DFC and USAID Announce $55 Million Guarantee Program in India

The initiative will introduce and support clean technologies for small farmers, especially women, that improve market relations and increase incomes while having a positive impact on the environment. Financial support will be complemented with technical support led by the Rabo Foundation to help focus on areas of business management and build stronger relationships with markets. The loan will be provided to the farmer producer organizations by three Indian lenders- Samunnati Financial, Manavya and Avanti Finance, a statement said.

“At USAID, we believe that giving farmers access to cleaner, more affordable technology can improve community livelihoods and climate resilience. In addition, clean technologies can help meet agricultural demand, address food insecurity, and improve nutrition. This support will meet the health and economic needs of vulnerable farming communities severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Warren Harrity, USAID India Director (Program Support).

Pim Moll, chief executive of the Rabo Foundation, said that only by joining forces and creating valuable partnerships, can small farmers be provided with the space and opportunities they need to improve their livelihoods and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Manish Thakkar, Chief Operating Officer, Avanti Finance, said, “We believe aggregation can solve many of the problems faced by small farmers and this initiative goes a long way towards increasing collectivity by encouraging the participation of mainstream capital providers. can decide.”