In partnership with Seva Mandir during the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, we recognized the challenges faced in the Rajsamand region, characterized by small and fragmented landholdings.
This presented a significant issue for subsistence farmers, as traditional wheat and corn farming yielded low profits, depleted water resources, and harmed the soil, exacerbating the problem of desertification. These circumstances called for a transformative solution that encompassed crop diversification, value-added products, capacity building, and addressing environmental concerns.
Our innovative solution was multi-faceted. First, we introduced highly profitable, water-efficient crops, lemongrass and chamomile, in collaboration with the Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). These crops were chosen for their minimal water requirements and high market demand for essential oils and teas, ensuring significant profits even on small farmlands.
To maximize impact, we established the Khatamla Women's Cluster, led by tribal women and small, marginalized farmers. This collective cultivated the crops and transformed them into high-value products. We created a holistic social enterprise by identifying opportunities within the agricultural supply chain, promoting crop diversification, and providing capacity-building programs for both farmers and tribal women.
Essential equipment was installed, enabling efficient production of value-added products, further enhancing economic opportunities. Our brand-building strategies encompassed wholesale and retail distribution channels, supported by a robust online marketing campaign, ensuring the enterprise's success.
Furthermore, our collaboration with government entities secured subsidies for free planting materials, enhancing the project's sustainability and affordability.
Through this comprehensive approach, we not only empowered local communities but also promoted sustainable agricultural practices, provided income opportunities for marginalized women, and catalyzed positive change in the region, all while preserving precious water resources.
A social enterprise with a growing production facility, providing livelihoods to local farmers and tribal women. Participating farmers saw a 30-40% boost in their annual income through sales of lemongrass essential oil.
The famous Adivasi slogan of Komaram Bheem, jal, jungle, jameen (water, forest, land), provides the framework of this holistic rural development project. What started as a water management project eventually grew to cover livelihood and community development. Our project touched:
In addition to primary project work, we also did extensive cultural documentation, grassroots awareness on sexual assault and legal recourse, and research on caste and gender disparities.
During my tenure at Seva Mandir, I spearheaded a successful fundraising strategy by writing grants to major global funders, securing a remarkable 15 crore INR (approximately 2.5 million USD) in contributions.
Additionally, I conducted extensive grassroots research to identify areas of greatest need and formulated a comprehensive 5-year plan for allocating funds across three major regional blocks in Rajasthan, ensuring the most effective utilization of resources to uplift rural communities and foster sustainable development.
Through diligent grant writing and strategic engagement with donors, we achieved significant financial support, enabling the organization to continue its impactful work in addressing critical social and developmental challenges in rural Rajasthan, India.
During my tenure at Seva Mandir, I spearheaded a successful fundraising strategy by writing grants to major global funders, securing a remarkable 15 crore INR (approximately 2.5 million USD) in contributions.
Additionally, I conducted extensive grassroots research to identify areas of greatest need and formulated a comprehensive 5-year plan for allocating funds across three major regional blocks in Rajasthan, ensuring the most effective utilization of resources to uplift rural communities and foster sustainable development.
Through diligent grant writing and strategic engagement with donors, we achieved significant financial support, enabling the organization to continue its impactful work in addressing critical social and developmental challenges in rural Rajasthan, India.
In my mini-project, I conducted a detailed analysis of water budgeting and management practices at the village level in Parwat Kheri, Rajasthan. This comprehensive study delved into the community's water resources, consumption patterns, and conservation efforts, aiming to identify potential challenges and propose sustainable solutions to enhance water availability and usage efficiency in the region. The project shed light on the significance of localized water management strategies to address water scarcity and support the well-being of the residents in Parwat Kheri.
Our academic paper, co-authored with Laxmi Thakur and Varsha Rathore, explores the critical importance of providing rural women in Southern Rajasthan with leadership spaces, alongside capacity-building training. By presenting our research at the conference "FUTURE OF WOMEN ’20: The Next Generation of Women: Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, and Equal Participation," we shed light on the significance of empowering women to become fully realized leaders within their communities. The paper advocates for a holistic approach to gender equality, emphasizing the need for both skills development and opportunities for women to take on leadership roles, fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.
