Experts Gather in Shimla to Plan Sustainable Farming for the Himalayas
A workshop in Shimla brought together over 175 experts, scientists, and farmers to design a roadmap for the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI). Organized by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), in coordination with the Himalayan Research Group (HRG), the event focused on promoting sustainable agriculture in the Himalayan region.
The workshop aimed to help farmers become more resilient to climate change while advancing food security. Discussions included improving food systems governance, ensuring access to natural resources, and promoting healthy diets and cleaner supply chains. The initiative also aims to reduce food loss and waste, using trade to support sustainable development.
Lal Singh, Director of Aayog and the Himalayan Research Group, emphasized the importance of gathering baseline data and insights from policymakers and farmers. He noted that the workshop marked the first step in creating a comprehensive strategy for sustainable food systems in the Himalayan region.
Padma Shri awardee Nekram Sharma, a renowned millet farmer, urged for a shift towards natural farming and reducing pesticide use. He warned that current farming practices could be harmful in the long run and called for stronger laws to control pesticide use.
Dr. J.C. Rana, Country Representative for India at Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, highlighted the participation of various experts and noted that the workshop was part of a global initiative to address the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan region. The roadmaps, to be finalized in 2025, promise to offer a comprehensive strategy to improve agricultural practices while protecting natural resources for future generations.
Doubts Revealed
Shimla -: Shimla is a city in India, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its beautiful hills and cool weather.
Sustainable Farming -: Sustainable farming means growing food in a way that is good for the environment and can be continued for a long time without harming nature.
Himalayas -: The Himalayas are a big mountain range in Asia, which includes the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. They are located in countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Agroecology -: Agroecology is a way of farming that works with nature. It uses natural processes to grow food, which helps keep the environment healthy.
Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT -: This is a group of organizations that work together to improve farming and protect the environment. They help farmers grow food in a way that is good for nature.
Food Systems Governance -: This means making rules and plans to ensure that everyone has enough healthy food to eat. It involves managing how food is grown, distributed, and consumed.
Climate Resilience -: Climate resilience means being able to handle changes in the weather, like more rain or hotter temperatures, without getting hurt. It helps farmers keep growing food even when the climate changes.
India, Nepal, and Bhutan -: These are three countries in Asia. India is where we live, and Nepal and Bhutan are our neighbors. They all have parts of the Himalayan mountains.
