à faire un repas .Les productions du soja et du manioc favorisent la consommation locale , créent des emplois aux femmes et aux jeunes et luttent contre la famine. Cette biodiversité en agriculture fournit également des couvertures végétales en différents arbres dont  fruitiers , médicinales et servent également du pâturages aux animaux et constituent l'ombre pour les êtres vivants. Cette biodiversité fournit également des produits fauniques et aquatiques à l'amélioration du bien être de ma localité et tout le Togo. Ces différents écosystèmes forestiers et aquatiques jouent un grand rôle dans l'écotourisme. Le lac du barrage Nangbeto à 45 kilomètres de ma localité emploie plus de 2000 personnes et pour la lutte contre la famine. Selon 5 ème Rapport National sur la Biodiversité du Togo de 2009 à 2014, la connaissance sur la diversité végétale ramène la flore au Togo en 2014 à 3501 espèces terrestres contre 3428 en 2009. Pour les espèces aquatiques, 240 nouvelles espèces sont décrites augmentant leur nombre à 501. Les récents travaux de recherche ont permis de décrire 170 espèces champignons. Un total de 4019 espèces animales en 2014 contre 3700 espèces en 2009, soit une augmentation de 8%. Malgré des efforts il y a aussi des dangers qui menacent la biodiversité en agriculture au Togo. On a la prolifération des espèces exotiques envahissantes, l'exploitation abusive des ressources végétales et le braconnage. On a aussi la modification climatique, les inondations, mauvaise fertilité des sols qui donnent des mauvais rendements. Comme solution en 2012 le Ministre de l'environnement et des ressources forestières initie un processus d'actualisation qui est la Stratégie et plans d'actions nationaux pour la diversité biologique. Cette processus rassemble les acteurs locaux de l'environnement et de la préservation de la biodiversité pour le pilotage des déclarations.

Institutional Mechanisms/Governance Arrangements:

1. Agrifood Systems Task Force:
   • Formation of a task force with representatives from government ministries, farmer associations, academia, and the private sector.
   • Aims to facilitate coordinated efforts, ensuring a holistic approach to agrifood system challenges.
2. Integrated Data Management Systems:
   • Development and implementation of a centralized data management system.
   • Enables the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information crucial for evidence-based decision-making in agrifood systems.
3. Multi-Stakeholder Platforms:
   • Establishment of platforms bringing together stakeholders from various sectors.
   • Forums for dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation of transformative solutions in agrifood systems.
4. Policy Coherence Units:
   • Creation of units within ministries to ensure coherence in policies across different sectors.
   • Identifies and mitigates potential conflicts, fostering an integrated and systems-oriented approach.

Measures to Align Policies and Laws with Transformative Goals:

1. Policy Impact Assessments:
   • Introduction of a systematic process for assessing the potential impact of policies on agrifood systems.
   • Focus on evaluating alignment with transformative goals, sustainability, and resilience.
2. Regular Policy Dialogues:
   • Organization of regular dialogues involving policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
   • Facilitates discussions on policy implications and identifies areas for improvement, ensuring adaptation to evolving agrifood system dynamics.
3. Legislative Review Committees:
   • Establishment of committees to periodically review existing legislation related to agrifood systems.
   • Aims to identify outdated or conflicting laws and propose amendments for better alignment with transformative objectives.

Budgeting and Financing for Cross-Sectoral Work:

1. Cross-Sectoral Budget Allocation:
   • Development of budgetary mechanisms that allocate funds for cross-sectoral initiatives.
   • Ensures financial resources are dedicated to addressing interconnected challenges in agrifood systems.
2. Incentivizing Private Sector Investments:
   • Implementation of policies encouraging private sector investment in agrifood systems.
   • Involves tax incentives, subsidies, or public-private partnerships attracting additional financial resources for transformative projects.
3. Performance-Based Budgeting:
   • Linking budget allocations to performance indicators related to transformative goals.
   • Encourages efficient resource use and ensures funds contribute to measurable outcomes in sustainability, productivity, and resilience.

Measures to Rebalance Asymmetries in Power and Decision-Making:

1. Gender-Responsive Policies:
   • Implementation of policies actively promoting gender equality in agrifood systems.
   • Ensures women's representation in decision-making bodies and addresses gender-based discrimination.
2. Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers:
   • Development of programs providing smallholder farmers access to information, resources, and decision-making opportunities.
   • Support for farmer cooperatives and participatory approaches in policy formulation.
3. Transparency in Decision-Making Processes:
   • Enhancement of transparency in decision-making through accessible information.
   • Achieved through regular communication, public consultations, and the use of technology for information dissemination.

Measures to Redress Inequities and Inequalities:

1. Land Redistribution Programs:
   • Design and implementation of programs addressing historical inequities in land distribution.
   • Involves redistributing land to landless farmers or implementing land tenure reforms for fair and equitable access.
2. Social Protection Programs:
   • Introduction of social protection programs targeted at vulnerable groups within the agrifood system.
   • Provides financial assistance, training, and support to marginalized communities.
3. Fair Trade Certification:
   • Encouragement and support for agrifood producers to obtain fair trade certification.
   • Ensures fair wages and better working conditions, especially for farmers in marginalized or disadvantaged communities.

Concrete Means and Evidence of Impact Measurement:

1. Establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
   • Development of specific KPIs aligning with transformative goals.
   • Indicators include increased productivity, sustainability practices, income levels, and social well-being.
2. Baseline and Impact Assessments:
   • Conducting baseline assessments before implementing interventions and follow-up impact assessments.
   • Involves collecting data on key indicators to measure the effectiveness and impact of governance measures.
3. Stakeholder Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms:
   • Implementation of surveys and feedback mechanisms to gather input from stakeholders.
   • Provides qualitative insights into the perceived impact of governance measures, allowing for continuous improvement.
4. Case Studies and Success Stories:
   • Documentation and dissemination of case studies and success stories.
   • Highlights the positive impact of specific governance measures, serving as tangible evidence of transformative change.

I have suggested that the Chyrsalis Centre School "Change Makers" in Uganda try a "Three Sisters Garden".  In particular I suggested that the students try using non-GMO "Lazy Housewife" green pole beans",  non-GMO Waltham" butternut squash and a non-hybrid non-GMO variety of sweet corn.  I am a little worried about the corn stalks being strong enough to hold the pole beans and what variety of squash or watermelon we should use to control the weeds.  I have suggested the students contact local experts when selecting the varieties of beans, corn, and squash to grow.

My biggest problem is obtaining the proper seeds for this project.  Uganda has a very restrictive seed import policy based on FAO recommendations,.   I believe the implementation of FAO policies by African countries has gone way beyond what the FAO intended, The policies favor European vegetable importers who only want certified non-GMO products that are not grown in countries that grow GMO products.  The FAO needs to review the seed import policies that they have suggested to African countries.

The proper seeds for this project are very rare in Uganda but common elsewhere in the world including European countries.  If the Change Maker students are successful. I will suggest the Change Makers donate some of the seeds that they produce to their friends, the women and children who work in the rock quarry in Kampala, in the hope that these poor people will help us in the future.  I am certain that the Change Makers at the Chrysalis Center can dramatically help the poorest women and children working in the stone quarries in Kampala improve their food security and income by developing the Native American technology so that it can be used in Uganda

Measures to align policies and laws with the transformative goals

Proposition de projet en vue de promouvoir les pratiques de jardins agro écologiques durables et techniques de fabrication du fertilisant bio en Mauritanie 

trophée meilleur projet Civic et Leadership africain 2023 décerné par le CPLA ( Camp des Programmes de Leadership Africains) pour l’Afrique du nord et principalement à la Mauritanie 

Ibrahima NIANG , Expert en ingénierie des projets de Coopération 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) can enhance its support to countries in addressing governance of agrifood systems transformation by establishing a comprehensive framework that integrates local knowledge and participatory approaches. While FAO provides valuable technical assistance and policy recommendations, there remains a gap in facilitating meaningful engagement of local communities, smallholder farmers, and other stakeholders in decision-making processes. To fill this gap, FAO can implement decentralized governance structures that empower local actors to co-create solutions tailored to their specific contexts. This entails establishing platforms for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building at the grassroots level, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and represented in policy formulation and implementation. Additionally, FAO can invest in strengthening the capacity of local institutions and civil society organizations to actively participate in governance mechanisms, fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity throughout the agrifood system. By prioritizing bottom-up approaches and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration, FAO can effectively support countries in achieving sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems transformation that meets the diverse needs of communities while safeguarding environmental and social well-being.