Case Studies

Case Study: Sankalpa Agrotech Private Limited (PCN- S-P-142)

Introduction

Sankalpa Agrotech was established on 2nd April, 2017 as a single-owner company in Nepal. With the selection of the Terai Agribusiness and Enterprise Challenge Fund (TAECF), Sankalpa initiated a project focused on building climate resilience and reintegrating economically displaced workers through climate-smart agriculture in the Terai flood plain of Nepal. This project was implemented in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Mithila Bihari Municipality, Ward No-7, Dhanusha

Project Overview

The project covered five wards of Mithila Bihari Municipality, serving nine groups and 163 households. The project supported the local community with eight corn sheller machines and eight automatic sprayer tanks to promote climate-smart agricultural activities, such as maize demonstration at the local level.

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Figure 1  : Observing the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices at field

Objectives
  • Adopt Climate-Smart Technologies: Increase maize productivity through the adoption of innovative, climate-smart technologies.
  • Empower Smallholder Women and Minority Maize Growers: Enhance the farm income of smallholder women and minority maize growers.
  • Establish a Service-Production-Market Model: Develop an efficient maize value chain through a robust service-production-market model.
  • Reduce Dependency on Imported Maize Grains: Enhance domestic maize production to reduce reliance on imported maize grains.
  • Develop Private Sector-Led Technology and Extension Support System: Foster a private sector-led system for technology dissemination and extension support.
Grant Title: Scaling-Up Climate Smart Technologies for Sustainable Maize Value Chain Development.

Under this grant, Sankalpa Agrotech provides technical support to agribusiness farmers for maize cultivation processes. The company coordinates with local government bodies to co-create better maize cultivation practices. Additionally, Sankalpa offers 4.67 hectares of free agricultural insurance services in coordination with Azod Insurance Company of Madhesh Province. A buy-back guarantee for maize-selling farmers is also provided in cooperation with Green Feed Industries Pvt. Ltd., Dhanusha.

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Figure 2 : Provide technical service by grantee technician

Community Impact

Mithila Bihari Municipality Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Shova Devi Saha, extended her gratitude to Sankalpa Agrotech for encouraging maize cultivation in the region after a 40-year hiatus. The project has garnered appreciation from local stakeholders and farmers for its achievements in promoting climate resilience, maize cultivation, agricultural technical services, women’s leadership, and enabling an agribusiness environment in Mithila Bihari Municipality.

Figure 3 : Deputy mayor Shova devi saha handover the corn sheller machine to group leader

Conclusion

Sankalpa Agrotech’s initiative has significantly contributed to the agricultural sector in Mithila Bihari Municipality. Through the adoption of climate-smart technologies and the empowerment of local farmers, particularly women and minority groups, the project has laid a foundation for sustainable maize value chain development. The collaboration with local government bodies and private sector entities further strengthens the impact and sustainability of the project. Sankalpa Agrotech continues to strive towards its mission of enhancing domestic maize production, post harvesting, reducing dependency on imports, and fostering an efficient and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Nepal. Sankalpa Agrotech expresses its heartfelt thanks to all the stakeholders, local government bodies, and farmers for their unwavering support and collaboration in making this project a success. Special appreciation goes to the Mithila Bihari Municipality Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Shova Devi Saha, for her encouragement and support in promoting maize cultivation practices in the region.