What happens when rural women gain access to finance, resources, and community support?

A quiet revolution begins.

According to a 2024 report, women now own 20.5% of India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a growing number of entrepreneurs (GEO24News, Dec 2024). This surge signals a powerful shift in the rural economy with microfinance and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) creating pathways for women to lead sustainable businesses and uplift their communities.

Microfinance supports rural women by providing small loans and financial services to low-income women. Self-Help Groups (SHGs), typically formed by women in rural India, are grassroots collectives that save together and access microcredit to build their economic resilience and drive change.

Together, microfinance through SHGs in India has transformed the rural entrepreneurial landscape. These tools empower women with money, build confidence, skills, and fosters a sense of women-driven rural entrepreneurship.

The Ground Reality: What Are the Barriers Faced by Rural Women of India?

Despite significant improvements in financial inclusion, rural women in India continue to face systemic challenges:

1. Societal Constraints

In many rural parts of India, women are still expected to stay home and follow strict traditions. These cultural rules often prevent them from making their own decisions, especially when it comes to money and work. Even if a woman wants to start a small business, she might not get permission from her family or community. This lack of independence holds back her dreams and potential.

2. Lack of Financial Literacy

Most rural women have limited knowledge about how banks work or how to manage money effectively. They might not know how to open a bank account, save money, or take a small business loan. Because they haven’t been exposed to these things, they often feel nervous or unsure about stepping into financial activities. Without proper support and guidance, they struggle to grow financially.

3. Limited Mobility and Exposure

In traditional rural communities, many women don’t travel alone or go far from their homes. This limits their chances of attending training sessions, meeting new people, or selling their products in nearby markets. Without seeing how businesses work or learning from others, it becomes harder for them to start or grow any kind of income activity. Their world stays small, even if they have big dreams.

4. Resource Scarcity

Even if a woman has a great business idea, she usually doesn’t have the tools or money to make it happen. Basic things like startup capital, raw materials, or even space to work are often out of reach. Many don’t own land or assets, making it difficult to take loans. Without these resources, it becomes nearly impossible for rural women to turn their skills into sustainable income.

These barriers explain why, in Husaini village of Mathura’s Chhata block, none of the twelve active SHGs were running income-generating activities—until recently.

From Inactivity to Enterprise: The Story of Shree Ji SHG

In Husaini, Uttar Pradesh, S M Sehgal Foundation initiated a transformative intervention under a CSR-supported project. The village’s Shree Ji SHG, comprised of ten women, was selected to establish a mustard oil expeller unit—an idea rooted in local resource availability and potential demand.

What are the Key Elements of the Intervention?

What began as a micro-enterprise idea soon evolved into a functioning business run by rural women—breaking barriers and setting an example for other women.

Impact on the Ground: What Tangible Shift was Noticed After the Launch of this Transformational Intervention?

Over the past fourteen months (Dec 2023–Jan 2025), the Shree Ji SHG generated a revenue of ₹11.03 lakh. Each of the ten women involved is now contributing to their household incomes, improving their families’ standard of living, and securing long-term stability.

The initiative has also created a ripple effect:

The Voice from a Beneficiary

Akila, a landless woman and member of the SHG, shares:

“I used to depend on uncertain wage labor. Now I have a consistent income and can pay for my children’s education. We started small, learned from the market, and slowly grew confident in managing production and sales. Today our product reaches beyond the village.”

What is the Role of Microfinance in Enabling Women Entrepreneurs?

The transformation seen in Husaini village through the Shree Ji SHG is not an isolated success—it’s part of a growing movement across rural India, where microfinance and self-help groups are unlocking the hidden potential of women. Microfinance doesn’t just offer credit—it builds confidence, community, and long-term capabilities. Here’s how:

1. Easy Access to Credit

Traditional banks often ask for collateral or formal income proofs—something most rural women lack. Microfinance institutions, on the other hand, offer small, low-interest loans that are accessible even to landless women like Akila from Shree Ji SHG. With the support of the CSR-backed initiative, the group accessed the funds needed to purchase a mustard expeller and set up the business. For women who never imagined owning or running a machine, access to this initial capital was the first step toward entrepreneurship.

2. Collective Responsibility

In the SHG model, every member is jointly responsible for loan repayments and business outcomes. This system builds trust and encourages regular engagement. The ten women of Shree Ji SHG didn’t just receive individual loans—they formed a community of support. They worked together through challenges such as arranging for electricity infrastructure and coordination to keep the unit running. The pressure of collective responsibility pushed everyone to stay committed and accountable.

3. Empowerment through Savings

Regular savings, even as little as ₹10 a week, gradually help women build a safety net. These habits introduce financial discipline and security into their lives. For the women of Husaini, being part of the SHG meant learning how to manage earnings, reinvest profits, and plan expenses. Over time, they moved from uncertain daily wages to a structured business model that offered consistent income, as seen in their ₹11 lakh revenue over fourteen months.

4. Increased Bargaining Power

When women earn their own income, their voices grow stronger. For the members of Shree Ji SHG, success brought them more than money. It gave them dignity and recognition within their households and the larger village community. The support of male counterparts grew as the business expanded, and the women began to make decisions that affected their families’ future—such as investing in their children’s education or improving household facilities.

In Husaini, microfinance didn’t just launch a mustard oil business—it lit a spark of confidence, independence, and transformation. The Shree Ji SHG story proves how targeted support, when combined with training and community backing, can fuel women’s entrepreneurship in even the most traditional rural areas.

How to Drive Entrepreneurship Through Capacity Building?

Financial assistance alone is not enough. Entrepreneurial growth in rural areas needs consistent capacity-building support for women entrepreneurs that includes:

These steps were integrated in the Husaini intervention—ensuring sustainable growth and self-reliance.

Collaborations That Work: Government, NGOs, and Community

The synergy between government institutions, NGOs, and local communities can fast-track rural entrepreneurship. In Husaini, partnerships with ICAR–NRCRM and UPSRLM played a crucial role in legitimising and scaling the venture.

Such collaborations help to:

In the long run, this network of support creates an ecosystem where rural women feel seen, supported, and successful.

Looking Ahead: What Needs to Be Done?

To replicate this success across rural India, consider the following measures:

More Than Income, It’s Empowerment

Microfinance and SHGs are not merely financial tools—they’re instruments of social change. When women like Akila take charge of a business, it transforms not just their income, but their status, confidence, and role in society.

The success story of Shree Ji SHG in Husaini is a shining example of how the right support, combined with community trust and women’s resilience, can spark entrepreneurship in new places. By scaling such interventions, we can unlock the vast untapped potential of rural women entrepreneurs across India.

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What does it take to break the cycle of malnutrition in India’s underserved regions?

Despite progress, the reality remains stark: according to the NFHS-5 (2021–22) data, 67.9% of children aged 6–59 months, and 57.1% of women aged 15-49 years, in Bihar are anaemic. East Champaran, one of Bihar’s most vulnerable districts, reflects this national concern.

While infrastructure and policy continue to evolve, localized interventions such as nutrition workshops have emerged as powerful tools to educate, mobilize, and empower communities. This blog explores the impact of a recent workshop conducted in East Champaran under the Krishi Jyoti Project, highlighting how grassroots engagement can lead to tangible health improvements.

What was the Malnutrition Challenge in Bihar?

What happens when a child’s first meal is inadequate—and the second, third, and fourth follow the same pattern?

For far too many children and women in Bihar, particularly in districts like East Champaran, this is an everyday reality. Despite efforts at improving healthcare and food security, the state remains one of India’s most nutritionally vulnerable regions. Malnutrition is not just a health issue here—it is an intergenerational crisis impacting growth, development, and productivity.

1. Widespread Stunting and Wasting Among Children

According to the NFHS-5 (2019–21), 42.9% of children under five in Bihar are stunted, meaning their height is significantly low for their age due to chronic undernutrition. Additionally, 22.9% of children suffer from wasting, which indicates acute weight loss from recent illness or inadequate food intake.

In East Champaran, where families often face poverty, poor sanitation, and limited access to quality healthcare, these numbers are not mere statistics—they reflect the lived experiences of children struggling with poor growth, weak immunity, and delayed development.

2. Alarming Rates of Anaemia Among Children and Adolescents

Anaemia remains a serious concern, especially among children and adolescent girls. As per NFHS-5, 69.4% of children aged 6–59 months in Bihar are anaemic, while 63.5% of adolescent girls (15–19 years) show signs of iron deficiency anaemia.

The consequences are dire: poor concentration in school, low physical stamina, delayed puberty, and for girls—higher risks in future pregnancies. In districts such as East Champaran, where diets lack iron-rich foods and healthcare access is limited, anaemia silently hinders a generation’s potential.

3. Undernutrition Among Women During Pregnancy and Lactation

Women’s nutrition plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of malnutrition—but here too, Bihar faces serious challenges. More than 58% of women in Bihar aged 15–49 are anaemic, many of them pregnant or lactating.

Inadequate maternal nutrition leads to low birth weight, preterm deliveries, and undernourished infants. In East Champaran, deeply rooted patriarchal norms, coupled with poor health services and limited awareness, make it difficult for expectant mothers to access essential nutrients, antenatal care, and rest—putting both the mother and newborn at risk.

The Krishi Jyoti Nutrition Workshop: A Targeted Intervention

To counter these systemic issues, a nutrition workshop was organised on March 4, 2025, in East Champaran district. Supported by Mosaic India Private Limited and executed under the Krishi Jyoti Project, the workshop aimed to build capacity among frontline workers who are often the first point of contact in rural healthcare.

Participants included:

Key officials from the Health and ICDS departments also took part, including the medical officer in-charge (MOIC) and block medical coordinator.

Workshop Highlights: What Was Covered?

The curriculum focused on improving the understanding of essential nutritional practices and service delivery:

Interactive methods such as group activities, introductory games, and icebreakers ensured that the training was not just informative, but also engaging and memorable.

Real-time Assessment and Feedback

To ensure the training’s effectiveness, pre- and post-assessments were conducted to gauge changes in participants’ knowledge levels. Feedback forms also captured valuable suggestions for improving future sessions.

A block coordinator from the ICDS department noted:

“The workshop deserves all the praise it can get. Great management and a valuable learning platform for health care workers.”

Empowering the Frontline: Why It Matters

Frontline health workers are critical to rural nutrition delivery. However, gaps in training often hinder their effectiveness. A study published by NITI Aayog (2023) highlights that continuous training of ASHAs and AWWs has a direct impact on early identification and treatment of malnutrition in children.

Through workshops like this, the following benefits were observed:

How to Strengthen the Public Health through Convergence

One of the workshop’s key successes was in enabling institutional convergence between the Health Department and the ICDS scheme. This joint approach ensured shared goals and more coordinated action plans.

The inclusion of key government officials helped to:

The Role of Technology: Poshan Tracker in Action

Launched as part of the Poshan Abhiyaan, the Poshan Tracker App is a mobile-based tool for tracking nutrition-related data of beneficiaries. It enables last-mile delivery of services by recording data on:

The block coordinator from ICDS demonstrated live use of the app, helping workers:

Learn more about the app on the Ministry of Women and Child Development site.

Why Nutrition Workshops Should Be Replicated and Scaled

According to a 2024 report by UNICEF India, community-based nutrition education initiatives lead to significant improvements in child growth outcomes and maternal awareness.

Replication of workshops like the one in East Champaran can:

Moreover, such initiatives align with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), driving India’s commitment to sustainable development.

A step forward, but many miles to go

Workshops like the one conducted in East Champaran offer more than just information—they inspire transformation. By equipping frontline workers with practical skills and digital tools, we strengthen the backbone of rural health infrastructure.

While there are no silver bullets for malnutrition, consistent efforts at the grassroots level, supported by data-driven policies and collaborative partnerships, are showing us the way forward. The path is long, but with each workshop, we get closer to a healthier India.

The post The Role of Nutrition Workshops in Combating Malnutrition and Improving Health appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Soil health is the foundation of productive and sustainable agriculture. Yet, across India, farmland continues to suffer from degradation, nutrient depletion, and poor management practices. Addressing these challenges through scientifically backed solutions and localized interventions like Krishi Jyoti can significantly improve soil quality and enhance crop productivity in the long run.

What Is Soil Health and Why Does It Matter?

Soil health refers to the soil’s ability to function as a living ecosystem that supports plant growth, animal life, and human needs. Healthy soil balances nutrients, organic matter, moisture, and biological activity. When soil health is neglected, it affects productivity, biodiversity, and food security.

How the Green Revolution Impacted Soil Health

The Green Revolution holds a special place in Indian history. Though internationally recognized as a major step toward the nation’s food security, this transformation also led to the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources such as soil and water. Most of this is due to ignorance, greed, and overuse of some modern technologies that led to the revolution in the first place.

Back in 1970, Walter P. Falcon talked about the “second-generation problems” of the Green Revolution. Indiscriminate use of chemicals and fertilizers has led to a weakened ecology, thereby threatening long-term sustainability. However, the Indian farmer continued the practices in the quest for productivity. The resulting deterioration of soil and the depletion and contamination of water have had a direct impact on farmers’ productivity and profitability, particularly in Northern India.

Quick Fact:

According to the 2023 FAO India Report, nearly 60% of Indian agricultural soils are suffering from degradation, partly due to post-Green Revolution practices.

What Are the Main Causes of Soil Degradation in India?

Year after year, we hear about the rich harvest the season has produced. However, despite the ever-growing output, malnutrition and farmer income still remain contentious issues. The lack of understanding about imbalances in soil nutrients is the major reason for this.

Some of the issues being faced in soil health:

According to the 2023 ICAR report:

What Are the Consequences of Poor Soil Health?

What Are the Best Practices for Soil and Nutrient Management?

As farm yields reduce, and cost of inputs keeps rising, farmers are realizing the importance of improved soil health and nutrient management on their fields. Scientific practices have the ability to improve crop yields, reduce input costs, and have a host of environmental benefits.

Some of these practices include:

Balanced and integrated use of fertilizers and micronutrients: All essential nutrients need to be applied in optimum quantities and in planned methods that are dependent on soil, crop, and climatic conditions. Timing and a judicious mix of nutrients will meet crop demands and will prevent excesses. Over-fertilizing of crops increases pest issues. Excess of nitrogen levels in plants can decrease resistance to pests and result in crop damage.

This, of course, is only made possible with proper soil testing, outreach programs, and policy initiatives. For instance, a reform of the Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme could be extended to include urea as well as other nutrients. Use of organic nutrients should also be encouraged, since an important factor in maintaining soil organic matter.

Source

Reduction in inversion tilling: Excess tilling is detrimental to soil health. Tilling tends to decompose organic matter and disturb the soil aggregates, leading to a reduction in soil health, an increase in erosion, and reduced productivity. Tilling would only be required in order to increase organic input via residual crops or manure. Reduction in tillage may appear to be cumbersome and dependent on the individual field’s status; however, the benefits to the farmer are significant in the long run.

Reduction in synthetic pesticides and promoting beneficial organisms: Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides has adversely affected the environment and agricultural production. Harmful chemicals have found their way into the food chain and the water table. Pesticide residue pollutes soil, groundwater, and surface water, and affects livestock, crops, and humans.

Preserving soil moisture: Water shortages due to shrinkage in groundwater availability are a major issue affecting soil health, especially in monsoon-dependent arid regions of north India. Crops are starved or stressed for water due to low rainfall, high temperatures, and inconsistent or poor irrigation. Methods or systems that promote moisture guard against droughts and have a cyclical effect on soil health and fertility.

Source

Techniques such as strip tillage, no tillage, mulching, cover cropping, contouring, etc., have been shown to increase moisture retention in soil.

The 4Rs of Nutrient Management

The 4Rs of nutrient management are referred to when talking about proper nutrient application and soil health. Soil health is in harmony with nutrient management, and they are mutually interdependent.

Together, these four principles—right source, right rate, right time, and right place—serve as a comprehensive guide to efficient and sustainable farming practices.

How Region-Specific Interventions Make a Difference

Due to India’s diverse soil types and climates, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Region-specific soil testing, customized nutrient solutions, and local farmer training are essential for sustainable agriculture.

Balanced nutrient management must consider soil nutrient availability, crop removal rates, investment returns, moisture conditions, and degradation types like salinity or acidity. A region-specific approach is crucial to maintain ecological balance and increase yields. This can be strengthened through targeted education and policy support.

Soil Health in India: Key Statistics

Real-World Impact: A Case Study from Haryana and Rajasthan

S M Sehgal Foundation, a well-recognized rural development NGO, in partnership with Mosaic India Private Limited, supports farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan under Mosaic Company’s Krishi Jyoti project. Working in the semi-arid regions of Mewat District of Haryana and Alwar District of Rajasthan, the project reached over 40,000 people across 60 villages of these districts, focusing on improving soil health, water management, and nutrient application. Key activities included:

The initiative has been acknowledged, appreciated, and has received multiple awards, including the FICCI Water Award in 2013 and the Bhamashah Award of the Rajasthan government in 2016 and 2017 in different categories. The felicitation is proof of the effort by Mosaic India Pvt. Ltd. and S M Sehgal Foundation to bring about positive change in the lives of small-scale farmers.

Conclusion

Sustainable farming starts from the ground—literally. With scientific nutrient management, region-specific strategies, and awareness-building among farmers, the path to healthier soil is achievable. Programs like Krishi Jyoti prove that localized, knowledge-driven agricultural interventions can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and preserve the environment. In the long run, such approaches can significantly contribute to national goals like doubling farmer incomes and ensuring food security.

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Livestock farming plays a crucial role in rural economies, providing income and sustenance to millions of farmers. However, many small-scale livestock owners rely on traditional feeding methods that lack the essential nutrients required for optimal animal health and productivity. Proper nutrition is vital for enhancing milk yield, improving reproductive efficiency, and strengthening immunity against diseases. Scientific studies have shown that a well-balanced diet can increase milk production by up to 20 percent and improve overall livestock health. (Source: National Dairy Development Board, India )

This article explores how farmers can improve livestock nutrition, backed by scientific insights and a real-life success story from Haryana.

The Challenges of Traditional Livestock Feeding Practices

In many rural areas, livestock is fed using age-old practices that fail to meet modern nutritional standards. Common feeding issues include:

Studies suggest that nearly 70 percent of livestock in India suffer from mineral deficiencies, leading to poor productivity. (Source: ICAR – Indian Veterinary Research Institute )

Scientific Approach to Livestock Nutrition: Key Nutrients for Better Productivity

To improve livestock health and increase productivity, a scientifically formulated diet is essential. A balanced feed should include the following:

The Role of Balanced Animal Nutrition: A Case Study from Haryana

Manju, a farmer from Pada village in Haryana, relied on traditional livestock feeding methods, which resulted in her buffalo’s poor health and low milk yield. In August 2023, she attended a farmers’ training session under the Krishi Samriddhi 3 project, supported by India Publicis Groupe Entities and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation.

Following the training, Manju adopted a balanced nutrition kit containing mineral mixtures, vitamins, and deworming tablets. She also learned to mix green and dry fodder effectively.

Within a month, her buffalo’s milk production increased from twelve to fifteen liters per day, boosting her daily income by ₹180 (milk price: ₹60 per liter). Over three months, her net gain reached ₹13,900 after deducting the ₹2,300 cost of the nutrition kit.

Manju’s story illustrates how scientific feeding techniques can significantly enhance livestock productivity and financial returns.

Economic Benefits of Improved Livestock Feed for Farmers

Increased Milk Production and Revenue

A well-balanced diet directly impacts milk yield, leading to higher income for dairy farmers. When livestock receive essential nutrients, such as proteins, minerals, and vitamins, their productivity improves.

For example, Manju from Haryana observed a daily increase of three liters of milk after adopting a nutrition-rich feed. With milk priced at ₹60 per liter, this resulted in an additional income of ₹5,400 per month.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Profitable Investment

While high-quality livestock feed and supplements require an initial investment, the financial returns outweigh the cost. In Manju’s case, the nutrition kit cost her ₹2,300 and lasted three months, while her additional income during this period amounted to ₹16,200. After deducting the feed cost, her net profit was ₹13,900. Over an eight- to nine-month lactation period, this could mean an annual income boost of ₹37,000–₹42,000 from a single buffalo.

Reduced Veterinary Expenses

Poor nutrition weakens livestock, making them more susceptible to diseases that require frequent medical intervention. Providing balanced nutrition and deworming treatments reduces susceptibility to illnesses, lowering veterinary expenses. Farmers spend less on antibiotics, emergency treatments, and veterinary visits, saving thousands of rupees annually.

Improved Reproductive Health and Longevity

Malnourished livestock often suffer from reproductive issues, leading to increased calving intervals and reduced productivity. Proper nutrition supports better fertility rates, healthier pregnancies, and stronger calves.

This ensures a consistent milk supply and extends the productive lifespan of livestock, reducing the need for frequent replacements and costly purchases.

Strengthening Household Financial Stability

For small-scale farmers, dairy income is a critical source of financial stability. The additional revenue from increased milk production can help cover essential expenses, such as education, healthcare, and debt repayment.

As seen in Manju’s case, her increased earnings allowed her to repay a loan from her self-help group, reducing financial stress and enhancing her family’s overall well-being. Investing in high-quality livestock nutrition, farmers can increase both their daily income and long-term financial security while creating a more sustainable and profitable dairy farming system.

Scaling Up: Encouraging Adoption of Scientific Feeding Methods

To replicate success stories like Manju’s, government and NGO support is crucial for providing subsidized nutrition kits and farmer training. Awareness campaigns can educate farmers on the economic benefits of balanced feeding, encouraging wider adoption of best practices for livestock health and productivity.

Community demonstration plots can showcase real-time improvements, building farmer confidence. Additionally, technology integration—such as mobile apps offering customized nutrition recommendations—can empower farmers with data-driven insights. These efforts will ensure the broader adoption of scientific feeding methods, leading to sustainable income growth and improved livestock management across India.

The Future of Livestock Nutrition: Innovations and Sustainable Practices

Innovative solutions are shaping the future of livestock nutrition:

Adopting these advancements will further enhance productivity and promote sustainable farming practices.

The Path to Healthier Livestock and Profitable Farming

Enhancing livestock nutrition is a proven strategy for improving animal health, increasing productivity, and boosting farmers’ incomes. As seen in Manju’s case, scientific feeding methods can yield significant gains in milk production, leading to higher earnings and financial stability.

Scaling up these practices through government support, awareness campaigns, and technological solutions can empower more farmers to adopt balanced nutrition for their livestock. Enhancing feed quality is essential for the long-term sustainability of agriculture, strengthening India’s dairy sector, and ensuring national food security. Making scientific nutrition more accessible and affordable will shape the future of livestock farming.

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Soil health serves as the foundation of sustainable agriculture, yet millions of hectares worldwide are deteriorating due to increasing soil salinity. When excessive salts accumulate in the soil, they interfere with plant growth, reduce crop yields, and contribute to long-term land degradation. This poses a severe threat to farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in regions where irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts and industrial pollutants.

One such example is Kheda Khalilpur, a village in Nuh district, Haryana, where industrial pollutants in irrigation water have significantly impacted soil fertility. However, through soil analysis and the strategic use of gypsum, farmers have reclaimed their farmlands and improved crop yields. This article explores the science behind soil salinity, the role of gypsum in restoring soil health, and how targeted interventions—such as those implemented in Kheda Khalilpur—can offer scalable, sustainable solutions to this pressing agricultural challenge.

Understanding Soil Salinity and Its Causes

Soil salinity is a major environmental challenge affecting agriculture by reducing soil fertility and crop productivity. It occurs when excess salts accumulate in the soil, making it difficult for plants to absorb water and nutrients. This condition leads to stunted growth, lower yields, and, in severe cases, renders land unfit for cultivation.

Several factors contribute to soil salinity:

If left unchecked, salinity can turn once-productive land into barren wastelands, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. Addressing this issue requires scientific soil management practices to restore fertility and ensure sustainable farming.

Case Study: Kheda Khalilpur Village

Kheda Khalilpur, a village in Nuh district, Haryana, faces severe soil salinity due to contamination from a nearby water channel carrying industrial pollutants. With 4,000 acres of farmland dependent on this water source for irrigation, the accumulation of harmful chemicals and salts has reduced soil fertility and crop productivity, posing challenges for local farmers.

To address this issue, S M Sehgal Foundation, with support from TLG India Private Limited, initiated the Gram Uday-7 project in April 2023. The project aimed to promote soil health management through scientific interventions. Farmers were encouraged to test their soil to identify underlying issues. Soil analysis reports revealed high electrical conductivity (EC), indicating severe salinity, which restricted plant growth and reduced yields.

To combat this, experts recommended gypsum application, a proven method for reducing soil salinity and improving soil structure. Farmers obtained 1,000 bags of subsidized gypsum and applied 20–25 sacks per acre, leading to improved germination, healthier crops, and reduced sowing cycles. This resulted in cost savings of ₹1,500–2,000 per acre.

Farmers reported stronger plants, greener fields, and higher yield expectations, demonstrating that scientific soil management can restore agricultural productivity and secure rural livelihoods.

Soil Testing and Analysis: Identifying the Problem

Soil testing is a crucial first step in diagnosing and addressing soil salinity. It helps determine key parameters such as pH (acidity/alkalinity) and electrical conductivity (EC), which indicate salt concentration levels. High EC values suggest excessive salt accumulation, restricting water absorption by plant roots and leading to poor germination, stunted growth, and lower yields.

In Kheda Khalilpur, farmers participated in soil testing under the Gram Uday-7 project. The analysis revealed neutral pH but high EC, confirming salinity issues caused by industrial pollutants and poor irrigation water quality. Understanding these results enabled farmers to take corrective action by applying gypsum (calcium sulfate) to improve soil structure and reduce sodium content.

Regular soil testing empowers farmers with data-driven insights, ensuring they use appropriate treatments, optimize fertilizer use, and adopt sustainable farming practices to restore and maintain soil health.

Gypsum as a Solution to Soil Salinity

Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is one of the most-effective soil conditioners for treating salinity and sodicity. When applied to saline soils, gypsum helps replace sodium ions with calcium ions, improving soil structure and reducing compactness. This enhances water infiltration, prevents crust formation, and boosts root development, making it easier for plants to absorb nutrients. Additionally, gypsum increases soil permeability, allowing excess salts to leach out, thus restoring soil health.

In Kheda Khalilpur, where industrial pollutants increased soil salinity, gypsum application was recommended following soil analysis. The process was simple and cost-effective, making it an accessible solution for farmers dealing with declining productivity due to poor soil conditions.

Implementation and Farmer Adoption

Under the Gram Uday-7 project, farmers were introduced to the benefits of gypsum through demonstrations and hands-on training. They received guidance on applying 20–25 sacks of gypsum per acre to neutralize the excess salts. To facilitate adoption, they were also informed about government subsidies, allowing them to purchase gypsum at ₹105 per bag instead of the market price.

The impact was visible within months—farmers reported improved seed germination, stronger plant growth, and healthier crops. Previously, multiple sowings were required; but with gypsum treatment, a single sowing was sufficient, reducing input costs. This increased confidence among farmers, leading to wider adoption across the village.

Economic Benefits for Farmers

Soil restoration through gypsum application not only improves crop yields but also provides direct financial benefits to farmers. Key advantages include:

One farmer, Mahesh, highlighted the transformative impact of gypsum, noting that it had visibly improved crop health across all treated farmlands. With increasing awareness and proven results, more farmers are now adopting gypsum as a sustainable solution to combat soil salinity and improve their agricultural returns.

Scaling Up: The Need for Awareness and Policy Support

The success of soil-restoration efforts, such as those in Kheda Khalilpur village, highlights the importance of awareness, education, and policy support in tackling soil salinity on a larger scale. Many farmers remain unaware of the benefits of soil testing and gypsum application, leading to continued land degradation and declining yields.

To scale up these initiatives, the following measures are crucial:

Government agencies, research institutions, and private stakeholders must work together to implement large-scale soil health improvement programs, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and rural economic growth.

Future Prospects: Innovative Solutions for Soil Restoration

While gypsum remains a proven and cost-effective solution for soil salinity, emerging technologies and innovative approaches offer new possibilities for soil restoration:

Conclusion

The battle against soil salinity is crucial for ensuring sustainable agriculture and food security. The success in Kheda Khalilpur village highlights how scientific soil analysis and gypsum application restore soil health, improve yields, and reduce farming costs. However, scaling up such initiatives requires greater awareness, policy support, and innovative solutions. Promoting soil testing, farmer education, and government-backed subsidies helps more farmers reclaim their lands. Investing in long-term soil restoration strategies will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also strengthen rural livelihoods, ensuring a more sustainable and food-secure future for generations to come.

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“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”
~ Nelson Mandela, Nobel Laureate and former president of South Africa.

Poverty is often understood as a lack of income, but its scope extends far beyond financial constraints. It includes hunger, malnutrition, inadequate access to education, social discrimination, exclusion from basic services, and more. Eradicating poverty requires a holistic approach involving ethical, political, societal, educational, and economic changes. Governments, private entities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must collaborate to foster sustainable solutions.

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change

Poverty eradication should focus on empowering communities through inclusive political, economic, and social participation. Policies must be designed with a targeted approach, ensuring the poor and vulnerable sections of society benefit directly. However, equitable distribution of wealth and employment remains a major challenge. Structural obstacles, vested interests, and resistance to change often slow down progress, making poverty eradication a complex issue that demands coordinated efforts at both macro and micro levels.

From MDGs to SDGs: Strengthening Global Commitments

In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were introduced as a global initiative aimed at eradicating poverty, hunger, and disease, while also promoting primary education and gender equality. These goals brought nations together to create a structured roadmap for tackling key social challenges.

Key Achievements of MDGs:

While MDGs laid the foundation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced in 2012 to accelerate progress and address additional concerns like climate change and environmental sustainability. The SDGs aim for a permanent and sustainable end to poverty while integrating long-term development strategies.

Poverty in India: Progress and Setbacks

Current Data on Poverty in India:

Despite these challenges, India has made significant progress in poverty reduction. According to the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (2019), 271 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, indicating substantial policy-driven success. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed many of these gains, leading to increased unemployment, reduced consumption, and economic downturns.

Challenges That Need Immediate Attention:

Each of these factors directly affects the SDG goal of eradicating poverty and requires urgent interventions.

Government Initiatives for Poverty Eradication

The Indian government has launched several programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of the rural population:

While these schemes provide crucial support, structural inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of awareness often limit their effectiveness. Bridging this gap requires innovative and community-driven approaches.

The Role of Private and Social Sectors in Poverty Alleviation

The scale of poverty in India necessitates active participation from the private sector and social organizations. NGOs, social enterprises, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives play an essential role in complementing government efforts.

Key Contributions of NGOs and Private Enterprises:

Self-help groups (SHGs) and microfinance institutions have also empowered communities by enabling financial independence and reducing dependency on exploitative money lenders.

Future Roadmap for Sustainable Poverty Eradication

1. Enhancing Skill Development and Employment Opportunities

Developing a skilled workforce is essential for sustainable poverty reduction. Vocational training and entrepreneurship programs must be expanded, particularly in rural areas, to create employment opportunities and reduce dependency on agriculture.

2. Strengthening Social Protection Measures

Expanding social safety nets, such as universal healthcare coverage, pension schemes, and unemployment benefits, can provide financial stability to vulnerable populations.

3. Improving Rural Infrastructure

Better roads, irrigation facilities, electricity, and digital connectivity can significantly improve livelihoods and reduce migration pressures from rural to urban areas.

4. Leveraging Technology for Poverty Reduction

5. Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth

A more inclusive approach to economic growth is necessary, ensuring that wealth distribution benefits all sections of society rather than a privileged few.

A Collective Responsibility

Eradicating poverty requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, the private sector, social enterprises, and individuals. While India has made commendable progress in poverty reduction, persistent challenges remain. Strengthening policy implementation, improving social infrastructure, and fostering economic inclusivity is key to achieving the SDG goal of “No Poverty.”

By leveraging technological advancements, community participation, and sustainable development models, we can create a future where every individual has access to necessities, quality education, and dignified employment. The journey towards poverty eradication is long, but with collaborative efforts, innovation, and policy reforms, it is an achievable goal.

S M Sehgal Foundation: Making An Impact

Founded by crop scientist, entrepreneur, and Indian American philanthropist, Suri Sehgal, S M Sehgal Foundation is present in over 1,200 Indian villages, impacting more than three million people in ten states. S M Sehgal Foundation works with the belief that a prudent intervention mix covering the most pressing needs is necessary for inclusive growth, one that can provide opportunities to enable people to participate in a sustainable growth process. To achieve this, investing in social capital furthers sustainable social development.

The rural development of S M Sehgal Foundation demonstrates that an effective amalgam of empowered citizenry and accountable institutions of governance can lead to inclusive spaces for equitable development.

Water conservation and management, food security, and community participation and sustainability in rural development in India have led to the adoption of several development practices that make a social impact. The foundation technologies and models, such as biosand filters, high-pressure recharge wells, and salt-resilient crop varieties, have been adopted by the communities. The innovation of creating freshwater pockets in saline aquifers has been recognized by the United Nations as an adaptable and scalable solution. Community participation and engagement of S M Sehgal Foundation form the basis of every innovation or intervention.

The best rural development NGO in India, S M Sehgal Foundation, through its local teams and effective citizen participants, helps to bridge the massive gap between promises of law and their grassroots reality. The foundation works tirelessly, nationally and internationally, to make the law and policies more people-centric because all the formulations, implementations, and corrections should be considerate of the masses. Through this initiative, communities work to secure sustainable development as they participate in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

When the citizens of the country work toward moving up the ladder of prosperity, goals are automatically achieved.

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The World Health Organization defines healthcare as “a health system that consists of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health. This includes efforts to influence determinants of health as well as more direct health-improving activities. A health system is, therefore, more than the pyramid of publicly owned facilities that deliver personal health services. It includes, for example, a mother caring for a sick child at home; private providers; behavior change programs; vector-control campaigns; health insurance organizations; occupational health and safety legislation.”

Healthcare is delivered in India through frameworks where each healthcare organization operates according to certain standards and with no interconnectivity to other healthcare services. Healthcare is often misconstrued to include primary medical care in the Indian rural context. Primary hospitals and other healthcare providers are only one part of an interrelated system that must work together to improve societal health.

An effective healthcare system includes the use of a “systems thinking” approach where interconnectivity with standardization completes the system. In a vast and populous country such as India, efforts of the state are found wanting due to inadequate human resources, shortage of funds, and an inability to reach the masses. The systems approach adopts a route that includes and promotes “efforts to influence determinants of health as well as more direct health-improving activities” through direct intervention and partners in progress.

Digital healthcare and telemedicine in rural India

Technology has emerged as a game-changer in bridging healthcare gaps in rural India. Telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), and digital health records have made healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas where specialist doctors are unavailable. Government initiatives like eSanjeevani have enabled thousands of rural patients to consult doctors virtually, reducing travel time and costs. Additionally, AI-driven diagnostics and mobile-based health monitoring solutions are helping to detect and manage diseases early, improving overall health outcomes.

Some key healthcare initiatives: A systems approach to healthcare

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Realizing the need to adopt an integrated systems approach, the government launched the NHRM to address the needs of the large Indian rural population. The long-term goal of the NHRM is to assure a fully functional and decentralized health delivery system. It also aims to provide intersectional coordination among the determinants of health, such as education, nutrition, sanitation, water, social equality, and others.

These goals are set with a broad perspective that goes beyond mere healthcare to a system that includes a host of interventions, such as convergence of health and related programs at the village level and community interventions and others. The key features and benefits of the NHRM could be summarized as follows:

Mental health challenges in rural India

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of rural healthcare. In many villages, mental illness remains a stigma, and access to professional help is minimal. Depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders are common due to financial burdens, lack of social support, and uncertainty about the future. The government has launched initiatives such as the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare. NGOs and grassroots organizations are also playing a crucial role in spreading awareness and offering counseling services, ensuring rural communities receive mental health support.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

The population of children up through age six years as per the 2011 census was 158 million and growing. This human capital of the country needs to be nurtured, especially in rural areas, to make them productive for the times to come. As part of the government’s commitment to capacity building for this vulnerable section of the population, the ICDS Scheme was launched in 1975 with a focus on children (0–6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The scheme looks to address the challenges of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality besides providing preschool nonformal education.

As part of the implementation process of ICDS, the government started anganwadis: rural child care centers. A rural anganwadi center extends beyond the beneficiaries of ICDS and provides basic healthcare in a village and is an integral part of the public health care system. Anganwadis are managed by trained workers who are paid a monthly honorarium by the government. These workers are drawn from the local communities and further the government’s goal of increased social participation for enhanced self-care and self-reliance in health.

Several positive benefits of the ICDS program have been noticed. There has been a significant improvement in the mental and social development of all children irrespective of their gender. Studies have also documented improvements in birth weight and infant mortality of Indian children along with improved immunization and nutrition.

The role of community-based health insurance

One way to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on rural households is through community-based health insurance (CBHI). These programs allow communities to pool resources and provide financial coverage for medical expenses, preventing high out-of-pocket costs. Schemes such as Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Ayushman Bharat have already made significant progress in providing health coverage to millions of families. Expanding such initiatives and ensuring better awareness can safeguard vulnerable populations from falling into poverty due to medical expenses.

Data statistic: Burden of out-of-pocket expenditure

According to the National Health Accounts Report 2021, over 39% of India’s total health expenditure is paid out-of-pocket by individuals. This financial burden is particularly high in rural areas, where people often sell assets or take loans to afford medical care. Addressing this issue through improved public healthcare services and insurance schemes is critical to breaking the poverty-healthcare cycle.

Poverty and Healthcare: Cause and Effect

India’s rural health system is characterized by the absence of an efficient public health system. Public health facilities, provided by the central and state governments, deliver low-cost care, and are generally overcrowded. Poor households incur high health spending and bear a higher burden of diseases in the absence of resources and proper guidance. This results in rising spending on health and leads to high out-of-pocket expenditure, and catastrophic health spending, thereby increasing poverty. Being unable to access and afford healthcare as it exists, the effects lead to a vicious circle of poverty. The vision of the government is to adopt a systems approach where healthcare initiatives derive synergy from prevention and cure. This would include comprehensive integrated health services that integrate primary care as well as public health; policies and actions to address the link between health, external conditions, education, etc. This can be achieved by engaging and empowering communities through social participation that leads to enhanced self-care and self-reliance in health. For universal health coverage to be achieved, a shift is needed from health systems designed around diseases and institutions to health systems designed for the people, with people, and by the people. Thus, primary healthcare interventions designed with a systemic approach can result in better outcomes for rural communities and relieve them from the vicious cycle of poverty.

S M Sehgal Foundation: Promoting Local Participation and Sustainability

S M Sehgal Foundation (Sehgal Foundation), a rural development NGO in India, has been working to improve the health outcomes of rural communities of the country. One of its five main program areas focuses on Local Participation and Sustainability through which it creates awareness among the communities about important issues.

Sensitization and Awareness-Building for WASH Behavior Change

S M Sehgal Foundation, in partnership with CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) Canada, is working with the most-vulnerable rural population on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) through a pilot project named “WASH for Healthy Homes” in the Vaishali district of Bihar. The project focuses on five hamlets of the poorest of the poor (daily wage laborers).

A situation analysis study among the most vulnerable 317 poorest families in Vaishali, Bihar, revealed that many do wash their hands with water or with water and soil, but not regularly. It was also observed that they often suffer from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid. Sensitization and awareness-building sessions are thus aimed at improving WASH behavior. In every session, people are informed that most diseases occur due to not washing hands before cooking meals, before eating meals, and after the use of a toilet.

Lack of resources and knowledge are the major barriers to the poor state of handwashing practices. With the awareness-building sessions, the community understood the need for hand hygiene, and they started adopting those practices in their daily lives, however, they did not have enough money to build a proper handwashing station. Understanding this situation, the project team started promoting tippy-taps, the zero-cost solution for a handwashing station. These simple, low-cost and locally made systems for washing hands with running water with no hand touch motivate people to practice handwashing appropriately.

Positive changes are observed in the community through sensitization, awareness building, and recall. As people correct, be consistent and adopt continuous WASH behavior in their lives, better health outcomes will be achieved.

e-Poshan Kendra: Promoting A Healthy Lifestyle

S M Sehgal Foundation implemented a CSR-supported project initiative in Nuh, Haryana, in June 2021. The project included the setup of a Village Development Committee (VDC) in the project village to oversee the initiatives and sustain them for the future.

The panchayat choupal (community building) was in a dilapidated state and used as a garbage disposal site. The area was prone to the spreading of diseases like dengue, malaria, and others due to growing filth, and acted as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In October 2021, the project team initiated the endeavor to transform this choupal into E-Poshan Kendra (E-nutrition center).

The project team mobilized the people by conducting a series of training, and door-to-door awareness sessions; the VDC and women’s group members also influenced the people. In January 2022, the choupal was transformed into E-Poshan Kendra. Solar panels were installed in the E-Poshan Kendra for a sustainable source of energy. Community women became keenly interested in the E-Poshan Kendra and started regularly attending the training sessions held there on nutrition and a balanced diet.

The project transformed the otherwise abandoned panchayat choupal into a wonderful meeting place in the village. Gradually the E-Poshan Kendra became a hub of information provision on good nutrition practices, sanitation, as well as on key government services. E-Poshan Kendra provides structured training to village women, and showcases thematic films and inspirational stories on sanitation and nutrition, and vaccination drives for village children were organized.

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The path to the country’s prosperity passes through the fields and barns of the villages.
~ Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.

Agriculture remains the backbone of India, sustaining nearly 60 percent of the population. Yet Indian farmers continue to grapple with challenges such as unpredictable rainfall, groundwater depletion, and high electricity costs. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), irrigation accounts for approximately 70 percent of India’s freshwater usage. Rising fuel prices and electricity shortages have only added to the struggle, making access to reliable water sources increasingly difficult. In recent years, solar water pumps have emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution, revolutionizing traditional farming practices and strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector.

The necessity to enhance agriculture in India

India’s agricultural sector relies heavily on monsoon rains, leaving it vulnerable to climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. Nearly 86% of the country’s farmers are small and marginal, often struggling to access affordable irrigation solutions. Traditional diesel pumps are costly, unreliable, and harmful to the environment. Meanwhile, electric pumps depend on an inconsistent power supply, leading to excessive water consumption for irrigation. Advancing agriculture through modern, sustainable methods is essential to ensuring food security, improving farmer livelihoods, and driving economic growth in rural India.

The rise of solar water pumps in Indian agriculture

In response to growing concerns about energy consumption and climate change, solar water pumps have become increasingly popular. These pumps operate using photovoltaic panels that convert solar energy into electricity to power irrigation systems. Unlike conventional pumps, solar water pumps offer a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and grid electricity.

Benefits of using solar water pumps for sustainable farming

The integration of solar water pumps in agriculture offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of sustainability. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Lower Carbon Footprint

   Traditional irrigation pumps run on diesel or electricity, both of which contribute to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. In contrast, solar-powered pumps rely on renewable energy, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting eco-friendly farming.

2. Cost-Effectiveness and Financial Savings

   Farmers using diesel or electricity-powered pumps often face high operational costs due to fluctuating fuel prices and power tariffs. Solar water pumps eliminate these expenses, offering long-term financial relief and improving profitability.

3. Expanded Access to Irrigation

   In many remote areas of India, an unreliable electricity supply limits farmers’ ability to irrigate their fields. Because solar water pumps operate independently of the power grid, they enable year-round irrigation, improving crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.

4. Water Conservation and Efficiency

   When integrated with drip or sprinkler irrigation systems, solar pumps help optimize water use and minimize wastage. This is especially crucial in regions struggling with water scarcity and declining groundwater levels.

5. Minimal Maintenance and Long Lifespan

   Unlike diesel pumps, which require frequent repairs and maintenance, solar water pumps have fewer mechanical components and a longer operational life. This ensures more reliable irrigation with minimal upkeep.

6. Resilience to Climate Change

   Erratic monsoons and unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult for farmers to rely solely on rain-fed irrigation. Solar-powered pumps provide a stable, sustainable water supply, ensuring consistent access to irrigation regardless of seasonal variations.

Challenges in adopting solar water pumps and the role of S M Sehgal Foundation

Despite their many advantages, solar water pumps remain underutilized by farmers, largely due to a lack of awareness, high upfront costs, and unfamiliarity with new technology. Rural farmers often need guidance on installation, maintenance, and how to maximize the benefits of solar-powered irrigation.

This is where leading rural development NGOs like S M Sehgal Foundation play a vital role. The foundation collaborates with corporations to support farming communities and introduce sustainable agricultural practices, including solar water pumps. Through capacity-building programs, awareness campaigns, and hands-on training, the foundation helps farmers recognize the long-term benefits of this technology. It also facilitates access to government subsidies and financial assistance, ensuring a smoother and more affordable transition to solar-powered irrigation.

Conclusion

The adoption of solar water pumps in Indian agriculture marks a significant step towards sustainable and self-reliant farming. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, minimizing operational costs, and ensuring efficient water management, these pumps offer a promising solution to the challenges faced by farmers. However, the journey towards widespread adoption requires strong support from government policies, financial institutions, and rural development organizations. With the intervention of NGOs like S M Sehgal Foundation, farmers can be empowered to embrace this transformative technology, leading to enhanced agricultural productivity, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.

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Every drop of water saved today will shape the future of generations to come.
~ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Water scarcity is a harsh reality for millions of Indians. Nearly 65 percent of the country’s population depends on agriculture, and groundwater serves as the lifeblood of the rural economy. However, over-extraction and erratic monsoons have led to alarming depletion. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), India has already used nearly 80 percent of its groundwater, and more than 256 districts face critical shortages.

Today, borewells run dry, fields wither, and farmers struggle to sustain their livelihoods. Industrial expansion and urbanization have further exacerbated the crisis, while unsustainable farming practices and climate change add to the pressure. If urgent action is not taken, India could face a severe water crisis by 2030—one that threatens not only food security but also economic stability.

But there is hope. Check dams and groundwater recharge systems offer a powerful, natural solution. These cost-effective methods help replenish aquifers, revive ecosystems, and secure agriculture for future generations. The time to act is now.

What are check dams and groundwater recharge?

Check dams are among the most-common, water-conservation structures. Built across seasonal streams and natural drainage channels, they slow the flow of water and capture runoff. This process allows more water to percolate into the ground, replenishing underground aquifers. Without these structures, rainwater quickly flows downstream and is lost.

Accumulated run-off increases groundwater recharge and surface water to enhance percolation into underground aquifers. Methods include check dams, percolation tanks, recharge wells, and contour bunding. These structures trap rainwater and slow its movement, ensuring groundwater levels improve over time.

How are check dams a natural solution to groundwater depletion?

Check dams directly address groundwater depletion. Their benefits include:

Increased water retention and recharge

Check dams slow water flow, allowing it to seep into the soil. This significantly boosts water availability in nearby wells and borewells. Farmers and communities benefit from improved irrigation and drinking water supplies.

Prevention of soil erosion and land degradation

Heavy rainfall runoff often washes away fertile topsoil. Check dams reduce water velocity, allowing sediment to settle. This also prevents erosion and preserves soil fertility. Farmers benefit from sustained land productivity.

Restoration of dried-up wells and ponds

In many regions, check dams have revived dry borewells and ponds. Villages once struggling with water scarcity now enjoy steady groundwater availability. Agriculture and household water needs are met more reliably.

Enhancing agricultural productivity

With reliable water access, farmers can adopt multi-cropping and grow water-intensive crops in moderation. They become less dependent on unpredictable monsoons. This leads to higher yields, better incomes, change in land use and improved livelihoods.

Reviving local ecosystems

Water conservation benefits the environment. Check dams rejuvenate flora, fauna, and biodiversity. Drought-prone areas see greenery return and microclimates improve. At the same time water logging here and there causing vector breeding is also reduced.

Farmers X leading NGOs

Large-scale water conservation requires government support, but farmers play a crucial role in the process. Small check dams, rainwater harvesting, and water-retaining vegetation are effective tools for reversing water depletion. Across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, numerous examples demonstrate how farmers have successfully transformed water security in their communities. By constructing check dams and implementing watershed management techniques, they have revitalized drylands, turning them into productive fields. These efforts have not only improved agricultural yields but have also brought renewed hope to rural communities.

Farmers’ efforts make a difference, but NGOs can scale solutions for long-term impact. S M Sehgal Foundation leads water conservation projects and empowers rural communities through scientific planning, technical expertise, and resource mobilization.

Khohar checkdam, Rajasthan

Khohar village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district faces severe water scarcity. The village has 150 households and 890 people. Since 2016, groundwater has rapidly declined, with borewell depths reaching 1000–1200 feet. Uncontrolled rainwater runoff was damaging farmland and did not recharge groundwater. S M Sehgal Foundation, with support from the Mosaic Company Foundation, built a check dam to solve this issue.

Khohar lies at the foothills of the Aravallis and has great potential for rainwater harvesting. But without proper storage structures, most rainwater was wasted. In consultation with villagers, the foundation team started work in July 2014. The check dam is 185 meters long and 3 meters high, holding 320 million liters of water annually. Now water seeps into the ground within 48 hours, to address groundwater depletion. In addition, nallah bunds, loose stone structures, and recharge wells also help in water and soil conservation.

According to an internal study, the check dam has transformed farming. Wheat cultivation increased from 11 Ha in 2004 to 73 Ha in 2018. Fallow land in Rabi season decreased from 74 Ha to 42 Ha by 2014. Farmers switched from jowar to cotton in kharif and from mustard to wheat in rabi. However, growing water-intensive crops needs careful water management.

This check dam project has improved groundwater, boosted farming, and increased food security. It stands as a successful model for sustainable water management in India. With more such projects, villages across India can overcome water shortages and ensure a better future.

A sustainable future begins now

Water conservation is an urgent responsibility, and India must embrace sustainable solutions such as check dams and groundwater recharge to meet the growing water demands. Meaningful change begins with collective action. Farmers take the first step by adopting water-saving practices, while NGOs provide technical expertise and guidance. Policymakers play a crucial role in supporting large-scale implementation.

Check dams have already proven effective in several states, improving water availability and benefiting local communities. Now is the time to scale up these efforts and expand their impact across the country.

As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said, “Let us act now, conserve water, and build a water-secure India.”

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“Education is the key to unlocking the golden door of freedom and empowerment for rural India.”
~ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

As education is increasingly driven by technology, digital libraries have emerged as a transformative tool, especially in rural areas. According to a recent report by UNESCO, over 244 million children worldwide remain out of school due to rural regions that face the brunt of the digital divide. In a country such as India, where 65 percent of the population resides in rural areas, lack of quality education significantly hampers overall progress of the country. Digital libraries play an enormous role in bridging this education gap by bringing advanced learning tools to the doorstep of rural communities, nurturing young minds with skills that empower them for a brighter tomorrow.

Along with access to knowledge, digital libraries ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and cultivate life skills among students in remote villages, for whom, this lifeline to a world of opportunity ensures that no dream is too far-fetched.

What is a digital library?

A digital library is a repository of digital learning resources accessible through digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Unlike traditional libraries, digital libraries promote e-learning by providing e-books, interactive videos on diverse subjects, general knowledge, quizzes, and simulations that make learning effective and fun.

Key features of digital libraries include:

For rural children, digital libraries are an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow beyond the constraints of their environment.

Importance of digital libraries, especially in rural areas

The role of digital libraries in rural education extends far beyond academic learning. Digital libraries address critical challenges faced by rural schools, such as the lack of trained teachers, limited access to textbooks, and outdated curricula. By introducing technology into the learning process, digital libraries:

What are some of the critical skills students develop with the help of digital libraries?

A few skills that students acquire through digital libraries are:

How a digital library helped Shalu turn her curiosity into achievement!

Shalu, a student of class 11, Government Senior Secondary School, Indergarh, Rajasthan, manages household responsibilities and three siblings with her mother in their farming family. Shalu’s educational and career aspirations seemed limited until her school introduced a digital library by partnering with a leading rural development NGO in India, S M Sehgal Foundation.

The digital library, located within the school, provided training in digital and life skills, covering essential topics such as computer usage, mobile applications, and the benefits and risks of using digital tools. Shalu, known for her curious nature, was particularly drawn to mobile applications and their development.

Her determination bore fruit in December 2024 when she participated in the Rajasthan Yuva Mahotsav, a prestigious government-organised event. Leveraging the knowledge gained from the digital library, Shalu crafted an impressive presentation on mobile applications, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Competing at the block level, her presentation earned her first place and a shield, qualifying her for the district-level competition.

Encouraged by her success, Shalu set her sights on refining her model further, aiming for victories in state and national contests. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of digital libraries, showing how they can unlock potential and inspire achievement in young minds.

How can NGOs encourage education, skills, and training in rural India?

With decades of experience in sustainable development, NGOs such as S M Sehgal Foundation play a critical role in bringing digital libraries to rural areas. Besides introducing innovative educational tools, the foundation has ensured the tools’ effective implementation through community engagement.

The impact of these initiatives is far-reaching, resulting in…

S M Sehgal Foundation has reached more than 5.27 million people across thirteen states so far, proving that when technology meets vision, transformation is inevitable!

Conclusion

Shalu’s journey from a curious learner to an award-winning presenter is a testament to the power of digital libraries in reshaping rural education. These libraries equip children with academic knowledge and foster critical skills that prepare them for a better life. With the continued efforts of organisations such as S M Sehgal Foundation, the dream of an educated, empowered rural India can become a reality.

The question remains: How can we collectively ensure that more children like Shalu have access to these life-changing opportunities?

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