Editorial
It is a pleasure to be with you all again, with our July 2025 issue of the newsletter.
July is the prime monsoon month and so tens of crores of our hard working farmers look forward to a good monsoon. As of now the monsoon has been very active, with above average rainfall in most of the country. It is very satisfying to note that over last few years, governments have increased attention to water conservation and smart farming, do long term sustainability for water and food. WIN Foundation and its partners have focused on this over last 7 years with gratifying results.
We still see great need for (i) scaling up these efforts across hundreds of districts and lakhs of villages, and (ii) increasing science based knowledge and practices at the grassroots level. Our recent projects in Jasdan and Kalavad blocks are aimed at training women to take piloting role in soil health monitoring and improvement, by using soil testing equipment, and using organic means of enhancing soil health.
The critical need for moving towards "nutrition security", as against mere "food security" is a big driver for organic and natural farming. The role of micronutrients, i.e. the vast variety of vitamins and minerals, in our health is undisputed. The Science in Action series in this issue talks about the outsize role of Micronutrients in our health. The current farming practices had reduced agricultural diversity, and also reduced micro-nutrient quotient among the crops due to overuse of synthetic fertilizers. Enhancing soil health again through natural means is the best sustainable way towards crops with greater micro-nutrients. Modern knowledge can be used to create greater agricultural diversity at village level, and as per the local conditions and preferences. Together with better diet habits, this can bring sustainable solution to nutrition security for different sections of the society, including in rural and remote areas. It will also empower the grassroot communities towards knowledge based agriculture and diets.
On Innovation front, it is gratifying to note that Instanutrients, a startup supported by WIN right from its earlier R&D stage at CTARA - IIT Bombay, has entered production, with its highly effective micronutrient rich formulation, derived entirely from natural sources. WIN plans to start using this in our new School program, and would welcome other organizations and schools for any inquiries.
We look forward to your feedback and suggestions, and any ideas to explore collaboration.
With warm regards
Paresh Vora
Director - India Operations
