sumarth

Company Profile: SumArth

Background

SumArth, officially known as TEKARI AGRO PRODUCER COMPANY LIMITED, is a non-profit organization headquartered in Gaya, Bihar, India. Established in 2015, SumArth is dedicated to transforming agriculture into a profitable and respected profession by providing comprehensive support to farmers, particularly those from marginalized communities. The organization's mission is to offer 360-degree assistance to farmers, encompassing input linkages, technology, production optimization, and market linkages. This holistic approach aims to reduce risk factors and ensure consistent high returns for farmers.

Key Strategic Focus

SumArth's strategic focus centers on:

• Market-Linked Profitable Agriculture: Facilitating profitable farming practices by connecting farmers directly with markets, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries.

• Empowerment of Marginalized Farmers: Providing tailored support to marginalized farmers, including women and youth, to enhance their agricultural practices and economic stability.

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promoting modern agro-techniques, integrated farming, and low-cost technology solutions to encourage sustainable and profitable agrarian livelihoods.

• Gender Inclusivity in Agriculture: Focusing on the feminization of agriculture by empowering women farmers through training, resources, and market access.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit organization, SumArth's funding primarily comes from grants, donations, and partnerships with various foundations and government bodies. Notable supporters include the ATE Chandra Foundation, Nalanda Charitable Foundation, NABARD, and the ICICI Foundation. These collaborations enable SumArth to implement its programs and expand its reach to a broader farmer base.

Pipeline Development

SumArth has developed several initiatives to support farmers:

• "Magical Mushroom" Project: Launched to provide women farmers with a sustainable livelihood through mushroom cultivation, offering daily income and a minimum of double return within 45 days.

• Honey Production Initiative: Started in 2017 to enhance the income of landless families, resulting in approximately ₹1.5 million earned by 52 farmers through low-cost honey production.

• Farmer Producer Organization (FPO): Establishment of Tekari Agro Producer Company Limited, where local farmers are shareholders, fostering community ownership and better market access.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SumArth leverages several innovative approaches:

• Agri-Entrepreneurial Model: Empowering rural youth as community extension workers to provide services to fellow farmers, promoting decentralized agricultural support.

• Training and Capacity Building: Organizing training sessions to change farmers' practices for market-friendly products, including both classroom and practical modes.

• Market Linkage and Post-Harvest Management: Ensuring the best market price through pre-planning of market linkages and post-harvest management to connect farmers with the right customers and marketplaces for higher returns.

Leadership Team

SumArth is led by a dedicated team:

• Prabhat Kumar: Co-Founder, an electrical engineer who returned to his village to transform agriculture and empower farmers.

• Mayank Jain: Co-Founder, collaborating with Prabhat Kumar to implement SumArth's initiatives.

• Shashi Ranjan Kumar: Chief Development Officer, overseeing program development and implementation.

• Vishwesh Kumar: Gender and Communication Lead, focusing on gender inclusivity and communication strategies.

• Surbhi Kumari: Field Officer, engaging directly with farmers in the field.

• Rinku Kumari: Field Officer, supporting on-ground activities and farmer engagement.

• Kumari Sristi Verma: Director, leading strategic initiatives and organizational growth.

• Ravi: ICT Specialist, managing technological infrastructure.

• Gaurav: Operations Lead, ensuring smooth operational processes.

• Rohit: Marketing Specialist, handling outreach and market strategies.

• Abhishek: Project Manager, coordinating various projects and ensuring their successful execution.

• Vishnuchit Anand: Mentor, providing guidance and strategic advice to the team.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SumArth has established significant collaborations with:

• ATE Chandra Foundation: Supporting SumArth's initiatives in empowering farmers.

• Nalanda Charitable Foundation: Collaborating on various agricultural development programs.

• NABARD: Partnering to enhance rural livelihoods and promote sustainable agriculture.

• ICICI Foundation: Providing support for agricultural training and market linkage programs.

Operational Insights

SumArth's operational strategy involves:

• Community Engagement: Actively involving local communities in decision-making and implementation processes.

• Sustainable Practices: Promoting eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural methods.

• Capacity Building: Offering continuous training and support to farmers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SumArth aims to:

• Expand Reach: Extend its programs to more districts and states to impact a larger farmer population.

• Enhance Technological Integration: Incorporate advanced technologies to improve agricultural practices and market access.

• Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations to bring in additional resources and expertise.

• Focus on Women Empowerment: Continue to prioritize initiatives that empower women farmers, ensuring gender inclusivity in agriculture.

Contact Information

• Official Website: SumArth official website.

• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

• Headquarters Location: Gaya, Bihar, India