Akshay Deshpande

To promote sustainable agriculture practices, spend time on a farm first. Identify issues from the farm's entry to its exit. Utilize the community to promote agriculture practices and invite youngsters to see how rice is grown. Instead of just buying rice from a supermarket, they should understand its origins. Offer a holistic and immersive experience by showing them the actual fields, the farm environment, and the cattle. This approach will provide a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of agriculture, fostering a deeper connection and commitment to sustainable practices.

To ensure fair and unbiased sustainability performance evaluations, it is essential to Conduct regular independent audits by external parties to add credibility. Ensure transparency by openly reporting data and methodologies. Engage diverse stakeholders in the evaluation process and apply uniform criteria for all evaluations. Regularly update evaluation methods to promote continuous improvement. Foster a culture of transparency and accountability, leveraging data analytics for objective measurement. Address conflicts of interest by ensuring evaluators are impartial, and benchmark performance against industry peers. These steps help ensure that evaluations are fair, unbiased, and genuinely reflective of sustainability effort.

Start with self-assessment by identifying core values focused on sustainability and the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space), and assess strengths, skills, and interests. Research sustainable careers and stay informed about trends. Set clear short-term goals (1-3 years) for skills or certifications and long-term goals (5-10 years) for leadership roles. Develop skills through education, workshops, and networking. Gain experience via internships, volunteering, and projects. Regularly review progress and seek feedback to adapt your plan. Maintain a work-life balance and commit to continuous learning. Align with sustainable organizations whose culture fits your values. Integrate the five elements into your value system

To truly excel in sustainability, it should be more than a goal; it must be your way of life. Key skills and qualifications for employees today include a genuine passion for sustainable practices and the ability to integrate these principles into everyday work. It's not about preaching but living sustainability. If you are someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk, you will naturally attract passionate and like-minded individuals. Let's make sustainability our essence and foster a team where shared values drive us forward. Together, we can make a real difference!

To ensure sustainable sourcing practices and enhance supplier relationships, we must foster a true partnership rooted in shared values and long-term commitment. Sustainability should be embedded in our joint operations, reflecting a mutual dedication to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. By setting clear sustainability goals, conducting regular audits, and providing support for improvements, we create a collaborative environment where both parties benefit. Transparent communication, shared responsibility, and continuous learning are key. This partnership approach ensures that sustainability is not just a requirement but an integral part of our collective way of working.

Overcoming virtual collaboration challenges in sustainability jobs requires leveraging technology and clear communication. Use reliable tools for video conferencing and project management to ensure smooth workflow. Establish clear protocols, foster relationships with regular check-ins, and set clear goals. Embrace flexibility in work styles and focus on outcomes. This also enables us to exchange technologies, learnings, and data that are best in industries across various regions. By sharing insights from specific states, cities, or districts, we can provide better solutions and address on-ground realities effectively.