World Bank Funded Project - Decentralized Watershed Development (GRAMYA Phase-II)
Client: Watershed Department, District Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Year: 2019, 2020, and 2021
Geographical Coverage: Ekeswar and Pokhra development blocks in district Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
The Green Pahadi Foundation (GPF) collaborated with the Watershed Department, Pauri Garhwal, under the World Bank-funded project “Decentralized Watershed Development (GRAMYA Phase-II)”, for its “Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities” component. This component focused on agribusiness development, and improving livelihoods of vulnerable groups. GPF focused on empowering rural livelihoods by conducting technical training programs for diverse livelihood activities, ensuring market linkages, and providing continuous monitoring and handholding support.
Key Highlights
- Conducted hands-on trainings for 16 Self-help Groups (SHGs) in mushroom cultivation, bamboo craft making, and food processing.
- Conglomerated the efforts of these trained SHGs into a Mushroom Federation to enhance collective bargaining power and improve market access.
- Facilitated backward and forward market linkages to enable SHG members to sell their produce effectively and access input support.
- Ensured continuous monitoring of implemented interventions to assess progress and provide handholding support where needed.
Project Outcomes
- Livelihood Enhancement: Mushroom cultivation emerged as a reliable and promising livelihood option, ensuring income stability even during the pandemic.
- Agribusiness Development: The project interventions facilitated the creation of agribusinesses and value chains around mushroom, resulting in increased income for rural households.
- Community Empowerment: Conglomeration of SHGs into a Mushroom Federation strengthened the community’s collective efforts and market presence.
- Participation of SHG Women in Saras Mela: The beneficiaries turned rural entrepreneurs, had the opportunity to participate and showcase their products at the renowned Saras Mela organized in Srinagar Garhwal by the Uttarakhand Government. The fest offered an incredible opportunity for these women to acquaint themselves with the cultural and traditional heritage from across the country, further boosting their confidence and market exposure.
