FORWARD · Foundation for Rural Welfare & Development

Organization Overview

Who We Are

Farmers Organisation for Research Welfare Agriculture and Rural Development (FORWARD) is a grassroots development organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods, food security, and dignity of marginalized rural and tribal communities in eastern India. Established in 1995, FORWARD works through community-based approaches to address challenges related to poverty, malnutrition, climate vulnerability, and limited livelihood opportunities. The organization was founded by Sebastian Lima, following grassroots mobilization of small farmers and tribal communities seeking justice and sustainable development. FORWARD has since evolved into a trusted development partner implementing programmes that strengthen community resilience, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower women and marginalized groups.

1995

Year of Foundation

Vision, Mission & Aim

Vision

An Egalitarian, Empowered, Self-Reliant, Just, Peaceful, and Environmentally Sustainable Society.

Mission

To create grassroots development models that ensure sustainable livelihoods, food security, health, education.

Aim

To facilitate process for creation of inclusive and equitable development of the most marginalized communities.

Geographic Presence

Where We Work

FORWARD operates in several districts of Odisha, including remote tribal villages and coastal communities facing socio-economic vulnerability and climate risks.

Rayagada

Southern Odisha

Mayurbhanj

Northern Odisha

Jagatsinghpur

Coastal Odisha

Khordha

Central Odisha

Core Program Areas

What We Do

Our key focus areas for creating sustainable and inclusive development.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Promotion of millet cultivation, agroecological farming practices, and climate-adaptive agriculture for small and tribal farmers.

Nutrition & Early Childhood Development

Community-based nutrition programmes supporting children, pregnant women, and mothers in underserved villages.

Women's Economic Empowerment

Skill development and income-generating initiatives including mushroom cultivation, terracotta production, and women-led enterprises.

Sustainable Livelihoods

Integrated livelihood models such as fish-duck farming, livestock development, and rural micro-enterprises.

Environment & Infrastructure

Promotion of renewable energy, sanitation, drinking water access, and eco-friendly housing.

Climate Resilient Millet Programme

Engaging 3,500 tribal women farmers in Mayurbhanj for millet cultivation and climate adaptation.

Flagship Programme

Climate Resilient Millet Cultivation

FORWARD implements a major climate adaptation programme engaging 3,500 tribal women farmers in Mayurbhanj.

The programme is supported by Shree Anna Abhiyan under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers\' Empowerment, Government of Odisha.

3,500+

Women Farmers Engaged

150+

Villages Covered

Revival of Indigenous Millets Climate Resilience Nutrition Security Women Leadership

Our Partners

Institutional Partnerships

FORWARD collaborates with several national and international development partners.

About Us