Management & development of community enterprises is a pivotal approach that fosters the creation of sustainable businesses and entrepreneurial ventures at the grassroots level. It focuses on empowering rural communities, particularly smallholder farmers, through the formation and promotion of community owned enterprises such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Producer Groups (PGs). FPO’s and PG’s help in advancing rural development and creating a sustainable solution to rural livelihood challenges and needs. We aim to unite small and marginal farmers in Eastern and North-Eastern India under a common umbrella.
SDS’s core focus revolves around mitigating vulnerability through the promotion of collectivization through (Infographic from leaflet)
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SDS emphasizes knowledge transfer through skill training programs and technical assistance. FPO members associated with our organization are trained in modern agricultural techniques, FPO management and development, technical training, management information system, accountancy, government schemes and financial literacy. We also offer exposure visits and peer learning opportunities to transfer knowledge about best practices in farming and business management of FPO’s and PG’s.
We help increase the income of FPO shareholders by promoting diversified income-generating activities. Through various programs members are trained to maximize productivity and reduce costs of production. For instance, SDS partnered with MZSRLM to cocreate solutions to uplift and scale up livelihood opportunities for Poultry, Piggery and Nutrition Gardens.
We create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that unites all stakeholders under a single platform, fostering connections for business growth. By leveraging economies of scale through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), we enhance the bargaining power of farmers. This collective strength allows farmers to procure inputs at lower costs compared to market prices, significantly improving their financial sustainability and operational efficiency. Our initiatives like NE Locals, Ayanant Ventures Private Ltd, Kisan Sampark and partnerships with platforms like BigBasket and JioMart also creates consistent demand for local products.
SDS facilitates access to essential farm equipment by working with government schemes. For example, under the Village Level Farm Mechanization Scheme (VLFMB), SDS helped the Hailakandi FPC acquire tractors and power tillers, which modernized farming practices and increased productivity of the FPC. The acquisition of a tractor and power tiller under VLFMB marked a turning point in both the shareholder’s life and the FPC’s journey.
Financial support is a core service provided by SDS, where we assist farmers and FPOs in obtaining credit and accessing financial services. This includes facilitating access to government subsidies and providing capital support. SDS collaborates with financial institutions and CSR initiatives to provide loans and other financial resources that enable farmers to invest in their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
SDS contributes to insurance through its holistic approach to supporting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which includes financial and technical support. One of the core areas in which SDS assists FPOs is by providing access to credit and insurance. This support helps to mitigate risks associated with agriculture and allied activities by offering protection against crop failure, livestock losses, or natural disasters.