After the Organic World Congress of IFOAM Organics International and hosted by the Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI), the responsibility of OFAI leadership was handed over by the pioneer members to the younger generation in 2018. The pioneer members like Dr. Claude Alvares, Sri. Bharat Mansata, Dr. Sujata Goel, Sri. Kapil Shah have shown great courage and trust on the young leadership ever since.
We had an interesting MC meeting in Wardha for discussing future of OFAI. During this meeting, we understood that the times have come where the situation demands for a well-structured organisation for farmers. It would help the farmers directly but also the end users. For all those who want to eat good healthy food can be part of the Organic Farming Association of India. Consumer’s movement should also grow along with farmers so that our voice of organic farming is amplified in the country. OFAI is still the only membership-based national association of organic farmers (genuine default organic farmers, rain-fed natural farmers, tribal farmers, non-certified, certified organic farmers), organic farming promoters and green stores. After the several meetings we decided to work as a decentralized model. We are now focussing on some activities that help the organic movement to grow and also assure market to organic farmers.
STRUCTURE BUILDING:
There are many organic farmers and consumers in the country, there are many events happening on organic farming, but there is total lack of well-structured organic farmers association. OFAI decided to follow the Kerala Jaiva Karshaka Samithi (KJKS) model that exists among the Kerala Organic Farmers for more than 25 years. To discuss and implement, physical face to face meetings were planned with closed groups in different States. Meetings happened in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. In these meeting we discussed the importance of State organizations and the de-centralized structure model with the district, taluka, panchayat committees where appropriate. OFAI in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, would like to establish such model in their states and have taken steps towards its formation.
BIOFACH:
OFAI has been the Supportive Association for BIOFACH India since 2017. Since then OFAI has a space for the Farmers Market within the main Biofach India event with subsidized stall rates for Organic Farmer members. And a day or few sessions are always dedicated to Farmers Conference where Farmers present their work on ground. Since last year due to the increased Covid pandemic havoc this event was organized virtually and there too OFAI tried its best to organise the Farmers Conference, though the Farmers Market was almost impossible virtually for small and marginalized farmers to be available for three days online with the approved stall charges.
Training centre:
A pioneer Organic Farmer and Ex-President of Kerala Jaiva Karshaka Samithi (KJKS) has given 20 cent land in Shornur near the Bharathapuzha River in Kerala for making the OFAI Training Centre. It was decided to use this centre to start the national OFAI trainings. The land preparation is planned for the display of all organic principles, schools of thought in organic farming and traditional seed diversity. The architectural design for the training centre building has been accepted for construction of the training hall to accommodate around 100 trainees, 2 offices, storage facility, stay facility for 50 trainees and a guest room. And currently we are about to start building the foundation of the training centre.
OFAI Biennial Convention:
OFAI biennial convention happens in different states of India once every two years. Last one happened in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Nov 2019. Around 2571 delegates from Kashmir to Kerala representing 24 states in India attended the Convention. It was very exceptional and delightful fact that most of these were common farmers. During the convention we had our last Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) with the National Steering Committee (NSC) members.
Extremely popular National Seed Festival with more than 120 seed keepers displaying around 4000 different traditional varieties was showcased. Congregation of different facets of organic farming like the sell and display of value added products through Kisan Haat, model organic farm, demos of organic manures and principles, new innovations, books, organic clothes and naturals dyes, alternate fashion – seed to cloth display, traditional food festival – Aai ki handi, folk songs, kabir songs, dance, drama, films and eco-friendly instillations created an atmosphere of celebration of organic life. Organic delicious tasty food with millets and traditional vegetables, cereals was served to all the participants.
The next Convention is getting planned in Madhya Pradesh but when is still a challenge to decide with the on-going havoc of the covid Pandemic.
Alternate Marketing Network:
Within OFAI there have been several discussions to finalise a marketing venture for OFAI. Recently we decided to have again a decentralized model so that each state has the right to decide depending on their situation. With support from INOFO – Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmers Organisation where OFAI is a member, we had a meeting with Public relations officer from Hansalim Co-operative in South Korea. On the similar lines, Kerala Jaiva Karshaka Samithi, Kerala chapter of OFAI has decided to start a Co-operative Marketing venture with Farmers and Consumers. Madhya Pradesh also identifies it as the way forward and other states within OFAI are yet to find their State level best marketing model that works for both the farmers and the consumers.
Publications: Jaivik Khethi Prashikshan – Saral Patamala (Hindi)
For ordering the book, kindly get in touch with the author Sri Rajendra Singh Rathore at
K.P. Illiyas
President OFAI