Sustainable Soy Newsletter edition September 2015

Sustainable Soy News
[Volume : 2 Special Issue] September 2015 For Private Circulation Only
Dear Stakeholders,
We are pleased to welcome you all to the special issue of “Sustainable Soy News” from the
“National Platform for Sustainable Soy (NPSS)”. You all deserve profound thanks for
spontaneous response to enable us to bring out the special edition of “Sustainable Soy News”.
The quest for sustainable and inclusive sector transformation through multi-stakeholder engagements
by coordination of ‘National Platform for Sustainable Soy’ brings new avenues to augment collective
and coherent efforts.This edition of “Sustainable Soy News”is covering the smallholder sustainable soy
programme, insights and building blocks for future strategies of sustainable landscape development
and inclusive sector transformation. Stakeholders jointly planned and organized ‘Sustainable Soy
Week’ and ‘National Conference on Sustainable Soy’ to deliberate on the key sustainability issues
and have carved a path for joint actions and cooperation. It is of utmost importance that provides
interaction between different stakeholders to set out joint agendas for collective and coherent efforts.
ICT led extension systems are going to act as a key agent for changing agrarian situation and
smallholder’s lives by improving access to information, sharing knowledge through efficient service
delivery. Stakeholders like Indian Institute of Soil Sciences have taken-up certain innovative ICT
initiatives and there is huge potential for developing innovative solutions. In view of problem of
malnutrition in India, which is not only one of the alarming magnitude but also of great complexity,
the NPSS has taken up the task coordinating with relevant stakeholders like CIAE, USSEC and
Schouten Europe to resolve the situation.
This edition also contains sustainability initiatives which are being undertaken by stakeholders through
integrated approaches and innovative solutions. Sustainability isn't just important for people and the
planet, but also is vital for business success, it create shared value for business and society. Corporate
stakeholders like Vippy Industries, Sonic Biochem, Reliance Foundation, Ambuja Cement and
Nature Bio foods taken-up initiatives with social, economic and environmental concerns. Directorate
of Soybean Research organized 45th annual meet on soybean R&D, through All India Coordinated
Research Project on Soybean (AICRPS).
This publication mainly presents the facts on the different standards and does not express any
preferences.
We hope you all will enjoy reading the stakeholders actions.Read closely and you will discern something
of the excitement, ambition and sheer energy that is carrying us forward in this endeavour. We wish
to maintain this upward momentum with quality information and updates from stakeholders. We are
indeed grateful for your contribution to making this platform efficient and dynamic.
An Initiative of National Platform for Sustainable Soy
National Platform for Sustainable Soy

National Platform for Sustainable Soy 2
In India, Solidaridad is
supporting close to a million
smallholder farmers and workers
to work in collective way in
increasing yields with less water
and connecting them to high
value supply chains for enhancing
their profitability. It is dedicated
to make farming attractive for
rural youths by providing skills,
tools and long-term support
necessary to be successful.
Currently it has various support
programmes for major crops in
India in close partnership with
diverse stakeholders in 2500
villages covering over 8 lakh
farmers within 44 districts and
13 states of India.
India is the 5th largest soy producer in the world
and ranked fourth globally as exporter of soy
(meal). Annually around 11-12 million tonnes
of soybean is produced by with 6-7 million
smallholders. From about 11,000 ha until 1961,
soybean occupied over 10 million ha in 2015.
Although, the national productivity of soybean
is around 1.18 tons/ha, there is silver lining
for enhancing productivity in view of varietal
potential up to 3-3.5 tons/ha and available
environmentally favourable technology suited to
smallholders. Only one third of soy is available
against the installed capacities of soy crushing
industries in India, thus creating a wide gap
between supply and demand. However, growth in
soy production has consistently been generating
substantial revenue for producers and traders
and also supporting oil economy of India, it also
created environmental and social impacts.
Solidaridad developed a large sustainable soy
producer support programme with the objectives
to introduce and promote sustainable supply
chain model for smallholders in India, the first
phase was spread over 17 Districts of Madhya
Pradesh, in 2008 to 2012, involving 30,000
smallholder soy producers. In the second phase
that started from 2013 onwards, Solidaridad
along with its partners are supporting more than
80,000 soy smallholders across 24 Districts of
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
The programme partnered with seven local
implementing partners (ASA, ACCESS, CARD,
IGS, GVT, VRUTTI, SRIJAN).
Solidaridad has tied up with countries apex
research institutes on soy such as Directorate of
Soybean Research and have emerged as a catalyst
for ‘lab to land’ principle. As farmers are a rich
source of indigenous knowledge and practice
strategies adopted for training of lead farmers,
developed farmer field schools amalgamating
Indian traditional wisdom with modern
technologies. More than 2053 lead farmers
trained and skilled about sustainable practices,
Solidaridad Sustainable Soy Programe

adopt all recommended practices in their farms
and disseminate knowledge among other fellow
farmers. The farmers’ organized into groups with
the objectives to increase outreach,act collectively
for mutual strengthening, facilitate backward
and forward linkages like aggregation of inputs,
farm mechanization, and subsequently they
federated into FPOs. 28 FPOs are formed; It
is assumed that through the collective strength,
market oriented approach and entrepreneurship
skills they could able to better negotiate with the
market.These FPOs have initiated aggregation of
inputs, seed production, payment based extension
services, market linkages for aggregated produce
etc. FPOs are also facilitating the local internal
control systems teams, which support farmers on
thetechnicalknow-howsandfacilitatesustainable
soy in the sustainability standards framework.
The process of risk assessment, internal audit
and external audit of farmers’ practices ensures
transparency and make supply chain traceable.
Programme encouraged women’s participation
in training and their decision-making at
household level. The impact study done by
MART shows increased yields and reduced
use of agro-chemicals, thus limiting the cost
of cultivation. The efficient use of land led to
enhanced net returns and equal remuneration
for women. Innovative ICT applications applied
and developed for extension and monitoring,
like we developed innovative mobile App for soy
yield estimation and analyzing effects of GAPs
in productivity, these has performed well and
enhanced efficiency of programme. Programme
has done convergence with various Government
and private schemes. New partnerships
have been forged with Hindustan Unilever
Foundation to increase water use efficiency in
soy production. It demonstrated package of
interventions for water use efficiency in soy
cropping pattern thus saved water could be used
for crop diversification or other allied activities.
The partnership has allowed setting up one of
its first dedicated Agriculture Water Resource
Centre (AWRC) to promote optimization
of water use in agriculture and allied supply
chains. The Centre will develop cutting edge
techniques around “more crop per drop”principle
leveraging the Public Private Partnership model
and will gradually extend its services to other
crops in other region. The water efficiency
programme is already showing the potential of
enhancing the performance of other crops and
supports diversification of cropping systems
and improvement in household food security.
Programme’s intensive engagement, stakeholders
coordination, holistic market oriented approach,
sizeable reach and long term vision for sector
transformation encourage other stakeholders to
join and contribute towards this endeavour, this
evolved a multistakeholder platform “National
Platform for Sustainable Soy(NPSS)” for
coordinationandfacilitationandplayingacatalyst
role among stakeholders. The NPSS is emerging
as a catalyst to work together for enhancing the
accountability and credibility of sustainability in
Indian soy sector.
The learning and insights of previous programme
is going to serve as the building blocks for
future strategies. Overall, work through multi-
stakeholder engagement has initiated market
transformation process with considerable
positive social and environmental effects, more
new approaches like sustainable landscape
development will be incorporated through multi-
stakeholder platform to deepen and broaden these
impacts towards inclusive sector transformation.
Our strategy therefore for future would be
based on a combination of continuity through
consolidating, scaling up proven concepts,
developinginnovativeapproachesandaddressing
gaps in current approaches, sustainable
landscape development in close partnership with
companies/businesses/corporates, Research
institutions, CSOs, FPOs and increasingly
through government engagement.
Soy intercropping with maize

Sustainable Soy Week (SSW),
during 1-7 June, 2015, was planned by
National Platform for Sustainable
Soy along with its members
across the country with the
key theme of sustainability
at multi-stakeholders’ levels.
Sustainability from environmental,
social and economic point of view is
of a great concern and tackling this issue responsibly
necessarily requires an integrated and a holistic
approach. Celebration of Sustainable Soy Week
encompassed an approach, which integrates efforts,
promotes participatory mode, creates an enabling
environment and contributes towards transforming
sustainability.It was planned to promote sustainability
agenda through the joint, collaborative and coherent
efforts in transition towards sustainability at various
levels of soy value chain.
The intension of celebration SSW was to chalk out
the key sustainability issues at stakeholders’ levels
was effectively achieved. SSW celebrated with
tremendous energy, enthusiasm and initiativ es
by the stakeholders. It also successfully created an
enabling environment for discussions, campaigning
and debate by identifying key issues at national level,
which were further crystallized and consolidated in
National Conference on Sustainable Soy involving
multi-stakeholders.
The activities of SSW were organized in participatory
manner where different stakeholders jointly planned
and organized different activities. SSW celebrated
by stakeholders from Government, Industries,
Research and extension Institutions, Financial
Institutions, Civil Society Organizations and
Farmers’ Organizations. SSW activities reached out
to more than 3 lakhs farmers directly and indirectly.
The activities organized were trainings, mass
campaigning, quiz and competitions, etc.
Celebration of Sustainable Soy Week

Solidaridad-South and South East Asia,
ICAR-Directorate of Soybean Research,
Indore and Society for Soybean
Research and Development, Indore
jointly planned and organized multi-
stakeholder events i.e. Sustainable
Soy Week during 1-7 June, 2015
across the country and National Conference on
Sustainable Soy on 10th June, 2015 at Bhopal,
India. These events were coordinated by the
National Platform for Sustainable Soy (NPSS) in
collaboration with its members.
The eminent State Agricultural Universities,
namely Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa
Vidhyala and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi
Vishwa Vidhyala were the knowledge partners
and Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF),
Ruchi Soya Industries, Vippy Industries,
Sonic Biochem Extractions and BASF India
were partner and associate partners for this
multi-stakeholder initiative.National Conference
on Sustainable Soy was planned and executed
with the objectives of dialogue between
stakeholders, panel discussions on sustainability
issues and to augment strategic partnerships to
support sustainability.More than 200 participants
included representatives from Government,
academicians, research institutions, scientific
community, agricultural universities, extension
institutions, industries, traders, corporates,
financial institutions, civil society organizations,
farmers and farmers’ organizations with interest
and expertise in promotion of sustainable
approaches participated.It was platform of varied
range of stakeholders to discuss and to deliberate
approaches, experiences, challenges and their
vision for sustainable soy. The conference was
culminatedinrecommendationsbyrepresentatives
of multi-stakeholders groups to promote NPSS
for coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives
and decision on constitution of a coordination
committee involving the representative from all
the stakeholder categories.
Recognising that solutions to the issues identified
can only be provided and implemented with the
active support of a wide range of stakeholders and
hence the agenda of the conference worked out
was very comprehensive and enlisted stakeholders
group-wise issues. The conference was convened
withtheaimofidentifyingchallengesexperienced,
ways and means to address them and to initiate the
process of outputs,collaboration and cooperation.
It was desired to establish a shared understanding
of the issues that confront sector globally
and nationally, develop a range of prioritised
responses to the issues and associated risks and
stakeholders to develop the framework further
outside the meeting and to work together on
particular aspects of it in coordination with NPSS.
Dr Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing
Director, Solidaridad, South & South East Asia
suggested about, three step ladder model that can
be used; (i) transfer of technology, (ii) working
of all stakeholders together, and (iii) to adopt
sustainable approach by all the stakeholders
keeping in mind the sustainability of natural
resources like land and water and environment.
Dr Suresh Motwani, Programme Head, Soy,
National Conference on Sustainable Soy

Dr A N Shrivastava, Professor (Plant
Breeding), Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi
Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Jablapur, honoured
during the conference by the dignitaries
and Dr Akhilesh Sarraf, Director of
Ruchi Group of Industries, for the
development of different improved
soy varieties, which broke the mono-
culturing of JS-335 variety, suits to
different agro-climatic zones and
fits into the cropping systems having
maximum coverage in India.
Solidaridad,South & South East Asia deliberated
on the growth and present status of soy sector in
India and its importance in national economy
and in providing food and nutritional security
to the Indian masses. Also he highlighted about
the Non-GM identity. Along with this he
presented the results of Sustainable Soy
Programme which is being implemented through
multi-stakeholders engagement.
Dr V S Bhatia, Director, ICAR-Directorate
of Soybean Research, Indore emphasized on
the productivity of soy and shared that their
yield simulation models revealed that the yield
potentials of rainfed soybeans is 2.0-2.2 tonnes
per ha and that of irrigated soybeans is more
than 3 tonnes per ha under Indian conditions.
Thus, there is a huge potential to increase the
productivity and multi-stakeholder approach can
play a great role in this endeavour.
In a recorded message, Mr Gert Van Der Bijl,
International Programme Co-ordinator-Soy,
Solidaridad, REC, Netherlands said that demand
of soybean has been always more than the
production world over. It has a growth rate of
4-5 % per annum and this motivates us to meet
the demand with quality produce and sustaining
the productivity, which is only feasible when
all the stakeholders come together and make
efforts to sustain soybean supply chain. He said
that soybean is extremely important crop to
India, where in almost 80% population is protein
deficient. Soybean is the most viable option to
address this problem.
Mr Dinesh Sahara, MD, Ruchi Soy Pvt Ltd said
that food and nutrition security is the biggest
issue in the country. Soybean is the solution to
these issues and it fulfils oil and protein demand
of the country. There is a need for a platform
like NPSS to deal with the stakeholders issues.
We welcome this movement and is a matter of
pleasure for us to be a part of it.
Dr M H Mehta, Chairman- The Gujarat Life
Sciences (Ex-Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Agril.
University) appreciated the efforts of NPSS and
said that next revolution will be of sustainable
agriculture. He discussed about the 20:20 model
of higher farm production with lower input
cost using eco-friendly agri Bio inputs is most
suited for sustainable soy farming and should be
promoted as it will greatly help the small and the
marginal farmers. The 20:20 model is basically
increasing the productivity by 20 percent and
reduction in cost of cultivation by 20 percent by
using eco-friendly agri Bio inputs.
Dr Rajesh Rajora, the chairman of the session
and Principal Secretary, Department of
Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development,
Government of Madhya Pradesh in his address
said that although soybean is one of the rainfed
crop which best suits to the agro-climatic
conditions of Madhya Pradesh, it the right time
to make efforts to enhance and sustain soybean
productivity to a level of possible 2 tons per ha.
He also added that in view of increasing cost of
inputs and deteriorating soil health, the adoption
of new high yielding varieties of soybean along
with eco-friendly production technology and
co-joint efforts by stakeholders can make the crop
more attractive to the farmers and also strengthen
the supply chain for other players.
Award for Soy Varieties

Multi-stakeholder dialogue were organized
through the panel discussions during the
National Conference on Sustainable Soy. The
issues identified were moderated and discussed
in thematic discussions. It was focused on the
following key issues
• Sustainable Soy in market place with respect
to businesses, society and environment
• Role of corporate foundations and CSR
with respect to value creation in sustainable
agriculture
• Development of sustainable soy production-
with emphasis on soil water efficiency
• Soy foods promotion and opportunities for
development – food and nutritional security
• Role of civil society & farmers’ organisation
with respect to value creation in sustainable
socio-economic development
Industries and corporate foundations shared their
experiences and initiatives of direct interface
with farmers in terms of supporting them with
technology transfer, quality inputs like seeds,
environmental protection and water conservation
etc. CSR initiatives have incorporated integrated
development models and initiated programmes
to support sustainability in the sector like ADM,
Ruchi Soya Industries, Vippy Industries Ltd.,
Sonic Biochem Extractions Ltd., Arvind Ltd.,
BASF India, Reliance Foundation, Hindustan
Unilever Foundation, ITC ltd., Nature Bio-foods
and Yes Bank have initiated certain thematic
programmes with long term vision to support
sustainability. A multi-stakeholder programme
of Hindustan Unilever Foundation is basically
focused on the water in agriculture and treat
water as deposit for future. It is concluded that
the businesses and corporate foundations’support
can change the scenario rapidly and can play a
larger role in this endeavor by appropriately
utilizing the CSR and value addition to soy sector
through their business. Research institutions like
Directorate of Soybean Research and eminent
scientists deliberated on the concern of climate
change adaptation technologies, environmental
issues, soil and water conservation, seed variety
development and relevant R&D etc. it was
concluded that there is a huge potential to
increase the productivity with sustainability and
multi-stakeholder approach can play a great role
in this endeavour. ICAR-Central Institute of
Agricultural Engineering and US Soy Export
Council shown their concerns for improving
nutrition status of Indian masses by promotion
of quality and affordable soy foods. Certain
efforts are required like promotion at consumer
level, local entrepreneurship development and
advocacy to promote quality and affordable
soy food in India. Representatives from civil
society organizations, farmers’ organizations and
academicians deliberated on the critical role of
CSOs/FPOs in sustainability.
Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on Sustainable Soy
For stakeholder coordination, facilitation,
policy advocacy, and proper functioning
of National Platform it was proposed to
constitute a “Coordination Committee”involving
the representatives from stakeholders. The
deliberations by different stakeholders on the
efforts being made by them has given strength
and confidence that we can achieve what we have
envisaged.NPSS will make efforts for sustainable
market-led solutions towards inclusive sector
transformation. All out efforts are to be made
to maintain Non-GM status of soybean in the
country. Achieve average national productivity
of soybean 20 quintals per hectare by year
2020 and optimizes social, environmental and
economic performance. Different task forces
will be developed consisting of representatives
from stakeholders for the issues like soil and
water use efficiency, soy based integrated farm
system, sustainability frameworks, soy based food
and nutrition addressing malnutrition and food
security and innovative ICT solutions, etc.
Task Forces for Sustainable Soy

Over time, weather patterns and soil
conditions change and epidemics
of pests and diseases come and go, updated
information allows the farmers to cope with and
even benefit from these changes. Providing such
knowledge can be challenging, however, because
the highly localized nature of agriculture means
that information must be tailored specifically
to distinct conditions. ICT could be an
effective communication tool for information
dissemination, adoption of new technologies
and decision making in agriculture with scale
of operations; especially in case of smallholders
it could be cost effective solution. It is in the
context of globalizing agriculture where the
need for information becomes most vivid. The
smallholders, who still provide a significant
portion of the world’s food, need information to
advance their work just as much as industrial-
scale producers. High attention is required to
promote ICT application in agriculture in India,
which suffers from poor infrastructure, illiteracy,
non-availability of timely relevant content,
non-integration of services, poor advisory
services and lack of localization,and in particular
non availability of agricultural information
kiosks/ knowledge centers at the grass root level.
The Sustainable Soy Programme has adopted
various ICT tools for communication and
information dissemination, these tools have great
impacts in terms of awareness, decision making
and change in farmers’ behaviour for adoption
of sustainable soy practices. These tools are the
cost effective and time efficient. Programme
adopted certain available ICT tools, which offers
information on crops, diseases, and market prices
to farmers like Reuters Market Light (RML)
which is a subscription-based SMS service and
IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL), another
information service for farmers, unlike RML,
IKSL’s information arrives via voice rather than
text message.
Mobile App for Soy Yield Estimation
Estimating soy yield while the crop is standing
in the field was a challenging procedure. Yield
estimate may be inaccurate when it is conducted
at before seed
filling stage. The
best estimate
can be achieved
at reproductive
growth stage R6
(full seed stage).
There are only
few methods
available for yield
m e a s u r e m e n t ,
but these are bit
complex and time
consuming and
sometimes it doesn’t give accurate yield results.
Keeping the challenges in estimating the yield
and assess the impacts of practices a measure was
needed for field extension staff, Solidaridad built
a Mobile App on scientific base, tested in field
condition, to measure soybean yield. Later result
can be viewed at Back End, in-form of reports,
print and import the data in various formats for
analysis, monitoring and learning purpose etc.
The productivity measurement tool helps field
teams to capture the field data in scientific
and standard manner and for ICS managers/
Solidaridad executive analyzing the impacts of
GAPs and further data can be stored/ analyzed
based on the local climatic conditions. Technical
assistance for developing tool is provided by
ICT experiences in Sustainable Soy Programme
(Cont. Pg- 9)

Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-
IISS) Indian institute of Soil Science
(ICAR-IISS), a
research institute
under the
Natural Resource Management (NRM)
Division of Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) was established on 16th
April, 1988 at Bhopal with a mandate
of “Enhancing Soil Productivity with
Minimum Environmental Degradation”.
IISS has developed Mridaparikshak,
a MINILAB that can determine soil
health; crop and soil specific fertilizer
recommendations can be sent directly
to farmer’s through SMS. It is portable,
scientific, and economical system for
determining soil health. The development
of the MRIDAPARIKSHAK (A
MINILAB for Soil Testing and Fertilizer
Advisory) is an outcome of the initiative
taken by the NRM Division of ICAR and
the concerted efforts by a team of scientists
of IISS, Bhopal in collaboration with
M/s Nagarjuna Agrochemicals Pvt. Ltd.,
Hyderabad to meet the need for having a
quick, portable, scientific, and economical
system of determining soil health.
A MINILAB for SoilTesting and Fertilizer Advisory
Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-IISS)
ICT experience...
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya and
Barefoot Lightning. Now the tool is ready for the
use. One has to just download the application in
any android mobile phone and then can enter the
data by following the steps given in application
and get the productivity estimates.
ICT led extension systems could improve
agricultural yields if farmers can have the
better access to appropriate, timely information
and knowledge. It is expected that the ICT
led extension systems are going to act as a
key agent for changing agrarian situation
and smallholder’s lives by improving access
to information and sharing knowledge. ICT
capacity building in agricultural research and
extension systems, location-specific content
generation and digitization, integration of
research-extension and IT technology solution
providers, integration of pluralistic extension
actors, blending ICTs with traditional extension
methods, certifications, traceability, monitoring,
benchmarking, continuous innovation and
refinement need be followed with commitment
and accountability are crucial for sustaining
momentum in the soy ICT applications.
Further it would lead to new business models of
service delivery and knowledge transfer through
innovative enterprises.
Key Features are
• It is a digital mobile quantitative minilab/
soil test kit to provide soil testing service at
farmers’ doorsteps.
• It determines all the important soil parameters
i.e. soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and
micronutrients like zinc, boron and iron.
• It also provides crop and soil specific fertilizer
recommendations directly to farmer’s mobile
through SMS.
• It is highly compatible with soil health card.
• It comes with soil sampling tools, GPS,
balance, shaker, hot plate, and a Smart Soil
Pro, an instrument for determining the
soil parameters and displaying of fertilizer
nutrient recommendations.
• It can be operated by young educated farmers/
rural youths with short training.

Schouten is a 100 year old family business
which first ventured into the Bakery
business and then branched out into Agri
business as the market offered good potential.The
Schouten family subsequently built up substantial
knowledge and experience of the various sources
of vegetable protein through many years of
international trade in Agri-produce.
The company Schouten Europe B.V. was
established in 1990. The company was the
first Dutch party to focus specifically on the
development, production and sale of healthy, yet
tasty Vegetarian Concepts.Schouten Europe B.V.
has, to a large extent, contributed to the market
development of this product group in Europe.
Vegetarian concepts worldwide
Schouten Europe develops, produces and sells
Vegetarian Concepts under its own brand
GoodBite based on vegetable proteins and does
so worldwide. Over the last 25 years, Schouten
Europe has specialized in Tasty Vegetarian
Concepts for the Food Service, Retail, Industries
and Airline Catering as there was a growing
market in this segment.
Our brands are widely distributed across Europe,
Middle East and other markets we operate in.We
also work with big brands in the Food Service/
QSR industry and with some major brands in the
Retail industry.
We offer solutions from Breakfast,Lunch,Snacks
and Dinner. All concepts could be adjusted to
suite any taste profile.
Products
Some of our popular products are:
• Zing Veg Fillet
• Crispy Bites
• Vege Burgers
• Frankfurters
• Tikka Concepts
• Falafal
• Minced for Indian and Continental recipes.
• Veggie Bacon for Salads and toppings
• Veggie Balls for tasty curry dishes.
The Company has key strengths in R&D and
New Product development with the addition of
in-house Nutrilab B.V in the area of food safety
and analysis
Schouten Aahaar, India was established in 2013.
For us, India promises to be a good market
due to the food preferences and the high youth
population who are adventurous.
Schouten Aahaar is looking to partner with Fast
Food Restaurants and offer solutions in Veg
Concepts for this growing market segment.
We are also looking for partners in the Retail
Trade to either offer the GoodBite brand or
Private Label opportunities.
For more information, please write to info@
schoutenaahaar.com
Contributed by: Mr. Rajesh Chouhan,
SCHOUTEN AAHAAR INDIA PVT. LTD.
Ahemedabad, Gujarat,India
Vegetarian concepts, good for you, good for your family!

Indian population is predominantly vegetarian.
Our diet is lacking in terms of quantity and
quality of protein.
Even the majority
of non-vegetarians
among us do not
consume animal products on a daily basis in
quantities sufficient to provide the recommended
amount of protein.
Soybeans are a rich source of good quality protein
and the cost too is low. Soy products can easily
meet the protein requirements of a vegetarian
diet. Soybean has been perceived more as poultry
and cattle feed than as a good source of protein
for human consumption by a lot of people. Also
the misconception that soybeans are only used in
feeding programs conducted by the government
for malnourished children has been prevalent.
Besides nutritional benefits soybeans provide
several therapeutic benefits too.
Soybean is one of the very few plants that provide
a high quality protein with minimum saturated
fat. Soybeans help people feel better and live
longer with an enhanced quality of life. Soybeans
contain all the three macronutrients required for
good nutrition,as well as fiber,vitamins,minerals.
Soybean protein provides all the essential amino
acids in the amounts needed for human health.
Soybeans have almost 40% protein, making it
higher in protein than any other legumes and
many animal products. Protein in just 250 grams
of soybean is equivalent to protein in 3 liters of
milk or 1 kg of mutton or 24 eggs. The quality
of soy protein is virtually equivalent in quality to
that of milk and egg protein. Unlike many other
good sources of protein, soybean not only has
higher percentage of oil but also quality fatty acid
profile. It has low saturated fat content with high
amount of essential fatty acids. Soybean oil is also
rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids similar to those
found in fish oils and cholesterol-free. Soybeans
are an excellent source of dietary fiber with both
soluble and insoluble fiber.Soluble fiber may help
lower serum cholesterol and control blood sugar.
Insoluble fiber increases stool bulk, may prevent
colon cancer and can help relieve symptoms of
some digestive disorders. Soybean has more than
two times the amount of most of the minerals,
especially calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc,
than any other legume and very low sodium
content. Soybean has all the important vitamins
and is a very good source for B complex vitamins
and Vitamin E.
Soybean and Health Benefits
In addition to containing rich nutrients,
soybean has other beneficial compounds such as,
phytosterols,lecithin,etc.Soyproteinhasanumber
of health benefits such as, cancer prevention,
cholesterol reduction, combating osteoporosis
and menopause regulation. Human studies
suggest that as little as one serving of soy foods
each day may be protective against many types of
cancers. For the past 30 years, investigators have
shown that consumption of soy protein selectively
decreases total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and
maintains HDL (good) cholesterol in individuals
with elevated blood cholesterol levels. Based on
the various research findings, United States Food
and Drug Administration has issued a health
claim for soy protein in October of 1999. The
health claim states “consumption of 25gms of
soy protein per day with a diet low in saturated
fat may lower the risk of heart diseases”. Another
important aspect of soy protein is combating
osteoporosis and relieving menopause symptoms.
One factor in bone health is limiting the amount
of calcium lost from the body. Although protein
especially animal protein contributes to calcium
loss, soy protein exhibits less calcium leaching
effects. The isoflavones found in soybeans may
also directly stop bone deterioration. Recent
research has shown that soy foods can relieve
most menopausal symptoms, thus reduce risks of
cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Soybean
is considered as a natural alternate for hormone
replacement therapy for treating women who are
in menopause.
How to Use Soy Daily
Soy can be used in many ways in our daily life.
Regarding use of soybean imagination is the
only limitation. Different soy products such as
soybeans, soy flour, and soybean oil can be added
to variety of traditional foods. Here are some
easy tips and ways to consume soybean protein
regularly. Soybeans as such can be used like lobia.
They can also be added up to 20 % in dosas,
pesarattu, dahi bhalla and vadas etc where whole
legumes are added. Soak soybeans along with the
whole legumes and make the recipe as is usually
done. Soybeans can also be added up o 20 % in
recipes such as chole, rajma and dal makhani.
Varied range of soy products like Soymilk, Soy
Paneer (Tofu), Wheat-soy flour, Besan-soy
Business potential of Soy Foods in India
Cont... Pg- 12

Business potential...
flour, Nuggets and Granules (Soy Bari), Soy
Nuts,Soy Noodles, Dal/lentil Analogue , Soy
bakery products, Snack foods, Soy Papad can be
prepared.These products are being manufactured
by various entrepreneurs on small, medium and
large scale all over the country. Excess capacities
are also available. You can buy these products
in bulk and could pack in your brand name.
Use of soy in Govt.and other Feeding Programs
Some states of the country are using soy in the
feeding programs in the form of the energy
foods enriched with protein. This will improve
the nutritional status of the country. India is
highly malnourished country and soy is the least
expensive source of protein to overcome the
malnutrition problem of the country to a great
extent. Govt. should take initiative to use the soy
in feeding and social welfare programs like its
inclusion in Public Distribution System etc. all
over the country.
There is an enormous business potential exists
in the soy food business in India. Interested
people/entrepreneurs may contact USSEC for
more details. We provide the techno-commercial
assistance and may help in product promotion.
Please feel free to contact us for any further
details on this.
Contributedby:RatanK.Sharma(Ph.D)Director-
Soy Food program (Human Nutrition) US Soybean
Export Council Rsharma@ct.ussec.org
Soybean, although does not stand among the
traditional crop of Marathwada, is rapidly
being adopted by the farmers in the region as a
multi-functional alternative crop to cotton. This
change of heart of the Marathwada farmers
has happened due to the continuous upsurge in
input/output cost of cultivating cotton headed
by uncompetitive remunerations received in the
since last five years. Yet simply changing the
cropping pattern does not woo away the worries
of the farmer. It requires a holistic approach to
reach a sustainable end to initiate a prosperous
living.Else,the farmers would meet the same fate
of being stuck in the vicious cycle of poverty.
Dilasa Janvikas Pratishthan (DJP), a 23 year
young organization hailing from the region,
identified the needs and limitations of its farmers,
who majorly depend upon the 3 ‘M’s i.e. Market,
Money and Monsoon.DJP came forward in 2013,
to mobilize and organize the Soybean farmers as
Farmer associations, to ultimately provide it a
legal recognition as Farmer Producer Company
(FPC), under the Companies Act, 1956. It could
give them a double ended solution in terms
of access as well as acquaintance of the two
‘M’s- Market and Money, which are practically
attainable.
Inthiswake,DJPhassofarinitiatedtheformation
and registration of such Soybean farmer Producer
companies in Beed (7), Osmanabad (8), Latur
(9) and Nanded (9). Thus DJP has successfully
organized of 14000 farmers in Marathwada
region. Dilasa acts as service provider for these
companies by providing them with explicit
support services in terms of agricultural extension
along with market information.
Considering the last year’s experience of the
paucity of soya seeds,the farmers’groups naturally
turned towards the seed making of soybean as
profitable business proposition under the ambit
of FPCs.To cite the example, Navbharat FPC in
Ambajogai and Karadkhed FPC in Udgir block of
Latur District initiated the seed production. The
agriculture experts of Dilasa gave the trainings
for seed production viz. sowing 100 seeds to
understand its fertility.
Taking the lead, the Nagrajbaba FPC of Latur
collected the soybean of its all farmer members
in 2014 and made online marketing of 13 Cr.The
companymade10%percentprofitwhichis13Lakh.
Inspired by the successful venture of Nagrajbaba,
other FPCs have come forward to trade in the
purchase and sale of soya. Walkewadi FPC,
which is Adivasi (ST) farmer’s Company in
Himayatnagar block in Nanded District set an
unique example of producing 10 quintals of Soya
seed production in the season.The latest addition
to this list is that of Bhushan FPC, Samarudhi
FPC,Balaghat FPC and Kartvya FPC which have
started seed production this year in Beed district.
Taking a step forward, Vitthaleshwar FPC
in Nanded is making an effort to start online
marketing of soya by submitting the business
plan for the same to MACP. In nutshell, Soy
culture is positively spreading its roots in the
soil of Marathwada. DJP is committed towards
hand holding these FPC and achiev the vision of
strengthing the farmers’ community.
Soybean Farmer Producer Company
Dilasa Janvikas Pratishthan

USSEC’s national event, “Soy Partnership
Summit (SPS) 2015,” was conducted on
July 23 and 24 in Indore, India.
SPS has shown positive growth in popularity
and commercial utility with unique features
added to the event each year. Voluntary industry
participation increased by 34 per cent compared
to last year’s event with approximately 400 people
attending the main event on July 23. About 230
participants from 17 different Indian provinces
comprisedofsoybuyersrepresentingtheutilization
sector, mainly from animal feeds, attended.
Participants provided feedback on five utility
avenues: new knowledge received at the USSEC
event; ample opportunity to express problems and
seeksolutions;networkingheavilyduringtheevent;
initiating trade talks and start booking soy meal
orders;and,most of all,having access to a valuable,
national data base of buyers’ and sellers’ contacts.
American Soybean Association (ASA) director,
Mr Bret Davis and United Soybean Board
(USB) director, Mr C.D. Simmons participated
in this event, along with USSEC Director
International Program Strategy & Research/
Regional Director – ASC Drew Klein and
USSEC Marketing Director – Animal Nutrition/
Meal Pam Helmsing. Scott Sindelar, Foreign
Agricultural Affairs (FAS) Minister-Counsellor
for Agricultural Affairs in India, and U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) agriculture
specialist, Mr Amit Aradhey stressed various
aspects of U.S Soy and agriculture. Mr. Davis
discussed the quality grading of U.S Soy and Mr.
Simmons spoke on the sustainability of U.S Soy.
These speeches gave participants a framework in
which advanced farming and trade process of the
U.S can be compared to that of India.
The SPS featured a global supply and demand
(S&D) update that spelled out trade flows and
global trends with the objective of aligning the
soy stakeholders to international trade practices
because there is always a disconnect between
international and domestic prices of soy meal.
USSEC consultant Mr Paul Smolen talked
about global S&D in great detail. For the first
time in India, USSEC gave a presentation on the
“Science and Safety of Agri-Biotechnology.”The
information and approaches to biotech aspects
was received with full interest and understanding
and this is a significant positive move.
Two former USSEC program directors for the
feed and food sectors, Dr. Dinesh Bhosale and
Dr. Suresh Itapu, spoke on the current status and
future potential for soy in animal feed and human
food applications in India. These presentations
elucidated pathways that have to be adopted by
the Indian industry for building businesses using
soy as an important protein input.
USSEC feed program consultants Dr. Vijay
Anand and Dr.Pawan Kumar shared the index of
industry interest on SPS that has developed year
after year since its conceptualization in 2009.The
second part of their presentation,
“Soy Industry to our Knowledge,” aligned with
facts and observations that were true to the
industry. These in turn prompted discussions and
formed the basis for analysis and understanding
the soy industry and trade in India.
The post lunch session titled “The Soy Talk” is
what many participants most look forward to:
an opportunity to speak out and express their
feelings on trade requirements. An almost full
house and a 25-member panel comprised of
industry stalwarts with experience debated on
14 different soy topics. The main concerns were
S&D, price, quality, logistics and the need for the
soy industry to recognize and cater to domestic
protein requirements.
The event’s second day started with a motivational
session where renowned writer Mr Soma
Valliappan, who presented his impressions on
SPS. Following this session, and throughout the
two days, buyers and sellers were networking to
discuss trade and carry out their business. Some
of them also engaged with crushers to go on field
trips to their soy crushing facilities and arrive at
soy buying agreements.
Many key organizations known for their trade
strength and functions were part of the more
than 400 participants at SPS 2015.
Contributedby:RatanK.Sharma(Ph.D)Director-
Soy Food program (Human Nutrition) US
Soybean Export Council Rsharma@ct.ussec.org
USSEC’s Soy Partnership Summit 2015

Vippy Industries limited is the pioneer
in the soya processing in the country. It
was established in
1973. It has been in
the manufacturing
and processing of Soy
products for last 42 years. Vippy Industries Ltd. ,
Dewas initiated “Sammrudha Kheti Programme”
- Nahi Soch - Sunhare Bhavishya Ki Aur” to
promote sustainable agriculture production
technologies to conserve natural resources and
reduction in cost of cultivation by promotion of
low cost farm inputs and facilitating backward
and forward linkages for farmers. Under
“Sammrudh Kheti Programme”
we worked with 3508 farmers
in year 2014-15 and 5000
farmers in year 2015-16.
The programme is focused
on promotion of sustainable
agriculture production
techniques so as to conserve
natural resource, reduction
in cost of production by
promotion of low cost locally
prepared inputs, building
capacities of farmers for
better understanding of
agriculture production system
and its requirement, establish
a traceable system of procurement as per
international market requirement, introduction
of new technology & techniques for betterment
of farming community, agri. allied services i.e.
veterinary services and animal care, related issues
of farming community i.e. health insurance,
animal insurance, facilitating credit linkages for
agriculture requirement and platform to farming
community for marketing through formation of
farmer producer company.
We have set up a separate team for this initiative.
Team prepares an annual plan and it is monitored
through the monthly meetings, they also get the
trainingsontechnicalissuesofvariouscropsgrown
by farmers.Deputed field team is consisting of 13
members from different technical backgrounds
for Programme. It is providing advisory support
to farmers in various crops grown in soybean
cropping system. Crop specific advices to farmers
are given in written form through Advice
Slip. Individual farmer’s crops specific data is
recorded in farmer field record book along with
the field map. We are also creating database of
recommended practice/ best practices in the
form of videos and pictures. This will be helpful
in training of farmers in coming years in project.
We are organizing farmers into the “Learning
Groups”and these are the village level community
platforms for providing training and other value
chain linkages, each group consisting of 20
farmers. Towards environment sustainability and
savings in cost of cultivation we are emphasizing
farmers to use Bio Pesticides/fertilizers, which
has low cost and high productivity with no
adverse effect on human and environment.These
locally prepared bio-logical materials are bio-
fertilizers: matkakhad, amritpaani, bistarakhad
and bio-pesticides: neem oil, neem leaf extract,
five leaf extract, soybean tonic, fennel tonic and
garlic, ginger, onion, pepper and chilli extract.
In last season the adoption rate for low cost
production techniques among the registered
farmers was 30-35 %.
Contributed by: Mr. Praneet Mutha, Director,
Vippy Industries Ltd. Dewas, Madhya Pradesh,
India
Vippy Industries Ltd.
“SAMRUDDHA KHETI PROGRAMME

Sonic Biochem, Indore, Madhya Pradesh,
India,is one of the largest NON-GMO soya
foodandpharmaingredient
company in central India
well known for its ethical
and professional business
practices. It’s capability
for creating new/niche products and marketing
drive has placed it among the fastest growing
companies in the country.
The vision of Sonic is “to be a global player for
Non- GMO and Organic Soya Ingredients for
Food,HealthFoodandNutritionalSupplementto
provide value for money by leveraging R&D”and
values are Customer Delight, Build Excellence,
Ethical, Social Responsibility, Innovation and
Creativity.
Farmers face various challenges such as lack of
technical knowledge, limited access to resources,
market and other backward and forward linkages,
which culminate into the low productivity and
thus low income levels. To support farmers and
enhance socio-economic and environmental
sustainability at supply side, Sonic Biochem
initiated “Sonic Krishi Bazar”- Agri-extension
support programme for farmers.This programme
was initiated in year 2015 and about 500 farmers
of Mandsaur and Neemach Districts of Madhya
Pradesh were sensitised on good agricultural
practices and water saving measures for sustaining
soybean productivity. The programme is building
capacities of farmers through field trainings
and advisory support, also field demonstrations
are established to demonstrate the sustainable
technologies. A team of agri-experts is deputed
to support farmers and ensure adoption of
technologies by farmers. Market prices of
soybean from markets in vicinity is disseminated
to farmers, which provides them multiple options
for selling their soybean. It also gives an option
to them to direct sale to Sonic Krishi Bazar. The
corporate is also in the process of supporting
farmers for organic soy production.
Contributed by: Sonic Biochem Extractions Ltd.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Incorporated in 2010, the Reliance
Foundation focuses on five core pillars:
education, health, rural
development, urban
renewal, and promotion
and protection of
India’s art and culture. The Foundation
embodies corporate system and process
driven organization. It operates on a not for
profit basis, with the overall aim to create and
support meaningful and innovates activities,
that will address some of India’s most pressing
development challenges.
An acronym of Bahart India Jodo, bij is Reliance
Foundation initiative. Bij aims to bridge the gap
between rural and urban areas with an overall
goal to make farming a profession of first choice
by empowering small-holders farmers.
Reliance bij aims to step in to break the vicious
cycle of agricultural distress as its various pain
points. It intends to establish a new model of
sustainability that ensures a balance between
ecological, economical and aspirational goals
and entails owning, controlling and managing of
farms through community associations. It sees
Sonic Biochem Extractions Ltd.
“Sonic Krishi Bazar”
Reliance Foundation Bharat India Jodo (Rf BIJ)
Sustainable Soybean Inititative

technology and innovations mechanisms as allies
to effects rural transformation.
Soybean is largely supported in Madhya
Pradesh (Agar, Seoni, Mandla, Sendhwa and
Jamai), Maharastra (Yavatmal and Gangakhed),
Telangana (Kamareddy) and Karnataka (Bidar)
in RF BIJ. It is supported in 5000 hectares.
Farmers being the primary stakeholders,are being
provided with need based trainings on soybean
crop production and management throughout
the cropping season.
Water security through water harvesting and
recharging structures: Water security being one
of the core interventions, a number of water
harvesting and re-charging structures have
been designed and constructed in the program
areas. These structures have ensured irrigation
to crops during critical growth periods, thereby
securing optimum crop yields and income to the
farmers. Across the soybean dominating clusters,
approximately 5000 hectares have been brought
under irrigation for the first time benefitting
Soil health improvement: In order to achieve self-
sufficiency in manure,farmers are being supported
in establishing compost and vermicompost units,
biomass plantation, etc. Across the clusters,
2101 number of vermicomposting units (4121
cum capacity) and 4914 numbers of composting
units (34055 cum capacity) have been established
with a capacity to generate atleast 11000 MT of
organic manure. Thus soil health improvement
has been perceived as one of the important
initiatives to enhance crop production and
productivity. Bunding has been one of the core
activities, which led to considerable reduction
in soil erosion. Across all the 4 states, more than
10000 ha area has been ensured with bunds.
Use of quality seeds: As quality seed alone
enhances crop yields by 15-20 %, promoting seed
of locally adopted soybean varieties from reliable
sources has been the major focus. As a quality
check measure, seed germination tests are carried
out at village farmers association (VFA) level.
Also,to ensure proper nutrition to crops,seeds are
treated with biofertilisers like Rhizobium, PSB
and other biocontrol agents like Trichoderma (to
manage seed and soil borne diseases). JS 335 is
the predominant variety being cultivated across
the clusters in Agar followed by JS 95-60.
Integrated nutrient management : The focus
being crop productivity enhancement, soils are
being tested for nutrient status, based on which
the recommendations are being given to farmers.
As an alternative strategy, use of liquid manures
is also being encouraged. Using the integrated
approach,the nutrient requirement is met through
bio fertilizers, organic and inorganic sources.
Integrated insect-pests and diseases management:
As a part of the strategy, integrated insect-pests
and diseases management is being promoted.
Measures like deep ploughing, seed treatment
with biocontrol agents , promoting intercrops,
use of yellow sticky traps against sucking pests,
using various biocontrol agents to manage semi-
loopers and girdle beetle, use of various botanical
extracts (neem oil, neem leaf extract, chilli-garlic
extract, etc) to manage commonly encountered
insect-pests are promoted. The initiative has
been adopted in more than 3000 ha of DFs, thus
drastically bringing down the use of harmful
pesticides, reducing cost of production and
enhancing income of small and marginal farmers.
Seed banking: As a step towards achieving self
-reliance in seeds, seed production of ruling
varieties is being promoted across the clusters.
Farmers Seed transaction i.e. required seeds are
being supplied by seed bank to farmers and again
in multiple quantities as resolved by VFA. Seeds
are voluntarily being contributed back by farmers
to the seed bank. There are villages (Chikla in
Seoni,Kasaidhaheriya in Agar) in the programme,
which are self- sufficient as far as soybean seeds
are concerned.
Producer companies: As a step towards
sustainability, producer companies have been
established in Yavatmal, Agar and Jamai. The
Producer Companies at Yavatmal and Agar were
able to aggregate 1322 qtls of soybean (Yavatmal
- 1022 and Agar – 300) worth Rs around 43 lakhs.
Contributed by: Mr B.G.Mahesh,Food Security
Team, RF BIJ, Reliance Foundation, Project
Office, 1st Floor, RCP, Navi Mumbai.India

Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF),
establishedin1993,isthesocialdevelopment
arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd.
We work exclusively with
rural communities on issues
related to Water Resource
Management, Agro & Skill-
based Livelihood Generation,
Health, Education, Women’s Empowerment
and Rural Infrastructure. ACF’s community
development work is based on its mission and
underscores our belief in communities and in our
roleascatalyststobringinchange.ACFundertakes
projects and schemes for promoting the social and
economic development for communities in and
around the manufacturing locations of Ambuja
Cement Ltd.These development initiatives are in
line with the needs of people, in partnership with
them and in close collaboration with likeminded
NGOs and the Government. A team of 423
dedicated professionals implement its projects
and programms. Our work currently extends to
22 locations in 12 states across India, reaching
out to more than 14 lakh people through projects
with annual expenditure of Rs. 6293 lakhs.
The ACF unit at Chandrapur came into existence
in January 2001, and since then quickly made
inroads and do assessment of needs of the farming
community.With more than 80% of communities
in our intervention area of Chandrapur, involved
in agriculture and allied activities, Ambuja
Cement Foundation has developed a strong
agro-based livelihoods generation programme
based on sustainable farming practices. ACF
has been promoting micro irrigation among
farming communities in convergence with
State Agriculture Department of Maharashtra.
ACF's multi-pronged approaches to agro-based
livelihood issues engage various government
organizations like NABARD, ATMA, Animal
Husbandry Department and MSRLM etc. in
addition to collaborate with CICR-Nagpur &
KVK-Sindhewahi to encourage scientists to
share their knowledge and best practices with the
community. ACF also assist farmers to establish
Kisan Clubs and Krushi Vikas Samiti to enable
sharing information and technical knowledge
while building linkages with the market for better
bargains as a group, in row of this ACF promoted
Farmers Producer Company to develop business
sense amongst them.
ACF is also supporting farmers for Integrated
Crop Management in Soybean and building their
capacity on Integrated Crop Management to
enhance the productivity of secondary Soybean
crop through extension services like trainings and
Farmer Field schools. Demonstration are also
organized on new high yielding varieties, Broad
Bed Furrows to demonstrate in-situ moisture
conservationandseedtreatment withRhizobium,
PSB & fungicide. In year 2015, 416 soil testing
has been done to ensure soil health management
and 23 demonstrations on improved technologies.
ACF also provides technical advisory support
over the cropping season through SMS and field
expert advices.
The efforts undertaken for sustainable soybean
has resulted into the increased yield of soybean
with up to 35 % in varietal trial than control plot,
farmers realized benefits of using bio fertilizers
and reduction in use of chemical fertilizers and
willingness of the farmers increased for varietal
replacement in soybean.
Contributed By : Mr. Amol Gawande, Ambuja
Cement foundation, Chandrapur, Maharashtra,
India, www.ambujacement.org
Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF)
Integrated Practices in Soybean

Nature Bio-Foods Ltd. (NBFL), the pioneer
in organic food business in India; is a part
of LT Foods Ltd,
which commenced
its organic business
in 1997. Our
success results from
our continued involvement in the backward
integration - Farm Production, Manufacturing,
Packaging and Marketing. Having spent nearly 2
decades of remarkable and glorious period in the
organic food business; NBFL takes the pride to
be a dedicated company of LTFL to carry on its
organic food business to cater excellent services
to the valued customers.
NBFL’s member farming families increased
manifolds to reach over 70000 with a certified
organic area under crop production of over 64000
hectares.The farming areas are spread in 12 states
across India from the Himalayan mountainous
region to coastal plain belt of the southern
India covering wider agro-climatic zones for the
diversified organic crop cultivation to enrich the
organic product portfolio.
Apart from the rice and other organic products,
NatureBio-FoodsLtdiscontinuouslyworkingwith
small and marginal tribal farmers in Chhindwara
and Hoshangabad districts of Madhya Pradesh
for establishment of an integrated supply chain
of organic soybean. During our organic journey,
we have developed 34223 ha area certified as per
Indian and international standards for organic
soybean cultivation and in this endeavour, we
are being supported by more than 20 thousand
farmers. Over the years, NBFL soybean project
is bringing significant development in the overall
socio-economic status of the farmers.This success
is being achieved through environment friendly,
sustainable soybean based diversified cropping
system. Knowledge enhancement of the farmers
is being done continuously by NBFL through
various extension services, training programmes
and with the help of appropriate soybean varieties
suitable for the local agro-climatic conditions.
Besides saving and nurturing the environment
and ecology with organic production and
serving the nation with healthy and pure foods,
we are committed to contribute for the socio-
economical development of associated farmers,
their families, local community and society
at large. The consistent work performance of
NBFL helped in changing the lives of the tribal
communities in an area of 6550 ha land spread
across 09 villages in Harrai block of Chhindwara
as Nature Bio-Foods Ltd is working with M P
government through Public Private Partnership
for the implementation of Integrated Watershed
Management Program (IWMP).
In our FairTrade projects,which spread over more
than 80 villages, farmers are becoming more and
more aware on modern agriculture techniques
and organic farming practices. The realised
premium amount and social development fund is
helping them to solve their community welfare
problems. It has created the win -win model with
the farmers.
Our association with the farming community
is beyond a business relationship. They are
our partners in the organic value chain, where
practicing organic farming is their responsibility
and to support the farmers in terms of technical
guidance, training, monitoring, certifications
along with market linkages is our responsibility.
Aiming at sustainable development, we are
looking forward to have never ending relationship
with the farmers and continuing our seamless
work in the field of organic farming to benefit
the human society, environment and ecology.
Contributed by: Mr. Abhijeet Bhosale, Project
Manager, Nature Bio-Foods Ltd. Sonepat,
Haryana, India
Nature Bio-Foods Ltd. (NBFL)
Organic Soy

The Directorate of Soybean Research (DSR),
a premier institution under the aegis of
Indian Council
of Agricultural
Research, is
engaged in
soybean research and development in the
country. It is providing centralized support
to the production system research with basic
technologies and breeding material. It also looks
after the inter-disciplinary and multi-location
research through All India Coordinated Research
Project on Soybean (AICRPS).
45th AGM of AICRP on Soybean was organized
by ICAR-Directorate of Soybean Research,
Indore and Regional Research Centre, Amrawati
(Dr. P D Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola) from May
9-11, 2015, which was attended by 82 soybean
scientists from various states of the country.
The meet was inaugurated by Dr Ravi Prakash
Dani, Honorable Vice Chancellor, PDKV, Akola
and presided over by Dr. B. B. Singh, Asst.
Director General (O&P), ICAR. Dr. Dani in his
inaugural speech stressed upon addressing the
emerging problems in soybean cultivation. He
expressed great concern over vagaries of monsoon
experienced during last two years which led
to significantly low productivity, particularly
in the state of Maharashtra. Dr. B. B. Singh
assured that soybean scientists would take note
of changing situations and orient their research
activities to overcome them. Considering the
global climatic changes,Dr.V.S.Bhatia,Director,
ICAR- Directorate of Soybean Research, Indore
stressed upon need to make soybean crop more
climate resilient. During the meet the Idea of
Sustainable Soy Week (SSW) was shared among
the scientists for organizing various activities of
awareness among the farmers during Sustainable
Soy Week 1-7th
June, 2015. As it was planned
to organize jointly by DSR and Solidaridad in
co-ordination and facilitation with the soy value
chain stakeholders.
Scientists from all over the country presented
research findings of previous year and deliberated
upon various issues and finalized the technical
programme for Kharif 2015. Highlights of this
meeting are presented below.
At Marathwada Agricultural University,
Parbhani Soybean variety MAUS 612 developed
was identified for Southern Zone which includes
Kolhapur,Sangli belt of Maharashtra. The variety
has and yield potential of 25 q/ha and matures
early 91-95 days. Also at Punjab Agricultural
University, Ludhiana Variety SL 979 developed
was also identified for cultivation in Northern
Plain Zone. Keeping in view the shortage of
quality seed target of 17,000 quintal of breeder
seed production has been earmarked which will
ensure availability of seed of improved varieties
to the farmers in coming years.
Many thing related to pest management were also
discussed. Considering the growing menace of
yellow mosaic virus disease, a strong programme
of breeding for resistance to YMV involving many
centres has been recommended. As soybean rust
is a recurring problem in Southern Maharashtra,
efficientmanagementstrategyhasbeendeveloped.
A package of integrated management of
major insects and diseases in soybean has been
developed and recommended for adoption by the
farmers.With this in order to reduce cost of plant
protection measures, tank-mix formulations of
compatible insecticides and weedicides have been
recommended for different situations of insect-
pests and weeds.
Issues on inconsistent rainfall and prolonged
dry spells during the season were discussed
and strategies to mitigate losses due to such
unfavourable conditions have been recommended.
To address the issues of water stress (excess and
less) conditions planting of soybean with Ridge
and Furrow system is recommended.
To popularize improved soybean production
technology, total 1170 frontline demonstrations
have been allotted to research centres and
NGOs, across the country. With this it has been
decided that DSR, Indore would impart training
to soybean scientists on important issues for
enhancing their skills and competence.
Contributed By: Dr. Amar N. Sharma, PhD,
Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator
(AICRPS-Entomology) ICAR-Directorate of
Soybean Research, Indore 452 001, MP, India
45th
Annual Group Meeting of All India Coordinated
Research Project (AICRP) on Soybean
Directorate of Soybean Research

RTRS’s 10th annual conference (RT10) on
19th – 20th, May, 2015 in Brussels offered
a rare opportunity
for responsible soy
producers from Brazil,
Argentina, Canada
and India to come
together and exchange experiences among
themselves and with all stakeholders in the soy
supply chain.It was organized to explore the road
to achieve 10 million tonnes of responsible soy
in 2017 together with members, stakeholders and
to debate on the required steps and tools needed
to reach the destination and discuss solutions
to overcome potential roadblocks along the soy
chain. Also producers and buyers gave insights
into the impact and benefit they experienced with
responsible soy.
RT10 is the tenth round table since the formal
establishment of RTRS in Switzerland in 2006.
RTRS established its first standard in 2010. The
first certified responsible soy has reached the
market in 2011. Now, four years later, the efforts
of RTRS members ( producers, traders, brands
and other buyers ) have delivered about 1.5 million
tonnes of certified responsible soy to the market.
There is sufficient supply potential to satisfy
new and much higher buying commitments and
RTRS is facilitating increases of demand and
commitment from brands and other end-buyers
is the current focal point of RTRS.
RT 10 was a platform for dialogue between
global stakeholders, industry commitments
and on potentials in even bigger view of recent
sustainability pledges of major brands, traders
and commodity producing companies to
'deforestation-free', 'no social abuse' or 'zero land
grab' supply chains. The focus of this conference,
was on developing markets for certified
responsible soy.
It was also highlighted that RTRS is not yet
effective in preventing global warming, increased
food production needs, wealth and population
increases will put more pressure on climate, on
land, water resources and on local communities.
Choicesmadeatmicro-level-thefarm,theregion,
the company - , however rational they may seem,
still do not lead to sufficient results to combat
climate change, to reduce poverty and hunger
and to reach global sustainable development
goals. One major global ecological challenge was
manifest at the conference was deforestation and
the time to bring it down to zero is now.
Solidaridad shared the RTRS experiences of
working with smallholders in India which is
being implemented with 7 local NGO partners.
Programme has great impact in the lives of
smallholders like cost of cultivation is down by
10-15 % because of balanced use of fertilizer and
optimal seed utilization and production grew by
15-20% because of improved technologies. The
programme also led to an increase in ground
water and to an improved soil health due to the
use of bio compost, bio pesticides and balanced
fertilizer application. It had an important social
impact as well like smallholders are organized
into the groups this not only strengthen
entrepreneurship, but it is also leading to better
labour practices, with less child labour and
more school attendance, stronger community
cohesion, and to less domestic violence and social
evils. The lead farmers who are at the front of
the soy programme are helping to demonstrate
innovations and to change old patterns of
behaviour. They are a role model in the society.
Indian industries like Ruchi soya industries and
Vippy industries Ltd. are also engaged in the
programme and supporting RTRS. Altogether
among the benefits cited by the stakeholders who
participated; increased market opportunities,
improved agricultural practices, better farm
management, a greater economic, ecological
and social impact and a more responsible use of
agrochemicals.
RTRS’s 10th
Annual Conference

C ontrol Union is an independent,
internationally operating organization
that carries
out inspections
and issues
certificatesforsustainableproductionmethods.
Control Union is one stop shop for various
certification needs. Control Union promotes
the proper designation of products which
have been produced/ processed according to
sustainable production methods by means of
supervising, testing, inspecting, assessing and
certifying them. To co-ordinate its operations
as closely as possible with the local situation,
Control Union employs representatives
worldwide. It is Control Union’s policy to
delegate inspection and certification activities
towards local and sister companies members
of Control Union Certifications, to reduce the
costs and to improve the service.
Why Sustainable Agriculture
• To maintain balance between environmental ,
ecological & agriculture balance
• To promote business in a sustainable way
• To anticipate customer demands
• To promote sustainable living
• To expand agriculture capacity
Control Union is an accredited by Organismo
Argentino de Acreditación (OAA) which status
is recognized by the Round Table on Responsible
Soy Association to carry out inspections and
certification according to the RTRS Responsible
Production Scheme.
Certification as a market instrument
The principle of certification can be made clear by
the role it plays in society:
• Producers prefer distinction from colleagues/
competitors with regard to the supplied
(quality of) products.
• Buyers benefit from a guaranteed performance
of the products and from reliable information
about the product.
• Certification organizations, independent
and without market interests, form the link
between (the interests of) both parties: the
production system is inspected according to
agreed standards, contractually agreed with
the producer and regularly inspected. The
specifications and the area of application are
laid down in a scope certificate that is available
for the buyer as an informative document.
Certification process
Suppose you wish to sell your products as
certified products with a social and environmental
responsible production image, and which
production complies with the Sustainability
standards.Associação Control Union Certificates
(Control Union) can assist you to achieve this
objective. As a certification organization, we can
carry out reliable inspections and certifications,
which are internationally accepted.
Sustainable Soy Certification
For further details please contact
Control Union, Address- Plot Number C-113, TTC Industrial Area, Pawane MIDC, Navi
Mumbai, India- 400709, Vishal Shinde, Email-vshinde@controlunion.com/cuc@controlunion.in

G overnment of Maharashtra’s ‘Convergence
of Agricultural Interventions in
Maharashtra’s’ (CAIM) assisted
by International Fund for
Agricultural Development
(IFAD) and Sir Ratan Tata
Trust (SRTT) implement
the program at Distressed
Districts i.e. Akola, Amravati,
Buldhana, Yavatmal, Washim and Wardha.
The programe envisages targeting about 1606
villages of 64 clusters from six districts through
various community mobilization activities,
women empowerment Programs, Soil and Water
Conservation practices, sustainable agriculture
development,diversification of cropping patterns,
markets and value chain development etc.
Around 50 drought-affected villages in Akola
Cluster have got permanent relief from the
perennial water scarcity,because of the farm Ponds
developed under CAIM Project.These Ponds are
not only quenching the thirst of the villagers but
also catering to their need of water for daily use,
for cattle and for irrigation.In last couple of years,
the project developed as many as 146 farm ponds
in 16 villages falling in the saline belt, thus giving
relief to the populace of adjoining 50 villages
from the ever persisting drinking water scarcity.
Soybean records big leap in yield
UmeshBopte, a young farmer of village Apatapa
says that soyabean yield from his farm increased
by one and half times from what he used to reap
earlier. “Before the construction of a farm pond
close to my farm, I used to reap
6 quintals of soybean per acre, but
ever since the project developed
a farm pond in 2013, I reaped an
average yield of 9 quintals per acre
last year.
Ramchandra Ghawat, Member, Akola
Panchayat, said that there is absence of canal
irrigation system in this area, due to which water
scarcity for agricultural crops is
prominent.Low water table and
higher salt contents in available
water are the main constraints
of very less no.of wells in this
area. Which hampers rabi
season plantation & cropping
intensity. But due to Farm Ponds developed here,
they have now provision of protective irrigation
for crops in kharif season & availability of water
for rabi season to take second crop in a year.
Suresh Bhimrao Apotikar, a farmer of village
Marodi, has even experimented vegetables
cultivation and fishery on the farm ponds in the
village. Initially, he did a business of Rs. 70,000
through fishery but it did not last long for want
of technical expertise. He also did the business of
Vegetables excellently. As he sold fresh vegetables
directly from the farm pond, he received good
response from villagers.
Contributed by: Programme Director,
Programme Management Unit, Convergence
of Agricultural Interventions in Maharashtra,
Amravati Ph.No.0721-2552475.
Convergence of Agricultural Interventions in Maharashtra (CAIM)
Success Stroy : Farm Ponds Quench Thirst of Parched Villages
RBItosupportfarmproduceaggregationtofacilitatecreditflowforFPOs
With a view to facilitate credit flow in the agriculture sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will
support arrangements for aggregating farm produce which will help the foreign lenders to meet their
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets. It is a challenge for foreign banks to meet the PSL targets,
especially in lending to the agriculture sector. Aggregating farm produce through Farmer Producer
Organisations (FPOs) would give foreign lenders, an opportunity to lend to the agriculture sector.
FPO will help in bringing a professional attitude among the farmers who can then form groups
and register as a company that will give technical and financial assistance to its members. FPOs are
supposed to prepare a 20-year roadmap for financial inclusion and banks to be considerate in giving
loans to poor farmers.

Climate adaptation
technology saved the soybean
crop during the long dry-spell
IGS is implementing Farmer Support
Programme with the support of
Solidaridad. This success story is about
one of lead farmer in the programme.
Mr. Gajanan Ramrao Vaidya lives in
village Dhanora Vaidya District Akola,
Maharashtra. Mr. Gajanan adopted all the
recommended practices of soybean in his
plot of 5 acres i.e. seed treatment, spacing
of 18 inches, balanced doses of fertilizers
along with standards of sustainability.
Experiencing the losses because of drought;
this year he decided to adopt the climate
adaptation technologies i.e. Broad Bed
Furrow (BBF) planting method and inter-
cultural operations for in-situ moisture
conservation. As an immediate impact of
BBF planting method he saved 25 KGs of
soybean seed and good seed germination.
This year after the sowing there was a long
dry spell of more than 30 days, which
was very critical for crop survival in the
field hence some of the farmers lost their
crop whereas Mr. Gajanan saved his crop
because of conserved moisture in soil by
BBF and timely inter-cultural operations.
He is hoping to get yield 2.5 tons per
hectare yield of soybean this year.
Samarth Kisan Producer Company
Farmers dealing with markets
Samarth Kisan Producer Company, which is
smallholders’ local organization is able to leverage
collective strength and bargaining
power to access financial and non-
financial inputs and services and
appropriate technologies, reduce
transaction costs, tap markets and
enter into partnerships with private
and public entities on more equitable terms.
Samarth is managed by professional management team
who support the BoDs in day to day operations. It
provides various services to its members, including
aggregation of quality inputs, agri-extension, quality
seeds, warehousing, linkages with financial institutions
and government schemes.Extension plays an important
role for adoption of better practices by farmers, Service
Providers who are the local youth trained by Samarth
provide extension services to farmers in their locality
and their service is being provided on service delivery
payment basis.Aggregation of inputs not only solves the
issue of availability of timely quality at fair prices also
it discourage malpractices in local market. Producer’s
groups are facilitated to get the linkages with Banks
for credits. It is well known fact that the availability
of quality seeds is not only critical but a basic and
mandatory factor that affects the increase in production
of a particular crop. Therefore, Samarth have taken
the initiative to produce and process certified soy and
wheat seeds. This ensures supply of locally produced
quality seeds at a fair price to farmers in locality as well
as near-by Districts and States. Warehouse managed
by Samarth provides facility for safe storage of seeds
and also finance on pledged stock through financial
institutions. In year 2014-15 Samarth produced and
marketed3,500quintalsofsoyseedsand10,000quintals
of wheat seeds. Company’s annual turnover is INR
46.2 Million. As a result farmers are able realize 15-20
percent increase in yields and 10-12 percent reduction
in cost of cultivation comparatively because of adoption
of sustainable soy practices on the other hand it ensure
better integration of smallholders with key value chain
players.Ever since its inception,it has been instrumental
in bringing about a marked improvement in the
social and economic status of members. It encourages
self-reliance, while ensuring cooperation among its
members,and follows a democratic functioning process
essential to the success of any enterprise.

Contact us
The Secretariat
National Platform for Sustainable Soy
C/o - Central India Office
Solidaridad, South and South East Asia
Shreenath Kripa Apartment (G.F.), D-26, BDA,
Near Police Chowki, Koh-E-Fiza, Bhopal
India-462001
E-mail : suresh@solidaridadnetwork.org
Phone : +91755 2548160
Central Institute of Agricultural
Engineering (CIAE) was established
long back in the year 1976 at Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh, India, with an aim to address,
analyse and research on different prospects
of agriculture engineering. The institute
is focused on developing new innovative
technologies (products and methodologies) for
agricultural growth. CIAE is having divisions
for Agricultural Mechanization, Irrigation &
Drainage Engineering, Agricultural Energy &
Power,Agro Produce Processing andTechnology
Transfer.
It is an established fact that soy food products
are nutritious, health promoting and economical.
Incorporation of properly processed soy products
in daily diet, is therefore, advocated for deriving
nutrition and health benefits at cost affordable
by the common man. Considering its nutritional
enhancement through the use of soybean its
popularization and commercialization is very
essential.
Agro Produce Processing Division at CIAE
regularly organizes six – day hands on trainings
to empower the upcoming entrepreneurs for
manufacture of quality and safe soy products for
making available to the population.The topics for
training are : - i) Soymilk and Soy paneer and
Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE)
Commercialization of Soy-based FoodTechnology through
EntrepreneurshipTraining
Month Duration
November, 2015 16-21
December, 2015 14 -19
ii) Full-fat Soy-flour, Soy-based Bakery Products
and Soy Snacks.
Following is the Soy-food Training programme
for next two months for upcoming Entrepreneurs.
Upcoming entrepreneurs may take advantage
of this activity for income and employment
generation.
Contributed by : Dr S D Kulkarni,
Principal Scientist, Central Institute of
Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal

Sustainable Soy Newsletter edition September 2015

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