Greetings from Grameen Foundation for Social Impact!

Under the scorching Rajahmundry sun, our team set out on a journey that would take us through the heart of rural East Godavari, where women agri-entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of rural enterprise. A gentle river breeze and lush green fields accompanied us as we visited changemakers supported through the "TogetHER, We Grow" program.

Our first stop brought us to a smiling agri-entrepreneur (AE), who welcomed us with tea and stories of her business challenges. As we listened, we realized how gaps in marketing and finance held her back. We guided her in applying for key certifications like MSME and FSSAI, and gathered product data to connect her with new buyers. A sweet moment followed-mangoes plucked fresh from her backyard, symbolizing both hospitality and hope.

At the local bank, we introduced her to the manager to unlock access to working capital. Support was assured and her growth now backed by stronger institutional linkages.

The training aimed to promote the use of the GKC application to enhance the operational efficiency, market reach, and adaptability of FPOs in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment.

At the local bank, we introduced her to the manager to unlock access to working capital. Support was assured and her growth now backed by stronger institutional linkages.

In May, Market Access eNabled by Digital Innovation (MANDI-II) powered rural transformation across West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Over ₹14 crore worth of agri-business was driven by 35+ FPOs-₹10.83 crore in outputs and ₹3.32 crore in inputs. Major highlights include:

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

• Gaganwats FPO sold wheat worth ₹1.31 Cr to ITC
• Citi Block FPO sold 30MT onions worth ₹4.25 lakh
• Jamdagini FPO sold 4600 quintals of wheat worth ₹1.2 Cr
• Nari Bari & Satsai Agro FPOs enabled 32 women in direct trade

Women-led progress surged, female membership hit 44.21%, and green agri-tech like drip irrigation helped farmers combat heatwaves effectively. Meanwhile, ₹9.53 Cr in loans were mobilized across 15 FPOs, boosting resilience and growth.

इस साल बहुत ज्यादा गर्मी की वजह से हमारे इलाके में परवल की फसलें सूख गईं। लेकिन मैंने अपने खेत में ड्रिप सिंचाई और मल्चिंग का इस्तेमाल किया, जिससे मेरे खेत में परवल सूखे नहीं हैं और अच्छी हालत में हैं।”

(This year, due to excessive heat, many of the pointed gourds in our area have dried up in the fields. But because I used drip irrigation and mulching, my pointed gourds are still green and growing well. )

- Sangeeta Devi, Shareholder, Prokashi FPCL

As the W-ACE (Women as an Agent of Change and Economic Empowerment) program reaches its final chapter, its impact continues to echo. A legacy of women who now stand taller, speak louder, and dream bigger. Women like Shalu Tai, who prove that with the right support, even the quietest journeys can end in triumph.

Shalu Tai’s Journey of Grit and Growth

In Bendala village of Maharashtra’s Mul block, Shalu Tai Fale’s hands once shaped incense sticks in silence, each one a quiet act of resilience. A widowed mother of two, she faced the daily struggle of putting food on the table while nurturing dreams she barely had time to speak aloud.

But her story began to shift the day she met Rajani Chauke, the local block coordinator for the W-ACE program, led by Grameen Foundation for Social Impact. With warmth and encouragement, Rajani introduced her to the world of financial literacy, digital tools, and entrepreneurship resources, Shalu had never imagined could be hers.

Through W-ACE, she received support that went beyond training. Programme Manager Ms. Kiran recognized her spark and connected her directly to a manufacturer that helped her cut costs, increase profits, and think bigger. Shalu took every step with courage. She expanded to nearby blocks like Nagbhid, Chimur, Sindewahi and invested in her own agarbatti-making machine, and soon added household essentials like sanitary pads and dishwashing liquid to her offerings.

Today, Shalu Tai earns ₹30,000–₹40,000 a month. But more than the income, it’s her pride that has grown the most. Once hesitant to speak in groups, she now guides others. Once unsure of mobile payments, she now uses them confidently. She is no longer just making ends meet rather she’s making a mark.

And she’s not the only one.

Across rural Maharashtra, the W-ACE programnurtured 552 Grameen Mitras, women like Shalu who found strength, voice, and livelihood. 505 became active earners, with 170 women making over ₹1,500 per month.

Each story was unique, but carried the same heartbeat: transformation.

From the Field:
"Becoming a Grameen Mitra gave me more than income, it gave me purpose. I now help other women in my village access vital services."
— Varsha Pramod Lade, Nagbhid, Chandrapur

In the remote districts of Bhandara and Nagpur, 60 households take pride in their adolescent daughters, who are striving to transform their lives through education.

Under the Lakshyavati initiative, the numbers speak for themselves:

• 10 girls appeared for the Class 12 board exams – 8 passed, with 3 securing first-class marks. One girl, though unable to take the exam, has resolved to continue her studies undeterred.
• 52 girls appeared for the Class 10 exams – 45 passed, and an impressive 26 secured first-class results.

Among them, Sejal Vanwas Shende (91.60%) and Chahat Kailash Zadekar (83.20%) from class 10th stand out and not just for their marks, but for what they represent: resilience, determination, and the courage to dream bigger.

These outcomes reflect more than academic success- they highlight the power of consistent mentorship, encouragement, and belief in a girl’s potential.

With Udaan now integrated into the Lakshyavati initiative, the program’s focus deepens: preparing girls for exams, connecting them to educational schemes, and creating a nurturing ecosystem that keeps aspirations alive. As the older girls graduate, new ones are being onboarded, ensuring the cycle of guidance and growth continues.

Udaan isn’t just about passing exams rather it’s about lifting confidence, sustaining dreams, and showing every girl she belongs in the classroom and beyond.

From the Field:
"After losing my father, it was tough. But with the Lakshavriti bursary, I could nurture my love for art. I’ve won medals and now see a future in it."
— Sanjana Vasnik, Student, Nagpur