ProRISE-II Initiative Launched to Support Maharashtra Farmers
The Watershed Organisation Trust, backed by Walmart Foundation, has initiated the second phase of ProRISE to enhance climate resilience for farmers.
ProRISE-II aims to improve climate resilience and market access for smallholder farmers in Maharashtra.
Over 11,800 farmers benefited from the first phase, with significant increases in income and sustainable practices.
The initiative will focus on sustainable farming, improved resource management, and gender-responsive governance.
In Pune, the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) has announced the launch of the second phase of its ProRISE programme, aimed at enhancing climate resilience and farm incomes for smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas of Maharashtra, specifically in Solapur, Dharashiv, and Jalna districts. This initiative, supported by the Walmart Foundation, focuses on sustainable agricultural practices and improving market access for farmers.
The initial phase of ProRISE successfully supported over 11,800 farmers through 11 farmer producer organisations (FPOs), achieving a combined business turnover of approximately Rs 44.86 crore. This phase also established 12 groups working towards Participatory Guarantee System certification, promoting safer and sustainable farming methods. Farmers involved in the programme reported a significant increase in their average net income from crop sales, rising from Rs 1,57,046 to Rs 2,37,184 over three years.
Key statistics reveal that 76% of the participating farmers adopted improved crop varieties or climate-resilient practices, while 55% reduced their use of pesticides and chemicals. The programme also facilitated engagement with 32 buyers and introduced 52 products into a new branded portfolio, enhancing market opportunities for farmers.
Nishant Gupta, an advisor for social and environmental impact at Walmart.org, emphasized that the foundation's support is designed to bolster systems that assist farmers in managing climate risks and improving natural resource management. The ProRISE-II initiative will further enhance soil and water management, promote micro-irrigation, and support access to biological agricultural inputs, while also strengthening FPO leadership and governance.
Looking ahead, the programme aims to generate evidence on gender-responsive governance and sustainable agribusiness models to inform policy discussions. Sandip Jadhav, director of WOTR, highlighted the importance of increasing women's participation in FPO leadership and decision-making, stating that Walmart Foundation's backing will extend the initiative's impact across farming communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
