India's ecological footprint in Latin American countries: a study on emerging approaches in the soyabean sector
Student name: Ms Chandni Singh
Guide: Dr Neeraj Khera
Year of completion: 2008
Host Organisation: TERI University and World Wild Fund for Nature
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr T.R. Manoharan
Abstract: India, with her large population has a tremendous requirement of oilseeds which is not being met by domestic production. In order to meet the burgeoning domestic demand, soyabean oil is being imported from Latin American Countries like Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. This increase in demand has lead to the rapid expansion of the soyabean sector in producer countries, at a cost to the environment. Soil erosion, forest conversion, concerns regarding GM varieties and water contamination are only some of the environmental problems riddling the soyabean industry. Thus, focus on the expansion of cultivation of soyabean and its resulting effects on the environment is crucial. Since India is an important contributor to soya expansion, its ecological footprint in the LAC can be studied to understand the dynamics of the soya sector and introduce reforms. To understand sustainability implications of soyabean cultivation and processing, the concept of ecological footprint has been applied in this study. Methods like questionnaire surveys, interviews and literature review were used to gain a perspective of the soyabean supply chain starting from Latin America, till it reaches India. Stakeholder analysis was carried out and to understand the inter-linkages and plausible sustainability measures that can be introduced. The study answers basic questions regarding the structure of the soyabean supply chain, its environmental impacts, the linkages between cultivation in LAC and processing and manufacturing in India and finally comes with recommendations at all levels of the supply chain so that the ecological footprint of the sector is reduced and goals of sustainability are met effectively.
