The Grameen Foundation has announced the launch of the second phase of the Market Access eEnabled with Digital Innovation (MANDI-II) project in India, funded by a $2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. MANDI-II aims to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, especially women, in eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal by building the capacity of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
In the first phase of the project, which is also supported by the Walmart Foundation, the Grameen Foundation helped build the capacity of 40 FPOs in eastern Uttar Pradesh by facilitating market linkages, providing access to finance, data, and technology, and increasing the participation of women. MANDI-II focuses on improving the sustainability and sustainability of FPOs in East Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The 24-month intervention involves 50 FPOs using a one-and-a-half splitter model. The goal is to reach 35,000 farmers and at least 40 percent of the farmers are women. The main objectives are to increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen FPO management and operations, and promote market-based production to ensure business viability.
“We are excited to partner with the Grameen Foundation on the next phase of MANDI. We believe in the potential of small farmers to advance India’s agriculture sector,” said Julie Gehrki, vice president and CEO of the Walmart Foundation. “Through this project, we aim to provide farmers with the tools, resources, and market access they need to improve their livelihoods and create a sustainable future for their communities”.
Bharati Joshi, Program Director, Grameen Foundation, said, “The second phase of MANDI builds on the success of the first phase and is an important step in increasing the income and resilience of smallholders, especially women. By leveraging technology, market linkages, and gender mainstreaming, the project aims to have an impact in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal on the agricultural landscape.
The MANDI II project will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers in East Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. By expanding and strengthening FPOs, this initiative will improve farmers’ incomes, and livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices, the Grameen Foundation said.