December 23, 2023

Following the launch of a Livelihoods Development Program in November 2023 to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) in partnership with Anaha Trust, Sattva and Matai Society trained a number of IDPs on entrepreneurship and distributed sewing machines and kits to knit, make candles and incense sticks. The work is supported by the North American Manipur Association (NAMA), Manipuri Weddings and the Classic Group of Hotels.

The training and distribution program took place at Imphal Hotel on 23rd December 2023 and included a moment of silence in memory of (L) Shri Laishram Dineshchandra Singh who was instrumental in starting the Program. The event was graced by the Honourable Governor of Manipur, Sushri Anusuiya Uikey, who gave hope and encouraged the IDPs to make the best use of the training and the items being distributed. Also on the dais were Shri Thokchom Kirankumar, District Commissioner of Imphal West District, and Smt. Gurumayum Bidyakumari Devi, Trustee of MaolKeki Foundation. Late Dinesh’s widow, Smt. Sandhyarani Devi, and their children also attended the occasion and participated in handing out the materials to the IDPs from Bishnupur, Imphal West and Kakching districts. The event also featured a brief cultural performance by students of Laihui Ensemble anchored by folk artist Miss Mangka Mayanglambam.

One of the biggest challenges today is to make the IDPs economically self reliant as quickly as possible. MKF raised funds to provide them with basic training on entrepreneurship and supply materials to make handloom and handicraft products which will be sold through various channels. The proceeds will be channelled back to the IDPs to help them grow their means of income. The program is honouring late Dinesh’s memory by implementing what we had started together. Dinesh died in an unfortunate road accident and we hope this program will keep his memory alive while also raising awareness of road safety and the need for people to drive carefully looking out for each other’s safety.

To implement the program through regular engagement, support, monitoring and evaluation, MaolKeki Foundation also recruited two Program Assistants based in Imphal West and Bishnupur Districts. If you would like to partner with us by supporting the IDPs in upskilling or marketing their products, please write to contact@maolkekifoundation.org.

About MaolKeki Foundation
MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org or via the MKF social media pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.

August 08, 2023

The first phase of our campaign to support children at various relief camps with educational materials like school bags, notebooks, books, geometry boxes, pens and pencils as well as educational toys, soft toys, sanitary pads, and more has come to a close with a visit to three relief camps in Bishnupur district, a district that has seen one of the highest numbers of Internally Displaced Persons. There are still thousands of IDPs in Manipur, including many women and children, so MaolKeki Foundation’s work is a drop in the ocean. However, we are grateful to have supported 425 children in total at the three districts we targeted: 282 in Bishnupur, 62 in Kakching and 81 in Imphal West.
For the visits in Bishnupur, we are thankful to team Pukkei Agribusiness and team Matai Manipur for their help in organizing and distributing the items to the children. The work is part of the campaign Ms. Marina Mayanglambam, a school student in England, started by running 15km 15 times this summer to raise awareness and support for those affected by the ongoing crisis in Manipur. MaolKeki Foundation is providing ground logistics to Marina’s campaign and also raising further funds to support as many as 800 children at various relief camps, if not more.
We thank all our benevolent supporters and the volunteers at the relief camps for making our work possible. If you would also like to donate to help children and women at relief camps, please write to us at contact@maolkekifoundation.org.

July 31, 2023

MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) was a participant at the just-concluded Civil 20 Summit in Jaipur, Rajasthan. C20 is one of the official engagement groups of the G20, whose presidency is currently held by India, and provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) like the MaolKeki Foundation to voice the people’s aspirations to world leaders. 
During the three-day Summit, 16 Working Groups that had been organising multiple engagements around the world gave their policy recommendations to take to the G20 later this year. One of these working groups is the Sustainable & Resilient Communities group and Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects at the MaolKeki Foundation, shared how integrating health and agricultural training enabled the organization to leverage program infrastructure, increase participation from rural communities and provide simple but essential primary health checks. She recommended such integrated programs to be part of the policy recommendations to the G20. Another recommendation, focused on the Gender Equality stream, was MaolKeki Foundation’s work on building last-mile social entrepreneurs to make affordable, high-quality, sanitary pads available to rural women and girls.
Also present at the Summit was MaolKeki Foundation Trustee, Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, and together they were able to meet with various Civil Society Organisations to discuss the Foundation’s work in Manipur, the current crisis engulfing Manipur and MKF’s relief efforts focusing on providing necessary educational materials to hundreds of children at various relief camps in Manipur. During one-to-one interactions with Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Chair of C20, Ambassador Vijay K. Nambiar, Sherpa of C20, Sri M, founder of Satsang Foundation, and others, Dr. Shachi and Ms. Nirupa were able to convey the pain and sufferings of the many residents of Relief Camps they had been personally interacting with since the crisis started.
MaolKeki Foundation was actively pursuing multiple development projects in 14 out of 16 districts in Manipur when the crisis started. Though the pace of implementation has slowed down due to the crisis, work continues. We appeal to all parties concerned to work towards ending the violence and bringing peace to our society. 

July 19, 2023

On 19th July, Dr. Vishnuvardhan Reddy Banda from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), currently based in Ibadan in Nigeria, conducted a very productive session with our Agri Entrepreneurs. Dr. Banda trained as a rice breeder in India before working on a large nucleus-out grower rice project in Ghana followed by stints in Nigeria and South Africa covering a range of crops. Currently, his focus at IITA is on clonally propagated crops like cassava, yam, banana, and plantain so he was able to discuss a wide variety of technical topics during the interactive session with nuggets of insights thrown in from his executive MBA program at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, India.
During the three-day visit, Dr. Banda who was accompanied by his colleague from ISB, Mr. Shiva Prasad Adicherla, also visited a few of our AgriEntrepreneurs who are involved in mushroom production, young plant raising, organic compost production, and tractor rental service. Dr. Banda also handed out the certificates to the AEs who had successfully completed the AE training program. Even though we had AEs who travelled from Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Noney, Tamenglong and Ukhrul Districts, we regret that the ongoing crisis in Manipur forced many of our AEs to change their travel plans at the last moment. We remain optimistic that #peace and normalcy will return to Manipur soon and we will be able to resume agricultural development at the pace we had before. 
During the trip, Dr. Banda and Mr. Adicherla also visited a couple of Relief Camps to see the state of the Internally Displaced Persons for themselves. Finally, even though tourist boats are not operational at the moment, the local fisherwomen were kind enough to take them on a short tour of the lotus field at Loktak Lake using a traditional boat. Thank you, Dr. Vish and Mr. Shiva for coming all the way to our remote corner of the world despite the ongoing crisis; it gives us hope! 
 

April 30, 2023

MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) is humbled to have been selected as one of 28 examples from over 22 countries to present its last-mile work on integrating agriculture and healthcare services in rural Manipur at the Civil Society 20 (C20) Conclave in Gangtok, Sikkim, India. C20 is one of the official engagement groups of the G20, whose presidency is currently held by India, and provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) like the MaolKeki Foundation to voice the people’s aspirations to world leaders. 
During the two-day Conclave of the Working Group on Sustainable & Resilient Communities, the selected CSOs from around the world were able to share their stories, best practices and learnings so that these high-impact examples could be scaled to other regions. Represented by Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects, and Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, Trustee, MKF shared how integrating health and agricultural training enabled the organization to leverage program infrastructure, increase participation from rural communities and provide simple but essential primary health checks. 
These checks, conducted alongside training on Good Agricultural Practices, helped farmers and farm workers to detect symptoms such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels or deteriorating eyesight that could cause bigger health concerns in the future. They also shared how MKF was currently working with a selected number of female social entrepreneurs in various districts of Manipur to make affordable sanitary pads available to women and girls in remote areas. It also highlighted how partnerships with various state, national and international organizations were also crucial in designing and implementing new ideas and thanked its currently active partners such as Anaha, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation - AEGF, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Syngenta Foundation India, Sattva as well as all past and present medical professionals who made this work possible.
 

April 27, 2023

We are pleased to announce the grantees of the 2023 Agri Entrepreneur (AE) Selection and Development Program conducted in partnership with Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation - AEGF and grant funding from #Anaha_Trust. Selection started in December 2022 when over 70 applications were received, of which 50 representing 14 out of 16 districts in Manipur were selected and recommended to AEGF for an intensive 36-day-long online training. Following that, AEs were split into groups, one group participating in a workshop on agribusiness management while members of the other group took part in a five-day residential and experiential learning program led by our Master Trainer Surjeet Luwangcha and team Pukkei Agribusiness. The AEs were also required to submit their business plans to qualify for the grants. The top three AEs will be granted Rs100,000, Rs75,000 and Rs50,000, respectively, while five top performers from the valley districts and five top performers from the hill districts were each awarded Rs25,000 to pilot their ideas and test out their theories.
Please join us in congratulating the grantees and in thanking all of our partners and stakeholder, and wishing the AEs the best as they starting implementing their ideas and pilots!

November 7, 2022

MaolKeki Foundation is very pleased to announce the launch of the state-wide AgriEntrepreneur Selection and Development Program.

MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) has been developing multiple AgriEntrepreneurs in Manipur with the support of Anaha Trust, Sattva Consulting, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF) and NABARD. MKF is now extending this opportunity to all AgriEntrepreneurs in Manipur who have great ideas or are looking for support to scale up existing businesses. 50 AgriEntrepreneurs will be selected from across Manipur with a target of three per district.

The Program includes a 21-day intensive online training by AEGF, week-long residential training program, hands-on supervision, and mentorship for up to a year after completing the training. Participants will be fully funded and implementation grants of up to Rs3.5 lakhs will be available for top participants with the option to secure further funding.

Any dynamic individual interested in starting or running a business that solves problems around agriculture, its value chains and allied sectors can apply to the Program. Interested applicants must submit a write-up presenting his or her business idea or business plan in not less than 500 words in Manipuri or English or Hindi to contact@maolkekifoundation.org by 10 December 2022. Selection and training will start in January 2023.

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

April 24, 2023

Maolkeki Foundation (MKF) is pleased to announce the successful Tour of Switzerland and France by Ms. Mangka and Oja Mayanglambam Mangangsana from Laihui Ensemble. Accompanied by Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects of the Foundation who provided logistical and management support during the Tour, they left Imphal bound for Basel on 10th April and returned to Imphal on 19th April after a series of five successful workshops and performances. 
The Tour started with a Masterclass at the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse in Saint Louis, France, where students, young and old, from the class of Ms. Marie Royer Camilleri were able to sing and dance along with Mangka and Oja Mangangsana. Following the exchange, some of the participants were open to learning further in the form of month-long exchange programs between Lalhui and the school. The second event of the Tour was a performance in Allschwil, Switzerland, at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute or Swiss TPH, one of the world's leading institutes in global health. Swiss TPH has been helping to develop the last-mile integrated agriculture and health programs run by the maolkeki Foundation in rural parts of Manipur. The third performance was a concert in an intimate setting at the Caveau du Café Littéraire, also in Saint-Louis, during which the Manipuri artistes were joined by Ms. Angela Sterzer, a German lady who teaches Manipuri dance in Paris. MKF would particularly like to thank Mr. Stéphane Valdenaire for helping to organize this and Saint Louis Mairie for hosting us.
The highlight of the Tour was a concert at India Day in Riehen, Basel, during which Mangka and Oja Mangangsana performed as a father-daughter duo as well as in collaboration with Angela and Mr. Enrico Lenzin, a well-known Swiss Alphorn player. Together, they mesmerized a crowd of over 700 people with a beautiful rendition of Manipuri dances, folk songs, Pena music, and Swiss Alphorn. Team Laihui is already working on a plan to continue the collaboration with Enrico with a joint concert in Manipur so those in Manipur can also enjoy the unique music created by the fusion of east and west instruments and vocals. For the invitation and support throughout the entire process, MKF would particularly like to thank Dr. Ram Mitra, President of the Association of Friends of India Basel.
Mangka's last performance in Switzerland was hosted by the Indian Embassy in Bern on 17 April during which Mangka and Oja Mangangsana gave yet another beautiful rendition of Manipuri folk dances, songs and music to an audience comprising of Embassy staff, important stakeholders and supporters of the Tour. The show culminated with Mangka and Oja Mangangsana being felicitated by Mr. Deepak Bansal, Chargé d’Affaires.
The artistes were also felicitated today by Dr. Dhabali Singh, MD of The Classic Hotel Group and a co-sponsor of the Tour, during a media debrief at the Classic Grande in Imphal earlier today. During the debrief, the team shared their experiences from the Tour and plans for future collaborations.
Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, a Trustee of the maolkeki Foundation who played a pivotal role in putting this Tour together, said, “MKF is truly honoured and proud to have been able to put this Tour together. The artistes did a tremendous job and we were very impressed at how their online collaboration prior to the Tour materialized into a concrete and fantastic performance over two days of practicing together. Such a grand Tour and collaboration, a first of its kind between French, German, Manipuri and Swiss artistes, would not have been possible without the benevolent support of many organizations and individuals around the world.” Dr. Shachi further added, “MKF would like to thank all the donors and supporters, especially the Government of Manipur, Manipur Tourism, European Manipuri Association, Association of Friends of India Basel, Gemeinde Riehen, Swisslos, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Ville de Saint-Louis Alsace, Laihui, Thawai Hou, Balmetica, The Classic Group of Hotels, and 11 Manipuris living around the world who each made significant individual contributions.” 
Mygov Manipur, Manipur Tourism #European_Manipuri_Association,  Friends of India - Basel, #Riehen_Lebenskultur (Gemeinde Riehen), Swisslos, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Ville de Saint-Louis Alsace, Saint-Louis culture, Laihui, Thawai Hou, maolkeki Foundation, Balmetica, Enrico Lenzin, Angela Sterzer, Angela Sterzer India in Switzerland & Liechtenstein

April 01, 2023

MaolKeki Foundation has evolved tremendously from its humble beginnings training smallholder farmers at village crossroads in Bishnupur district of Manipur. Over the last five years, the Foundation has embarked on a number of ambitious projects across Manipur covering multiple areas such as AgriEntrepreneurship, Agricultural Value Chain Studies, Educational Scholarships, Female Hygiene and Empowerment, Last-Mile Health, promoting Manipuri Sports, Dance & Culture, and providing Affordable High-Quality Accommodation to those coming from afar to live, work or study in Imphal.

To realign to this success and to continue driving further growth, Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam has been appointed as the Head of Projects to oversee the successful implementation of the various projects. Ms. Sanjenbam will continue to focus on last-mile projects and AgriEntrepreneurship, and new project managers will be appointed to build on the work she has started on health, education and other development areas. Nirupa joined MaolKeki Foundation as a Project Coordinator under a partnership with Syngenta Foundation India and has worked tirelessly to grow our AgriEntrepreneurship Program. For her dedication and impact, she was also recognized as a Woman Achiever by the Government of India in May 2022.

Our success would not have been possible without the long-term support of our partners, stakeholders and advisors and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of many including AEGF, Anaha, the Government of Manipur, NABARD, Swiss TPH and Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.

Please join us in wishing Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam and her team much success in the coming years.

April 03, 2023

MaolKeki Foundation is excited to announce that the iconic Manipuri folk artist, Mangka Mayanglambam, will be going on a tour of Switzerland and France from 11 to 18 April 2023. Mangka, from Laihui Ensemble, will be accompanied by her father Oja Mangangsana Mayanglambam, an artistic director at Laihui, who will provide musical and vocal support. Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects at the MaolKeki Foundation, will provide management support during the tour which is designed to raise awareness of Manipur and Manipuri arts and culture.

Mangka will perform at three locations in Switzerland and two in France, and the tour will include a collaborative session with Mr. Enrico Lenzin, a well-known Swiss Alphorn player, and Ms. Angela Sofia Sterzer, a Franco-German artist who teaches Manipuri dance in Paris. This will be the first collaboration between Manipuri and Swiss artists to create a unique form of music from the Pena, a single-stringed traditional Manipuri instrument, and the Alphorn.

The highlights of the tour will be a performance at the India Day Event in Riehen, Basel Stadt, Switzerland, on 15 April 2023 and another one at the Caveau du Café littéraire, Saint Louis, France, on 14 April 2023 both of which are open to the public. Other sessions are invitation-only and include a workshop at the Swiss TPH, Allschwil, Switzerland, a Masterclass at the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse, Saint Louis, France, and a function in Bern, Switzerland.

The tour has been kindly supported and enabled by various entities namely, the Government of Manipur, Manipur State Tourism Department, the European Manipuri Association, the Association of Friends of India Basel, Riehen Lebenskultur, Swisslos Fonds Basel-Stadt, MaolKeki Foundation and Balmetica™: Swiss Made Physiotherapy Cream.

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India. The Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org. To learn more or support any of our initiatives, lease get in touch at contact@maolkekifoundation.org.

January 24, 2023

MaolKeki Foundation celebrated its 5th Anniversary on 24th January with a small gathering of its long-term supporters, stakeholders, farmers, Agri Entrepreneurs, friends and family representing people from both the valley and hills of Manipur. The event commenced with a prayer offering and lighting of a candle in front of a bust of late Dr. Gurumayum Tonsana Sharma - founder Trustee who also coined the name MaolKeki by amalgamating his parents’ names - by Gurumayum ongbi Hidangmayum Bidyakumari Devi, a Trustee of the MaolKeki Foundation. The event was graced by Shri Thounaojam Basanta Singh, Honourable Minister of Education, Law & Legislative Affairs, Government of Manipur, and key dignitaries who attended the event included Mr. Balagopal Chandrashekhar, Mrs. Vinita Nambiar and Mr. Anup Bansal from Anaha Public Charitable Trust, Ms. Iman Bhattacharya from Sattva Consulting, Dr. Irengbam Meghachandra Singh from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Mr. Yumnam Rupachandra from Impact News.

Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, Trustee, shared the journey of the MoalKeki Foundation, from its small beginnings working to bring rural transformation through last-mile agriculture and health to today when it has trained over 5,000 farmers, provided basic health services to nearly 4,000 individuals and is active in 14 out of 16 districts in Manipur. Dr. Shachi also shared personal stories of how the seeds of philanthropic services for the greater good were planted in his family generations ago when his maternal  grandfather, late Dr. Dwijamani Dev Sharma sold all of the family’s paddy fields to raise  funds to establish a women’s college in Imphal. The college was named after his mother, Hidangmayum Ghanapriya Devi, which today is popularly known as G. P. Women’s College. 

The highlight of the evening was the release of a song whose original concept and lyrics were written by late Dr. Gurumayum Tonsana Sharma called Khurumjari Ema, composed by Mangangsana Mayanglambam and sung by Mangka, one of Manipur’s most talented and iconic folk artists. The event closed with Dr. Shachi thanking all of the MaolKeki Foundation team members for their hard work in making the event a great success, and those present for their support, encouragement and inspiration. 

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org

October 22, 2022

MaolKeki Foundation is very pleased to announce the recipient of the 2022 MaolKeki  Memorial Scholarship at St. Stephen’s College. The annual cash scholarship is awarded to a Manipuri student studying at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, who has demonstrated excellent academic performance, integration, and immersion into college life by participating in various extracurricular activities, however, has limited financial means to support his or her education. The selection process is managed by a committee in college and requires the student to submit a hand-written essay.

The recipient of the fourth MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship is Miss Jane Chingngaihlian Seldou from Zogam Road, Vengnuam, New Lamka, Churachandpur, Manipur. Jane is currently pursuing her undergraduate BA Programme with a combination of Political  Science and English Literature. She is also a member of the Photographic Society and the Northeast Society.

Jane is interested in international relations, peace studies, and literature. She completed an internship on archival history in Lamka, funded by the British Council, District Library and Mask4India. Jane is currently studying at Soka University, Tokyo, as an exchange student for a year. Jane is the youngest daughter of S. Soichinthang, an ex-serviceman, and S.Ngaineithang, a homemaker. She completed her schooling from St.Paul’s Institute, New Lamka, Churachandpur. 

MaolKeki Foundation wishes Miss Jane the very best in her studies and looks forward to her scaling greater heights in the future.

About St. Stephen’s College

St. Stephen’s College is one of the oldest and best colleges offering undergraduate and graduate courses in the arts and sciences in India. It was founded on 1 February 1881 by the Cambridge Mission to Delhi and has produced a distinguished line of alumni including presidents, politicians, bureaucrats, artists and businessmen. For more info, visit http://www.ststephens.edu.

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org

August 17, 2022

MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) has awarded the second MKF Robert Memorial Internship to Mr. Khundrakpam Rajesh who is currently interning at Lamzing Technologies Pvt Ltd., Imphal, Manipur. The annual internship program was launched in memory of Mr. Robert Singh Khwairakpam who passed away from post-Covid complications in 2021.

Robert supported MaolKeki Foundation and #Syngenta_Foundation_India on various IT projects including a NABARD-funded “One District, One Crop” Value Chain Study that was recently released by Shri Th. Biswajit Singh, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture of Manipur. A copy of the report was given to Robert’s father, Mr. Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh, by MaolKeki Foundation Project Coordinator, Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam.

The internship is being implemented in partnership with Lamzing Technologies Private Limited which is a diversified IT development company based in Manipur and Hyderabad. Mrs. Deepamala Devi Tongbram, Robert's widow, gave the certificate to Rajesh who completed his BA from University of Delhi, MSc from NIELIT Imphal, Manipur, and is aiming to go to Japan to work and also further improve his Japanese language skills.

August 11, 2022

Earlier today, Shri Th. Biswajit Singh, Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Government of Manipur, released a report entitled, “One District, One Crop: A Study of Crop Value  Chains in Manipur”. The report is based on work carried out by the MaolKeki Foundation with support from NABARD's Department of Economic Analysis & Research. During the release, the minister said, “This study of crop value chains carried out over an extended period exploring how farmers could improve productivity and embark on an entrepreneurship journey that will help to meet the Prime Minister’s goal to double farmers’ income is highly commendable and I truly appreciate it as the Minister of Agriculture.” The minister further added, “supporting farmers to also utilize whatever limited water they have with modern irrigation solutions and other technologies to address production and market issues are crucial topics for the agriculture department and I assure my full support.”

Adding further, Dr. KJS Satyasai, Chief General Manager and former Manipur General Manager of NABARD, a major funder of the study said, “Manipur is rich in natural resources and innovative people suitable for horticulture value chains specific to each district. The purpose of this study is to give an idea to policy makers where to invest and how much. Hope this study is used by the stakeholders concerned.”

MaolKeki Foundation Trustee, Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, who released the report alongside the Minister and Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Project Coordinator, highlighted that the detailed 150-page report was a result of extensive field-based research carried out by a team of Associates in 2021. The team collected over 300,000 data points from a total of nine districts with complete data sets from seven districts. Dr. Shachi thanked all the participants in the study and the many advisors and stakeholders without whose support such an extensive work would not have been possible.

Key findings of the study confirmed that horticultural crop production is a rapidly evolving sector in Manipur. The agricultural value chain in the state is still at a nascent stage providing much room for developing and shaping the sector to drive economic growth in the state. Covid played a detrimental role across the value chains affecting the farmers and traders most while consumers struggled with lack of availability and high prices of produce. There is limited processing of horticultural crops thus highlighting another opportunity for development. Findings vary by district however major challenges highlighted include knowledge gap in production, unavailability of  irrigation facilities, lack of storage and transport infrastructure, limited marketing & sales capability, and financing with very limited use of financial institutions.

Limited hard copies of the report will be distributed to key stakeholders while an electronic copy of the report will be released soon via the MaolKeki Foundation online platforms as well as other channels for all interested parties to download.

May 01, 2022

During the North-East festival organized in Agartala as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam from Manipur was recognized as a Woman Achiever. The theme of the event was “Role of women in the development of North-East.”
The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Harpreet Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi, Honourable Member, NorthEasternCouncil, and Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Tripura. Ms. Sanjenbam is a graduate of Calcutta University and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Foreign Trade from Manipur University in 2021. She was nominated from the state by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur.
In her role as a Project Coordinator for the MaolKeki Foundation, supported by partners such as the Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation - AEGF, AnahaTrust, National Bank For Agriculture & Rural Development and Sattva, Ms. Sanjenbam has been championing the development of farmers and AgriEntrepreneurs in various districts of Manipur. Most prominent of these is the Veg in a Basket agribusiness which acted as a lifeline for thousands of Imphalites by delivering farmfresh vegetables to many stuck at home during the Covid lockdowns. Recently, she has also been instrumental in the launch of Pukkei Agribusiness which provides machinery rental services and locally made high quality compost to Manipuri farmers. Another initiative currently being piloted under Ms. Sanjenbam’s leadership is the NoneyBananaCompany that aims to improve banana productivity and explore the use of banana fibre for handicraft and handloom products.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam for this recognition and wish her continued success. It is the drive, energy and commitment of women like her that is instrumental in the development of Manipur and the North-East.

February 08, 2022

The much-awaited and much-needed affordable and high-quality accommodation in Imphal for professional women and female students from the MaolKeki Foundation is now ready for booking! Images in the flyer are actual photos of one of the rooms! 

Email us at contact@maolkekifoundation.org to book or for further information.

Thank you!

September 22, 2021

MaolKeki Foundation is very pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship at St. Stephen’s College after a break in 2020 when the amount was used instead to seed the St. Stephen’s College Covid Resilience Fund that supported over 50 students impacted by Covid. The annual cash scholarship is awarded to a Manipuri student studying at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, who has demonstrated excellent academic performance, integration and immersion into College life by participating in various extra curricular activities, however has limited financial means to support his or her education. The selection process is managed by a committee in College and also requires the student to submit a hand-written essay.

The recipient for the third MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship is Khamsinchung Nicholas Pamei from Khoupum Satudai in Noney district, Manipur, who is currently in his third year of a Chemistry (Honours) degree.

So far, Khamsinchung has an average of 9.5/10 SGPA in the University Examinations and he is also an active member of the Northeast Society and College volleyball team. Mr. Pamei is the son of Mrs. Sangamdailiu Pamei and (L) Mr. Gaithaodimpou Pamei and he is the
youngest of five sisters and two brothers. His education has been supported by a sister who is a banker and he completed his high school from Don Bosco School Sechu Zubza, Kohima, Nagaland, and higher secondary school from Herbert School, Changangei, Imphal West.

MaolKeki Foundation wishes Mr. Pamei the very best in his studies and looks forward to him scaling greater heights in the future.

About St. Stephen’s College

St. Stephen’s College is one of the oldest and best colleges offering undergraduate and graduate courses in the arts and sciences in India. It was founded on 1 February 1881 by the Cambridge Mission to Delhi and has produced a distinguished line of alumni including presidents, politicians, bureaucrats, artists and businessmen. For more info, visit http://www.ststephens.edu.

About MaolKeki Foundation
 

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

September 17, 2021

MaolKeki Foundation’s agri-entrepreneurship journey was published in this month’s Agriculture & Food Security Network newsletter of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Click here  to read the story

August 15, 2021

At the 75th Independence Day ceremony organized by the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, Dr. Shachi Gurumayum who hails from Manipur was felicitated by Her Excellency Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta and presented with a citation and medal on behalf of the President of India. Dr. Shachi was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians, at this year’s  Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event, held online on 9th January.

Dr. Shachi is a Director of Switzerland-based AgriMayum GmbH which provides strategic and implementation support to agribusinesses looking to expand into emerging markets. He is also a Trustee of the MaolKeki Foundation based in Imphal, Manipur, which works in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare.

MaolKeki Foundation has undertaken a range of initiatives in Manipur to train thousands of farmers, provide last-mile healthcare to farmers and their families, and award scholarships to students to support their educational pursuits. The organization and its partners are currently developing multiple Agri Entrepreneurs, conducting a value chain study of different crops in eight districts of Manipur as well as installing an oxygen plant at Bishnupur District Hospital.

Dr. Shachi has also worked with smallholder farmers in rural parts of many African countries and sits on the advisory boards of multiple organizations focused on agriculture in emerging markets. He is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College (Delhi, India), and completed his Master’s and PhD from the University of Bristol (England). He also holds an MBA from HEC Paris (France) and is currently pursuing an advanced degree in healthcare from the Swiss TPH (Switzerland).

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. It is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

August 6, 2021

MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) has awarded the first MKF Robert Memorial Internship to Mr. Micky Rajkumar, a 4^th Semester Bachelor of Computer Application student at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Imphal, Manipur. The annual internship program has been launched in memory of Mr. Robert Singh Khwairakpam who passed away recently from post-Covid 
complications.

It may be noted that Robert previously supported the MaolKeki Foundation on various data analysis and Management Information Systems work until he was recruited full time by Syngenta Foundation India earlier in 2021. Robert continued to support MKF as the data specialist for the ongoing NABARD-funded One District One Crop Value Chain Study besides being responsible for creating the web order form for Veg-in-aBasket, the farm fresh vegetables delivery business supported by the AgriEntrepreneur Growth Foundation, Anaha Trust and Sattva.

The internship has been launched through a personal endowment from Mrs. Divya Reddyvari who worked closely with Robert over the last few months in building a few algorithms for a stealth mode start-up related to the Indian financial markets. It is being implemented in partnership with Lamzing Technologies Private Limited which is a diversified IT development company based in Manipur and Hyderabad. On the occasion of this launch, Mrs. Divya commented, “Robert’s passion for IT systems and coding was incredible along with his intention to add value to people around him. It is important to find and nurture people like Robert and we wish this fund would support deserving people in a small yet significant way.”

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. To date, the Foundation has trained over 2,500 farmers across Manipur and provided last-mile health assessments to over 3,000 farmers and their families. The Foundation has also established four annual scholarships at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Imphal, Manipur, to support bright Manipuri students from poor economic backgrounds. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org. To learn more or support any of our initiatives, please get in touch at contact@maolkekifoundation.org.

July 27, 2021

MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) has awarded the first MKF Robert Memorial Internship to Mr. Micky Rajkumar, a 4^th Semester Bachelor of Computer Application student at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Imphal, Manipur. The annual internship program has been launched in memory of Mr. Robert Singh Khwairakpam who passed away recently from post-Covid 
complications.

It may be noted that Robert previously supported the MaolKeki Foundation on various data analysis and Management Information Systems work until he was recruited full time by Syngenta Foundation India earlier in 2021. Robert continued to support MKF as the data specialist for the ongoing NABARD-funded One District One Crop Value Chain Study besides being responsible for creating the web order form for Veg-in-aBasket, the farm fresh vegetables delivery business supported by the AgriEntrepreneur Growth Foundation, Anaha Trust and Sattva.

The internship has been launched through a personal endowment from Mrs. Divya Reddyvari who worked closely with Robert over the last few months in building a few algorithms for a stealth mode start-up related to the Indian financial markets. It is being implemented in partnership with Lamzing Technologies Private Limited which is a diversified IT development company based in Manipur and Hyderabad. On the occasion of this launch, Mrs. Divya commented, “Robert’s passion for IT systems and coding was incredible along with his intention to add value to people around him. It is important to find and nurture people like Robert and we wish this fund would support deserving people in a small yet significant way.”

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. To date, the Foundation has trained over 2,500 farmers across Manipur and provided last-mile health assessments to over 3,000 farmers and their families. The Foundation has also established four annual scholarships at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Imphal, Manipur, to support bright Manipuri students from poor economic backgrounds. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org. To learn more or support any of our initiatives, please get in touch at contact@maolkekifoundation.org.

July 8, 2021

The second wave of Covid-19 has impacted everyone with many having lost near and dear ones. Syngenta Foundation India and the MaolKeki Foundation are deeply saddened to announce the death of one of our colleagues, Khwairakpam Robert Singh, who passed away from post-Covid complications recently.

Robert previously supported the MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) on various data analysis and Management Information Systems work until he was recruited full time by Syngenta Foundation India (SFI) in April 2021. Robert continued to support MKF as the data specialist for the ongoing NABARD-funded One District One Crop Value Chain Study besides being responsible for creating the web order form for Veg-in-a-Basket, the farm fresh vegetables delivery business supported by the Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation, Anaha Trust and Sattva. Robert, a resident of Lamphel Sanakeithel, Imphal and a former student of Johnstone Higher Secondary School, obtained his Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) in 2006from Madras University, Chennai, and an MBA (Operations, MIS and Finance) in 2009from ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad. Mostly self-taught and ever hungry for knowledge, he was UGC NET Certified in Management, Capital Market (Dealers) and Derivatives Market (Dealers) Modules, and also certified in NISM-Series-V-A Mutual Fund stributors and Trade Finance from the Indian Institute of Banking Finance. In a career spanning over 12 years, Robert also worked for various multinational and national organizations namely, Royal Bank of Scotland Business Services Private Limited, WIPRO BPO Limited, MAERSK Global Service Centers (India) Private Limited, Barclays Shared Services Private Limited, Globizs Web Solutions Private Limited. Robert was a guest faculty for the B Voc. Agriculture program at Lilong Haoreibi College and a Stock Market trading trainer at Ahelba Trading Academy. As the only son in the family, Robert returned home to Manipur in late 2018 to look after his ageing parents. A young and dynamic data analyst who not only taught us the right prediction of data but also time management. Robert was a very focused and humble person, with a keen problem-solving attitude. He would say, “We should make something which is very much easy for ground people to use and implement.” His tenure with SFI was dynamic and evening times were his fvourite to work. The team at SFI had this to say about Robert, “We will be missing him forever. We never met as he joined us during pandemic times but we had great bonding. His longing to learn new things and use his learnings to build something for all of us has helped the organization a lot. The data interfaces he built for the organization is going to remind him to us forever. Thousand salutes to the departed soul.”
Robert is survived by his parents, young son, four-month pregnant wife, and two sisters.

About Syngenta Foundation India
Syngenta India limited set up the Syngenta Foundation as an independent organization in 2005 to help marginalized farmers adopt improved production technologies for better productivity and higher incomes. The Foundation is working with a number of local NGOs and other associations on resource conservation and crop enhancement projects to provide long term productivity and income generation for the farmers. We also establish partnerships in areas as varied as seed supply, environmental services and food processing. 

About MaolKeki Foundation
MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. To date, the Foundation has trained over 2,500 farmers across Manipur and provided last-mile health assessments to over 3,000 farmers and their families. The Foundation has also established four annual scholarships at St.Stephen’s College, Delhi, and Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Imphal, Manipur, to support bright Manipuri students from poor economic backgrounds. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org. To learn more or support any of our initiatives, please get in touch at contact@maolkekifoundation.org

June 4, 2021

In a bid to support the Government of Manipur in its goal to manage the second wave of Covid-19, a group of local NGOs supported by a global network of volunteers under the aegis of the Oxygen Exchange platform have come together to provide much-needed BPAPs to the government. The 50 units, funded by ACT Grants and Swasth Alliance, were received during a ceremony earlier today in the presence of the Chief Minister, Shri N. Biren Singh.

Oxygen Exchange is a platform run by volunteers who have been monitoring the oxygen demand-supply patterns in various states in India. The volunteers identified a gap in Manipur and therefore, decided to work with various donors, NGOs, the State Government and suppliers to fill this gap.

The platform was supported locally by Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (PHED/Agriculture/MAHUD), Ms. Laltanpuii Vanchhong, CEO, State Health Agency, and a team representing the MaolKeki Foundation, STEP North East, HIGHLAND and Seva Bharati.

May 20, 2021

The annual MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, is now inviting applications from II Year junior members from Manipur. Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance, involvement in extra-curricular activities and College Clubs and Societies, and all applicants must also submit an essay. We wish you the very best and look forward to meeting the awardee! 

May 6, 2021

It is with profound sadness that MaolKeki Foundation announces the loss of its founding trustee and mentor, Dr. Gurumayum Tonsana Sharma, following a brief period of illness. 

Dr. Tonsana grew up in Imphal, Manipur, India, attended Johnstone Higher Secondary  School and Dhanamanjuri College before graduating in Civil Engineering from Ranchi University in 1973. Starting as a Junior Engineer in the Public Works Department of  the Government of Manipur in the same year, he rose through the ranks to retire as the Chief Engineer in 2009. A true believer in continuous learning with an everlasting thirst for knowledge, he completed a Master of Engineering from the University of Roorkee, now the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, in 1977, a Post Graduate degree in Hydrology from Padua University, Italy, on a UNESCO program in 1986, and a PhD from IUEP, Moscow University, in 2001. His latest academic accomplishment was to earn a Bachelor of Law degree with overall third position from the Royal Academy of Law, Manipur, at the ripe age of 70 in 2020.

During his entire career as an engineer in the Public Works Department, he maintained  an unblemished record as a man of high principle, uncompromising integrity and fairness across all rank and file. Dr. Tonsana also played a key role in many of the large engineering projects in Manipur and, for a brief period, was posted on Central Government deputation as a Superintending Engineer with the Brahmaputra Board, North Lakhimpur, Assam. 

Following his retirement from active government service, he launched the Manipur Democratic People’s Front (MDPF) in 2009, a regional political party to create a future based on good governance built on the foundations of Manipur’s own agenda. As a party candidate, he contested the Manipur State Assembly and Lok Sabha (Member of Parliament) Elections using these platforms to highlight the need for change in Manipur and shaking the tree to ensure that law makers in the state kept the mandates they were elected for.

In 2017, he co-founded the MaolKeki Foundation, coined with letters from the names of his parents, Gurumayum Madhumangol Sharma and Chanamthabam Ketuki Devi, to catalyse development in Manipur through focused philanthropic initiatives in Agriculture, Education and Healthcare. As a mentor and guide, he provided valuable counsel to many in the organization combining his vast experience, education and knowledge. His last acts of kindness were to visit his alma mater, Johnstone Higher Secondary School, in April 2021 to establish three scholarships to support bright students from poor economic backgrounds, and give his blessings to develop a highrise building he had started constructing to provide affordable, high quality, accommodation to essential workers in Imphal.

Dr. Tonsana is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren who were all by his side in his last days before departing for heavenly abode. We miss Pabung dearly, and we will continue his legacy and the good work he started with the Foundation.

April 20, 2021

MaolKeki Foundation has been recruiting for a “One District, One Crop” Value Chain Study funded by the National Bank For Agriculture & Rural Development and with support from Syngenta Foundation India. 

We're excited to share that we held a kick-off workshop with the whole team earlier today. The districts in which we will perform the research are as follows: (primary crop indicated with a secondary crop to be added later on):
Bishnupur - Tomato
Churachandpur - Pineapple
Imphal East – Potato
Imphal West - Cucumber
Kakching – Watermelon
Noney - Banana
Senapati - Kiwi
Tamenglong – Orange
With Junior Associates now in place in each of the targeted districts, the workshop was an opportunity to onboard everyone and put them on the same level of understanding of the work, its significance, methodology, and how the results from the study could aid in designing the right strategies in the districts.
Our team members will be ready with numerous questionnaires loaded on a mobile app called doForms in the coming weeks and months.

Will scour the districts for producers, merchants, processors, and customers in order to obtain their inputs. If you see them, give them a warm welcome and encourage them to join! If you are a grower, dealer, processor, or user of any of the crops mentioned above and would like to participate, please send us a message with your phone number and a member of our team will contact you.

January 14, 2021

On 9th January 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. Every year since 2003, this date is remembered with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrations. A key feature of this event is the announcement of the winners of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.

This year, we are extremely proud that our founder and trustee, Dr. Shachi Gurumayum who is a native of Manipur, has been chosen as one of 30 recipients from around the world. Dr. Shachi founded the MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) in December 2017 in memory of his late grandparents with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare.

MKF has trained over 1,500 farmers, provided last-mile healthcare services to over 2,500 individuals in rural areas and supported a selected number of students in their educational pursuits. Its flagship program is the AgriEntrepreneurs Program in partnership with the AgriEntrepreneurs Growth Foundation which helps farmers become AgriEntrepreneurs through dedicated training, financial support and regular monitoring sessions during implementation. The first of these agribusinesses is Veg-in-a-Basket (ViB) which delivers fresh vegetables from rural farms to busy urban households in Imphal.

Dr. Shachi has also worked in rural parts of many African countries to enable smallholder farmers adopt better practices and technologies to improve yield and quality for global agricultural companies such as AgBiTech and Syngenta. He is a Director of Switzerland-based AgriMayum GmbH and sits on the advisory board of multiple organizations focused on agriculture in emerging markets.

He is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College (Delhi, India), and completed his Master’s and PhD from the University of Bristol (England). He also holds an MBA from HEC Paris (France). In 2006, Dr. Shachi also had a reception with HRH Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace for his contributions to British science.

November 3, 2020

MaolKeki Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ng. Vikram Moyon as a Junior Agronomist based in Chandel. Vikram has a BSc (2015) and MSc (2017) in Forestry from HNB Garhwal University in Uttarakhand, and has previously worked on an integrated watershed management programme, monitored immunization for the WHO, and had research training at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

The state of Manipur is divided into multiple districts in the valley as well as in the hill ranges surrounding the valley. Though MaolKeki Foundation has had recipients of its annual MKF Memorial Scholarship at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, from Chandel and Churachandpur districts, this is the first time we have established a solid footprint outside of the valley. Vikram will be driving this by establishing a network of Lead Farmers in Chandel District who will grow various crops to demonstrate Good Agricultural Practices and help to train and empower other farmers in their localities. Vikram, who also manages a small banana plantation, will be working towards establishing a pilot agroforestry model plot in the district too.

Vikram is driven by a desire to work for his community, and enjoys sports, travelling, hiking and gardening is his spare time. We are delighted to have Vikram join us and look forward to engaging with even more farmers around Manipur.

September 8, 2020

Agri Entrepreneurs (AEs) from Manipur completed the Agri Entrepreneurship Training conducted by the Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), a joint venture between Syngenta Foundation India (SFI) and the Tata Trusts. This was the first batch from Manipur and the AEs were selected for the training based on their performance over the last few years as key farmers within their communities and a structured selection process. Due to the prevailing pandemic, the training was conducted online for the very first time instead of an intensive residential program by dedicated faculty members from SFI, AEGF and guest lecturers covering various disciplines such as agri technology, life coach, etc. Even though none of the AEs have full proficiency in Hindi, which was the medium of instruction, they all managed to perform extremely well in the training program. With average attendance over the 21-day course of 99% and an average score of 77%, they have all successfully completed their training and are about to begin their entrepreneurial journeys.

The AE model is active across other Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. So far, 2666 AEs spread across these geographies serve approximately 220,000 farmers with the target to improve farmers' incomes. SFI promotes the involvement of the AEs in various activities such as seeds and market linkages and works with various partner NGOs to supervise and monitor the AEs. The organisation aims for inclusion, diversity and collective responsibility. MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) is working closely with SFI to successfully implement the AE model in Manipur by selecting and mobilising youths to take up Agri Entrepreneurship. And now, the first batch is ready to put their best foot forward.

The aim is to help rural youths take up businesses that help sustain the growth in the areas where they are working. Each AE is expected to engage and work alongside 150 or so farmers in a cluster of at least 4-5 villages. AEs are trained to provide knowledge and crop advice, market linkages, credit facilities, etc. Not only did the training prepare the individuals to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, but it also helped develop an attitude towards ethical work culture. They are trained to work as one stop solutions for all agri related matters.

August 5, 2020

Earlier this week, MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) and Anaha Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further develop the fresh vegetables value chain in Manipur. The initiative, coined Veg-in-a-Basket (ViB), will enable the commercial-scale implementation of a pilot project that MKF has been running for over a year. 

The funding from Anaha Trust, facilitated by Sattva Media & Consulting Pvt. Ltd., will support the expansion of the pilot to cover more trusted farmers in rural areas of Bishnupur District to grow and supply fresh vegetables directly to urban consumers in Imphal. In doing so, our ViB AgriEntrepreneurs are addressing a few key challenges:

Farmers not getting value for their hard labour in producing good quality vegetables
Busy urban consumers not having the time to shop for fresh vegetables and being suspicious of chemical overuse on crops
Extremely volatile pricing with unreliable supply chains, and finally,
Traceability enabling consumers to put names and faces to the growers producing their food

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, a trustee of MaolKeki Foundation, said, “The MoU is the result of a nearly year-long process during which Sattva and Anaha Trust diligently assessed the ViB concept and pilot that team MKF had initiated in Manipur. ViB has a positive impact on farmers as well as consumers, and it addresses the key need for transparency and efficiency in our food supply chains. This helps to reduce waste and shortages as we have experienced during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We will ensure this partnership is a win-win for all and goes from strength to strength.”

Mr. C. Bala, founder of Anaha Trust, said, “I’m glad the support by Anaha Trust to this program of MaolKeki Foundation will start shortly. I look forward to the program helping rural households in Bishnupur to increase their incomes and livelihoods. My wife and I hope to visit Manipur when the lockdown restrictions are removed so that we can visit the households that benefit from this program.”

With the MoU in place, it is time for the AgriEntrepreneurs to mobilize resources and commence their commercial scale up. In the months and years to come, the partnership will be highlighting the achievements and impact of this program.

June 1, 2020

Since we first announced these vacancies, Covid-19 cases in Manipur have shot up with over 70 returnees from other states found positive for the virus. As a result, many qualified candidates have been busy assisting the returnees, managing quarantine facilities, and ensuring essential services were delivered during the renewed lockdowns. To respect their efforts, and to extend the opportunities to those who have recently returned home, we have extended the deadline for Associates and Junior Associate positions until 30 June 2020. We have so far interviewed candidates based in seven districts who can cover up to 12 districts amongst them, but we are looking for more. Apply 

May 10, 2020

The Foundation is in the process of establishing a team in anticipation of funding for an expanded value chain study covering multiple crops in all 16 districts of Manipur. The study will cover one primary crop in each district, conduct an extensive value chain study of the identified crop, assess the impact of Covid-19 and make recommendations for improving the value chain, increasing resilience post-Covid-19 and propose potential investment options for public and private institutions in the state.

For implementing the above-mentioned study, MaolKeki Foundation is looking to recruit four Associates to be based strategically across Manipur and 16 Junior Associates, one per district. These individuals will be led by a Study Coordinator and supported by a Technical Advisor and an Agricultural Data Specialist. Find out more in the Jobs section.

April 4, 2020

Earlier this week, MaolKeki Foundation welcomed Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam as its new Project Coordinator. Nirupa will be responsible for driving the Agripreneurs Program in partnership with Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), an initiative of Syngenta Foundation India and Tata Trusts. A number of agripreneurs covering a range of areas such as greenhouse nurseries, organic fertilizer, farm-to-fork fresh vegetables delivery, etc. have already been identified and Nirupa will be supporting their development and training.

Nirupa spent over a decade in marketing, communications and client relationship management roles in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Manipur. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Calcutta University, West Bengal, and is fluent in English, Hindi and Manipuri.

December 20, 2019

Delhi/ Imphal, Dec. 20, 2019 – Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA), a leading agricultural foundation, and MaolKeki Foundation (MKF), an organization supporting smallholder farmers in Manipur, recently celebrated two years of partnership.

SFSA has been working with MKF since it was established two years ago, and has supported the training of MKF staff on modern agronomic practices, the establishment of a soil laboratory as well as in defining new projects intended to help farmers grow better crops and access markets more efficiently.

Dr. Baskar Reddy, Country Director, India travelled to the three villages in Manipur where MKF has been operational for the last two years. In these villages, MKF trained over 1,000 farmers through various demo days, info sessions and financial literacy campaigns in partnership with key organizations like the Reserve Bank of India and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. Dr. Reddy visited some of the lead farmers’ fields, toured the Leibak Leihao Labs soil laboratory established by MKF and had an interactive session with various lead farmers and their network of farmers.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Reddy said, “This is the first project for the foundation in the north-east and we are fortunate to have a dedicated partner like MKF to work in Manipur. The progress that MKF has made in this short span of time is truly incredible. We are confident that we will be able to introduce the agri-entrepreneurship model in Manipur and bring significant benefits to smallholder farmers”. Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, founder of MKF, added, “Syngenta Foundation has been instrumental in our growth and MKF would not have had the same level of impact if not for the unwavering support of SFSA. As we expand into new villages and crops, as well as intensify our activities in the existing villages, we look forward to an even stronger partnership.”

For more information or interviews, please contact:

At MaolKeki Foundation: Surjeet Luwangcha, contact@maolkekifoundation.org

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. Besides providing farmers with training on Good Agricultural Practices, our field nurse carries out last mile health assessments of the farmers and their families. It is MKF’s mission to help farmers overcome the common ailments of inadequate last mile services across both agriculture and healthcare. The Foundation also supports an academically bright student from Manipur with proven financial needs through the annual MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship in partnership with St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

April 15, 2019

MaolKeki Foundation is very pleased to announce the recipient of the 2019 MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship. The annual cash scholarship is awarded to a Manipuri student studying at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, who has demonstrated excellent academic performance, integration and immersion into College life by participating in various extra-curricular activities, however has limited financial means to support his or her education.

The recipient for the 2019 MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship is Mr. James Tunglut. Mr. Tunglut is the youngest son of Mr. T. Kham Kho Gin and Mrs. Zam Za Ching from Churachandpur, Manipur. He is an alumnus of Blue Star Academy and St. Paul’s Institute in Churachandpur. He then moved to Delhi for a medical treatment at AIIMS where subsequently he completed his higher secondary schooling at Mount Carmel School before enrolling at St. Stephen’s College as a Philosophy student.

MaolKeki Foundation wishes Mr. Tunglut the very best in his studies and achieving greater heights in the coming years.

Currently, Mr. Tunglut  is a second year undergraduate student of BA (H) Philosophy, and is associated with various college society activities including the role of GenSec at Philosophical Society and that of Asst Talks Co-ordinator, St. Stephen’s North-East Society. He hopes to pursue a Master’s degree abroad.

About St. Stephen’s College

St. Stephen’s College is one of the oldest and best colleges offering undergraduate and graduate courses in the arts and sciences in India. It was founded on 1 February 1881 by the Cambridge Mission to Delhi and has produced a distinguished line of alumni including presidents, politicians, bureaucrats, artists and businessmen. For more info, visit http://www.ststephens.edu.

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

For more information or interviews, please contact:

At MaolKeki Foundation: Surjeet Luwangcha, contact@maolkekifoundation.org

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. Besides providing farmers with training on Good Agricultural Practices, our field nurse carries out last mile health assessments of the farmers and their families. It is MKF’s mission to help farmers overcome the common ailments of inadequate last mile services across both agriculture and healthcare. The Foundation also supports an academically bright student from Manipur with proven financial needs through the annual MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship in partnership with St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

February 11, 2019

For smallholders, agriculture development and healthcare suffer a common ailment; ineffective last mile services. In the Agrarian Indian State of Manipur, these challenges are exacerbated due todeep-rooted socio-political challenges. This has left the population to be amongst the poorest and most marginalized groups in India.

Read more on the Syngenta Foundation website by clicking here.

November 4, 2018

The case for why agriculture and healthcare must work together

Read more of this article written by our founder by clicking here.

April 18, 2018

MaolKeki Foundation is very pleased to announce the recipient of the first MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship. The annual cash scholarship is awarded to a Manipuri student studying at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, who has demonstrated excellent academic performance, integration and immersion into College life by participating in various extra-curricular activities, however who has limited financial means to support his or her education.

The recipient of the first ever MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship is Miss. L H Everhring. Miss Everhring is a second-year Mathematics Honours student who has so far scored an average of 9.14/10 SGPA in the University Examinations. She has actively participated in the events and workshops organized by the Mathematics Society, St. Stephen’s North-East Society and the Hiking Club of the College. She is also a member of the College Choir and the Women’s Football Team representing College in various tournaments. Miss Everhring is the daughter of Mr. L H Peter and Mrs. N L Loverhing of Hnahringkhu Village, Chandel District, Manipur, and completed high School from St. Peter’s High School, Chandel, and her 12^thstandard from Herbert School, Changangei, Imphal West.

MaolKeki Foundation wishes Miss Everhring the very best in her studies and looks forward to her achieving greater heights in the future.

About St. Stephen’s College

St. Stephen’s College is one of the oldest and best colleges offering undergraduate and graduate courses in the arts and sciences in India. It was founded on 1 February 1881 by the Cambridge Mission to Delhi and has produced a distinguished line of alumni including presidents, politicians, bureaucrats, artists and businessmen. For more info, visit http://www.ststephens.edu.

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur, India, primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. For more info, visit http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.