Jindal Stainless Foundation signs MoU with NABARD to raise farmers’ incomes

As part of the MoU, JSF will partially fund and support the operations of NABARD and other implementing partners towards this end

New Delhi: Marching forward in its commitment to augment farmer's incomes, Jindal Stainless Foundation (JSF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in New Delhi. The MoU will intensify 'Project Krishi Unnati,' an ongoing CSR initiative of Jindal Stainless Foundation aimed at doubling farmers' incomes.

MoU expected to impact 4 lakh farmers

The MoU is expected to positively impact 4 lakh farmers in two phases, spread over 5 years. As part of the MoU, JSF will partially fund and support the operations of NABARD and other implementing partners towards this end. The Foundation will also build the necessary market and financial linkages for farmers in target states.

'Collaboration is an extension of MoU signed with Odisha'

Presiding over the MoU signing ceremony, Deepika Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Stainless Foundation, said, "The collaboration with NABARD is an extension of our MoU signed with the Odisha government last year. So far, in Odisha, we have already reached out to over 20,000 farmers through this intervention. We are essentially providing farmers with end-to-end solutions from soil testing and crop management to market linkages and promoting climate resilient technologies through partnerships."

Brig Rajiv Williams, Corporate Head CSR, Jindal Stainless and Avinash C Srivastava, Chief General Manager of Farm Sector Development Department, NABARD, signed the MOU in the presence Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Stainless Foundation, Naresh Gupta, Managing Director, NABCONS, Aneesh Jain Director and Founder Gram Unnati, and Meera, from UN International Fund for Agriculture Development. The MoU will impact farmers in Haryana, Odisha, and other states of mutual interest.

Under MoU, JSF plans to strengthen farmer institutions

Spearheading this initiative, JSF will strengthen farmer institutions such as Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmers' Clubs and Self-Help-Groups promoted by NABARD to develop a better market, input, and financial linkages. In turn, NABARD, through its various schemes, will extend complementary support to initiatives run by the JSF. NABARD will also designate relevant individuals/teams at regional levels to assist in the implementation of the terms of MoU.