Creation of 1850 Agri Entrepreneurs to support 92,000 Small Holder Farmers
(supported by Axis Bank Foundation)

AEGF in association with Axis Bank Foundation aims to develop a cadre of Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) to support 92,000 smallholder farmers in Maharashtra, enhancing their access to markets and financial services. The project addresses challenges like declining landholdings and access to credit, equipping AEs to drive sustainable agriculture and economic growth in rural areas

Under collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Government, AEGF has commenced a new initiative focusing on crop diversification in the districts of Dhar, Vidisha, Mandla, and Dindori. This project aims to comprehensively analyze agricultural practices, socio-economic conditions, and developmental needs by identifying key challenges and opportunities. The initiative proposes sustainable solutions that enhance crop value through the cultivation of diverse crops such as chillies, sericulture, and
Ashwagandha.

To implement crop diversification strategies that enhance agricultural productivity, improve socio-economic conditions, and support overall regional development.

Under the sponsorship of MITTILAB, AEGF has embarked on an innovative project in Odisha, focusing on promoting Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) methods. This project is tailored to address thereduction in GHGs emission, critical need for water conservation and labor efficiency in rice cultivation, utilizing sustainable farming techniques that maintain yield while reducing resource usage.

The primary goal is to transition 12,000 farmers across 7,000 hectares in Odisha from traditional continuous flooding methods to AWD and DSR techniques. These methods are expected to reduce water requirements, lower methane emissions from rice fields, and decrease labor needs without impacting the overall rice yield.