Agriculture
The Great Indian Teff
Introducing teff — a climate-resilient, nutrient-rich grain — to support both farmers’ incomes and nutritional security.
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Transforming agriculture, transforming lives
Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Transformation
Kadamba Foundation has been instrumental in transforming the agricultural landscape of Uttara Kannada by promoting sustainable farming practices, crop diversification and farmer-centric innovations.
About this area
Background
With a deep understanding of rural challenges, Kadamba has built an integrated ecosystem that combines scientific intervention, traditional wisdom and market-linkage support — empowering farmers to move from subsistence to sustainable prosperity.
Kadamba’s agricultural initiatives go beyond crop development; they represent a holistic transformation of rural livelihoods. By integrating innovation, sustainability and community participation, Kadamba has empowered thousands of farmers to build resilient, diversified and future-ready agricultural systems.
From reviving traditional practices to introducing global crops and technologies, Kadamba continues to redefine agriculture as a pathway to dignity, stability and long-term prosperity.
What we focus on
- Farmer-centric programmes in horticulture, plantation crops and diversification
- Promotion of sustainable agriculture and best practices
- Climate-resilient agriculture and livelihood models
- Capacity building, market linkages and enterprise development
Our approach
How we work in this area
- 01
Diversify
High-value intercrops — cocoa, agar wood, lac, spices — alongside areca nut and coconut.
- 02
Restore
Organic practices and patented microbial consortia for soil health.
- 03
Research
Collaborations with CSIR–CFTRI, CSIR–CIMAP, CPCRI, ICAR-IINRG, CIAE and UAS Dharwad.
- 04
Connect
Rural marketing centres and the Kadamba Agro Producers Company.
Initiatives & activities
Initiatives in Agriculture & Rural Transformation
Agriculture
Organic Farming
Restoring soil health with natural inputs and a US-patented microbial consortia methodology — and helping farmers reach organic markets.
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Agriculture · 2009–2017
Cocoa Cultivation
Turning unused interspaces in areca nut and coconut gardens into productive cocoa — 11.5 lakh plants for 5,829 farmers.
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Agriculture · Since 2013
Lac (Gumlac) Cultivation
Kadamba pioneered the revival of lac farming in Karnataka — an inclusive, low-investment livelihood that earned a LAC Promotion Institutional Award.
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Agriculture · Since 2009
Agar Wood Cultivation
A low-maintenance, high-value tree that serves as a long-term financial asset for farmers — now grown by 1,500+ farmers.
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Agriculture
Cashew Development
Converting barren wasteland into wealth — 2.77 lakh cashew plants for 1,159 farmers.
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Agriculture · Since 2010
Sandalwood Development
Promoting sandalwood on agricultural wastelands as a high-value, long-term asset for farmers.
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Agriculture
Horticulture Development
Multi-cropping systems that add high-value crops — cocoa, agar wood, lac, floriculture and spices — alongside traditional ones.
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Agriculture
Rubber Development Programme
With the Indian Rubber Board, establishing rubber as a viable commercial crop in Uttara Kannada.
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Agriculture
Vanilla Rejuvenation
Research collaborations to revive vanilla as a high-value, export-oriented crop after disease losses.
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Agriculture
Palmarosa Cultivation
A drought-resistant aromatic crop under the Aroma Mission — with essential-oil micro-enterprises led by women.
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Agriculture
Chia Seeds Cultivation
Trialling drought-hardy chia as part of making agriculture food-secure and drought-proof.
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Agriculture · 19 December 2013
Farm Machinery Exhibition
A landmark exhibition that showcased 118+ agricultural technologies to thousands of farmers.
Read MoreFrom the field
Related photographs
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Other program areas
Collaborate
Want to collaborate on this initiative?
Talk to us about partnering on Agriculture & Rural Transformation — as a CSR partner, institution, researcher or volunteer.