Akola, 26th July, 2024: The Move for Earth Symposium organized by SwitchON Foundation, in collaboration with CLEAN, RRA Network, GIZ, DPPP, Indo German Energy Forum and Sustainable Womens Fed Farmer Producer Company Limited unfolded setting the stage for an advancing environmental sustainability through Climate resilient Agriculture powered by Distributed Renewable Energy. This event brought together diverse stakeholders, including government, industry leaders, NGOs, farmers, rural women entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs and paved the way for an inclusive and impactful dialogue. With a series of roundtables, workshops, and panel discussions, the event served as a melting pot of ideas, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to catalyze actionable solutions. Around 350 citizens from across Maharashtra joined the Symposium.
Ms Ekta Jaju, Co-Founder, SwitchON Foundation stated, “Climate-smart agriculture powered by distributed renewable energy is at the heart of our commitment to uplifting rural communities, particularly rural women. Through the Move for Earth Symposium, we are engaging diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, NGOs, farmers, SHGs, and FPOs in insightful discussions and training. This collaborative approach addresses crucial environmental issues, focusing on advancing climate-resilient agriculture.”
The symposium also held a dynamic Buyer-Seller Meet to create a platform for the buyers and the sellers to interact and discuss the possible market linkages. The exhibition was participated by around 8 buyers including Big Basket, KVK, Akola, Basix Pvt. Ltd., NeML, Zama Organic and 12 seller groups comprising FPOs and SHGs. This buyer-seller meet provided a platform for the rural community to showcase the diverse range of agri and agri allied products originating from the state. The event featured exhibition stalls where participants displayed their agricultural produce like soybean, pulses, wheat, fruits, vegetables, Rice, Spices etc.
The inaugural session was addressed by distinguished guests like Mr. Shreeram Waghmare, DDM, NABARD and Mr. Arif Saha, PD NSM, Ms. Mahenaw Wara, Program Manager, Porticus, Dr. Vishal Toro, Head – Advocacy and Member Engagement, CLEAN.
Mr. Arif Saha, PD NSM stated, “We are pleased to see SwitchON Foundation supporting FPOs dedicated to natural farming by helping them connect with markets. This collaboration is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment for our rural communities.”
The symposium hosted a dynamic array of parallel workshops, each delving into diverse sustainable themes like DRE for Agriculture and Nutrient, Disease & Pest Management under Climate Smart Agriculture. Farmers, FPOs and SHGs were immersed in a kaleidoscope of interactive sessions led by experts, fostering creativity and actionable solutions.
Ms. Mahenaw Wara, Program Manager, Porticus said, “As we harness Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) to power climate resilient agriculture, we are not only strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) but also paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for our farmers and communities.”
Move For Earth Symposium is an annual event hosted by SwitchON Foundation that serves as a pivotal platform, uniting leaders, government officials, non-profits, investors, academia, and grassroots communities to engage in insightful discussions on Inspiring Climate Action. The purpose is to Foster collaboration to inspire climate action and strategies towards achieving a net-zero economy.
Mr. Shreeram Waghmare, DDM, NABARD said, “The Buyer Seller Meet aims to provide a platform to the FPOs and SHGs consisting of progressive farmers and women groups of the state to establish marketing linkages and become sustainable on a long term basis. The Buyer Seller interaction is essential to create a conducive environment for their development.”
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