Global agribusiness giant ADM is working in partnership with international non-profit TechnoServe to support 15,000 new soyabean farmers in Maharashtra, India, in the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, as part of its Farm Forward Initiative.
Announced on 28 May, the partnership was formalised with a memorandum of understanding (MoU), under which ADM would provide strategic direction, governance and oversight, while TechnoServe would lead on-the-ground implementation.
Funded by a US$500,000 investment from ADM Cares, the company’s corporate social investment programme, the 18-month local initiative was launched in May in four districts in Maharashtra – Latur, Dharashiv, Beed and Nanded, ADM said.
The company said the programme would focus on improving soil health, enabling farmer-producer organisations, supporting regenerative agriculture best practices and expanding access to digital advisory tools and government support that supported improved climate resilience and livelihoods.
Through the partnership, ADM and TechnoServe said they aimed to establish a scalable model for advancing regenerative agriculture in India, demonstrating how collaboration across the value chain could drive progress at farm level, while strengthening climate resilience and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
“In partnership with TechnoServe, … [we are] combining our expertise, partnerships and on-the-ground experience to support farmers in strengthening climate resilience, improving soil health, enhancing livelihoods through targeted training and technology-enabled solutions, and expanded access to markets and resources,” said Amrendra Mishra, managing director of Ag Services & Oilseeds and country manager India for ADM.
TechnoServe is a global non-profit organisation with more than 50 years of experience working across more than 30 countries – including 15 years in India – connecting smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs to knowledge, capital and markets to deliver large-scale, regenerative and inclusive agricultural programmes.
