Rural Education and Development Society (READS)

READS, a registered NGO under the Chhattisgarh Societies Act, has been dedicated to uplifting communities across Northern Chhattisgarh for over a decade. Operating in nearly 454 villages spanning 12 blocks across four districts, READS focuses on various sectors including agriculture, horticulture, women empowerment, water conservation, and institution-building. In partnership with government schemes like MGNREGA and WADI, READS has significantly impacted the lives of over 16,500 farmers and 600 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Notably, the majority of farmers engaged with READS are from scheduled tribes, often characterized as small and marginal landholders. Prior to READS' interventions, the region grappled with poverty, distress migration, and indebtedness. However, through strategic efforts, it has transformed into a promising hub for diverse agricultural and horticultural products. READS' initiatives have been instrumental in this transformation, particularly in the introduction of highly remunerative crops such as Mango, cashew, Strawberry, Apple, and pears in Jashpur. Moreover, READS facilitates the scaling up of tomato and chili cultivation by offering comprehensive support to farmers. Through the Comprehensive Skill Development Scheme for Agriculture (CSSDA) of the Chhattisgarh state government, READS has trained over 2000 farmers, enhancing their agricultural practices and boosting their incomes. To ensure farmers benefit fully from their produce, READS has established post-processing facilities for scented rice and cashew in Jashpur. These facilities not only add value to the products but also enable farmers to command higher prices, thereby improving their economic status.