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

The National Agriculture Foundation (NAF) has received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to support more than 12,500 smallholder farmers in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, two of the state’s major agricultural regions.

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

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

NAF Chief Executive Officer MR Ramasubramaniyan described the project as a landmark initiative supported by Walmart Foundation.

“The project aims to benefit more than 12,500 smallholder farmers by increasing their income through sustainable agricultural production, stronger value chains, responsible agricultural practices, improved market access and better price realization,” he said.

Mr. Ramasubramaniyan said NAF, founded by C. Subramaniam, the architect of India’s Green Revolution, has been working to empower small farmers for over 25 years. He added that Walmart Foundation’s support further strengthens the organization’s commitment to serving farming communities in line with the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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

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