Empowering Communities. Strengthening Livelihoods.
Advancing Climate Resilience.
Rural Enlightenment Agricultural Development Society (READS) is a grassroots non-profit organization working across India to build resilient rural communities through climate action, women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, food systems strengthening, and support to smallholder farmers.
For over 25 years, READS has worked with more than 2 million families across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, creating employment, nurturing entrepreneurs, strengthening farmer institutions, and advancing inclusive growth.
Who We Are
Founded with a mission to reduce rural poverty and inequality, READS works at the intersection of climate change, agriculture, and social development. Our approach is community-driven, inclusive, and aligned with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We focus on enabling vulnerable communities—especially women, tribal populations, and smallholder farmers—to become self-reliant through sustainable economic opportunities and climate-resilient practices.
Vision
Mission
To empower smallholder farmers, women, youth, and tribal communities through sustainable agriculture, green livelihoods, entrepreneurship development, and institution building.
Our Focus Areas
Our work focuses on strengthening rural communities through climate resilience, women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive agricultural development.
Climate Change & Resilience
Promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable natural resource management, crop residue management, and green livelihood models to reduce environmental impact and strengthen resilience.
Women Empowerment
Aided Cooperative Societies to
enhance leadership, financial inclusion, and economic independence and resilience.
Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship
Creating employment and enterprise opportunities through skill
development, producer collectives,
value chain development, and market linkages.
Smallholder Farmers
Supporting farmer producer companies, improving access to technology and inputs, and enabling fair market access for small and marginal farmers.
Food Systems
Strengthening sustainable food systems by improving productivity, promoting agro-ecological practices, and enhancing farmer access to markets.
Families Reached
Across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through livelihood, climate, and agriculture programs.
Livelihoods Created
Employment and self-employment opportunities for rural youth and women.
Farmer Producer Companies Supported
Strengthening farmer collectives and improving market access.
Women Groups Strengthened
Empowering Self-Help Groups and Women Mutually Aided Cooperative Societies.
Approach
Our work is grounded in community participation and institution building. We combine capacity building, technical support, market linkage, financial inclusion, and partnership engagement to deliver scalable impact. We collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners, cooperatives, and civil society organizations.
Partners
READS works with CSR foundations, private sector partners, NGOs, and development institutions to implement high-quality, accountable, and scalable programs across India.
Get Involved With Us
Partner with us to scale climate-smart agriculture, women-led enterprises, and resilient food systems.
Support our mission through
Partner With Us
with us
Sow a Seed to Save Planet
Support climate-smart farming and women entrepreneurs
Volunteer / Career / Internship
Contribute your time, skills, and theories to impact the community
Contact Us
Connect with us to support our mission, build partnerships, or explore programs that
create sustainable and inclusive rural development.