Samaj Pragati Sahayog

The Self-Help Groups (SHG) programme, a cornerstone of SPS's work, focuses on empowering deprived women. Through the formation of SHGs in villages and towns, SPS provides formal and timely sources of credit, breaking the cycle of intergenerational debt bondage. Savings programmes enable the poor to escape the clutches of moneylenders. The SHG federations, comprising nested institutions of SHGs, Cluster Development Associations, and Federations, serve as community voices, partnering with the Government and other organisations for effective empowerment. Tied to livelihood initiatives, the SHG programme offers various financial products, including savings, deposits, loans, and insurance, enabling women to reinvest in income-generating activities, family well-being, and education. With a focus on financial and procedural discipline, transparency, and external audits, the programme ensures responsibility an efficiency, while community contributions cover a good portion of its expenses.

SPS's watershed management programme addresses low and erratic rainfall by constructing water harvesting structures, increasing crop yields by 10-20% (Kharif) and 60-70% (Rabi). The value of agricultural production has doubled, distress migration reduced, and employment opportunities created. Emphasizing equity and sustainability, SPS promotes inclusive water sharing and collective management, overcoming resistance through non-violent strategies.

SPS's Livestock Programme supports small and marginal farmers in dairy farming, poultry rearing, and goat rearing. Efforts include improving animal health, ensuring access to water and fodder, facilitating credit availability, and establishing fair milk collection systems. The programme has expanded to focus on small ruminants and poultry, providing institutional credit, veterinary care, and training for effective management. Animal healthcare programmes run through federations, leveraging Government resources for vaccination, medicines, health camps, and fodder support.

In the impoverished tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, SPS addresses the urgent need for health and nutrition reforms. Its Nutrition and Education programme works to improve food-related entitlement schemes, generate awareness, increase local participation, and advocate for Government reforms. Through its work in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services, SPS has improved the quantity and quality of meals in schools and enhanced the functioning of Anganwadis. It conducts growth monitoring exercises, identifies malnourished children, and provides support through Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers. SPS also focuses on improving the functioning of the Public Distribution System, ensuring that eligible households can access their entitlements. Additionally, it assists in facilitating Government pension schemes, benefitting over 200 individuals.

SPS implements sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the watershed's resources, with field trials of improved crop varieties and the promotion of No-Pesticide Management (NPM) farming. Over 7,600 farmers practice NPM agriculture, while trained Community Resource Persons (CRPs) bridge the gap in agriculture extension. The programme utilizes community videos and MIS software for knowledge dissemination, data capture, and impact assessment, ensuring effective advisory support and promoting chemical-free farming for enhanced soil fertility.

Smallholder farmers in India, comprising over 85% of the farming population, face challenges in fragmented markets and debt cycles. SPS recognizes the need for collective action and market intervention to support smallholder farming. It has established an independent Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), RRPPCL, which aggregates commodities from smallholder farmers associated with SHGs. The FPO connects with corporate buyers and Government schemes, ensuring fair market prices and weakening the power of traders. In 2015, RRPPCL became the first FPO to enter the online marketplace, conducting transactions in the future market to protect farmers from price volatility. Plans are underway to establish a produce processing centre, enabling value addition and advancing farmers along the value chain.