Partnering with NABARD, the initiative boosts water efficiency, reduces wastage, and increases crop yields by over 10% for farmers in Himachal Pradesh.
In a significant step toward empowering rural farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture, ACC, a leading cement and building materials company under the Adani Group, in partnership with the Adani Foundation, has developed a 639-metre concrete irrigation channel in Ropa village, Himachal Pradesh. Supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), this innovative irrigation solution has transformed water access for local farmers, benefitting 2.3 hectares of farmland.
Under the Dhounkothi Panjgain Watershed Development Project, this concrete channel—locally known as a ‘kuhl’—replaces traditional kacha channels prone to high water wastage. By ensuring timely and even water distribution, the initiative has significantly boosted productivity for 14 farmers, improving maize and wheat yields by over 10%.
A Game-Changer for Ropa Village Farmers
Traditional kacha irrigation channels in Ropa village were plagued by inefficiencies, with substantial water loss due to seepage and uneven distribution. To address these challenges, the ACC-Adani Foundation partnership introduced pucca irrigation channels, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields consistently and conserve water. The project incorporates check dams and water-drop structures, maximizing water conservation and ensuring efficient distribution. The transformation is not just technical but deeply impactful, as it provides a lifeline to rural farmers like Ravi Thakur, who shared:
With water now evenly distributed across all our fields, ACC and the Adani Foundation have truly changed our farming prospects. Our maize and wheat crops are yielding more, and we can plan better for the growing seasons.
Key Outcomes of the Irrigation Project
The benefits of the irrigation channel in Ropa village extend beyond water efficiency:
Increased Crop Yields: Farmers have reported a 10% rise in maize and wheat production, improving their income and food security.
Reduced Water Wastage: The concrete channels significantly minimize seepage, ensuring sustainable use of water resources.
Timely Irrigation: Consistent water availability allows farmers to plan their sowing and harvesting cycles effectively.
Empowered Rural Communities: With improved irrigation, farmers are better equipped to adopt sustainable farming practices, reducing dependency on erratic monsoon patterns.
Collaboration for Sustainability
This initiative showcases the Adani Foundation’s commitment to rural development and sustainable farming practices. The collaboration with NABARD brought crucial funding and support, while ACC provided technical expertise and execution.
ACC, known for its role in sustainable infrastructure, has undertaken several such projects across India. The focus on watershed development reflects its dedication to addressing critical agricultural challenges like water scarcity and poor irrigation infrastructure.
Ajay Kapur, CEO of ACC, stated:
Through partnerships with organizations like NABARD and the efforts of the Adani Foundation, we are committed to improving rural livelihoods. This irrigation channel is part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable water management and farming practices in underserved areas.
Sustainable Agriculture: A National Imperative
India, home to over 260 million farmers, remains heavily dependent on agriculture. However, water scarcity and inefficient irrigation systems remain critical challenges. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 39% of India’s cultivated land suffers from inadequate irrigation. Projects like the Ropa village irrigation channel highlight the potential of public-private partnerships in addressing these systemic issues.
Concrete irrigation systems like the ones in Ropa reduce water wastage by up to 30%, making them vital for promoting sustainable farming in regions dependent on rain-fed agriculture. The project aligns with India’s broader goals under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which emphasizes water conservation and efficient resource utilization.
The Adani Foundation’s Rural Development Impact
Established in 1996, the Adani Foundation is committed to uplifting rural communities through initiatives in healthcare, education, livelihoods, and sustainability. The foundation has impacted over 7 million people across 2,400 villages in India, implementing innovative solutions for pressing challenges.
In addition to the irrigation channel, the foundation’s rural development projects include:
Watershed Management Initiatives to combat water scarcity.
Skill Development Programs to enhance rural livelihoods.
Community Healthcare Outreach, improving health metrics in underserved areas.
About ACC and the Adani Group
ACC is one of India’s leading cement and building materials companies, with a legacy of over 80 years. The company became part of the diversified Adani Group in 2022 and has continued to spearhead sustainable development projects across India. The Adani Group, known for its leadership in infrastructure, energy, and logistics, has consistently prioritized social responsibility through the Adani Foundation. Their collective vision aligns with India’s sustainable development goals, focusing on infrastructure that serves communities and enhances livelihoods.
Conclusion
The 639-metre concrete irrigation channel in Ropa village is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration between ACC, the Adani Foundation, and NABARD. By addressing critical challenges like water scarcity and inefficiencies in irrigation, this initiative not only enhances agricultural productivity but also uplifts rural livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh.
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