Mumbai, June 16, 2026: Oracle, in partnership with the Swades Foundation, has completed the first year of its rural livelihoods programme, benefiting more than 900 women farmers and entrepreneurs across Nashik and Raigad districts in Maharashtra. Supported by a grant of ₹5.5 crore, the initiative focused on enhancing livelihoods through climate-resilient agriculture, dairy farming, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
The programme forms part of a long-term collaboration between Oracle and Swades Foundation aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable income opportunities for women.
A key component of the initiative was the introduction of Safed Musali cultivation among 525 women farmers. The medicinal crop is considered climate-resilient and offers the potential to generate annual incomes ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000. In addition, 373 women received support for dairy farming through the provision of high-yield cattle, creating opportunities for regular income and annual earnings of up to ₹40,000.
The programme also promoted women-led entrepreneurship by supporting 62 women with seed capital and equipment to expand micro-enterprises in sectors such as food processing, retail, and agriculture-based businesses. According to the programme, each enterprise is expected to generate additional annual income of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000.
Beyond livelihood generation, participants received training in sustainable farming practices, dairy management, and financial literacy. Farmers were also connected with local markets to improve price realisation and strengthen long-term business sustainability.
One of the beneficiaries, Madhura from Igatpuri, established her food venture, Madhura Kitchen Crafts, after receiving market exposure, training, and financial assistance under the programme. The enterprise now employs three women from her village and is exploring opportunities to expand into wholesale markets in Nashik.
Mangesh Wange, CEO, Swades Foundation, said, “At Swades Foundation, we believe in change that is driven by communities and built to last. By combining high-value agriculture, dairy, and entrepreneurship with financial literacy, we’re seeing not just better incomes, but greater confidence and agency. It’s powerful to see these women step forward as drivers of growth in their communities.”
Neha Khare, Oracle spokesperson, said, “Our partnership with Swades Foundation reflects our commitment to creating tangible, scalable outcomes in rural communities. By enabling diversified livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient agriculture, we are supporting rural women to move beyond being income earners to becoming entrepreneurs, wealth creators, and, increasingly, employers themselves. As these women build sustainable incomes and financial independence, they are also creating opportunities for others in their communities - demonstrating a model of change that is both scalable and built for long-term impact.”
The programme highlights the growing role of partnerships between corporates and development organisations in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening economic resilience in rural communities.
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