Strategic Objective 4: Enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems

Objectives: There are two objectives of this project: 1) To expand exports of safe and high-quality spices from India to overseas markets. This will contribute to improved food safety and consumer health in India and export markets. This is further expected to help in boosting incomes of small-scale farmers, empower women and other marginalized (tribal) communities, and support efforts to reduce poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2) in the selected project areas in India. 2) To build the capacity of stakeholders in the spices value chain to improve the safety and quality of three seed spices (cumin, fennel and coriander) and black pepper in order to increase market access.

Description: The project directly benefits up to 1,200 smallholder farmers (men and women) and their families, who rely on farming as their only source of income. Many of these farming households depend on subsistence agriculture and live in poverty, with little land and inputs at their disposal. With very limited knowledge and skills, and without being part of groups or networks that could support their bargaining power, they have not been able to connect to value chains or to benefit from agricultural trade opportunities. At the same time, few if any other livelihood options exist, and development of the spices sector for export shows real potential. While other development projects and government programmes have targeted the spice sector in India, the focus has been primarily on pepper, and few if any have looked at cumin, fennel and coriander. The poor and marginalized smallholder farmers (including tribal communities) that are the focus of this project, have rarely benefited from previous programmes and projects. The participating small farmers will get a better price for their spices when they are able to meet national and international standards, and have direct connections to buyers and exporters. In addition, the project will improve occupational health and safety through better handling of produce, safer application of chemicals and better storage practices, creating a safer working environment for farmers and farm labourers.

Poor village women account for a major share of farm labour engaged in spice cultivation, and are the major beneficiaries from this project. Women play an important role in a range of activities that include: sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, post harvesting and pre-processing. This project will enable , these women farmers and labourers to produce higher-quality produce and potentially get higher prices for their produce. A boost in their income will enhance both the social as well as financial status of these women farmers. It is expected that women will account for at least 50 per cent of the farmers benefitting from this project. The project will use a gender mainstreaming and targeting strategy, backed by a gender and vulnerability socio-economic analysis to identify relevant target farmers and their specific constraints and need and opportunities for engagement.

The project also benefits other stakeholder groups along the value chain. Training activities have enhanced the ability of agro-dealers to offer effective advice and to sell targeted inputs to farmers. Their improved ability to advise and provide inputs to farmers will enhance and foster their relationships with customers. The knowledge and capacity of producers, operators of market yards/ auction centres and storage godowns, processors, transporters and traders will also be enhanced by the project, encouraging good practices and adherence to high standards in storage, transportation and processing.

Research institutions, extension services also stand to benefit from collaboration in this project, directly or via its extended reach. Staff of the Spices Board and other relevant organizations and extension workers of select State governments will be equipped with the knowledge through resource material to conduct trainings in this field beyond the timeframe of the project.

At the macro level, trade organizations and the government will benefit from improved market access, as spice exports represent a major source of foreign exchange. Further along the value chain, importers and the spice processing industry as a whole, and exporters would benefit from more reliable supplies of good quality spices. Finally, the benefits will also be evident to consumers who will be ensured a safe and clean product.

This project is a first of its type in terms of the spices identified, specifically the seed spices, and could be replicated in other regions of the country as well as in other major spice producing countries. The good practice and training modules will be widely disseminated globally through the STDF website for use.

Donor: Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)

Duration: October 2019- October 2023

Expected Outputs:

• Capacity (in the public and private sector and academia) to deliver trainings / awareness programmes on risk-based assessments and Good Practices along the identified spice value chains (institutions, producers, growers and workforce) improved.
• Capacity of farmers and other value chain actors to adopt Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) / Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) enhanced to improve yields, quality and safety of spices.
• Marketing and links to buyers (exporters/ importers) strengthened.
• Establishment and implementation of a National Contaminant and Residue Control Programme (NCRCP) for identified spices.

Project Symbol: MTF/IND/198/STF

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives: The project aims to catalyze transformative change for India’s agricultural sector to support achievement of national and global environmental benefits and conserve critical biodiversity and forest landscapes. The project will be delivered through four Outcomes under two Project Components. Component 1: Strengthening the enabling framework and institutional structures to mainstream Biodiversity (BD), Sustainable Land Management (SLM), Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) policies, priorities and practices into India’s agricultural sector. Component 2: Improved agricultural and conservation practices demonstrating sustainable production, resilient livelihood advancements, habitat improvements and delivery of tangible BD, LD, CCM, and SFM benefits.

Description: This project aims to mainstream biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable land management objectives and practices into the Indian agricultural sector. Harmonized multi-sectoral approaches to mainstreaming environmental and resilience considerations into agriculture and landuse are being implemented at five landscapes in five States of India: in i) Madhya Pradesh, ii) Mizoram, iii) Odisha, iv) Rajasthan and v) Uttarakhand. The landscapes selected in these States are anchored around at least one protected area that has significant biodiversity of global importance, as well as value for LD, CCM and SFM, and provides key ecosystem services. Within these ecologically important “Green Landscapes” GEF’s incremental investment serves to catalyse the alignment of the much larger government, donor and private sector investments to promote and incentivize wide adoption of new agroecological practices to reverse the negative impacts of current unsustainable agriculture and land use policies, plans and practices, to maximize multiple global environmental benefits (biodiversity, sustainable land management, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and maintenance of high conservation value forests).

The long-term aim of this project is to replicate the Green Landscape approach nationally, and around other protected areas and critical landscapes. By doing this, the GoI will help to ensure long term integrity of existing protected areas and secure critical ecosystem services that underpin sustainable agriculture. This approach would make protected areas, surrounding agro-ecosystems and associated landscapes more resilient to climate change impacts. The project is also expected to help secure buffer zones and corridors around and between protected areas. Healthy, functioning ecosystem services, including better water provision and soil fertility, will also provide positive incentives for communities, and help ensure long-term sustainability of agriculture.

Donor: Global Environment Facility

Duration:April 2019 – March 2026

Expected Outputs:

• National and state level institutional, policy and programme frameworks strengthened to integrate environmental priorities into the agriculture sector to enhance delivery of global environmental benefits (GEB) and resilience across landscapes of highest conservation concern.
• Cross-sectoral knowledge management and decision-making systems at national and state levels to support development and implementation of agro-ecological approaches at landscape levels that deliver global environmental benefits as well as socioeconomic benefits enhanced
• Institutional frameworks, mechanisms and capacities at District and Village levels to support decision-making and stakeholder participation in Green Landscape planning and management strengthened, with Green Landscape Management Plans developed and under implementation for target landscapes
• Households and communities able and incentivized to engage in agro-ecological practices that deliver meaningful GEB at the landscape level in target high conservation priority landscapes

Project Symbol: GCP/IND/183/GFF

Project Website: Click here

Project information on the GEF website: Click here

Objectives: To promote sustainable, integrated landscapes and efficient food value and supply chains at scale in rice- and wheat-based food systems in India

Description: This five-year project, directly implemented by the Government of India (GoI) (in collaboration with other key stakeholders from civil society and the private sector) supports the development, application, validation, and scaling out of a transformational model of sustainable integrated food systems.

The project will: 1) result in major global environmental benefits in terms of reduced land degradation, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions; 2) provide the country with win-win benefits in terms of improvements in the environmental sustainability of food systems and the income and resilience of farmers, and; 3) generate additional benefits for other food system stakeholders such as improved access to safe and healthy food and employment opportunities.

The project adopts an innovative “whole food system” approach. At the core of this model, farmers are supported in managing their farming and livelihood systems in an integrated manner in accordance with principles of sustainability, resilience and agroecology, including locally-adapted best practices capable of delivering multiple and linked environmental, social and health benefits. Sustainable farming systems will be embedded appropriately in sustainably- and collaboratively managed landscapes to maintain ecosystem services and secure global environmental values; they will also be supported by reliable and appropriate input supply and supported and incentivized by favourable output value chains. National and global private sector entities will play central roles in both input and output sides.

This approach will be deployed in close consultation with local stakeholders in two areas of India, namely: i) Punjab and Haryana in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, where the project will complement and enhance Government investments aimed at addressing the currently unsustainable nature of intensive rice and wheat production systems; and; ii) Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the east, a frontier landscape where environmental values and productive sustainability are being undermined by watershed degradation and increasing production pressures.

As one of the largest initiatives under Green Environment Facility’s larger Food, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program (IP), this project will contribute significantly to the programmatic goal of the FOLUR IP in terms of enhancing the sustainability of rice and wheat-based food systems at global level (given the huge contribution of India to the global supply of these crops); and feeding knowledge on sustainable food systems models into the global portfolio of FOLUR IP projects and beyond.

Donor: Global Environment Facility

Duration: April 2023 -March 2028

Expected Output:

• Coordinating committees to promote inter-sector convergence and dialogue
• Multi-stakeholder policy dialogues on sustainable food systems
• Decision Support Systems developed for integrated land use planning and management and sustainable food systems planning
• Strengthened systemic capacities for decision-making on integrated land use planning and management, and food systems planning
• Capacities strengthened for providing technical, organizational and input support
• Mechanisms established and operating for provision of inputs (consumables and equipment) needed for sustainable production
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) supported, enabling pro-poor development of green value chains
• Green Value Chain Development Cell established as a platform for collaboration between actors in the public sector and private sector actors operating on the input and output sides of value chains, and dialogue on green value chain development
• Capacities developed for community-based sustainable landscape management
• Inter-sectoral institutional framework and mechanisms for ILM at district, inter-district and sub-district levels
• Integrated district-level plans for food system sustainability, landscape management and restoration
• Ecosystem/landscape restoration plans agreed among stakeholders
• Sustainable livelihood options compatible with ecosystem restoration developed/promoted
• Knowledge management and communication systems
• Innovation forum/platform established
• Mechanisms are developed and applied to coordinate the project with global, regional and transboundary efforts under the FOLUR IP and beyond
• Project RBM system (including MIS and M&E system) developed and implemented

Project Symbol: GCP/IND/184/GFF

Project information on the GEF website: Click here

Objectives: To address information barriers associated with harnessing public and private investment to scale up priority Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) actions and longer-term action towards resilient and low-emission agrifood systems.

Description: The project taps into the opportunities to scale up investment in near- and long-term priorities for resilient and low-emission agrifood systems under Article 6 Sustainable Market Mechanism (SMM) and related processes including the UNFCCC Long-term Strategy (LTS) process.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement aims to promote integrated, holistic and balanced approaches that will assist governments in implementing their NDCs through voluntary international cooperation. The Article 6 Sustainable Market Mechanism (SMM) for carbon trading will replace the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and essentially aims to raise climate ambition, by allowing Parties to work towards their NDCs by cooperating – or trading emission reductions in the form of carbon units – in both market and non-market approaches.

This technical cooperation project contributes to India’s capacity to take advantage of the opportunities emerging from international market transactions specifically from the new Article 6.2 and 6.4 rules respectively referring to set out guidelines covering internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) between two governments that are Parties to the Paris Agreement (Art. 6.2) and establishes a new, unnamed multilateral mechanism that resembles the function of the former Clean Development Mechanism (Art. 6.4).

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: September 2022 – September 2024

Expected Outputs:

• Increased awareness of the opportunities to scale up investment in near- and long-term priorities for resilient and low-emission agrifood systems using the Paris Agreement Article 6 instruments and low-emission pathways outlined in UNFCCC Long Term Strategies (LTS).
• Strengthened capacity to design Paris Agreement Article 6 programmes and projects and low-emission pathways for LTS using FAO tools and technical products.
• Improved readiness to mobilize resources for resilient and low-emission agrifood systems under the Paris Agreement Article 6 instruments.

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3901

Objectives: Enhance monitoring and measurement systems for SDG 6.4 (water), SDG 12.3.1 (food loss), and food security to promote sustainable agriculture.

Description: Sustainability of agriculture is globally a major priority under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It is also important in India and has thus become a major focus of the government’s policies towards agriculture. The sustainability of agriculture has been identified as a major focus (Outcome 5) in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027 prepared jointly by the UN system and the Government of India (GoI).

The sustainability of agriculture is most directly addressed in the SDG framework through Targets 2.4 and 6.4. Of these, Target 2.4 covers multiple dimensions of the sustainability of food production systems. These include the sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture as well as the adoption of sustainable farming practices with the objective of maintaining ecosystems, adapt to climate change, build resilience against disasters, and improve land and soil quality. On the other hand, Target 6.4 is specifically aimed at the sustainability of water use across various sectors including agriculture. Since agriculture is one of the largest users of freshwater globally and productivity of water use in agriculture is lower than in other sectors, sustainable use of freshwater in agriculture is critical for the overall sustainability of water use.

Until 2020, no country provided data for Indicator 2.4.1 that were fully compliant with the prescribed methodology and only a few countries provided partial data. Therefore, this technical cooperation project develops a proxy indicator based on aggregate national data.

FAO in collaboration with the NITI Aayog brings together various stakeholder agencies of the Government of India and compiles all the data that are necessary for monitoring sustainable and productive agriculture, as measured by SDG indicator 2.4.1. This indicator monitors progress towards SDG 2.4, which aims to ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality by 2030. This is a multi-dimensional indicator and target that considers economic, social and environmental factors.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: January 2023 – December 2024

Expected Outputs:

• A proxy indicator for 2.4.1 developed and data for reporting it are compiled, and the indicator is included in the National Indicator Framework.
• The data required for reporting Indicators 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 are compiled, and Indicators 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 are included in the National Indicator Framework.

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3902

Objectives: To develop region-specific protocols and certification mechanisms for small and marginal livestock keepers in India, to ensure the production and marketing of chemical-free milk and dairy products, thereby enhancing farmers' income and providing consumers with safe and hygienic dairy options.

Description: In India, as per the data of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute for Research on Cattle (ICAR-CIRC), in livestock-keeping 20 percent are small and 60 percent are marginal animal herders. A large segment of them is also landless. Moreover, not all are organized into dairy cooperatives/farmer producer organizations or other marketing groups. This poses a challenge for the selling of their milk and dairy products. High input costs for animal feed and unsustainable milk pricing also make the activity less remunerative.

To address challenges, there's a need for traceability in feed, dedicated value chains, and cost-effective milk certification. To pilot solutions, region-specific approaches are essential, requiring thorough groundwork and stakeholder engagement.

Under this project, FAO supports filling the gaps in standards/protocols for milk and for the capacity and awareness building of those in the milk value chain. This technical cooperation project collates existing protocols and creates easily applicable standards for smallholders, followed by certification mechanisms. It organizes relevant experience-sharing from existing initiatives and protocols on milk marketing for safe and clean milk in India with smallholders (as groundwork to develop easy-to-use protocols) and to build the capacity of those in the milk value chain. The project also analyzes the variance of the protocols (to be developed) from the standards on quality and organic certification.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: March 2023 – December 2024

Expected Outputs:

• Easy-to-use protocol(s) for safe and clean milk standards and pathways for their implementation are developed.
• A set of IEC materials is generated for increased awareness and capacity building for the relevant stakeholders (including consumers) in the local milk value

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3903

Objectives: To enhance India’s capacity to develop sub-national (state) climate finance investment programs and projects linked to adaptation and resilience priorities for the agriculture sector3903

Description: The GCF Readiness project enhances India’s capacity to develop sub-national climate finance investment programs and projects linked to adaptation and resilience priorities for the agriculture sector. GCF presents a significant opportunity to complement the actions and the climate finance resources of the Government of India in contributing to achievements of its NDC. Well formulated investment plans in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors at the sub-national level have the potential to attract climate finance from a wide range of actors to specifically address the climate priorities of the state while ensuring a range of co-benefits. For instance, the investments in agroforestry as part of the AFOLU sector, has the potential to deliver faster returns on capital invested while contributing to food and wood security.

The Readiness Support Project addresses the following three barriers:

• Fragmentation in planning and monitoring climate action in agriculture sector
• Limited experience in accessing climate finance
• Limited private sector engagement for climate action in the agriculture sector

The project is being implemented in close coordination with the National Designated Authority (NDA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.

Donor: Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Duration: March 2023 – December 2024

Expected Outputs:

• Sub-national agriculture and climate investment plans
• Strategies to engage with the private sector on building climate resilient agriculture sector
• GCF Project Concept notes supporting the implementation of sub-national agriculture climate investment plans

Project Symbol: GCP /IND/189/GCR

Objectives: To enhance the resilience of vulnerable rural households to climate change in areas at risk of climate-induced migration and make migration an informed choice.

Description: Climate change and environmental degradation increasingly affect human mobility by magnifying existing socio-economic drivers and exacerbating vulnerability. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, in 2019 India was the world’s seventh most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change. In 2020-21, more than 3 million people in India were forced to leave their homes as result of weather events.1 Estimates suggest that climate-induced migration from the country can reach 45 million people by 2050.2 The states of Odisha and Telangana are among the most vulnerable in India to the impacts of climate change. In both states a significant proportion of the population relies on climate-sensitive activities such as agriculture. Yet they present diverse migration dynamics given their different socio-economic and agroecological contexts.

The joint programme (JP) between FAO and the International Organization for Migration (IOM – UN Migration) is supported by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) and is being implemented in Odisha and Telangana at the intersection of migration, agriculture, and climate change. MMPTF is the only UN financing mechanism fully dedicated to supporting joint initiatives of Member States, the UN system and other stakeholders in the national implementation of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM). This three-year JP addresses the interlinking issues around migration, agriculture, climate change, and the integration of individuals who migrated to or returned to rural communities in India.

The JP is aligned with GCM Objectives 2, 3, 7 and 19 by providing targeted support to rural households to mitigate the impact of climate change therefore reducing the pressure to migrate (Objective 2); by enhancing access to information to safe and orderly migration that will improve migration outcomes and reduce vulnerabilities for both migrants and their families (Objective 3, 7); and by harnessing the potential of migration to contribute to sustainable development and climate change adaptation through improved investments of remittances and transfer of skills and knowledge (Objective 19). The programme directly contributes to SDG targets 1.5, 2.4, 8.8 and 13.1 by strengthening the capacity of rural households and reduce their vulnerabilities to climate change; by generating decent employment opportunities for women, youth, returnee migrants and other vulnerable groups in rural areas and promoting green agribusinesses, while also contributing to build climate-resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems that deliver food security and nutrition for all. The JP also closely aligns with UNSDCF outcomes 4, 5 and 6.

Donor: Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF)

Duration: September 2023 – August 2026

Expected Outputs:

• Households have skills and better access to resources, finance and technology to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices for building resilient livelihoods
• Improved access to information on safe and regular migration and on climate-smart agriculture through both static and mobile Migration Resource Centres (MRCs)
• Enhanced policy and programme coherence, multisectoral collaboration and cross-learnings in the interconnected areas of climate change, migration, agriculture and rural development.

Project Symbol: UNJP/IND/201/UNJ

Objectives:

• To bring together key sectors and stakeholders to discuss the pending technical issues and barriers related to certification
• Develop standard protocols for certifying quality planting materials and nurseries and establish institutional mechanisms for certification

Description: The Government of India and various State Governments have implemented several tree-planting schemes to achieve the target of the National Forest Policy (1988), aiming to bring one-third of the country's total land area under forest cover and to fulfil international commitments on climate change and land degradation.

This technical cooperation project develops robust protocols for certifying quality planting material and nurseries specifically tailored for timber and non-timber agroforestry species in India. It addresses significant gaps in current programs, ensuring farmers have access to reliable and certified planting materials. Leveraging FAO's technical expertise and global best practices, this initiative enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of agroforestry investments while promoting sustainable practices across the sector.

In collaboration with the Government of India, FAO bridges technical deficiencies and encourages farmers to adopt agroforestry practices. By institutionalizing certification standards, the project safeguards the quality of planting materials and optimizes the outcomes of large-scale agroforestry initiatives. This strategic partnership contributes substantially to India's sustainable development goals, fostering resilience and sustainability in the agriculture and forestry sectors.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: July 2023 – December 2024

Expected Outputs:

• Develop standard protocol for raising timber and non-timber agroforestry species from various sources and technologies
• Develop protocol and standards for certification/accreditation of agencies for certifying the nurseries for agroforestry species

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3904/C2

Objectives: To provide technical assistance to be able to implement the seed SOP end-to-end and extend the SOP to crops other than millets in Odisha

Description: Odisha is known for its rich crop diversity and is one of the centers of origin for rice. The Koraput region in Odisha is recognized as an agrobiodiversity hotspot and a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the FAO. Odisha is home to a wide variety of indigenous and farmers' varieties (FVs) of paddy and other crops. These local landraces (LRs) and FVs are known to be nutritionally rich and adapted to the local climate, making them important for climate change adaptation. However, there are significant knowledge and evidence gaps in the formal seed system with respect to the availability, accessibility and quality of these LRs/FVs.

To address this, the Government of India has taken two pioneering initiatives - issuing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Seed System for Landraces under the Odisha Millets Mission, and constituting a 'Landrace Varietal Release Committee (LVRC)' for the release of traditional millet varieties as certified seed. FAO provides technical assistance to the government to implement these initiatives end-to-end and extend them to other crops beyond millets in Odisha. The project also uses the Odisha experience to promote climate-resilient LRs/FVs in other rainfed areas of the country, including through the work of the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA). The gender dimension is also an important aspect, with tribal women recognized as knowledge-holders and playing a key role.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: December 2023 - November 2025

Expected Outputs:

• Model local varieties are made known.
• Framework of standards, protocols, and principles for both in situ conservation and the documentation of LRs/FVs as per VCU for local communities is developed.
• End-to-end support for LRs/FVs is piloted through a CMSS (in line with SOP) on selected location(s) in Odisha.
• Policy paper on the possibilities and constraints under the existing legal and policy framework for LRs/FVs is prepared.
• National experience-sharing workshop to process the learnings of the Odisha pilot encourages other states to adopt/adapt.
• Set of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials developed and circulated for capacity building and advocacy.

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3905

Objectives: To support in establishing pathways for non-bovine milch species especially for rainfed areas (aimed at landless, small, and marginal farmers) by piloting nutrition-sensitive value chain integration as part of the conservation strategy.

Description: Livestock is a vital subsector of agriculture in India, with dairy cows and buffaloes being the primary sources of milk production. However, other non-bovine dairy species such as sheep, goats, camels, and yaks are also significant. These species are particularly well-suited to specific ecosystems characterized by geographical or climatic constraints such as aridity, high altitude, or high humidity. Their ability to thrive in these challenging environments makes non-bovine dairy species an increasingly important adaptive strategy in response to climate change.

This technical cooperation project establishes pathways for promoting non-bovine milch species, particularly in rainfed areas. This initiative benefits landless, small, and marginal farmers by piloting a nutrition-sensitive value chain as part of a broader conservation strategy. While the Government of India has extensive technical expertise in bovine milk production, FAO's technical assistance addresses critical gaps, such as developing pricing mechanisms for non-bovine milk, setting standards, and building consensus for a socially inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and sustainable value chain. This effort is expected to culminate in a comprehensive policy framework. Under this project, FAO also organizes stakeholder consultations across the value chain in India, laying the groundwork for a socially inclusive model and creating an investment ecosystem that leverages the nutraceutical and therapeutic value of non-bovine milk.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: January 2024 - December 2025

Expected Outputs:

• Trends, market players, potential and opportunities with potential scalable value chain initiatives assessed
• Socially inclusive procurement model on non-bovine milk, Investment plans, IEC material and policy guidelines / potential pathways incorporated in existing National Livestock Mission

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3906

Objectives: To provide technical assistance to strengthen capacities of professionals in government, development partners and training institutions to promote, build capacities for, and implement nutrition-sensitive food systems and agriculture policies and interventions that integrate effective nutrition education strategies in India

Description: India, with its vast agricultural resources and diverse food culture, faces significant challenges related to nutrition and food security. Malnutrition and undernourishment remain a critical issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, women, and marginalized communities. Nutrition education is an essential component of nutrition-sensitive food and agriculture strategies, as it develops people's capacities to make the best possible use of their available resources for a healthy diet. However, there is a paucity of well-trained nutrition educators in India who can systematically plan and execute sound nutrition education programs at the community level.

This technical cooperation project addresses these challenges by piloting and rolling out the FAO ENACT course on nutrition education to academic institutions in India. The ENACT course was developed by FAO to promote long-term improvements in diet through an active hands-on approach, with attention to social and environmental contexts. By adapting and using the ENACT course materials, this project develops a critical mass of trained human resources in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, healthy diets and agrifood systems in India. This trained workforce is well equipped to integrate effective nutrition education into national plans and programmes to influence consumer awareness, foster healthier food choices and behaviours, and tackle malnutrition in the country, including the promotion of nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Duration: February 2024 - August 2025

Expected Outputs:

• ENACT course adapted and piloted for use in India
• Indian ENACT course integrated into curricula of piloting universities and academic institutions and rolled out to other institutions
• Monitoring mechanisms developed and established for effective implementation of the Indian ENACT course by universities and academic institutions

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/4001

Objectives: To strengthen animal health systems to reduce the risks and impacts of zoonoses, emerging disease threats, AMR and biothreats through a One Health and inclusive approach, supporting the animal sector's contribution to Global Health Security.

Description: India, with a population of 1.42 billion and significant livestock numbers—approximately 306.7 million cattle and 851.81 million poultry—is at high risk for the swift and catastrophic spread of emerging zoonotic infections. Studies on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens in animals across India indicate an alarming situation that demands urgent attention.

The FAO Global Health Security Program (GHSP) in India builds upon achievements from various One Health and transboundary animal disease projects previously implemented by the FAO country office. This initiative has scaled up previous activities and introduce new ones to address four critical areas: AMR, zoonotic diseases, national laboratory systems, and surveillance, as well as human resources.

The project is being executed by the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) multidisciplinary team in India, with support from the ECTAD Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) based in Bangkok, Thailand. Establishing FAO ECTAD in India as a central hub has enhanced India's preparedness and response to public health threats from the animal health sector. By developing the One Health Framework, the project improves disease reporting and response coordination, optimizes resource utilization, enhances emergency preparedness, and builds capabilities to manage economically and zoonotically significant diseases. These efforts will ultimately reduce public health risks in India, particularly in AMR and zoonoses, contributing to global public health security.

Donor: USAID

Duration: October 2023 - September 2024

Expected Outputs:

• Multisectoral and multilateral collaboration and coordination mechanisms are established, maintained and strengthened
• Functionality of the national laboratory system is improved
• National surveillance systems for early detection of AMR are enhanced
• National surveillance systems for early detection of EIDs are assessed, enhanced and operationalized.
• National capacities to respond to animal health related threats are strengthened
• Evidence-based informational resources are developed and available to inform policy reforms that facilitate the wide adoption of veterinary public health and biosecurity practices.

Project Symbol: OSRO/IND/203/USA

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objective
Improved capacity of community stakeholders to increase volume of marketed crops and livestock, with better returns to producers for enhanced environmental sustainability and improved profitability of farming systems in the State of Mizoram.

Description
Livestock are an integral part of Mizoram culture and diet and rural livelihoods, with most village households keeping atleast a few pigs and/or chickens. However, the number of these is declining. There is a need to enhance livestock productivity and strengthen relevant value chains in the State. The State needs technical interventions to support smallholder livestock farmers to (a) secure, timely and adequate access to basic production inputs such as feed; (b) disseminate livestock market information to livestock producers; and (c) strengthen relationships among various chain actors and farmers’ organizations to make livestock management sustainable. Jhum is the predominant agricultural land use system in Mizoram with the main crop being upland rice mixed with other crops such as, rice, maize, pulses, and vegetables. Most jhum land is only cultivated for one year. Jhum is highly labour intensive, yet crop yields are low and vulnerable to variations in rainfall. There is a lack of capacity in the State to develop differentiated strategies to create awareness and manage jhum cultivation in a sustainable manner, both economically and environmentally. Hence, there is a need to develop ecologically sustainable jhum and strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders for the same.

Further, Mizoram faces value chain constraints like: inadequate availability of quality planting material/seed; inappropriate/unscientific package of practices; lack of aggregation to determine the marketable quantity to feed into supply chain; lack of testing and certification to access premium organic markets; and limited access to market players from outside the State. It is important to address the capacity gaps amongst value chain stakeholders to coordinate and facilitate business promotion and development services. Other issues that need to be addressed are: weak management and business planning capacity of households and community organizations; information asymmetry between traders and producers; weak linkages with markets; lack of demand driven production planning; inadequate resource mobilisation for promoting farm or off-farm business enterprises, individual entrepreneurship; and value chain development.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is providing technical expertise to support the Government of Mizoram towards strengthening the capacity of community stakeholders for improved livestock management; sustainable jhum management and development of business plans for sustainable value chain development.

Donor
FAO

Duration
April 2019- December 2021

Expected outputs

• Community stakeholders have access to quality training tools, methods and processes to increase volume of marketed crops and livestock.

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3703

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
Improved capacity of community stakeholders to increase volume of marketed crops, with improved returns to producers for enhanced environmental sustainability and improved profitability of farming systems in the State of Nagaland.

Description
The livelihood systems and food habits of people in the State of Nagaland have evolved around a shifting cultivation system, known as jhum. This largely self-sufficient system is now being disrupted due to shortening of jhum cycles as a result of low productivity, growing population pressure, focus on high value crops for cash income, decrease in soil fertility and erosion of top soil erosion on account of decreased fallow cycles. In addition, jhum is highly labour intensive, yet crop yields are low and vulnerable to variations in rainfall. This is accentuated by climate change and variations. There is also a lack of capacity in the State to develop differentiated strategies to create awareness and manage jhum cultivation in a sustainable manner, both economically and environmentally. There is a need to develop an ecologically sustainable jhum system, and strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders on the same.

Further, Nagaland faces value chain constraints like: inadequate availability of quality planting material/seed; inappropriate/unscientific package of practices; lack of aggregation to determine the marketable quantity to feed into supply chain; lack of testing and certification to access premium organic markets; and limited access to market players from outside the State. It is important to address the capacity gaps amongst value chain stakeholders to coordinate and facilitate business promotion and development services. Other issues that need to be addressed are: weak management and business planning capacity of households and community organizations; information asymmetry between traders and producers; weak linkages with markets; lack of demand driven production planning; inadequate resource mobilisation for promoting farm or off-farm business enterprises, individual entrepreneurship; and value chain development.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is providing technical expertise to support the Government of Nagaland towards strengthening the capacity of community stakeholders for sustainable jhum management and development of business plans for sustainable value chain development and improve and upgrade the agricultural curriculum.

Donor
FAO

Duration
April 2019- December 2021

Expected Outputs

• Government institutions and community stakeholders have access to quality training tools, methods and processes to increase volume of marketed crops.

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3704

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
Scaling-up and evidence on agroecology through Community-based Natural Farming by strengthening methodologies and capacities to improve farmer livelihoods and ecosystem resilience.

Description
Increasing costs of cultivation, stagnating and unstable yields and instability of prices have made farming in India an increasingly risky and non-viable enterprise. Crop losses are significant due to more frequent droughts, floods, and pest and disease outbreaks. Like many other Indian states, Andhra Pradesh faces continuous degradation of soil quality, ecosystem services and biodiversity, and lowered water table levels in most districts. Worrisome levels of pesticide residues beyond permissible Maximum Residue Limits in food have been evidenced in a number of recent studies conducted in the State and at national level. The Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh ranks highest for pesticide consumption per hectare in the country.

To tackle this crisis, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) engaged in a massive programme to promote and scale-up Community-based Natural Farming, (CNF) in the State. GoAP also declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Natural Farming’. Andhra Pradesh CNF (APCNF) was aimed to implement an alternative paradigm for agriculture development by increasing investments in rural areas in diverse and locally specific agro-ecosystems based on intensive ecological interactions between soils, water, plants, animals, and trees, and by moving farmers from grain monocultures to poly-cropping, horticulture and integrated agro-forestry and livestock systems. The premise was that diverse agroecological systems were likely to be more productive, labour intensive, and provide enhanced ecosystem services. Further, this was supported by rural economic activity in the secondary and tertiary sectors generating value addition, through local processing, small-scale production of sustainable inputs, and fast-growing domestic and local markets.

In 2017, GoAP formally requested FAO’s help to support its CNF initiative. Specific issues focused on during the project were: Addressing the limited scientific and economic understanding of the underpinnings of CNF; Working on a capacity development approach of the CNF programme; and Improved evidence sharing and scaling-up of CNF outside Andhra. With support from FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP), activities under this TCP included: piloting of training of facilitators and farmers through Farmer Field Schools and support in outreach and lessons sharing (social media, press, international conferences, facilitation of meetings with international partners etc). APCNF was selected as a success case at the FAO Symposium on Agroecology in April 2018 and has been included in the “Agroecology Scaling-Up Initiative” led by Rome-Based UN Agencies¹. During the World Food Day 2018, the APCNF Programme was awarded an Honourable Mention as Best Policy on Agroecology by the World Future Council, FAO and IFOAM.

Donor
FAO

Duration
April 2019- December 2021

Expected Outputs

• The potential impacts of a massive scaling up of CNF in Andhra Pradesh are better understood, and methodologies for foresight analysis are available
• Support the development of methodologies and tools for design of agroecological CNF farms and implementation of FFS
• The capacities of farmers and trainers and the training approach of the CNF programme are strengthened through Farmer Field Schools and experiential learning
• M&E methodologies and lessons learning developed including with FAO Agroecology Scaling-up Initiative

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3705

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
Increased farmer incomes and improved resilience through sustainable livelihood models developed for rural rain-fed areas through integrated crop-livestock farming systems.

Description
The widespread, serious and continuing degradation of India’s natural resource base has increasingly been recognised as a major challenge for India in achieving high growth rates in agriculture. The trajectory of agricultural growth in India will not be sustained without addressing the problems affecting the production systems of rainfed agriculture (areas that are primarily dependent on rainfall for meeting the agriculture related water needs, and have little or no irrigation sources). This kind of agriculture is currently being practiced in over 74 million hectares of cultivated area of the country. Rainfed areas span several agro-ecological regions of the country, and also have the largest concentration of poverty and backwardness.

Rainfed agriculture supports approximately 40% of the total Indian population (484 million) and has a large share of cropped area under rice (42%), pulses (77%), oilseeds (66%) and coarse cereals (85%). Harbouring about 78% of cattle, 64% of sheep and 75% of goats, rainfed areas cater to most part of the meat market in the country. The cumulative neglect of the rainfed areas over the years in terms of institutional development, support systems, availability of appropriate inputs, credit, market access, agricultural research and extension has caused widespread desperation amongst the farming community. Since the Green Revolution, the national agricultural policy is driven by the need to maximize crop yield, using irrigation and intensive use of high yield varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Rainfed farming has received little attention. As a result, the natural resource base especially in rainfed areas has been badly degraded. In addition, climate change poses a vital challenge to natural resources. In rainfed production systems climate risks are likely to be more intense.

There is a need for a paradigm shift with increased focus on diverse local production systems that contribute substantially to food and nutrition, and income security. There is also a need to move away from the ‘single commodity intensification’ approach to a ‘location specific farming systems intensification’ approach. There is also a need to strengthen extensive livestock systems depending wholly or partly on commons and agriculture residues through intensive efforts in improving health care, feed, fodder, drinking water, shelter, and institutions etc. There needs to be an increasing focus on decentralised and local institutional capacities that enable a shift away from one-time planning to a ‘iterative planning-implementation-learning cycles’ anchored by local institutions.

Addressing problems of smallholder farmers, particularly in rainfed areas calls for much better understanding of the rainfed farming system and its constraints. The variety of agro-ecological zone within the rainfed areas of the country need therefore a strong component of characterizing and monitoring of these diverse farming systems. This information is fundamental to understand the need and the nature of technological interventions required for sustainable resource use. Many highly diverse and location-specific actors exist whose capacities to cater to the provision of key agricultural inputs and agricultural services have been proven. Many civil society organizations have improved the conservation of natural resources, revived and enhanced livelihood opportunities, improved the productivity of watersheds, and enabled a transformation of rainfed production systems, even while working with the poorest communities and addressing the most harsh and vulnerable ecosystems.

Based on the above rationale, the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India (NRAA) requested FAO’s technical support to develop effective, location-specific and locally accountable partnerships between the formal and informal actors in rain-fed area agriculture.

Donor
FAO

Duration
June 2019- December 2021

Expected Outputs

• Sustainable and resilient livelihood models developed for each rain-fed area
• Improved capacity for wider adoption of resilient livelihood models
• Market access for sustainable commodities

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3708

Strategic Objective 5

Objectives
Government of India and farmers are empowered to minimize FAW impacts to protect food security (SDG 2.1), productivity and incomes (SDG 2.3) and sustainable food and agriculture systems (SDG 2.4) through improved monitoring and surveillance systems, awareness and capacities of farmers and trainers and institutional frameworks to contain the FAW spread and manage it sustainably.

Description
The Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda), a transboundary insect pest native of the Americas, was first officially reported in India in August 2018, initially confined to the Southern State of Karnataka. FAO immediately shared FAW’s guidance notes, training material and management recommendations with key national stakeholders, and warned the Government of India (GoI) of the likelihood of spread to the entire country. The Government issued an advisory to States, set up a High Power Committee and conducted surveys and surveillance through Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs), and awareness raising activities for farmers.

On 20 June 2019, GoI officially requested FAO’s support to address the situation as the infestation had spread to 20 States (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripuram, West Bengal, spanning all ecologies from South to North. The total affected area in 2018-2019 was officially reported at 376 242 ha by end June 2019.

As in other countries, FAW has primarily been found on maize; but also with limited damage on sorghum (Jowar), millets, sugarcane and rice. The primary concern is maize, which is the third cereal crop in the country after rice and wheat. An estimated 89 per cent of maize production is for domestic consumption, including animal consumption and industrial uses (corn oils, starches etc). FAW infestation compounded by drought led to an estimated shortfall of nearly 500 000 tonnes in maize output, prompting the central government to allow import of maize under concessional duty. The coverage of FAW in the media also increased, and researchers and civil society organizations questioned the widespread pesticide use, which risk worsening the problem, and might also not be economically efficient, and can increase farmers’ indebtedness. In 2018, highly toxic pesticides including Carbofuran and Phorate (Highly Hazardous organophosphate pesticides) were promoted for use on FAW.

FAO’s experience on sustainable FAW management, positioned it as a reliable partner to support the GoI in its endeavours to tackle this issue. The TCP availed of the best expertise to mitigate negative impacts of the FAW attacks on two fronts:

These twin objectives were achieved in particular by:

• Supporting well informed mass information campaigns and training on FAW for farmers and relevant stakeholders during kharif. FAO’s flagship Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach was also used
• Supporting improved early warning and monitoring for FAW (customizing the use of FAO’s successful App FAMEWS) to generate real time knowledge on host range and migration patterns in Indian agro-ecologies and cropping systems.

Donor
FAO

Duration
July 2019- December 2021

Expected Outputs

• Strengthened awareness and capacities of government staff, rural advisory services and farmers to manage FAW sustainably in the short and long term
• Improved Monitoring & Early Warning systems for FAW
• Evidence documented and shared to support policy response and roll out of sustainable management strategies for FAW in the mid- and long term

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3709

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
Improved tree cover outside forest and augmented farmers’ income through a strengthened extension machinery at grass-root level and efficient value chains of agroforestry products.

Description
Agroforestry has a long tradition in the Indian subcontinent. The Government of India (GoI) formulated the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014. The major highlights of the Policy are: i) establishment of institutional set-up at the national level to promote agroforestry under the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW); ii) simplify regulations related to harvesting, felling and transportation of trees grown on farmlands; iii) ensuring security of land tenure and iv) creating a sound base of land records and data for developing an market information system (MIS) for agroforestry. Despite being an inherent part of several policies and programmes of the country, there are several factors that seem to impede the operationalization of agroforestry approaches. These factors include: Weak extension mechanisms; Poor institutional coordination across departments and programmes ; Lack of quality planting material; Inadequate research and available knowledge on agroforestry models suitable across various ecological regions of the country and absence of marketing infrastructure and price discovery mechanisms.

Creating more favourable conditions for the cultivation of trees outside of protected forestlands will help to improve the productivity, quality and sustainability of wood and other tree products to meet India’s growing needs, and potentially contribute to export markets. This will reduce pressure on natural forests as also enhance tree cover. It will also help diversify income streams of smallholders who earn little from food crops alone.

Through this project, FAO has supported the Government of India in enhancing the tree cover outside protected forest land and strengthening the sustainable production of wood and related products from the agricultural landscape by building on its expertise and experience with silviculture, plantations, agroforestry, work with smallholder foresters and producer organizations, wood based enterprises, value chains and establishing the legality and traceability of wood products. In doing so, the project has worked with the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) and supported the implementation of the National Agroforestry Policy and other related initiatives to fill critical gaps identified.

Donor
FAO

Duration
November 2019- December 2021

Expected Outputs

• Cadre of rural extension workers in agroforestry trained
• State level policy obstacles and opportunities for addressing constraints to enhancing tree cover and production of wood and related products outside of forests identified
• Capacity of policy makers strengthened with regards to addressing policy and other constraints to production of wood and related products outside of forests
• Market support to timber established through e-portal

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3710

Strategic Objective BP 3

Objectives
National monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial usage in animals strengthened and data shared with various stakeholders in true spirit of One Health

Description
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been globally recognized as an emerging public-health threat. Every year AMR kills an estimated 700 000 people worldwide, most of these in developing countries. It is estimated that by 2050 if not addressed, this number may rise to 10 million. AMR will have severe adverse effects on the global economy. A cumulative USD 100 trillion could be wiped off the world’s production over the next 35 years. The world’s GDP could fall by 3.5% and the economic impact of AMR shall be far greater in developing countries e.g. India.

Efforts to combat AMR have attracted increased momentum across the world. The Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance has been endorsed by the Tripartite consisting of the FAO-OIE-WHO in 2015. The plan, emphasizing One Health approach has laid out several measures under five strategic objectives. In accordance with global activities, all countries were called upon to develop their respective national action plans.

India developed its National Strategic Action Plan (NAP) for AMR through an extensive consultative process and in true spirit of One Health approach providing equal representation of human health, animal health and environment sectors in its implementation. The NAP is in alignment with the Global Action Plan. Objective No 2 in Global Action Plan and India’s NAP articulates the need to initiate laboratory-based surveillance to understand the magnitude and dynamics of AMR and antimicrobial usage (AMU) in various sectors.

Though significant work is being done within the country for surveillance of AMR with technical support from FAO, the country does not have any capacity to estimate the use of antimicrobial agents in animals and fisheries sector. This hampers the establishment of relationship between antibiotics use and AMR and also advocacy for reducing the use of these drivers of AMR. Once the capacity to estimate AMU is developed, the same can be used for understanding the dynamics of development of resistance and efficacy of locally applicable interventions to mitigate AMR in animal health sector.

FAO, in close collaboration with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has initiated a national network (Indian Network for Fisheries and Animals Antimicrobial Resistance: INFAAR) of 21 laboratories in the veterinary sectors (fisheries and livestock). This network has started generating data on AMR using a harmonized and standardized operating procedure. While this data is useful to gauge the burden of AMR, the real causative factor of quantifying irrational and extensive use of antibiotics remains elusive in the absence of national protocols and capacity to estimate antimicrobial usage (AMU).

Building national capacity in AMU estimation and linking it with AMR in the animal health sector shall facilitate comprehensive and analysed data sharing with health sector so that relationship between human and animal AMR can be analyzed both for policy as well as programme development within the overall framework of One Health in India. This FAO-TCP provides unique inputs to the national initiative of One Health.

The TCP focuses on building capacity of INFAAR institutions since it is a functional network with knowledgeable and qualified scientists representing their institutes, has mandate of AMU and has been authorized by its Advisory Board to initiate AMU estimation activities. It shall also undertake few focused group discussions with groups of users of antimicrobial agents (farmers) to promote rational use of antibiotics.

Donor
FAO

Duration
October 2021- December 2022

Expected Outputs

• Relevant protocols and operationalization plans to implement AMU monitoring and surveillance in the animal sector are established and strengthened
• Awareness augmented for rational use of antimicrobial agents by farming community

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3803

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable
Strategic Objective 4: Enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems

Objectives
Enhanced national and state capacity for monitoring of SDGs related to food and agriculture using the national and state indicator framework aligned with the global indicator framework for the SDGs.

Description
In India, there is a need for strengthening capacity for collection of data required for reporting the indicators as well as methodological training on SDG indicators. Such capacity building is required at the national as well as at state levels for ensuring that the country can produce and report on all the SDG indicators within the next few years. Technical support is required for alignment of national statistical systems with global standards. Technical support is also required for developing data collection systems that are consistent with global standards as well as take into account specific challenges posed by the diversity of socio-economic conditions in a country as large as India. Use of modern technologies for collection, compilation and reporting of data.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) of the Government of India constituted the six Sectoral Committees in July 2019 for monitoring SDGs in India. FAO Representation in India was requested by MoSPI as one of the members of the Sectoral Committee on “Poverty, Agriculture & Food Security”. The Sectoral Committee made specific recommendations to align the national indicators related to food and agriculture with the Global Indicator Framework for SDGs. Upon request from MoSPI, FAO-India undertook a detailed assessment of existing data sources and identified data gaps for measurement of different SDG indicators related to food and agriculture. Based on the technical gaps identified, MoSPI requested FAO support in two major areas related to food and agriculture. First, MoSPI has expressed an interest in further pilot testing of the instruments used for estimating Indicator 2.1.2 (Food Insecurity Experience Scale). Secondly, it has been found that, although India has well-developed systems of farm surveys, these do not collect data on all the variables that are required for reporting indicators such as 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.4.1 and 5.a.1.

This project enables selected states of India to implement and monitor additional SDG indicators under FAO custodianship and produce a how-to guide for other states in the country -– and other custodian agencies -- to understand how to undertake a similar innovative approach in supporting states to compile and publish SDG indicators. It is therefore necessary to establish a sound base in the select States so that quality data flow and any statistical enhancement can be achieved at National level.

Donor
FAO

Duration
December 2020- December 2022

Expected Outputs

• Finalize sample design and survey methodology for pilot surveys on indicator 2.1.2 (Severity of food Insecurity) in two districts of two states, and 2.3.1 (Productivity of small-scale food producers) and 2.3.2 (income of small-scale food producer in two districts of one state.
• Enhance capacity of state/district official in the piloting state on the concept of indicators, their rationale, methodology of computation, explore existing data sources and the process of data collection and compilation help them to identify pathways for alignment of SIF with GIF. In addition, develop a pool of master trainers to collect and compile data for these indicators.

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3804

Strategic Objective Better Life

Objectives
Policy makers, planners and individual farmers use forecasting techniques to make informed decisions on crop choices in changing climate scenarios and market dynamics

Description
Indian agriculture is predominantly rain-dependent and is deeply interconnected with climate and biological variables, which are the main drivers of agricultural production and dominant factors in the overall variability of food production. Rainfed agricultural system dominates 52 percent of the country's net sown area contributing nearly 40 percent of the total food production and supports two thirds of livestock population. Rainfed areas are extremely vulnerable to climatic variability and climate change implications due to their poor capacity to cope with extreme water and weather shocks. Rainfall has become more erratic, shorter and heavier within seasons. Further, ‘unseasonal’ events such as heavier rains, drier spells, unusual storms and temperature fluctuations have been increasing, and thereby adversely impacting agricultural yield, rural livelihoods, and food security. Small and marginal farmers constitute more than 86 percent of the total farmers in the country with less than 50 percent of the land under cultivation. And, their capacities to adapt are limited making them increasingly vulnerable. The government has developed crop insurance and price stabilization schemes to support the income resilience of the farmers; however, there are gaps in addressing weather and climate resilience.

The agricultural sector is, exposed to a variety of risks, which occur with varying frequency. While it is not possible to allay risks and uncertainties in totality, building farmers’ capacity to assess the probability of occurrence of such a risk and negotiate them appropriately could minimize the negative outcomes. The natural risk in agriculture can be negotiated by appropriate weather forecasts, disseminating early warning for flood, drought, longer dry periods and cyclones and developing contingency crop plans, putting necessary infrastructure in place, choice and arrangement of appropriate climate resilient varieties, technologies etc. Whereas, good agricultural practices like diversified cropping systems, agro-ecological practices, aerobic rice cultivation, water saving technologies and water harvesting development, and integrated farming systems, including agroforestry can minimize the anthropogenic risk in agriculture. Likewise, an efficient marketing system backed by a robust agri-logistics, price & demand forecasting and market integration can not only mitigate risks but also build farmers abilities to take certain market risks. The aforementioned necessitates sharing of information and knowledge with farmers in advance and in real time.

Addressing problems of smallholder farmers, particularly in rainfed areas calls for much better understanding of the rainfed farming system and its constraints. The variety of agro-ecological zones across the rainfed areas of the country need therefore a strong component of characterizing and monitoring of these diverse farming systems. This information is fundamental to understand the need and the nature of technological interventions required for sustainable resource use. In addition to the improved models for addressing the challenges, the management of risk in these highly vulnerable agro-ecologies could be done using a combination of financial and non-financial tools. Both these approaches would require creation of actionable knowledge products that are widely shared – in the pre-competitive space. This will encourage stakeholders from across the supply chain to build specific tools for different agro-climatic zones, cropping systems, etc. Technology is emerging as a powerful tool for forecast, early warnings, alerts, and the like.

The TCP envisages developing forecasting/predictive techniques and tools using multiple data points and big data analytics to aid vulnerable farmers and planners to make informed decisions on crop choices, particularly in rainfed areas. The TCP will train local resource persons/rural extension workers in utilizing the tool for deployment with rainfed farmers. It is also proposed to develop a policy brief and recommendations at the end of the project period.

Donor
FAO

Duration
May 2021- December 2022

Expected Outputs

• Crop forecasting framework and model incorporating climate (weather), soil characteristics and market information developed and piloted to aid rainfed farmers to make informed decisions
• Capacities of rural extension workers enhanced to support famers in making informed crop choices using the framework

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3805

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
DAY-NRLM Community Resource Person (CRP) have increased capacities to support on-farm livelihoods

Description
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India (GoI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2017 to work on areas of common interest in the context of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) scheme which was launched in 2011. The DAY-NRLM provides a combination of financial resources and technical support to states to implement a comprehensive livelihoods based programme for rural poverty alleviation through the creation and strengthening of institutional platforms of the rural poor. It has the deepest reach among the most vulnerable population of the rural poor in all the states across the country. Under the aegis of this MoU, FAO together with DAY-NRLM had identified areas of close support that it had been working on since 2017. Recently, FAO received a request from DAY-NRLM to discuss the proposed action plan for the year 2021-22 and seeking FAO’s technical support on mutually agreed activities adopting a collaborative approach. These include developing and finalizing a training materials on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Certification and Agri-Nutri-gardens as well as develop a compendium of best practices on-farm livelihoods and success stories of the Community Resource Person (CRPs).

DAY-NRLM has identified several best practices around on-farm livelihoods across the country. These interventions/practices are comparatively more sustainable and profitable that has changed the lives of practising farmers/Community Resource Person (CRPs) and the lives in their neighbourhood. While these interventions/practices have great economics and impact but are confined to a given local context. Moreover, these interventions/practices and success stories of CRPs are either not documented properly or if documented there is no homogeneity in presentation. Therefore, learning from these practices seldom gets disseminated beyond the local area. As India is a very big country, having different agro-climatic zones, topography, varied social and cultural practices, manifold languages and distinct food habits, the farmers from the distant part are unaware of these practices.

In this context, DAY-NRLM requested FAO to develop a compendium collaboratively on best farm-livelihood practices and success stories of best practising CRPs properly, from all across the country on various themes such as on a farm, livestock, Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) etc. by maintaining homogeneity in presentation. This would help NRLM to widely disseminate the knowledge and practices in other regions of the country for contextual replication and better adoption towards furthering sustainability and increasing the profitability of farmers.

Considering the above, the TCPf will provide detailed technical guidance to the DAYNRLM to finalize a training material on Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) certification and Agri-Nutri-garden as well as develop a compendium of best practices on-farm livelihoods and success stories of CRPs for the use of DAY-NRLM.

Donor
FAO

Duration
September 2021 – December 2022

Expected Outputs

• Training materials on Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and Agri- Nutri-garden developed for use of DAY-NRLM CRPs
• Compendium of best practices on-farm livelihoods and success stories of CRPs Finalized for use of DAY-NRLM

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3806

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
Capacities of key stakeholders at various levels enhanced to support AP farmers to adopt sustainable agri-food systems

Description
Agriculture in Andhra Pradesh is mostly dependent on rainfall. Monsoon and seasonal conditions play a major role in agricultural production which contributes 34% of GSDP and 55% of employment. Like many other states in India, Andhra Pradesh faces continuous degradation of soil quality, declining crop yields, widening yield gaps in comparison with best yields in the country, increasing prices of agriculture inputs resulting in increased cost of cultivation, and changes associated with climate variability (Agricultural Development in Andhra Pradesh: Temporal and Regional Perspectives, Reddy et. all, 2020). Indiscriminate use of fertilizers led to an imbalance in soil fertility and an increase in input costs resulting in not only non-availability of micronutrients but also resulted in yield losses (Agricultural Development in Andhra Pradesh: Temporal and Regional Perspectives, Reddy et.al., 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic and associated safety concerns also impacted agricultural value chains. Thus, there is a need to modernize the agricultural sector by adopting latest technology and marketing strategies, to produce competitive products that are profitable and sustainable.

To address the challenges in agriculture, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) has launched Farmer Facilitation Centres (FFCs)¹ in all Gram Panchayats in the state as a most novel, effective, and efficient platform for knowledge dissemination and to provide farmers with quality inputs and allied services to ensure year-round productivity, profitability, and sustainability. To excel and accelerate qualitative and quantitative services to the farmers through FFCs, GoAP wants to improve the training and knowledge levels of its technical staff and farmers at the state and community level and to expand sustainable agri-food systems² across the state. The Village Assistants, who are staff in the FFCs, are the last-mile extension service providers delivering technical support on Agriculture, Horticulture, Livestock and Fisheries to the beneficiary households.

Despite having a strong institutional structure, efficient monitoring system, deepest presence among the most vulnerable population of the rural poor, and a vast range of cadre across the State, GoAP identified a need for strengthening capacities of technical staff for improved service delivery to the farmers through Farmer Facilitation Centres. They have requested FAO Technical Assistance particularly to support their ongoing efforts to assist farmers in transitioning to a Sustainable Agri-food Systems, including adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Certification. Presently, most agricultural institutions stress on intensive agricultural practices, which result in excessive use of chemical inputs at the farm level. There is a need to develop clear pathways for transitioning farmers to sustainable agri-food systems. This requires developing a methodological framework, designing curriculum, and building capacities of scientists, officers, and last-mile extension workers, and developing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for transitioning to sustainable agri-food systems. This will help address the challenge of indiscriminate use of chemical inputs, reduce input costs, produce quality inputs, and strengthen market linkages, thereby address negative environmental impacts of agriculture and enhance farmers’ incomes.

Donor
FAO

Duration
December 2021 - November 2023

Expected Outputs

• Methodological framework for sustainable agri-food systems transitions developed in consultation with key stakeholders
• Curriculum and training materials on sustainable agri-food systems developed for key stakeholders
• Capacities of scientists, officers at state and district-level, including last-mile extension service providers enhanced on sustainable agri-food systems
• Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation and documenting lessons learned, including best practices, developed

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3807

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
The TCP will focus on an innovative approach by developing Package of Practices (POPs) and training materials related to GAP and GHP for four spices namely cumin, fennel, coriander and black pepper in four selected areas (Paderu in Andhra Pradesh, Mehsana district of Gujarat, Jodhpur district of Rajasthan and Guna district of Madhya Pradesh).

Description
Spices and herbs contribute up to five per cent of the farm production in India. Approximately 3 million metric tons of spices are produced annually in India, with exports of nearly 0.8 million tons, mainly to countries like the US, Europe, Japan, Middle East and East Asia. Although India is a major producer, consumer and exporter of spices, the volume spice exports remain low in large part due to food safety and hygiene issues. Ironically, the spice exports from India face rapid alerts and border rejections by importing countries due to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues, which have negative effects on consumer health, incomes of farmers, other stakeholders in the spice value chain and the national economy. Most farmers in India are small and marginal and depend on farming for their living. Being a garden crop, most farming households rely on the production of spices. Strengthening the spices value chain in India has the potential of not only benefiting large numbers of farmers but also, to expand the exports from the country.

This activity will complement the ongoing Standards and Trade Development Facilities (STDF) project - MTF/IND/198/STF being implemented by FAO that aims to implement improved food safety management systems and international food safety standards (Codex) in order to expand the production, improve food safety and quality, promote value addition and boost exports of Indian spices.

Donor
FAO

Duration
April 2020 to March 2022

Expected Outputs

• Enhanced capacity (in the public and academia) to deliver training/ awareness programs on risk-based assessments and Good Practices along the identified spice value chains.

Activities (not mentioned in website but output is just one hence putting it here)

• Develop Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Develop Good Hygienic Practices (GHP)
• Develop baseline
• Training of Trainers (ToTs) programme

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3801

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
The TCP aims to develop an alternative in terms of facilitating a paradigm shift and suggest evidence-based policy recommendations for initiating the change to sustainability across agriculture and allied sectors, to complement to the NITI Aayog and MoA&FW’s efforts to design a post-Green Revolution future for the country.

Description
Several government officials and agricultural experts emphasize the need for a transformative policy for Indian agriculture in post-Green Revolution times. They acknowledge some of the problems that come in the way of long term sustainability. The critical need is for a space in which to bring thinkers and doers together to collectively rethink consumption, production and the institutional framework in the country relating to agriculture, so as to reorient the same for increasing farmers’ incomes and sustaining food and farm systems. The key stakeholders include government agencies, subject academia, civil society organisations, farmers and farmer groups, the private sector, international organizations and the media.

Previously, larger questions of productivity gains plateauing from the focus on only two crops, i.e. wheat and rice, and the growth of agriculture sector losing pace were the primary concerns. There was also realisation that crop intensification had led to over-exploitation of land and water resources and degradation of agro ecological systems due to excessive agricultural chemicals, making current production unsustainable. While these problems remain, newer ones have emerged in the post-COVID world; for example, disaster-proofing food and farm systems, reviving the rural economy and greater emphasis on health and nutrition. This makes the National Dialogue all the more relevant.

The National Dialogue expects to see pathways developed for a transformative shift in Indian agriculture with some policy initiatives and clear pathways towards sustainability by the NITI Aayog and central and even some state governments in India after the closure of the TCP.

Donor
FAO

Duration
July 2020- March 2022

Expected Outputs

• A set of thematic papers will be co-developed by FAO with expert authors
• National Conference on Indian Agriculture 2030 is organized
• Pathways document is prepared

Project Symbol: TCP/IND/3802

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives
To achieve environmental sustainability and profitability of the farming systems in hill areas

Description
Nagaland is a predominantly agricultural state, with agriculture (including livestock) accounting for 22 per cent of State GDP (2016-17) and providing employment for over 60 per cent of the population. Just over half of land area of the State is covered by forests, with the cropped area being only 23 per cent - of which only 15 per cent is irrigated. The State has only a small area of plain land, and shifting cultivation (jhum) is the predominant farming system in the highlands across the State. This is also the principal source of rural livelihoods with 70 per cent of the villages and almost half of rural households practising jhum. A total area of about 940 sq km is cleared for jhum each year. Cultivation of this land is usually continued for two years, followed by a fallow period of around seven years. With a typical jhum cycle of nine years, around 51 per cent of the total land area of the State is covered by the jhum system, including much of the land classed as under forests. This form of cultivation is highly labour intensive, but crop yields are low and vulnerable to variations in rainfall. However it is a system that enables poor quality soils on steep slopes to be farmed by utilizing organic matter that has accumulated during the forest-fallow period.

Conscious of the above challenges, the government of Nagaland has sought to promote climate-resilient and remunerative agricultural practices through the twin approaches of: systematically aligning jhum cycles to the natural regeneration cycle of forests; and simultaneously encouraging sedentary agriculture wherever possible. The overall goal of the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems in the North East (FOCUS) Project is to increase household agricultural income of 137 000 households in Nagaland to enhance their resilience to climate change. This goal would be achieved through the development objective of increasing the environmental sustainability and profitability of farming systems practiced by highland farmers.

The Technical Assistance (TA) by FAO responded directly to practical ramifications of the economic transition and rural sector processes underway in the State of Nagaland. The Technical Assistance combined gender-sensitive professional support and institution building, in tune with local stages of development in the rural sector, with research and information-sharing. This TA consultancy made optimum use of FAO’s accumulated experience and technical know-how,on issues relating to animal husbandry, crop productivity and process/training methodologies; farmer education and farmer institutions at local, state and national levels, as well as the Asia region.

The TA improved the development and delivery of agriculture and animal husbandry knowledge by designing training material and tailor-made curricula for introducing innovative methodologies. Training was targeted at farmers as a mechanism to introduce improved agronomic and animal husbandry practices. FAO also designed the MIS system for the project.

Donor
Government of Nagaland

Duration
April 2019- March 2022

Expected Outputs

• Outcome 1: Improved farmers’ capacities to manage upland farming sustainably
• Outcome 2: Increased volume of marketed crops and livestock, with improved returns to producer
• Outcome 3: Effective and evidence based project management

Project Symbol: UTF/IND/196/IND