Inauguration of GPM's Third Center in India - Mokhada

GPM inaugurated its third center, the first to be opened in the district of Mokhada. Mokhada is an under-served tribal farming village region in North East Maharashtra. GPM’s new center named, Adivasi Lokseva Kendra, Mokhada, is a center of service to tribal communities in the area. The inauguration hosted over one hundred guests, including local dignitaries, municipal leaders, farmers and community members.

The GPM Center is piloting the following programs in Mokhada:

1. Working with farmers to access government assistance through an online grant facilitation service. This free service already sees dozens of farmers who travel far distances to the center in order to apply online for access to government grants and aid for their own agri-related initiatives, such as water pumps, cattle, seeds, houses, toilets or compensation for drought or unseasonal rains that damage their produce.

2. Conducting a survey spanning the district of 85,000 people to determine the extent of malnutrition in the area and what steps can be done to assist in nutrition interventions 

3. GPM’s Women's Sewing Cooperative, Tribal Threads

GPM was fortunate to have member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Shri.Sunil Chandrakant Bhusara representing four districts: Mokhada, Jawahar, Vikramgadh, and Talasari, in attendance. He is also a Director on the Adivasi Development Corporation - Government of Maharashtra.

Also in attendance was the Agricultural Officer of Mokhada Taluka, who addressed the farmers in the audience stating that the government welcomes Gabriel Project to Mokhada and encouraged GPM to support initiatives for the farming communities through the promotion of agricultural micro-enterprises and child nutrition programs.

The new facility offers GPM staff on-hand to assist farmers in scanning, printing and applying for government grants online. The center has high-speed internet, computers and printing facilities, supported by a backup generator to address frequent power outages. A welcoming reception area with bathroom and refreshment facilities is available for the farmers who travel far distances, many over a few day period, to access our services. A room in the center is also allocated for the Tribal Threads women’s sewing collective.

GPM looks forward to working with government and the community to create a grassroots change in the district.