National Workshop on “Evolving Support Systems for Bio-resource Centre Enterprises”
Dr. Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director General, NIPHM was the Special Guest for the workshop, he inaugurated the workshop and addressed the participants on the importance of moving towards ‘natural and regenerative agriculture, he gave special emphasis on the need to ‘ensure the quality of bio-inputs prepared and supplied by the BRC enterprises’ and how such centres can play a vital role in the transition towards Natural Farming by sharing the example of recent work done in the state of Tamil Nadu.
This was followed by the launch of the “BRC Manual” by respected Dr Sagar Hanuman (DG, NIPHM), Dr J. Alice Sujeetha (Director, Plant Health Management) and Lalitha ji – a young and dynamic BRC entrepreneur from Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. The manual has been prepared by NCNF, compiling vast knowledge on the preparation and application of Bio-inputs together with other aspects such as establishment costs and business plan etc.
The workshop saw active participation from BRC entrepreneurs and close to 12 CSO partners from 7 different states including PRADAN, Srijan, Green Foundation and some others. Other participants included important Technical and Ecosystem Partners- Experts from KVK Yagantipalle, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Range De – a social investor-based credit agency and representatives from philanthropic partners – India Climate Collaborative (ICC), Rainmatter Foundation as well as some other organizations.
The diverse group of participants shared their experiences related to BRCs and tried to put together a framework for the different support systems which will help to promote and sustain BRCs at scale- capacity building on technical aspects, a digital Knowledge platform accessible by all, peer learning, access to funds for establishing/running BRCs etc.
Dr. Rajshekhar Basnayak, Asst. Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur shared with the group his experience of working closely with progressive farmers and his extensive work at compiling the traditional knowledge and practices of these farmers. They have documented the preparation techniques of 82 types of bio-inputs together with their uses and benefits.
Mr. Bhanu Das, a champion farmer-entrepreneur from Jalgaon, Maharashtra shared his exciting journey of becoming an expert in Bio-inputs production and Natural Farming. He has demonstrated that a BRC can serve its purpose of supporting and educating farmers and at the same time emerge as a promising source of income for the entrepreneur.
Mr Ram NK, Co-Founder, Rang De shared about his platform with the participants and the possibility of hosting a BRC fund on his platform mobilizing funds for supporting BRCs at scale. He suggested setting up a ‘centre of excellence on supporting various elements of BRC promotion within the Coalition. Mr Ram also emphasized the need to integrate the understanding of behavioural patterns in our approach.
Minuted by Ms. Gijivisha Khattry (WASSAN) and Mr. Kuriakose Junior (NCNF)
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