ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the acceptability and viability of millets as a component of a Farming Systems for Nutrition (FSN) approach, and in the public distribution system (PDS). Millets were promoted as nutrient-dense crops under a study to demonstrate the feasibility of an FSN approach to address malnutrition in the Wardha district in Maharashtra and the Koraput district in Odisha, India. With improved crop varieties and better agronomic practices, such as line sowing, timely weeding, and proper application of fertilizers, along with nutrition awareness, both the production and consumption of finger millets increased in Koraput. Political commitment is also important, as seen from the case of millet distribution through the PDS of Karnataka. It is necessary to streamline procurement mechanisms in line with the harvest period, equip officials with proper training in quality assessment, and reduce the time between procurement and payment to farmers. With an emphasis on production, consumption and distribution, this climate-resistant, nutrient-dense crop can be a healthy and sustainable component of the food systems of people - a point reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the food and nutrition security of many. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Stefano Padulosi, E.D. Israel Oliver King, Danny Hunter and M.S. Swaminathan.
ABSTRACT
This book offers an overview of India's emerging digital economy and the resulting challenges and opportunities for urban workplaces. It examines contemporary economic and social transformations in India by focusing on how new technologies and policies are shaping urban work practices and patterns. The book emphasizes inclusive and equitable practices that consider the needs of the formal and informal sector workforce as essential to India's urban development. Drawing on cross-disciplinary frameworks, it examines key issues related to work trends in the Indian urban economy and its digital landscapes, including Industry 4.0 and technology-labour nexus, smart cities and innovation, urbanism and consumerism, workplace transitions such as service industry and remote work, digital divide, skill development initiatives, and the impact of socio-economic inequalities and disruptions. The authors provide perspectives on the digital future of urban work in India and other emerging economies in the post-COVID-19 phase, and underscore the importance of enacting balanced policies, remodelling institutions, and equipping the labour force for adapting to new demands related to future employability and investments. This book will interest students, teachers, and researchers of urban studies, urban sociology, sociology of work, labour studies, human and urban geography, economic geography, urban economics, development studies, urban development and planning, public policy, regional planning, politics of urban development, social and cultural change, urban sustainability, environmental studies, management studies, South Asian Studies, and Global South studies. It will also be useful to policymakers, non-governmental organizations, activists, and those interested in India and the future of the global economy. © 2022 Nidhi Tandon, Pratyusha Basu, Omkumar Krishnan and Bhavani R.V. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The Covid19 pandemic should be seen as a wake-up call for humanity, to reflect, rethink and redesign food systems that are safe, healthy, sustainable, and beneficial to all. This crisis has disrupted food supply chains, affecting lives and livelihoods. Hunger and malnutrition is expected to increase and the poor and vulnerable will suffer the most. There is urgent need to build resilient food systems. A location specific farm-system-for-nutrition approach, based on sustainable use of natural resources and local agri-food value chains can help improve household diet diversity and address nutrition deficiencies. The food-based approach can improve preparedness and resilience of communities to withstand the challenge posed by crises in general, and COVID19 in particular.