Dec 15 Planning and Coordination Meeting

Owned by Ashu Sikri (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Dec 16, 2021
5 min read

Objectives: Align on what we want to accomplish through end of March 2022 (6 months into the project) and who is doing what.

Also, lets leave a few minutes towards the end to share India travel dates; sounds like many folks with be in Patna in January and would be great to connect in person and introduce this work to any relevant stakeholders.

Attendees:

  • DG: @Falguni Ganguli (Unlicensed) @Ashu Sikri (Unlicensed) @Gelsey Bennett (Unlicensed) @Akash Asthana (Unlicensed) (@Krishnan Pallassana (Unlicensed) and @rikin (Unlicensed) optional)

  • CIMMYT/Cornell: @Andrew McDonald (Unlicensed) @Sonam sherpz (Unlicensed) @Balwinder-singh (Unlicensed)

  • EDF: @Richie Ahuja (Unlicensed) Amresh Choudhary, Vandana K., Kumar Abhinav

  • Others: JK Ladha

Pre-read:

Note: this is a rough first pass based on the current DG understanding and our project proposal. Welcome feedback / input from others.

Workstream

What is success (March 2022)

Who is doing what?

Workstream

What is success (March 2022)

Who is doing what?

Content identification and dissemination

  • DG formally on-boarded to Convergence Platform and participates in kharif planning meetings (tentatively Jan and Mar)

Rabi 21/22:

  • Content for 5 rabi practices incl a generic “Why CSA” and targeted N fertilizer recommendation reach ~88k farmers of which ~20% adopt at least one practice. See here for full list of rabi practices

  • Instrumentation in place to track reach and adoption within JEEViKA system

  • Develop ~3 case studies on equipment required to implement CSA and identify stakeholders to share learnings / recommendations

Kharif 22:

  • Practices for kharif 2022 identified and aligned with broader Convergence Platform

  • Start thinking about how to track reach / adoption in advisory networks other than JEEViKA

  • Value chain partners on-board that can respond to some of the access issues (eg, DeHaat)

  • Aligned with JEEViKA on districts and practices; in position to reach +120k farmers

  • CIMMYT and CSISA validate and provide technical guidance on practices (eg, N fertilizer optimization rates, why CSA / climate sensitization training for VRPs and farmers)

  • DG to develop scripts and work with local video production resources to produce or adapt existing content

  • DG works with JEEViKA to train VRPs and disseminate via VBE and alternative channels (eg, Whatsapp groups)

  • EDF and CIMMYT to share their learnings / analysis on value chains for critical equipment incl service provider business models, market distortions via subsidy, etc.

Credible and cost effective data collection at-scale

Rabi 21/22

  • Data on rabi practices captured for ~1,600 farmers

  • Some basic automated data validation and checks in place

  • Compare current data collection approach vs. existing standards (GS and Verra)

Kharif 22

  • Use a smart sampling approach to figure out where we deploy the data collection forms

  • Data collection forms ready with some basic automated data validation checks in place

  • EDF to complete standards inter-comparison and DG to compare current approach vs these standards

  • DG to work with JEEViKA to train VRPs, design and deploy forms, make VRP payments, etc.

  • CIMMYT to share learnings from LDS and review data collection methodology

GHG emission estimates; model inter-comparison and calibration

  • Initial GHG estimates from CFT and DNDC based on kharif 2021 data received and visualized

  • Initial feedback from inter-comparison shared with model developers; start of a dialogue that moves us towards more accurate models

  • Figure out how we can best leverage EDF data for model calibration

Rabi 21/22:

  • Data collection forms are based on inputs required to generate emission estimates (similar to what we did for kharif 21)

Kharif 22:

  • Model requirements inform data collection forms

  • DG team to work with model developers to get initial GHG estimates

  • CIMMYT to drive inter-comparison with a deep-dive on understanding how the models deal w soil hydrology and other important local contexts

  • EDF to support CIMMYT in inter-comparison work

Farmer data wallet; design and value prop

  • Farmer workshop held to understand awareness of CSA and identify entry points for data wallet

  • Mockups prepared for product ideas that can incentivize data capture and sharing

  • DG to lead and bring in EDF and CIMMYT teams for guidance

Comms, advocacy, knowledge sharing

  • Bihar ecosystem mapping complete and engaged with at least 3 partners on potential collaborations

  • Mapping of relevant stakeholders in potential “next-up” states and some initial outreach

  • Hold learning workshop with JEEViKA team to build momentum for scaling the program to additional districts

  • Prepare memo for first Sequoia Strategic Review call (submit 10 days prior to April 1)

  • EDF and CIMMYT to make intros to relevant stakeholders in Bihar and other states

  • EDF to advise on positioning with key stakeholders, esp policymakers and those involved in State Climate Action Plans

  • EDF and CIMMYT to review and provide input on Sequoia memo (prepared by DG)

 

Meeting Notes

 

  1. Value Chain

    1. Access to the equipment that farmers need to implement certain practices (eg, Happy Seeder for ZT) is critical to actually achieving GHG emission reductions. CIMMYT has done a lot of prior work on the business case for service providers for such equipment and the EDF team has some insights here as well.

    2. By next March, DG will leverage this prior work and conduct farmer and service provider interviews to develop short case studies that detail the practices, equipment required, farmer demand/key adoption barriers and key enablers (eg, equipment finance for service providers, training, etc.). We will map out a universe of relevant stakeholders (eg, DeHaat, equipment manufacturers, NABARD, Dept of Agri, JEEViKA) and come up with an outreach plan for sharing these case studies and driving action in future months. 

  2. Standards Inter-comparison

    1. We want to put farmers in a position where they can make trusted, credible claims about their emissions (reduction) which means we need to establish a baseline and have a robust methodology for data collection. We will look to the existing methodologies used in carbon offset programs as a benchmark.

    2. EDF team to summarize the data requirements and data collection approach required for carbon offset programs per methodologies published by Verra, GS, etc. EDF will also reach out to standards bodies and share what new approaches tailored for smallholder farmers (if any) are in the pipeline. 

    3. DG will compare the current data collection effort to these methodologies and amend where possible. For reference, the current data collection approach is driven by what is required for generating emission estimates from DNDC and CFT. 

    4. Looking ahead, we will work with others also grappling with this problem on recommendations for new approaches better suited for smallholders and engage with the registries. 

  3. Model inter-comparison

    1. CIMMYT/Cornell postdoc will lead this work

    2. Our goal is not to create a full blown GHG accounting model but get a sense for the impact of a few specific management activities.

    3. Want to have post-doc start engaging with model developers as soon as possible   

  4. Akash to connect with EDF Bihar team to start the ecosystem mapping work. 

  5. Given Richie, Andy and Rikin all plan to be in India in early January, can we arrange something in person in Patna? What dates are possible and what stakeholders would we want to bring together? Please share your plans with Gelsey and she will update this table.