FPO Saathi Fellowship 2026 in India | BAIF Development Research Foundation

BAIF Development Research Foundation

BAIF Development Research Foundation is a Pune based nonprofit that has worked on rural development across India since 1967. It focuses on strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations, along with livestock development, watershed management, and women’s livelihoods, with a presence across many states in the country.

Role

This is a 3 month, full time fellowship that places you with a Farmer Producer Organisation in one of nine states across India. You will work directly in the field with FPO members, farmers, and BAIF staff to solve a specific practical challenge or business opportunity for that FPO. Depending on your placement, you may work on market linkages, dairy and livestock enterprises, digital marketing, women’s participation, or FPO governance. The fellowship is hands on and field based, not a desk role, and cannot be combined with another job or course. It suits someone early in their career who wants direct, grassroots experience with farmer institutions.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with one FPO to understand its challenges and support a focused improvement project over 3 months
• Support value chain and market linkage work, including buyer outreach, market mapping, and price benchmarking
• Support dairy and livestock enterprise work, including milk collection, artificial insemination coverage, and market linkages
• Help strengthen the FPO’s digital presence, including online listings, e-commerce, and simple record keeping tools
• Support women’s participation in the FPO, including shareholding, leadership, and governance roles
• Support FPO governance, including board meetings, compliance, equity collection, and linkages with banks, NABARD, and SFAC
• Spend time in the field with farmers, FPO members, and BAIF staff, rather than working from a desk

Requirements

• Graduate or postgraduate degree in agriculture, agribusiness, rural management, development studies, economics, commerce, management, or a related field
• 0 to 5 years of experience; freshers are welcome to apply
• Able to commit full time for the entire 3 month fellowship, without combining it with another job or course
• Willing to live and work in a rural or semi rural area
• Local language proficiency is preferred but not required
• Open to all genders and ages; women are especially encouraged to apply
• Fellows are placed with a specific FPO within these states

Benefits

• Monthly stipend of ₹20,000, plus a ₹30,000 completion incentive on finishing the fellowship
• BAIF completion certificate
• Hands on field experience working directly with farmer producer organisations
• Opportunity to build a strong foundation in rural development and agribusiness

Apply

Check your fit for the role and receive the apply link in your mailbox

Follow our WhatsApp Channel to get notified about the latest jobs.