Global Vikas Trust changes lives of farmers in Maharashtra, MP

Global Vikas Trust (GVT), under the visionary leadership of Mayank Gandhi, has spearheaded a transformative movement in the lives of farmers across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, particularly in suicide and drought-affected regions like Beed and Parli. The remarkable impact of GVT's initiatives has been unveiled in an Assessment Impact Study conducted by the prestigious Tata Institute of Sciences (TISS), highlighting astounding progress in agricultural development and farmer welfare.

The unveiling ceremony of the Assessment Impact Study took place in Mumbai on Saturday.  It was attended by key dignitaries including Gandhi, Managing Trustee at Global Vikas Trust, Prof S Siva Raju, Professor & Deputy Director at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad Campus; Sandra Shroff, Vice Chairman – UPL; Raamdeo Agarwal, Chairman - Motilal Oswal financial Services; Sushil Kumar Jiwarajka, Hon. Consul General of Greece in Mumbai and Chairman of GVT advisory board and Ashwini Saxena, CEO - JSW Foundation. This event highlighted the pivotal role of GVT in revolutionizing agriculture practices and elevating the socio-economic status of farmers.

The comprehensive report, prepared by the Centre of Excellence in CSR at TISS, analysed the impact of GVT's agriculture development initiatives across various districts including Palghar, Nanded, Beed, Solapur, Osmanabad (Dharashiv), Jalgaon in Maharashtra, and Burhanpur and Dhar/Barwani in Madhya Pradesh.

Based on meticulous surveys encompassing 1,248 farmers and stakeholders, the study provides compelling evidence of GVT's transformative impact.

Gandhi, Managing Trustee of Global Vikas Trust said, “While education and healthcare support etc is good for maintaining the status quo of the nation, the only way for transforming India is sustainable agriculture at scale. Therefore, multiplying incomes of small and marginal farmers can make India a “sone ki chidiya” again. Thus, a tenfold increase in tens of thousands of farmer’s incomes in some of the worst area validates our path of transforming India.”

TISS is the gold-standard in ethical and virtuous impact assessment. Established in 1936, it has worked on its own and helped other organizations in promotion of sustainable, equitable and participatory development.

Prof. S. Siva Raju, Professor & Deputy Director at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad Campus, “The Centre for Excellence in CSR at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has conducted a study to assess the impact of the agriculture development initiatives of Global Vikas Trust (GVT). It is observed that the availability and utilization of high-quality saplings hold the key to ensuring increased agricultural production and resilience against the challenges posed by pests and climate change. The adoption of the quality saplings not only contributed to greater agricultural productivity but also played a crucial role in ensuring crop diversity and economic prosperity in the Western region. GVT’s promotion of horticulture also contributed to environmental conservation, as the organisation employs sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and permaculture.”

“From planting hope to reaping prosperity – that is the magic of Global Vikas Trust under Mayank Gandhi's leadership. Their ten times income growth for farmers is remarkable! MOFSL & I are honoured to be part of this journey, of building a sustainable and thriving rural India."

Raamdeo Agarwal, Chairman, Motilal Oswal Group, said, "For the past five years, Global Vikas Trust, under Mayank Gandhi's leadership, has been making a real difference in rural communities. Their work has empowered countless farmers and led to a remarkable ten times increase in income within a year, as confirmed by TISS. 

"As a chairperson of the advisory board for GVT, I am hugely impressed by their impactful work. I am also very thrilled about Krishikul, and it has the potential to significantly enhance farmers skills and knowledge. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with GVT, eagerly awaiting Krishikul's launch.” said Sushil Jiwarajka, Hon. Consul General of Greece in Mumbai and Chairman of GVT advisory board.

“Global Vikas Trust, under Mayank Gandhi's leadership, is not just planting trees, they are building hope! Witnessing a ten times income increase for farmers in 4,000 villages through their work, as shown by the TISS study, is truly inspiring. UPL and I are honoured to be part of this movement, empowering rural communities and fostering a brighter future for generations to come." mentioned Ms. Sandra Shroff, Vice Chairman, UPL.

“Global Vikas Trust is transforming rural landscapes and lives. With initiatives like planting 4.5 crore fruit trees, their impact is undeniable. The recent TISS survey showing a tenfold increase in farmer income in just one year speaks volumes. We are proud to support GVT's mission, united in our commitment to sustainable rural development,” said Pradeep Kumar Kheruka Chairman, Borosil Renewables Ltd.

A new, state-of-the-art Global Krishikul farmer training centre is under construction and will be used to train farmers from all over the country to multiply their incomes by 4 to 10 times.