Experts and agribusinesses at a national conference here over the weekend called for shaping fair and inclusive markets to enhance livelihood security of small and marginal farmers and strengthen local food systems. Emphasis was also laid on ecological farming in Rajasthan. The two-day conference titled “Food System Transformation: From Ecological Farms to Fair Markets” was organized by Banswara-based voluntary group Vaagdhara, working on tribal livelihood issues, in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) of Germany and Center for World Solidarity.

Researchers and policymakers from eight states deliberated on solutions to climate-induced crop losses, fluctuating incomes, rising production costs and limited access to stable and fair markets. The conference highlighted the need to create an enabling policy environment to build resilient food value chains and market systems. Vagdhara secretary Jayesh Joshi said restoration of non-dependent systems was necessary to establish ‘market swaraj’ (self-reliance) for small farmers, who could not be replaced by machines.

“There is no need for external certification. Farmers can build a direct relationship with consumers,” he said.

Water conservationist Laxman Singh stressed on protecting the traditional knowledge of villagers for maximum use of water for irrigation. Sapna Narula, director of the National Agricultural Marketing Institute, said gender inequality within the food value chain is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Over 40 farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) and small and medium enterprises showcased their organic and natural products in an exhibition, highlighting the economic potential of sustainable agriculture.

The states represented at the conference were Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttarakhand. The discussion focused on future trends and market opportunities, along with policy dialogue, on creating smallholder friendly markets, strengthening ecological value chains and enhancing market linkages for FPOs. Speakers also said that the entry of large agricultural market players will have a significant impact on the demand patterns of local food systems.