Tree plantations under Agroforestry

During FY2022-23 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. The tree plantation helps in carbon sequestration, Soil erosion control, increase in soil fertility, positive changes in the local weather, biodiversity conservation etc. 

Environmental Awareness program for school children

An interactive drawing competition on the importance of the environment and wildlife was conducted in June 2024 in collaboration with Rotary Club Midtown, Dharwad, for students of the Government School, Gandhinagar, Dharwad. Students from both primary and high school levels participated enthusiastically, expressing their understanding of nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation through creative and vibrant artwork, making the event engaging, enjoyable, and impactful. 

FPO formation and capacity building

The formation of the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura including identification and orientation of the Board of Directors (BoD). SLF facilitated capacity building of the BoD on roles, responsibilities, and governance, and supported strategic discussions to define the FPO’s next course of action.

BoD meeting convened as part of this process, attended by the District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, marking an important milestone in formalizing governance and aligning stakeholders for the FPO’s growth (August 2024). SLF continues to remain actively engaged with the FPO, providing handholding support for institutional strengthening, planning, and future initiatives. 

Input Supply Chain & Licensing Support

SLF facilitated engagement with input companies and distributors dealing in seeds, fertilizers, and plant protection products to strengthen the input supply chain for Alnavar Savayava Krushi Raita Utpadakara Sahakara Sangha Niyamit, Honnapura. This intervention enables FPO members to access the right inputs, at the right time, and at competitive prices (October 2024).

As part of the approved business plan submitted to NABARD, the FPO will establish a Primary Processing Centre and an exclusive organic inputs retail outlet at its location in 2026. Preparatory and enabling activities for this expansion are currently in progress.

Livelihood Opportunity 

SLF aims to promote women entrepreneurship by supporting girls and women from economically vulnerable households to build sustainable livelihoods. While the need is large, SLF was able to extend focused support to one young girl as a pilot intervention under this initiative (Dec 2024).

Mrs. Yasmin who earns her living working as a maid, her husband is suffering from a chronic disease and is not contributing much to the income of the household. Her daughter Ms. Rozana has studied 12th standard and discontinued her studies due to financial issues. Based on aptitude assessment and counselling, the beneficiary was enrolled in tailoring skill training and provided with a new tailoring machine. She has since established her own tailoring work, gained recognition in her locality, and now earns approximately ₹500–₹1,300 per day, depending on seasonal demand.

This experience reinforces SLF’s belief that even small, well-designed interventions can create meaningful and lasting economic empowerment, and provides a learning base for scaling similar support to more women entrepreneurs in the future. 

FPC Creation and Nurturing Support

SLF is contributing to the creation and nurturing of a Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Hubli, promoted by Innovative India Agrify Pvt. Ltd., namely NELVA Farmer Producer Co. Ltd. As part of this engagement, SLF is supporting institutional setup, governance systems, and capacity building to enable the FPC’s long-term sustainability (Januray 2025).

In the next phase, SLF, through NELVA FPC, will engage with the farming community on a 365-day basis, moving beyond seasonal interventions by offering a range of services, inputs, market linkages, and farmer-centric solutions. This approach aims to build a strong, farmer-owned institution that delivers continuous value and trust to its members.