We believe that transforming rainfed agriculture requires strategic, sustained, and collaborative support. Our approach is built on the understanding that networks multiply impact—when diverse stakeholders come together, their collective action can drive systemic change. The RRA Network was formed in 2007 to bring together farmers, civil society groups, researchers, and policymakers to address the real needs of dryland (rainfed) farmers.
Thematic working groups on seeds, millets, livestock, cropping systems, and markets have become platforms to co-learn and develop new ideas. Partnerships with other networks—like WGWLO, FOLU, RCRC, and MAKAAM—have further enriched our collective knowledge and reach. The NCNF (National Coalition of Natural farming) & IBBN (Indian Biochar and Bioresource Network) are examples of how shared learning has led to new initiatives.
Strength of a network is in its shared leadership and responsibility. Over the time, the network has grown bigger with more than 800 members across 12 states in India. In 2023, the creation of the RRA Foundation gave the Network an institutional base for long-term sustainability.
The Network has shaped bigger agendas—like mainstreaming millets, securing recognition for pastoralists in the 2024 Livestock Census, and developing community managed seed systems.
The Network tested new ideas on seeds, crops, livestock, and markets through pilots and partnerships. These efforts influenced the 12th Five Year Plan, supported millet procurement by states, and set standards for traditional seed varieties.
The Network’s work in states such as Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and regions such as Bundelkhand, Manbhum, Tribal Tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have shown how local organisations and communities can anchor development in their own contexts. Women and youth leaders have played an important role in making these efforts more relevant and sustainable.
We believe that transforming rainfed agriculture requires strategic, sustained, and collaborative support. Our approach is built on the understanding that networks multiply impact—when diverse stakeholders come together, their collective action can drive systemic change. The RRA Network was formed in 2007 to bring together farmers, civil society groups, researchers, and policymakers to address the real needs of dryland (rainfed) farmers.
Thematic working groups on seeds, millets, livestock, cropping systems, and markets have become platforms to co-learn and develop new ideas. Partnerships with other networks—like WGWLO, FOLU, RCRC, and MAKAAM—have further enriched our collective knowledge and reach. The NCNF (National Coalition of Natural farming) & IBBN (Indian Biochar and Bioresource Network) are examples of how shared learning has led to new initiatives.
Strength of a network is in its shared leadership and responsibility. Over the time, the network has grown bigger with more than 800 members across 12 states in India. In 2023, the creation of the RRA Foundation gave the Network an institutional base for long-term sustainability.
The Network has shaped bigger agendas—like mainstreaming millets, securing recognition for pastoralists in the 2024 Livestock Census, and developing community managed seed systems.
The Network tested new ideas on seeds, crops, livestock, and markets through pilots and partnerships. These efforts influenced the 12th Five Year Plan, supported millet procurement by states, and set standards for traditional seed varieties.
The Network’s work in states such as Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and regions such as Bundelkhand, Manbhum, Tribal Tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have shown how local organisations and communities can anchor development in their own contexts. Women and youth leaders have played an important role in making these efforts more relevant and sustainable.
