Second Stakeholder Consultation on the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI) Road Map

The Second Stakeholder Consultation on the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI) was held on 20
January 2026 at Hotel Marina, Shimla, to deliberate on the draft HAI Road Map for Himachal
Pradesh and to strengthen policy convergence for advancing agroecological transitions in the state.
The consultation is part of the ongoing multi-country and multi-stakeholder HAI process aimed at co-
developing practical, evidence-based pathways for sustainable, climate-resilient and nutrition-
sensitive food systems in the Indian Himalayan Region.
The meeting focused on presenting the HAI Road Map and its seven strategic pillars, assessing their
relevance for Himachal Pradesh, and aligning agroecology priorities with existing state initiatives on
natural farming, horticulture, livestock, climate action, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. The Road Map
was highlighted as a guiding framework for operationalizing state and national schemes in ways that
are responsive to Himalayan agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions.
In his keynote address, Dr. Basu Sood, Advisor (Planning), Government of Himachal Pradesh,
underlined the strategic importance of agroecology in reducing climate and livelihood risks in hill
agriculture. He stressed the need for long-term policy commitment, planning convergence, and strong
institutional coordination, while cautioning against disturbing the balance between food crops and
cash crops. He assured full state support for initiatives that strengthen the agricultural sector and
farmer welfare.
Dr. Jai C. Rana, India Country Representative, Alliance of Biodiversity International–CIAT, presented
the HAI Road Map, highlighting its food-systems approach, alignment with national missions on
natural farming, climate change, nutrition, and biodiversity, and its relevance to the Viksit Bharat
initiative. He emphasized that transforming food systems is no longer optional but essential, and
called for a shift from sectoral to multi-sectoral, participatory approaches.
Sh. Suresh Sharma, Director-cum-State Nodal Officer, RGPKKKY, shared insights on the status and
achievements of natural farming in Himachal Pradesh, key challenges such as small landholdings,
rain-fed agriculture, and declining youth interest, and opportunities for convergence with the HAI
framework, particularly through stronger producer–consumer linkages.
During open discussions, participants emphasized the need for inter-departmental coordination,
capacity building, integration of agrobiodiversity and soil–water stewardship, equitable value chains,
branding and certification, private sector engagement, cluster-based approaches, food education, and
greater support for women-led and community institutions.
The consultation was attended by senior state officials, NABARD, research and academic institutions,
development partners, civil society organizations, FPOs, and farmers. Inputs will be incorporated into
the final HAI Road Map for Himachal Pradesh as a practical tool for policy alignment, institutional
coordination, and investment planning.
Participants were welcomed by Dr. Lal Singh, HAI Consultant for Himachal Pradesh, and the vote of
thanks was proposed by Ms. Sonal Dsouza, Alliance New Delhi. HAI is funded by Germany’s BMZ
and IFAD and implemented with partners including WFC, IFOAM–Organics International, Alliance
of Biodiversity International–CIAT, and UNDP (India).