About Nico Roozen International Center for Regenerative Agriculture

The Nico Roozen International Centre of Excellence for Regenerative Agriculture stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing regenerative agriculture practices across India. Established on April 5, 2023, in the village of Barkheda Kharet, Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, this center has become a vital hub for training, capacity building, and demonstrations, focused on fostering a transition to sustainable, regenerative farming.

Core programs and services:The Centre offers an extensive array of programs, including specialized training, capacity building, and educational modules to equip farmers, FPOs, rural entrepreneurs, and agricultural practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt regenerative practices.

Training and capacity building: Through hands-on demonstrations and training programs, the Centre empowers participants in regenerative techniques, such as organic crop production, soil health improvement, and eco-friendly pest management. Demonstration plots feature kitchen gardens, herbal gardens, seasonal crop cycles, organic farm inputs, and vermicomposting units, all designed to educate and showcase the benefits of regenerative practices.

1. Real-time crop and weather advisories:An installed Automatic weather station (AWS) provides farmers within a 15-km radius with precise weather forecasts and crop-based advisories through WhatsApp, SMS, calls, and mobile app alerts, helping them make informed decisions based on current conditions.

2. Farm inputs and resource distribution:Essential inputs like vermicompost, biofertilizers, and organic pesticides are distributed to lead farmers, supporting regenerative practices directly in their fields.

3. Research and innovations:The Centre prioritizes ongoing research and innovation to refine and expand regenerative practices, seeking sustainable, scalable solutions that benefit both the environment and the farmer’s livelihood.

4. Certification support: The Centre prepares farmer groups and FPOs for RegenAgri certification, guiding them through the adoption of regenerative practices to become certified sustainable producers.

5. Water and soil conservation initiatives:The Centre has also constructed watershed structures, such as gabion systems, which aid in water conservation and reduce soil erosion, contributing to healthier and more resilient farm ecosystems.

Environmental and economic benefits:The Centre’s initiatives cover over 12 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Telangana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. By promoting carbon sequestration, improved water management, and resilient ecosystems, the center contributes to a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural landscape.

Business opportunities and carbon credit markets:To ensure long-term sustainability and scalability, the Centre explores and develops viable business models for regenerative agriculture and creates opportunities for farmers to access carbon credit markets, aligning agricultural progress with environmental responsibility.