Jamshedpur: State-Level Food System Dialogue focusses on sustainable farming practices

Jamshedpur: In a significant gathering aimed at fostering sustainable farming practices, the Center for World Solidarity (CWS) – Bhumika successfully concluded a state-level one-day food system dialogue at Center for Excellence. Hundreds of representatives, including agricultural scientists, farmers, and government and non-government organizations, participated in insightful discussions on various aspects of organic and sustainable farming.

The program kicked off with a warm welcome address by  Manimoy Sinha, Executive Director of CWS. Shruti Pandey, project coordinator of the German organization Wealth Hunger Life, provided an introduction to the food system dialogue. Dr. Palash Bhushan Chatterjee, Joint Director, CWS, emphasized the crucial role played by indigenous crop and food producer organizations.

The heart of the dialogue unfolded in a panel discussion featuring Dr. Shambhu Nath Karmakar of Birsa Agricultural University, young farmer representative  Amit Mahato, and District Horticulture Officer Ms. Anima Lakra. The topic revolved around catalyzing the transformation of current food systems to ensure the availability of nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food items.

Dr. Karmakar stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, noting that while agricultural production has increased since the Green Revolution, there exists an imbalance, especially in the case of edible oil and pulses, leading to heavy import dependence. The session was skillfully conducted by Rajesh Kumar Jha, Director, CWS.

The second session, moderated by  Sandeep Sahu, focused on fostering agro-ecological practices to create a hunger-free future. Public health expert Dr. Sachin Barbade of Ekta, Shamshul Akhtar of social organization Karun Shechen, farmer Prem Chand Soren, Pranab Roy of Rural Delight, and Anand Mahato participated, providing valuable insights into sustainable practices.

The final panel discussion featured Dr. Vijay Kumar Piyush, Principal of ABM College, District Agriculture Officer  Mithilesh Kalindi, Aarti Bina Ekka of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Debashish Mahato. Beena Ekka, scientist of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, emphasized the urgency of natural farming as a zero-budget approach, freeing farmers from dependency on chemical fertilizers.

The stage, skillfully moderated by Shweta Kumari, saw the insightful discussions reach their culmination.Ratna Das delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions to the dialogue, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient food system in the state.