Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) and Action for Social Advancement (ASA) announced the launch of the Sustainable Livelihood Programme (SLP) in Madhya Pradesh to enhance livelihood of 60,000 rural households, predominantly small landholders who belong to tribal and marginalized groups. The programme will span across 350+ villages in six districts namely – Jhabua, Alirajpur, Badwani, Shahdol, Anuppur, and Umaria. This 5-year long initiative aims to empower the rural communities in the region with comprehensive livelihood enhancement strategies focused on agriculture, natural resource development, and community institution building.
This partnership builds upon the multi-stakeholder model, adopted during the previous phase of the programme 2017-2021, to further develop stable and sustainable water resources and agriculture production systems, and build resilience against climate change risks. The project will develop a strong agriculture value chain (AVC) of sustainable products and leverage the existing linkages with collectives such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through government schemes to create a multiplier effect in the local rural economy. This programme will build on the success of the previous phase that positively impacted over 55,000 rural households across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Key highlights of the programme includes –
– Enhancing income generating opportunities for 60,000 rural households through improved agriculture practices, development of natural resources (land, water, trees), and promotion of horticulture
– Building strong agricultural value chains by expanding farmers’ collectives and developing market intelligence for sustainable and organic products such as cotton, with enhanced technology-based traceability systems
– Strengthening community institutions, including SHGs, Producers’ Groups, and Gram Panchayats, to ensure sustainable practices and governance
– Facilitating convergence with government schemes for financial resources and technical support to drive long-term rural development
Commemorating the launch of the project, Ms. Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee & CEO of Axis Bank Foundation, said, “Our collaboration with ASA marks a pivotal step in prioritizing a deeper understanding of the best practices for agriculture to empower local institutions and equip communities with the knowhow, tools and access to become self-reliant while also shape an ecosystem that secures economic stability. Drawing learnings from the previous phase of the project in the region, we are together cultivating hope for long-term transformation, ensuring that farmers and their extended local communities are positioned to thrive well in the future.”
Ms. G. Jayanthi, Director of Action for Social Advancement, said, “At ASA, we harmonize People, Nature, and Economy within agricultural ecosystems to cultivate a thriving Regenerative Production Landscape. In this new initiative, our Livelihood Enhancement Model aims to strengthen both the physical assets of our communities—such as land, water, and trees—and their essential social capital, including institutions, skills, and market connections. By enhancing productive agricultural assets, we provide households with a consistent income, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and embrace sustainable growth. Strengthening farmer collectives ensures this momentum continues long after the project’s conclusion. Together, ABF and ASA are laying the groundwork for a brighter,more prosperous future in marginalized areas, paving the way for demand-driven development.”
Axis Bank Foundation and ASA are committed to make a lasting impact on rural livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh. This phase will continue to build on the successes of Phase I, ensuring that communities are equipped with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to prosper sustainably.
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