About MITRA

MITRA Foundation is a grassroots development organization established in 2013 in Barshi, Maharashtra, working towards inclusive and sustainable development of vulnerable and underserved communities.

2013Est.
Year
MITRA Foundation team Field activities
Who We Are

Building Opportunities.
Strengthening Communities.

MITRA Foundation – Mission of Integrated Training on Rural and Agriculture Development – is a grassroots development organization established in 2013 in Barshi, Maharashtra.

Since its establishment, MITRA has worked closely with rural communities, particularly women, small and marginal farmers, youth and underserved families.

Our work focuses on strengthening livelihoods, improving access to finance, developing skills, promoting education, supporting women and community institutions, and encouraging sustainable approaches to development.

"We believe that lasting change happens when communities have the knowledge, skills, resources, institutions and opportunities to shape their own future."

Read Our Story Institutional Profile

Organization Profile

History

Established in 2013, MITRA Foundation (Mission of Integrated Training on Rural and Agriculture Development) started its journey by mobilizing poor women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and enhancing their leadership qualities. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a prominent grassroots development organization acting as a catalyst for economic independence and sustainable livelihood creation.

Communities We Serve

Our core focus is on the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. We work extensively with poor women, small and marginal farmers, rural youth, children, and underprivileged families to provide them with the knowledge, resources, and institutional support necessary to take control of their own lives.

Geographic Experience

MITRA operates primarily in the drought-prone regions of Maharashtra, focusing on the Solapur and Beed districts. We have successfully implemented projects across over 120 villages in the Barshi block, and have expanded our footprint to Vairag, Madha, and Karmala blocks to deliver targeted community interventions.

Programs

Our interventions span across multiple sectors:

  • Livelihoods & Micro-Enterprises: Promotion and financing of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) for dairy, retail, and agricultural activities.
  • Environmental Sustainability: The 'Save Water Campaign', Krishi Saptah, and extensive tree plantation drives.
  • Education & Social Development: Career guidance workshops, child labor eradication programs, and health/COVID-19 awareness.

Our Approach

We believe that poor individuals are credit-worthy and trustworthy. Instead of charity, we provide opportunities for self-employment. Our methodology relies heavily on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to understand community needs. We prioritize community mobilization, extensive capacity-building training, structured grading systems, and linkages with formal financial institutions to foster sustainable development.

Institutional Development

Collaboration is at the heart of our success. A major milestone for MITRA has been the execution of tripartite agreements with NABARD and the Vidharbha Konkan Gramin Bank (VKGB). Through these partnerships, we have successfully promoted and financed over 465 Joint Liability Groups, significantly expanding credit access for rural women entrepreneurs.

Future Direction

Looking ahead, MITRA Foundation aims to scale our livelihood and community empowerment models. We are committed to fostering stronger collaborations with CSR entities, government bodies, and knowledge institutions to continue driving measurable, grassroots impact and building resilient communities across a broader geography.