MUMBAI: This Kisan Diwas, Godrej Group, a diversified conglomerate released a video on the combined role of allied stakeholders, such as corporates, civil society, governmental institutions and academia, in doubling farm income. The video captures thought leaders discussing agri-interventions to empower farmers at the recentlyhosted agri-conclave ‘Shaping the Future of Indian Agriculture’ at Godrej.

Hence, the video highlights the importance of having women at the fulcrum of the intergrated livelihood programme as a part of Godrej’s Good and Green. It also mentions the four-fold approach which focuses on women, water, well-being and work.

It highlighted that fact that women produce between 60 to 80% of the food in most developing countries and remain responsible for half of the world’s food production (FAO). However, the most astonishing information was from a recent global research which revealed that would increase their farm yields by 20-30% if provided the same resources as men.

To ensure water security and increase the quantum of land under watershed, the Godrej Group has partnered with Indian government institutions such as NABARD. Today, the group has more than 13000 hectares of land under watershed.

The Godrej Group has recognised that the farmer and his family’s wellbeing through adequate nutrition and energy security is also important. As more than 40 million homes across the country do not have access to stable source of energy, the Godrej Group is partnering with local institutions and organizations to provide farmers with both nutrition and energy security.

Last but not the least, the Godrej Group’s idea is to enhance the farmer’s income, mostly women through non-farm income generation. This is being achieved through work with non-profit organizations to design and implement initiatives in animal husbandary, sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Nadir Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Agrovet Limited and Managing Director, Godrej Industries Limited said, “With the government laying special emphasis on the agriculture sector with the vision of doubling farmer’s income by 2022, we are positive about the growth and foresee a lot of potential for farmers. The coming together of like-minded professionals and academia will create much needed awareness on the areas of importance in agriculture”.

Adding further, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet said, “The agriculture sector offers tremendous opportunities and we at Godrej aim to be at the forefront of these developments. With our focus on research and technology, we strive to offer innovative solutions to enhance the productivity of the sector”.

Vikas Goswami, Head – Sustainability, Godrej Industries Ltd. said, “Women farmers are the backbone of Indian Agriculture. To create a vibrant rural economy it is important that in partnership with women farmers we revive sustainable agricultural practices. The revival of millets along with sustainable agricultural practices will also positively impact long-term soil health and productivity. With this conclave, we aim to not only acknowledge but also bring in the forefront, the important role women play in agriculture landscape.”