Hindustan Unilever Foundation

Partners with PANI to deploy over 300 village-based agri-water professionals to promote agriculture best practices and resource conservation technologies. This is an all-women group that uses audio-video tools and demos to encourage sustainable water practices in agriculture. Such practices will help farmers reduc input costs and enhance their income.

Attempts to connect social enterprises and NGOs in order to put an end to inefficient water usage and promote good water practices in agriculture. The NGOs have a clear understand of the impending water shortage problem and have a reach in rural communities. Social enterprises create relevant solutions such as water management technologies, farm to market connect for farmers, advisory support for better decision making, and solutions for women farmers. However, they do not have connects in the rural areas. The foundation partnered with Villgro to identify and incubate enterprises with high potential solutions.

Partners with Samuha to educate the farmers in sustainable and responsible water use. Farmers in Raichur and Koppa districts of Karnataka switched to paddy cultivation after the area was included in the Tungabhadra river canal command area. Farmers in the canal used excessive water leading to waterlogging and pest infestations. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) is an initiative led by progressive farmers from the programme villages. Field Schools demonstrate innovative agricultural practices to reduce water consumption and improve yield. Over 4000 farmers have benefited from this program.