The Economies of Small: Rediscovering Gandhi's Vision 🔍

The Economies of Small: Rediscovering Gandhi's Vision 🔍


Mahatma Gandhi recognized that India is a unique case, and questioned the classical economic theory of scale.He understood that India's strength lay in its villages, where a multitude of professions and a rich tapestry of agro-biodiversity thrived. Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj, or village self-rule, emphasized the importance of decentralized, self-reliant communities as the cornerstone of a sustainable future.

However, over decades, India has copied west in food production systems as well, leading to long supply chains, monocropping, use of chemicals and eventually poor health. In our contemporary landscape, the flaws of the existing food systems are becoming increasingly evident. Price wars have driven producers to employ chemicals to cut costs and maintain competitiveness. This has compromised the quality and safety of our food, impacting our health and the environment. Large-scale food production, often characterized by industrial agriculture, contributes significantly to global warming, with food supply chains accounting for approximately 18% of greenhouse gas emissions.

But there is a silver lining now amidst the dark cloud. It is worth acknowledging that the path to Gram Swaraj has become more feasible than ever before. Internet has now penetrated even the remotest corners of our country, providing access to knowledge and markets. Small-scale, efficient technologies have empowered local communities to engage in decentralized production. Government and NGO programs have created amazing village level institutions like self help groups (SHGs) for livelihood generation, and can be great assets for local production.

HoYi embodies the principles of Gram Swaraj and decentralised production. HoYi's philosophy is grounded in the belief that true sustainability begins at the grassroots level. By creating a system of local production and safe consumption, HoYi is redefining the future of food. At the heart of this endeavor is the notion of building local social and economic capital within villages. HoYi sources organic produce from the fertile lands of Uttarakhand and locally transforms it into a range of delectable products, including preserves, chutneys, pickles, and honey. This is done with the help of women farmer groups in the villages. What sets HoYi apart is its commitment to preserving the authenticity of local flavors and supporting the women collectives of Uttarakhand. These collectives, composed of skilled women farmers, embody the spirit of Gram Swaraj by creating products that are not only delicious but also a testament to the cultural richness of the region.

Let’s embrace Economies of Small by ensuring we eat local and clean and in turn build resilient communities, preserve our environment, and savor the true essence of local flavors. The Economies of Small is not just a tribute to the past; they are a promise of a brighter, more sustainable future.

Happy Gandhi Jayanti! 🙈 🙉 🙊