Experts call for shaping inclusive markets for small farmers to enhance livelihood security

Experts and agricultural practitioners called for shaping fair and inclusive markets for small and marginal farmers to enhance their livelihood security and strengthen local food systems at a national conference here over the weekend. An emphasis was also laid on ecological farming in Rajasthan.

The two-day conference, titled “Food systems transformation: From ecological farms to fair markets”, was organised by Banswara-based voluntary group Vaagdhara, working on tribal livelihood issues, in collaboration with Germany’s Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and the Centre for World Solidarity.

Researchers and policy makers from eight States deliberated on the solutions for climate-induced crop losses, fluctuating incomes, rising production costs, and limited access to stable and fair markets. The need for creating an enabling policy environment to make resilient food value chains and market systems was highlighted at the conference.

Vaagdhara secretary Jayesh Joshi said the restoration of non-dependent systems was essential for establishing the ‘market swaraj’ (self-reliance) for small farmers who could not be replaced with machines. “There is no need for external certification. Farmers can build a direct relationship with the consumers,” he said.

Water conservationist Laxman Singh laid emphasis on protecting traditional wisdom of villagers for optimum utilisation of water for irrigation. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing Director Sapna Narula said gender inequality was a key issue within the food value chain that needed to be addressed.

More than 40 farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) and small and medium enterprises showcased their organic and natural products at an exhibition, highlighting the economic potential of sustainable agriculture. The States represented in the conference were Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand.

The discussions focused on future trends and market opportunities, alongside a policy dialogue, to build smallholder-friendly markets, strengthen ecological value chains, and enhance market linkages for FPOs. Speakers also said that the entry of large agricultural market players would significantly influence the demand patterns for local food systems.