Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action(SRIJAN), 4, Community Shopping Centre, First Floor, Anupam Apartments, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, Saidullajab, Sainik Farm, New Delhi (2026)

21/09/2026

We are happy to share that the four (FPCs) supported by organised their Joint (AGM) 2026 on 18 September 2026, bringing together the four FPCs on a common platform.

More than 1,400 farmer members, including a large number of women farmers, participated in the event, making their strong participation one of the key highlights of the celebration.

The Joint AGM brought together members and Board of Directors (BoD) representatives from:

▪️ VBM Farmer Producer Company

▪️Karmath Kisan Producer Company

▪️Nalchha Farmer Producer Company

▪️Tirla Farmer Producer Company

The programme focused on strengthening FPCs, collective business, agricultural development, market linkages, women’s empowerment, value addition, and emerging business opportunities for farmers.

The programme was graced by Mr. Sharma, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Dhar, as the Chief Guest, along with officials and representatives from the Agriculture Department, , , District Administration, CARD INDIA, , , and other institutions.

From SRIJAN, the programme was attended by Sarvesh Kumar (Programme Director), Shrikanta Mohanta (Programme Manager), Reena Suryawanshi, . Anshu Kumar, Rupak Trivedi, and Nishant Gupta.

SRIJAN has been supporting these four FPCs for the past three years through institutional strengthening, capacity building, technical guidance, business development, and market linkages. Together, the four FPCs achieved a business turnover of more than ₹3 during the last year, reflecting the growing strength of collective enterprise and farmer participation.

The Joint AGM was not just a formal annual gathering; it was an opportunity for farmers to review their progress, learn from each other, explore new business opportunities, and strengthen their collective vision for the future.

Heartfelt thanks to all the guests, BoDs, farmer members, women farmers, SRIJAN and CARD teams, government departments, and partner organisations who contributed to making the event a success.

CARD INDIA I Jansampark Madhya Pradesh I Collector Office Dhar I PRO Dhar

Story credit: Anshu Kumar

18/09/2026

In the remote tribal villages of Kotra Block, , Rajasthan, an abundant natural resource was going largely underutilized. Every year, large quantities of jamun remained uncollected or were sold in small quantities through informal channels due to poor market access, difficult terrain, and the absence of organized buyers.

To address this challenge, , under the Solar-Powered NTFP Value Chain for Economic Empowerment of Tribal Women project supported by HSBC India, facilitated a village-level procurement and market linkage initiative for jamun across 14 villages. The intervention focused on , exposure visits, training on collection and quality management, supply-chain planning, and direct procurement from remote habitations where transportation remains a major challenge.

The results demonstrate the potential of market-led livelihood interventions:

32,345 kg of jamun procured in just 11 days

₹6,46,900 earnedby tribal women collectors

200+ tribal families benefited

Average earnings of approximately ₹2,500 per participating woman

14 villages connected to an organized market system.

Beyond income generation, the initiative helped tribal women recognize the economic value of local forest resources, strengthened their participation in livelihood activities, and demonstrated how last-mile market access can unlock opportunities in remote geographies.

Mirki Bai from Har village, where vehicles cannot reach and mobile connectivity is absent, collected and sold 63 kg of jamun over four days, earning ₹1,260 through the initiative—an example of how localized procurement systems can transform seasonal resources into meaningful household income.

By bridging the gap between resource availability and market access, this initiative converted a previously underutilized NTFP into a source of seasonal earnings for tribal communities.

HSBC India I

Story credit- Surbhi Rai

SRIJAN WomenEmpowerment TribalLivelihoods HSBCIndia Rajasthan SustainableLivelihoods RuralDevelopment

14/09/2026

– Self Reliant through Joint Action is honoured to receive the Mahindra Rise CSR Partner Appreciation Award 2026 at the Mahindra & Mahindra CSR Partners Meet 2026 held in Mumbai on 10 September.

The recognition was awarded for our partnership in implementing the – Women Empowerment through Crop Diversification initiative in Pandhurna District, Madhya Pradesh. On behalf of SRIJAN, the award was received by Bhujel and Ojha from our field team.

The event brought together CSR implementation partners from across India and provided a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Key discussions focused on CSR grant financial management, the (DPDP) Act, social impact communication, and monitoring & evaluation systems for development programmes.

We are grateful to Ms. Balsara, Senior Vice President & Group Head – CSR, Business and Legal Governance, for presenting the award, and to Mr. Dwivedi, CSR Head, for his continued support and engagement.

We sincerely thank Dr Shavinder Kumar and the Mahindra & Mahindra CSR Team for this recognition and for creating opportunities that strengthen partnerships, encourage learning, and amplify impact.

Mahindra Group

07/09/2026

Fishing and fish culture have long been important livelihood activities for tribal and rural communities. At , we see sustainable aquaculture as an opportunity not only to diversify and strengthen household incomes, but also to improve access to nutritious food and build resilient, community-based livelihoods.

In Bagicha block of , Chhattisgarh, fish seed of Indian Major Carp was stocked in three community ponds rejuvenated by SRIJAN, with support from the Fisheries Department.

In district, Chhattisgarh, under the fisheries activity in Khadgawan Block, Indian Major Carp seed was distributed to 67 farmers, with approximately 65,000 fingerlings stocked across 67 ponds.

These interventions demonstrate how aquaculture can contribute to income diversification, household nutrition, productive use of community water resources, and the growth of a locally rooted blue economy.

By combining community participation, technical support, rejuvenated water resources, and government convergence, we are working towards livelihood models that are both economically viable and nutritionally enriching.

Real change happens when communities, government, funders, and development organisations work together. Convergence with government schemes, support from funders, and meaningful collaboration can help take promising community-led solutions to scale and create lasting impact.

Department of Fisheries India | CMO Chhattisgarh | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India | Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India I

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04/09/2026

At , we believe that empowering women with knowledge and skills can transform rural livelihoods.

In partnership with the ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, Mathura, and with support from (ABF), SRIJAN organized two specialized goat-based livelihood and capacity-building programmes in Keladevi Panchayat, Karauli district, Rajasthan, on 3 June 2026 and 3 August 2026.

The initiative focused on strengthening scientific goat-rearing practices among ST women livestock rearers and small & marginal farmers. Around 80 women participated in the first training, followed by 75+ women in the second phase. Led by senior scientists and technical experts from CIRG, the sessions covered goat health, feeding, hygiene, disease prevention, vaccination, record keeping, and improved livestock management practices.

More than 75 women received goat-care and management kits, including medicines, goat-rearing calendars, training materials, and other essential resources to support the adoption of scientific practices and improve productivity.

Beyond training, the programme aimed to build confidence, reduce livestock-related risks, and create sustainable income opportunities for rural households. Women are now adopting better animal-care practices and maintaining records, strengthening their role as livestock entrepreneurs.

As participant Prahladi Meena shared, “Through the training conducted by CIRG Mathura, we gained valuable knowledge about scientific goat rearing practices. We will now pay greater attention to disease prevention, timely vaccination, and improved nutrition, which will help enhance both goat productivity and our income. We are grateful to Axis Bank Foundation for their continued support in strengthening our livelihoods ”

Through continued handholding, technical guidance, and community-based learning, SRIJAN is helping rural women build and livelihoods through livestock-based enterprises.

ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura I District Collector & Magistrate - Karauli I Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India I

Story Credit- Bhavani SIngh

SRIJAN GoatBasedLivelihoods WomenEmpowerment AxisBankFoundation CIRG RuralDevelopment SustainableLivelihoods

31/08/2026

Imagine living in a place where accessing water means walking nearly 5 kilometres every day, often carrying back just two pitchers for the household. Until recently, this was the reality for many families in the Patha plateau region of Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.

Water scarcity in this part of has long affected both households and livelihoods, making it difficult for families to meet daily needs and sustain their livestock. Recognising these challenges, , with our partners has been working with communities to strengthen water security through sustainable water conservation and natural resource management initiatives.

The journey towards water resilience is gradual, but community-led efforts are helping create more secure and futures for rural households.

Read the full story here - https://countercurrents.org/2026/08/quenching-thirst-my-50-year-journey-in-villages-striving-to-end-water-scarcity/

Arunoday Sansthan Mahoba I HARITIKA-For A Greener Cause I Akhil Bhartiya Samaj Sewa Sansthan (ABSSS, Chitrakoot) I CARD INDIA I RRA Network

Photo courtesy - countercurrents

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26/08/2026

On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Tikamgarh team was honoured by Shri Vivek Shrotriya, IAS, District Collector, Tikamgarh, The acknowledges SRIJAN’s contribution to water conservation and sustainable water resource management through the innovative .

The " Dohas " are community-led approach that captures and retains rainwater within the landscape. By strategically deepening natural drainage lines, it helps slow water flow, reduce soil erosion, improve soil moisture, provide water for crop irrigation, and recharge groundwater. A series of Dohas creates a network of water-retention points that strengthens local water security and supports .

This year, the intervention achieved:

• 342 Dohas developed across 12 villages

• 12 km of drainage lines treated

• 35,626 cubic metres of water-holding capacity created

• 105 hectares of land expected to benefit from improved irrigation

• Improved groundwater recharge, soil moisture, and reduced runoff and erosion

• Stronger community participation in sustainable water management

For SRIJAN, convergence with government programmes and local institutions, along with support from our funding partners, is central to ensuring the sustainability, scale, and long-term impact of such interventions. Working together with communities, Gram Panchayats, government departments, and funding partners helps create durable water assets and strengthen local ownership.

This recognition belongs to the dedicated SRIJAN, Tikamgarh team, community members, government institutions, and our funding partners whose collective efforts are making water-secure and landscapes possible.

Jansampark Madhya Pradesh I Collector Tikamgarh I PRO Tikamgarh

Story Credit : Rahul Kumar rajput

SRIJAN IndependenceDay2026 IndiaAt80 WaterConservation DohaModel WaterSecurity ClimateResilience Convergence CommunityLedDevelopment Tikamgarh

17/08/2026

We at were delighted to welcome Mr. Harsha Rama, Senior Portfolio Manager, Ashraya Hastha Trustt, on his second field visit to our project area in Mau, Chitrakoot. Over two days, he visited Bhoj, Murka, Turgava, and Gahur villages to review the progress of our (NRM) and livelihood interventions and interact directly with farming communities.

The visit covered tank desiltation, well renovation, solar irrigation pumps, Doha construction, check dam and dam renovation, gabion structures, and nano orchards. Farmers shared how improved water availability has strengthened agriculture, increased crop production, and encouraged collective ownership of community assets. They also highlighted that silt from tank desiltation has improved soil fertility, contributing to better yields.

At the project office, women farmers spoke about adopting vegetable cultivation and mushroom farming for the first time under the project. Communities also shared their experience of introducing green manuring for the first time, recognizing its potential to improve soil health while reducing input costs.

The visit offered valuable insights, meaningful interactions, and constructive feedback to further strengthen the project. We sincerely thank Ashraya Hastha Trust (AHT) for its continued trust, and partnership in building resilient rural communities and sustainable livelihoods.

Ashraya Hastha Trust I

Story credit- Moni Mishra

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SRIJAN AshrayaHasthaTrust RuralDevelopment NaturalResourceManagement WaterConservation ClimateResilience SustainableLivelihoods WomenEmpowerment Agriculture

14/08/2026

As celebrates its 80th , we at reaffirm our commitment to building a more , , and rural India.

As the country moves towards a cleaner and greener future, solar-powered villages and renewable energy solutions hold immense potential to strengthen rural livelihoods, improve access to essential services, and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

Across our geographies, SRIJAN continues to work with communities to strengthen water security, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, local institutions, and community-led development.

As we look towards the future, our aspiration remains clear: to work alongside rural communities in building villages that are not only economically stronger but also climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable.

On this Independence Day, let us celebrate the spirit of freedom by renewing our commitment to a future where every rural family has the opportunity to thrive with dignity, resilience, and hope.

10/08/2026

In Neguwan village, Niwari district, , Meda Devi, a member of the Radhe Radhe Women Producer Group (WPG), is demonstrating how sustainable farming can create both environmental and economic impact. Supported by under the programme, with funding from the Azim Premji Foundation, a Bio Resource Center (BRC) was established on her farm in 2023.

The BRC was created to promote natural farming, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, build local capacity for preparing bio-inputs such as Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, Neemastra, and Agneyastra, and make these inputs available to farmers at affordable prices.

This Kharif season, Meda Devi successfully produced and sold quintals of Ghanjeevamrit, generating an impressive ₹65,000 in a single season. Today, her Bio Resource Center has become a trusted source of bio-inputs, with farmers from neighbouring villages regularly visiting to purchase them.

Through mobilisation, facilitation, and technical support, SRIJAN has helped create a model that restores soil health, promotes chemical-free agriculture, strengthens local livelihoods, and advances climate resilience. The initiative has already benefited 90+ farmers across 2 villages, proving that women-led enterprises can accelerate the adoption of farming practices while improving rural incomes.

Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India I Collector Office Niwari I Jansampark Madhya Pradesh I PRO Jansampark Niwari I

Story Credit- Farhan Ahmed

SRIJAN ClimateResilientAgriculture NaturalFarming WomenEmpowerment SustainableAgriculture BioResourceCenter ClimateAction RuralDevelopment MadhyaPradesh AzimPremjiFoundation

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