REǪUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Agronomic Research Study For Natural Dye Crop Development

COLORS of Nature Project

Project Overview

The COLORS of Nature project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Welthungerhilfe with partners Avani Society and Chitrika (ALAF), aims to advance circular textile production in India through plant-based dyes. The project targets 15,000 smallholder farmers and artisans across Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh (2025–2029).

Activity A.2.1 is a critical research component that will identify and validate suitable agronomic practices for natural dye crop production. This RFP seeks a qualified research institute or consultant(s) to conduct a 3-year participatory action research with 20 lighthouse farms, evaluating soil treatments, crop combinations, varieties, and harvesting protocols to optimize yield and dye quality.

OBJECTIVES

Overall Objective

To develop and validate evidence-based agronomic practices for cultivating natural dye crops that improve yield, dye quality, and ecological sustainability for smallholder farmers.

Specific Objectives

1. Identify and evaluate suitable plant species/varieties for natural dye production focusing on in-demand colors (blue, red, yellow, green, black, brown, etc). This is an indicative list. Can be changed based on the agro-climatic conditions of the selected regions and the life-cycle/duration of the plan
2. Develop optimal Package of Practices (PoP) for the agro - climatic conditions of the women farmers producer companies for 6 priority natural dye crops through participatory field trials.
3. Determine best harvesting protocols and maturity indices for maximum dye yield and quality.
4. Compare effectiveness of different organic soil management practices on crop performance.
5. Assess suitability of intercropping/mixed cropping systems for natural dye crops.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Organizational or Individual Researchers PreFerences

1. State/Central Agricultural Universities in India
2. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Institutes
3. State Agricultural Research Stations
4. Reputed Agricultural NGOs with research experience
5. Consultants having field experience, access to research/demo plots related to agroecology and natural dyeing
6. Private agricultural research organizations
7. Consortiums of the above (lead applicant must be specified)

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Legal registration in India (minimum 5 years old) in case of an institution. Not applicable for individual researchers. Instead individual researchers shall have minimum 10 years experience in agro ecology, small holder farming and organic agriculture.
2. Adequate infrastructure networks for research management

Technical Eligibility Criteria

●      Essential:

1. Expertise in organic/ecological agriculture projects
2. Experience working with smallholder farmers in India
3. Capability to conduct multi-location trials across different states
4. Access to laboratory facilities for soil and plant analysis
5. Experience in developing training materials/Package of Practices
6. Having working knowledge of Telugu

●      Desirable:

1. Composition of team should have at least one researcher/professor
2. Young Team Leader for the project is preferred with sufficient agro-ecology experience. Active Agro-Ecology practitioners will get additional bonus points
3. Research Consultant with experience in training and building capacities around organic agriculture and agro ecology practices will be preferred.
4. Prior experience with natural dye crops or Non-Timber Forest Products
5. Understanding of handlooms and textile industry requirements
6. Experience in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana
7. Familiarity with participatory action research methodologies
8. Network with agricultural universities and textile research institutions
9. Experience working on natural dye

Submission Guidelines

1. Deadline: 20th Sept 2026
2. Submission Method: EU portal Link : https://eu.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/460360/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/publictenders&b=
3. Subject line: "Application for Agronomic Research Study - [Organization Name]"
4. Two separate files:
   1. Technical Proposal PDF (labeled: TechProposal_OrgName.pdf)
   2. Financial Proposal Excel (labeled: FinProposal_OrgName.xls)
   3. Both the Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal should be password protected. Documents without Password protection will be ineligible for evaluation.

To download the full RFP document, click here: RFP - Agronomic Research Study For Natural Dye Crop Development