Nawonmesh 2

🌱 Nawonmesh - An initiative for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGE) in the Farm Sector - Buxar District, Bihar, India 🇮🇳

🌎 The Problem -

a) Agriculture, forestry, land use, and livestock sectors contribute to around 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With a growing population and increasing demand for food, agricultural activities are expected to rise, potentially worsening the situation through increased use of chemical fertilizers.

b) In India, the farm sector accounts for 19.6% of GHGE, preceded by the energy sector (44%) and the combined manufacturing and construction sector (18%).

c) Major components of GHGE from the Indian farm sector include:

🐄 Livestock Sector (54.6%): Methane emissions from enteric fermentation of feed, and nitrous oxide emissions from fertilized feed production. India has the world's largest cattle population, accounting for 78% of 24 million methane emissions, 80 times more potent than CO2. 🌾 Nitrogenous Fertilization (19%): Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils, 300 times more potent than CO2. 🌾 Rice Cultivation (18.5%): GHGE from inadequate rainfall conditions. 🔥 Other Emission Sources (7%): Livestock management (6.9%) and stubble burning (2.1%).

💡 Our Reduction Strategies -

Significant scope exists for reducing GHGE in India's farm sector, which accounts for ~23% of the country's power consumption. Key strategies include:

🌾 Introduction of Regenerative Agriculture to the Local Ecosystem.

☀️ Enhancing the use of non-conventional power sources, such as solar energy.

💧 Reducing the elevation head for irrigation pumps by employing groundwater recharging techniques like reviving local water bodies and rainwater harvesting in human settlements.

🌳 Efforts to revive the forest cover and perennial rivers to not only reduce GHGE but also enhance biodiversity.

By implementing these strategies, we can make a positive impact on the environment and help India achieve a more sustainable future for its agriculture sector.

🌿 Project Description -

The project idea stems from the premises mentioned earlier, focusing on a multi-pronged approach to address the various causes of GHGE. Each part of the approach will be executed simultaneously with the others. Below is a brief description of each part, its objectives, and the problem it aims to address.

1️⃣ Part 1 - Introduction of Regenerative Agriculture to the Local Ecosystem 🌾

Key aspects:

• No plowing or turning of soil
• Earth cultivates itself naturally
• No tilling required; seeds are encased in clay pellets
• Reduced weeds and pests through crop rotation
• Soil becomes richer and more productive with each cycle

To begin with, we aim to dedicate 5 acres of our own arable land to adopt the "NO TRACTORS, NO PESTICIDES & NO TILLING" farming technique. This low-investment approach was first developed by Masanobu Fukuoka in his village on Japan's Shikoku Island, and is elaborated upon in his book, "The One-Straw Revolution." The method has proven successful without sacrificing economic aspects, such as crop yield and quality. It entails sowing clay-encased seeds of rice or other suitable seasonal crops, covering them with straw, watering the field, and letting it dry naturally. The straw is then lightly threshed for stability, and regular irrigation is maintained. In due course, the barley crop matures and is harvested and threshed, providing barley straw for cover. Periodically, a thin layer of chicken and green manure is spread to decompose the straw, followed by sowing clover seeds as ground cover three weeks before paddy harvest.

Although natural cultivation shows great promise, it is vastly different from conventional farming methods. As such, it is crucial to prove its effectiveness, showcase its results to encourage broader adoption, and secure the necessary resources before the idea gains traction and contributes to environmental enhancement. The promotion of this method will demand considerable patience and financial commitment.

2️⃣ Part 2 - Revival of Local Water Bodies and Use of Solar Power in Irrigation 🌊☀️

Key aspects:

• Revive encroached water bodies, recharging aquifers and reducing power consumption
• Install solar-powered irrigation pumps to reduce dependence on conventional power
• Promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for a financially viable transition to solar power

Our second initiative will focus on reclaiming encroached water bodies. While this endeavor requires the cooperation of local civic and legal authorities, we have been liaising with local government bodies for several months, and the Central Government's Amrit Sarovar Project shares the same objective. This effort will significantly recharge aquifers, decrease elevation heads for irrigation pumps, and reduce power consumption.

In parallel, we plan to install solar-powered irrigation pumps to lessen farming's reliance on conventional energy sources. The large-scale adoption of solar power might not yield immediate quantifiable results, but it will eventually lead to a decreased demand for grid power in agriculture. Despite government subsidies, solar power equipment installation remains capital-intensive. To make the transition financially feasible, the switch must be distributed among numerous users. The government promotes Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which consolidate small landholdings on a cooperative basis to make per capita capital costs and other overheads more sustainable. However, the threshold for such aggregation is relatively high.

We propose attempting aggregation at a lower but optimal level and scaling up once the endeavor proves successful. Surpassing the threshold for FPOs offers numerous financial and collateral advantages.

3️⃣ Part 3 - Revival of Local Forest Cover 🌳

Key aspects:

• Reclaim encroached forest land
• Implement extensive plantation of minimal-irrigation plants along roads and vacant government land
• Collaborate with a local Agriculture College to identify soil-specific, low-water-requirement plants

The restoration of water bodies relies on sufficient rainfall. About two decades ago, the area boasted a dense forest cover and numerous orchards. However, due to the authorities' neglect in preserving these green covers, there has been a steady decline in their presence. While the Forest Land still exists in Revenue Records, it is crucial to reclaim it from unauthorized encroachments. Although it may not be feasible to restore the orchards since locals have repurposed them as farmlands, planting low-irrigation plants along roads and vacant government land offers the path of least resistance for enhancing the green cover.

We plan to carry out this project in partnership with a local agriculture college affiliated with a leading Agricultural University in Bihar. The college authorities have already pledged their support in identifying both farm and non-farm plants that are suitable for the specific soil, require low water, and minimally impact the ecosystem.

4️⃣ Part 4 - Rejuvenation of Kao (Kav) and Thora Rivers 🏞️

Key aspects:

• Rejuvenate the river systems, contributing to groundwater recharging and providing arsenic-free potable water
• Revive ancient forest cover, attracting higher precipitation
• Overcome challenges like encroachment identification, clearing, and desiltation/dredging through government programs and local government coordination

Useful Links:

http://wikimapia.org/river/16196359/Kao-River https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/nalanda/231143 https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/buxar/story-garbage-dumping-yard-has-become-the-bank-of-kava-river-in-dumraon-3457926.html

As our most ambitious part of the project idea, this initiative has the potential to drastically enhance groundwater recharge in the neighboring agricultural belt and ensure arsenic-free drinking water for a significant portion of at least three districts in Bihar: Rohtas, Bhojpur, and Buxar.

The project focuses on the rejuvenation of the Kao and Thora rivers. The Kao river originates from a 130-foot high perennial waterfall called DHUAN, named after the smokescreen-like appearance created by water droplets bouncing up to 60 feet. The waterfall sources its water from the Kaimoor Plateau, making the Kao river perennial as well. The river meanders through rocky obstructions before reaching the plain after a journey of less than a kilometer. Approximately 30 km downstream, it converges with the Thora river. Initially sourced from an artisan well, the Thora river faced blockage due to human interference. However, the source resurfaced downstream, and the river continues to flow, providing pollutant-free water from its subsurface stream.

Kao and Thora rivers merge and proceed toward the Ganga (Ganges) river. After about 60 km of combined flow, they fall into Kokila Taal and ultimately meet the Ganga through Kokila Taal. These rivers were vibrant water systems until encroachment and siltation began to clog them a couple of decades ago, resulting in their current impending extinction.

Reviving these river systems will contribute to the restoration of an ancient, large forest cover, attracting above-average precipitation in the area. Rejuvenation efforts face numerous challenges, such as identifying encroachments through drone mapping, clearing encroachments (including riverbeds), and securing manpower through government programs like MNREGA for desilting and dredging the riverbeds. This process will necessitate close coordination with local government officials, potentially involving the judicial system. Consequently, this uphill journey will require substantial financial support and seamless collaboration.

🎯 Project's Target Population and Geographical Area -

The project will have a direct impact on the ~150,000 inhabitants of the Buxar district in Bihar, India. 🇮🇳👩‍🌾👨‍🌾

We also intend to create a replicable model which can be open-sourced so that it can be used by any farmer across India.

📆 Proposed Project Timeline, Total Budget and Breakdown of Expenses 💰 -

It has already been mentioned that the various parts of the project ideas can be implemented simultaneously, though the time frame for reaching each part to a level of self-sustenance may differ for each. The seeds of the project ideas were sown about a year ago. This involved traveling, informal meetings, and data collection. Though no formal record has been maintained, the preparation has involved an expenditure of about $6,000 out of personal resources.

The projection of the time frame and financial outlay is discussed part-wise below:

1️⃣ Part 1 - “Introduction of Regenerative agriculture to the local ecosystem” 🌾

As previously mentioned, the innovative agricultural approach will complete its first cycle within a year, allowing the demonstration of success in at least two seasonal crops for further expansion by ourselves and others. Throughout this period, public relations efforts will be maintained by organizing site visits and hosting audiovisual seminars.

Time frame: 1 year Cumulative expenditure: $25,000

The true challenge lies in promoting the concept and consolidating fragmented land holdings into functional units via cooperative structures. Addressing numerous legal issues and establishing the credibility and sincerity of our intentions through prolonged and in-depth engagement with potential collaborators will require both time and significant financial investment.

Time frame: 3 years Cumulative expenditure: $40,000

2️⃣ Part 2 - “Revival of the local water bodies and use of Solar Power in irrigation” 💧☀️

The results of efforts in this phase will become evident within two years, assuming normal rainfall. This process will also require labor costs for excavating blocked water bodies to sufficient depths, creating rainwater channels and embankments, installing deep tube wells, and acquiring solar pumps and panels. While substantial government support is anticipated, it is wise to establish a reserve fund to guarantee smooth and uninterrupted execution.

Time frame: 2 years Capital expenditure: $60,000

3️⃣ Part 3 - “Revival of local Forest cover” 🌳

Reviving the green cover is a lengthy process that will necessitate significant involvement in legal proceedings. While the government and local Agriculture College may assist with tree planting, our organization will need to handle the judicial aspects. Given the extensive encroachment on land that was once forested, it could take approximately five years to restore the area to its original state.

Time frame: 5 years Pre-operative and capital expenditure: $60,000

4️⃣ Part 4 - “Rejuvenation of Kao (Kav) and Thora rivers” 🌊

As previously stated, this is our most ambitious project idea, and understandably, it will have the longest implementation timeframe – at least five years. The process requires a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the river basin's degradation extent. Drone technology must be employed to obtain real-time data. Rectifying the situation cannot rely solely on voluntary participation from the people involved, necessitating a challenging and costly legal process. Restoring channels, constructing embankments, and dredging the basin are all demanding and expensive tasks.

Time frame: At least 5 years Fund reserve: $200,000

To summarize, the overall time frame required for the project is about 5 years, with an aggregate fund requirement of ~$400,000. Apart from raising grants from Gitcoin and other web3 and web2 organizations, we will also explore funding options like carbon credits forward markets and tap into various government initiatives to support projects like ours. 🚀💡

🤝 Collaborations involved in the Project 🌟 -

• The dean of the local, state-affiliated agricultural university has pledged support of any every kind possible, including helping us liaison with the state government to fast-track all the necessary approvals. 🎓

• Priyank Bakshi from MRV Foundation, a Gitcoin grantee, is helping us understanding the web3 and ReFi ecosystem so that we can leverage these concepts for achieving our project goals 🌱🤖

🌟 Team 🌟 -

🚀 Executive Team

We are a group of environmentalists, engineers, financial experts, and social workers. Though we are located presently at different places, we have a permanent establishment in a prominent and strategically located village in Buxar District. We propose to distribute responsibilities according to capability and availability. The founding team will be permanently located at the village for coordination.

1. Mr. B. V. Sinha - He is a senior ex-banker with about three decades' experience in project formulation, overseeing implementation through Management Information System and physical inspection, and enforcing financial discipline. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of two Companies actively engaged in correcting the financial structure and upgrading technology of the corporates facing distress. He has been working on Navonmesh for over a couple of years; collecting data, making physical surveys, and taking on board academicians and functionaries conversant with the environment and capable of bringing about beneficial but legal modification in the regulatory structure. He was born, brought up, and had initial education in the village and is extensively familiar with the place and persons.

2. Dr. Divya Sinha - She is the wife of Mr. B. V. Sinha and has conducted extensive research in Environmental Geomorphology. She has been an academician and teacher throughout her career and has a passion for keen analysis of the issues involving both human and physical capital. She will be immensely useful in selecting competent human resources for project implementation and keeping them motivated by constant guidance and encouragement.

3. Mr. Kshitij Mohan - He has retired as the Chief General Manager of a leading energy-focused Public Sector Undertaking of India. A Mechanical Engineer by degree and profession, his forte was management of the corporation for optimal and uninterrupted operation. He has a keen interest in the potential of alternate sources of electricity. He is expected to contribute significantly to reducing dependence on irrigation of cultivable land on conventional sources of electricity and contribute thereby in the reduction in demand and need for production of the same.

🌐 Advisory Team

1. Mr. Priyank Bakshi (Twitter - @0xClimate) - A serial entrepreneur who exited his last VC-backed tech startup with 14+ years of experience in leading a wide range of business functions in startups and corporations like Solid World DAO, OLX Group, and Credit Suisse. He is currently the co-founder of a Gitcoin grantee named MRV Foundation and is helping us align our organization to web3 and ReFi tools and ethos.

2. Dr. B. V. Sinha - He retired as the Head of the Department of Physics from the leading university of Bihar. A person with a very keen academic interest in a variety of subjects, he has kept himself abreast with the latest in agricultural practices and technology. He has been promoting organic farming in the village under reference on the land owned by him. His organic rice variety holds patents. Born, brought up, and educated in the same village, he is in a position to render valuable advice in the project.

3. Dr. Mayank Bakshi - An IIT-Kanpur Alumnus, he obtained his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, USA. Although he will not be interacting very frequently with the physical environment, he is keen on contributing to the updation of the technological protocol of the implementation module and other aspects.