Social Action for Rural Development (SARDA) is a non-profit development organisation committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management, and community empowerment among rural and tribal populations across India. Since its inception, SARDA has worked closely with government institutions, development agencies, and local communities to implement programmes that improve socio-economic conditions and strengthen grassroots institutions.

With over two decades of experience in the development sector, SARDA has built strong expertise in watershed management, agroforestry, climate-resilient agriculture, farmer institution building, livelihood promotion, and third-party evaluations of development programmes. The organisation works across multiple states, including Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar, implementing both field-based development initiatives and research studies.

SARDA adopts a participatory and community-driven approach, ensuring that rural households, small and marginal farmers, and tribal communities actively participate in planning, implementation, and management of development programmes.

Key Areas of Work

• Natural Resource Management & Watershed Development

• Agroforestry and Climate Change Mitigation

• Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) Promotion

• Organic and Natural Farming

• Livelihood and Enterprise Development

• Capacity Building and Farmer Training (Krishak Pathshala)

• Tribal Development Programmes

• Third Party Evaluation and Impact Assessment of Government Schemes

Geographic Presence

SARDA Implements Programmes across several states in India, including:

• Jharkhand

• Madhya Pradesh

• Maharashtra

• Chhattisgarh

• Bihar

• Odisha

• Uttar Pradesh

• Jammu & Kashmir

• West Bengal

• Rajasthan

Major Programmes Implemented

• Swift Green -Plantation Based Agro-Forestry 

• Watershed Development Fund

• • Cluster-Based Business Organisation (CBBO-CSS) for FPOs

• • Tribal Development Fund – WADI Model (TDF-WADI)

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)

• PODF-ID Programme

• Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP)

• Third Party Evaluation of Plantation and Assets under CAMPA and other schemes

• Social Impact Assessments (SIAs)

• BMC Formation & PBR Preparations

• MEDP Interventions 

• Bihar Skill Development Centre

Approach

SARDA follows an integrated development approach that combines community mobilisation, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and sustainable natural resource management. By fostering strong local institutions and promoting environmentally responsible practices, SARDA aims to create long-term and self-sustaining development outcomes for rural communities.