Continuing a successful partnership that has already impacted over 8,00,000 beneficiaries across 22 districts since 2018, Ambuja Foundation and HDFC Bank Parivartan have launched a new phase of the Holistic Rural Development Program (HRDP) in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana.

This 3-year project aims to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities across 15 villages in the Bhadra block, focusing on five key areas: agriculture, women’s empowerment, health and sanitation, rural education, and natural resource management. This initiative reflects the shared vision of Ambuja Foundation and HDFC Bank Parivartan to generate prosperity in rural India.

· Agricultural Advancement - Under this project with HDFC, Ambuja Foundation will work on a comprehensive plan and build farmer clubs, along with training farmers in improved agricultural practices. To demonstrate effective techniques, model plots will be established focusing on soil health enhancement through methods such as green manuring, vermicomposting, use of waste decomposer, and bio-fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, exposure visits will be organized to facilitate knowledge exchange, and Farm Machinery Banks will be set up to improve access to essential agricultural tools and reduce drudgery..

· Empowering Women through Dairy and Livelihoods - To support the women, Ambuja Foundation will conduct cattle health and vaccination camps, hold clean milk production sessions, fodder sessions (Napier/Azolla), and establish milk collection centres to boost dairy quality and women’s incomes.

· Community Health and Sanitation - In response to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, poor waste management, and harmful substance use (tobacco & alcohol), the project will conduct health camps focused on screening, risk assessment, behaviour change, and awareness. Additional efforts will include menstrual hygiene sessions, capacity building of health workers, distribution of essential health supplies, and health awareness events to improve health-seeking behaviour and overall sanitation across the villages.

· Enhancing Rural Education - Significant gaps in infrastructure and quality education in government schools lead many villagers to prefer private schools. To bridge this divide, smart classrooms will be developed along with mid-day meals, drinking water, and other basic facility upgrades to enhance the overall school environment.

· Natural Resource Management - Efforts to restore and manage natural resources will include the formation of Village Development Committees to oversee the renovation of ponds, aimed at improving groundwater recharge in areas facing poor drainage. Broader water management and plantation initiatives will support fostering ecological balance. Also, solar streetlights were installed to enhance community safety and access.

On the launch of the initiative, Ms. Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation, said:

“Ambuja Foundation and HDFC Bank are committed to creating meaningful, sustainable change in the lives of rural communities. This strategic partnership is built on trust and a shared purpose. With this new HRDP project in Haryana, we aim to drive efficient farming, empower women, strengthen schools, improve health, and enable wiser management of natural resources. Together, we look forward to enabling economic growth and fostering greater prosperity and climate resilience at the grassroots.”