Focus: Agriculture

Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

The work on issues related to agriculture, food security and food sovereignty is a strong pillar of RLS' engagement in South Asia. Together with our partners we are organising workshops and seminars, publish research papers and also engage in grassroot activities such promoting alternative and sustainable farming methods, seed conservation and a self-determined access to seeds.

In addition, we are facilitating the exchange between farmers, activists and intellectuals. We are aiming to bring together different groups and individuals, who are critical of the mainstream view on agriculture. But we are also engaging with members of farmers' federations affiliated with various left parties, which are open for technological improvements in agriculture.

To learn more about our work on agriculture, take a look at the projects listed below or check out our Archive.

Gambhira on Ecological Agriculture

Research Initiatives, Bangladesh(RIB) and Bangladesh Film Institute (BFI) present Gambhira on agroecology. This documentary explores issues such as the harmful effects of pesticides inagriculture, the benefits of ecology-based agriculture, and the need to form collectives

Rice Production in Bangladesh: Procurement Policies Must Focus on Farmers

Bangladesh is the third largest rice producing country in the world after China and India. Despite extreme conditions such as COVID-19, cyclones (Amphan as well as Yaas) and frequent floods, the rice production in Bangladesh has increased to 37.8 million tonnes in 2021 from 37.4 million tonnes in 2020 and 36.5 million tonnes in 2019.

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH | Agricultural policy in India saw a defining shift post liberalisation in 1991. After more than three decades of pursuing these reforms, its negative ramifications are being felt in the deepening agrarian crisis. Our partner studies the impacts on farmers.

Project visit by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Muniguda, Odisha, in March 2019 (Photo: RLS)

Strengthening Food Sovereignty

LIVING FARMS | More than one fifth of Odisha’s population belongs to different indigenous communities and the majority of them live below the poverty line. Our partner Living Farms develops alternative, sustainable farming methods to strengthen their food sovereignty.

Rural Societies in Change

FOUNDATION FOR AGRARIAN STUDIES | In the era of globalisation, liberalisation and climate change, there have been important transformations in agricultural and rural development policy, especially in countries of the global south.

Independence from Agricultural Corporations

RESEARCH INITIATIVES BANGLADESH | Research Initiatives, Bangladesh (RIB) addresses the difficulties of small-scale farmers and provides them with training on alternative farming practices. The project encourages the farmers to combine traditional farming techniques with recent agricultural developments to secure their food sovereignty as well as independence from agricultural corporations.

Promoting Dialogue and Exchange on Sustainable Farming

FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH | For small-scale farmers in India, it has become increasingly difficult to earn a living. They rely on agricultural businesses for their seeds and fertilisers and have to compete with big industrial farms. While the agricultural sector is still the largest concerning workforce, its share in India’s economy keeps shrinking. The project has been successfully completed.

Sustainable Small-Scale Farming

AGRAGAMEE | India’s small-scale farmers are increasingly under stress: shrinking cultivable land, large corporations dominating seed and pesticide markets as well as the effects of climate change make it more and more difficult for Indian farmers to sustain themselves. The project was completed in 2019.

Women in Agriculture

FOUNDATION OF AGRARIAN STUDIES | Women in rural areas have especially felt the ramifications of globalisation and economic liberalisation. The research on women in agriculture, however, does not reflect the complex changes that are occurring with respect to their work and livelihood. The project was completed in 2018.

Promoting Sustainable Farming

FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH | For farmers in India, it has become increasingly difficult to earn a living. Our partner Focus on the Global South supports small-scale farmers and advocates for a change in public opinion and policy, so that sustainable forms of agriculture become more viable for the farmers. The project was completed in 2018.

Promoting the Discourse on Climate Justice

The effects of global climate change are already tangible in South Asia. Those who suffer most from it, are the already marginalised sections of society. To contribute to the discussion on global climate justice, RLS facilitates the exchange of experts on climate change from South Asia and all over the world. The project has been successfully completed.

Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung