Samarth in Participatory Action (SIPA) is promoted by Samarthan-Centre for Development Support for implementation of Projects. Samarthan is a leading non-profit organization with significant presence in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
With a belief that a strong civil society is key to socioeconomic development, Samarthan started out in the year 1995 as a support organization building capacities and networks of voluntary organizations working at the grass roots.
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SIPA with the support of ITC-Govt of MP implemented the most prestigious IWMP project in Sehore Block, having a clear vision to strengthen the PRIs with this programme and to create Watershed Model.
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With the support of ITC one SMU was installed in Village Ramakhedi to monitor the Silt Load as well as flood depth variation against Rainfall from a single micro watershed. The continuous data will support the impact assessment of treatment works done under IWMP-project.
300 Plants were covered Planted in Panchayati Land in village Uljhawan. The basic objective was to ensure required irrigation by increasing the water use efficiency. The System was fusion of drip system and root zone irrigation mechanism which reduces evaporation losses to almost zero and also irrigates plants in root zone.
In village Uljhawan demonstration was carried out about Living Compost and Amritpani to 25 Farmers from 10 villages of Watershed. The use of Navdanya Seeds (9 different varieties of cereal/Oilseed seed) made it suitable for any crop since the microbes were available for all types of crops.
5 FFS were opened in five villages having 25 leading farmers in each FFS. The concept behind this was that all the demonstration or technical trainings related to farmers will be carried out with these leading farmers and each member will demonstrate/teach to other 5-10 farmers. All the members were surveyed for the base line data and current practices under Agriculture.
25 SHGs were formed during the period. These SHGs are selected based on the Wealth Being Ranking (WBR) as well as secondary data. Focus was given to marginalized & weaker section. These SHGs will play a major role under IWMP livelihood programme. 24 SHGs are proposed for first grading and also being assessed for livelihood plan.
9 Watershed committees were formed during the reporting period. These committees were formed during the gram sabha having at least 1 representative from each SHGs and UGs following the rules of IWMP. These Committees will be main instruments for watershed activities in all phase of watershed programme.
WC Secretaries and Kisan Mitra under MSK were given one day training on their roles and responsibilities. District Programme Coordinator also interacted with these youth to change the scenario of their villages by this programme.
Several informal meetings were conducted with the villagers having the presence of project staff as well as ITC officials to increase the quality of derivable of the programm. Most of the villages attended the programme and different issues related to the project were discussed during that meeting. These types of meeting help in addressing the different problem and ensure the participation of all villagers.
Meet Gayatri Rajput. Aged 27, mother of two kids, widowed and a heart patient. Also, President of the Federation of 250 SHGs across 25 villages, one of the pioneers of girl child insurance in her village (Sukanya scheme) and serial entrepreneur. The Federation called the Samarth Mahila Mahasangh, implemented by Samarthan Foundation as a part of...read more
Rajmani Parmar, aged 35, truly upholds the spirit of womanhood. Hailing from the village of Peepalneer, Madya Pradesh, she is educated and was already an Anganwadi Worker (AWW) when Samarthan contacted her to form a Self-Help Group (SHG), the first in her village. She not only gathered women to form the 14 member SHG but also led them towards a saving scheme that has accumulated to Rs 1,40,000 by now, by saving Rs. 100...read more
Sakun Bai (Aged 26) belongs to the village of Bilkisganj and is the secretary of the Samarth Mahila Mahasangh, a group of 35 women chosen from 250 SHGs and over 25 villages. As a mother of two, in her late twenties, she has shouldered the responsibility of spearheading the federation and serving as a voice to reckon with. Along with the other 9 women in her SHG, and 27 similar other SHGs in her village, she has worked towards enhancing...read more
‘Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM) Awareness Campaign’ one of the leading campaign in our country and we (students from IRMA) got a chance to go to the rural areas of Madhya Pradesh where Samarthan - Centre for Development Support is working as one of the leading organisation, mobilizing the communities on several issues including SBM.
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‘Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM) Awareness Campaign’ one of the leading campaign in our country and we (students from IRMA) got a chance to go to the rural areas of Madhya Pradesh where Samarthan - Centre for Development Support is working as one of the leading organisation, mobilizing the communities on several issues including SBM.
Read More
‘Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM) Awareness Campaign’ one of the leading campaign in our country and we (students from IRMA) got a chance to go to the rural areas of Madhya Pradesh where Samarthan - Centre for Development Support is working as one of the leading organisation, mobilizing the communities on several issues including SBM.
Read More
Chia seed cultivation in Khandwa district stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation and perseverance in agriculture. Initiated by SIPA in 2020-2021 under the Devranya Yojana, the programme began in Khar Kala village, Khalwa block, with the training of 10 farmers. Seeds were sourced from Neemuch, and each participant cultivated chia over half an acre. The outcome was remarkable—farmers experienced high yields with minimal input costs and secured fair market prices.
Three years on, the impact has grown significantly. Currently, 80 to 120 farmers in the Khalwa block have integrated chia cultivation alongside traditional crops such as wheat and gram. This shift reflects the crop’s potential as a profitable, low-investment alternative, offering economic stability and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
Recognising its success, the ATMA Department selected chia as the primary crop for its Front Line Demonstration programme this year. In collaboration with SIPA, demonstration plots have been established in five watershed villages. Chia cultivation has not only improved livelihoods but also highlighted the importance of institutional support, farmer training, and adaptive farming techniques.
This initiative illustrates how strategic interventions can redefine rural livelihoods and empower farmers to embrace new opportunities with confidence.
Farming—A Way of Life and a Path to Prosperity
I am a woman farmer from Bijlon village in Sehore district. My journey in agriculture changed profoundly after joining SIPA’s Climate Smart Village (CSV) initiative in 2018.
Through an initial awareness program and the Kisan Pathshala, I was introduced to five vital components of CSV: Water Smart, Seed Smart, Climate Smart, Market Smart, and Energy Smart. These sessions helped me move beyond conventional practices and embrace more efficient, sustainable farming techniques.
Encouraged by this knowledge, I cultivated improved wheat varieties on my 9-acre farm and diversified into vegetables such as chilli, coriander, fenugreek, and tomato. The impact was transformative—my earnings rose, I became self-sufficient, and I no longer relied on high-interest loans.
Today, I farm with confidence and clarity. I actively leverage government schemes and make informed decisions for my land and family. The CSV program empowered me to turn agriculture into a reliable and dignified livelihood.
This initiative has not only improved our productivity but also instilled resilience. With SIPA’s guidance, we now face challenges with preparedness and envision a future rooted in sustainable prosperity.
"From Scarcity to Sustainability: A Woman Farmer’s Journey"
As a proud member of my village’s women farmer community, I’ve always stood at the heart of my family’s livelihood. Farming has never been easy, especially with the persistent challenge of water scarcity. For years, I could grow only one kharif crop annually and had to rely on my work as a Bank Sakhi to supplement our income—yet it was never enough.
Everything changed after I attended a meeting organized by SIPA. There, I learned about the possibility of constructing an earthen dam. Inspired and hopeful, I brought this idea to my family and neighbours. With collective resolve, we built a 10,000 cubic meter earthen dam near our fields.
The impact was nothing short of transformative. The dam enabled us to cultivate rabi crops and access water for three crop cycles. Our increased income allowed us to invest in crucial resources—like an engine pump, irrigation pipes, a stitching machine, and most importantly, education for our children.
Today, we can meet our family’s needs and plan for a brighter future. I feel immense pride in being a role model for my community. This journey has shown me that with determination and unity, we can transform challenges into lasting opportunities.
We believe that meaningful change can only happen with intense groundwork and research behind any project.
