Newsletter | Issue 5 | March 2025

Greetings from the Grameen Foundation for Social Impact!

We're excited to share the latest edition of our newsletter, featuring key highlights from the impactful work carried out by our teams across India in March 2025. Explore stories and updates from our diverse initiatives and the communities we work alongside.

We value your feedback (click here), Please share your thoughts and let us know what more you'd be interested in reading about in future editions.

- With Best Wishes from GFSI

Agriculture and Livelihood Practices

Market Access eNabled by Digital Innovation (MANDI)-II is Boosting FPO Market Competitiveness Through Packaging and Branding Training

As part of the G-FIT operational framework towards the Invest in HER Power strategy, GFSI has been forging impactful collaborations with technical institutions, private players, and government bodies to strengthen FPOs and build inclusive agri-value chains.

In this context a workshop on “Enhancing Market Competitiveness of FPOs through Effective Packaging and Branding of Value-Added Products,” was organized in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Lucknow from March 24–29, 2025.

The training brought together 75 representatives from 47 FPOs from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, equipping them with practical knowledge on:

Advanced packaging materials and techniques
Branding strategies and label design
Regulatory standards (FSSAI, BIS, export compliance)
Market research and consumer behaviour
Hands-on demos with modern machines like vacuum sealers, foot pedal sealers & more

Highlights

Live demos of semi/automated packaging machinery
Expert sessions on market access and product differentiation
Case studies on successful FPO branding journeys
Peer learning and knowledge exchange

Event Report - Workshop Training at IIP Lucknow

Generating Rural Opportunities for Women (GROW), Hosts Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 to Strengthen Market and Financial Linkages for Women Agri-Entrepreneurs

A Buyer-Seller Meet was organized on March 24, 2025, in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, as a step towards strengthening market and financial linkages for women Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) in the Generating Rural Opportunities for Women to Win in Agri-Entrepreneurship (GROW) Project to promote economic growth and long-term sustainability.

With insightful keynote addresses by Dr. V.S.H. Gopal Rao Naidu (ICAR-NIRCA KVK), who emphasized the importance of women’s entrepreneurship and Grameen’s integration with NIRCA, and Dr. Shyam Kumar Katta (Heifer International), who highlighted the role of convergence and partnerships in strengthening the ecosystem, the event brought together key perspectives on advancing women-led agri-enterprises. Additionally, Saqib Khan from GFSI shared insights on supporting Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) in the project, while Mr. Ramarao, VP of Ayekart Fintech, discussed marketing dynamics and enterprise development for AEs. Together, these discussions reinforced the need for stronger market and financial linkages to enable women-led agri-enterprises and drive sustainable growth.

Key Highlights of this event included:

Engaging elevator pitches from agricultural input sellers, finance providers, and agricultural output buyers, facilitating crucial business linkages.
Recognition of 40 outstanding Agri-Entrepreneurs from East and West Godavari districts for their achievements in agri-business.
Valuable networking opportunities that encouraged knowledge sharing and future collaborations.

Together, we continue to support women Agri-Entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and enhancing rural livelihoods.

Know more

For more details, click here

Agriculture and Livelihood Practices

Sector Highlights

Production and Procurement

India's wheat procurement for the 2025 season commenced robustly, with 2.08 million metric tons acquired since March 15, marking a 44.4% increase over the same period last year. This surge indicates a strong harvest, with projections estimating a record output of 115.4 million tons. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is targeting 31 million tons in procurement this year, aiming to replenish stocks and stabilize domestic prices. ReutersReuters+1Reuters+1

Technological Integration and Infrastructure Development

The agriculture sector is witnessing increased adoption of technology, with drones and AI-driven tools enhancing productivity and efficiency. The government's Digital Agriculture Mission and initiatives like Agristack aim to integrate technology across farming practices. Furthermore, the expansion of the eNAM platform continues, facilitating better market access for farmers. Business Finance News+1The Times of India+1Deloitte United StatesBankbazaar

Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship

SAKHI Project Ignites Agri-Business Ambitions in 100 Rural Entrepreneurs

West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh — The search is complete, the training is done, and the energy is unmistakable. A total of 100 Agricultural Entrepreneurs (AEs) have been identified and trained across all 10 Mandals of West Godavari district — Bhimavaram, Undi, Akividu, Kalla, Palakoderu, Veeravasaram, Mogalturu, Yelamanchili, Penugonda, and Penumantra—marking a major leap in rural agri-business development.

The training program kicked off at Bhimavaram on March 6–7. This was followed by batches on March 13–14 and March 18–19 at the same venue, with a dedicated session in Penugonda on March 16–17.

Led by in-house trainers and backed by Krishi GAP’s expert insights, the sessions delivered a hands-on, interactive learning experience across four key modules:

Business Literacy
Agri Entrepreneurship
Package of Practices (P.O.P.)
Gender Sensitivity
Digital Tools

Training with a Purpose

From understanding market dynamics to exploring local resources, the sessions were crafted to turn ideas into action. Post-training feedback reveals a strong shift in mindset: participants are now eager, business-ready, and confident in facing real-world challenges.

One major highlight? A surge of interest in launching women-focused agri ventures, sparked by conversations around inclusive growth and untapped rural potential.

Inception Workshop Enabled Women Agri-Entrepreneurs for Market Readiness

An Inception Workshop was organized on 26th March 2025 to familiarize trained Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) with real-world agricultural market conditions and to prepare them for future business opportunities. The event featured participation from Mr. Saqib Khan, National Project Lead for Operations; Mr. Srinivasa Rao, District Lead; Mr. Gopala Krishna, Agri-Entrepreneurship Resource and Motivational Trainer; Ms. Laxmi Jahnavi, Project Coordinator; and Ms. Lakshmi Parvathi, Training Coordinator. Additionally, eight Local Resource Persons (LRPs) and 97 Women Agri-Entrepreneurs took part in the workshop.

During the session, each Woman Agri-Entrepreneur had the opportunity to share her views and experiences, fostering a rich exchange of insights and motivation for their entrepreneurial journeys.

What’s Next?

With 100 Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) now equipped with the knowledge, determination, and vision to launch their agri-enterprises, the next phase is focused on action at the grassroots level. From farms to markets, West Godavari’s newest entrepreneurs are set to deliver Agro-advisory services and make their mark in the agricultural landscape.

Women as Agents of Change and Economic Empowerment (W-ACE): Transforming Lives by Equipping Beneficiaries with Digital Skills for Lasting Change

One such story of transformation is that of Ms. Parmeshwari Bagde from Asoli in Gondia district. After the loss of her husband, Parmeshwari faced the heavy burden of being the sole provider for her two children. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to make ends meet with irregular income from farming and a small role as a Krishi Sakhi.

Finding Opportunity Through Grameen Foundation

When Parmeshwari met Mr. Shekhar from Grameen Foundation, her life took a new direction. With the help of the Foundation, she was introduced to digital financial services—tools that would not only help her sustain her family but also empower her to create income for herself.

Parmeshwari received free training and a biometric device, allowing her to start providing services such as money transfers and withdrawals. This simple digital service quickly became a lifeline for people in her village.

“I didn’t know much about digital services before, but with the right tools and support, I can now help my neighbors with their financial needs.”

While Parmeshwari’s digital services were growing, she recognized the need for additional income. Grameen Foundation introduced her to selling essential household products like sanitary pads, dishwashing liquid, and other items. This expanded her role within the community and gave her a way to earn more while helping others meet their everyday needs.

By providing both digital services and products that people use daily, Parmeshwari was able to create a more stable and sustainable income stream for herself.

Today, Parmeshwari’s work supports not only her family’s immediate needs but also their future. Her income is steady, and her children’s education and wellbeing are no longer a source of concern.

“Thanks to the Grameen Foundation and the tools I received, I can now take care of my children’s needs and feel confident about their future.”

Why It Matters to the Communities We Serve

These small, consistent efforts help create a ripple effect across communities. As more people embrace digital tools, more families can access savings, send money quickly, and manage their financial lives without the usual barriers.

As we continue to grow, the focus remains on the people we serve. Our success isn’t measured just by numbers, it’s about ensuring that every person, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to access the tools and support needed to improve their financial independence.

Know more

For more details, click here

Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship

Sector Highlights

₹2 Crore Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs: The Union Budget 2025 introduced a scheme offering term loans up to ₹2 crore to 5 lakh first-time women entrepreneurs, including those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This initiative aims to support the growth of businesses and enhance women's participation in economic activities.

Read more

The "Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme" was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 to address underemployment in agriculture and reduce migration from rural areas. This initiative aims to create sustainable opportunities in rural regions through skilling, investment, and technology integration, focusing on rural women, young farmers, marginalized communities, and landless families. The program seeks to enhance employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency in rural India.

Read more

Innovations In Digital Finance

Business Correspondents Ready to Adopt Innovative Non-CICO Products and Enhance Skills to Boost Services and Earnings

In the fast-evolving business environment, Business Correspondents (BCs) are expanding their roles beyond traditional Cash in Cash Out (CICO) services to tap into the rapidly growing world of digital commerce. This shift is crucial for ensuring long-term growth and resilience in an increasingly digital marketplace.

While BCs have long been integral in facilitating cash transactions, diversifying into non-CICO services is becoming a necessity to stay competitive. This transition allows BCs to open new revenue streams and reduce their dependence on fluctuating markets. One of the most promising opportunities is the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which offers micro-entrepreneurs and artisans a platform to enter the e-commerce space, reach broader audiences, and boost their sales.

A recent workshop, “Paving the Way for Digital Commerce: Opportunity of Success in e-Commerce through Business Correspondents for Micro-entrepreneurs and Artisans,” held on March 10th in Netrang, Gujarat, highlighted this shift. Organized in collaboration with Kuberjee, the event gathered over 150 participants, including 143 female BCs, district coordinators, and representatives from ONDC and EasyPay.

Workshop Highlights:

Digital Training for E-Commerce Success: The workshop focused on key areas of e-commerce, including onboarding micro-entrepreneurs to the ONDC network, product photography, packaging, and cataloging. BCs were equipped with the tools to help local businesses thrive online.
Broadening Service Offerings: BCs were introduced to new non-CICO products, which will enable them to diversify their services and improve their income while assisting micro-entrepreneurs in reaching the digital market.
SNP Platform Training: A demonstration of the Seller Network Platform (SNP) showed BCs how to navigate e-commerce processes—from registration and cataloging to logistics—ensuring smooth integration for micro-entrepreneurs into the digital ecosystem.
Gender-Inclusive Growth: Special sessions emphasized customer engagement and fostering sustainable business growth, with a focus on providing equal opportunities to female BCs, ensuring inclusivity in the workforce.

This shift toward digital services and e-commerce is not just about keeping up with trends; it's about ensuring the long-term sustainability of Business Correspondents and opening new pathways for micro-entrepreneurs and artisans to succeed in the digital age.

For more details, click here

Innovations in Digital Finance

Sector Highlights

Launch of Secure Banking Domains

To combat rising digital fraud, the RBI announced the introduction of exclusive domain names, 'bank.in' for banks and 'fin.in' for non-bank financial entities. Managed by the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), these domains aim to enhance cybersecurity and protect consumers from fraudulent websites. Read more

Fintech India Expo 2025

Held from March 19–21 in New Delhi, the Fintech India Expo showcased advancements in SaaS, CPaaS, cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI-driven financial solutions. The event featured over 140 speakers and attracted more than 600 attendees, highlighting the latest trends and innovations in the fintech sector. Read more

Grameen Foundation India News

Grameen Foundation India (GFI) is a for-profit organization that provides advisory services to organizations focused on improving the lives of underserved communities. We specialize in research, data collection, monitoring, and the application of easy-to-understand beneficiary-level data to enhance the impact of our partners. By collaborating with government entities, international institutions, and civil society organizations, including NGOs, philanthropic foundations, and corporations, we help drive sustainable, positive change.

Health & Nutrition

Advancing Health Through Immunization, Awareness, and Support: A Community-Centered Approach to Well-Being

In a dedicated effort to improve public health, our team has made significant strides in immunization, HPV vaccine awareness, and tuberculosis (TB) patient support. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare access, educating communities, and providing essential support for better health outcomes.

Our recent initiatives have made a significant positive impact on public health, particularly through programs aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and raising awareness. The routine immunization drive successfully reached 4,041 missed children, safeguarding them from preventable diseases. Moreover, our HPV vaccine awareness campaign educated 2,028 adolescents on the importance of cervical cancer prevention. We also engaged 10,047 parents in primary outreach and 15,395 in secondary outreach, exceeding our targets and strengthening family health connections. By collaborating with 23 Self-Help Groups, we expanded awareness of adolescent health and vaccination within local communities.

Further efforts included supporting 15 TB patients with nutrition baskets and offering ongoing health and nutrition follow-ups to aid their recovery. We fostered strong collaborative partnerships with four key health stakeholders, laying the foundation for sustainable healthcare solutions. These initiatives not only provide immediate benefits to those directly involved but also contribute to long-term improvements in health outcomes by ensuring better access to essential services and enabling communities to lead health advocacy efforts.

For more details, click here

AgriPath

AgriPath Advances Digital Advisory and Sustainable Practices Among Smallholders

Under the AgriPath program, efforts to scale sustainable agriculture are progressing steadily by enhancing digitally supported advisory services. These initiatives enable smallholder farmers, both women and men, to make informed decisions that improve their productivity, income, and climate resilience.

To strengthen advisory delivery, a one-day training was held for 80 extension agents, focusing on the latest updates in the Farmbetter app. Continuous helpline support and pre-rollout testing with neutral farmers helped improve usability and advisory quality.

The RCT component is engaging 1,760 farmers in Mirzapur and Varanasi, segmented into control and treatment groups. Extension agents, each supporting 11 farmers, are delivering customized advisories through the Farmbetter app, supported by ongoing field visits to reinforce adoption of sustainable practices.

Demonstration plots centered around wheat crops have provided 216 farmers with experiential learning opportunities, encouraging hands-on adoption of Sustainable Land Management Practices (SLMPs).

A two-day exposure visit at Banaras Hindu University deepened the knowledge of 33 female extension agents in areas like soil conservation, integrated farming systems, and environmental stewardship. These learnings are being cascaded to farming communities through grassroots engagement.

AgriPath celebrated International Women’s Day by honoring female extension agents in Varanasi, recognizing their critical role as local change-makers advancing sustainable agriculture.

On the research front, the AgriPath team contributed to a publication in the Land Use Policy Journal on sustainable land and water management practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Preparations are also underway for the EH01.1 State-Level Sensitization Workshop to broaden stakeholder awareness and support for AgriPath’s objectives.

For more details, click here

Spotlight

Women as Agents of Change and Economic Empowerment (W-ACE)

March Marks a Record-Breaking Month for W-ACE on PayNearby Platform

W-ACE program achieves all-time high GTV of ₹3.10 Cr+ — powered by passion, teamwork, and relentless dedication.

In a defining moment of progress and performance, the W-ACE team has crossed a phenomenal ₹3,10,92,713 in Gross Transaction Value (GTV) on the PayNearby platform for March — the highest ever in our journey so far.

This landmark achievement is more than just a number. It reflects the sweat, spirit, and synergy of a team that chooses excellence every single day. Each contribution, every challenge overcome, and all the late nights have added up to this proud milestone.

How This Milestone Translates to Impact-