Herbalife India & Sambhav Foundation Join Forces to Train Farmers & Strengthen Agriculture

In a significant step towards bolstering the agricultural landscape of India, health and wellness company Herbalife India has partnered with the non-profit organization Sambhav Foundation to launch an innovative CSR initiative. The collaborative effort, known as the 'Seed-to-Mouth' project, aims to provide comprehensive training and resources to farmers across the country, resulting in enhanced farming capabilities and improved livelihoods.

Through this initiative, Herbalife India and Sambhav Foundation have successfully trained and empowered over 9,300 farmers in India. The project, guided by Herbalife's commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has achieved transformative results across 84 villages in the states of Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The impact of the 'Seed-to-Mouth' initiative extends beyond individual farmers, reaching more than 25,000 households.

The project's implementation spanned across various districts including Ajmer in Rajasthan, Vijayapura in Karnataka, and Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. One of the key goals of the initiative was to equip farmers with essential agricultural learning resources, ultimately reducing operational costs and enabling greater market access to boost income generation.

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Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director of Herbalife India, underscored the initiative's core purpose: to address the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. He expressed that the collaboration aimed to provide farmers with the necessary training and resources to enhance their farming practices and overall capabilities.

Sambhav Foundation, in collaboration with over 50 agricultural experts from across the states, conducted a comprehensive diagnostic study to identify existing gaps in farming practices. To address these gaps, farmers were provided with crucial resources such as seeds, equipment, fertilizers, and access to loans. The project also focused on imparting practical knowledge in areas such as advanced farming technology, crop diversification, responsible use of chemicals, efficient land management, credit support, and improved market access.

Collaborations with institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras and university incubators enabled expert-led awareness sessions on farming techniques and irrigation practices, further assisting farmers throughout the farming process.

Gayathri Vasudevan, CEO of Sambhav Foundation, highlighted the organization's inclusive approach towards farmers, often referred to as 'Annadata' or food givers. She emphasized that the project's holistic approach would empower farmers with cutting-edge agricultural knowledge, leading to sustainable income generation by reducing input costs and facilitating market access.

Vasudevan stressed that the 'Seed-to-Mouth' project was meticulously designed to address the significant challenges faced by the Indian farming community, with the ultimate vision of strengthening the entire agricultural ecosystem in the country.

The collaboration between Herbalife India and Sambhav Foundation stands as a promising example of corporate social responsibility in action. By investing in the well-being of farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices, the partnership is contributing to the advancement of both rural communities and the nation's overall development.

As the 'Seed-to-Mouth' initiative continues to bear fruit, it serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for positive change when the corporate and non-profit sectors unite in pursuit of a common goal.

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