AID Jeevan Saathi Kiran Kumar Vissa will be visiting many AID chapters in May 2009 to share his experiences. Kiran has worked with well known agricultural scientist Dr.Ramanjaneyulu of Centre for Sustainable Agriculture to draft a farmers’ manifesto of demands in the context of the ongoing elections in India. This is based on a detailed analysis of issues confronting the Indian farmers, especially the small and marginal, and discussions with various experts as well as thousands of farmers. The manifesto and related articles have been published in Indian newspapers and the Down to Earth magazine, and some of the key demands have been endorsed by eminent experts like Prof. M.S. Swaminathan.

Kiran has studied the implications of Genetically Modified crops to Indian agriculture, especially GM food crops which are sought to be introduced soon. He is an important organizer in the campaign against GM foods, including the effective Brinjal Food festival campaign that has raised popular consciousness on the issue of Bt Brinjal, which is the first GM food crop waiting to be introduced in India.

Kiran is also involved in organic farming in his family farm in Andhra Pradesh. He is collaborating with likeminded groups and individuals to establish an organic consumer cooperative in Hyderabad to promote healthy, pesticide-free and organic produce.

Hear Kiran share his experiences: From Farm to Plate: A Role for Sustainable Agriculture?