Best Self Help Group in BAIF’s Programme from Karnataka
Aug 24, 2025: BAIF team represents mini-India, stated Ramon Magsaysay and Padma Shree recipient, Dr. Prakash Amte at the 59th Foundation Day celebration of BAIF Development Research Foundation at Uruli Kanchan, Pune, while hailing the graphical rise of BAIF. Dr. Amte traced the genesis of tribal upliftment in the disadvantaged region of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, their right to education and strong value system.
Dr. Prakash Amte at BAIF’s Foundation Day
A shift in the focus from land to lab and potential of perennial grasses to convert 100 million ha of wastelands into productive grasslands were expressed by Dr. Pankaj Kaushal, Director, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. Mr. Yogesh Kapse, Head, CSR, Schaeffler India Pvt. Ltd., acknowledged the profound effect of the collaborative projects in restoration of degraded land and water resources on more than 5000 ha and conservation of more than 400 million litres of water in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Pankaj Kaushal, Director, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, with the Best Self Help Group of BAIF’s Programme from Maharashtra
Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Chairperson, BAIF, lauded the past and present leadership of BAIF for their simple living and high thinking philosophy and the effect of good karma for the progress of an organisation and country. Mr. Sunil Lalbhai, Chairperson, Finance Committee and Human Resources Committee of Trustees, BAIF, emphasised on the need for humility, ownership, shared success and trust. Mr. Girish Sohani, Trustee, BAIF, traced the growth of BAIF from a concept to a full-fledged organisation.
Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, highlighted the outreach of 40 lakh families in 356 districts of 17 states in 2024-25. The BAIF Programme contributed Rs 28,000 crore to the rural economy. ICAR – CIRC’s approval of the All India Coordinated Research Projects on Gir and Sahiwal breeds will help to accelerate the improvement of these breeds in the country. Launch of ‘Gau’ and ‘Mahish’ genomic chips by Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, National Gopal Ratna Award to BAIF Odisha for the third consecutive year, National Water Award, JSW-Times of India Water Resources Management and Climate Action Award, release of BN Hybrid 26 by IGFRI-ICAR, climate action, association of six lakh champion women and the success of 11 tribal students from Chondha, South Gujarat in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, were significant. The launch of BAIF Rural Innovation Centre and BAIF Incubation Centre, and the Strategic Plan 2030 to cover one crore families, were noteworthy.
Release of BAIF Publications
Outstanding women self-help groups from BAIF’s operational areas, livestock technicians, community resource persons, farmers, scientists, thematic specialists, best employee, special achievements and meritorious students were felicitated. BAIF publications were also released on this occasion.
Earlier, Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni, Group Vice President, Finance welcomed the dignitaries, community members and women leaders. Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President, Livestock Development and Scientific Research, proposed the vote of thanks.
