Annual Reports

SRADHA Annual Report 2023–24

Foreword from the Chairperson

The year 2023–24 has been a pivotal chapter in SRADHA’s journey of fostering dignity, equity, and opportunity in rural and tribal regions of Odisha. It was a year of both reflection and action—a time when we strengthened our grassroots presence and scaled up efforts that empower communities to shape their own futures.

With a strong foundation in participatory development, our initiatives this year reached over 60,000 people across 11 districts, with integrated programs spanning health and nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture, WASH, education, and livelihoods. We deepened our collaboration with communities—particularly in remote farming belts and artisanal mining areas—where systemic inequities often go unaddressed. Our interventions were rooted in listening to the voices of the people we serve, co-creating locally relevant solutions, and building the capacities of women, youth, and marginalized groups to become agents of change.

In 2023–24, we placed greater emphasis on local leadership and gender inclusion. Our work with women leaders, peer educators, and SHG networks not only expanded the reach of our programs but also made them more resilient and responsive. We continued to invest in strengthening public systems by working closely with panchayats, government line departments, and civil society actors, fostering a shared sense of accountability and impact.

This past year also reaffirmed a core truth we hold dear: that resilience lives in the everyday courage of rural communities. From enabling access to clean water in mining-affected habitations to promoting safe hygiene practices among schoolchildren and responding to public health emergencies, SRADHA’s teams and partners have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and creativity.

As we look ahead, our resolve is stronger than ever. The road to sustainable development is long, but with every step taken in solidarity—with communities, partners, and changemakers—we are moving closer to a future that is just, inclusive, and full of promise.

With deep gratitude for everyone who walks this path with us,

— Dr. Sujitav Dash
Chairperson, SRADHA

Key Highlights 2023–24

Driving Grassroots Change Across Agriculture, Health, Education & Livelihoods

1. Advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods

  • Over 5,800 smallholder farmers transitioned to climate-resilient crops such as millets, pulses, and vegetables, supporting income diversification and food security.
  • 43 model demonstration plots and 16 community-managed seed banks were established to encourage sustainable farming practices.
  • 2,800 farmers received hands-on training in organic cultivation; 18 earned organic certification and 10 farmer groups adopted cooperative farming models.
  • 760 rural families were supported through livestock rearing, backyard poultry, and dairy development initiatives; 24 women-led cooperatives enhanced access to inputs and markets.
  • 8,000 animals were treated through 56 veterinary health camps, and 900 farmers embraced indigenous livestock breeds to strengthen local biodiversity.

2. Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture & Food Security

  • 3,700 families began practicing nutrition-sensitive agriculture by cultivating diverse food crops; 430 kitchen gardens were established in homesteads.
  • 32 village-based nutrition schools held 121 live cooking demonstrations, promoting healthy, affordable meals using local produce.
  • Personalized nutrition counselling reached 3,200 pregnant and lactating women, while 5,800 children under five and 2,500 adolescent girls benefited from focused nutritional interventions.
  • 875 households adopted biofortified crops, enhancing micronutrient intake and dietary diversity.

3. Youth Skilling & Enterprise Development

  • 3,700 youth and adults were trained across key livelihood sectors—agriculture, handicrafts, retail, hospitality, and agro-processing.
  • 170 microenterprises, led by women and youth, were launched or scaled up with SRADHA’s incubation support.
  • 2,400 community members enhanced their digital literacy, gaining skills in mobile banking and digital transactions.
  • 470 women entrepreneurs were trained in budgeting, financial planning, and bookkeeping.
  • 1,050 producers received marketing and retail skills training, and 45 women-led SHG retail outlets were established.

4. Building Community Climate Resilience

  • 165 hectares of farmland were converted to mixed cropping systems for better climate adaptation; 21 community woodlots were created for environmental regeneration.
  • Soil health and water retention improved by 30% through bunding, mulching, and composting techniques, adopted by 1,500 farmers.
  • 215 households launched mushroom cultivation as a climate-resilient livelihood; 4 rural youth were trained in bio-briquette production.
  • 80% reduction in stubble burning was achieved in project villages through awareness and alternative practices.
  • Climate action was promoted through 18 Farmer Field Schools, engaging 1,100 farmers, along with 280 youth and 150 women leaders participating in climate leadership programs.

5. Empowering Women in the ASM Sector

  • Women working in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) were mentored under the Association of Women in ASM, building leadership capacity.
  • Specialized programs enhanced women’s voices and participation in mining governance, safety, and local development forums.

6. Fostering Inclusive and Participatory Development

  • SRADHA supported the creation of inclusive forums for ASM-affected women to lead education, livelihood, and sustainability efforts.
  • Grassroots solidarity was reinforced through community-led support platforms, enhancing collective problem-solving and peer learning.

7. Health & WASH: Protecting and Promoting Community Wellbeing

  • 75 community health campaigns raised awareness on handwashing, menstrual hygiene, and safe water practices.
  • 210 SHG members and youth were trained as hygiene champions, actively leading outreach in their communities.
  • Safe drinking water was ensured for 9,500+ households across 45 villages.
  • 35+ solar-powered water filtration units were installed, directly benefiting 18,000 individuals.
  • Health communication was expanded through 300+ health meetings, 200+ street plays, and strategic tie-ups with 3 local FM radio stations.
  • 400+ women and youth were trained as peer educators, driving sustained health behavior change.
  • SRADHA was featured on the World Bank’s DELVE platform for exemplary leadership in emergency health outreach.

8. Education, Retention & School Sanitation

  • 30,000 children across 150 schools received hygiene education through school-based interventions and community engagement.
  • 325 teachers were trained to integrate hygiene modules into regular classroom activities.
  • 120+ girl-friendly toilets were constructed; 15,000 adolescent girls received sanitary hygiene kits.
  • 80 School Hygiene Clubs were established, enabling student-led WASH initiatives.
  • 1,200 out-of-school children were re-integrated into the education system through bridge learning programs.
  • In 12 mining zones, community campaigns resulted in a 30% drop in school dropout rates, especially among girls.

Thematic Areas of Work – 2023–24

Advancing Resilience, Empowerment & Equity in Rural and Mining-Affected Communities

1. Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods

Diversifying Crops, Enhancing Resilience

SRADHA championed crop diversification to shift farmers away from risky monoculture practices.

  • Over 5,800 farmers transitioned from paddy monoculture to cultivating nutrient-dense millets, pulses, and vegetables, reducing climate risk and enhancing food security.
  • 43 model demonstration plots were set up as community learning sites, introducing climate-resilient and high-nutrient crop varieties.
  • 16 decentralized seed banks provided farmers with locally adapted seed varieties, ensuring access to resilient planting material.
  • 19 producer collectives were connected to niche markets, improving incomes from millet and vegetable sales.

Promoting Sustainable and Organic Practices

Efforts were made to scale regenerative and organic farming methods.

  • More than 2,500 farmers were trained in sustainable practices including composting, bio-fertilizer use, and pest management.
  • 19 progressive farmers received handholding support for obtaining organic certification, increasing product value.
  • Traditional farming knowledge was revived through 25 community exchanges, building pride in indigenous techniques.
  • 12 farmer groups adopted collective farming models for better input procurement and market access.

Strengthening Livestock and Dairy Systems

Livestock-based livelihoods were strengthened with a focus on women’s leadership and animal health.

  • Interventions reached nearly 2,500 livestock-dependent households.
  • 19 women-led dairy cooperatives were supported with veterinary care, milk chilling equipment, and financial literacy training.
  • 55 livestock health camps provided preventive and curative services for over 20,000 animals.
  • More than 1,200 farmers were introduced to native livestock breeds known for disease resistance and adaptability.

2. Food & Nutrition Security

Integrating Nutrition with Agriculture

SRADHA embedded nutrition objectives into agriculture and household food practices.

  • 1,000 families adopted nutrition-sensitive farming by growing diverse, nutrient-rich crops.
  • 210 homestead gardens were developed to provide year-round dietary diversity.
  • Through interactive nutrition workshops, 1,250 women learned about balanced diets, local superfoods, and healthy cooking methods.
  • 28 village-level nutrition schools hosted over 120 recipe demonstrations, encouraging dietary improvements using locally sourced foods.

Targeted Nutrition for Vulnerable Groups

Dedicated interventions addressed the needs of women, children, and adolescents.

  • 3,000 pregnant and lactating women received counselling on maternal nutrition and infant feeding.
  • Growth monitoring and nutrition support reached 6,000 children under the age of five.
  • 2,200 adolescent girls participated in awareness campaigns focusing on anaemia prevention, menstrual hygiene, and healthy eating.
  • 900 households began cultivating biofortified crops such as zinc-rich rice and iron-rich pearl millet, improving household nutrition.

3. Climate Resilience & Environmental Sustainability

Ecological Farming & Soil Health Restoration

To strengthen community-level climate adaptation, SRADHA promoted soil and land restoration.

  • Over 160 hectares were converted to agroforestry systems, integrating trees with crops for microclimate regulation.
  • 25 community woodlots were developed with native species, restoring green cover and improving biodiversity.
  • 1,000+ farmers implemented soil conservation techniques such as contour bunding and organic mulching, which helped retain soil moisture by up to 30%.

Waste-to-Wealth & Renewable Solutions

Circular economy models were promoted through biomass recycling and low-cost innovation.

  • 1,500 farmers adopted composting methods using crop residues, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
  • 200 households launched mushroom cultivation units using agro-waste, generating income from minimal inputs.
  • 6 local entrepreneurs were trained in producing bio-briquettes as a clean energy alternative.
  • In project areas, stubble burning saw an 60% reduction, a major win for air quality and soil preservation.

Community Education on Climate Action

  • 20 Farmer Field Schools trained 1,200 farmers on climate-adaptive techniques.
  • 220 rural youth participated in climate leadership workshops, emerging as sustainability champions.
  • 110 women formed village-level climate action groups, leading awareness drives and advocating for green practices.

4. Education & Child Protection

School Hygiene & Sanitation

SRADHA worked to ensure that children learn in clean, safe, and inclusive environments.

  • Hygiene education programs were implemented in 140 schools, impacting over 22,000 students.
  • 340 teachers were trained to integrate WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) into classroom teaching.
  • 12,000 sanitary kits were distributed, and 120+ girl-friendly toilets constructed or renovated.
  • School Hygiene Clubs were formed in 70 schools, promoting peer-led hygiene awareness activities.

Bridging Education Gaps in Mining Zones

SRADHA ran targeted programs for children of families engaged in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM).

  • 1,000 out-of-school children were enrolled in bridge and remedial learning centers.
  • Community campaigns in 10 mining areas significantly reduced school dropout rates—especially for girls—by up to 30%.

5. Vocational Education & Enterprise Development

Skilling for Self-Reliance

Focused on employment and entrepreneurship, SRADHA upskilled youth, women, and migrants.

  • 4,000 individuals trained across sectors like sustainable agriculture, tailoring, hospitality, and agro-processing.
  • 200 women and youth-led enterprises were established or scaled up with business development support.

Financial and Digital Empowerment

  • 2,100 participants, many of them first-time learners, were trained in digital tools, e-wallets, and online banking.
  • 500 women entrepreneurs-built capacities in bookkeeping, savings, credit planning, and basic tax processes.

Enabling Value Chains and SHG Enterprises

  • 1,000 small-scale producers trained in packaging, branding, and retail operations.
  • 40 community-run retail outlets, largely managed by women’s SHGs, were launched to sell locally made goods.

6. Empowering Women in the ASM Sector

Leadership, Networking, and Advocacy

SRADHA supported women miners to lead change in the male-dominated ASM sector.

  • Women were mentored to take on leadership roles, manage cooperative efforts, and advocate for safety and rights in mines.
  • Networking platforms and peer groups fostered solidarity, confidence, and collective problem-solving.

Strengthening Communities Around ASM

  • Community-level initiatives addressed health, environment, and social protection needs in mining zones.
  • SHGs, parents, and mine owners were oriented on child labor, early marriage, and education rights.
  • Close coordination with schools, Anganwadis, and gram panchayats ensured consistent tracking of child welfare and education outcomes.

6. Health & WASH: Enabling Health Equity Through Community-Led Change

SRADHA’s Health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives in 2023–24 were grounded in a vision of equitable access to basic health services, safe water, and dignified sanitation. Working across underserved farming and artisanal mining (ASM) communities in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, SRADHA championed localized, participatory models that tackled structural barriers while building lasting behavioral change.

Building Healthy Habits Through Awareness and Education

SRADHA’s year-round campaigns emphasized hygiene education as a cornerstone of community health:

  • Over 20,000 community members were engaged in behavior change communication campaigns focusing on hand hygiene, menstrual health, and water safety.
  • We conducted more than 500 community health sessions, 200 street plays, and partnered with 4 FM radio stations for regional health messaging.
  • Using culturally rooted tools like folk theatre, murals, and school-based events, we implemented 75 village-wide education drives.
  • 210 SHG members and youth volunteers were trained as hygiene leaders, driving change from within their communities.

Expanding Access to Safe and Sustainable Water

To address the chronic water challenges in remote and mining-affected regions:

  • We installed 20+ solar-powered water purification systems, improving water quality for 8,000+ residents.
  • 40 villages benefited from piped water supply infrastructure, giving over 9,000 households reliable access to clean drinking water.

Improving Sanitation Infrastructure

Tackling sanitation deficits with a gender- and dignity-sensitive approach:

  • 1,000 new or renovated toilets were built across homes, schools, and mining zones.
  • 110 school toilets, including 100 girl-friendly units, provided safe and private spaces for adolescent girls—reducing dropout risks.
  • In partnership with local communities and the MGNREGA program, 1,000 household toilets were constructed with local labor contributions.

Grassroots Health Leadership for Long-Term Impact

SRADHA fostered community ownership of health outcomes by nurturing local leadership:

  • 200+ women and youth were equipped as peer educators and Swasthya Sakhis, leading neighborhood health drives.
  • Over 40,000 people were sensitized on climate-induced health risks like heatwaves and communicable diseases.
  • We responded to public health emergencies—including COVID-19 surges and diarrheal outbreaks—by deploying mobile health units, distributing 8,000 hygiene kits, and hosting temporary clinics in affected areas.

School-Based WASH Transformation (in collaboration with AJYS)

In partnership with Amar Jyoti Foundation, SRADHA played a key role in school sanitation reform across 30 districts in Odisha, implementing the Harpic School Sanitation Program and Dettol Hygiene Program.

  • 2,000 schools reached with structured hygiene education, benefiting over 300,000 children.
  • Developed and deployed monthly hygiene curricula, training modules, and monitoring tools.
  • Conducted capacity-building for 1,500 teachers and 200+ district project staff.
  • Instituted a performance monitoring framework for quarterly evaluation of hygiene behaviors and infrastructure outcomes.

Voices from the Ground: Stories of Change

Sapna from Keonjhar, a 17-year-old tribal girl, returned to school through SRADHA’s bridge education program. Now, she leads peer hygiene sessions and aspires to become a nurse—turning her learning into leadership.

Amin Bhai, a miner in Jharkhand, mobilized his community to install a solar-powered water filter with SRADHA’s support. His initiative brought safe drinking water to over 300 people who had never experienced it before.

Partnerships That Multiplied Impact

Our programs thrived on collaboration and shared commitment:

  • Government Allies: Departments of Rural Development, Women & Child Development, and Tribal Welfare.
  • Global Partners: World Bank (EGPS).
  • Local Networks: Grassroots NGOs, community-based organizations, and SHGs in all intervention geographies.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

To ensure accountability and continuous improvement:

  • We commissioned three third-party evaluations and four in-depth impact assessments.
  • Introduced a real-time digital dashboard to track field progress.
  • Hosted quarterly reflection workshops with community stakeholders to inform adaptive planning and strategy refinement.

SRADHA’s health and WASH interventions have not only delivered life-changing infrastructure but have cultivated community-led models for sustaining health and dignity. Our work continues to empower some of India’s most marginalized regions with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead their own health transformation.

8. Knowledge Generation, Advocacy, and Thought Leadership

In 2023–24, SRADHA strengthened its role as a catalyst for evidence-driven change, generating knowledge, shaping policy, and amplifying community perspectives.

🧠 Research & Publications

Our research portfolio produced six original studies and four policy briefs, exploring critical development challenges:

  • Gendered vulnerabilities under climate-induced stress
  • Strategic communication in WASH emergencies
  • Children’s well-being in mining-impacted zones
  • Effectiveness of IEC tools during public health crises

These publications have served as guiding documents for practitioners, policymakers, and donors seeking equity-driven development solutions.

🎙️ Dialogues & Webinars

We hosted a high-impact national webinar on “Sanitation for Dignity: Linking WASH and Education,” drawing participation from over 500 development professionals, including educators, public health experts, and policy influencers.

📚 Field Knowledge & Documentation

SRADHA led the documentation and knowledge management for FICCI and Reckitt’s WASH advocacy campaign, producing field stories, practice briefs, and community-led insights to support larger policy dialogues.

5. Policy Research, Sector Engagement, and Grassroots Voices

📘 Research Focus Areas

This year’s policy research focused on:

  • Climate-resilient farming practices
  • Livestock-based livelihoods and rural value chains
  • Gender equity within food systems
  • Nutrition outcomes among tribal communities

A total of eight publications—including policy papers, working papers, and technical notes—were released.

🌱 Grassroots Innovations

We chronicled ten local innovations from remote villages in Odisha, highlighting scalable practices in nutrition, health, and sustainable agriculture led by women and tribal youth.

🏛️ Policy Contributions

National Level:

  • Provided inputs to the Odisha Department of Agriculture on nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
  • Contributed to stakeholder consultations under Poshan Abhiyaan.

International Engagements:

  • Presented insights during global roundtables organized by FAO, IFAD, DANIDA, and the World Bank.
  • Our research was cited in the South Asia Food Security Roundtable.

Strategic Engagement & Partnerships

🤝 Collaborative Platforms

  • Co-hosted 23 multi-stakeholder consultations on public health and WASH.
  • Organized 3 regional learning exchanges in partnership with agricultural universities and civil society organizations.
  • Partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to co-develop communication strategies for disease outbreak preparedness through the CERC Plan.

Organizational Strengthening & Capacity Building

👥 Team Expansion

SRADHA welcomed 15 new team members and onboarded 30 community resource persons across project areas, enhancing local leadership capacity.

🖥️ Digital MEL Integration

We upgraded our Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems with a real-time digital dashboard, ensuring adaptive management, field visibility, and data-backed decision-making.

📈 Strategic Visioning

We finalized our Strategic Plan for 2025–27, with a strong focus on climate-resilient public health systems, inclusive governance, and cross-sector convergence.

2024–25: Vision for the Future

SRADHA’s next phase will deepen its community impact, expand to new geographies, and scale proven solutions.

🚀 Program Expansion Goals

  • 🌊 Extend WASH programs to underserved tribal belts in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, and Rajasthan.
  • 🏫 Launch community learning hubs for adult literacy and adolescent empowerment.
  • 🚐 Deploy mobile health clinics in mining-intensive blocks.
  • 💼 Scale youth-led rural entrepreneurship hubs in convergence with skilling missions.
  • 📲 Enhance digital inclusion via smart classrooms and mobile-based learning platforms.

🧪 Innovation in Policy & Practice

  • Collaborate with ICMR and WHO India to develop a CERC Toolkit for disease outbreak preparedness.
  • Strengthen the sanitation economy by piloting circular solutions with farmer producer organizations.
  • Launch the SRADHA Academy—a training and knowledge platform for grassroots actors in WASH, CERC, and climate resilience.

Partners and Collaborators

🌐 Strategic & Financial Support

  • WGPS, World Bank (EGPS)
  • Reckitt-AJ Foundation
  • Simavi
  • CMDIndia
  • UNAOC
  • UNESCO

🤝 Implementation Partners

  • Local NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

🏛️ Government Collaborations

  Department of Agriculture
👉 Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha
(Responsible for agricultural development, farmer welfare, and related schemes)

  Department of Animal Husbandry
👉 Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha
(Oversees animal husbandry, veterinary services, and fisheries)

  Department of Health & Family Welfare
👉 Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
(Manages public health systems, hospitals, and family welfare programs)

  Department of Tribal Welfare
👉 ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
(Responsible for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, minorities, and backward classes)

  Department of School & Mass Education
👉 School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha
(Handles primary and secondary education, teacher training, and literacy programs)

Financial Overview 2023–24 (Provisional)

CategoryAmount (INR)
Program Implementation₹1.90 Crores
Capacity Building & Training₹38 Lakhs
Monitoring & Evaluation₹20 Lakhs
Administrative Costs₹48 Lakhs
Total₹2.96 Crores

Contact Us

SRADHA
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751015
📧 Email: contact@sradhaindia.in
🌐 Website: www.sradhaindia.in
📱 Social Media: @SRADHAIndia on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

“At SRADHA, we don’t just deliver services—we co-create solutions with the communities we serve.”

Annual Report 2024–25

Acknowledgements

We thank our community partners, field teams, donors, local governments, and collaborators who made our mission possible. Together, we move forward—building resilience, advancing equity, and nurturing hope in rural lives.

Foreword from the Chairperson

The year 2024–25 has been a significant milestone in SRADHA’s journey toward empowering rural and tribal communities across Odisha. It has been a year of deepening our impact and expanding our reach, as we strengthened our commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Our work in agriculture, health, climate resilience, and nutrition has transformed lives and reinforced local systems, helping communities become more resilient and self-sustaining. Through our collective efforts, we have touched the lives of over 65,000 individuals across 11 districts, enabling them to take charge of their own development.

At the heart of SRADHA’s work is the belief that true empowerment comes from within the community. In 2024–25, we built on this foundation by fostering local leadership, enhancing community-based health systems, and integrating gender-responsive strategies into our initiatives. We have also worked diligently to address the challenges faced by farming and artisanal mining communities, ensuring that they are not only heard but also supported with practical solutions that enhance their livelihoods and improve their quality of life.

We have made remarkable strides in education and vocational empowerment, providing tools and opportunities that will last well beyond the duration of our interventions. The resilience of the communities we serve has been a constant source of inspiration, and our success this year would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our partners, field teams, volunteers, and community champions.

Looking forward, SRADHA remains committed to its mission of enabling healthier, safer, and empowered communities. As we continue to build on this progress, we remain steadfast in our vision of creating lasting, transformative change.

— Dr Sujitav Dash
Chairperson, SRADHA

Key Highlights of 2024-25

1. Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihoods

  • 6,300 farmers shifted to millet, pulse, and vegetable cultivation through crop diversification efforts.
  • 52 demo plots and 18 seed banks established for promoting climate-resilient farming.
  • 3,200 farmers trained in organic methods; 21 secured organic certification; 11 groups adopted collective farming.
  • 800 families supported through livestock and dairy initiatives; 30 women-led cooperatives strengthened.
  • 12,000 animals treated via 64 veterinary camps; 1,100 farmers adopted indigenous livestock breeds.

2. Food & Nutrition Security

  • 4,100 families adopted nutrition-sensitive farming; 520 kitchen gardens created.
  • 36 village nutrition schools held 130 live recipe demonstrations.
  • 3,500 pregnant and lactating women counselled on nutrition.
  • 6,500 children under 5 and 2,400 adolescent girls received targeted nutrition support.
  • 950 households grew biofortified crops to improve dietary diversity.

3. Vocational Training & Livelihood Empowerment

  • 4,500 youth and adults trained in agriculture, crafts, hospitality, retail, and agro-processing.
  • 300 women and youth-led microenterprises supported.
  • 2,000 individuals trained in digital literacy, mobile banking, and e-wallet use.
  • 600 women received financial planning and bookkeeping training.
  • 1,200 small producers trained in marketing, packaging, and retail operations.
  • 50 women’s SHG-led retail outlets supported across project areas.

4. Climate Resilience & Environmental Sustainability

  • 170 hectares converted to mixed cropping systems; 40 woodlots established.
  • Soil moisture improved by 30% through bunding and mulching.
  • 1,800 farmers adopted composting from crop waste.
  • 220 households started mushroom cultivation; 4 entrepreneurs trained in bio-briquettes.
  • 80% decline in stubble burning in targeted areas.
  • 1,500 farmers trained via 24 Farmer Field Schools.
  • 250 youth and 120 women engaged in climate leadership and advocacy.

5. Women’s Empowerment in ASM

  • Women miners mentored under the Association of Women in ASM.
  • Enhanced women’s visibility and leadership in the mining sector through capacity-building programs.

6. Social Inclusion & Community Development

  • Inclusive forums created for women in ASM to lead education, development, and sustainability efforts.
  • Strengthened collective action and community cohesion through targeted support platforms

7. Health & Hygiene

  • 85 campaigns on handwashing, menstrual hygiene, and clean water practices organized.
  • 280 SHG members and youth trained as hygiene champions.
  • Constructed/renovated 1,200 toilets in homes, schools, and mining areas.
  • 45 villages provided with safe water, benefiting 11,000+ households.
  • Installed 40+ solar-powered filtration units, reaching over 18,000 individuals.
  • 600+ health meetings, 300+ street plays, 5 radio partnerships used for BCC outreach.
  • 300+ women and youth trained as peer health educators.
  • 8,000 hygiene kits distributed during emergencies; mobile health camps set up.
  • Recognized on World Bank’s DELVE platform for emergency health leadership.

8. Education & School Sanitation

  • Hygiene education imparted in 150 schools, covering 25,000 children.
  • 350 teachers trained to include hygiene in regular curriculum.
  • 100+ girl-friendly toilets built; 15,000 sanitary kits distributed.
  • 80 School Hygiene Clubs formed for student-led activities.
  • 1,500 out-of-school children enrolled in bridge/remedial programs.
  • Community campaigns in 12 mining areas led to a 30% reduction in school dropout.

Thematic Areas of Work

1. Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihoods

Crop Diversification

SRADHA’s crop diversification strategy encouraged farmers to move beyond mono-cropping.

  • Paddy-to-Millet Transitions: 6,300 farmers adopted millet, pulses, and vegetable cultivation.
  • Demonstration Plots: 52 learning plots were established showcasing high-nutrient, climate-resilient crops.
  • Seed Banks: 18 community-managed seed banks were set up for climate-adaptive seed varieties.
  • Market Linkages: 28 producer groups linked to niche markets for millets and vegetables.

Organic & Sustainable Practices

  • Organic Transition Support: 3,200 farmers trained in organic composting, bio-fertilizers, and pest management.
  • Certification: 21 farmers supported to obtain organic certification.
  • Indigenous Practices Revival: 27 knowledge exchange sessions on traditional farming systems.
  • Collective Farming: 11 farmer groups adopted group marketing and collective input procurement.

Livestock & Dairy

  • Livestock Development: Reached 2,800 livestock-dependent families.
  • Women-Led Dairy Cooperatives: 30 cooperatives benefitted from vet support, milk chilling, and financial literacy.
  • Animal Health Camps: 64 health camps conducted covering 22,000 animals.
  • Indigenous Breed Promotion: 1,100 farmers adopted hardy local breeds for milk and meat.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Vocational Education

Aligned with rural development goals, SRADHA implemented holistic skill-building for youth, especially women and returning migrants.

Achievements:

  • 🛠️ Vocational training for 4,500 people in sectors such as hospitality, farming, tailoring, and agro-marketing.
  • 👩‍💼 Supported 300 women entrepreneurs through market linkage and micro-finance access.
  • 💻 Delivered digital and financial literacy to 2,000 first-time learners.

🧺 Linked sanitation waste valorisation with organic farming pilots (coir pith, composting).

2. Food & Nutrition Security

Community Nutrition Programs

  • Nutrition-Sensitive Farming: 1,100 families integrated nutrition-rich crops into their farms.
  • Home Gardens: 220 community/home gardens ensured year-round food diversity.
  • Nutrition Education: 1,200 women trained in meal planning and healthy cooking practices.
  • Village Nutrition Schools: 36 schools conducted 130 recipe demos using local foods.

Women & Child Nutrition

  • Pregnant & Lactating Women Counselled: 3,500
  • Children Under 5 Supported: 6,500 (growth monitoring, dietary support)
  • Adolescent Girl Nutrition: 2,400 girls reached through anaemia, hygiene, and food education campaigns
  • Biofortified Crops Promotion: 950 households adopted zinc-rich rice, iron-rich pearl millet

3. Climate Resilience & Environmental Sustainability

Agroforestry & Soil Conservation

  • Agroforestry Initiatives:
    • 170 hectares brought under mixed cropping with trees and shrubs
    • 40 community woodlots developed with native species
  • Soil Restoration:
    • Contour bunding and mulching practiced by 2,000+ farmers
    • Organic mulch usage increased soil moisture retention by 30%

Biomass & Waste-to-Value

  • Compost from Crop Residue: 1,800 farmers adopted biomass-to-compost systems
  • Mushroom Cultivation Units: 220 households initiated low-cost mushroom farming
  • Bio-Briquettes: 4 local entrepreneurs trained in briquette production
  • Stubble Management: 80% reduction in field burning in targeted clusters

Climate Awareness & Education

  • Farmer Field Schools: 24 institutions trained 1,500 farmers
  • Youth Climate Leadership Workshops: Engaged 250 rural youth
  • Women-Led Climate Groups: 120 women received training on sustainable farming and advocacy

4. Education: Empowering Through Holistic Learning

A. School Sanitation & Hygiene Education

  • Reached 150 schools covering 25,000 children with hygiene education.
  • Trained 350 teachers to integrate hygiene and health topics into school curricula.
  • Distributed 15,000 sanitary kits and installed 100+ girl-friendly toilets.
  • Formed School Hygiene Clubs in 80 schools with student-led activities.

B. Education for ASM Children

  •  Enrolled 1,500 out-of-school children in bridge and remedial classes.
  • Provided 400 scholarships and transport stipends to children of ASM workers.
  • Conducted community awareness campaigns in 12 mining zones, reducing dropout rates by 30%.

5. Vocational Education & Livelihood Empowerment

Integrated Skill Development

  • 4,500 youth and adults trained in:
    • Sustainable agriculture and crafts
    • Hospitality and retail
    • Agro-processing and packaging
  • Supported 300 micro-enterprises led by women and youth.

Digital & Financial Literacy

  • 🖥️ Trained 2,000 participants in digital literacy, e-wallets, and mobile banking.
  • 💰 600 women received training in financial planning, bookkeeping, and tax filing.

Value Chain Engagement

  • 📦 Conducted training in marketing, packaging, and retail operations for 1,200 small-scale producers.
  • 🛒 Supported 50 retail setups by women’s self-help groups (SHGs).

Empowering Women in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)

Networking and Leadership Opportunities

The Association of Women in ASM fosters a supportive network for female miners through mentorship and leadership development. We empower women to build meaningful connections, strengthen their presence, and take on leadership roles in their communities and the broader ASM sector.

Social Inclusion and Community Support

Beyond individual empowerment, we aim to build inclusive communities within the ASM sector. By encouraging participation in community-driven initiatives focused on social welfare, education, and environmental sustainability, we unite female miners to work toward collective progress.

Education and Rights of Children in Mining Areas

SRADHA implemented special programs for children of ASM workers in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Koraput.

Interventions:

  • Identified out-of-school children and enrolled 1,500 in bridging classes.
  • Supported early nutrition and school retention kits in 12 mining clusters.
  • Oriented parents, SHGs, and mine owners on child rights and labor issues.

📚 Collaborated with schools, ICDS, and gram panchayats for tracking child education outcomes.

6. Health & WASH

SRADHA’s health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs aim to address deep-rooted systemic barriers to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation in remote farming and artisanal mining (ASM) communities across Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and behavior change, SRADHA’s initiatives have significantly improved health outcomes, especially for women, children, and tribal populations.

Key Achievements

🧼 Hygiene Education & Behavior Change

  • Reached 85,000 individuals through integrated campaigns on handwashing, menstrual hygiene, and safe water practices.
  • Conducted 600+ village health meetings, 300+ street plays and radio broadcasts, and partnered with 5 local FM stations to disseminate key messages.
  • Implemented 85 village-wide health education campaigns using wall paintings, folk media, and school-based activities.
  • Trained 280 Self-Help Group (SHG) members and youth leaders as community hygiene champions.

💧 Clean Water Access

  • Installed 40+ solar-powered water filtration units in mining-affected habitations, benefiting 18,000+ people.
  • Facilitated piped drinking water and filtration systems across 45 villages, ensuring 11,000+ households now have access to safe drinking water.

🚻 Sanitation Improvements

  • Constructed or renovated 1,200 toilets across schools, homes, and mining sites.
  • Built 120 school toilets, including 100 girl-friendly units, to improve the learning environment and safety of adolescent girls.
  • Enabled construction of 1,300 household toilets, using community labor and convergence with MGNREGA.

Community Health Leadership

SRADHA’s approach emphasized grassroots leadership and empowerment:

  • Trained 300+ women and youth as peer educators and Swasthya Sakhis (Hygiene Ambassadors) to lead health initiatives within their communities.
  • Delivered heatwave and disease outbreak awareness sessions to over 60,000 individuals in vulnerable zones.
  • Supported emergency health responses during COVID-19 and diarrheal outbreaks in three districts, distributing 8,000 hygiene kits and operating temporary mobile health camps.

School Sanitation & Behavior Change (in partnership with AJYS)

SRADHA collaborated with Amar Jyoti Yuvak Sangha (AJYS) to design and implement school sanitation programs across 30 districts in Odisha under the Harpic School Sanitation Program and Dettol Hygiene Program.

  • Supported hygiene education in 2,000 schools, reaching over 300,000 children.
  • Developed monthly training modules, behavior change frameworks, and hygiene monitoring tools.
  • Conducted capacity-building sessions for 200+ district coordinators and 1,500 teachers.
  • Instituted quarterly performance appraisals to track hygiene indicators and program outcomes.

Impact Stories

  • Sapna’s Journey: A 17-year-old tribal girl from Keonjhar, Sapna returned to school through SRADHA’s bridge education program. She now leads hygiene education for over 60 girls and aspires to become a nurse.
  • Amin Bhai’s Leadership: A miner from Jharkhand, Amin led his community to install a water filtration system with SRADHA’s support—bringing clean water access to 300 people for the first time in decades.

Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations

SRADHA’s impact was made possible through strong partnerships:

  • Government Departments: Rural Development, Women & Child Welfare, and Tribal Affairs.
  • Global Partners: World Bank (EGPS), UNICEF, Oxfam, Global Sanitation Fund.
  • Local Collaborations: Partnered with grassroots NGOs and SHGs across three states.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

  • Conducted 3 third-party evaluations and 4 impact assessments to measure outcomes.
  • Developed a digital dashboard for real-time program tracking.
  • Held quarterly review workshops with field teams and community stakeholders to ensure accountability and adaptive learning.

SRADHA’s health and WASH interventions have not only provided critical infrastructure but also empowered communities to lead the charge in improving public health, sanitation, and hygiene in some of the most marginalized regions of India.

8. Research, Policy Advocacy, and Knowledge Dissemination

SRADHA brought out 6 research papers and 4 policy briefs this year. These covered:

  • Gendered impacts of climate stress
  • Effective risk communication for WASH
  • Case studies on children in mining areas
  • Review of IEC in disease outbreaks

📢 Hosted a national webinar on “Sanitation for Dignity: Linking WASH and Education,” attended by 500+ development professionals.

📊 Led knowledge management and field documentation for FICCI & Reckitt advocacy.Organizational Development

  • Onboarded 15 new staff and 30 community resource persons.
  • Strengthened MEL systems using digital dashboards for real-time reporting.

Created strategic plans for 2025–27 emphasizing climate-resilient public health.

5. Policy Research & Advocacy

Knowledge & Publications

  • Research Themes Covered:
    • Climate-smart agriculture
    • Livestock value chains
    • Gender equity in food systems
    • Nutrition in tribal populations
  • Publications Released: 8 policy papers, briefs, and working papers
  • Community Case Studies: Documented 10 grassroots innovations in rural Odisha

Policy Engagements

  • National Contributions:
    • Technical inputs submitted to Ministry of Agriculture, Odisha
    • Participation in Poshan Abhiyaan stakeholder consultations
  • Global Platforms:
    • Policy dialogues with FAO, IFAD, DANIDA, and World Bank
    • SRADHA’s findings referenced in South Asia Food Security Roundtable

Partnerships & Dialogues

  • 23 multi-stakeholder meetings hosted
  • 3 regional learning forums co-organized with state agriculture universities and NGOs
  • Ongoing collaboration with ICMR on disease outbreak communication strategies (CERC Plan)

Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2025–26

  • Scaling up nutrition-sensitive agriculture in 5 new districts
  • Strengthening early childhood nutrition and health convergence
  • Expanding climate-smart farming and renewable energy solutions
  • Deepening our research-policy interface with more grassroots voices
  • Launching a Centre for Women in Agri-Leadership
  • 🌍 Expand WASH programs to tribal belts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
  • 📘 Launch community learning centers for adult education
  • 💡 Scale entrepreneurship hubs for rural youth
  • 🏥 Establish mobile health units in mining areas
  • 📲 Strengthen digital inclusion through smart classrooms and mobile training units

“From health to hope, from skills to success—SRADHA walks with communities every step of the way.”

Partners and Collaborators

🌐 Strategic & Financial Support

  • WGPS, World Bank (EGPS)
  • Reckitt-AJ Foundation
  • Simavi
  • CMDIndia
  • UNAOC
  • UNESCO

🤝 Implementation Partners

  • Local NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

🏛️ Government Collaborations

  Department of Agriculture
👉 Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha
(Responsible for agricultural development, farmer welfare, and related schemes)

  Department of Animal Husbandry
👉 Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha
(Oversees animal husbandry, veterinary services, and fisheries)

  Department of Health & Family Welfare
👉 Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
(Manages public health systems, hospitals, and family welfare programs)

  Department of Tribal Welfare
👉 ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
(Responsible for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, minorities, and backward classes)

  Department of School & Mass Education
👉 School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha
(Handles primary and secondary education, teacher training, and literacy programs)

Looking Ahead: 2025–26 Priorities

  • 📍 Expand WASH and health programs to Assam and Rajasthan
  • 🏥 Develop a CERC toolkit in collaboration with ICMR and WHO India
  • 💼 Scale value-added sanitation economy pilots with farmer producer groups
  • 🧕 Strengthen women’s collectives for local governance and health service delivery
  • 🎓 Launch “SRADHA Academy” for grassroots training in CERC and WASH
  • Financial Overview
CategoryAmount (INR)
Program Implementation₹2.2 Crores
Capacity Building & Training₹ 40 Lakhs
Monitoring & Evaluation₹20 Lakhs
Administration₹50 Lakhs
Total Expenditure₹3.30 Crores

Contact Us

SRADHA
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751015
📧 Email: contact@sradhaindia.in
🌐 Website: www.sradhaindia.in

📱 Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @SRADHAIndia

“SRADHA believes that communities are not beneficiaries—they are co-creators of development.”