Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) is a diversified, research and development focused agri-business company, dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers through innovative products and services.

When it comes to developing a rural community, unfortunately many interventions are undertaken by an external party and participation of the community in their own development is not always considered. At best, a general assessment of the needs of a community is undertaken and the willingness of the community to undertake certain activities is assessed during project formulation.

Developing institutions which are managed by their own members, is accepted as an important function for those committed to making development people-centric and sustainable. Ambuja Foundation has, from the very beginning, involved the community in charting their own future and whilst the process may look difficult in the beginning, has found that it actually pays in the long run.

Anagha Mahajani, Ambuja Foundations General Manager (Research & Monitoring) shares key insights into how they achieved local involvement and ownership of 26 PIMs (Participatory Irrigation Management) in a 2 year period in Gujarat. Covering 30 villages and 12443 farmers across 13326 hectares of land, Ambuja Foundation had the role of facilitating and strengthening groups.

336 schools were declared 'Tobacco Free' in Chandrapur last month, as part of a campaign to make Chandrapur a Tobacco Free district. The announcement was made by Ambuja Foundation and it's partner, Salaam Mumbai Foundation, at an event to celebrate 'World No Tobacco Day' in the presence of the Block Officer of Nagbeed Village and the Education Zilla Parishad Officer.

Raising awareness of health issues in rural communities plays a critical role in prevention and influencing the health seeking behaviour of families. A variety of activities were recently organized across locations to advocate 'better health.'

Working with Farmer Producer Companies across locations, Ambuja Foundation has placed a heavy focus on helping build the capacity of Farmers to generate thriving business models which deliver returns to the people's institutions and its members. Here are 3 FPOs, supported by Ambuja Foundation, that are making waves in business.

NABARD has played a critical role in promoting people's institutions across India as a key tool for sustainable rural development, and was the first to promote the concept of the Self Help Groups in India in the 1980's.

Chandrakala Uttamroa Ramgirwar, better known as 'Chanda Didi,' is the Secretary of the Ekta Women's Federation in Chandrapur Maharashtra, and a mother of two. In a conversation with Thrive, she talks about her experience and journey after becoming an SHG member and the transformation that this people's institution has brought to women and communities in the district.

Subrata Mondal, Chief General Manager of NABARD, East Regional Office, Kolkata along with Sulekha Roy, Assistant General Manager visited Ambuja Foundation projects in Sankrail, West Bengal - spending the day with farmers, women, SEDI students and Self-Help Group members.

In an effort to raise awareness about the issues of rural India and the work of Ambuja Foundation in promoting rural prosperity, a range of media houses have published articles on key issues.

Hoshiarpur (Punjab), May 15 - Students of Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK), the only educational institute for special children in Punjab's Ropar district and an initiative of Ambuja Foundation - the CSR arm of leading cement manufacturer Ambuja Cements Ltd - have clinched the 'Overall Championship Trophy' at the 'UMANG 2019' for the fourth year in a row.