22 Aug, 2023
Amid growing concerns over the excessive use of agrochemicals in spice farming, a pivotal workshop on sustainable agricultural practices took place in Kurukshetra, Haryana, on August 22, 2023. The event, organised under the developpp.de program and jointly executed by GIZ, AVT McCormick, and McCormick, focused on enhancing the capacities of smallholder spice farmers in sustainable farming. The workshop specifically delved into sustainable cultivation practices for the celery crop.
The excessive use of agrochemicals in spice farming has raised significant concerns regarding food quality, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and consumer health. Sustainable agricultural practices are now pivotal in adapting to climate change and ensuring crop productivity while maintaining economic viability. This approach to cultivation primarily focuses on keeping the soil alive and healthy by utilising farm waste, biological materials, integrated pest and disease management, enhancing biodiversity within the farm, waste recycling and production of compliant food. This method promotes an eco-friendly and pollution-free environment.
Furthermore, the global market is witnessing a surge in demand for sustainably certified produce. Consumers are increasingly conscious of food safety, emphasising the necessity of producing goods in a sustainable and compliant manner.
Ms. Poonam Pandey, Senior Project Manager, Sustainability, McCormick, kicked off the workshop with a comprehensive overview of the DPP project and introduced the project's key partners, namely GIZ, AVT McCormick, and McCormick representatives.
Mr. Ashok Nair provided a detailed overview of the increasing demand for compliant celery in the global market, emphasising the significance of sustainability and adopting sustainable agriculture practices.
Subsequently, a group discussion was facilitated to thoroughly understand the challenges faced by celery farmers. Ms. Pradnya from GIZ presented informative videos on Integrated Pest and Disease Management, as well as Integrated Nutrient Management, both developed under the project aiming to tackle the challenges associated with cost-effective crop management.
Mr. Prahlad Singh, representing AVT McCormick, elaborated on the subsequent steps for soil and water testing designed to benefit celery farmers © GIZ India
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from the farmers, who engaged in extensive discussions about various challenges and proposed potential solutions for the program's success.
Group photo of the participants and trainers © GIZ India
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The ‘Enhancement of Smallholder Spice Farmer’s Capacities in Sustainable Farming’ aims to strengthen the production of cardamom, cumin, and turmeric in four states of India - Kerala Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan - to increase the capacities of spice farmers to make production practices more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.
The project is part of the develoPPP.de Programme implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The lead executing agency for this project is AVT McCormick. develop.PPP was set up by BMZ to involve the private sector in areas where business opportunities and development policy initiatives overlap. Read More
For more information contact: biodiv.india@giz.de
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