Rodale Institute partners to create India’s first regenerative organic research center

Rodale Institute is joining Gallant Regenerative Organic Private Limited (GROPL) and University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD) in India to launch a new center dedicated to Regenerative Organic Agriculture for long-term, on-farm research trials.

The goal is to create model farms, understand better the needs of Indian farmers regarding regenerative organic practices, and help create a new non-GMO cotton cultivar suitable for ROC-certified agriculture.

Dr. P. L. Patil, Vice Chancellor of UAS, notes that chemical-intensive practices and monocropping have degraded agro ecosystems, affecting smallholder farmer incomes. Regenerative organic can provide science-based solutions to this challenge.

U.S.-based Gallant International Inc. and Terra Thread brand will financially support the project.

Rodale Institute, the leader in organic and regenerative organic research founded in 1947, will support the university in Dharwad’s efforts; UASD was the first academic institution in the country to have an organic farming institute. Gallant International, experienced in helping Indian farmers, will provide non-GMO seeds, tools, and customized training—and also a 100% purchase guarantee with organic and Fairtrade premiums.

Gallant will also bring 2,000 more farmers in 2025 to fill demand for regenerative organic cotton. Cotton crops traditionally have a devastating impact environmentally; this project “presents an incredibly rich opportunity to restore soil, community, and people in a historic cotton growing region,” said Regenerative Organic Alliance founding director Elizabeth Whitlow.

“The new center in India marks a significant milestone…[in] addressing challenges in agriculture and climate change issues at a global level,” noted Gallant International Inc. founder Vikrant Giri.

Source: Rodale Institute

To view source article, visit:

https://rodaleinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/Rodale-Institute-India-press-release.docx-1.pdf

Organic & Non-GMO Insights December 2024