Foundation for Development Integration (FDI)

Mission and Vision of FDI

Foundation for Development Integration (FDI) was created in the month of March 1998 as a non-profit making organization. The primary endeavours of the organization are to work towards development of the human race & the habitat; Conservation and sustainable management & utilization of Agro-biodiversity & Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) including its related ITK / TK and undertake applied research towards creating / enlarging better livelihood options for the farmers.

FDI provides support to the farmers for resilient agriculture and to ensure ecosystem services; Value chain development, market linkages and promotion of heirloom varieties of the native crops and their processed products actively involving FPOs and SHGs to provide sustainable income source and thus creating better livelihood opportunity to the farmers.

Establishment of “Community Seed Bank(s)” to develop an organized and sustainable Seed System; Initiate “Conserve Gene Campaign” for spreading awareness on conservation of Agro-biodiversity & Plant Genetic Resources and other related core issues; Establishment of “Field Gene Bank” of native crop varieties and Plant Genetic Resources; Undertake applied research on the Integrated Farming System and develop model(s) for sustainable agriculture to enhance the lifestyle and living of the farm families; Undertake research, documentation and digitization of the traditional Art, Culture and Heritage.

Presently, Foundation for Development Integration has been merged as a Collaborating Amalgamated Independent Organization of Foundation for History and Heritage Studies

Projects and Research Initiatives of FDI

Rajib Sarma has been involved as Key Person on behalf of FDI, including the following,

Mainstreaming Agro-biodiversity Conservation

Involved as partner / stakeholder in the project titled “MAINSTREAMING AGROBIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR TO ENSURE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND REDUCE VULNERABILITY”. A UN Environment (UNEP) implemented and GEF funded project jointly executed in India by the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT, Rome, Italy and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Min. of Agri., Govt. of India through National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi. [UN Environment-GEF Project]

Sustainable Management of Agro-Biodiversity (NATP-PB Project)

Involved as Co-operating Centre in the project titled “NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT (NATP) on Sustainable Management of Plant Biodiversity and Conservation of Agro-biodiversity (Plant Genetic Resources)” implemented by Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India and executed as the Lead Institute by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). [NATP(PB) project]

Collaborations with Academic Institutions

Involved as Collaborator with Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati in the project sponsored by UGC titled “Studies on Plant Species Usage of the Tai-Ahom Community of Assam for their Bioactive Properties: A Bioinformatics Approach”.

Field Gene Bank for Native Crop Varieties

Establishment of “Field Gene Bank” of native crop varieties and Plant Genetic Resources. Presently, 360 native varieties of crops (mostly Rice) have been under conservation and field trial.

Key Conservation Campaigns and Projects by FDI

Notable Research Presentations

Initiated the endeavor “Conserve Gene Campaign” for spreading awareness on conservation of Agro-biodiversity & Plant Genetic Resources and other related core issues.

GIS Mapping of Kamakhya Hill

Involved as Collaborator in a project for conducting Research Based Exploratory & Analytical GIS Mapping of the Kamakhya Hill (Kamakhya Temples’ Complex) in collaboration with North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Dept. of Space, Govt. of India.

Conservation and Afforestation at Kamakhya Hill

Creation of a Conservation Site for Plant Genetic Resources and Afforestation initiative undertaken on the Nilachal Hill (Kamakhya Temples’ Complex) in collaboration with the Kamakhya Temple Management Authority with the support of CSR fund of SBI.

Sustainable Conservation Strategies for Bio-resources

Involved as collaborator in the DST sponsored National Seminar on “sustainable conservation strategies for biO-resources of north east india” organized by Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati.

Unique Endeavours by FDI

River Brahmaputra Expedition and Survey

Expedition in the River Brahmaputra and its Tributaries covering the River Islands, Char Areas, Forest Areas and Areas along the River Banks under the NATP(PB) project. The expedition was conducted by an engine powered boat specially designed by the key person of FDI, Rajib Sarma.

• Distance Covered: Around 1800 km in 58 days
• The Expedition Route: Upstream Journey from Guwahati to Sadiya; Downstream Journey from Sadiya to Bangladesh Border; Upstream Journey from Bangladesh Border to Guwahati

Extensive Survey and Documentation in Majuli River Island

FDI conducted an extensive Survey, Exploration and Documentations in the Majuli River Island (World’s largest River Island) of the River Brahmaputra under the NATP(PB) project.

Expedition to Mount Saramati and Eastern Himalayas

FDI organized Expedition in Mount Saramati and its adjoining areas (Patkai-Borail Range of the Eastern Himalayas) in the Indo-Myanmar border of Nagaland in collaboration with Botanical Survey of India (Eastern Circle, Shillong, Meghalaya) under the NATP(PB) project.