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Program

Improving Rural Livelihoods Through Agricultural Reforms

Small farmers in India struggle to sell heritage crops for full value, so we help farmers and public agencies reduce barriers to markets and build demand for local products.

A young Rajasthani woman in traditional dress balancing a metal kalash (pot) adorned with neem leaves on her head during a ceremonial procession in Rajasthan, India.

India’s indigenous and geographically indicated agricultural products hold cultural and commercial value, but many small farmers struggle to receive the full value of products such as mahua, turmeric, galgal, and jamun in domestic and international markets.

TAF’s heritage agriculture programming is changing that by helping farmers and government agencies address the fragmented supply chains, limited market access, low consumer awareness, and gaps in certification and traceability that have been impediments to sales and revenue growth of domestic agricultural products.

Accomplishments

Mapped barriers to stronger markets

Generated evidence on market access, certification, and value addition challenges affecting heritage agricultural products.

Engaged key actors across the ecosystem

Consulted stakeholders from government, producer groups, the private sector, and market intermediaries.

Grounded recommendations in local value chains

Field studies and value chain assessments have been completed across multiple locations in Jharkhand and Odisha.

Identified gaps in certification benefits

Early findings have highlighted uneven access to geographically indicated certification benefits in the Kandhamal turmeric value chain.

Built momentum for heritage agriculture

Government and market actors have shown growing interest in the commercial, export, and rural development potential of heritage products.

Advanced pathways for farmer participation

Policy and market recommendations have been developed to strengthen access to premium markets, support rural enterprise growth, and improve value chain resilience.

OUR APPROACH

TAF is using field research, value chain assessments, market analysis, and consultations with government agencies, farmer groups, the private sector, and the hospitality industry to identify practical ways to improve market access and strengthen supply chains.  

The initiative is developing a replicable framework that links evidence, market engagement, and policy recommendations to support sustainable rural livelihoods.