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FARMVERSITIES RISING SERIES

SESSION 1- CURRICULUM AND LEARNING

In this session 1 of the Farmversities Rising Series of Curriculum and Learning the speakers Bharat Mansata, Narsanna Koppula and Rajinder Chaudhary speak of the various training and learning modalities in their respective Farmversities including medicinal and edible varieties of plants at Vanwadi as well as the 30 methods farmers must use for organic farming.

​Bharat Mansata- Writer and activist involved in ecological regeneration, Founder of Vanwadi

Narsanna Koppula- Permaculturist and environmental-humanitarian, Founder of Aranya Agricultural Alternatives

Rajinder Chaudhary- Former Professor MD University, Advisor to Kudarti Kheri Abhiyan

SESSION 2- ACTION RESEARCH

The meeting focused on action research and its potential for creating impactful grassroots projects, particularly in sustainable agriculture and organic farming. Participants discussed various initiatives, including open-source platforms for local language digitalization and biodiversity preservation. The importance of composting, sustainable practices, and shifting from chemical-based to organic farming models was also emphasized.

Ranajeet Shanbag- Deputy Director of Vigyan Ashram

Kamaljeet Singh- Organic Farmer working on Sustainable Agriculture

Prem Singh- Head of Humane Agrarian Centre

SESSION 3- LOCAL ECONOMY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The meeting focused on the development of a learning space called Farmversities Rising, which aims to teach sustainable agriculture and bridge the gap between producers and consumers. The participants discussed their entrepreneurial ventures, the importance of promoting local and small-scale farmers, and the need for a transition towards a more sustainable and equitable food system. The discussion also covered the challenges faced by rural consumers, the importance of recognizing farmers as entrepreneurs, and the potential for starting a farmers market in Noida.

Dwiji Guru- Technical Consultant for Janapara Foundation and Sehat Ka Baandara while working with Millet Production

Manas Arvind- Over the past 10 years, Manas Arvind has successfully created a local clean food ecosystem, hosting Gurgaon Organic Farmers Market. He's a practising permaculture designer, seasoned entrepreneur, and mentor to many grassroots sustainable startups.

Kapil Mandawewala- Founder and CEO of Edible Routes

Senthil Kumar- Organic Farming Trainer, Lifestyle Training Coordinator, Traditional Village games coordinator, Founder of Senjolai Organic Farming Training

SESSION 4- GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES

The Farmersity Rising series meeting focused on sustainable agriculture and grassroots initiatives, with participants discussing their experiences and concerns about engaging with government policies and schemes. The group explored challenges in promoting sustainable farming practices, including the need for local interventions, the impact of digitization, and the importance of strengthening community institutions. They also emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and creating a level playing field for different farming paradigms, while agreeing to collaborate on practical solutions and engage with policymakers to drive positive change.

Kavita Kuruganti- working for networks such as ASHA and MAKAAM

Ram Subramaniam- Director of Samavanya Social Ventures

SESSION 5- COMMUNITY BUILDING

The meeting focused on building ecological communities in the context of farmersities, with participants sharing their experiences and challenges in promoting organic farming and sustainable agriculture in Punjab and Kerala. They discussed strategies for community building, the importance of direct sales to consumers, and the potential of alternative lifestyles and education paths beyond formal degrees. The meeting also touched on the challenges of transitioning to organic farming, the importance of understanding the benefits of organic farming for the community and environment, and the potential of creating local ecosystems for farmer groups or Akka integration as a pilot project.

Karan Singh- Runs Farmversitiy at Jhadol Udaipur

Rajeev Kohli- Working with Kheti Virasat Mission Punjab NGO

Illiyas KP- President of Organic Farming Association of India

SESSION 6- WOMEN LEADERS

The meeting focused on women leaders and women-centric issues in Farmversities such as challenges and strengths of being a woman in the field of farming, their roles as educators and the various training programs and workshops that they run to empower women farmers, their own personal journey in the field of farming, and finally the under-representation of women in land-owning and earning rights and how that can be dealt with and combatted. 

Padma Koppula- Director of Aranya Agricultural Alternatives

Aparna Rajagopal- Founder of Beejom Farm

Madhu Reddy- Part of Teaching Where it Matters

Malvika Solanki- Founder of Swayyam and Open Shell Farm

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