Spotlight
Climate Asia 2026: Farming for a Changing Future
(Pawan Kumar, principal lead, Agriculture Development, S M Sehgal Foundation speaking at the panel)
(S M Sehgal Foundation as knowledge partner at the Climate Asia 2026)
The focus of “Climate Asia 2026” stayed on this question: How can agriculture continue to support people and the planet as climate pressures grow?
S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF), as the knowledge partner for the event, was closely involved throughout. On Day 1, a roundtable on clean and sustainable livelihoods featured Pawan Kumar, who spoke about SMSF’s work with rural communities and how farmers are finding practical ways to adapt to climate challenges.
On Day 2, SMSF curated a panel, “Climate-Resilient Agriculture—From Fields to Future,” with Jameel Ahmed, Pawan Kumar, Samir Mirza, Sneha Maheshwari, and Dr. Anchal Dass. The discussion remained grounded in field realities: what is working, what needs attention, and where efforts should go next. Read more…
Stories of Change
(Kajal with Monica and her mother using the tablet for studies)
In Dadar village of Alwar district, Rajasthan, Kajal recalled how her sister Monica’s determination transformed a setback into success. Their father, a daily wage laborer, supported their education, while their mother stood by them at every step. After attending a digital and life skills program in school, Kajal understood the value of digital access. Monica, who scored 81.17% in Class 10 and earned the Gargi Award, was selected for a government program to receive a tablet, but her name was removed. Drawing on her training, Kajal persisted through multiple offices with her mother, ensuring the application was resubmitted correctly. Their efforts paid off when Monica finally received the tablet. The tablet now supports Monica’s studies as well as her siblings’ studies, highlighting how awareness and the right support can unlock opportunities.
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Partnership Highlights
(Buyer-seller meet at Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka)
(Field visit to engage with farmers and observe the on-ground impact of regenerative agriculture initiatives)
Strengthening Coffee Livelihoods
S M Sehgal Foundation brought together two on-ground efforts under the India Coffee Climate Resilient Landscape (ICCRL) program. Supported by JDE Peet’s, HUL, and IDH, the initiative links market access with field learning for small-farm coffee growers in Chikkamagaluru and Hassan, Karnataka.
A Buyer–Seller Meet connected more than 600 farmers directly with buyers, roasters, and service providers throughout 36+ stalls. Farmers explored market opportunities, inputs, and sustainable practices, and discussions highlighted soil health and better nutrient management. Women farmers made up nearly 60 percent of participants, reflecting their growing role in coffee farming and decision-making.
A few days later, on another field visit to a demonstration farm in Chikkamagaluru, farmers and partners gathered to share experiences with regenerative practices such as the use of Jeevamrutha, composting, and beekeeping. A live demonstration included open discussions on what is working on the ground.
Read more: Buyer–Seller Meet | Field Interaction
(S M Sehgal Foundation, Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT team together for MoU signing)
Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture
On April 1, 2026, S M Sehgal Foundation and the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT formalized a partnership with a memorandum of understanding in New Delhi under the Centre for Fruitful India (CFI) initiative. The collaboration combines research and field experience to support sustainable agriculture among smallholder farmers. The partnership focus is on practical interventions such as kitchen gardens, fruit tree plantations, improved irrigation practices, and strengthening nurseries as local resource centers, with attention to water-use efficiency and community participation. Read more…
(Mercer team volunteers in Palwal, Haryana)
(SMSF and Mercer teams together)
A Day of Collective Action in Allika Village
On April 16, 2026, S M Sehgal Foundation, along with Mercer, a Marsh business, gathered their teams and community members in Allika village, Palwal, Haryana, for a day that centered on shared action and local impact.
More than 100 Mercer team members, including senior leadership, joined Village Development Committees, School Management Committees, Panchayati Raj representatives, and students at the Government Senior Secondary School. Infrastructure improvements were unveiled that support a better learning environment for 120 students. A rejuvenated village pond, with a water harvesting capacity of over 13 million liters, was also inaugurated, strengthening local water conservation efforts. Read more…
(DEWATS with IoT-based online monitoring)
A Step Toward Sustainable Water Management
A pilot decentralized wastewater treatment system (DEWATS) with IoT-based online monitoring is under construction at Sehlanga Village Pond, Jhajjar (Haryana) with a capacity of 73 KLD. The initiative is supported by DCB Bank and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation. In a region where saline groundwater limits irrigation, treated and recycled greywater from this system will help irrigate 20–30 acres of farmland, reducing dependence on freshwater and conserving vital water resources.
Month At A Glance
Anjali Makhija Speaks at the WICCI Environment & Sustainable Living Council Summit
Anjali Makhija was invited as a Speaker and Awardee at the WICCI Environment & Sustainable Living Council Summit held on 28 April 2026 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
At this inspiring gathering of women leaders, she was presented with the award “Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All”.
During her panel, Anjali spoke about the critical role of women in agriculture and highlighted how Krishi Sakhis at S M Sehgal Foundation are advancing climate-smart agricultural practices, strengthening rural livelihoods, and creating sustainable impact at the grassroots level.
Read more…
(SMSF team during behavior training)
Workshop on Understanding Behavior Styles
Jan Dirk (JD) Geertsema, a management consultant, coach, and trainer, conducted a series of workshops designed for leadership teams, first-year university students, and young professionals to better understand behavior styles in the workplace. The sessions focused on how individuals think, communicate, and respond in different situations, helping participants build stronger working relationships and improve team dynamics. Drawing on more than twenty-five years of research in human behavior, JD provided practical insights into everyday workplace interactions.
(Jay Sehgal, chairperson and trustee with Niti Saxena, CTO and Salahuddin Saiphy, principal lead, Water Management at SMSF during the field visit)
Field Visits Highlight On-Ground Impact
Senior leadership from S M Sehgal Foundation, including Mr. Jay Sehgal and Dr. Subba Rao, visited Kareem Nagar village in Medak, Telangana, to engage directly with communities and review ongoing work. They interacted with beneficiaries of initiatives such as solar streetlights, drip irrigation, women-led nurseries, and Krishi Sakhis, who shared how these efforts are supporting farmer livelihoods and farm practices. In a separate visit to Pinangwan village, Nuh, Mr. Jay Sehgal, Ms. Niti Saxena, and Mr. Salahuddin Saiphy reviewed a pilot on wastewater reuse for agriculture. Farmers reported using treated water to irrigate wheat and mustard across 18 acres, offering a practical solution in areas with saline groundwater. The team also visited a soak pit in Dhadoli Kalan and guided farmers on its upkeep and efficient water use. Read more…
Live Radio Program on Biochar Promotes Sustainable Farming Practices
The daily live program of Radio Connect 107.8, aired every morning at 11:00 AM, recently featured a unique and insightful discussion for farmers. One of the latest episodes introduced listeners to ‘biochar,’ a relatively new and unfamiliar term for many, sparking curiosity and interest among the farming community. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, this special live session delivered important and practical agricultural information. During the program, agricultural expert Mr. Pawan Kumar joined live and spoke in detail on the topic, “Biochar: An Effective Soil Conditioner.”
The primary objective of the program was to familiarize farmers with modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming practices. Women and men farmers participated enthusiastically in the live session. While women listeners showed particular interest in understanding how biochar can be prepared at home and its various applications, male farmers raised questions regarding the appropriate quantity, preparation methods, and effectiveness of biochar.
The program proved to be informative as well as motivating, encouraging farmers to adopt new techniques and strengthen their agricultural practices.
More from SMSF
Podcast
SMSF Connect Podcast features a bouquet of interesting programs about rural development and other social issues and themes. TUNE IN to our podcast channel on I-RadioLive. Podcasts also available on Spotify.
Contributors: S M Sehgal Foundation team
Photo Credits: S M Sehgal Foundation staff
Design and Production: Outreach for Development team
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