Ambuja Foundation, an independent, pan-India social development organization dedicated to generating prosperity in rural communities in collaboration with NABARD has led significant economic revitalization efforts in Himachal Pradesh, promoting sustainable farming practices, improving water security and agricultural productivity. Since 2012, these initiatives have benefited 9700 farmers in 167 villages of Darlaghat and Nalagarh, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for marginal farmers and rural households.
In Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Ambuja Foundation, with NABARD's support, also engaged Deloitte to assess the progress achieved under the Watershed and Climate Proofing Projects. The third-party study found that the implementation of water harvesting structures under the projects significantly improved water security, reshaping the region’s hydrology and soil moisture by expanding the water surface area by more than 8,200 m². As a result of increased agricultural productivity, farmers’ gross incomes surged by 59%-137% through watershed projects and by 54%-84% through climate-proofing initiatives led by Ambuja Foundation.
As part of these initiatives, traditional irrigation channels, or Kuhls, were restored, greatly enhancing water management practices. In response to the drying of Bouris (traditional Himalayan springs), the Foundation’s spring-shed management efforts revitalized 27 springs, securing vital water sources for local communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has facilitated the construction of 55 check dams, 90 percolation ponds, 183 rainwater harvesting structures (RRWHs), 152 farm ponds, and 52 water storage tanks, ensuring water security for over 9,055 agrarian households and benefiting 41,571 individuals.
Himachal Pradesh has prioritized crop diversification, enabling farmers to shift from traditional crops to high-value alternatives like apples and off-season vegetables. The establishment of 3 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and 2 Dairy Cooperative under these projects by Ambuja Foundation and NABARD has been pivotal in empowering 1714 Farmers of which 823 were women. These FPOs facilitate the sale and marketing of milk, milk by-products, and agricultural inputs like cattle feed and equipment. Since 2015, membership in these FPOs has grown from 60 to 1,714, and turnover reached Rs 376.50 lakh in the 2023-24 financial year, driving the economic empowerment and upliftment of marginal farming families.
Emphasizing the importance of partnerships and community engagement in addressing rural issues in the hilly state, Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation said, “By collaborating with like-minded partners, we can achieve scale and amplify our impact exponentially. Central to our success is the community engagement approach, which places local people at the heart of decision-making and project management. With their active participation and capacity-building, we ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.”
The Foundation, in close partnership with NABARD and local communities, has pioneered a successful model for sustainable rural development, emphasizing water resource management, agriculture, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment. The region's achievements highlight the value of integrating traditional practices with contemporary solutions to ensure lasting economic and environmental sustainability.
