Agriculture forms the backbone of our economy, contributing 18% of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making our farmers the silent driving force behind this massive economic spectrum. Thus, their empowerment directly translates into the overall well-being of all sections of society.

The Adani Foundation is privileged and proud to work directly with and for farmers across the country. It has been at the forefront of promoting natural farming by encouraging farmers to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and instead adopt techniques like crop rotation, composting, green manures, and use biological pest control. These measures not only reduces environmental impact, improve soil health and input cost, but also helps in creating a farming system that is more sustainable, lucrative and climate resilient.

Both of us have been associated with the Foundation for the past several years in Tamnar, a quaint little town in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Tribal communities comprise about 30% of the population of Tamnar, with majority of them, including women, engaged in agricultural work.

The Foundation has been running a series of social development programs in the region to bolster the growth of communities. As agriculture forms the core area of work for locals, the Foundation has been working relentlessly to positively transform the lives of farmers in the region.

In the year 2021, we came across a group of farmers in Milupara village, each having an average landholding of 1 acre or less, and a combined landholding of 11.64 acres. Following rounds of interactions with them, we assessed factors related to farming that were a matter of concern for them. One of the major challenges that they were facing was lack of fencing around their farmlands. As their farms were situated in the forest area, it posed a serious threat to their crops from wild animals. There were also concerns regarding water and electricity supply to their farms. However, the farmers were determined to rise above these challenges and enhance their outputs. We were amazed by their eagerness to learn and adapt newer techniques. 

We immediately swung into action and encouraged them to come together as a Group and practice group farming. We then facilitated the formation of a farming group, naming it ‘Jay Budha Dev Farmers Group’. It is comprised of 10 farmers.

The Foundation initiated suitable interventions to address the farming group’s challenges. We facilitated the installation of a pump of 5HP to address their water worries. Our team also carried out ground levelling work for them to carry out sustainable farming. Additionally, we also carried out fencing of about 500m around their farmlands.

In the past, the farmers were only cultivating paddy during the rainy season. The Foundation team facilitated them with high-yield vegetable and paddy seeds. As a result, they are now able to carry out farming during both summer (Kharif) and winter (Rabi) seasons and are actively growing crops such as Paddy, Peanuts, Lentils, Wheat and vegetables including Ladyfinger, Tomatoes, Green Chillies, Brinjal, and Potatoes on their farms. Moreover, the Foundation also facilitated electricity connection to their farmlands.

It has been incredibly fulfilling to see the impact of our efforts in the lives of these farmers, which would not have been possible without their active support and cooperation. These farmers are yielding the fruits of their hard work, dedication and perseverance. There has been a considerable increase in their collective income. Before our intervention, their annual income was about Rs 90,000 in 2021. In the ongoing financial year, the amount has crossed Rs 4 lakh! This is leading to an improvement in the quality of life and overall well-being of these farmers.

One example that stands out is that of Hari Kumar Sidar - the secretary of Jay Budha Dev Farmers Group. He and his wife have been associated with the group since its inception. Earlier, he used to send his son to a government school, but now with his increased income, he is sending his son – currently studying in class 3 - to a private school.

As members of the Adani Foundation team, we feel privileged to play our part in empowering these farmers. Seeing our efforts yield positive results gives us a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment, further boosting our resolve to touch as many lives as possible.

The Foundation is proud to play the role of an enabler, helping unlock the full potential of agriculture that benefits thousands of farmers across India. On Kisan Diwas 2024, we salute the indomitable spirit of farmers we are proud to be associated with. Indeed, they are unsung heroes who are driving the Indian economy with their hard work, perseverance and resilience.