Dr. Reddy's Foundation

India’s soil health challenge needs solutions that combine science, local knowledge and farmer-centric implementation. We co-organised a consultation workshop on the Bharat Soil Health Policy with ICAR-CRIDA. At the workshop, Suman, Head of Rural Livelihoods and Climate Action programs, shared DRF’s experiences and expectations from the upcoming “Bharat Soil Health Policy-2026”, while colleagues from our Action for Climate and Environment team chaired a session on challenges in soil health, innovation and incentives. Colleagues from our field teams leading intervention implementation also attended the workshop, bringing in on-ground perspectives from farmers and farming communities. The discussions highlighted the need for plot-specific soil testing, stronger biological indicators, improved local infrastructure, natural farming incentives and better integration of traditional practices with modern science. Soil health is one of the central areas of our interventions in regenerative agriculture. #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #farmers #ClimateAction #FoodSecurity #livelihoods #sustainability #SDGs

One of the most striking things in the stories of Sashakt scholars is their deep interest in research. Many of them are not just pursuing science as a degree but as a pathway to solve real problems and contribute to stronger public systems. Over the years, more than 56% of Sashakt scholars have gone on to pursue Master’s-level courses in science. For Falguni Bagh, this journey began with a question that stayed with her from Class 9. Malaria affected so many people, yet had no vaccine then. Her time at IISER, with its interdisciplinary coursework and early exposure to research, helped her see science not just as a subject, but as a way to create real-world impact. Coming from a home where finances were difficult, the Sashakt scholarship helped reduce the burden. Just as importantly, the mentorship helped her recognize her strengths, build confidence and find clarity in the path she wanted to pursue. As Falguni says, “I want to contribute to research that can strengthen public healthcare systems.” #WomenInSTEM #WomenInScience #WomenEmpowerment #Inclusion #education #SashaktScholarship #Sustainability #SDGs

How best can climate policies address livelihood risks? #PollOfTheDay #ClimateAction #policy #sustainability #SDGs

drreddysfoundation.org/biochar-for-so… Biochar for Soil Fertility is more than a technical idea. It is an emerging pathway for carbon removal, soil health, and rural resilience in India. In India, biochar holds significant promise. It can help lock carbon into soils, reduce open burning, support soil health, and build greater climate resilience for farmers. But moving from promising pilots to bankable scale needs more than technology. It needs reliable feedstock systems, quality standards, local soil understanding, practical application models, environmental safeguards, and financing that can support the long journey from evidence to adoption. In this blog, Dr. Kumar Abbhishek, Technical Associate, Action for Climate and Environment, reflects on what it will take to build the ecosystem around Biochar for Soil Fertility in India. #Biochar #SoilFertility #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #SDGs

Vitara is a social enterprise building more transparent and fair supply chains in the shea sector across West Africa. The region lies within the shea belt, where shea trees grow naturally and support the livelihoods of thousands of rural women. While shea has strong global demand, many collectors still depend on middlemen and informal markets. Vitara helps change this by connecting women-led collector groups directly to buyers, offering pre-financing, and using its TreeSyt platform to make sourcing more transparent and traceable. The model also links income with conservation, encouraging communities to protect the shea parklands that are vital for livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience. As reported by Vitara, the platform connects 40,000+ women to global markets, has onboarded over 150,000 farmers, helped protect 10,000+ acres of shea parklands, and enabled a 20% increase in additional income for local producers. Img: Shea Belt Journal #livelihoods #WomenEmpowerment #sustainability #SDGs

Furthering our efforts to protect Coastal Ecosystems, we signed MoUs with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for mangrove restoration in B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada districts. The partnerships create a framework for long-term ecological restoration in these vulnerable coastal regions. In collaboration with technical partner ICFRE, our teams have undertaken extensive field surveys to identify suitable restoration sites and understand local ecological conditions. For many coastal communities in India, mangroves are part of everyday security and survival. They soften the impact of cyclones and tidal surges, protect shorelines from erosion, support marine biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods that depend on healthy coastal ecosystems. These efforts are part of our larger commitment to building climate resilience in coastal landscapes while protecting ecosystems that support both people and biodiversity. #MangroveRestoration #CoastalEcosystems #Biodiversity #livelihoods #Partnerships #sustainability #SDGs

ASL Aspire is an online learning platform that teaches STEM concepts to deaf and hard-of-hearing students through American Sign Language. Now in its pilot phase, it uses interactive, game-based lessons and high-quality videos by native signers to build both subject understanding and standardized STEM vocabulary. With progress dashboards and customizable assignments, it supports accessible learning in classrooms and self-paced environments. With over 63 million people in India living with significant auditory impairment (WHO), such models can play an important role in advancing inclusive and equitable STEM education. Img: Association of Science Communications #PeopleWithDisabilities #inclusion #education #STEM #accessibility #Sustainability #SDGs

With Zero Tillage, seeds are sown directly into the field. The remaining stubble gradually decomposes and adds nutrients back to the soil. For farmers, this means lower input costs and healthier soil. As Manak Singh shared,
“Earlier, I used to spend up to ₹8,000 per acre. Now, I save about ₹3,000 per acre, and my yield has increased by 6 quintals per acre.” Alongside smart techniques, through soil testing and guidance on the right use of fertilisers, we are helping farmers make informed decisions that improve both productivity and income. And the real impact goes beyond the field. “I am able to send my children to good colleges without stress.” That is the power of sustainable farming. It reduces costs today, strengthens soil for tomorrow, and helps farming families build a more secure future. #RegenerativeAgriculture #farmers #SoilHealth #ClimateAction #Sustainability #SDGs

What can increase women’s participation in AI research in India? #AI #AIResearch #WomenInSTEM #Inclusion #Sustainability #SDGs

For Neethu, learning was never easy. With no special school for children with hearing impairment in her village, she studied in a regular school, learning by reading her teachers’ lips and depending on written notes whenever she missed something. Her father, a mason, took a loan so she could complete her graduation. Later, she joined Dr. Reddy’s Foundation’s GROW PwD program and began a new chapter as a Guest Service Associate at Novotel. She helps her father repay the loan, supports her sister’s education, and saves a little every month for her wedding! "I also save a little every month for my wedding, so when the time comes, my father does not have to worry." That one line says what independence can truly mean. Not just a job, but the confidence to support a family, make choices, and look ahead with dignity. Through GROW PwD, we support persons with disabilities with skills, opportunities, and pathways to meaningful employment. #DisabilityInclusion #youth #SkillIndia #livelihoods #WomenEmpowerment #sustainability #SDGs

What should be government’s key role in enabling transformational innovation? #Government #innovation #policy #PublicPrivatePartnership

As changing climate patterns continue to affect agriculture, the need to support small and marginal farmers with practical, sustainable solutions has become more important than ever. We are humbled to share that Dr. Reddy’s Foundation has been recognised as the Winner in the Sustainable Farming Practices category at the 2nd Climate Action & Sustainability Awards, CASCA’26, organised by TheCSRUniverse. This recognition belongs to the farming communities we work with, and to the teams and partners who continue to support farmers in adopting practices that improve resource use, strengthen soil and water systems, reduce climate risks, and protect livelihoods. For us, sustainable farming is not only about better practices. It is about helping farmers stay resilient in a changing climate, while contributing to food security and a more balanced relationship with nature. We thank the jury and organisers for this recognition. It encourages us to continue working towards agriculture that is productive, inclusive, and ecologically sustainable. #CASCA26 #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #SmallFarmers #agriculture #SDGs

Affordable computing can change access to education, especially where traditional systems remain expensive. Pentaform developed Abacus, a modular, low-cost computer designed as a compact hard drive and keyboard unit that connects directly to a television set. By using TVs already present in many households, the device reduces the need for additional expensive hardware and makes digital access more practical for families and students. The idea emerged in response to the growing demand for affordable computing, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia where restrictions on importing second-hand computers limited low-cost options for learners and small households. Built with accessibility in mind, Abacus is also made entirely from recycled ABS plastic, bringing sustainability into the design alongside affordability. For students, first-time learners, and families looking for basic digital access, solutions like this show how thoughtful design can make technology simpler, more inclusive, and easier to reach. Img: Pentaform #AffordableComputing #DigitalAccess #EducationForAll #inclusion #CircularEconomy #ClimateAction #SustainableDesign #SDGs

hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/cli… Suman s, who leads our Rural Livelihoods and Climate Action initiatives, has co-authored an important article with Kaviraj Singh, CEO of Earthood, on the need to reimagine climate resilience for India’s farmers. The piece highlights an urgent truth. For millions of farmers, climate change is no longer a distant concern. It is a daily reality that shapes livelihoods, incomes, and futures. The article published in Hindustan Times calls for a more integrated response that brings together science, technology, policy support, local advisories, and stronger ecosystem linkages to help farmers predict, adapt, and recover with greater confidence. It also underlines the need to see climate resilience not only as an environmental priority, but as an economic and social imperative for the country. A timely read as we reflect on the future of agriculture and the systems needed to support those who feed the nation #agriculture #farmers #livelihoods #FoodSecurity #ClimateAction #sustainability #SDGs

#MomentInFocus Protect what takes your breath away: #WorldEarthDay2026 (Photo by Abhishek Reddy) The mountains were here before us. So were the forests, the wetlands buzzing with life, and the glaciers that feed the rivers that feed us all. Nature did not wait for our permission to be magnificent, it simply was. Breathtaking, ancient and alive. But today, biodiversity is shrinking, forests are thinning and species are vanishing before we can learn their names. What took millions of years to build can fall apart in a generation. With care and conscience it can still be here long after us. Protect what takes your breath away 🌄🌍 #EarthDay #ProtectOurPlanet #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #sustainability #SDGs #PhotoOfTheDay #Photography

Why are many climate policies consistently underdelivered? #ClimateAction #Earth #Policy #sustainability #SDGs #PollOfTheDay

During her final year of college, Ankita's father was hospitalized and the family income stopped. After college, she joined our GROW program. Today, she works as a Customer Relationship Officer at Airtel. "The communication skills I learned during training have really helped me here." Her father has restarted his business. Together, they're managing the house. And she saves a little every month for her MBA. "The goal is to get into a good MNC and buy a big house for my parents." Short-term, placement-linked skilling gives families the breathing room to rebuild, and individuals the confidence to dream further. #GROW #youth #SkillIndia #livelihoods #WomenEmpowerment #Sustainability #SDGs

Schooling is the most formative stage of a child's life. It is where raw empathy transforms into professional aspiration. At Kallam Anji Reddy Vidyalaya (KARV), we love hearing these genuine stories from our students. We believe that Kavya’s dreams should never be limited by her circumstances. That is why our mission at KARV is to provide affordable quality education. When education is accessible, it creates a bridge between a student’s current reality and the future they want to build for their community. One day, Kavya will make her father and her school proud. Until then, we are proud to be the place where her journey begins. #education #children #aspiration #schooling #KallamAnjiReddyVidyalaya #sustainability #SDGs

ssir.org/articles/entry… Many early childhood and parenting innovations struggle to scale, limiting their ability to close foundational learning gaps among children, especially in low-income contexts. This article from Stanford Social Innovation Review discusses the challenges and strategies for scaling parenting innovations. It notes that while affordable, evidence-based digital tools can enhance early childhood outcomes, they struggle to scale due to a lack of structured markets and distribution systems. Hence, suggesting that developing an institutional market with government support, centralized access, and procurement mechanisms is essential before funding innovations. It also emphasizes the need for aligned public systems, increased access and awareness, strong evidence, and demand-driven ecosystems to achieve large-scale, sustained impact. #education #LearningGaps #children #parenting #sustainability #SDGs

For farmers, the way seeds are sown can shape everything that follows in the field. Battula Praveen’s experience with the Seed Drill Machine shows how line sowing can make paddy cultivation more efficient by improving spacing, supporting better sunlight and air flow, reducing pest incidence, and making weed removal easier. As he puts it, “With the Seed Drill Machine, the seeds are now sown in straight lines.” That shift helped reduce labour costs for weeding by about ₹2500 per acre, supported healthier plants with more tillers, and increased yield by 7 quintals per acre. When the method improves, the outcomes often do too. #RuralLivelihoods #Farmers #Agriculture #ClimateSmartAgriculture #ClimateAction #Sustainability #SDGs