In a unique initiative agri-cooperative giant NAFED has signed an MoU with Global Tiger Forum with an aim to develop FPOs in areas where men and animals clash frequently. The goal is both to conserve the wildlife ecosystem and protect the life and property of people living in wildlife landscapes, said Nafed MD Sanjeev Chadha.
In an exclusive interview given to Indian Cooperative Chadha said Nafed would encourage farmers of the affected areas to change crop patterns so that the attack by the wild animals could be minimized. Change in crop pattern would also help in increasing the income of the farmers. GTF would help us identify such areas, he added.
The MoU will provide a framework for formation of FPO’s in Buffer zones identified by GTF in consultation with NAFED. The pilot project will kick off from Pilibhit (UP) followed by Himalayan regions, underlined the MD.
In brief the MoU is aimed at strengthening community livelihood and stewardship through establishment of Farmer Producers Organizations, while garnering reciprocal commitments for safeguarding wildlife in and around select Big Cat and wildlife landscapes.
The MoU was signed this month on 3rd of June at Nafed headquarters at Ashram Chowk in Delhi in the presence of the Nafed MD, among others. While Unnikrishna Kurup R, GM signed on behalf of Nafed, Dr. Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General signed the MoU from GTF side.
Global Tiger Forum is a non-profit, international, inter-governmental organization having its registered office at East of Kailash in New Delhi. The GTF is also registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for undertaking CSR activities.
MoU envisages that the Parties (Nafed & GTF) will support each other in working toward the achievement of the Objective and the fulfilment of their respective missions, by building on elements of their respective programs and by pursuing effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts.
Potential areas of collaboration include collaboration with GTF for Tiger/Wild Life Conservation and Small Farmer Income Enhancement. This will entail formation of FPOs/ selection of crops/value addition, if any will be done in the buffer zone as per the Guidelines of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs issued by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India.
While locations of buffer zones would be identified by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), market linkages shall be provided by NAFED for the produce. Under the MoU, NAFED will appoint a Cluster Based Business Organization (CBBO) which will be a grassroots development organization with required expertise, capacity and presence in the area.
Nafed will identify the clusters in consultation with GTF, respective State Government Departments and NAFED/FIFA officials. It will ensure that a cluster of 500 to 1000 farmers/producers are present in 10 to 20 contiguous villages of a particular district per FPO.
A Diagnostic Study will be conducted by the CBBO to assess the preliminary situation of farmers/producers/forest habitants and human-wildlife interface due to agriculture as well as forest activity in the area. The study will help in identifying the potential interventions required and understand the specific project implementation context.
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