What is Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Hub (CBE-IH)?
The vision behind the proposed Innovation Hub is to create a one stop destination for circular bioeconomy in India. It aims to provide knowledge, guidance and hands-on training for establishing and sustaining small and medium scaled businesses based on agri and other forms of rural wastes. With IWMI and BAIF being Pioneer Co-leads, the proposed CBE-IH will be hosted by BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune, Maharashtra, INDIA. The overarching objective is to unleash the potential of circular bioeconomy in India, starting with the state of Maharashtra. It also aims to accelerate the progress of bio-residue based business to supplement the overall income of the farmers and create new growth avenues for the local communities.
The Pioneer Co-Leads
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), an international, non-profit research organization established under the Laws of Sri Lanka having its headquarters at Sri Lanka. In India, IWMI has offices in New Delhi and Anand, Gujarat and is working across the country in projects related water and agri sector. IWMI India has partnered extensively with ICAR, IITs and many reputed Universities and NGOs for its R4D projects in India.
BAIF Development Research Foundation (BAIF), a registered trust having its Registered Office at Urilikanchan, Pune and head office at Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, National Highway No. 48, Warje, Pune, Maharashtra, India. In alignment with its Vision and Mission, BAIF is working across 14 states in India to bring about rural prosperity with emphasis on Climate Change Mitigation and creating resilient and sustainable community livelihoods.
Pioneer Funding
The Pioneering Funding has been received through the Nature Positive Solutions (NATURE+) Initiative of Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR).
NATURE + aims to re-imagine, co-create and implement nature-positive solutions-based agri-food systems that equitably support food and livelihoods while ensuring that agriculture is a net positive contributor to biodiversity and nature.
CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. Its research is carried out by 15 CGIAR centers in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.
Spotlight
Integrated Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture (IRESA): It is a complete package of activities around the central theme of household level biogas units. The focus is on optimal use of existing resources for sustainable energy generation for cooking and value-added organic manure production for soil fertility. The approach enables the farmers to fulfil the energy and soil nutrient requirements. The IRESA model is designed to be made operational as a rural social enterprise. This Short story on IRESA and its benefits explains the full story.
