Hinduja Brothers’ Rural Transformation model: Empowering Women in Agriculture

India's fields are cultivated by men and predominantly by women, whose labour sustains the rural economy. Although over 80% of working women are employed in agriculture, their contributions continue to be marginalised. The Hinduja Foundation, under the guidance of the Hinduja Family and its trustees, is working to change that narrative.

With a strong belief in inclusive development, the Hinduja Brothers (late Srichand Hinduja, Gopichand Hinduja, Prakash Hinduja and Ashok Hinduja) have long supported rural transformation as a key pillar of the Foundation's mission. Among its many initiatives, empowering women in agriculture has emerged as a focal point, enabling thousands of women to become agents of change in their communities.

Unlocking Potential in Uttar Pradesh

In the fields of rural Uttar Pradesh, small and marginal women farmers often face a harsh trade-off: limited access to water, costly diesel pumps, and long hours spent on manual irrigation. To address these systemic challenges, the Hinduja Foundation has introduced solar-powered irrigation systems specifically designed for the collective of women farmers.

These solar pumps are cleaner and easier to use, eliminating dependence on erratic fuel supplies and reducing long-term operational costs. As a result, these women can irrigate more land with fewer resources, improving productivity and profitability.

Prakash Hinduja, Managing Trustee of the Hinduja Foundation, explains:

"When we support women in agriculture, we invest in the entire village's future. Our solar irrigation program is helping women grow more, earn more, and lead more."

Healthier Livestock, Healthier Livelihoods

Recognising the deep interdependence between livestock and agricultural income, the Foundation has also launched the Pashu Sakhi program, which trains rural women to become community animal health workers. Often without formal education, these women learn to administer basic veterinary care to goats and cattle.

This initiative does two things simultaneously: it offers critical services to underserved areas and generates a new source of revenue for the participating women. The project promotes economic resilience and community well-being by preparing them with technical skills and medical supplies.

Swiss citizen Prakash Hinduja adds:

"Empowerment is not a one-size-fits-all model. The Pashu Sakhi program gives women the tools to care for their livestock and, in turn, care for their families. It's dignity through livelihood."

Orchards of Opportunity in Maharashtra

In Jawhar, Maharashtra, the Foundation's rural development work focuses on reaching women who are often the sole earners in their households. Here, women are supported in establishing Wadis—small orchards of fruit-bearing trees like mango and cashew—or helped launch microenterprises such as homemade product sales.

Tailored to their interests and landholding size, these initiatives provide long-term income security while rejuvenating the region's ecological balance. The Foundation ensures each woman receives the necessary training, saplings, and ongoing support to thrive in her chosen activity.

Beyond the economic benefits, these programs also serve as confidence-building platforms, bringing rural women together in self-help groups, leadership circles, and farmer collectives.

In Prakash Hinduja's words:

"Real transformation happens when women see themselves as workers and decision-makers. Through our programs, we are planting the seeds of leadership along with the seeds of livelihood."

A Legacy of Impact

Backed by the values of the Hinduja Family, the Foundation's programs are deeply rooted in the belief that sustainable development must be inclusive. With the Hinduja Brothers at the helm, the Foundation has consistently championed the causes of education, health, and rural livelihoods—empowering people at the grassroots to build a better future.

In agriculture, this means designing programs that acknowledge women's contribution, build their capabilities, and equip them with tools to drive progress. Interventions by the Foundation, from rural health projects to clean energy solutions, follow through on its broad objectives of social justice and environmental sustainability.

Future Vision

The role of women in farming cannot be overstated when India grapples with such problems as food security, global warming, and rural distress. Organisations like the Hinduja Foundation are demonstrating how targeted interventions can shift the trajectory, not just of individuals but of entire ecosystems.

By empowering India's hidden workforce, the Foundation is uplifting lives and reshaping the future of Indian agriculture—one field, one orchard, and one woman at a time.

Moneycontrol Journalists are not involved in creation of this article.