Madhya Pradesh

Agriculture

Outline India partnered with American Institutes for Research and Laudes Foundation (erstwhile C&A Foundation) to conduct a follow-up study on the socio-economic and environmental outcomes of organic cotton farm initiatives in Madhya Pradesh, India. The study primarily focused on helping smallholder cotton farmers improve their livelihood through organic cotton cultivation. 

Laudes Foundation works with cotton farmers in Madhya Pradesh through its partner organizations- Action for Social Advancement (ASA), Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). While each IP has its own distinct implementation model, all share the overall goal of fostering a self-sufficient organic cotton farming community where farmers can obtain direct access to a stable organic cotton market, gain additional income, and ultimately improve their livelihoods.

Outline India, as a part of this study, conducted the community mapping exercise and pretest with cotton farmers in Chhindwara district of MP. The main study was carried out with 1200 farmers across 2 districts (Barwani & Chhindwara) in MP and included a soil testing component as well. OI was heavily involved in reviewing of quantitative, qualitative and supply chain mapping tools, preparing training material, conducting training, monitoring fieldwork for the pilot and pretest and submitting a detailed field report.