CROPS 4 HD

Ms. Nicolleta Maestrini, Campaign Coordinator from FiBL, Switzerland visited DRCSC's CROPS4HD project area from 30th to 31st January 2025. During the visit, several key activities were carried out. On the first day she visited Partharpartima cluster to engage with regular buyers of agro-ecological produces at a dedicated rural separate marketplace. She also conducted a spot visit to the Durbachoti Addaya Bazar, a separate marketplace, to observe its operations first hand and meet with the market committee. On 31st Jan'25 she focused on retail visits in Kolkata's mega urban areas to gain insights into the current scenario of organic retail marketing.

Capacity Building Training of FPC members on Collective Marketing was organized on 18 and 19 December 2024 at Bankra Dobar, Hingalganj. The training was organized to orient producers on collective marketing and make them understand the steps involved in it. The FPC BoD members, champion farmers, group representatives were present in the training and actively participated. Group Discussion was done on benefits and challenges of collective marketing. List of crops were also identified for collective marketing.

Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) of Winged Bean was organized at Dk. Shibpur, Patharpratima cluster on 13th Dec 2024. First the participants were oriented on PVS concept and process, then discussion on traits for Winged bean cultivar selection were made. Total 50 farmers (male & female) attended the workshop. Female and male specific preferred trait selection was performed and then individually two different coloured ribbons were given for variety selection. The participants were then taken to MT plot for evaluation and out of 10 cultivars Local variety Chhoto Kamranga sim was preferred among them based on the identified characters by the farmers.

2 days Capacity Building Training on FPC legal compliances, accounting, documentation etc. for BoD members and staffs was organized at Kolkata on 3rd & 4th December 2024. Detailed discussion was done on compliance calendar, accounting systems, Shareholder documents, basic documentation for FPC activities etc.

The Participatory Trial Run of a Moringa processing unit was conducted at 14 No. Sandeler Bill, Hingalganj on 16th November 2024. The purpose is to engage local women farmers members in the hands-on testing of Moringa processing techniques, ensuring that the unit meets the practical needs of the users. This trial aims to evaluate the efficiency, quality, and scalability of the processing equipment and methods, while providing valuable training and knowledge to participants. It helps identify challenges, refine processes, and build confidence among women in utilizing the unit for value-added Moringa products. Ultimately, the aim is to promote local entrepreneurship, enhance income opportunities, and support sustainable Moringa production in the community.

An exposure visit of women leaders from FPC, seed bank and MCGs was conducted at Nayagram and Kharagpur on 27 and 28 October 2024 facilitated by PRADAN. Participants including institution leaders, cluster Coordinators etc. participated. They observed women leadership of Aamon Mahila Chasi Producer Company dealing with different varieties of indigenous rice, organic farming, FPC management, processing unit, business models on paddy, mustard, turmeric etc. Debriefing session was conducted on the 2nd day and sharing was done on the learning and key take aways. Discussion was also done on future collaborations with the FPCs.

Demonstration of mini tiller, sprayer and seed drill machines done at Hingalganj on 19th Oct'24. Group members, Seed bank members and field staffs were present. Mr. Kiran Dhotre, representative from Niyo Farmtech facilitated the demo sessions. Depending upon the soil characteristics (clayey soil) the mini tiller machine needs to be updated. The battery operated sprayer with long pipes is helpful to spray botanical pest repellents and liquid manures. The seed drill machine is useful in planting of various seeds, like leafy vegetables, pulses, cereals etc. Follow up will be done for finalizing rules and regulations for using this tools through seed banks.

Nutrition education campaign was conducted on 7th November 2024 at Bankra Dobar, Hingalganj on nutritional importance of neglected crops. The objective of the programme is to enhance knowledge about the nutritional value and health benefits of underutilized crops for local health workers and consumers. For, health workers, the campaign aims to equip them with information to promote these crops as part of a balanced diet, improving community health outcomes. For consumers, the focus is on encouraging the inclusion of these nutrient-rich, locally grown crops in everyday meals, fostering better dietary habits. This campaign also supports sustainability by highlighting crops that are resilient and require fewer resources, benefiting both public health and local agriculture. The Campaign was facilitated by Ms. Smita Sur, Nutrition Consulant.

A two day training on data management, crowdsourcing, ODK app etc. was organized from 30th Sep'24 to 1st Oct'24 at Gurugram, Haryana; facilitated by FiBL, Switzerland & SWISSAID, India.

An orientation and training program on Internal Control System (ICS) was conducted on 13th September 2024 at Hingalganj with 16 farmers from selected 5 groups. They are oriented on purpose and steps of ICS, explaining format for farmers profile, discussion on AE practices. Action plan has been developed for filling up farmers profile, plan of action for Rabi season farming, checklist preparation etc. This programme was followed up by visit to farmers field on 14th Sept 2024.

A two day Workshop on CROPS4HD Phase II Planning was organized on 27 and 28 Aug'2024 at Hubli, Karnataka where representatives of SDC, FiBL, SWISSAID, Switzerland & India and partner organization attended.

A Nutrition Education Campaign Programme was organized along with Aponjon Joutho Samabay Foundation, a retailer based in Kolkata at Bijoygargh, Kolkata on 11 August 2024. Nearly 30 nos. consumers of Aponjon Joutho Samabay from nearby areas attended the programme. Dr. Snehasree Saha, Asst. Professor on Food & Nutrition delivered on the importance of Neglected and Underutilized Species of crops and its nutritional importance. She also explain on the basic dietary needs of person and highlighted on life style related diseases and how to overcome with consumption of safe, local and agro-ecologically produced crops and products. The programme was very interactive and participants actively participated

A Nutrition Education Campaign Programme was organized along with Ann Essentials, a retailer based in Kolkata at Santoshpur, Kolkata on 14th July 2024. Nearly 20 nos. consumers of Ann Essentials from nearby areas attended the programme. Ms. Santa Roy, Dietician delivered on the importance of Neglected & Underutilized Species of crops and its nutritional importance. She also explain on the basic dietary needs of person and highlighted on life style related diseases and how to overcome with consumption of safe, local and agro-ecologically produced crops and products. The programme was very interactive and participants actively participated.

Field Demonstration of 2 in 1 Niyo Spray at Patharpratima...

Follow-up training on Quality seed production at Hingalganj

Harvesting of Lablab beans from Mother trial...

Meeting with Alor Thikana FPC at Ramganga

Meeting with seed bank and tool bank members at Patharpratima

PVS of Greengram at Ramganga, Patharpratima

Quality seed production training at Durbachati

Under CROPS4HD project a 3 days long (5th- 7th February, 2024) Shared Solution Workshop and Mid Term Review (MTR) was organized by Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC). DRCSC as an implementing partner participated in the above MTR and shared Solution workshop held at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata. One day field visit to DRCSC's one Project implementation location i.e. Hingalganj Block was conducted. In the above-mentioned Workshop, the main Evaluation and facilitation was conducted by Prof. Jay Cummins, The University of Adelaide, Australia along with Dr. Randhir Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR and Dr. Amritbir Riar, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation Leader of the Group Resilient Cropping Systems, FiBL, Switzerland. Swissaid India team, Swissaid Tanzania team, representative from Swissaid headquarter, Switzerland and different partner NGOs (DRCSC, Kolkata; Bhittibhumi, Odisha, Sahaja Samrudha, Karnataka and WASSAN, Hyderabad) was participated in the workshop.

DRCSC under CROPS4HD programme organized one Food festival at Urban level on 23rd December, 2023. The theme of the festival was winged bean, one neglected and underutilized potential nutritional crop. 12 different organic and environment friendly product retailers presented their products and different recipes from neglected underutilized crops were also presented. One recipe competition on Winged Bena was organized where 09 different participants (Male and female) presented their innovative dishes. Many distinguished speaker enlightened the participants with their talks such as Dr. Prasanta Biswas, Professor, Dept. of Food Technology, Jadavpur University talked on Safe food, Dr. Snehashree Saha, Assistant Prof., Udaynarayanpur Madhabilata Mahabidyalaya gave a talk on Food and Nutrition, Mr. Anshuman Das, Programme Manager, Welthungerhilfe, Germany on how awake we are about our food. The day also coincides with National Farmer Day, The Farmers from Sundarbans also felicitated on the stage.

The final event PMCA-3 (Participatory Marketing Chain Approach) namely 'Launching Event of Neglected Nutritious Crops' was organized on 7th June 2023 with total 80 nos of stakeholders from various sectors. In the event joint innovation products (greengram whole and grinded, lesser yam dumpling and moringa leaf powder) is launched and presented in-front of all stakeholders present and media to generate future marketing scope of the above products.

Two days Quality Seed Production Training has been organized at Ramganga, Patharpratima cluster on 16 and 17 June 2023 with seed producers, champion farmers, seed bank members and project staffs with an objective of producing, preserving and conserving quality seeds of NUS and other crops.

PUSH coordinator and Research Coordinator attended training on Gender, Institution & leadership from 26th to 28th June'23 at Wadsa, Maharashtra facilitated by Dr.Shilpa Vasavada and Ms.Sejal Dave. Discussion was done on gender inclusiveness, leadership qualities & representation at the institution level under the CROPS4HD programme.

Orientation on Gender, leadership and tool bank done at Ramganga, Patharpratima on 14 and 15 June 2023 with project staffs from both clusters. Discussion done on strategic and practical gender needs, gender inclusiveness focusing on awareness, participation and empowerment. Participants get more clarity on gender issues and have opportunity for follow up of previous year activities. Discussion was also done on identification of tools for women drudgery reduction. The orientation was facilitated by Ms.AvaniRawal, Programme Officer, SWISSAID, India.

Two days training of trainers (ToT) was completed at Hingalganj cluster on 26 and 27 May 2023 on Agro-ecological Package of Practices (PoP) covering principles of agro-ecology, nutrient management, pest & disease management and NUS crop specific PoP. Action plan was prepared for followup training for farmers under the project. Champion farmers and field staffs attended the training. The training was facilitated by Dr.Pallab De, Project Director and Dr.Lucina Yeasmin, Research Coordinator respectively.

Discussion on post PMCA activities with Dr Thomas

Moong dal processing unit at Dakshin Gobindapur, Ramganga

Meeting with MCG on processing of greengram

Dr. Thomas visiting to Spencers and explaining about products, packaging, promotion etc

Dr. Thomas visiting to Paushtik Life-retail outlet and interaction with consumers

Deputy Director of Horticulture and Assistant Director of Horticulture (District Level), Assistant Director of Horticulture (Sub Division), Horticulture Field Consultant (Block level) from West Bengal State Food Processing & Horticulture Development Department along with the DRCSC team visited project area of Durbachati, Patharpratima, South 24 Paraganas on 27 April 2023.

The objective of the visit is to identify the Opportunities, Challenges and issues towards the NUS and others vegetables cultivation, betterment of market development etc. in project area and make a strong collaboration regarding technical and Input support for quality production, waste management in market area, market linkage and food processing unit. The team visited few farmer households to observe agro-ecological farming practices, had meeting with farmers involved in marketing of NUS and other crops, done meeting with Addyar bazar market committee at Durbachati & observe the local haat and interact with farmers.

DRCSC conducted two days training on quality seed production of NUS and other crops for selected seed producers on 29-30 April 2023 at 13 No. Sandeler Bill, Hingalganj, North 24 Pgs. Dr.Subhadeep Nath, Asst. Horticulture Officer, Govt. of West Bengal gave the training. Approx. 30 seed producers attended the training. Hands on practical was also done with amaranthus, okra, ridge gourd, bitter gourd etc. crops and at the end follow up action plan was developed mentioning individual seed producer responsible for developing quality seeds of NUS and other crops.

Exposure visit of farmers at Greengram Mother Trial Plot, Patharpratima

Inauguration of Local market shed at Shiber Mela Prangan, Dakshin Gobindapur, Ramganga

Inauguration of Local market shed at Shiber Mela Prangan, Dakshin Gobindapur, Ramganga

Seed and Food festival at Durbachati, Patharpratima

Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) of Greengram at Mother trial plots

Recipe demonstration and cooking class at Hingalganj

Recipe demonstration and cooking class at Kolkata

Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC) has organized a two-day (3-4 December, 2022) exhibition on Neglected and Underutilized Crops and Agro-Products at Bibek Nagar Youth Association play ground, Jadavpur, Kolkata. The main objective of the exhibition was to introduce neglected and underutilized crops and to promote chemical free, safe, nutritious food and to give a platform of interaction between producer, retailer and consumer. The exhibition was inaugurated by local MLA Sri Debabrata Majumder and Councillor Sri Tarakeswar Chatterjee and Sri Dilip Kr Sarkar (Secretary DRCSC) and other honourable guests were present in the opening ceremony. Honb'le Agricultural Minister Sri Shobhon Deb Chatterjee visited the fair and given a valuable speech. There were 20 outlets of healthy, chemical free vegetables, indigenous rice varieties, pulses, seeds, food items, handicrafts etc., various cultural programmes was organized in the evening.

Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC) has organized Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA) Phase 2 Event titled "Creating Business Opportunities for Nutritious Crops" on 4th of November 2022 at Hotel Regenta Orkos, Kolkata with 65 nos. of Stakeholders. The event was supported by SWISSAID, India and technical guidance from Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Switzerland. The stakeholders came from different segments like Producer farmers, consumers, retailers, FPC members, Policy makers & Govt. personnelrecipe experts, Clinical Nutritionist, representatives from Super Market, other NGO etc. Mr. Jayanta Aikat, Joint Director of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of West Bengal, Mr. Atanu Kr. Gupta, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Mr. Dipak Sarkar, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Ms. Sharmila Basu Thakur, Columnist &Recipe expert, Dr. Ananya Bhowmik, Clinical Nutritionist & Columnist etc. attended the workshop.

Mr. Simon Degelo, Policy Advisor of SWISSAID, Switzerland along with Ms. Avani Rawal, Programme Officer of SWISSAID, India and Dr. K.S. Varaprasad and Mr. Uday Nagubandi from WASSAN, Hyderabad visited CROPS4HD project area at Hingalganj on 25th Sep'22. Initial presentation was done on DRCSC's interventions in Sunderban region and context of working in these areas and update of CROPS4HD project activities. After that visit has been done in Lablab bean mother trial plots, baby trial plots, meeting with MCG members on trial observations & participatory variety selection, meeting with community seed ban committee members etc. On 26th Sep'22 a day long discussion was done on WASSAN's activities on policy issues and sharing of best practices citing some examples from Odisha. Further discussion was done on planning of activities regarding policy level interventions in context to West Bengal and DRCSC's project area.

Ms. Kavita Gandhi, Country Director of SWISSAID, India visited DRCSC project area under CROPS4HD project on 6,7 Sept'22 in both Hingalganj and Patharpratima clusters respectively. Visits have been done in lablab bean mother trial, baby trial plots and school nutrition gardens at Hingalganj

School nutrition garden-ABS Madanmohan Vidyapith, 13 No. Sandeler Bill-Hingalganj

Lablab Bean baby trial plot visit at Ramganga, Patharpratima

Meeting with FPC members at Hingalganj

Dr. Prabir Kr. Bhattacharyya, Associate Prof, BCKV visited Lablab bean mother trial plot at Hingalganj cluster

Quality seed production trg by Dr. Prabir Kr. Bhattacharyya at Hingalganj-1

Group work to identify quality parameters & crop selection for seed production

Capacity Building Training of staffs on Farmer Producer Organization (FPO): Capacity Building Training of project staffs on Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) has been organized from 8th to 10th September 2022 at DRCSC Kolkata office. Mr. Kaustuv Mukhopadhyay & Mr. Nirmallya Mandal from Ecociate Consultant Pvt. Ltd. facilitated the training. Discussion was done on the concept of FPO, prerequisites of forming a FPO, difference between FPO & FPC, registration details, functioning & role of general members, shareholders, board members etc.

From 10-11 July 2022, Mr. Etienne Basset, Project Leader, SWISSAID, Switzerland and Dr. Amrit Bir Riar, Research Coordinator from Institute of Organic Agriculture, FiBL, Switzerland has visited DRCSC Kolkata office and project area at Patharpratima cluster under CROPS4HD project. Along with them, SWISSAID & FiBL representatives also visited Paushtik Life retail outlet, mother and baby trial plots, biodiversity blocks, community seed banks, done meeting with Mutual Cooperation Groups, Ganjer Bazar market committee etc.

Project orientation at Hingalganj

PUSH Survey (farmers survey) enumerator training at Kolkata

Enumerator Training for Consumer survey at Hingalganj

Enumerator Training for consumer survey at Patharpratima

Monitoring visit of SwissAid, at Hingalganj project area

Monitoring visit of Swissaid, India at Hingalganj project area

Monitoring visit of SwissAid, at Patharpratima project area

Meeting with Govt. Personnel for Policy level discussion along with WASSAN representatives

Monthly review meeting at Kolkata project office

FGD on Seed sourcing at Dakshin Gobindapur, Pathar Pritima