Global Vikas Trust
Founded by activist Mayank Gandhi, GVT is a grassroots non-profit transforming rural communities across India through integrated water, ecology, agriculture, and social development.
Independent Impact Verification
A January 2024 Impact Assessment by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai confirmed that GVT's model increased average annual farmer income per acre from ₹38,723 → ₹3,93,986 — a 10× increase.
What GVT Does
GVT's model addresses the root causes of rural poverty through six integrated pillars — tackling water, ecology, agriculture, society, governance, and rivers together rather than in isolation.
Water Conservation
GVT has deepened and widened 88 km of rivers, built 170 Global River Aquashaft (GRA) structures, 64 CNB structures, 5 Kolhapur-type bandharas, and 162 farm ponds — conserving over 2+ Billion gallons of water and raising water tables from 400 feet to less than 50 feet in some areas.
Tree Plantation & Ecology
Over 70 million fruit trees have been planted since 2019, rebuilding the ecological base, improving soil health, and providing farmers with new, high-value crop options.
Agricultural Transformation
By shifting from subsistence crops like cotton and gram to high-value crops like banana, papaya, and mulberry, farmers have seen average annual incomes per acre rise from ₹38,723 to ₹3,93,986 — a 10× increase as verified by TISS Mumbai (Jan 2024).
Social Empowerment
GVT runs anti-illicit liquor campaigns (Daaru Bandi), women-led shramdaan movements, youth engagement programs, and suicide sensitization drives — rebuilding hope, dignity, and community cohesion in villages that had nearly given up.
Governance & Transparency
Strict ethical standards, ERP-based data analytics from sapling to farm, and timely donor reporting with full compliance ensure every rupee invested delivers maximum accountability and impact.
River Rejuvenation
An ongoing 108 km river rejuvenation project on the Paapnashi River (supported by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.) is being undertaken to restore water security and strengthen farming communities across Beed, Maharashtra.
The Human Story
"When we first went to Rewali village, we could see hopelessness and depression in the soulless eyes of the villagers. It was as if they were only living because they were not yet dead. Now their eyes are shining with hope and possibility. The real transformation is not as much on the ground as it is in their minds."
— GVT Field Report, Rewali Village, Marathwada
GVT's work goes far beyond agriculture. Women led shramdaan (voluntary labour) movements to restore rivers. Communities united to end illicit liquor sales. Weddings began only after the wedding party completed shramdaan. Young farmers replaced hopeless elders. The social transformation parallels — and reinforces — the economic one.
Farmer Success Stories
Real farmers. Real income. Real transformation.
Bhalasaheb Deshamukh
Kailas Abhiman Mali
Sudam Bhikan Patil
Archana Salgar
