ISDG Research Foundation

आज हमारी टीम ने झारखंड के गुमला जिले में स्थित नीति आयोग के PVTG मॉडल गाँव 'औरापाठ' का दौरा किया। कोरवा समुदाय के साथ मिलकर काम करते हुए, हमारा लक्ष्य केवल तात्कालिक सहायता देना नहीं, बल्कि दीर्घकालिक सकारात्मक बदलाव लाना है।

हमारी चर्चाओं का मुख्य केंद्र प्रोजेक्ट की समयावधि समाप्त होने के बाद भी प्रभावी रहने वाली 'ग्रेजुएशन रणनीति' (Graduation Strategy) तैयार करना था। गरीबी से स्थायी मुक्ति का अर्थ समुदाय को केवल आर्थिक स्थिरता देना नहीं, बल्कि उनका क्षमता निर्माण करना और उन्हें बाजारों से जोड़ना है।

वास्तविक आत्मनिर्भरता तभी संभव है जब उसकी कमान खुद गाँव के लोगों के हाथों में हो। इसी सोच के तहत, ग्रामीणों के बीच से ही एक 'कॉमन फैसिलिटी सेंटर' (CFC) टीम का चयन किया गया ताकि वे इन आजीविका पहलों की जिम्मेदारी खुद संभाल सकें।

यह समर्पित टीम अब उच्च गुणवत्ता वाले पौधों के लिए पॉलीहाउस नर्सरी का प्रबंधन करेगी और छोटे मवेशियों के स्वास्थ्य के लिए वैक्सीनेशन कोल्ड चेन का संचालन करेगी। ये प्रयास आवश्यक पशुधन की रक्षा करेंगे और ग्रामीण परिवारों की आय को मजबूती देंगे।

जब स्थानीय लोग खुद अपने विकास का नेतृत्व करते हैं, तो बाहरी सहयोग स्थायी आत्मनिर्भरता में बदल जाता है। औरापाठ को अपने उज्ज्वल भविष्य की कमान खुद संभालते देखना प्रेरणादायक है।

Our Team went to a few villages in the tribal areas of the aspirational district of Gumla in Jharkhand. They talked to the villagers at length about soil health. People are aware that soil health is degrading.

They have an appreciation for the fact that good soil will have life within, and the soil lives (earthworms, arthropods, nematodes) are dwindling fast.

Since the land in these areas is undulating and the farmers work mostly around sustenance farming, they still use oxen for ploughing, and that leaves them with a good amount of farmyard manure. Despite the application of FYM, they use small amounts of urea, mostly out of the feeling that it is the last effort that will ensure good production and also out of FOMO.

Even if they get a soil test report, they do not exactly know what clear steps to take to correct the findings. The results are often lengthy and complicated, and the recommendations are normally for one particular crop.

The agricultural extension at the last mile is often negligible. Also, any initiative around soil needs a good nudge and handholding. While grassroots extension workers are capable of reaching the last mile, they lack the comprehension to decode the soil test results and farmer-friendly recommendations. Also, motivating farmers to spend a small amount beyond their routine for some unknown reward is a tough task.

The tribal areas of Jharkhand have good potential to produce FYM and bio resources, as the use of bovine animals in agriculture is still rampant due to undulating terrain, rainfed farming, and capital barriers to mechanisation.

There is no reward for healthier and chemical-free food in the local value chains, but the farmer knows that soils are getting drier, harder, and having less life over the decades.

Having observed the above, there is empathy and a need among farmers to improve their soil. But why and how to break the inertia and get into initiative, and also what is the exact direction to move? And if there is an additional cost involved, who will pay for it?

In a socio-economy, we get what we pay for. We incentivised soil testing, and we have the reports. We did not incentivise soil health, and we do not know where we are moving with soil health!

As a partner of the SAARTHI - Jharkhand Just Transition Network, our team participated in the inauguration of "Jalvayu Akhra" - Resilient Jharkhand Summit 2026, chaired by Chief Guest Mrs. Kalpana Soren, MLA.

The inaugural session brought together distinguished leaders, including PCCF Mr. A.T. Mishra, CGM NABARD Mrs. Deepmala Ghosh, CEO JSLPS Mr. Ananya Mittal, CEO ASAR Ms. Vinuta Gopal, and ED PHIA Mr. Johnson Topno, and several community champions and development experts from across the nation.

In line with the Jalvayu Akhra vision, Our Team moderated an impactful panel on "Apna Gaon Apna Rozgar," hosting national development experts to discuss resilient rural economies, local value addition, decentralized rural manufacturing, and sustainable employment.

Our stall on biofortification emerged as a central attraction, engaging Mrs. Kalpana Soren in an inspiring dialogue on expanding biofortified crops and products to enhance community health and nutrition.

Together with Saarthi, we remain committed to connecting grassroots voices with policy for an equitable, climate-resilient future!

The District Development Manager (DDM) of NABARD and a Regional Office official recently visited the Bishunpur Hariyali Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Gumla, an aspirational district.

Promoted by the ISDG Research Foundation under NABARD’s PODF-ID scheme, the FPC hosted detailed, productive discussions between the visitors, the Board of Directors, and local farmers. The officials provided valuable suggestions to improve the FPC’s administration and expand its overall business scope.

The team also toured the FPC's seed store and visited several business enterprises run by its directors and members, encouraging growth and stronger collaboration in the Bishunpur block of this key region.

We are empowering tribal households and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)** across remote villages with sustainable livelihoods through hands-on Azolla cultivation training.

How can a single, low-cost 10'x4' bio-tank transform a backyard farm?

This compact setup effortlessly yields up to 1.5 kg of nutrient-dense fresh Azolla daily. Packed with essential amino acids and 25–35% crude protein, this single tank's daily harvest is highly sufficient to fulfill the required supplementary protein needs of either 30 poultry birds or 3 goats.

By substituting expensive commercial feeds with home-grown Azolla, tribal families are drastically reducing overhead costs, improving livestock health, and taking a massive step toward absolute economic self-reliance.

A community led Mango Festival organized by Bishunpur Hariyali Farmer Producer Company Ltd, an FPC promoted by ISDG Research Foundation and supported by NABARD.

Tribal farmers from different villages thronged the Mela with atleast 10 varieties of mangoes namely Langda, Malda, Dussehri, Amrapali, Himsagar, Mallika, Baiganfalli, Swarnarekha, etc. Additionally they brought forward Bandgaon banana, blackberries, Poraho berries too.

The FPC showcased its seeds and processed produces too. The event was chaired by Mr Rajesh Lohani, President of Gumla Chamber of Commerce and other diginitaries included Mr Amit Poddar, Industrialist and Mr Arvind Toppo, BDO of Bishunpur block.

The event will usher a new era of fruit aggregation for the local tribal farmers and the FPC.

नाबार्ड के सहयोग से आईएसडीजी रिसर्च फाउंडेशन द्वारा संवर्धित किसान संगठन "बिशुनपुर हरियाली फॉर्मर प्रोड्यूसर कंपनी लिमिटेड" द्वारा प्रखंड मुख्यालय स्तर पर "आम मेला" का आयोजन आगामी 27 जून 2026 को किया जा रहा है.

इसमें स्थानीय जनजातीय किसान अपने बगीचों से विभिन्न प्रकार के रसायन मुक्त आमों की प्रदर्शनी लगाएंगे और विक्रय करेंगे. साथ ही आम से बने प्रसंस्कृत उत्पाद जैसे अचार, चटनी, जेली भी उपलब्ध होंगे.

आप सभी इसमें सादर आमंत्रित हैं.

These are glimpses from the 3-day NABARD Aam Mahotsav (June 19-21, 2026) held at Shaheed Chowk, Ranchi.

​Supported by NABARD and promoted by the ISDG Research Foundation, the tribal farmers of Bishunpur Hariyali Farmer Producer Company Limited brought their finest, chemical-free Amrapali and Malda mangoes to the festival.

With 400 active tribal members, this FPO is doing incredible work aggregating fresh, naturally grown fruits and creating high-quality value-added products like organic pickles and honey.

​Supporting local livelihoods through such festivals gives a fillip to the FPC efforts.

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Today, our team came together at our Ranchi office premise to host a successful Blood Donation Camp.

Partnering with Life Savers and Sadar Hospital, our entire office team alongside several inspiring volunteers proudly rolled up their sleeves to donate.

Blood donation is a simple yet profound act of humanity. A single donation can save up to three lives, providing a vital lifeline to patients undergoing surgeries, fighting cancer, or facing critical medical emergencies.

We are incredibly grateful to every team member and volunteer who stepped up today. Thank you for being real-life heroes!