Mumbai, July 16, 2026: Ambuja Foundation has implemented River Lift Irrigation (RLI) systems across 23 villages in Farakka, Murshidabad district of West Bengal, benefiting more than 5,700 farmers by improving irrigation access, promoting multi-cropping and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Following an agricultural survey conducted by experts, the Foundation established 25 River Lift Irrigation systems covering nearly 747 hectares of farmland. The initiative was designed to address irrigation challenges in the region by lifting river water to higher elevations and distributing it through an underground pipeline network, enabling year-round cultivation while reducing land loss and maintenance costs.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Water User Groups (WUGs) have been formed in all 23 villages to oversee operations, manage finances and maintain the irrigation systems. Local pump operators have also been engaged to support the smooth functioning of the infrastructure.
According to Ambuja Foundation, the project has transformed farmland that was previously dependent on a single crop cycle into productive multi-cropping land. Cropping intensity has increased from 100% to 250%, while irrigation efficiency has improved by nearly 30%, resulting in reduced irrigation costs and more efficient use of water resources.
With assured irrigation, farmers have diversified their cultivation beyond paddy to include Rabi crops such as mustard, wheat and maize, along with vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, potato and tomato. The availability of water throughout the year has enabled farmers to cultivate their land two to three times annually, contributing to higher agricultural output.
The Foundation said the initiative has also improved farm incomes. Before the installation of the irrigation systems, the average annual income per acre ranged between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000. Following the intervention, annual earnings have increased to ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per acre, while agricultural land values in the project area have risen by nearly 20%.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Chandrakant Kumbhani, CEO, Ambuja Foundation, said, “Ambuja Foundation is committed to bring a meaningful change in rural India. Therefore, we supported rural communities in Farakka with River Lift Irrigation system which allow families to secure sustainable livelihoods within their own villages. We look forward to collaborate on more projects under our sustainable agriculture program to strengthen and support rural communities on their journey toward economic resilience.”
The River Lift Irrigation initiative forms part of Ambuja Foundation's sustainable agriculture programme, which focuses on strengthening rural livelihoods through improved water management, community participation and climate-resilient farming practices.
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