Food Security

Food Security

Fighting malnutrition with sustainable agriculture

Malnutrition is prevalent in India and Nepal, particularly among rural populations who do not have the physical, social or economic means to obtain sufficient quantities of healthy and nutritious food. Children are especially vulnerable because malnutrition impairs their cognitive development and stunts their physical growth.

Some figures : A report published by UNICEF in 2020 stated that malnutrition was the cause of 69% of deaths among children under the age of 5 in India and 43% in Nepal.

In both India and Nepal, Karuna-Shechen is committed to decreasing malnutrition by promoting access to quality water, through the installation of drip irrigation systems, wells and ponds and to supporting sustainable family farming , through the creation of organic vegetable gardens, and community activities that raise food awareness.

The aim of all these initiatives is to give local people the means to produce sufficient quantities of quality fruit and vegetables, while respecting the environment.

Our teams train farmers in sustainable farming techniques, the management of nurseries for the distribution of seeds and seedlings, and they provide equipment for greenhouses. Our programs also support the cultivation of high value crops that can be sold and subsequently provide additional income.

Our impact in 2025

234, 497 people grew a vegetable garden

16, 360 fruit trees distributed and planted

274 households equipped with rainwater harvesting systems

16 ponds and 5 wells provided better access to water

One of our programs in India

Digging ponds to protect life

In India, the water crisis is alarming. Overuse of groundwater, inadequate infrastructure, and unpredictable rainfall make access to water difficult, especially for the poorest people.

Building a pond ensures that an entire village has a constant supply of water, sufficient for agricultural and household needs. By serving as
reservoirs, ponds also help replenish groundwater and promote a green environment. In 2025, at the villagers’ request, additional ponds
were built in place of wells to best meet their needs. 

In summer, washing clothes and cleaning has become easier, and we also carry water to our homes to feed goats and cows. We use
the pond water for washing clothes. We are happy now.

Malo, resident of Sheba-Bigha community, Bihar

In 2025, 16 ponds were dug, providing access to water for 5,458 people.

I support access to water.

One of our programs in Nepal

Cultivating every garden for greater food self-sufficiency

The climate and the remoteness of mountainous areas pose challenges to food security. We support the development of small, environmentally friendly vegetable gardens.

The vegetable garden program is bringing about lasting changes in families’ daily lives. We distribute seasonal seeds and seedlings, which are key resources for combating malnutrition and building climate resilience. Initially focused on self-sufficiency, the project has exceeded its original goals. Some residents are generating additional income by selling their surplus produce.

Since starting our kitchen garden, fresh seasonal vegetables are now part of our daily meals. We sell surplus vegetables locally,
and earn extra income for our household. By using organic pesticides, our food is safer for our children and for the soil. This small garden has
brought big changes to our health, income, and confidence.

Aaiti Maya, armer Khaniyabas

In 2025, 1,672 farmers were trained and provided with equipment.

I support sustainable agriculture.

Our approach

Improving food security implies a global approach to reasoned and ecological management of water and soil resources. We work on two complementary levels: solutions adapted to the needs of individual families and collective initiatives on a village scale.

To learn more about our food security programs