Ernakulam, Kerala, 27, September 2024: The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation launched the HDFC Bank Parivartan Holistic Rural Development Program in 20 villages across Ernakulam district. This initiative aims to foster sustainable farming practices, mitigate climate change, and empower rural communities through entrepreneurship development.
The Ernakulam HRDP project is set to positively impact a significant portion of the rural population, including:
- 9,625 households: Improving livelihoods through increased farm productivity and diversified income sources
- 2,109 small, marginal, and landless farmers: Benefiting from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), natural resource management, and skill development programs
- 15 small enterprise units
- 13 schools: Transforming into smart schools
- 30 Anganwadis: Renovating facilities
- 200 solar street lights: Installing for improved infrastructure
- 447 acres: Bringing unirrigated land under irrigation
- 481 acres: Bringing uncultivated land under vegetation
Mr. Manoj Muthedan, District Panchayath President, Ernakulam, inaugurated the function. Ajith Kumar A.T, Block Panchayath President, Koovappady, presided over the event.
Mr. Manoj Muthedan praised HDFC Bank’s commitment to utilizing CSR to support agricultural development and improve basic infrastructure. He emphasized the positive impact of the partnership between MSSRF and HDFC Bank on the lives of farmers and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Shakeela V, Director of MSSRF Kerala, highlighted the foundation’s two decades of experience in rural development and the positive impact of its HRDP program on thousands of farmers and rural entrepreneurs. She expressed pride in continuing MSSRF’s work with partners like HDFC Bank to create sustainable livelihoods and improve the overall well-being of rural communities.
Other dignitaries present at the launch included Ms. Sherly Zacharias, Principal Agricultural Officer, Ernakulam, and Mrs. Suhara C.H, CDPO, Koovappady. Representatives from HDFC Bank and MSSRF, including N. Subash, Circle Head for Ernakulam and Palakkad, and Sreeja M.R, Project Manager at HDFC Bank, also graced the occasion. Dr. Ancy Joseph from the Kerala Agricultural University, Odakali Centre, interacted with farmers during the event. Dr. Shakeela V, Director of MSSRF, Kerala, welcomed the gathering, and Mr. Sijo Thomas, Project Coordinator, delivered the vote of thanks.
The launch event also featured a vibrant exhibition of enterprise products the MSSRF-HDFC Bank partnership nurtured. Several successful entrepreneurs who have benefited from the MSSRF-HDFC Bank program were also present at the event. They shared their inspiring stories of growth, innovation, and overcoming challenges. These entrepreneurs engaged with participants, offering valuable insights and advice on starting and running a successful rural enterprise.
Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR, HDFC Bank said, ‘HDFC Bank #Parivartan aims to empower local communities and foster sustainable growth across key areas. We believe in empowering rural communities and are committed to driving positive change through sustainable development programs focused on financial inclusion, education, healthcare, and skill development. The initiative is primarily focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of rural communities, especially marginal farmers. It aims to increase household income in the targeted communities, with the goal of raising incomes by at least 20-30% for participating farmers and entrepreneurs. We look forward to working alongside the people of Ernakulam to help build a brighter future for all.’
Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP), is a flagship CSR initiative under Parivartan, HDFC Bank’s social development umbrella. It focuses on rural development in five key areas: Education, Skills Training and Livelihood Enhancement, Natural Resources Management, Healthcare and Hyginene, and Financial Literacy and Inclusion.
. Since 2018, MSSRF has been implementing HDFC Bank’s CSR initiative, Parivartan, in the villages of Ernakulam, aiming to enhance the socio-economic status of marginal farming communities by promoting rural entrepreneurship and Good Agricultural Practices.