NAF gets Walmart Foundation grant to support 12,500 small farmers

National Agro Foundation (NAF) has received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to support more than 12,500 small farmers across Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, two of the State’s major agricultural regions.

The initiative will work with 10 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to improve farmers’ access to markets, promote climate-resilient farming practices and strengthen livelihood opportunities, with a special focus on women farmers.

Titled “Empowering 12,500 Farmers Belonging to Selected 10 FPOs of Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh for Sustainable Economic Development and Climate Resilience”, the project aims to help FPOs evolve into sustainable, community-led institutions. It will enable participating farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices, respond more effectively to climate-related challenges and pursue long-term economic growth.

M. R. Ramasubramaniyan, Chief Executive Officer of NAF, described the project as a landmark initiative supported by the Walmart Foundation.

“The project aims to benefit more than 12,500 small farmers by enhancing their incomes through sustainable agricultural production, stronger value chains, responsible farming practices, improved market access and better price realisation,” he said.

Founded by C. Subramaniam, the architect of India’s Green Revolution, NAF has been working for more than 25 years to empower small farmers, Mr. Ramasubramaniyan said. He added that the Walmart Foundation’s support had further strengthened the organisation’s commitment to serving farming communities in line with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nishant Gupta, Social and Environmental Impact Advisor to Walmart Org, said FPOs could become powerful engines of rural economic growth when equipped with the right capabilities, market access and institutional support.

“The Walmart Foundation’s support will help NAF strengthen local institutions that can serve farming communities for years to come, while creating greater opportunities for women farmers across Andhra Pradesh,” he said.