Economic Impact of Sustainable Guar Sourcing

Farming as a Business

India represents 80% of worldwide guar production, with 29% of that coming from the Rajasthan region, where 80% of the population depends on agriculture. Traditional farming has long been about survival, but SGI is changing that by training farmers to consider farming as a modern enterprise. TechnoServe experts teach farmers vital business skills, such as financial planning, market analysis, and effective resource management. Through this training, farmers learn to maximize productivity, diversify crops, and evaluate market trends to make strategic decisions. The initiative also introduces technology adoption and land management practices that streamline operations and increase profitability. As a result, farmers are no longer just growers, they become entrepreneurs, developing an economically secure and growth-oriented community.

Strengthening the Supply Chain

The First Mile, where raw materials are cultivated, is crucial for sustainability. SGI focuses on this often-overlooked phase by providing farmers with training and fair market access. This includes the creation of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs) that play a vital role in establishing forward and backward linkages.

Farmers are first aggregated into FPGs, with active members forming village-level Farmer Committees (FCs). These FC leaders are then selected to form Steering Committees (SCs) and ultimately the Board of Directors (BoD). Regular meetings across all tiers ensure smooth functioning, focusing on procurement, shareholder enrolment, and business activities.

Through these initiatives, we have made significant improvements, strengthening farmers’ economic viability and fostering a resilient agricultural community.
 

Blockchain Provenance

An important aspect of the Sustainable Guar Initiative is its integration of blockchain technology. Through blockchain, SGI adds transparency and trust to the supply chain. Every step of Guar’s journey can be documented, ensuring fair compensation and ethical standards. This tech-forward approach helps to keep our processes transparent and empowers every participant in the chain.