Ensure Health of Food Growers through fair pricing : Devinder Sharma

A Partner Convening for the North Region on Transforming Food Systems: Building Momentum for Agroecology – Unifying for Systemic Change is being held at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni.

The event, hosted by the Consortium for Agroecological Transformations (CAT)—North Chapter, brought together participants from across the country. Its goal was to co-create a shared vision and actionable agenda for transforming India’s agricultural ecosystem. Emphasizing the need for systemic interlinkages, the convening highlighted critical areas including research, policy, markets, grassroots interventions, technology, mechanization, investment, enterprise, value chain development, environmental sustainability, health and nutrition.

The diverse group of attendees, including civil society organizations, researchers, think tanks, market players, funders, and government bodies, participated in discussions to build a unified understanding of the roles these actors play in shaping a national approach to agroecology.

In his keynote address, renowned food policy expert Devinder Sharma emphasized that the growing global demand for safe, healthy food can only be met through farming practices that exclude harmful chemical inputs, which have caused significant environmental and societal harm. Sharma stressed the importance of shifting from chemical-intensive farming to agroecological systems that benefit everyone, especially human health.

Regarding value addition, Sharma urged participants not to be swayed by the term but to focus on ensuring that the added value truly benefits farmers. He encouraged startups and Farmer Producer Organizations to lead efforts in ensuring that agricultural produce is not procured below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He asserted that fair pricing would motivate farmers to produce healthy food and protect the health of food growers. Sharma also called for not demonizing government subsidies to the farm sector, emphasizing that subsidies play a critical role in supporting farmers.

On natural farming, Sharma praised the work of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in advancing agroecological practices particularly natural farming. He noted that the university’s contributions would become more evident as the country progresses in this transition to agroecology. He also advocated for recognizing the unique needs of hill farming, urging that it be differentiated from plains farming. He emphasized that the integration of forestry, animal husbandry and the local ecology into hill farming is essential for sustainable agricultural practices in these regions.

Earlier in the session, Umendra Dutt, Executive Director Kheti Virasat Mission welcomed the participants, calling farming the ‘lifeline’ of the country and underscoring the potential of natural farming to free agriculture from the long-standing green revolution hangover. Minhaj Ameen, Director of Operations at the Agroecology Fund also expressed his views on the occasion.  Notable attendees included Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma, Director of Research Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, and Dean of the College of Horticulture Dr Manish Sharma, Director Extension Dr Inder Dev among others.

On Friday, participants engaged in field visits to university farms, UHF Natural farming outlet and local farms to explore and learn about agroecological practices in the region.