Participatory Rural Development Initiatives Society (PRDIS)

In 2021, PRDIS teamed up with ILO India to tackle labour-related hurdles and foster more inclusive and sustainable economies. The collaborative effort led to the implementation of a pilot project titled "Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in the Cotton Supply Chain" in 10 villages each in Warangal and Nalgonda districts, areas specifically emphasized by ILO.
The fundamental objective of FPRW is to safeguard workers' rights, enhance working conditions, and facilitate social dialogue. ILO is committed to advancing social justice by advocating for fair wages, eradicating child labour, preventing forced labour, and combating workplace discrimination.

In April 2022, Risk Management Solutions Inc (RMSI) initiated a digital agriculture program titled "Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management" aimed at supporting rural livelihoods. The implementation of this initiative was carried out by the Participatory Rural Development Initiatives Society (PRDIS). This digital Agricultural Technology Initiative aimed to empower smallholder farmers by providing them access to vital information on farming techniques, location-specific practices, weather forecasts, and market prices through their mobile phones.

Bhoothpur mandal in the Mahboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh underwent field activities to establish itself as a model mandal. Several initiatives were organized as part of this endeavour, including health camps, innovative agricultural demonstrations, awareness camps, and seasonal agricultural campaigns as primary activities. The 17 villages within the mandal underwent holistic Micro Planning for Integrated Rural Development using a participatory vision, adopting a unique approach known as the Village Level Participatory Approach.

One National Workshop and five district-based workshops on Biotechnology for Sustainable Agricultural Development were organized in collaboration with the Biotechnology Unit, (A.P. Netherlands Biotechnology Programme), I.P.E., Hyderabad.
Additionally, two training programs were conducted for representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) focused on the preparation of micro plans using the village-level participatory approach for integrated rural development and project formulation, supported by CAPART, Government of India. These training sessions engaged around 80 participants who continue to receive periodic monitoring and guidance from PRDIS.

PRDIS is affiliated with BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) and holds recognition as an Implementing Partner for BCI programs. It operates within Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka for the BCI Programme since 2013. Initially, Krushi Foundation, an NGO based in Karimnagar district, and We Care Society (WCS), an NGO in Karnataka, were selected as Local Partners. Subsequently, in 2014, Sarvareddy Venkureddy Foundation for Development (SVFD) in Guntur was also included as a local partner. The program engaged approximately 12,000 farmers during 2014, with PRDIS covering 5,000 farmers in Mahabubnagar, 3,500 in Karimnagar, 3,500 in Raichur, and 1,000 in Guntur, encompassing a total of 24,000 hectares of land.

With the backing of IDH-SSI, PRDIS successfully conducted field days showcasing sustainable chili crop practices as part of the Sustainable Spices programme. This involved 5,000 farmers in Guntur District and 2,000 farmers in Khammam District. The field days and their outcomes were observed by key stakeholders, including IDH, private partners (members of the Sustainable Spices Initiative), farmers, representatives from the spice board, the agriculture department, and PRDIS associates. An exhibition was held, highlighting various program activities, which attracted numerous visitors. Farmers and other stakeholders were highly impressed with the interventions and expressed willingness to adopt these practices in the upcoming seasons.

The Agricultural Marketing Department of Telangana State collaborated with the Participatory Rural Development Initiatives Society (PRDIS) to conduct a program. Approximately 60 carefully chosen participants underwent a 40-day training aimed at fostering young entrepreneurs from scheduled caste communities. The training focused on agriculture and allied sectors, placing a special emphasis on agricultural marketing.