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During Feb-Mar 2024 a total of 1900 saplings have been planted under ‘Vanamahotsava concept’ in coordination with the Forest department, local Gram Panchayats to set an example with the community on how they can contribute to climate change. The plantation includes Melia Dubia 260, Bamboo 535, Mahagoni 345, Teak 380, Saguvani 380, Cashew 130, Curry leaves tree 50, Papaya 100 and Amla/Nelli 100 in Dharwad and Gadag district

covering around 240 farmers. The tree plantation helps in carbon sequestration, Soil erosion control, increase in soil fertility, positive changes in the local weather, biodiversity conservation etc. Post-plantation survival tracking and climate impact estimation are being undertaken to ensure measurable environmental outcomes. 

An interactive drawing competition on the theme of environment and wildlife conservation was organised in June 2024 in collaboration with the Rotary Club Midtown Dharwad for students of Government School, Gandhinagar, Dharwad.

Students from primary and high school levels actively participated, expressing their understanding of nature, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility through creative artwork.

The programme aimed to foster early environmental awareness and encourage responsible citizenship among young learners.

The formation and institutional Strengthening of Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura, Dharwad district was facilitated with structured support from SLF, including identification and orientation of the Board of Directors (BoD).

In August 2024 SLF conducted capacity-building sessions for the BoD focusing on governance, statutory responsibilities, role clarity, and strategic planning. Dedicated discussions were held to define the FPO’s operational roadmap and growth strategy. A Board meeting was convened as part of the institutional formalisation process, attended by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) District Development Manager (DDM), marking a key milestone in strengthening governance and stakeholder alignment.

SLF facilitated structured engagement between Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura, Dharwad district and licensed input companies and distributors dealing in seeds, fertilizers, and plant protection products during October 2024. This intervention strengthens the FPO’s input supply chain, enabling member farmers to access quality inputs at the right time and at competitive prices, while improving transparency and collective procurement efficiency. As part of the approved business plan submitted to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the FPO plans to establish:

·       A Primary Processing Centre

·       An exclusive organic inputs retail outlet (proposed 2026)

Preparatory and enabling activities for this expansion are currently underway, positioning the FPO for business diversification and long-term sustainability.

Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura, Dharwad district is committed to promoting organic farming as a pathway toward climate resilience, soil health improvement, and the supply of safe and nutritious food.

The surrounding villages of Honnapura consist largely of small and marginal farmers whose primary livelihood depends on vegetable cultivation and local market sales. Recognising the critical role of women in farm operations and household nutrition, SLF, in coordination with the Board of Directors and lead farmers, initiated focused village-level mobilisation meetings.

These small-group interactions specifically encouraged women farmers to:

• Understand the benefits of collective marketing through the FPO

• Adopt organic and sustainable cultivation practices

• Participate actively in governance and decision-making

• Access better input services and market linkages

The mobilisation process aims to strengthen women’s participation within the FPO ecosystem, enhance farm incomes, and build a climate-conscious farming community and such event has been undertaken during Feb 2025.

Navalgund Mahila Raitha Utpadakara Sahakara Sanga Niyamit, Navalgund, Dharwad district is an all-women Farmer Producer Company supported by SLF from its inception. SLF continues to provide institutional mentoring, management guidance, and strategic handholding to strengthen the FPC’s governance and business systems.

The Board of Directors, composed entirely of women farmers, demonstrates strong commitment toward improving livelihoods and creating positive community-level change.

In April 2025, SLF conducted a structured capacity-building programme for the BoD covering:

• Provisions of the Cooperative Act under which the FPC is registered

• Statutory roles and fiduciary responsibilities of Directors

• Governance systems and compliance requirements

• Identification of viable business opportunities

• Strategic planning for growth and sustainability

Participation certificates were awarded to the Directors upon completion of the training, reinforcing accountability and formal recognition of their leadership roles.

This intervention strengthens institutional governance, enhances women-led decision-making, and builds the foundation for a professionally managed, women-owned producer enterprise.

Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura, Dharwad district has mobilised more than 150 farmer shareholders since its inception, strengthening the ownership base of the Farmer Producer Company.

In August 2025, share certificates were formally distributed to the inducted members, marking an important milestone in institutional consolidation and equity participation.

SLF facilitated the entire process, including:

• Member mobilisation and orientation

• Share capital documentation and compliance support

• Induction procedures and statutory record management

• Formal distribution of share certificates

The initiative reinforces the principle of collective ownership, enhances member commitment, and builds the financial foundation necessary for the FPC’s business expansion and long-term sustainability.

As part of strengthening business capabilities of Navalgund Mahila Raitha Utpadakara Sahakara Sanga Niyamit, Navalgund, Dharwad district SLF organised an exposure visit for the Board of Directors to nearby pulse processing mills.

The visit provided first-hand understanding of:

• Primary processing of pulses (cleaning, grading, splitting, packaging)

• Quality standards and market requirements

• Cost components and operational efficiencies

• Scope for local-level value addition through aggregation and processing

During October 2025 SLF facilitated coordination between the mill owner and the women Directors and ensured structured interaction, discussion, and practical learning during the exposure.

This initiative aimed to build business vision among the women-led Board, helping them explore opportunities for value addition, improved price realisation, and future establishment of processing facilities under the FPC framework.

Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura, Dharwad district is being supported under the Integrated Farming System (IFS) initiative in collaboration with the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad (Institute of Organic Farming) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

SLF facilitated the enrolment and coordination of FPC members under this scheme, enabling them to access quality vegetable saplings including chilli, brinjal, and other seasonal crops during December 2025.

The IFS approach promotes:

• Diversified cropping systems

• Improved soil fertility through organic practices

• Enhanced farm resilience and income stability

• Nutritional security through vegetable cultivation

• Reduced production risk for small and marginal farmers

Through institutional convergence and technical guidance, the initiative strengthens organic farming practices while improving productivity and sustainability within the FPC ecosystem.

SLF is supporting the establishment and institutional strengthening of NELVA Farmer Producer Co. Ltd., Hubli, promoted by Innovative India Agrify Pvt. Ltd. and Aruda Pvt Ltd.

As part of this engagement, SLF is contributing to:

• Institutional setup and compliance structuring

• Development of governance frameworks and Board orientation

• Capacity building of Directors and key functionaries

• Business planning and operational systems development

• Strategic guidance for sustainable growth

The intervention focuses on building a professionally governed, farmer-owned enterprise with strong institutional foundations. By strengthening systems, leadership, and accountability mechanisms from the early stage, SLF aims to ensure long-term sustainability and scalable agribusiness operations under the FPC model.

A joint meeting between Nelva Farmer Producer Co. Ltd., Hubli and Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura (Dharwad District) was facilitated under the FPO Federation model.

Nelva FPC has established a strong institutional structure and ecosystem with wider market access and forward linkages. Alnavar FPC, on the other hand, demonstrates strong producer-level capabilities and grassroots engagement. The strategic convergence of these strengths is expected to accelerate the growth of both FPCs and enhance economic benefits for their member farmers.

On 28-02-2026, the Directors of both FPCs convened at Honnapura village to deliberate on the business plan for FY 2026–27. Discussions focused on input supply systems, output aggregation and marketing, value-added products, and development of primary processing infrastructure. 

The event symbolizes SLF’s active role in strengthening farmer institutions, fostering collaboration between FPOs, and enabling structured business planning for sustainable growth.