Knowledge Centre

Velhe taluka in Maharashtra’s Pune district is a region rich in biodiversity, yet its farming community faces significant challenges. With about 650 households relying on traditional practices like paddy monocropping and dairy farming, the region’s agricultural methods are not resilient enough to meet climate challenges. Despite receiving over 2500mm of rainfall annually, these practices are putting both livelihoods and the environment at risk.

To address these challenges, the Raintree Foundation is launching a pioneering initiative – the Agri-Resource Center (ARC). The ARC will be the region’s first-ever hub to support farmers in adopting sustainable, regenerative farming methods, focusing on promoting natural land-use practices that ensure climate resilience and increase income opportunities.

Led by a local Women’s Group, the ARC will:

– Offer farmers access to natural, locally produced bio-inputs and tools

– Provide training on regenerative agricultural practices

– Connect farmers to markets, helping them achieve better prices for organic produce

– Foster community stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability

Why Your Support Matters

Your donation is vital for the success of the ARC and the future of Velhe’s farming community. By contributing, you will help us:

• Empower Farmers: Support essential training programs.
• Quality Inputs: Facilitate access to high-quality organic inputs.
• Support Women’s Groups: Assist local Women’s Groups in managing the center.
• Market Opportunities: Create sustainable market linkages for increased income.
• Community Resilience: Enhance the local economy and promote sustainability.

The long-term goal of the ARC is to improve the livelihoods of 100 households, increasing agricultural incomes by 5-10% and generating employment for at least 10 women. 

Join Us in This Transformation

We invite donors, partners, and advocates for sustainable agriculture to support this unique initiative. By supporting this initiative, you are directly contributing to climate resilience and community empowerment. Together, we can create a model for sustainable farming that improves livelihoods, enhances food security, and promotes environmental stewardship.

You can reach us out at jyoti.verma@theraintree.org