How can we make it work in India?

Through the encouragement of the High Commission of India, Port of Spain (T&T), Agricultural Economist OmardathMaharaj, a main partner in this effort, was motivated to apply and subsequently accepted through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC). This scholarship opportunity, fully funded by the Government of India, afforded him the opportunity to participate in an international programme on “Financing of Inclusive Agriculture and Rural Development” at the Bankers Institute of Rural Development, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. This scholarship opportunity, fully funded by the Government of India, afforded him the opportunity to participate in the international programme at BIRD.

On an average, 9% of the world’s poor live in India and 20% of them live in Uttar Pradesh.

This state alone has a population of 204.2 million and has its accompanying human development and resource challenges. Maharaj often reflects on his visit to the Raebareli district to be among the world’s poorest but more importantly to witness national food and agricultural policy in action supported by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and self help groups (SHGs).