Herbalife empowers 9300+ farmers under its Seed-to-Mouth initiative
Rajasthan, 05th 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.
In Ajmer, Rajasthan, the Seed to Mouth initiative has made a direct impact on 3,000 farmers, positively benefiting 8,463 households. The program successfully facilitated bulk selling of farmers’ yield by identifying wholesale dealers in Sawar and Kekri taluks. By connecting farmers directly with wholesale dealers, the program created efficient and effective channels for farmers to sell their produce in large quantities. To ensure seamless market access, rented vehicles were provided for transportation, while the tracking of APMC prices during harvesting time guarantees the best possible prices for farmers’ yield. Additionally, the introduction of the kitchen gardening concept has actively engaged and empowered 230 women, contributing to household income. Farmers also gained access to over 10 social security benefits, such as free ration, electricity, health insurance, and gas cylinders, through enrollment in the newly introduced Kisan Rahat Yojana.
The project was implemented across major districts such as Ajmer (Rajasthan), 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.