CGIAR Workshop Explores Innovative Strategies to Double Farmers' Income

On Tuesday, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) organized an international meeting at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, where options for boosting farmer income through CGIAR technology intervention were deliberated.

The conference saw the participation of nearly 60 CGIAR staff, along with representatives from research institutes and stakeholders from across the country. Dr Temina Lallani-Shariff, the regional director for South Asia and all CGIAR institutes in the region, skillfully presided over the event.

The discussions among esteemed scientists and experts were focused on the meticulous examination of the feasibility of various measures, including expanding potato cultivation, optimizing irrigation systems, and introducing innovative seed varieties to expedite the harvest process, among other intriguing topics. The keynote address by Surya Pratap Shahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Agriculture Education, and Agriculture Research, added a touch of eloquence to the event.

The official from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) enthusiastically shared insights about a fascinating initiative during the discussion. The initiative involved subterranean flood transfer for irrigation, which had already been piloted in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. The IWMI official highlighted the potential benefits of this project, mentioning that Uttar Pradesh's extensive network of canals, dams, and ponds could be leveraged to effectively address challenges related to droughts, floods, and groundwater management. The official's optimism about expanding this initiative in the state was evident, and their presentation shed light on the practical applications of this innovative approach. 

At the convention, representatives from prestigious global research institutes, including the International Rice Research Institute, WorldFish (a non-profit organization dedicated to researching aquatic food systems), the International Potato Centre, the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics, the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, and many others, eagerly shared their valuable insights.

The discussions were centred around exploring ways in which Uttar Pradesh (UP) could effectively embrace and implement new technologies to enhance harvest practices and, in turn, uplift farmers' income. The convention served as a platform for diverse perspectives and ideas on how UP could harness cutting-edge research and innovation to drive positive changes in agriculture, ultimately benefiting the livelihoods of farmers. It was an enriching experience to witness experts from various research institutions come together to exchange knowledge and discuss practical solutions for the agricultural sector at UP.