At a national conference in Rajasthan, experts called for fair and inclusive markets to bolster small farmers' security and local food systems. The event highlighted ecological farming and policy needs amid climate challenges. Discussions involved stakeholders from eight states, focusing on resilient value chains.
The two-day national conference, titled 'Food systems transformation: From ecological farms to fair markets,' took place in Banswara, Rajasthan, over the weekend. Organized by the local voluntary group Vaagdhara, in partnership with Germany's Welthungerhilfe and the Centre for World Solidarity, it brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand.
Participants addressed pressing issues like climate-induced crop losses, income volatility, escalating production costs, and barriers to stable markets. They stressed the importance of an enabling policy framework to foster resilient food value chains and market systems, with a particular focus on ecological farming practices in Rajasthan.
Vaagdhara secretary Jayesh Joshi emphasized restoring non-dependent systems for 'market swaraj' or self-reliance among small farmers, who cannot be mechanized. 'There is no need for external certification. Farmers can build a direct relationship with the consumers,' he stated.
Water conservationist Laxman Singh advocated preserving villagers' traditional knowledge for efficient irrigation. Sapna Narula, director of the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, pointed to gender inequality as a critical challenge in the food value chain that requires urgent attention.
Over 40 farmer-producer organizations and small enterprises displayed organic and natural products in an exhibition, demonstrating sustainable agriculture's economic viability. Sessions explored future market trends, opportunities, and policy dialogues to create smallholder-friendly markets, bolster ecological value chains, and improve linkages for these groups. Speakers noted that large agricultural players' entry could reshape demand for local food systems.