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Towards Equal Foundation (TEF), a private foundation dedicated to creating a more equitable world, has provided financial support to the Tribal Health Initiative (THI) for their Upgrading Farmers’ Production Unit project.
TEF’s Mission and Vision
TEF believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and that communities can be empowered through access to resources and opportunities. Founded by Mahendran Balachandran and Sangeeta Prabhu Mahendran, TEF is dedicated to improving lives and fostering communities by creating opportunities and providing resources that empower individuals and communities to reach their full potential.
About Tribal Health Initiative (THI)
THI is a collective organization established in 1993 by Dr. Regi George and Dr. Lalitha Regi. It started as a small outpatient unit and has grown to include a 40-bed base hospital providing primary and secondary healthcare facilities, along with outreach programs focused on healthcare, education, and awareness in the local community. The project is located in the Sittilingi valley, a reserved forest area surrounded by hills, 92 km from Dharmapuri and 85 km from Salem.
Upgrading Farmers’ Production Unit Project
THI realized the need to address the socio-economic factors impacting the health of the tribal community. They launched the Tribal Farming Initiative to encourage farmers to return to traditional organic practices and empower them to become self-reliant while conserving the environment. TEF’s support has been instrumental in achieving this goal.
TEF’s Support
TEF’s funding has enabled THI to procure the following equipment:
- Turmeric Grading Machine: This machine addresses the issue of farmers receiving lower prices for ungraded turmeric, allowing them to fetch better prices for their produce. Around 150 farmers have benefited from this machine, which graded over 90 tons of turmeric in the last year.
- Chilly Powdering Machine: This machine allows farmers to process and sell organic chili powder at the SOFA unit, eliminating transportation costs and fetching them a premium price.
- Dal Splitting Machine: The purchase of this machine is pending due to space constraints but is expected to be acquired by the end of March 2024. It will further enhance the farmers’ income by enabling them to process and sell dals.
TEF’s Impact
TEF’s support has significantly improved the lives of the tribal farmers in Sittilingi by:
- Increasing their income: The grading and processing machines enable farmers to get better prices for their produce.
- Promoting organic farming: The project encourages sustainable practices that benefit the environment.
- Empowering communities: By supporting THI, TEF contributes to the overall well-being and development of the tribal community.
In recognition of the growing number of rice farmers among their members, Towards Equal Foundation (TEF) has committed a grant in 2024 to upgrade the capabilities of their partner organization, SOFA. This new grant will allow SOFA to purchase a rice dehusking machine, enabling them to accept organic paddy from their members and deliver premium prices. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers who were previously unable to take full advantage of SOFA’s services.
TEF is committed to supporting initiatives that empower individuals and communities to reach their full potential. The Upgrading Farmers’ Production Unit project is a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration and support.
