LEAD ORGANISATION: Aga Khan Foundation

LOCATION: Bihar

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) works to empower marginalised communities by addressing critical challenges in areas such as agriculture, climate resilience, economic inclusion, and health. This proposed initiative in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, focuses on transitioning smallholder women farmers to sustainable agroecological farming systems. The project will provide hands-on training in climate-resilient practices, bio-input production, and nutrition gardening, directly benefiting 1,000 women farmers. This initiative will also promote crop diversification, improve soil health, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. The project aims to document and scale successful practices, fostering long-term community resilience and food security. Through these efforts, AKF is driving significant progress in creating regenerative, climate-adaptive agroecological systems in one of India’s most vulnerable regions.

LEAD ORGANISATION: AHIMSA (Association for Human Integrated Massive Social Action)

LOCATION: Tamil Nadu

AHIMSA (Association for Human Integrated Massive Social Action) organization was founded in 1989 and is dedicated to promoting equitable livelihoods through socially and ecologically sustainable methods. With three decades of impactful work, AHIMSA has been instrumental in advancing sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in rural Tamil Nadu. The proposed project, “Conservation of Ecology, Biodiversity, Land, and Water Resources for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security,” aims to address environmental degradation and food insecurity in Vaiyampatti Block. By empowering 400 farm families, particularly women and youth, through agroecological practices, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement, AHIMSA strives to create resilient communities, enhance food security, and protect vital natural resources for future generations.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Applied Environmental Research Foundation

LOCATION: Maharashtra

The Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) has been a pioneer in biodiversity conservation since its inception in 1994. The organisation is dedicated to developing community-based natural resource management models that engage local communities in forest protection and sustainable agriculture. The proposed project focuses on revitalising sustainable agricultural practices in the degraded landscapes of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts in the Northern Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. By promoting agroforestry, enhancing soil health, and conserving agrobiodiversity, AERF aims to improve land health, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative will empower farmers, particularly women and indigenous communities, by building their capacity in sustainable practices, establishing market linkages, and fostering a return to traditional crop varieties. Through this project, AERF continues its mission to create long-term sustainability in agroecosystems, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Foundation for Rural Recovery and Development (FORRAD)

LOCATION: Madhya Pradesh

The Foundation for Rural Recovery and Development (FORRAD), established in 1980, has a longstanding commitment to addressing critical challenges faced by rural communities, focusing on water security, agricultural productivity, girl education, and healthcare. The proposed initiative aims to restore food diversity and conserve biodiversity in Adivasi villages of Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, and surrounding regions. The project aims to empower women farmers as leaders in conserving local seed systems, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing nutrition awareness. By engaging with the traditional knowledge of the Adivasi communities, the initiative seeks to strengthen agroecological food systems, ensuring resilience and sustainability in the face of climate challenges.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti

LOCATION: Rajasthan

Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti, a non-profit organisation established in 1985, is dedicated to uplifting marginalised rural communities in southern Rajasthan by addressing their needs through comprehensive programs in health, education, livelihood, and natural resource management. The proposed initiative, in collaboration with Adi Ann Farmer Producer Company and Banyan Roots Organics, aims to revitalise agroecological food systems in the tribal regions of Jhadol, Udaipur. By focusing on youth empowerment, traditional food production, and market development, the project seeks to enhance sustainable farming practices, preserve Indigenous knowledge, and strengthen the economic resilience of tribal farmers and communities, especially women, who are increasingly becoming the primary caretakers of farms and families.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Jeevika Development Society

LOCATION: West Bengal

Jeevika Development Society, founded in 1994 has been working with the communities in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Their work is focused on enhancing the livelihoods of women through economic empowerment, sustainable farming, and climate change adaptability. The proposed initiative will support scaling of their ongoing work and aims to transition these farmers from chemical-dependent agriculture to sustainable, ecological farming practices, thereby improving soil health, preserving indigenous seeds, and increasing biodiversity. By establishing community seed banks, promoting salt-tolerant farming, and creating market linkages through Organic Haat, the project will foster resilience against climate change while ensuring food security and income generation. The initiative will empower farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to cultivate diverse, organic, and pesticide-free crops through training, capacity building which will contribute to build resileince among farming communities and will ensure healthy nutritious food for consumers.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Kissan Vikas Trust

LOCATION: West Bengal

Kissan Vikas Trust, driven by its mission to uphold human values and promote universal harmony, focuses on building self-defining communities that can act as advocates for environmental and social issues. The proposed initiative engages youth in knowledge production and cultural activities that highlight the importance of agroecology and environmental stewardship. Through creative outputs like podcasts, videos, and community events, the project aims to revive eco-cultural traditions and foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices. Additionally, the program will support young artists, facilitate rural-urban exchanges, and create community markets that empower marginalised women and rejuvenate local economies through ethical and sustainable practices.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Nisarg Vidnyan Mandal (NiViM)

LOCATION: Maharashtra

NiViM (Nisarg Vidnyan Mandal) is a community-based voluntary organisation established in 1992, dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable development in Vidarbha, Maharashtra. The proposed project focuses on improving the livelihoods of tribal communities, women, and marginal farmers by promoting organic farming practices, water conservation, and developing market linkages. By addressing challenges such as inconsistent rainfall and man-animal conflicts, NiViM aims to enhance ecological health, boost agricultural productivity, and empower local communities through capacity building and collective efforts. The initiative seeks to create a sustainable model for organic farming and strengthen community resilience in convergence with local village institutions and government departments.

LEAD ORGANISATION: North East Network

LOCATION: Nagaland

North East Network (NEN) is a prominent women led organisation founded in 1995, working across Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland to advocate for gender justice and women’s empowerment. With a focus on combating gender-based violence, promoting good governance, and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable practices, NEN has been at the forefront of social change in Northeast India. The proposed project aims to promote agroecological food systems in Nagaland, particularly by engaging youths from marginalised communities. Through experiential education, skills training, and the establishment of farm labs, NEN seeks to empower youth and women as leaders in agroecology, fostering sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and local economic growth. The initiative will also build partnerships with diverse stakeholders to amplify the agroecology movement in the region.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Seva Sahayog Foundation (SSF)

LOCATION: Maharashtra

Seva Sahayog Foundation (SSF) works across Maharashtra with a focus on Education, Environment, and Empowerment. The proposed project aims to address the challenges faced by rural farmers in Maharashtra due to conventional agriculture by establishing the Bharat Agroecology Knowledge and Resource Center (BAKRC). This initiative will promote agroecological practices through field experiments, farmer field schools, and comprehensive outreach programs. By bridging the gap between agroecology thought leaders and local farmers, SSF seeks to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices, thereby fostering long-term environmental and economic benefits for over 3,000 farmers in the region.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Shramik Bharti

LOCATION: Uttar Pradesh

Shramik Bharti, a grassroots development organisation, has been working to empower disadvantaged communities through natural farming, resource-based livelihoods, and comprehensive rural development. With its influential community radio station, Waqt Ki Awaaz 91.2 FM, Shramik Bharti reaches over 1 million people across several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The proposed initiative, Aavartansheel Kheti (Cyclical Agriculture), aims to promote natural farming practices among 300 farmers in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

The project will support farmers’ transition to agroecological practices by establishing Village-Level Farmer Interest Groups and Bio-Input Resource Centers, training lead farmers, and introducing manual agriculture tools. These efforts will enhance soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience while empowering local farmers, including women and youth, to adopt sustainable farming methods. Through these efforts, Shramik Bharti seeks to strengthen agroecological food systems and contribute to long-term environmental and economic stability in the region.

LEAD ORGANISATION: SRUJAN – Society for Rural and Urban Joint Activities

LOCATION: Maharashtra

SRUJAN is a research-based organisation working to address development-induced displacement and its impact on rural communities in central India. Established in the early 1990s by a group of students from the Institute of Science, Nagpur, SRUJAN has played a pivotal role in influencing key policies such as the Indian Forest Act and the Forest Rights Act. The organisation focuses on promoting agroecological practices to enhance sustainable farming and address issues like farmers’ suicides, infant mortality, etc. The proposed initiative aims to strengthen agroecological food systems through awareness programs, capacity building, and the establishment of robust marketing and distribution networks. The work will be executed in four clusters across Maharashtra, involving local farmers, organisations, and community groups to create a comprehensive support system for agroecological farming and its associated benefits.

LEAD ORGANISATION: Society for Promoting Participative Eco-System Management (SOPPECOM)

LOCATION: Maharashtra

The Society for Promoting Participative Ecosystem Management (SOPPECOM) is a prominent NGO working in the fields of Natural Resource Management (NRM) through research, policy facilitation, and grassroots support. With a focus on rural areas, SOPPECOM has pioneered the integration of agroecology and decentralised water management into policy and practice. The proposed initiative aims to scale up the implementation of Ecologically Sound Self-Reliant Farming (ESSRF) across six districts of Maharashtra, expanding the current cohort of women farmers from 200 to 500. This program will foster the development of female leaders, enhance village-level visibility, and integrate ESSRF principles into local governance through Grampanchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). SOPPECOM seeks to drive a transformative shift towards sustainable agroecological systems by building a coalition of women practising ESSRF and promoting innovations.