Our Experience

Direct Farm Project
India

Project Description:
The Direct Farm Project is a partnership between ASI and Charities Aid Foundation India, funded by Walmart, that equips Indian farmers to boost their crop quality and yields and develop their capacity to sustain, expand, and profit from farming opportunities. The two-year project targets 5,500 female and male farmers in four locations across three states in India—Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—to improve horticultural production systems and counter-season rice production to maximize farmer livelihoods throughout the year.

Project Approach:
Through farmer resource centers and farmer field schools that promote access to extension services and interactive support, ASI encourages farmer adoption of new technology and improved agricultural practices for horticulture crops. The project also ensures that farmers are able to benefit from more economic opportunities by participating in collective groups and commercially viable federations.
In addition, ASI engages all local stakeholders in the horticultural value chain including the local government, buyers, input suppliers, and financial services to create sustainable and mutually beneficial commercial relationships with improved information sharing and coordinated crop planning. The project takes a nuanced approach to raise community awareness of women’s social, political, and financial rights. The project’s activities are designed to engage both women and men in strengthening shared household decision making and equal access to finance opportunities.

Impact and Accomplishments:

• 20% increase in income for 5,500 horticultural producers of apple, coconut, sweet lime, melons, and exotic vegetables (minimum 30 percent female)
• Integrated agricultural and women’s empowerment modules provided to 1,650 women across four locations in India

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