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Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra - AFARM

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Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra - AFARM

An Association of Civil Society Organizations engaged in the field of Rural Development in Maharashtra State in India

AFARM was born out of an acute need for an Apex Institution to co-ordinate efforts of Non Government Organizations (NGOs) in their tasks of providing Drinking Water and Agricultural Extension services to villages in drought affected Maharashtra. It was one of the first organizations to operate as an Apex institution, in the country. Prior to 1967, Missionary Organizations were engaged in making available the drinking water to the rural communities who were facing scarcity of drinking water. Number of National & International funding organizations also took up the said program on their agenda and supported the missionaries with drilling units & equipments. The independent work of the missionaries in the said program later on aroused the need of coordinating organization. Therefore, seven Missionaries came together and informally started coordinating the program of supplying drinking water to the rural communities as 'Maharshtra Regional Water Resource Development Group'. Later on registered the organization as "Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra" (AFARM) on 18th November 1969.

26/08/2026

📢 Tender Invitation | AFARM

Tender for Empanelment of Agency for Photo & Video Documentation, Case Studies and Documentary Production
Tender No.: AFARM/06/2026-27

🌱 Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra (AFARM) invites proposals from experienced media agencies, production houses, and professional teams for visual documentation services, including:

📸 Photo & Video Documentation
🎥 Documentary Production
📖 Case Studies & Impact Stories
🎬 Project & Community Stories

AFARM is implementing 14 development projects across multiple districts of Maharashtra, focusing on sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, livelihoods, women empowerment, farmer institutions, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development.

The selected agency/team will support AFARM in documenting project achievements and impact stories for communication with donors, CSR partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

📄 Terms of Reference (ToR): https://www.afarm.org/proposals.php

📅 Proposal Submission Deadline: 01 September 2026
📩 Email: [email protected]
📍 In Person: AFARM, Market Yard, Pune
📞 Contact: 9404225056

Interested agencies and professionals are encouraged to submit their proposals within the stipulated timeline.

13/08/2026

🌱 From Water Scarcity to a Resilient Farm: A Young Farmer Reimagining Agriculture
Avishkar Jadhav, a young ITI graduate from Guroli, Purandar, Pune, is demonstrating how climate-resilient agriculture can create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
Located in the rain-shadow region of Purandar, water scarcity is a major challenge for farmers. Instead of seeing this as a limitation, Avishkar chose to invest in better water management, technology and farm diversification.
As part of AFARM’s collaboration with HSBC Software Development India Ltd., the “Revitalizing Farmers’ Livelihoods Through Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilient Agriculture” programme is being implemented across five villages of Purandar block, Pune, since April 2024.
The programme promotes climate-resilient agriculture, soil and water conservation, climate literacy, capacity building and diversified livelihood opportunities.
💧 From Water Scarcity to Water Security
A 30 × 20 × 3 metre lined farm pond was established on Avishkar’s farm through the AFARM–HSBC project. Recognising the importance of efficient water use, Avishkar made an additional personal investment in drip irrigation, enabling him to use available water more efficiently and provide protective irrigation to his crops.
The combination of project support, farmer investment and appropriate technology has strengthened the productivity and resilience of his farm.
📈 Transforming the Farm, Diversifying Livelihoods
The intervention has resulted in several positive changes:
🌳 50 additional Poona fig trees were planted with greater confidence in water availability.
🌶️ 5 gunthas of green chilli cultivation created an additional source of income.
🥬 Vegetable cultivation expanded to 2-3 crop cycles annually, improving land productivity.
💰 Annual income from vegetables and Horticulture crop increased from approximately ₹20,000 to nearly ₹1 lakh.
🐄 Improved fodder availability supported the expansion of dairy activity from 1 cow to 2 cows.
👨‍🌾 Investing in a Resilient Future
Avishkar’s journey shows that climate resilience is not only about adapting to challenges—it is also about creating new opportunities.
For rural youth, his experience demonstrates that agriculture can become a viable enterprise when combined with knowledge, appropriate technology, water security and farmer-led investment.
When young farmers invest in resilience, they transform not only their farms, but also the possibilities for rural livelihoods.

13/08/2026

🌱 From Women’s Enterprise to a Stronger Community Institution
When rural women gain access to credit, skills and opportunities, they don’t just build livelihoods—they strengthen families, institutions and communities. 👩‍🌾🤝
Through the IndiGo CSR-supported Rural Women Livelihood Empowerment Project, implemented by AFARM in collaboration with Valeshwar Mahila Vikas Sanstha, Ambegaon, Pune, women are being connected with livelihood opportunities, credit, government schemes, business guidance, financial literacy and skill development. 🌾💰
📊 The numbers tell a story:
👩‍💼 115 women have started their own businesses through credit support
👩‍🌾 45 women participated in the Government Scheme Linkage and Coordination Workshop
🏛️ Focus on strengthening a women-led grassroots institution for long-term sustainability
📅 Workshop Date: 11 August 2026
📍 Venue: SNG Institute of Management & Research, Peth
👩‍🌾 Strengthening the Institution, Strengthening Women
The workshop focused on:
🎯 Strengthening institutional vision, governance and leadership
📋 Improving documentation and institutional systems
📝 Developing a strategic development plan
🏦 Linking women with government schemes and credit opportunities
🤝 Identifying priorities for the institution’s next phase of growth
💡 Building Capacity for Long-Term Sustainability
Sachin Punekar, Director – Entrepreneurship, AFARM, guided participants on institutional vision and development planning.
Roshan Dongre, Head – Accounts & Finance, AFARM, provided guidance on registration, loan records, documentation, recovery mechanisms and implementation processes. 📊💰
Hanumant Dudhane, Senior Livestock Expert, AFARM, and Dr. Mahavir Shetiya, Principal, SNG Institute of Management & Research, also participated and contributed to the discussions. 🤝
But the real impact goes beyond the numbers.
Every woman who starts an enterprise represents greater economic confidence.
Every strengthened institution creates greater opportunities for collective action.
And every women-led institution with stronger systems is better positioned to sustain and scale its work beyond a project cycle. 🌱👩‍💼
For AFARM, sustainability means building the capacity of grassroots institutions so that communities can lead, sustain and shape their own development journey. 🏛️🌿
From 115 women entrepreneurs to a stronger women-led institution, Valeshwar Mahila Vikas Sanstha is taking an important step towards sustainable rural livelihoods and community-led development. 👩‍🌾🌾✨
Empowering Women. Strengthening Institutions. Building Sustainable Rural Communities.

03/08/2026

Transforming Rural Schools into Smart Learning Spaces!
We are delighted to share another milestone in strengthening rural education
through technology and infrastructure.
Under the Holistic Rural Development Project(HRDP), supported by HDFC Bank
Ltd. (CSR) and implemented by AFARM, the Zilla Parishad Schools
at Waygaon and Kallur in Udgir Taluka, Latur District, have been transformed
into Smart Schools. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education by
providing rural students with access to modern learning resources and digital
education.
The Smart Schools are equipped with: LED Smart Boards
 Science & Mathematics Laboratories
 BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) Paintings
 Well-equipped Library with Books
 Safe Drinking Water Facility
School Infrastructure Renovation and Learning-Friendly Environment
The inauguration was graced by Mr. Yogesh Pagare, CSR Manager, HDFC Bank
Ltd. & Mr. Sachin Punekar, Project Director, AFARM, along with AFARM project
team, local education committee members, teachers, parents, and village leaders.
Students enthusiastically demonstrated science experiments and showcased the use
of digital learning tools, reflecting the positive impact of the initiative.
At AFARM, we believe that every child, regardless of where they live, deserves
access to quality education and modern learning opportunities. By integrating
technology with government schools, we are helping bridge the rural-urban
education gap and creating an engaging learning environment that nurtures curiosity,
confidence, and critical thinking.
We sincerely thank HDFC Bank Ltd. for its continued CSR partnership in creating
meaningful and sustainable impact in rural communities.
Together, we are empowering rural children with knowledge, technology, and
opportunities for a brighter future.

30/07/2026

AFARM, with the financial support of NABARD, proudly celebrated NABARD Foundation Day on 13 July 2026 at Savargaon Farmer Producer Company (FPC), Ahmedpur, Latur. The event highlighted the transformative impact of collective action in building resilient rural communities and enhancing farmers' livelihoods.

Established under the Government of India's 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Scheme, the Savargaon FPO has grown into a vibrant institution with 750 small and marginal farmer members. Through AFARM's technical guidance and NABARD's financial support, the FPC has successfully expanded services including agricultural input supply, an oil mill, a Common Service Centre (CSC), MSP procurement, and collective marketing.
📈 Impact at a Glance
✅ Annual business turnover of ₹59.16 lakh during FY 2025–26.
✅ Facilitated procurement and marketing of agricultural produce worth over ₹1 crore, ensuring better prices for farmers.
✅ Strengthened access to quality farm inputs and market linkages for smallholder farmers.
✅ Enhanced awareness on NABARD's initiatives in watershed development, SHG promotion, rural credit, and FPC strengthening.
🌾 Women at the Centre of Rural Transformation
As 2026 is being observed as the Year of Women's Empowerment, six outstanding women farmers and entrepreneurs were felicitated for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and rural enterprise.
One inspiring success story is Mrs. Sonali Jadhav of Kalpavruksha Women's Self-Help Group. She process and market value-added products such as flaxseed, pulses, and traditional food products, generating an additional income of around ₹10,000 per month. Their journey demonstrates how value addition and collective entrepreneurship can create sustainable livelihoods for rural women.
🌳 The celebration also included a tree plantation drive, reaffirming the community's commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Through strong partnerships between NABARD, AFARM, and local Farmer Producer Companies, rural communities are gaining better market access, higher incomes, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities for women and smallholder farmers. Together, we are building a more prosperous, inclusive, and climate-resilient rural future.

27/07/2026

सहभाग नोंदणी लिंक :
https://forms.gle/soSMZ2toYntDN8j48

23/07/2026

🌱 Investing in People, Strengthening Communities: AFARM's Commitment to Capacity Building 💧

At AFARM (Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra), we believe that sustainable rural development begins with strengthening the knowledge and skills of our team. Continuous learning and professional development are integral to our mission of creating lasting impact in rural communities.

As part of this commitment, AFARM nominated and supported Smt. Seema Sanap, Assistant Director – Natural Resource Management (NRM) to participate in the prestigious one-week Training Programme on "Overview of Water Resources Sector in India", organised by the National Water Academy, Pune, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC).

The programme provided an excellent platform to deepen expertise in critical areas, including:

✔️ Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
✔️ River Basin Planning and Management
✔️ Groundwater Governance and Aquifer Management
✔️ Irrigation Systems and Water Use Efficiency
✔️ Climate Change Adaptation and Water Security
✔️ Sustainable Water Governance and Policy Frameworks

The training also offered an opportunity to showcase AFARM's work in watershed development, community-based water resource management, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable rural livelihoods before experts and fellow professionals from across the country.

At AFARM, we encourage our team members to participate in national and international learning platforms so that the latest knowledge, innovations, and best practices are translated into stronger field interventions and greater impact for farming communities.

We are confident that the knowledge and insights gained through this programme will further strengthen AFARM's initiatives in watershed development, water conservation, groundwater management, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.

We congratulate Smt. Seema Sanap, Assistant Director – NRM on successfully completing this prestigious training and thank the Ministry of Jal Shakti, National Water Academy, and the Central Water Commission for providing such a valuable learning opportunity.

At AFARM, capacity building is not just staff development—it is an investment in building resilient communities and a sustainable future.

07/07/2026

Building Rural Leaders for Sustainable Village Development
Strong communities are built by strong local leaders.
As part of the Holistic Rural Development Project, supported by HDFC Bank Ltd., AFARM organised a three-day Capacity Building and Leadership Development Training for Village Parivartaks from 24–26 June 2026 at its Regional Training Centre, Latur.
The project is being implemented in 15 villages of Udgir Block, District Latur, where Village Parivartaks play a crucial role in mobilising communities, facilitating development initiatives, and ensuring effective implementation of project activities.
The training focused on strengthening both professional competencies and personal leadership skills. Participants enhanced their knowledge on:
• Leadership and personality development
• Communication and community mobilisation
• Village development planning and problem-solving
• Sustainable and organic agriculture
• Preparation of organic fertilizers and bio-inputs
• Livestock development
• Women's entrepreneurship and enterprise development
• Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
• Effective implementation of village-level development activities
The programme featured expert sessions by Shri Sanji Gavi, Professor at Basweshwar College, Latur, who shared insights on leadership, personality development, and social issues, and Shri Ashruba Jadhav, an advocate of organic farming, who guided participants on sustainable agriculture, village development, and climate-resilient farming practices.
The training adopted a highly participatory approach through group discussions, practical exercises, assignments, and experience sharing, enabling participants to translate learning into action for their respective villages.
At AFARM, we believe that empowered grassroots leaders are the driving force behind sustainable rural transformation. By investing in the capacities of Village Parivartaks, we are strengthening local institutions, promoting climate-resilient livelihoods, empowering rural communities, and creating a foundation for inclusive and sustainable village development.
We sincerely thank HDFC Bank Ltd. for its continued support in strengthening rural communities through this impactful initiative.

04/07/2026

🌱 Empowering Farmers with AI: AFARM Accelerates Digital Agriculture in Nandurbar 🚜📱

As agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate change, rising input costs, labour shortages, and market uncertainties, digital innovation is becoming essential for building resilient farming systems.

AFARM is proud to support the Government of Maharashtra's Mahavistar AI initiative by promoting AI-enabled digital agriculture among farming communities in Nandurbar district.

✅ More than 3,000 farmers across 21 villages have been registered on the Mahavistar AI mobile application through awareness campaigns, hands-on training, and continuous field support provided by AFARM's dedicated agriculture extension team.

This remarkable achievement has been made possible through the committed efforts of Mr. Pradeep Salve (Project Manager), Mr. Rohit Lohar (Agriculture Extension Officer), and the entire AFARM field team, who worked closely with village-level volunteers, progressive farmers, and local communities to ensure that digital agricultural services reach every farmer.

The Mahavistar AI app empowers farmers with:
📌 AI-powered crop advisory in Marathi and English
📌 Village-level weather forecasts and alerts
📌 Crop protection and pest management guidance
📌 Real-time market price information
📌 Soil health and nutrient management recommendations
📌 Access to government schemes and agricultural services

At AFARM, we believe that digital inclusion is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. By connecting farmers with AI-driven, real-time advisory services, we are enabling farmers to make informed decisions, reduce risks, improve productivity, and build climate-resilient livelihoods.

👏 Congratulations to the entire AFARM team and our farming communities for taking another significant step towards Smart, Sustainable, and Digital Agriculture.

19/06/2026

“डॉ. सुधाताई कोठारी यांना प्रथम स्व. कांचनताई परुळेकर स्मृती पुरस्कार”
‘चैतन्य’च्या संस्थापक विश्वस्त आणि ‘अफार्म’ कार्यकारी समितीचे कोषाध्यक्ष-सदस्य डॉ. सुधाताई कोठारी यांना महिला सक्षमीकरण आणि सामाजिक क्षेत्रातील उल्लेखनीय योगदानाबद्दल स्वयंसिद्धा ट्रस्ट, कोल्हापूर यांच्यातर्फे "स्वर्गीय कांचनताई परुळेकर स्मृती गौरव प्रथम पुरस्कार" हा १५ जून २०२६ रोजी कोल्हापूर येथे आयोजित कार्यक्रमात मानपत्र व ₹१,००,००० रोख रक्कम देऊन प्रदान करण्यात आला. या पुरस्कार समारंभास स्वयंसिद्धाच्या कार्यकारी संचालिका श्रीमती जयश्री गायकवाड, अध्यक्ष श्री. डी. व्ही. पाटील, सचिव श्रीमती भूमि पुरेकर यासह अनेक पदाधिकारी व कार्यकर्त्या उपस्थित होत्या.
डॉ. सुधा कोठारी यांनी १९८८ साली ग्रामीण व वंचित महिलांच्या सक्षमीकरणासाठी कार्य सुरु केले. मा. सुरेखा क्षोत्रिय यांच्या सहकार्याने त्यांनी ‘चैतन्य’ संस्थेची सन १९९३ मध्ये स्थापना केली. गेल्या ३३ वर्षांत ‘चैतन्य’ने महिला बचत गट, महिला संघटन, आर्थिक समावेशन, महिला उद्योजगता, शाश्वत उपजीविका आणि लिंग समानता या क्षेत्रांत उल्लेखनीय काम केले आहे. ‘चैतन्य’ संस्थेचे काम आता महाराष्ट्र, मध्य प्रदेश, छत्तीसगड आणि राजस्थान या चार राज्यांमध्ये विस्तारले आहे.

Address

2/23 A-B Raisoni Park, Market Yard
Pune
411037

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5pm
Friday	9:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

020-24264641

Website

https://www.afarm.org/

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