Bangalore, Karnataka, 2nd August 2023: Herbalife India, a global health and wellness company, partnered with Sambhav Foundation, a non-profit organization, to train and empower farmers in India as part of its CSR initiative. Through Herbalife’s Seed-to-Mouth initiative, the organization has strengthened the farming capabilities of over 9,300 farmers across India. In line with Herbalife’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the comprehensive training program has transformed over 25,000 households across 84 villages in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
The Seed to Mouth initiative has made a direct impact in Vijayapura, Karnataka, benefiting 10,358 households and transforming the lives of 3,315 farmers. The efforts were recognized and appreciated by the Department of Agriculture Karnataka. In partnership with the Agricultural University of Vijayapura, the program included guest lectures and farm visits, focusing on crop-specific learnings to safeguard standing crops from unseasonal rains. By connecting farmers directly with wholesale dealers, the program has created efficient and effective channels for farmers to sell their produce in large quantities. To address storage challenges, tarpaulin sheets were provided to all the farmers, ensuring protection from rain, pests, and rodents. Through eKYC, farmers were enrolled in the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, resulting in a direct transfer of INR 9,000 to their accounts.
The project was implemented in Vijayapura (Karnataka), equipping the farming community with cutting-edge agricultural learning resources, reducing operating costs, and enabling market reach to enhance their income generation. Since its launch in July 2022, the Seed-to-Mouth initiative has enhanced sector access for farmers by connecting them with major industry players, enabling them to reach a wider customer base and expand their market reach.
Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife India said, “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.”
The NGO conducted a diagnostic study in consultation with over 50 agri-experts across the states to identify and address existing gaps in agricultural practices by providing farmers with essential resources such as seeds, equipment, fertilizers, and loans. Farmers also gained practical knowledge on essential topics such as advanced farming technology, crop diversification, safe use of chemicals, land management, credit support, and market access through collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and university incubators. Expert-led awareness sessions on farming and irrigation supported farmers throughout the farming process.
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.” said Mr. Khanna.
Ms. Gayathri Vasudevan, CEO of Sambhav Foundation, added, “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.”
The program aligns with larger Government of India initiatives such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). By aligning with these government initiatives, the Seed-to-Mouth project ensures that its efforts complement and contribute to the larger goals of the government in improving the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of farmers in the country.
