RFP: Pilot Impact Assessment & Farmer Adoption Study for Pay for Results (PFR) Pilot – Punjab

Organization: The Nature Conservancy India (NCIS)
Last Date to Apply: 12 December 2025
Project Location: Punjab, India

About the Organization

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, working across 76 countries since 1951. Its India entity, Nature Conservancy India Solutions Pvt Ltd (NCIS), supports research, consulting, technical advice, and strategy for nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development.

In India, TNC runs the PRANA program (Promoting Regenerative and No-Burn Agriculture), launched in 2021. The initiative works across 6,286 villages in 18 districts of Punjab, focusing on eliminating stubble burning, promoting regenerative farming, and improving groundwater management through practices like:

• Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)
• Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)
• In-situ Crop Residue Management (CRM)

To accelerate these changes, TNC has introduced the Pay-for-Results (PFR) model, an incentive-based system where Service Providers (SPs) deliver measurable results related to DSR adoption and CRM services. This year, 400 SPs are participating in the pilot.

Purpose of the RFP

NCIS is seeking a qualified agency or consultant to conduct a Pilot Impact Assessment of the PFR model and to study how farmers are adopting practices encouraged under this approach.

The assignment will assess:

1. Effectiveness of the PFR model

How well the incentive structure is driving actual results on the ground.

2. Service Provider Behaviour & Performance

How incentives influence service providers delivering DSR/CRM services.

3. Farmer Adoption Trends

Patterns, reasons, and factors influencing the uptake of DSR and in-situ CRM practices.

4. Environmental & Livelihood Outcomes

Impact on stubble burning reduction, water-use efficiency, and overall livelihood improvements.

5. Scalability & Long-Term Potential

How the model can be refined and expanded across the state.

Timeline

Minimum Qualifications Required

The applying team should have:

• Demonstrated experience in impact assessments, rural/agricultural research, or development studies
• Preferably, experience with Pay for Results or incentive-based models
• Strong understanding of Punjab agriculture, DSR/CRM practices, and groundwater challenges
• Expertise in qualitative + quantitative field research
• Capacity to work across multiple districts in Punjab
• Strong analytical, writing, and reporting abilities
• Proficiency in English, Punjabi, and Hindi

Clarifications & Pre-Bid Queries

All technical queries (not cost-related) must be emailed by 4 December 2025 to:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Queries related to pricing and financials must be sent to:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

All submitted queries will be addressed during the Pre-Proposal Meeting on 8 December 2025.

How to Submit the Proposal

Only soft copies are required.

Technical Proposal

Send to:
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
Subject: “Technical bid – Impact Assessment of PFR Model”

Financial Proposal

Send to:
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
Subject: “Financial bid – Impact Assessment of PFR Model”

Download Full RFP

Click to access the complete RFP document:
▶ RFP – Agency/Consultant for PFR Pilot Impact Assessment & Farmer Adoption Trends (Punjab)

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