Background and Association: BAIF Livelihoods, formally recognised as the BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development, stands as a testimony to the evolving aspirations and needs of development in rural India. Established as an Associate Organisation of BAIF, it channels the academic research, knowledge building and thematic support generated by BAIF into actionable, on-ground strategies.

Origin and Purpose: The establishment of BAIF Livelihoods is a response to the growing demand from various states to replicate BAIF’s successful models of sustainable development. Recognising the need to effectively manage its expanding programmes across the country, BAIF formalised the establishment of the BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development on April 16, 2012. This institute was registered under Section 25 of The Companies Act, 1956 (Section 8 of The Companies Act, 2013).

BAIF Livelihoods shoulders the responsibility of bringing programmatic visions to life, drawing on the rich research and development experience of BAIF for over 5 decades in rural livelihoods and sustainable development. With a vast operational footprint spanning four key regions – North, South, East and West – its presence permeates several states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

Research and Implementation Synergy: BAIF’s commitment to development research is epitomised by its state-of-the art research station situated near Pune. The BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan stands as both a national and international beacon for research, technology development and knowledge dissemination. In the financial year 2022-23, the centre furthered its reputation by promoting avant-garde technologies through its ISO-certified semen freezing laboratories. These included the provision of frozen semen doses, Sex Sorted Semen doses and the integration of advanced breeding technologies such as OPU-IVF and Genomics right at the doorsteps of farmers within the operational areas of BAIF Livelihoods.

The symbiotic relationship between BAIF and BAIF Livelihoods ensures a seamless integration of applied research with field-level interventions. This holistic approach has facilitated a continuous flow of innovative research and technology transfer to participating families across all regions served by BAIF Livelihoods.

This collaboration between BAIF and BAIF Livelihoods illustrates a perfect confluence of visionary research and ground-level execution, working in tandem for a brighter, sustainable future.

The Mission of BISLD is to create opportunities of gainful self-employment for the rural families, ensuring sustainable livelihood, enriched environment, improved quality of life and good human values. This is being achieved through skill development, effective use of local resources, extension of climate smart technologies, facilitation for value chains of farm-produce and community participation.