Yuva Mitra

Yuva Mitra, in its commitment to rural development, has undertaken several impactful programs. It initiated water resource development and management efforts in 2008, focusing on reviving existing water bodies for community benefit. Through projects like Diversion Based Irrigation System regeneration, Jal Samruddhi (Drought Proofing), and catchment area development, it ensures sustainable water availability for drinking and irrigation. Moreover, Yuva Mitra engages in desilting water bodies, enhancing groundwater recharge, and strengthening water user associations, creating a model for replication. It also promotes micro-irrigation systems to address water scarcity and improve agricultural practices. Additionally, the organisation addresses drinking water security in underserved areas, benefitting communities in need.

Yuva Mitra has undertaken initiatives focusing on health and education. In response to the severe nutrition crisis in the Palghar district, it launched "Arogya Mitra," addressing issues of poverty, lack of awareness, and inadequate infrastructure. This project aims to reduce child and maternal malnutrition by screening, educating, and providing health and nutrition services. Yuva Mitra's efforts include awareness campaigns, health camps, sanitation improvements, and support for kitchen gardens. In parallel, "Sukanya" empowers adolescent girls through life skill development, promoting self-esteem and awareness. Additionally, the organisation collaborates with Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. to operate "Barakhadi Express," a mobile library initiative, providing access to a variety of books and fostering holistic learning in 74 schools of Baramati block.

Yuva Mitra, since 2012, has been dedicated to livelihood development, emphasizing non-agricultural and sustainable practices alongside agricultural initiatives for marginalized communities. Its Goatery-Based Women's Livelihood Development Programme empowers disadvantaged women through goat rearing, offering knowledge, market connections, and even goat insurance. Para-veterinary women (Pashu Sakhi) provide essential support at the village level. The Goat Resource Centre consolidates expertise and knowledge for small livestock farmers and organisations. Collaborating with Jindal Polymer Ltd., Yuva Mitra focuses on integrated village development, promoting women's economic empowerment, safe drinking water access, solid waste management, and life skills for adolescent girls. Furthermore, it empowers rural women through fashion designing, training over 380 economically disadvantaged girls and women, equipping them with skills and sewing machines for economic stability.

Yuva Mitra's Institution Building programme, initiated in 2010, focuses on establishing sustainable Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and promoting Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM). It addresses farmers' challenges, enhances productivity, and fosters direct consumer-farmer connections through 14 FPOs in Sinnar and one in Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab. Recognized by NABARD as a resource support agency, Yuva Mitra's expertise extends to creating Water Users Associations (WUAs) in PIM, empowering farmers to manage irrigation systems and boost water productivity. It also provides technical support for projects like the Gangrel Dam in Chattisgarh, promoting community self-reliance through field visits, exposure trips, and training initiatives.