Policy Watch: Achieving SDG2 in rural India; Poaching Asiatic lions (12 Dec)
Former DG of Police talks about prevention of animal poaching in Gujarat.
Hi there,
The first day of COP28 featured the announcement of a ‘loss and damage’ fund to pay for damage from climate-driven storms and drought. The UAE and Germany made pledges of $100m, the US of $17m (subject to Congressional approval) and the UK allocated £60m (diverted from other international development funds). The moral argument for richer countries paying for the negative climate effects felt by poorer countries was won at the last COP - thanks in part to efforts led by India - but it has finally become a reality.
A day before the start of COP28, India took a significant step to secure its supply chain for critical green minerals like nickel, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth materials required to facilitate its green transition. It launched the country's first-ever auction of 20 blocks of critical and strategic minerals spread across the country.
Join us with the former Director General of Police & Director of the Anti Corruption Bureau from Gujarat, Keshav Kumar, talking about his work in wildlife crime prevention, especially the poaching of ten Asiatic lions at the Gir National Park in Gujarat, at 6:30pm at The Nehru Centre on Tues 12 December. No registration required, just turn up on the day.
Member news
Aman Dhillon from ReelN is launching film club Bollywood & Beyond with at least one South Asian language film a month in Hertfordshire, including independent shorts, features, documentaries and Bollywood classics.
To increase accessibility for their audiences, the first two films will be available to view on their website until midday Friday 8th December.
Watch DOTS: A multi-lingual film with ten artists from six film industries across two countries. Written and Directed by Shilpa Krishnan Shukla (Singapore)
Watch Kathaah @8: The world’s first anthology in eight Indian languages, written, produced and directed by Shilpa Krishnan Shukla (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu). A self-produced award-winning independent film, shot in Singapore over nine nights, marking the feature film debut of 18 Singapore based actors of Indian origin.
Pop artist Ketna Patel is continuing to host her latest BRITINDIA exhibition at the Headstone Manor and Museum in London (10 Oct 23 - 28 Jan 24). If you’re interested in free artist guided group tours and talks, please call Ketna on 07982 654310.
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Policy Watch: Achieving SDG2 in rural India
India stands at the forefront of the global effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2): Zero Hunger. This goal, set by the UN, is a pivotal commitment to end hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. As an integral part of the international community's agenda for sustainable development, India's approach to SDG2 is a multifaceted journey, influenced by various challenges and driven by a commitment to inclusive growth.
The Challenges
The pursuit of SDG2 in India faces significant challenges rooted in the complex fabric of rural life. Poverty, a persistent adversary, denies many rural households the resources necessary for food production and purchase. Low agricultural productivity, exacerbated by a lack of access to modern farming techniques, is a major stumbling block. Climate change introduces unpredictable weather patterns, threatening crops and livelihoods. Insufficient infrastructure, limited market access, and a gap in awareness about government support programs further compound the hurdles. Overcoming these challenges requires a coordinated effort targeting the root causes of food insecurity.
Government Initiatives
India has implemented a range of initiatives to address these challenges and achieve SDG2. The Public Distribution System (PDS) ensures subsidised food grains for eligible households, offering a safety net against hunger. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) legally entitles eligible households to subsidised food grains. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme supports nutrition for school-going children, while the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) focuses on the health and nutrition of young children and pregnant women. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides insurance against crop loss due to natural calamities, and the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) connects farmers directly with buyers.
Organisational Contributions
Organisations like the S M Sehgal Foundation play a crucial role in achieving SDG2. Through their Agricultural Development Program, they empower small-holder farmers with improved agricultural practices and new technologies. Initiatives addressing soil health, balanced crop nutrition, and water-efficient irrigation techniques have a direct impact on agricultural productivity. Collaboration with entities like Mosaic India Private Limited further promotes sustainable agriculture practices among smallholder farmers, mitigating the depletion of soil quality and enhancing yields.
Strategies for SDG2 in Rural India
A comprehensive strategy is essential to achieving SDG2 in rural India. Increasing food production, improving market access, enhancing food storage, and promoting sustainable agriculture are pivotal. Community-based approaches, such as the Self-Help Group model, prove effective in sharing knowledge and resources. Encouraging agroforestry, organic farming, and building resilient livelihoods diversifies income sources and strengthens food security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India's journey towards achieving SDG2 requires a persistent and coordinated effort. Government initiatives lay the foundation, while organisations like the S M Sehgal Foundation contribute through innovative agricultural interventions. It is through a collective commitment to sustainable development, awareness, and strategic interventions that India can truly embrace the nuance of unity in diversity, ensuring a future where no one goes to bed hungry.
To find out more, get in touch with Timsa Bajpai at timsa@bridgeindia.org.uk.
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