Major Activities |
Major tasks and accomplishments (as reported by the NGO):
The recommendations emerging out of the discussions held during various symposia, conferences, workshops, seminars, brainstorming sessions were forwarded to the concerned govt. departments and other relevant agencies. These recommendations have been well received and have had a good impact by way of creating enabling policy environment and efficient functioning. Public awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, such as, land, water, and agrobiodiversity was created for increased production, profitability, environmental sustainability and improved livelihood of smallholder farmers.The scientists, policy makers, farmers and other stakeholders were sensitized towards diversification of agriculture in farming systems mode Brought awareness about soil test based use of fertilisers and to overcome existing imbalance of nutrients and micro-nutrients in the soil.Knowledge was disseminated and awreness created about judicious use of water. Policy recommendation on khet ka pani khet main by encouraging bunding of fields through National Schemes such as MNAREGA, RKVY, etc. was adopted for implementation.Urgent need was stressed for outscaling the innovations that save inputs and enhance income of the farmers. Specific efforts were made to draw attention of policy makers towards faster adoption of initiatives relating to rural development.. TAAS was instrumental in organising the first ever Global Conference on Women in Agriculture with participation of 650 delegates from more than 37 countries. Strategies were suggested to overcome their drudgery through appropriate technological interventions, engendering and empowering them with in-depth knowledge, policies and incentives. Inclusion of maize and soybean in the food security mission and promotion of quality protein maize to address the problem of nutrition security was strongly recommended for active consideration of policy planners and decision makers. The promotion of hybrids in major field crops was emphasized to increase productivity through creation of a Seed Mission at the national level .Strongly recommended early clearance of Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill by the Indian parliament. It has also been recommended to adopt a single window system for biosafety testing, clearance and monitoring of trials.TAAS recommendations through "Ranchi Declaration" found a place in the preparation of a National Plan of Action. A National Mission on Livestock also got created to take care of conservation and use of valuable genetic resources of livestock in India. The researchers, policy makers, and development personnels were got sensitized to upscale and outscale farmer led innovations, which are cost-effective, sustainable and useful for the resource poor farmers. Realizing the national problem of retaining youth in agriculture, TAAS catalysed the National Agricultural Research System to have a national debate on engaging youth in agriculture and evolve appropriate strategy for attracting them in agriculture through secondary and specialty agriculture. Based on the recommendations of the national dialogue, appropriate model was suggested for linking farmers to market to increase profitability of producers, as well as to benefit the consumers.
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