Centre for Integrated Rural and Tribal Development (CIRTD)

Recipient, Shambhavi Puraskar 2025

Sundargarh District, Odisha

Founded in 2003, by visionary Shri Ravi Kamal, Centre for Integrated Rural and Tribal Development (CIRTD) has proven itself as a champion of rural transformation. The organisation has dedicated itself to uplifting marginalised tribal and agrarian communities, with a special focus on farmers, women, children, and youth in Sundargarh District, Odisha.

It is indeed commendable to note CIRTD, through sustainable agriculture initiatives, has empowered 2,600 small and marginal farmers across 55 clusters, promoting organic farming, indigenous seed revival, and climate-resilient techniques like the System of Rice Introduction (SRI). With 1,000 acres converted to organic farming under various programs, CIRTD has helped farmers secure better livelihoods while preserving the environment.

CIRTD has played a pivotal role in securing land titles for 3,680 tribal and SC households under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. By implementing soil and water conservation techniques, the organization has strengthened land productivity and resilience.

Women's empowerment has been a cornerstone of CIRTD's mission. With grit and passion, 94 Women's Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), are equipped with financial literacy, organic farming skills, and entrepreneurship training, fostering self-reliance and leadership.

CIRTD's commitment to community-based organizations (CBOs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) has brought farmers together to access better markets and resources. With 25 Farmers' Clubs and Village Development Plans, CIRTD ensures long-term sustainability through collective action.

Remarkably, the organization's non-formal education program has benefited 2,750 out-of-school children in 100 remote villages, deserving our heartfelt commendation.

By integrating land rights, sustainable agriculture, women's empowerment, and climate resilience, CIRTD has pioneered as a replicable model for grassroots development in India.

In recognition of CIRTD’s exemplary contributions, remarkable impact and unstinting efforts in the domain of Livelihood, towards creating a sustainable and equitable future for the people of Sundargarh District in Odisha, the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) proudly confers upon them the Shambhavi Puraskar 2025, which includes a crest, citation and a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000.

We wish CIRTD all the best in their future endeavours.