ISAP India Foundation & Walmart Foundation launch project to empower 15,000 farmers in North Karnataka

New Delhi: ISAP India Foundation, in collaboration with the Walmart Foundation, has launched a Comprehensive Market Integration Project to empower 15,000 smallholder farmers across North Karnataka. Supported by a $1.2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, the two-year project is designed to enhance productivity and profitability by strengthening 15 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The project focuses on building self-sustaining FPCs equipped to handle market demands, ensuring long-term sustainability for farmers. By providing advanced training and market support, the initiative will help these FPCs and their members to become self-sufficient and market-ready. The project will also improve value chains and infrastructure, aiming to add value to crop production while encouraging the participation of women in agriculture.

A spokesperson from the Walmart Foundation emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable agriculture. “By providing farmers, particularly women, with essential resources, training, and market access, we are fostering a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector. This partnership reflects Walmart.org’s mission to address social and environmental challenges through collaboration and systemic change. Our philanthropic efforts aim to create growth, prosperity, and strong communities,” they said.

ISAP India Foundation shared similar enthusiasm, highlighting the project’s potential to create a lasting impact in the region. “Our focus is on empowering farmers with the advanced tools, resources, and enhanced market access they need to thrive. We are particularly committed to fostering women’s leadership in agriculture and ensuring inclusive, sustainable growth, so every participant can thrive and contribute to a prosperous future,” a spokesperson said.

The initiative is set to be implemented across five districts in North Karnataka, where it will bolster collaboration with FPOs to promote collective action and sustainable farming practices. By building resilient and market-ready FPCs, the ISAP India Foundation aims to create a robust agricultural ecosystem that will continue to benefit farmers long after the project concludes.