The ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIASM) organized a two-day training program titled "Nature Positive Solutions for Shifting Agrifood Systems onto Sustainable Pathways" on October 21-22, 2024. The theme focused on "Nutrient Management Systems and Agroforestry Models for Restoring Soil Quality and Resilience." Held in Akole Tehsil, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, the program aimed to educate farmers on sustainable practices under a project funded by Boversaity International and IWMI New Delhi, with BAIF and ICAR-NIASM implementing it in the Akole cluster.

On the first day, farmers visited demonstration plots established in 60 locations across different landscapes to observe sustainable farming practices. On the second day, Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director of ICAR-NIASM, distributed soil health cards to 50 beneficiaries and explained the significance of these cards in reducing fertilizer use. He stressed that the soil health card system could cut fertilizer use by 30-80% and advocated for making these cards mandatory for crop loans and fertilizer purchases. He also highlighted the long-term damage caused by the Green Revolution and the need for integrated farming systems.

Dr. Sangram B. Chavan delivered a talk on agroforestry models for livelihood and environmental security, while farmers explored various agroforestry sites, including Aonla-based systems, dragon fruit cultivation, high-density mango orchards, silvipasture units, and Climate-Smart Integrated Farming Systems. The program, which offered a comprehensive view of soil quality and agroforestry, was coordinated by Dr. V. Rajagopal, Dr. Sangram B. Chavan, and Dr. H.M. Halli.