Worldwide network to enhance the science, policy and practice of ecosystem services for conservation and sustainable development

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India

Welcome to the official webpage of the India ESP national network. The work mainly focuses on the ecosystem services valuation in the Indian agricultural landscape. Should you wish to join the group, expand the research or participate in the discussion forum please connect with the lead team listed below.

Lead team

Get involved

If you wish to join this national network or have ideas about its development, please contact the current lead team. Click here to learn more about the mission and main objectives of the ESP regional chapters and national networks.

  • If you are interested in becoming a member of this national network, please contact the lead team.
  • If you are interested in becoming a member of the lead team, please contact the current lead team and the ESP support team.

Output

  • Publication in the European Journal of Agronomy
    Dr. Kiran’s research under the ICAR–IFPRI Work Plan was recently published in the European Journal of Agronomy. The paper, “Unravelling Trade-offs and Synergies of Direct-Seeded Rice in Indian Agriculture: A Meta-analysis,” evaluates the agronomic, environmental, and economic implications of direct-seeded rice and offers insights to support sustainable agricultural practices in India. Find the publication here.

  • Opinion Piece in The Pioneer
    A recent opinion article by Suvangi Rath and Dr. Praveen KV, titled “Nature-Based Solutions for Delhi’s Pollution Crisis,” was featured in The Pioneer. The piece highlights practical, ecosystem-based approaches—such as urban forestry and green infrastructure—to help address Delhi’s recurring air pollution challenges. Read the opinion piece here.

  • A two-year ICAR-led project in Northeast India is evaluating the ecosystem services provided by traditional tribal farming systems. With contributions from a multidisciplinary team including ESP India co-lead Dr. Suvangi Rath, the project is documenting the ecological and cultural value of systems like Apatani, ZABO, Bari, and Jhum to support future PES-based policies. Early progress includes field data collection, ecosystem service mapping, and stakeholder engagement through a national workshop. Read more.

  • Network lead team member Dr. Kiran Kumara co-authored a policy brief on titled ‘Re-purposing Agricultural Subsidies to Ecosystem Services’. Read the full policy brief here.

  • Members of ESP India were featured in two recent newspaper publications – one in the Indian Express and one in the Financial Express – two leading newspapers of India. The articles focused on policies related to Payments of ecosystem services and shifting to cleaner energy for the planet. This was in line with the Earth Day 2025 theme. Read more here.