Most farmers have a small land holding so their propensity for risk taking is less and there is an increasing occurrence of wild animal attacks on crops. Due to the steep slopes, rainwater runoff is very high – creating erosion and limiting groundwater recharge – and the area for water storage in ponds is very limited.
We implement watershed projects to improve groundwater levels and reduce soil erosion. Ancient kuhls have been revived, along with bouris (water springs) which strengthen irrigation facilities – we have also increased storage capacity through check dams, water storage tanks and farm ponds. Micro irrigation is promoted to improve water use efficiency and percolation pits and ponds are constructed to support recharge. Additionally, availability of drinking water through provision of taps in every household through the Jal Shakti Vibhag. Their dependence for drinking water is very high on natural springs has led us to work on rejuvenation of these springs through its catchment treatment.
Watershed
Climate proofed
Check dams
Ponds
Farm Ponds
Springshed
Irrigation channels
Water storage capacity
The agriculture pattern in the area has changed with Ambuja Foundation promoting replacement of traditional crops of maize, paddy and wheat with regular income cash crops like vegetables. Farmers are also cultivating pomegranates and apples. 5 Farmer Producer Organizations have been formed - Ambuja Foundation strengthens them for demand and supply side market linkages, and the set-up of Small Scale Industry. Animal husbandry is popular, and Ambuja Foundation promotes initiatives to increase milk production and collectively market it.
Farmers Growing Vegetables
Orchards
Adopting Dairy Farming
Practicing Natural Farming
Increase in farmer income
Women’s Dairy Collective
Joined FPOs
Business turnover of FPOs.
It has been very challenging in this geography to collective women into a common platform, however with consistent efforts, Self-Help Groups have been formed to provide a source of micro credit for women and some groups have started income generation activities to strengthen their economic status. An SROI impact study conducted in Darlaghat showed that the Women Empowerment Program yielded a Rs. 20 return for every Re. 1 invested.
SHGs
Women members
SHG members with saving accounts
Women engaged in Income Generation
Women’s Federation
Village Organisations
In Darlaghat, a cadre of Sakhis, promote institutional delivery, and tackle infant and maternal mortality rates, adolescent health and sanitation - with engagement of Swachhata Doots. Hyperglacemia and Hypertension patients are also provided with screening, medication, referrals, counselling and follow-up. We identify presumptive TB cases, and promote wellness through the mental health program Aatmiyata. Additionally, we support AWCs for child growth and nutritional status among the children.
ODF villages
Institutional Deliveries
People experienced testing facilities
Sakhis
Ambuja Foundation provides training and employment to rural youth via 3 skill development institutes at Darlaghat, Nalagarh and Una. SEDI staff provide trainees with the necessary practical knowledge and skills to secure lucrative jobs in reputed companies. Placement support is also provided to accredited trainees trainees to ensure retention. Budding entrepreneurs are also supported in developing a business plan, and securing loan support from banks in order to open their own enterprises.
Trainees
Trainees placed
Entrepreneurs
Maximum salary
Women trainees
Ambuja Foundation promotes physical education, WASH and the development of good reading habits through libraries. To inculcate a team spirit and enhance sports skills, we organised school, village and cluster level sports events. To support reading promotion, Ambuja Foundation established a model library and library corners. WASH facilities have been provided along with regular testing of drinking water. Oral dental hygiene, health and hygiene has been promoted among students via Retd. & expert doctors, and capacity building has been provided for SMC members of 6 clusters.
Schools Supported
Schools with Sports Promotion
children benefitting from WASH facilities
Mini Science Centre
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Drinking water dependency on springs is more in Hilly region. Erratic rainfall, shifting of snowline, large number of borewells and handpumps has resulted into decreased ground water table. The discharge in natural springs is decreasing. Springshed Development projects have been initiated with NABARD where rejuvenation of springs is done based on the hydrogeological study of springs.
In Darlaghat, livestock are a major source of income for families. A big challenge however, was access to timely, good quality veterinary care. Ambuja Foundation kickstarted Pashu Swasthya Sevika and trains local women to provide prompt cattle care on people's doorstep. Overtime, they became linchpins of the community. Healthier animals mean better milk production, resulting in significant improvement in quality of life. The cattle they treat are healthier, and milk production is abundant which led to PSS encouraging women to start their own dairy business - registering their own Farmer Producer Organization in 2016.
When Ambuja Foundation began work in Darlaghat, water was the most common challenge. Working in collaboration with NABARD and following a ridge to valley approach, watershed committees were formed - building farm bunds, ponds, storage tanks, check dams, trenches, percolation ponds, irrigation channels, water storage structures and gabion structures. This resulted in the rise in water table, increase in green cover and increase in fodder for dairy farming. Ambuja Foundation was awarded the best implementation agency by NABARD for watershed development in Darlaghat. The state government had also honoured Ambuja Foundation for its work which led to 11 watersheds in the state.
Never in her wildest dreams did housewife Renu Thakur imagine where cows would take her in life! From Nauni village in Darlaghat all the way to the offices of the Ministry of Finance, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in the Himachal Pradesh State Government, Renu has been on a wild ride. Renu was one of the 32 founding members of the women only Amrit Dhara Dairy Milk Cooperative, which has grown from strength to strength. So successful had they been, that they were invited to play an advisory role to the State Government in planning dairy activities for the state.
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Farms in the hilly states are largely reliant on rain which has become erratic, so the people who live there often depend on natural water springs for drinking water supply, household activities and irrigation. But in recent times, most of the springs have either become seasonal or extinct, due to ecological imbalances. Working together in groups, with support from Ambuja Foundation, farmers are revitalising springs, and renovating ancient kuhls to channel water directly to their fields. The results have been transformative - farmers are moving beyond subsistence farming and into commercial production of vegetables and fruits.
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