Gates Funding to Support SIMI Work

Winrock is partnering with IDE to implement a four-year Gates Foundation agricultural value-chain grant. The Gates grant will be integrated with the USAID supported and Winrock implemented Smallholder Irrigation Market Initiative (SIMI). SIMI has facilitated the adoption of micro irrigation for high-value vegetable production by over 40,000 households, benefiting over 250,000 people and increasing annual incomes by nearly 100 percent. The project has developed supply chains for micro irrigation equipment smallholders in 11 of Nepal's 75 districts and facilitated the construction of 40 multi use water systems. A network of 70 democratically elected marketing and planning committees have established vegetable collection centers, offered technical services, and provided representation for smallholders on policy and development issues. Working closely with government agencies, donors, NGOs, and community organizations SIMI has played an influential role in promoting practical value-chain approaches to reach poor smallholders.

Gopinath S
Chief Executive
nRG Consulting Services
Bangalore, India
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