Water is the foundation of life, livelihoods, and sustainable development. As the world marks World Water Day on 22nd March, our collective focus is on finding solutions to the global water crisis. In India, where agriculture accounts for nearly 80% of freshwater use, effective water management is essential for long-term sustainability.
Through the Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF), we focus on water stewardship and with strategic partnerships and community-led interventions, we empower rural communities with the knowledge, resources, and technology needed to conserve water, improve agricultural resilience, and secure sustainable livelihoods. From climate-smart farming techniques to groundwater conservation initiatives, HUF is helping villages across India build stronger, water-secure futures.
A key part of this transformation is women-led change
As 63% of India's agricultural workforce, women are at the forefront of water conservation and sustainable farming. With the right tools and support, they are adapting to environmental challenges and driving solutions that benefit entire communities. Through HUF and its partners’ initiatives, lakhs of women are becoming leaders in water security, agriculture, and rural development.
Marathwada in focus
For a decade Marathwada has been facing drought leading to severe crop loss, depletion of groundwater, and rising farmer debt, which made agriculture an unviable activity for farmers. Women often bear the brunt of this crisis, struggling to manage their families' economic needs and facing food insecurity.
In 2022, we launched the Marathwada District Transformation Model in Dharashiv district, that brought water conservation ensuring food security and empowering women as decision-makers.
Led by women cadre, known as Sakhis, the programme adopted a three-pronged approach of Kisan, Sarkar & Bazar to mobilise farmers towards adopting resilient water & agri practices. The transformation of women in agriculture increased their participation in gram Sabha, with leadership roles in panchayat programs and recognition as leaders of change.
Our impact in the Marathwada region
- 1 lakh+women farmers practice bio farming
- 55,000hectares of land shifted to sustainable farming
- 75 billionlitres of water saved in two years through water conservation infrastructure
- 35,000women launched eco-friendly businesses
Stories in the spotlight
Scroll to read more about the inspiring journeys of women from the Marathwada region leading the way in water conservation. Their stories show the power of grassroots action—proving that when women take charge, entire communities thrive.
Rukmini Dalvi: climate-resilient farming (1 of 3)
For 20 years, Rukmini Dalvi worked tirelessly on her 0.75-hectare farm growing soybeans and battling the harsh realities of erratic rainfall and drought. As water scarcity intensified, so did her struggle to sustain her livelihood.
But three years ago, she made a bold shift, one that would redefine her future and inspire thousands of other women farmers. Rukmini transitioned to sustainable agricultural practices that would change everything.
A shift to sustainable farming
Rukmini’s turning point came when she engaged with climate-resilient techniques that not only reduced her input costs but also made her farm more sustainable.Through hands-on demonstrations in her village, Rukmini adopted a series of bio-based and water-efficient techniques.
Harvesting success despite drought
Even in one of Marathwada’s toughest drought years, Rukmini’s climate-smart approach delivered remarkable results. On just 0.75 hectares of land, she produced 16.8 quintals of crops. Her farm thrived when many others struggled, proving that sustainable techniques can turn adversity into opportunity.
Economic empowerment and future aspirations
Beyond securing her harvest, Rukmini’s strategic farming also strengthened her financial standing. In just three months, she earned ₹2.55 lakh.
Rukmini’s story goes beyond personal success and represents a larger movement.
The support from Hindustan Unilever Foundation, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, and the Marathwada District Transformation Model (MDTM) has helped 1,00,000 women farmers across 500 villages adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Today, 50% of the cultivable land in the district follows the Women-Led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) model, proving that when women farmers lead, entire communities thrive.
Pratiksha Nipanikar: ensuring water security through leadership (2 of 3)
Pratiksha Nipanikar with the support of Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) and Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) under the Marathwada District Transformation Model (MDTM), stepped into a leadership role as a Village Leader (Sakhi). Today, she is not just shaping her own future but transforming her entire community.
Bridging the gap between people and government
Pratiksha empowers marginalised communities, especially women, by bridging the gap to government schemes. She connects villagers to benefits, mobilises demands for better infrastructure, strengthens Panchayat engagement, and champions women’s voices in decision-making, driving sustainable development and inclusion.
Going from nervous speaker to influential advocate
Pratiksha recalls feeling nervous at her first Grampanchayat meeting, uncertain about whether her voice would be heard. Today, she confidently leads discussions at Gram Sabhas, advocating for rural development. Her efforts have secured much-needed resources as well as encouraged active participation from women farmers, leading to a long-term impact on her village’s growth.
Today, Pratiksha’s family—her husband and two children—stand proud of her journey. From an aspiring teacher to a powerful community advocate, she has become a beacon of resilience and leadership.
Dipali Thodasare: promoting sustainable farming (3 of 3)
In rural Maharashtra, where women farmers traditionally played supporting roles, Dipali Thodasare envisioned a different future. A future where women don’t just work in the fields but own, lead, and shape the agricultural economy. With over 20 years of experience at Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) and the backing of the Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF), she has transformed thousands of lives through women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
Building women-led farmer producer companies
Dipali co-founded Manjiri Sakhi FPC and Vijaylaxmi FPC in 2017, empowering women through financial independence. These women-led companies procure cereals and pulses, supply essential farm inputs, and expand through soybean procurement, driving steady business growth and market access.
Driving sustainable agriculture and market linkages
Dipali champions organic farming and water conservation, securing organic certification for 1,000 hectares, benefiting 500 women farmers. She enhances water retention, drives sustainability through Manjiri Sakhi organic fertilizers, and boosts water savings and farmer profitability.
Scaling impact through MDTM and HUF’s support
With Hindustan Unilever Foundation’s (HUF) support, Dipali scaled her impact through the Marathwada District Transformation Model (MDTM). She received technical training, business plan support, and market access, empowering women farmers. By building a network of 10,000+ farmers, she strengthened the region’s agricultural ecosystem and expanded sustainable farming initiatives.
Dipali’s journey is not just about individual success—it is about reshaping the agricultural landscape for women across Maharashtra. With HUF, SSP, and MDTM continuing to scale these efforts, her leadership is paving the way for a future where women farmers are not just contributors, but decision-makers in India's rural economy.
3.9 trillionlitres of cumulative and collective water potential created through the Hindustan Unilever Foundation (FY 2023-2024)
Cumulative impact of the Hindustan Unilever Foundation
The HUF-supported programmes, in collaboration with partners, have delivered a cumulative and collective water potential of over 3.9 trillion litres till FY 2023-24 through improved water management, both on the supply and demand side. More than 2.4 million tonnes of additional agricultural and biomass production, and over 118 million person-days of employment have also been generated due to programme-led interventions. Till now, HUF’s programmes have reached more than 15,500 villages in 14 States and 2 Union Territories.