Shimla, 27 August 2025: Ambuja Foundation, in collaboration with NABARD, has been leading sustainable rural development initiatives in Himachal Pradesh since 2012, focusing on water security, agriculture, and climate resilience. These efforts have benefited 9,700 farmers across 167 villages in Darlaghat and Nalagarh, fostering economic empowerment and improved livelihoods.
A third-party assessment by Deloitte of the Watershed and Climate Proofing Projects highlighted significant gains in water security and agricultural productivity. Water harvesting structures expanded the water surface area by over 8,200 m², with farmers’ gross incomes rising by 59%-137% through watershed projects and 54%-84% via climate-proofing initiatives.
Key water management interventions included the restoration of traditional irrigation channels (Kuhls) and spring-shed management, which revitalized 27 Himalayan springs. Since 2012, the projects have facilitated 55 check dams, 90 percolation ponds, 183 rainwater harvesting structures, 152 farm ponds, and 52 water storage tanks. These measures have ensured water security for more than 9,055 households, benefitting around 41,571 individuals.
The state has also emphasized crop diversification, with farmers shifting from traditional crops to high-value alternatives such as apples and off-season vegetables. To strengthen market linkages, Ambuja Foundation and NABARD supported the establishment of three Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and two dairy cooperatives, now engaging 1,714 farmers, including 823 women. Since 2015, membership has grown from 60 to over 1,700, with a turnover of ₹376.50 lakh recorded in 2023-24.
Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation, said, “By collaborating with like-minded partners, we can achieve scale and amplify our impact exponentially. Central to our success is the community engagement approach, which places local people at the heart of decision-making and project management. With their active participation and capacity-building, we ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.”
Through these interventions, Ambuja Foundation and NABARD have developed a model for sustainable rural growth in Himachal Pradesh that integrates traditional practices with modern solutions. The initiatives highlight the role of partnerships, community participation, and climate resilience in building long-term economic and environmental sustainability in the hilly state.
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