Title	Comprehensive Agricultural Sector Analysis and Resource Mapping for Sustainable Growth in the selected districts of Maharashtra
Timeline	03 Months
Expected area of expertise	Agriculture /Agri Business/Government programmes Knowledge Team in Site Assessment and Problem statement Agri Market linkages, Documentation and Report Making
Email and website	procurement@selcofoundation.org https://selcofoundation.org/consultancy/
Apply Link	https://forms.gle/ZCo1aetrohzLDb2v7 (Contact Procurement for Form Link)
Last Date of Application	27th May 2025

About SELCO Foundation:

SELCO Foundation's mission is to create a platform of solutions that uses sustainable energy as a catalyst to link environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. With holistic development as the primary focus, the organization strives to create equitable societies where all communities have access to essential services. SELCO Foundation's Agri & Allied program focuses on empowering farmers and rural communities through sustainable agriculture practices, thereby creating an impact in terms of improved energy-efficient technology, increased crop yields, enhanced livelihoods, and reduced carbon footprint. To know more about SELCO Foundation, visit www.selcofoundation.org.

 

1.     Summary of the project:

This project seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the agricultural sector within selected districts, with the goal of supporting informed decision-making for stakeholders, including policymakers, agricultural professionals, investors and entrepreneurs. By focusing on various aspects of the agricultural landscape, the project aims to create a clear, data-driven overview of current conditions, trends and opportunities for future growth in the region.

The Research involves creating a detailed document on the cropping patterns and the overall agricultural industry scenario in the selected districts. This will include a thorough mapping of the crops typically grown, their seasonal variations and the land-use patterns across the region. Such insights are crucial for understanding the agricultural strengths and weaknesses within the district. Additionally, the project will delve into the agricultural industry’s state, exploring key areas such as infrastructure, farming techniques, agro-processing and the agricultural supply chain. By providing a detailed overview, the report will identify both challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector and will help stakeholders understand the potential for diversification and growth.

The support from government to agriculture plays key role in shaping the economy, understanding the schemes and kind of support given to agriculture by both state and central government - detailed mapping of state and central government schemes that are relevant to agriculture. These schemes include both pre-farm activities, such as financial and technical support for inputs and post-harvest activities, like storage, marketing and transportation solutions. The mapping will include a comprehensive list of these government initiatives, with clear details on their implementation processes, eligibility criteria, application steps and other important information. The goal is to provide farmers and agricultural businesses with accessible information on how to leverage these schemes for improved productivity and growth. Also, expected to provide 20 potential leads for each district for unlocking finance and to work with them, for the implementation of DRE driven solutions. These leads will be actively engaged to explore opportunities for unlocking finance and collaborating on the implementation of Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions. The aim is to facilitate on-ground deployment of DRE technologies by assessing the financial viability and practical integration of these solutions within the local context.

Another key aspect of the project is the analysis of Priority Sector Lending (PSL) trends over the past three years in the selected districts. PSL refers to the allocation of credit to vital sectors like agriculture, which play a significant role in local economic development. By studying the trends in PSL, the project will assess how financial institutions have distributed credit to the agricultural sector and evaluate the effectiveness of government policies aimed at supporting financial inclusion in rural areas. This analysis will highlight gaps in credit flow, areas of improvement and the overall impact of PSL on the region’s agricultural growth.

A crucial aspect of the project is the institution mapping which will identify and document key organizations within the selected districts. These institutions include government agencies, financial institutions, agricultural extension services, research bodies and training centres. The mapping will provide contact details, services offered and target beneficiaries of each institution, creating an accessible directory for farmers and entrepreneurs to quickly find relevant support. This resource will facilitate improved access to necessary services and resources, fostering a more collaborative environment for agricultural development.

The project will explore clean energy initiatives in agriculture within the selected districts. This includes identifying renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered irrigation systems, solar drying technologies for crops, biogas plants for waste-to-energy applications and wind energy projects. The goal is to document and highlight how these clean energy solutions are being integrated into agricultural practices to reduce costs, lower carbon emissions and enhance sustainability. By mapping these initiatives, the project will showcase the potential for expanding the use of clean energy in agriculture, ultimately contributing to the region’s environmental and economic resilience.

The project also involves mapping the ongoing activities under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLM) that are related to agriculture. This mapping exercise will provide valuable insights into the current landscape of agricultural livelihoods, enabling a more informed assessment of the existing conditions. These insights will serve as a foundation for future planning and will support the development of a district-specific strategy.

Finally, the project involves mapping of sustainable agricultural practices across various crops in the district, with a macro-level overview centered around the major crops. This aims to capture a broader understanding of current farming techniques, inputs and approaches that align with sustainability principles. Special emphasis to be placed on conducting a macro-level analysis focused on the district's major crops. The insights gained will help informed targeted interventions and strategic planning for enhancing sustainable agriculture in the region

In conclusion, this project aims to provide a thorough, data-driven understanding of the agricultural sector in the selected districts. By addressing key areas such as cropping patterns, government schemes, PSL trends, institution mapping and clean energy adoption, the project will equip stakeholders with critical insights for informed decision-making. It will not only help to improve existing agricultural practices but also provide a foundation for sustainable growth and development in the region.

Requirements:

Interested agencies must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

·       Experience in Field-Based Research:

At least 3 years of experience conducting primary research in rural and/or underserved geographies, preferably in sectors related to decentralized renewable energy, agriculture, or livelihoods.

·       Thematic and Geographic Expertise:

Prior work in similar thematic areas and demonstrated familiarity with the socio-economic and agro- ecological contexts of the proposed districts.

·       Dedicated Field Teams:

The agency must have or be able to deploy 1–2 trained researchers per district, familiar with the local language, geography, and agricultural ecosystem.

·       Pre-established Networks:

Prior or ongoing collaborations with FPOs, NGOs, SHGs, or local government departments in the target districts will be considered an advantage. This will enable smoother access to stakeholders and local data.

·       Clear Tools and Templates:

Demonstrated capacity to design and deploy effective research tools that are contextualized to the geography and study objectives.

·       Realistic Field Strategy:

A strategic and focused field plan, such as prioritizing key blocks within districts (rather than full- district coverage), is expected. Proposals should outline how site selection will balance representation and feasibility.

·       Project Management Capacity:

The agency must have a central coordination team responsible for managing timelines, data quality, and regular communication. Field teams should work in parallel, and tight project management is essential for timely delivery.

·       Data Management and Documentation:

Proven ability to manage and deliver clean, structured datasets, along with well-written reports and presentations in English. Ethical data practices and security protocols must be followed.

Selection Criteria:

The technical proposal will be evaluated based on the following general areas:

• All relevant files, including editable versions of the deliverables, need to be provided by the Agency / Consultant.
• Ability to bring innovative and effective approaches to training module development, ensuring engagement and knowledge retention.
• A clear and comprehensive proposal that outlines the approach, methodology and deliverables for each module.
• Provide references from previous clients or partners, along with testimonials that speak to the quality and impact of the training modules developed.
• The Agency / Consultant should have experience handling similar projects, assignments, contracts & challenges.
• The proposals submitted by the Agency / Consultant will be evaluated and examined by an expert in-house committee. The final selection will rest with the competent authority of the SELCO Foundation.
• Kindly mention your name, address, contact information along with correct bank details and signature in the proposal and quotation.
• The financial proposal will be evaluated based on expertise, cost, lead-time and proposed payment terms.

To apply

Interested individuals, with relevant experience (please include portfolio and links of relevant work) are requested to reach out with a Statement of Purpose giving a brief on how the opportunity aligns with their goals, including budgets (with break-ups and explanation), timelines and milestones and submit the same to the google form https://forms.gle/KNzYcBZRFPdEgFBd6 on before 27^th May , 2025.

Any further queries please write to procurement@selcofoundation.org and copy to gouse@selcofoundation.org with a subject line: Onboarding Consultant for “Comprehensive Agricultural Sector Analysis and Resource Mapping for Sustainable Growth in the selected districts of Maharashtra ”

To download the full ToR, click here

Tags Livelihood Smart City and Urban Issues Solar Energy