The agricultural sector is one of the key contributors to the water crisis in India, with 70% of all groundwater being pumped for inefficient flood irrigation purposes, which delivers only 35% water use efficiency.

Himachal Pradesh has a very hilly terrain with high undulating topography where people farm on small patches of land, often on slopes.

Over 2.3 crore pumps in India are drawing water, round the clock, to support agriculture - often to grow highly water intensive crops (such as rice, sugarcane, cotton and banana), sometimes in severely water stressed regions of the country.

Ambuja Foundation recently celebrated the news of Jitesh Joshi being selected as the 'Project Unit Manager of the Year' by Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) - BCGIF - Managed by IDH and has been invited to present his work on conservation of biodiversity at the Implementing Partners Meeting and Symposium in Cambodia in January 2020.

Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) is a diversified, research and development focused agri-business company, dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers through innovative products and services.

Working with Farmer Producer Companies across locations, Ambuja Foundation has placed a heavy focus on helping build the capacity of Farmers to generate thriving business models which deliver returns to the people's institutions and its members. Here are 3 FPOs, supported by Ambuja Foundation, that are making waves in business.

NABARD has played a critical role in promoting people's institutions across India as a key tool for sustainable rural development, and was the first to promote the concept of the Self Help Groups in India in the 1980's.

Farmers in Sankrail are capitalising on market fluctuations by harnessing rain-shelters and scaffolding to grow vegetables in the off-season; increasing crop income by 128% (Scaffolding) and 45% (rain-shelters) as a result.

With a proven strength in mobilizing and building the capacity of farmers, it was a natural fit when the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), on the lookout for a partner to operate the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Kodinar, Gujarat, commissioned Ambuja Foundation to take up the mantle.

Ambuja Foundation's Pashu Sakhi, Chaya Mondal received the Krishak Samman Award during the Mati Utsab Function in Murshidabad where she was awarded Rs. 25,000 for her efforts in the Goat Based Livelihood Programme in Farakka, West Bengal. Chaya was recognised for her work; treating over 164 goats in her village and for actively creating awareness on goat health in her community.

927 farmers are embracing the use of cow dung and urine to replace costly chemical inputs which impact soil health, and to increase their yield and profitability - thanks to a series of trainings and exposure visits facilitated by Ambuja Foundation.

Once a part of subsistence farming, rice is now helping farmers in West Bengal prosper!