Himachal to host key workshop on agroecological sustainability in the Himalayas
On September 24, 2024, Shimla will host a significant one-day workshop bringing together policymakers, government officials, agricultural scientists, food processing entrepreneurs, representatives of farmer producer companies, and progressive farmers from Himachal Pradesh. This workshop, organized by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), New Delhi, is part of the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI).
The Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI) is designed to foster sustainable farming practices across the Himalayan region, helping farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. The initiative’s objectives include enhancing food system governance, ensuring access to essential resources like land, water, and fertile soils, creating climate-resilient ecosystems, and promoting healthy, sustainable diets. Additionally, it aims to build equitable supply chains, reduce food waste, and leverage trade for sustainable development.
This initiative is a collaborative effort that works in close partnership with governments and stakeholders from various sectors. Its goal is to support the development of agroecological food system roadmaps to ensure sustainable livelihoods across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In collaboration with prominent organizations such as the World Future Council, IFOAM-Organics International, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and local initiatives like LI-BIRD in Nepal and the Tarayana Foundation in Bhutan, HAI is paving the way for agroecological transformation at the national level.
In early 2023, the Agroecology Himalaya Task Force was established with experts from Bhutan, India, and Nepal, focusing on positioning the Himalayan region as a global leader in sustainable agriculture. The Task Force has already produced a Roadmap Background Report, a detailed Stakeholder Map, and a Draft Roadmap. The next step involves gaining the support of policymakers and stakeholders to finalize these roadmaps, which will be launched in a high-profile conference in New Delhi in early 2025.
The development of agroecological food system roadmaps in India is based on studies of various government policies and schemes implemented across four Indian Himalayan states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. Key strategies include improving governance in food systems, ensuring access to critical resources, rebuilding climate-resilient ecosystems, and promoting sustainable diets.
The Shimla workshop will serve as a vital platform to collect baseline data, gather input from key stakeholders, and develop a comprehensive roadmap for Himachal Pradesh’s participation in this forward-looking initiative. This is a crucial first step toward building a sustainable and resilient agricultural future for the region.
