AKRSP-India

We are thankful to Standard Chartered India for supporting the transformation of Kanuben’s life in Maliya village, Junagadh. Living in poverty, Kanuben struggled to provide for her family by handcrafting ropes from discarded fishing nets, working over 12 hours daily. Despite her dedication, her income barely met her basic needs, and the demanding work limited her ability to pursue other opportunities.   With support from AKRSP-India, in partnership with Standard Chartered India, Kanuben received an automatic winding machine. This innovation reduced her production time from 12 hours to just one, enabling her to produce more ropes and significantly increase her income.   The resulting financial stability empowered her to diversify her business by selling seasonal products, ensuring steady income throughout the year. Beyond improving her family’s life, Kanuben’s eco-friendly enterprise contributes to environmental sustainability.  #EmpoweringCommunities #EnterpriseDevelopment Karuna Bhatia | Naveen Patidar

AKRSP-India celebrated Global Handwashing Day on 15th October in Bihar programme area, raising awareness about proper handwashing practices through demonstrations. Over 2,000 participants, including men, women, and children, joined the activities, with support from government departments and Panchayati Raj Institutions. 🌍👐

Here’s a visual summary of the incredible work done by AKRSP-India in September, captured by our dedicated field team. Witness the impact and progress as we continue to empower rural communities across our programme areas . 🌱📸

AKRSP-India family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Ratan Tata. He was a board member on the first governing board of AKRSP-India. His philanthropic contributions have led to improved quality of lives for the millions of people across the country. He will be fondly remembered by us all.

AKRSP-India recently organized the Millet Mahotsav 2024 in Bhagwanpura Village, Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Harda), and the Panchayat and Rural Development Department under the #FocusedDevelopmentProgramme by HDFC Bank Parivartan District Collector Mr. Aditya Singh graced the event as the esteemed Chief Guest. The festival aimed to raise awareness about millet cultivation techniques, their dietary importance, market opportunities, and health benefits. Over 400 farmers—both men and women—from 15 villages participated, along with Sarpanchs (village heads), Panchayat secretaries, and representatives from the Animal Husbandry and Women & Child Development Departments.

World Cotton Day, observed annually, is a global platform to highlight the significance of cotton as a vital agricultural commodity and its impact on economies worldwide. This year, the focus is on sustainable cotton production, a commitment shared by AKRSP-India in partnership with the Better Cotton The standards for sustainable cotton production focus on three key areas: environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability. 🌱 Environmental sustainability involves reducing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, conserving water, and protecting biodiversity. ✨ Social responsibility entails improving working conditions for farmers, promoting fair labor practices, and empowering women in agriculture. 🤌 Economic viability aims to increase farmers' incomes and support their livelihoods through better yields and market access.

Nutrition Laddu is a special snack that helps kids in Anganwadi get the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Seemaben from Nadagkhadi Anganwadi shares how this snack has made a big difference in the lives of the children there.

Three million trees in last 2 years with high level of survial ratio!!! Cumulatively, AKRSP-India has planted over 12 million trees in the last four decades. We have brought thousands of hectares under community managed forestry systems. Community participation remains core to the success of all forestry initiatives.

On World Rivers’ Day 2024, we celebrate the transformative impact of our ‘Water for Livelihoods’ project, made possible in part by the generous support of Asian Paints. This initiative, implemented by AKRSP-India , has successfully rejuvenated the Chikda Khadi tributary of the Narmada River in South Gujarat region of Gujarat. ✨Key achievements include:✨ 💧 Water Stewardship: Implementing sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, irrigation efficiency, and watershed management. 🤝Community Empowerment: Equipping local communities with knowledge, skills, and agency to actively participate in water governance. 🤌🏼 Livelihood Enhancement: Providing rural communities with access to clean water, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic growth. 🌱 Environmental Restoration: Preventing pollution, mitigating water contamination, and restoring degraded river ecosystems. ✨ Public Outreach and Awareness: Raising awareness about water-related challenges and advocating for policies that prioritize water conservation and equitable access.

AKRSP-India in partnership with Asian Paints have made a significant impact on water security in Narmada district of Gujarat. By constructing new check dams and restoring old ones, we've created vital water storage facilities. These dams capture rainwater, providing a reliable water source for local communities. This has positively influenced the region's agriculture, livestock, and overall livelihoods. By investing in water conservation infrastructure, AKRSP-India and Asian Paints have helped to address water scarcity challenges and build a more sustainable future for the community in this region. #waterforlivelihoods #waterconservation