Ambuja Foundation, an independent, pan-India social development organization dedicated to generating prosperity in rural communities, launched a Holistic Rural Development Programme in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh, in partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan. Ambuja Foundation, with its proven expertise in implementing rural development initiatives, aims to resolve the pressing issues surrounding youth unemployment, water scarcity in communities, and limitations around education and livelihood.

The program will focus on increasing income level of farmers and artisans to strengthen livelihoods; optimizing local water bodies; reviving barren land for farming; empowering women of the community; and improving the quality of education whilst encouraging students to study in local schools by improving infrastructure.

To assess the on ground condition, Ambuja Foundation conducted an assessment through field visits, and extensive interaction with the community. The findings highlighted many crucial issues – particularly in the area of water and livelihoods. Villagers dependent on farming face many challenges with just 1% land under irrigation in the district. An absence of methods to lift groundwater from most wells and water bodies, results in scarcity of water for agriculture which limits livelihoods. The Foundation also found that only 36% families have irrigation facilities for a second crop in the year as the local river is far from fields and there is no lift irrigation system in place. To tackle this, over the next three years, Ambuja Foundation will implement lift irrigation systems at traditional water bodies and wells to improve water access and efficiency for agriculture.

This partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan aims to address water supply issues, enabling cultivation on approximately 800 acres of land during the Rabi season that was not previously enabled due to limited water sources. The partnership will also see Ambuja Foundation educate 2,280 farmers to use water more efficiently and on better crop practices - demonstrating how to boost income while preserving natural resources. Previously barren land will be transformed into arable farmland via extensive soil and water conservation initiatives. Additionally, the foundation will provide training for farmers and facilitate access to equipment such as spray pumps, weeders, natural plant growth regulators, natural pesticides, natural weedicides and seed treatment tools to further support their income growth.

All the development activities will be executed with the formation of Kisan Samitis under the program.

Focusing on the next generation, the Foundation will revitalize eight schools via installation of hand washing units, hand pumps and the construction of science labs, classrooms and toilets. As the region is known for its handicrafts, the project will also support tribal artisans in selling their products on various platforms and increasing income through multiple means.

Ms Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation said, “Ambuja Foundation is dedicated to empowering rural communities and enhancing livelihoods sustainably, by finding a balance between protecting natural resources and making agriculture profitable. With this new project, we aim to create meaningful change and foster a lasting positive impact on the lives of the people in the region. This is yet another collaboration with HDFC Bank Parivartan, and we are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with a like-minded organization - empowering local communities by enabling them to address many of their local challenges.”