Prioritizing Welfare and Prosperity of Marginalized Communities – CM Devendra Fadnavis

BAIF-Implemented Livelihood Project in Etapalli Spurs Employment, Community Participation Through SBI Foundation Support

Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized that the welfare and prosperity of marginalized communities is a key priority of the state government. With support from corporate foundations, a new livelihood development project implemented by BAIF in Gadchiroli’s backward Etapalli taluka is creating avenues for local employment and improving living standards in the region.

Responding proactively to CM Fadnavis’s appeal, BAIF, with financial backing from SBI Foundation, has launched a three-year integrated livelihood development program (from April 1, 2025) in 20 villages of Etapalli taluka. With a projected cost of ₹4.95 crore, the initiative will benefit 1,500 families, aiming to improve their quality of life by promoting climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture, and enhancing livelihood opportunities.

The program focuses on:

• Expanding climate-friendly, sustainable farming
• Promoting wadi-based (agro-horti-forestry) systems
• Soil and water conservation
• Development of water sources
• Inland fish farming in farm ponds
• Women entrepreneurship and institution building
• Community health, sanitation, and nutrition awareness

As of June 30, 2025, 500 families have already been registered under this initiative. 15 farm ponds have been desilted to enhance water storage capacity for agriculture. The wadi-based model integrates fish farming, poultry, and irrigation use from pond water, encouraging efficient water use and multiple livelihood streams.

The project aims to double the income of participant families by 2027-28 compared to their current earnings. It also envisions increased agricultural productivity, collective procurement and marketing through farmer groups, and improved health and nutritional outcomes, ultimately uplifting the standard of living.

Thanks to CM Fadnavis’s dedicated follow-up, and with active collaboration from corporate foundations, the BAIF-led project is producing inspiring results in Gadchiroli—demonstrating how inclusive development can be achieved even in remote, underdeveloped regions.