Our Structure

Learn about FORWARD's history, governance, programmes, and the values that guide our work.

Our History

The Journey of FORWARD

FORWARD traces its roots to a tragic incident of farmer distress, when debt-driven suicides and land seizures shook poor tribal and dalit farmers. Sri Sebastian Lima's confrontation with exploitative practices led to his imprisonment, but later inspired the formation of a farmers' group that evolved into a registered NGO in 1995.

Since then, FORWARD has dedicated itself to empowering small and marginal farmers, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through sustainable agriculture, research, and community-led initiatives. Guided by resilience and social justice, it works to combat hunger, malnutrition, and poverty with climate-resilient and inclusive development approaches.

Farmers Organisation for Research Welfare Agriculture and Rural Development (FORWARD) works to strengthen the agricultural community by combating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty through research-driven and field-based interventions. Its initiatives aim to enhance sustainability, productivity, and the nutritional value of crops.

1995
Foundation

FORWARD registered as an NGO under Society Registration Act, 1860

2008
Expansion

Expanded operations to multiple districts in Odisha

2022
Millet Mission Launch

Started Shree Anna Abhiyan (Millet Mission) in Mayurbhanj

2025
Institutional Strengthening

Partnership with Dhwani Foundation & EdelGive Foundation

Governance

Our Governance Structure

Board of Members

We have the Board of Members at the apex of the organisation, which governs the overall management of the organisation. The governing body meeting takes place annually, which reviews the technical and financial performance of the organisation.

  • Annual review of technical and financial performance
  • Strategic oversight and policy guidance
  • Ensures transparency and accountability
Secretary cum Chief Functionary

There is a Secretary cum Chief Functionary, who runs the organisation. He has more than 30 years of experience in research and development sector, exclusively leads the operation and the other governing body members.

  • 30+ years of experience in R&D sector
  • Leads operations and programme implementation
  • Coordinates with governing body members
Treasurer

The treasurer is of commerce background, manages the finance of the organisation. Ensures proper financial management, budgeting, and compliance with statutory requirements.

  • Commerce background with financial expertise
  • Manages organizational finance and accounts
  • Ensures compliance and transparency
Core Team & Staff

Under the chief functionary, there is a core team of 10 professionals having quantitative and qualitative research experiences. Besides, there are field executives, translators and research investigators.

  • 10 core professionals with research expertise
  • Field executives and translators
  • 20+ research investigators (as required)
Our Programmes

Key Programmes

Flagship Programme

Millet Mission (Shree Anna Campaign)

Since 2022, FORWARD has been implementing the Millet Mission (Shree Anna Campaign) in the tribal regions of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The initiative promotes climate-resilient millet cultivation among small and marginal farmers to improve food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.

600+ Farmers
85 Villages
Seed Distribution Awareness Programmes Farmer Training Cycle Weeders Custom Hiring Centers FPO Linkages
Millet Mission
Child Development

Pre-School Education & Nutrition Programme

Since 2022, FORWARD has been implementing a Pre-School Education and Nutrition Programme in tribal areas to address early childhood learning and malnutrition. The initiative supports over 150 children through community-based pre-schools equipped with age-appropriate learning materials, playful activities, and cognitive development support.

150+ Children
6 Centres
Learning Materials RAHAT Kits ECCE Awareness Parent Engagement
Pre-School Education
WASH

Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation Program

Implemented in the slum area of Sijuput, Bhubaneswar. The program provides safe drinking water through solar-powered water systems, individual toilets, and community sewage systems. This initiative has significantly improved the quality of life for the residents.

300 Households
10 Toilets
Solar Water System Individual Toilets Sewage System
WASH Program
Housing

Environment-Friendly Housing Project

Implemented in 2023 with support from SELAVIP, Chile. The project constructed 45 low-cost, eco-friendly houses for homeless families including widows, destitute, and the poorest of the poor in Bijay Chandpur, Jagatsinghpur district.

45 Houses
2023 Year
Eco-friendly Low-cost SELAVIP Supported
Housing Project
Our Values

Core Values

The principles that guide all our initiatives and ensure holistic and lasting impact for marginalized communities.

Equity

Sustainability

Inclusiveness

Integrity

Transparency

Accountability

Community Empowerment

Innovation

Resilience

Collaboration

Gender Justice

Participation

Dignity

Solidarity

Respect

Trust

Self-Reliance

Social Justice

Climate Sensitivity

Rural Development

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