Water conservation is a growing global challenge, and businesses play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable water management. PepsiCo India has made water stewardship a key priority, aiming to replenish 100% of the water it uses and achieve net water positivity by 2030. Through innovative technologies and community-driven initiatives, the company is working to secure water access, improve agricultural efficiency, and reduce its operational water footprint.
In this exclusive interaction, Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India & South Asia shares insights into the company’s approach to water security. She discusses PepsiCo’s Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) program, which has positively impacted thousands by replenishing groundwater, and N-Drip irrigation, a low-energy system that reduces water use in farming by 50%. She also highlights PepsiCo’s focus on community empowerment, including women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and partnerships with government initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission.
With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, PepsiCo is embedding circular practices across its value chain, from pioneering ‘vapour to water’ recovery technology in manufacturing to supporting local governance of water resources. This interview explores how the company balances corporate responsibility with long-term community resilience, ensuring water security remains a shared and sustainable goal.
Scroll down to read the full interview and see how PepsiCo’s water stewardship aligns with the global dialogue on water security, especially in light of World Water Day.
Q&A
Q. Given the critical importance of water security in the context of sustainability and climate resilience, how does PepsiCo align its water conservation and replenishment efforts with global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)? Could you provide an overview of PepsiCo's key water sustainability initiatives and how they contribute to these global objectives?
A. PepsiCo India is working to advance water security for its operations, ecosystems, and communities by enhancing water efficiency, providing access to safe water, replenishing more than 100% of the water it uses, and for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard in key locations. Aligned with the guiding principle of “Partnership of Progress – Unnati ki Sajhedari,” these efforts reflect our collaborative approach to creating sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Some of the key initiatives include:
• Through our partnership with the FORCE Trust, we strive to contribute to the Government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission by enabling freshwater access to over 50,000 people across 13 villages in Kosi, Uttar Pradesh. The program ensures equitable water distribution, sustainability, and sanitation management, fostering collaboration between the government, NGOs, and communities for a self-sustaining water security ecosystem.
• Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) Program: The initiative focuses on groundwater replenishment through geo-hydrological interventions. Implemented in Sangrur (Punjab), Pune (Maharashtra), and Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), it positively impacted over 70,000 community members. Additionally, 35 rainwater harvesting ponds have been constructed and rejuvenated, with an annual potential to recharge more than 1,000 million liters of groundwater, contributing to improved water availability in these regions.
• Safe Water Access Programs: PepsiCo Foundation is committed to provide Safe Water Access to over 100 million people worldwide by 2030, out of which 68 million have already been covered through various partnerships with NGOs and multilateral agencies.
• N-Drip Technology: We are continuously exploring innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. Our collaboration with N-Drip brings an energy-efficient irrigation system to India, Vietnam, and the U.S., reducing water use by 50% compared to traditional irrigation methods, boosting crop yields, and minimizing fertilizer use.
Q. PepsiCo India’s water replenishment projects, such as the SWRDM program and N-Drip irrigation, are pivotal for local communities. How does PepsiCo evaluate the impact of these initiatives in terms of water conservation, community benefits, and agricultural productivity? Are there plans to scale these programs to other regions in India, and what challenges do you anticipate in doing so?
A. PepsiCo India’s water replenishment initiatives play a vital role in empowering local communities. For instance, the SWRDM program has established over 35 women-led self-help groups (SHGs) with 444 members across three sites. These groups participate in targeted capacity-building programs and have successfully launched large-scale farm and non-farm-based livelihood activities. Through internal savings and banking linkages, they have built financial resilience and now access need-based loans to support their growth and sustainability. The multi-pronged strategy includes organizing women into functional groups based on their interests, initiating thrift and credit management programs and involving women in post-project management activities.
These initiatives have driven widespread behavioural change in farming practices, encouraging efficient water use and enhancing agricultural productivity. As a result, many farmers have adopted water-saving solutions, leading to a significant impact on cultivated areas and greater participation from mid- and large-scale landholders.
Such projects are running in other states as well.
Q. Achieving net water positivity by 2030 is a bold goal. What are the critical differences in strategy when moving from a water-neutral to a water-positive approach? What innovative technologies or partnerships is PepsiCo exploring to support this transition?
A. We are embedding circular and inclusive practices throughout the value chain, aiming to reduce climate impact, replenish watersheds, and minimize water use.
PepsiCo India has already achieved 100% water replenishment at its Pune, Channo and Kosi plants, by construction and rejuvenation of 35 rainwater harvesting structures with an annual groundwater recharge potential of over 1000 million liters. The Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) program focuses on groundwater recharge and drought resilience in Punjab, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, consistently replenishing more water than is used.
Our innovations fryer ‘vapour to water’ treatment is a cutting-edge technology which captures steam from potato chip frying, filters out fats and oils, and reuses the water in processes like washing, peeling, and slicing. It is currently implemented in our plants in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, reducing the fresh water intake in the plant operations, while being scalable and cost-efficient.
Q. While PepsiCo’s efforts in water management and sustainability are commendable, how does the company balance its corporate responsibility objectives with empowering local communities to take ownership of water resources? How does PepsiCo ensure that its projects do not inadvertently create dependencies?
A. At PepsiCo India, we recognize that water management goes beyond implementing projects, it is also about fostering lasting change and empowering communities. Our social impact initiatives focus on building local capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Guided by our ‘Partnership of Progress’ principle, we work closely with local governments and communities to develop practical, culturally relevant solutions. Our 360-degree approach equips residents with skills to independently manage water resources, fostering self-sufficiency.
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, PepsiCo India has embedded community-led approaches by forming and strengthening Community Interest Groups (CIGs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). By enhancing capacities across livelihood issues, the company fosters self-sufficiency and minimizes dependency, ensuring long-term impact.
In Kosi, Mathura, where community participation has been instrumental in strengthening water security, we have enabled local ownership of water initiatives, including the Community RO facility, safe water access in schools, wherein residents are stepping up as active participants, including contributing towards maintenance of RO infrastructure, creating a sustainable, self-reliant ecosystem.
Q. Given the increasing challenges of water scarcity and climate change, what steps is PepsiCo taking to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of its water management initiatives? How does PepsiCo address potential risks like groundwater depletion and climate-induced water variability?
A. As water scarcity and climate change continue to pose significant challenges, we strive to work towards long-term water sustainability and resilience through partnerships and community-driven initiatives.
Our Watershed Health Initiative in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, in partnership with the FORCE Trust, addresses groundwater depletion and climate-induced water variability. Hathras’ first Zero Water Flowout Village under the “Gaon Ka Pani Gaon Mein” model is now enabling rainwater harvesting, storage, and its recharge into the groundwater system, preventing unnecessary runoff and maximizing local water availability. 10 Gram Panchayats actively involved in water conservation efforts, ensuring local ownership and long-term impact.
Currently, more than 8 crore litres of water is being conserved annually through rainwater harvesting and efficient water-use practices, with 2,300 farming families engaged in raising awareness on sustainable, climate-smart agriculture to enhance productivity and livelihoods.
Q. In the SWRDM program, how does PepsiCo ensure that its water conservation efforts are harmoniously integrated with the existing ecological and socio-economic systems of the villages? Could you provide examples of how local knowledge and practices have been incorporated into these initiatives?
A. PepsiCo India’s Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) program integrates ecological and socio-economic systems through a community-centric approach. It begins with regional studies and participatory water mapping to assess vulnerabilities, followed by targeted, site-specific initiatives with active community involvement.
Community members are trained in water conservation, resource maintenance, and rainfall and groundwater measurement, fostering long-term ownership. Agriculture-focused training for farmers enhances productivity, while skill-based programs empower vulnerable groups beyond rain-fed farming. Local institutions like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) ensure sustainable impact and inclusive development. An inclusive approach engages and empowers the community by establishing local institutions, including Self-Help Groups for women and Water Users' Associations (WUAs), ensuring comprehensive development and sustainability.
Q. How does PepsiCo maintain transparency in its water sustainability efforts and engage with stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and NGOs, to align on shared goals and outcomes? Are there mechanisms in place for independent assessments of the effectiveness and impact of these initiatives?
A. PepsiCo India regularly publishes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports, sharing updates on water sustainability and other areas. Available on our website, these reports ensure transparency and keep stakeholders informed about our impact.
We actively engage with communities, governments, and NGOs to align our initiatives with real needs and regulations. This collaborative approach fosters shared responsibility, accountability, and meaningful progress in our water sustainability efforts.
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