Funded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and implemented in collaboration with Samunnati and the Madhya Bharat Consortium of Farmer Producer Companies (MBCFPCL), this initiative is set to revolutionize farming practices in the state during the Rabi season of 2024-25.

Madhya Pradesh, 20th August 2025 -- In a pioneering move towards sustainable agriculture, Project Vasundhara is transforming the way smallholder farmers in Madhya Pradesh approach crop production. Funded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and implemented in collaboration with Samunnati and the Madhya Bharat Consortium of Farmer Producer Companies (MBCFPCL), this initiative is set to revolutionize farming practices in the state during the Rabi season of 2024-25.

Reaching over 25,000 farmers across 427 villages, Project Vasundhara is providing invaluable support to farmers cultivating mustard, wheat, and gram, guiding them towards low-residue, eco-friendly practices. This program, implemented under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) and the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), is operational across six districts in Madhya Pradesh namely Tikamgarh, Rewa, Katni, Sidhi, Panna, and Maihar. These efforts align with the broader goal of promoting sustainable farming practices, improving market access, and enhancing the environmental resilience of India's agricultural ecosystem.

The project is not just a single initiative but a part of Samunnati's broader mission to transform Indian agriculture through green and sustainable farming practices. Samunnati has been actively supporting the entire agri-landscape, helping it grow, prosper, and thrive both in the Indian and global markets. Through innovative, technology-driven solutions and financial support, Samunnati aims to equip Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with the necessary tools to succeed in the evolving agricultural landscape.

One of Samunnati's key initiatives is the annual Samunnati FPO Conclave, an event that gathers key stakeholders in Indian agriculture, including FPOs, agri-businesses, financiers, policymakers, and technology innovators. This year's 5th Samunnati FPO Conclave, scheduled for 3rd-4th September 2025 in Hyderabad, will address critical challenges facing agriculture today. Under the theme "Partnerships for Sustainability towards a Future-Ready FPO Ecosystem," the conclave will foster collaborative action to develop innovative, sustainable solutions. The event will emphasize the importance of partnerships in strengthening both environmental and economic resilience across India's agricultural ecosystem.

Through shared expertise and partnership-driven approaches, the conclave aims to strengthen the FPO ecosystem, ensuring that FPOs can drive the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, specifically, Project Vasundhara aims to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and weedicides by 20-30%, while also boosting crop yields and reducing cultivation costs by 25-30%. Furthermore, it advocates for Jaivik or organic farming methods, emphasizing the use of compost and natural fertilizers. Notably, over 500 farmers in the NMEO program alone have produced 2,000 MT of compost, demonstrating a significant shift towards sustainable farming methods.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project has also facilitated market access for farmers. Under the NMEO Millions of quintals of certified soybeans were marketed to institutional buyers such as ITC, Vippy Industries, and Samunnati Agro, providing farmers with direct access to institutional markets and enhancing their economic viability.

As part of Samunnati's ongoing efforts, Project Vasundhara is a shining example of how sustainable farming practices, backed by strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, can usher in a new era for Indian agriculture. This initiative exemplifies Samunnati's commitment to shaping a future-ready agricultural ecosystem—one that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.