Ambuja Cements empowers Marwar Mundwa farmers with farm ponds and micro-irrigation encouraging water efficiency and harvesting
Rajasthan, 11th July 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and water conservation among communities where it operates. Farmers residing near Ambuja Cements’ Marwar Mundwa site, and its surrounding villages, are a prime example of the Company’s CSR efforts towards efficient water storage and use, leading to financial stability.
Marwar Mundwa and 11 nearby villages used to face severe water scarcity due to the arid climate and erratic rainfall. This used to be a major challenge for the predominantly farming-based communities here, leading to inconsistent crop yields and financial instability. Hence, CSR teams planned a comprehensive intervention plan, with the construction of 137 farm ponds to help increase water storage capacity here by 234,836 cubic m. The teams also installed drip irrigation systems to cover 588.79 hectares of farmland across 320 farms, along with training these farmers on water efficiency.
As a result, farmers from the region have registered an approximate 30% reduction in their water usage, while also having harvested water during critical weather conditions. The farmers have since been rewarded with higher yields, multiple crops throughout the year, and ultimately higher and stable income from agriculture. These interventions have also improved soil moisture, reduced erosion, and enhanced biodiversity.
These CSR initiatives have significantly enhanced agricultural productivity, economic stability, and overall well-being of the farming communities. Ambuja Cements strives to secure a resilient future for generations to come, ensuring the preservation of vital water resources, through sustainable practices and advanced techniques.