Pune, January 28, 2026: Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) has partnered with Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) to launch a three-year programme aimed at improving water security, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood opportunities across 30 villages in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra.
Titled Holistic Development of Tribal Communities in Gadchiroli through Improved Irrigation Facilities and Alternate Sources of Livelihood, the initiative is designed to create an additional annual water potential of 9.6 billion litres. It seeks to enhance agricultural and allied production by 4,212 tonnes, cover nearly 3,000 hectares of land, and benefit more than 3,116 households. The programme is expected to generate additional community income of ₹15.12 crore over its duration.
Gadchiroli faces persistent environmental and livelihood challenges. Forest cover in the district has declined from 74 percent in 1989 to 68 percent in 2019, while land degradation affects over 1,045 square kilometres. Erratic rainfall patterns over the past three decades have further increased vulnerability for predominantly tribal communities dependent on agriculture and forest-based livelihoods.
The programme will implement soil and water conservation measures, including the creation and deepening of traditional water bodies, to improve groundwater recharge and reduce soil erosion. Irrigation coverage will be expanded to support year-round cultivation. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt climate-resilient practices such as the System of Crop Intensification (SCI), crop rotation, intercropping, inland fisheries, and horticulture.
Alongside agriculture, the initiative will promote livelihood diversification through activities such as beekeeping, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises. These interventions will be supported through training, input support, and market linkages, with a specific emphasis on women-led livelihood activities.
Prakash Keskar, Executive Director, WOTR, said, “Gadchiroli is rich in natural resources, yet communities here face increasing challenges from climate change, declining forest cover, and erratic rainfall. With over 32 years of experience across Maharashtra, WOTR considers Gadchiroli a key focus area. Our collaboration with the Hindustan Unilever Foundation will drive meaningful change and foster sustainable development in the region.”
Shraman Jha, CEO, Hindustan Unilever Foundation, added, “Empowering communities in Gadchiroli is more than a programme, it is a transformational commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and dignity. By combining sustainable water solutions with diversified livelihood opportunities, we aim to nurture a future where every drop counts and villages thrive.”
The programme will work closely with local institutions such as Gram Sabhas and leverage government schemes including MGNREGA to strengthen implementation and long-term sustainability. Through integrated water management and livelihood development, the initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity and raise household incomes in one of Maharashtra’s most climate-vulnerable districts.
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