Leading national and global institutions launch PRAGATI programme to train 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs in India

PepsiCo Foundation, along with a group of national and global institutions, have launched a multi-state initiative that attempts to empower 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs and directly support 20 lakh farmers in India.

Called ‘PRAGATI’, the programme has been built on the learnings from the Agri-Entrepreneurship (AE) model, developed and refined through years of on-ground implementation. The AE model has already led to the incubation of over 26,000 agri-entrepreneurs, collectively supporting more than 26 lakh farmers across India. With demonstrated success in enhancing farmer incomes, enabling diverse locally led enterprises, and strengthening last-mile service delivery, PRAGATI seeks to scale this impact to an unprecedented level. It aims to create a nationwide ecosystem of 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs on top of an existing network of over 26,000 agri-entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation, targeting balanced representation within the field.

A statement issued by the Agri-Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), one of the organisations driving the initiative, says PRAGATI will work to help transform the livelihoods of over 2 million farmers by delivering advisory services and sustainable farming knowledge at scale. The initiative aims to help drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture and diversified income opportunities among at least 20% of participating farmers, while targeting a minimum 30% increase in farmer incomes and a 15-20% boost in yields of key crops such as paddy, maize, and potato. By strengthening financial literacy and expanding access to formal financial systems, PRAGATI aims to empower at least half of all associated farmers to build more resilient and prosperous futures, the statement said.

“At PepsiCo, farmers are at the heart of our business, with every product we make starting in the field as a crop that helps sustain communities for the future,” said Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact, PepsiCo, and President, PepsiCo Foundation.“They play a vital role in driving local economies, and supporting their livelihoods is essential to building a more resilient food system. Through this partnership, the PepsiCo Foundation is proud to work alongside program partners to help expand access to the tools and knowledge farmers need to grow more sustainably and help strengthen food systems for generations to come.”

State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF),Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, The Sustainable Agriculture Foundations International Association (SAFIA) and Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) are the other institutions supporting PRAGATI initiative.

The programme will be implemented across key agricultural states, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.