By Dileep Sanghani, NCUI President
World Environment Day is dedicated to reflecting on our relationship with the natural world and our responsibility to preserve and restore it. Today, our focus is on an important theme: “Land Restoration through Biomass Farming and Green Bio-Hydrogen Production in India: Creating a Balance between Collective and Public Governance.”
As a cooperative society, we have always believed in collective power. Our shared values and community-driven approach make us ideally suited to meet the environmental challenges of our times. One such challenge is our commitment to the development of the environment.
Land degradation threatens our agricultural productivity and biodiversity. It results from various factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change. Land degradation has far-reaching consequences that affect food security, water quality, and environmental health. In response to this challenge, we have focused on biomass farming as a practical solution.
Biomass farming offers a comprehensive approach to reducing soil degradation by stabilizing soil, increasing fertility, improving water retention, and optimizing carbon. It not only restores barren land but also creates a more resilient and sustainable environment. Green bio-hydrogen production is another revolutionary step towards a sustainable energy future.
I strongly believe that our dependence on hydrogen, fossil fuels, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from biomass can be significantly increased through environmentally friendly processes. Cooperatives, in this context, can act as a bridge between local communities and public governance, facilitating the adoption of green technologies and ensuring that the benefits reach even the remotest areas.
The cooperative movement in our country is already leading in sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy initiatives. In this regard, the launch of Nano-urea by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is a milestone. Nano-urea is a groundbreaking innovation that promises to increase crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of conventional fertilizers.
Nano-urea is a sustainable alternative for farmers towards smart agriculture and combating climate change. By using Nano-urea, farmers can minimize environmental impact by reducing nutrient loss from farm fields and maximize crop yield while limiting soil and water pollution. Apart from progress in agriculture, cooperatives are also playing a leading role in renewable energy solutions.
The Dhundi Solar Energy Cooperative in Gujarat is a great example of how solar energy can transform rural economies. Through the use of solar energy, this cooperative creates additional revenue for farmers by selling surplus electricity, while also providing sustainable energy. This model of decentralized, communally-owned solar power can be replicated across the country, empowering farmers and reducing our carbon emissions.
Similarly, Hydropower Cooperatives (multi-state power consumer cum producer cooperatives) are another promising opportunity for sustainable development. These cooperatives can generate clean electricity by harnessing local water resources, promoting water conservation and management.
Small-scale water projects managed by cooperatives can provide reliable energy to remote and underserved areas, promoting inclusive growth and development. Synergy between cooperatives and public governance is important to scale up these initiatives. As cooperatives, we work within communities deeply embedded in the fabric of society. Our grassroots approach enables us to understand local needs and challenges deeply, enabling us to implement effective solutions to environmental issues such as land degradation.
Furthermore, collaboration between public governance and cooperatives can accelerate the transition to a green economy. We can pool our resources and experience to create new opportunities for economic growth and employment, support sustainable practices, and develop creative solutions.
Through dedicated investment and capacity-building efforts, we can enable surrounding communities to become actively involved in the green economy, enhancing their capacity to support sustainable development. On this World Environment Day, let us once again pledge to work towards sustainable development and protecting the environment.
As cooperatives, we have a special power to inspire lasting change, foster creativity, and unite communities. If we work together, we can produce clean energy, regenerate our land, and build a more promising and sustainable future for all. Jai India!