Celebrating 15 Years of Krishi Jyoti
Enlighted Agriculture. That is what Krishi Jyoti means – but what the Villages program in India means to farmers and families is so much more.
Fifteen years ago, The Mosaic Company came together with the S M Sehgal Foundation to help farmers achieve greater food security. We started in just two villages in the Nuh district of Haryana and have now grown to five states, 183 villages and impacted more than 160,000 people.
“Remember that development is a slow process that requires patience and unwavering commitment to yield results,” said Suri Sehgal, Founder and Chairperson, S M Sehgal Foundation. “Fifteen years and counting, Krishi Jyoti is an example that a thousand miles begins with a single step. Each step describes the strength of a vision and the efforts thereafter. Like a seed sown with humility, many like-minded partners have come together to walk a common path, illuminating the way ahead. Let us remember to always treat the pillars of our food economy with dignity and respect, for they are the ones who grow our daily bread.”
With a focus on agricultural development, water management, and education, Krishi Jyoti aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of ending poverty and hunger while promoting sustainable agriculture. As water is a vital agricultural resource, 18 check dams have been built which have captured and stored over 149 million gallons of rainwater for irrigation and other purposes. The project’s agriculture development is making a critical impact on small-holder farmers. More than 75,000 families have benefited from improved agricultural productivity. Two years ago, Krishi Jyoti expanded to promote kitchen gardens as well – currently 1,800 gardens have been established providing increased nutrition for women, their families and adding income.
The project understands the crucial role education has in the success of not only Krishi Jyoti but for communities and children that reside in these rural areas. “In addition to the benefits Krishi Jyoti has delivered for farmers, we are pleased to have revitalized schools in many communities to ensure that the villages can thrive for the long term,” said Ben Pratt, Senior Vice President – Government and Public Affairs, The Mosaic Company. Currently, the program has helped transform more than 40 schools improving infrastructure, installing safe drinking water units and sanitation facilities (for both boys and girls), and provision of hand washing basins, among other projects.
“Our commitment to helping the world grow the food it needs is at the heart of everything we do,” explained Jenny Wang, Senior Vice President – Global Strategic Marketing, The Mosaic Company. “I am proud to say that with Krishi Jyoti project, we are working directly with farmers to fulfill this mission."
Agriculture is not just about planting crops or raising livestock; it is about feeding humanity and sustaining our way of life. Mosaic is proud to partner with S M Sehgal Foundation and are honored to continue to work with small holder farmers in India to support thriving, abundant communities for years to come.