MARI has seamlessly aligned itself with the Better Cotton Project by integrating sustainable farming practices, community empowerment, and climate resilience into its execution strategy. Through the establishment of four Production Units (PUs), MARI has directly engaged with 16,000 cotton farmers and 24,000 farm workers, ensuring widespread adoption of Better Cotton Principles & Criteria. Special attention has been given to gender inclusion, with 25% of farmers and 75% of farm workers being women, promoting equal participation in decision-making and livelihood enhancement.
To support climate-smart agriculture, MARI has partnered with Regional Agriculture Research Stations (RARS) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs), equipping farmers with knowledge and tools to reduce pesticide use, improve soil health, and increase climate resilience. Additionally, MARI has built strong institutional collaborations with the Department of Handlooms & Textiles – Government of Andhra Pradesh, AP Textiles Cotton Association, and other value chain partners, facilitating access to government schemes and market linkages.
The project’s reach spans 86 villages across four mandals, with a majority of farmers practicing dryland agriculture, making sustainable interventions even more crucial. By fostering knowledge-sharing through Village Knowledge Centers, MARI ensures that farmers receive continuous technical and financial guidance.
Through these efforts, MARI is driving long-term transformation in Andhra Pradesh’s cotton farming sector, making it more profitable, resilient, and environmentally sustainable, while directly contributing to Better Cotton’s 2030 impact targets.
MARI aims to work closely with small and marginal cotton farmers, farm workers, and the farm community to understand deep-rooted issues and develop sustainable solutions for a better farm community through the intervention of Better Cotton Principles & Criteria. Better Cotton has identified five impact targets to be achieved by 2030, which serve as primary objectives for every Better Cotton partner. These target areas include:
"Empowering cotton farmers with sustainable practices, equitable opportunities, and climate resilience, MARI fosters a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with people and the planet."
This comprehensive approach ensures the sustainable development of the cotton farming community, aligning with Better Cotton’s impact targets and promoting overall agricultural and social well-being.
“The Better Cotton project, driven by MARI’s commitment to sustainability and social equity, has empowered thousands of farmers with knowledge, resources, and market linkages. By integrating sustainable farming practices, enhancing women’s participation, and reducing environmental impact, MARI continues to build a resilient cotton farming community that thrives today and for generations to come.”
Empowering vulnerable sections of society to fight against poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation that threaten their basic livelihoods.
He brings unparalleled experience and empathy to his role, which stems from over four decades of dedicated work dedicated to uplifting the rural poor and downtrodden communities in Warangal District, Telangana State. His extensive personal and professional involvement in the region informs his profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities.
As a devoted social worker, John has spearheaded various community development projects to empower marginalized and vulnerable groups. His nearly three-decade association with MARI has significantly contributed to the organisation’s growth and impact.
He remains actively engaged in executive functions, ensuring his valuable insights continue to influence MARI’s direction. His enduring commitment and adaptability highlight his dedication and inspire others in the sector.
He has 38 years of experience in social development and plays a crucial role in steering MARI towards remarkable achievements in social development work. His passion and expertise have been instrumental in assembling a robust team of professionals capable of executing diverse projects precisely, ensuring satisfaction among funding partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders alike.
His comprehensive understanding of various development fields—including water management, environmental conservation,sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, gender and social equity, WASH, capacity building, and community mobilization—has consistently fostered trust and confidence among MARI’s partners. This trust is a testament to his ability to effectively align project goals with partners’ expectations and community needs.
Recognized as the most impactful personality in Telangana State, his contributions have not only elevated the organization’s status but also ensured it is seen as credible, democratic, transparent, and reliable. Under his leadership, the organization has earned numerous accolades, highlighting the significant impact of its initiatives on the targeted populations. His visionary leadership continues to guide the organization toward achieving its mission and enhancing its influential footprint in the development sector.
He is an expert in financial management and statutory compliance, with extensive experience in the NGO sector. He has been actively contributing to systems development in MARI since 1998, dedicating over two decades of voluntary contribution to the organization. His deep understanding of NGO accounting intricacies and their applicability under the Income-tax Act, 1961, makes him an invaluable asset.
Venkata Seshasai’s commitment extends beyond financial oversight; he is deeply passionate about social development. His voluntary contributions significantly enhance MARI’s planning and implementation processes, ensuring both efficiency and compliance. His guidance is strategic and inspirational, fostering a culture of diligence and ethical accountability within the organization.
His steadfast presence and insight have helped shape the organisation’s success and integrity. Seshasai’s blend of expertise, dedication, and passion for social work enriches MARI’s mission and operational strength.
He brings over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the development sector, enhanced by a robust academic foundation in Commerce and financial management. Throughout his illustrious career, he has developed an extensive knowledge of accounting practices specific to charitable institutions, working with several prominent national and international NGOs.
Rama Rao’s deep expertise in finance management has made him an invaluable resource for MARI, offering essential support and guidance that significantly benefits the organization’s financial operations and strategic planning. His reputation as a seasoned expert in the development sector is well-recognized, making him a key figure in various NGOs under different capacities.
Since joining MARI in 2011, his vast experience and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s goals and enhancing its operational effectiveness. Rama Rao’s long-standing association and contributions remain vital to MARI’s success and sustainability in pursuing its mission.
He is an agricultural professional with over three decades of experience in the development sector. His deep analytical skills in social issues have been precious in guiding MARI in the design and execution of impactful social development projects. Suresh is also a highly effective trainer and is respected for his passionate contribution to Manchi Pustakam. This initiative translates globally popular children’s books into Telugu,creating excellent pictorial books that encourage children to learn with joy and interest.His extensive experience and expertise have greatly enriched the organisation.
She is an esteemed educator and a dynamic motivational speaker with extensive experience across various government colleges in Telangana. Known for her articulate speeches on social development issues, she brings a blend of academic rigor and passionate advocacy to her roles.
Her deep commitment to social work is not just a part of her life, it is her life. This is evident in her significant contributions to the Environmental Education programme implemented by MARI, where she demonstrated passion and effective leadership. Her involvement in this programme underscored her dedication to fostering sustainable practices and educating the community on environmental issues.
Subsequently, she joined MARI as an Executive Member, where she provided strategic direction and critical insights that significantly enhanced the organization’s vision and the development of various initiatives. Her role involves strategic oversight and active engagement with project sites, where she offers invaluable guidance to team members.
Her expertise and leadership remain vital to MARI, reinforcing the organization’s foundation with experienced and visionary guidance.
As a pioneer in the educational community, Gangula Arundathi has amassed over 40 years of experience in the field. Her role as the founder and head of Sanghamitra School is not just a business venture, but a testament to her vision of a nurturing environment dedicated to holistic student development. Since its establishment on March 27, 1990, Sanghamitra School has flourished into a prestigious institution, boasting a 34-year legacy that mirrors Arundathi’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education.
Arundathi’s commitment to community service and advocacy is as strong as her administrative prowess. She works closely with the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to promote safety. She actively volunteers with Akshaya Vidya, an organisation that strives to educate children in urban slums, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the educational sphere.
Her influential role as an educator and community leader has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Brave Teacher award from the Cyberabad Police Commissioner. Arundathi is also a recognized voice in educational discourse, having shared her insights on platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks, further establishing her as a respected figure in both educational and professional circles.
At MARI, Arundathi brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of impactful leadership, underlining the organization’s commitment to being led by a team of highly committed and reputed professionals.