Agri-water initiative in Maharashtra

New Delhi, 09 th December 2024: HDFC Bank, through its flagship CSR initiative Parivartan, has
partnered with Ambuja Foundation, a pan-India social development organization, to launch a
transformative Agri-water initiative in Maharashtra. The project spans Warora and Bhadravati
Talukas in Chandrapur district and Umred Taluka in Nagpur district, addressing critical challenges
related to water management, soil fertility, and agriculture in 88 Gram Panchayats across these
regions.

The three-year initiative aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of 10,000 farmers by
creating sustainable water resources, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and enhancing soil
fertility. Key activities include desilting traditional water bodies, promoting low-cost irrigation
systems, and applying silt to farmlands to boost water productivity and crop yields.
“At HDFC Bank, we are committed to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in
rural communities. This partnership with Ambuja Foundation underscores our shared vision to
empower farmers with innovative solutions for water and soil management. Together, we aim to
create a lasting socio-economic impact by enhancing agricultural productivity and improving
livelihoods,” said Nusrat Pathan, Head, CSR at HDFC Bank, expressed her thoughts on the initiative.
Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation, said, “We believe in empowering communities through
sustainable farming practices and efficient water resource management. This strategic collaboration
with HDFC Bank will address key challenges in the region, driving meaningful improvements in
agricultural practices, water distribution, and soil conservation. Our efforts are directed towards
enabling farmers to achieve better economic outcomes while promoting environmental
sustainability.”
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Honourable Shankar Totawar
(District Superintendent Agriculture Officer), Priyanka Raipure (In-charge District Water Conservation
Officer, Minor Irrigation Department), Gajanan Mundkar (Block Development Officer, Warora), and
Madhukar Kale (Deputy Tehsildar, Warora). Senior representatives from both HDFC Bank and
Ambuja Foundation were also present.
The event saw the participation of around 500 farmers, who were guided on optimising the
benefits of the initiative to enhance their agricultural practices and livelihoods. Through this
collaboration, HDFC Bank and Ambuja Foundation aim to pave the way for sustainable rural
development, ensuring long-term benefits for the farming community.

About Ambuja Foundation
Ambuja Foundation is an independent, pan-India development organization, committed to
generating prosperous rural communities. We believe in the vast, untapped potential of rural
communities and the unstoppable power of the people who live there. With investments in water,
agriculture, skills, women, health, and education, we enable ‘livelihoods’ as a pathway to unleashing that potential. Partnering with like-minded corporates, Governments, and others, we work collaboratively with communities to solve pressing community problems – empowering local people to be the catalysts and drivers of change. And over almost 3 decades of work, we have seen a complete transformation in the remote geographies in which we work. We are committed to expanding our footprint and impact of our work even further, through partnerships – building many more sustainable, prosperous rural communities, and revitalizing rural India as the backbone of this country.