Infosys Foundation and Sister Nivedita Mission Trust to empower Kani tribals in Kanyakumari with sustainable livelihood opportunities

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of Infosys, has collaborated with the Tamil Nadu-based Sister Nivedita Mission Trust to drive socio-economic progress for the Kani tribe in Kanyakumari district. Together, they have launched a livelihood initiative dedicated to empowering the community through sustainable rubber farming practices.

Infosys Foundation has committed a grant of INR 88 lakh, which is set to benefit 500 families consisting of 4-6 members each thus impacting over 2,500 members of the Kani tribal community.

The program will provide rubber saplings, gravity hoses, fencing nets, training, and essential support services, equipping the Kani people with the tools and knowledge needed to establish rubber farming as a sustainable, long-term source of income. By balancing traditional lifestyles with economic development, this project promotes self-reliance while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Indigenous to the Agasthyamalai hills in the Western Ghats, the Kani tribe shares a deep-rooted bond with the forests they inhabit. For generations, these forests have supported their livelihoods and survival, and the Kani people, in turn, have played a critical role in safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity. Despite their contributions, they face limited economic opportunities and financial instability. To address these challenges, Infosys Foundation and Sister Nivedita Mission Trust are working to enhance tribal welfare by fostering skill development, building capacity in rubber farming, and strengthening ecological and economic resilience within the Kani community.