New Delhi, August 02, 2023. In a collaborative effort towards community upliftment and sustainable development, Herbalife India, a prominent global health and wellness company, has partnered with Sambhav Foundation, a distinguished non-profit organization. The strategic alliance aims to train and empower farmers across India as part of Herbalife's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Through the innovative Seed-to-Mouth program, Herbalife has successfully fortified the farming capabilities of more than 9,300 farmers spanning various regions of India.
Aligned with Herbalife's unwavering commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the comprehensive training program has catalyzed transformative changes in over 25,000 households across 84 villages of Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Implemented across prominent districts including Ajmer (Rajasthan), Vijayapura (Karnataka), and Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), the Seed-to-Mouth equips farmers with cutting-edge agricultural learning resources, optimizing operating costs, and facilitating enhanced market reach. The initiative has played a pivotal role in boosting income generation for these essential contributors to India's agricultural landscape.
Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife India, expressed his belief in the transformative power of community empowerment, stating, "We believe that community empowerment and upliftment is a powerful tool for creating an equitable society. This initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. The collaboration aimed at providing farmers with adequate training and resources to improve their farming methods."
Central to the initiative's success was a diagnostic study conducted by the Sambhav Foundation in consultation with over 50 agricultural experts. This collaborative effort aimed to identify and rectify existing gaps in agricultural practices by furnishing farmers with essential resources such as seeds, equipment, fertilizers, and loans. In addition to tangible resources, the training curriculum encompassed critical subjects such as advanced farming technology, crop diversification, responsible chemical usage, land management, credit support, and market access. Collaborations with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and university incubators further facilitated expert-led awareness sessions on farming and irrigation, providing holistic support throughout the farming process.
Mr. Khanna remarked on the profound impact of the initiative, noting, "The initiative not only aimed at strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in India but also enhanced the farmer's agricultural practices enabling them to increase their economic status. The transformative impact of this initiative has been felt in the lives of farmers in Indian villages, leading to improved livelihoods and overall well-being."
Ms. Gayathri Vasudevan, CEO of Sambhav Foundation, emphasized the inclusive and sustainable approach taken by the collaboration, stating, "Sambhav's inclusive approach towards the 'Annadata' (Food Giver) will support in generating the sustainable income by empowering them with cutting edge knowledge of the farming, reducing input cost and facilitating with market access. With a focus on addressing the significant challenges faced by the Indian farming community, the Seed-to-Mouth project was envisioned to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem in India."
Crucially, the program aligns seamlessly with key Government of India initiatives, including the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). By harmonizing with these government-led endeavors, the Seed-to-Mouth project ensures its efforts synergize with and contribute to the broader objectives of enhancing the agricultural sector and the lives of farmers nationwide. Through such collaborative initiatives, Herbalife India and Sambhav Foundation are exemplifying the potential for positive change at the grassroots level, while simultaneously strengthening the nation's agricultural backbone.
