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Food Sovereignity Program
Empowerment. Resilience. Security
Started on 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic, Sulabh's Food Programme focuses on empowering marginalized farming communities, particularly women farmers. The objective is twofold: reviving indigenous farming methods to ensure year-round food availability and creating seed banks that help women earn livelihoods by selling excess crops and vegetables.
Empowerment
We are deeply committed to empowering marginalized farming communities, particularly women, by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering leadership. Through training and capacity building, women are empowered to take control of seed banks, agribusinesses, and their livelihoods, ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes.
Impact - SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
Empowerment leads to gender equality, where women farmers are recognized as equal partners in the agricultural ecosystem and can independently manage their resources and economic activities.
Resilience
By restoring ecological balance through the use of indigenous seeds, organic farming methods, and kitchen gardens, we build resilience among the farming communities. These practices enhance the communities' ability to withstand environmental challenges, such as erratic weather patterns, and reduce dependency on external, unsustainable agricultural inputs.
Impact: SDG 13,Climate Action and SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Resilience ensures that the farming communities are better equipped to face economic and environmental uncertainties, thereby securing their livelihoods and sustaining their agricultural practices.
Security
The project's focus on food sovereignty and sustainable development aims to secure the food systems of the local communities. By promoting self-reliance through kitchen gardens and indigenous seed banks, the project enhances food security at the household level, reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations and external pressures
Impact: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 1: No Poverty
Security ensures that families have reliable access to nutritious food, reducing economic vulnerabilities and contributing to overall well-being and stability within the community
Empowerment
We are deeply committed to empowering marginalized farming communities, particularly women, by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering leadership. Through training and capacity building, women are empowered to take control of seed banks, agribusinesses, and their livelihoods, ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes.
Impact - SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
Empowerment leads to gender equality, where women farmers are recognized as equal partners in the agricultural ecosystem and can independently manage their resources and economic activities.
Resilience
By restoring ecological balance through the use of indigenous seeds, organic farming methods, and kitchen gardens, we build resilience among the farming communities. These practices enhance the communities' ability to withstand environmental challenges, such as erratic weather patterns, and reduce dependency on external, unsustainable agricultural inputs.
Impact: SDG 13,Climate Action and SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Resilience ensures that the farming communities are better equipped to face economic and environmental uncertainties, thereby securing their livelihoods and sustaining their agricultural practices.
Security
The project's focus on food sovereignty and sustainable development aims to secure the food systems of the local communities. By promoting self-reliance through kitchen gardens and indigenous seed banks, the project enhances food security at the household level, reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations and external pressures
Impact: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 1: No Poverty
Security ensures that families have reliable access to nutritious food, reducing economic vulnerabilities and contributing to overall well-being and stability within the community
Current Projects
Maharashtra
Sulabh’s Food Security Program was launched in July 2021 in the Sangamner and Akole blocks of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, to tackle gender discrimination, food sovereignty, and nutrition. This CSR-funded initiative empowers women farmers by giving them control over seeds, promoting sustainability and aligning with SDGs 1, 2, and 5.
In under three years, the project has set up 10 indigenous seed banks in 20 villages and established 300 kitchen gardens, ensuring food sovereignty for 300 families, reducing market dependency, and saving each family ₹800-₹2000 per month.
The program also fosters agripreneurs by equipping Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with processing units to manage post-harvest activities, addressing agrarian distress, and mitigating farmer suicides. By advocating for women’s rights and promoting sustainable agriculture, the initiative builds climate resilience and drives transformative change at both local and global levels.
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Bihar
The Food Sovereignty Project in Bihar is making a significant impact on the livelihoods of 425 farmers across 10 villages in Darbhanga and Madhubani. By providing free seeds, technical assistance through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), and market linkages for their produce, the initiative helps farmers increase their income. Additionally, the project offers a support stipend of ₹70 per katha, easing financial burdens. Women farmers also benefit from kitchen garden kits, ensuring their families’ nutritional needs are met. Over time, this collaboration with SISASSS has steadily improved the financial conditions of farmers, establishing it as a model for sustainable livelihood projects. The Food Sovereignty Project has successfully demonstrated that sustainable agricultural practices, combined with financial support and market access, can uplift rural farming communities. With its comprehensive approach—focusing on both income generation and nutrition—the project has become a benchmark for rural development. As it evolves, it promises to bring greater financial stability and empowerment to farmers in Darbhanga and Madhubani, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of rural progress in the region.
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APF Tribal Livelihood & Food Security Project
The APF Tribal Livelihood & Food Security Project is strengthening the livelihoods and food security of tribal communities across four villages in Akole block of Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra. Supported by the Azim Premji Foundation, the three-year initiative works with nearly 600 households from the Mahadev Koli tribe to improve agricultural productivity, enhance household incomes, and build resilience through sustainable farming practices.
The project adopts a holistic approach by promoting improved cultivation techniques, livestock- based livelihood opportunities, and nutrition-focused kitchen gardens for vulnerable families. Alongside increasing agricultural income, it aims to ensure year-round access to nutritious food by encouraging household food production and reducing dependence on external sources. A key component of the initiative is the establishment of indigenous seed banks that preserve traditional seed varieties, encourage community-led seed exchange, and promote organic, chemical-free farming practices.
Through its integrated focus on livelihoods, nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, the project is creating a sustainable pathway towards economic empowerment for tribal communities. By strengthening local capacities and building self- reliant village institutions, it seeks to deliver lasting improvements in household income, food security, and overall community well-being.
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Cage-Free Poultry Project
The Cage-Free Poultry Project is creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalised women farmers in Dongargaon village, Sangola block of Solapur district, Maharashtra. Supported by Sodexo India Pvt. Ltd., the initiative enables women to supplement their agricultural income through a women-owned and women-managed cage-free poultry enterprise, fostering financial independence and collective entrepreneurship.
A unique feature of the project is the establishment of the Nature Life Women's Farmer Producer Company, which is entirely owned and managed by women farmers. With a poultry farm housing approximately 2,700 indigenous Kaveri DP cross-bred hens, the enterprise provides members with a reliable source of additional income while strengthening their leadership, business management, and entrepreneurial skills through continuous capacity building. The project is also working towards obtaining internationally recognised Cage-Free certification, reinforcing its commitment to ethical poultry farming and creating better market opportunities for its produce.
By combining livelihood generation, women-led collective ownership, and sustainable agricultural practices, the project is laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience in rural communities. As more women become part of the initiative and production reaches full capacity, the enterprise is expected to emerge as a scalable model for women-led rural entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
Current Projects
Maharashtra
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Sulabh’s Food Security Program was launched in July 2021 in the Sangamner and Akole blocks of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, to tackle gender discrimination, food sovereignty, and nutrition. This CSR-funded initiative empowers women farmers by giving them control over seeds, promoting sustainability and aligning with SDGs 1, 2, and 5.
In under three years, the project has set up 10 indigenous seed banks in 20 villages and established 300 kitchen gardens, ensuring food sovereignty for 300 families, reducing market dependency, and saving each family ₹800-₹2000 per month.
The program also fosters agripreneurs by equipping Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with processing units to manage post-harvest activities, addressing agrarian distress, and mitigating farmer suicides. By advocating for women’s rights and promoting sustainable agriculture, the initiative builds climate resilience and drives transformative change at both local and global levels.
.png)
Bihar
The Food Sovereignty Project in Bihar is making a significant impact on the livelihoods of 425 farmers across 10 villages in Darbhanga and Madhubani. By providing free seeds, technical assistance through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), and market linkages for their produce, the initiative helps farmers increase their income. Additionally, the project offers a support stipend of ₹70 per katha, easing financial burdens. Women farmers also benefit from kitchen garden kits, ensuring their families’ nutritional needs are met. Over time, this collaboration with SISASSS has steadily improved the financial conditions of farmers, establishing it as a model for sustainable livelihood projects. The Food Sovereignty Project has successfully demonstrated that sustainable agricultural practices, combined with financial support and market access, can uplift rural farming communities. With its comprehensive approach—focusing on both income generation and nutrition—the project has become a benchmark for rural development. As it evolves, it promises to bring greater financial stability and empowerment to farmers in Darbhanga and Madhubani, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of rural progress in the region.
Cage-Free Poultry Project
The Cage-Free Poultry Project is creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalised women farmers in Dongargaon village, Sangola block of Solapur district, Maharashtra. Supported by Sodexo India Pvt. Ltd., the initiative enables women to supplement their agricultural income through a women-owned and women-managed cage-free poultry enterprise, fostering financial independence and collective entrepreneurship.
A unique feature of the project is the establishment of the Nature Life Women's Farmer Producer Company, which is entirely owned and managed by women farmers. With a poultry farm housing approximately 2,700 indigenous Kaveri DP cross-bred hens, the enterprise provides members with a reliable source of additional income while strengthening their leadership, business management, and entrepreneurial skills through continuous capacity building. The project is also working towards obtaining internationally recognised Cage-Free certification, reinforcing its commitment to ethical poultry farming and creating better market opportunities for its produce.
By combining livelihood generation, women-led collective ownership, and sustainable agricultural practices, the project is laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience in rural communities. As more women become part of the initiative and production reaches full capacity, the enterprise is expected to emerge as a scalable model for women-led rural entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
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APF Tribal Livelihood & Food Security Project
The APF Tribal Livelihood & Food Security Project is strengthening the livelihoods and food security of tribal communities across four villages in Akole block of Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra. Supported by the Azim Premji Foundation, the three-year initiative works with nearly 600 households from the Mahadev Koli tribe to improve agricultural productivity, enhance household incomes, and build resilience through sustainable farming practices.
The project adopts a holistic approach by promoting improved cultivation techniques, livestock- based livelihood opportunities, and nutrition-focused kitchen gardens for vulnerable families. Alongside increasing agricultural income, it aims to ensure year-round access to nutritious food by encouraging household food production and reducing dependence on external sources. A key component of the initiative is the establishment of indigenous seed banks that preserve traditional seed varieties, encourage community-led seed exchange, and promote organic, chemical-free farming practices.
Through its integrated focus on livelihoods, nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, the project is creating a sustainable pathway towards economic empowerment for tribal communities. By strengthening local capacities and building self- reliant village institutions, it seeks to deliver lasting improvements in household income, food security, and overall community well-being.
Case study:
Learn about our Award Winning
Project funded by Sodexo
1. Gender Equality: Empower women in agriculture, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
2.Economic Independence: Create sustainable livelihoods for women, fostering financial independence.
3. Household Food Security: Ensure food security with a focus on gender equality.
4. Prevention of Marginalization: Protect rural women from the negative impacts of economic commercialization.
5. Capacity Building: Equip women with skills for sustainable agriculture and modern communication technologies.
6. Organic Practices: Support organic seed cultivation through local organizations.
Project Overview
The Food Sovereignty Project in Sangamner block, Ahmednagar, addresses critical challenges like deforestation, water scarcity, gender inequality, and economic instability. By promoting sustainable agriculture and gender-inclusive community development, the project aims to build resilience and prosperity for local farming communities.
1. Gender Equality: Empower women in agriculture, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
2.Economic Independence: Create sustainable livelihoods for women, fostering financial independence.
3. Household Food Security: Ensure food security with a focus on gender equality.
4. Prevention of Marginalization: Protect rural women from the negative impacts of economic commercialization.
5. Capacity Building: Equip women with skills for sustainable agriculture and modern communication technologies.
6. Organic Practices: Support organic seed cultivation through local organizations.
1. Gender Equality: Empower women in agriculture, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
2. Economic Independence: Create sustainable livelihoods for women, fostering financial independence.
3. Household Food Security: Ensure food security with a focus on gender equality.
4. Prevention of Marginalization: Protect rural women from the negative impacts of economic commercialization.
5. Capacity Building: Equip women with skills for sustainable agriculture and modern communication technologies.
6. Organic Practices: Support organic seed cultivation through local organizations.
1. Gender Equality: Empower women in agriculture, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
2. Economic Independence: Create sustainable livelihoods for women, fostering financial independence.
3. Household Food Security: Ensure food security with a focus on gender equality.
4. Prevention of Marginalization: Protect rural women from the negative impacts of economic commercialization.
5. Capacity Building: Equip women with skills for sustainable agriculture and modern communication technologies.
6. Organic Practices: Support organic seed cultivation through local organizations.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Impact is assessed through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), with results shared in annual reports to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
Impact Stories
The Transformation of Rita: A Story of Strength, Hope,
and Community
In the remote village of Sanahpur, located in the heart of Bihar, Rita Mahto quietly navigated a life filled with challenges. Her husband, Ramesh Mahto, worked far away in Pune, sending what money he could to support their family. In his absence, Rita was left to manage their small farm, care for their children, and run the household on her own.
September 15, 2022
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