Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh:
In the tribal heartland of Kundam block—where poverty and migration once overshadowed daily life—a silent revolution is unfolding. The SBI Foundation’s Gram Saksham Project, implemented in partnership with Lok Kalyan Bhumika Samiti (LKBS), is turning hope into reality by creating sustainable livelihoods and restoring self-reliance among marginalized families.
Guided by the vision of Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, the initiative has already transformed five villages in Jabalpur district. Within a short span, the construction of 60 irrigation structures has ended decades of water scarcity, enabling farmers to cultivate with confidence and safeguard their crops against drought. What were once barren lands now yield fertile fields, ensuring both food security and economic stability.
To strengthen the livelihoods of landless households, the project has supported 50 vulnerable families by distributing two goats per household, complete with insurance coverage to minimize risks. Alongside this, 125 small farmers have been equipped with vegetable seed kits, triggering a surge in local vegetable production that has improved both incomes and household nutrition.
The transformation is not confined to physical assets alone; it extends deeply into knowledge and capacity building. The renovated Village Farmer Training Centre (Kisan Bhawan) now serves as a vibrant hub of learning, where farmers and women self-help group members are trained in goat rearing, vegetable cultivation, and sustainable water management practices. Exposure visits to the Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University at Amanala, Jabalpur, have further expanded their horizons, introducing them to modern, practical techniques that empower them to dream bigger and work smarter.
The impact is visible across the villages. Where migration was once an unavoidable compulsion, families are now staying back to work on their own farms. Rising incomes, better nutrition, and renewed dignity have replaced despair with confidence. As one farmer expressed with pride:
“Earlier we had no choice but to leave our homes in search of work. Today, thanks to SBI Foundation, we earn a livelihood with dignity in our own fields. The dream of self-reliance is now a reality.”
Reflecting on this transformation, Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, shared:
“Water is the most critical component of human life, particularly for agrarian communities. Watershed development and the promotion of sustainable water management practices have been key focus areas of our Gram Saksham program. We are pleased to see the positive impact of our efforts in partnership with Lok Kalyan Bhumika Samiti in Jabalpur District, and we believe that the local communities will continue to take ownership of these interventions in the future.”
The Gram Saksham Project stands today as more than a development program—it is a movement of empowerment. By weaving together water conservation, livestock-based livelihoods, and nutrition-sensitive farming, the SBI Foundation has created a model of corporate social responsibility that is not only transforming lives in Madhya Pradesh but also offering a replicable path of hope and resilience for tribal communities across the country.
