As the world heats up and climate change becomes an ever more stark reality, its impact on rural life is of urgent concern. Weather patterns have changed, rains come at odd times, soaring temperatures dry up water bodies, sudden torrents destroy the produce in fields, groundwater levels decline unabated. Naturally, this impacts everything, including the primary source of livelihood: agriculture.
Resilience to withstand the climate crisis must be built. Ambuja Foundation works with over 200,000 farmers in 13 states, in terrains that run the gamut from deserts to coasts, from mountains and arid plateaus to the Gangetic plain. Over the last few years, initiatives in water and agriculture have been top of the agenda, and several have proven successful in tackling climate change.
1. Reviving tradition to achieve water security
Returning to age old practices that work has provided effective solutions in water conservation. Rainwater is being harvested in more and more ponds for agriculture and household chores; while working with partners, rooftop structures have been erected to store drinking water. In Beawar district, Rajasthan, together with a partner, Ambuja Foundation has launched the Sustainable Water Management Project across 46 villages. Over three years, the project envisages reviving ponds and rivers, and raising the water availability to 5,40,000 CuM.
2. Combating changing rainfall patterns via soil moisture conservation
Higher temperatures and erratic rainfall have led to excessive drying of the earth, while groundwater level has been pushed further down. In Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, Ambuja Foundation’s soil moisture conservation strategy includes constructing farm bunds, dams and trenches, and planting fodder trees and grass on bunds. These help retain soil moisture longer, reducing irrigation needs while enabling farmers to grow multiple crops, improving livelihood. Gradually, water begins percolating downwards, replenishing the water table.
3. Increasing water efficiency by promoting micro irrigation
In Jambala village, Junagadh, wells were running dry. Ambuja Foundation helped 25 cotton farmers switch to drip irrigation covering 38.8 ha - 43.76 ha. Yield went up by 19% in three years, now 180 more farmers have opted to practice micro irrigation. Traditional means apart, modern agricultural techniques must be deployed to tackle water scarcity. Irrigation accounts for 80% use of water in India, and much of it is wasted. Micro irrigation offers 90% efficiency with far less water, and it increases yield. Farmers in several states have been educated.
4. Optimising water, by desilting and desalinising water sources
Older, larger ponds are being desilted enabling them to harvest and hold more rain water and providing water for communities for longer periods of time; the moisture-laden, nutrient rich silt is used to enrich the soil. In coastal areas, rising sea levels and saline water intrusion render the water in aquifers and water bodies unusable. In Gujarat, where salinity had seeped inland for up to 15 km along the coastline, Ambuja Foundation has long used cost-effective traditional techniques in tandem with technology to deliver impactful outcomes pushing back salinity by 8 km. Surface water harvesting structures like dams and ponds have been constructed or revived. Groundwater recharge is achieved with nala bunds, tube well, etc. In-situ moisture conservation and creating water reservoirs from mined out pits are the other pillars of the initiatives. 16,575 wells in 151 villages have benefitted. Most significantly, 13 times social return on investment has been independently confirmed.
5. Promoting carbon sequestration initiatives
The incorporation of biochar and agri-waste in the soil keeps carbon from escaping into the atmosphere; at the same time, they reduce water requirement and enrich the soil. As we create communities that are resilient, Ambuja Foundation encourages agricultural practices that promote carbon sequestration and fight the downward spiral of worsening climate.
6. Helping farmers adopt diversified livelihood ideas
Moving away from monocropping and dependence on only agriculture is essential for increased earnings as well as income security as the climate turns harsher. Farmers, both men and women, are being encouraged to rotate crops and also engage in allied businesses like poultry and fishery. Some of them are leading the way. Himanshu Mandal from Farraka, West Bengal, ventured into aquaculture with help from Ambuja Foundation. He aimed to raise fish scientifically and achieve the state average of 10 quintals. He raised 24 quintals instead from his 3 bigha pond, and was recognised by the Government Agriculture Department. Today he educates others.
7. Educating farmers about water management
Across the board, in every state, the impact of climate change and the urgency of using water better––more intelligently and frugally––is being communicated to farmers. They are taught traditional practices as well as state-of-the-art farming techniques that enhance water management. As farmers confront the scenario, they adopt better practices, bringing real change in rural life.
As climate change intensifies, its impact on rural life, particularly agriculture, is becoming increasingly urgent. To help farmers adapt and build resilience, the Ambuja Foundation has implemented a range of solutions so that farmers find ways to thrive in these challenging times. Its not rocket science and the answers are there – we simply need to make that information and those techniques available to farmers, so that they can make the necessary changes. Through education and hands-on support, Ambuja Foundation is driving meaningful change in rural communities - enhancing sustainability, and ensuring a more secure future for generations to come.
