Rural India, home to 63.64% of the population, faces persistent challenges despite its economic contributions. Limited access to clean water, sanitation, education, electricity, and livelihoods remain significant issues. UNICEF reports only 49% of rural households have piped water, with poor sanitation causing 60% of deaths from infectious diseases. Additionally, 85% of small farmers earn less than INR 20,000 per month, underscoring the pressing livelihood crisis.

In an effort to address these pressing issues regarding basic infrastructure and economic security, Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHSIF), the philanthropic arm of Honeywell India, has partnered with Swades Foundation to implement a participatory rural development model that empowers local communities. This partnership, which was established in FY 2021-22, introduced targeted community-centric interventions to address water and power access, sanitation, sustainable farming, and women’s skill development to reshape lives across Nashik and Raigad districts of Maharashtra. The joint efforts over the period of three years have directly impacted 40,000+ lives and have improvised numerous rural families with financial stability.

Prashanth Balarama, Senior Director, Communications and CSR, Honeywell India, said, “At Honeywell, we believe that true corporate responsibility goes beyond business metrics – it is about creating meaningful and sustainable change in the communities we serve. Our ongoing initiatives in the Nashik region, in partnership with Swades Foundation, reflect our commitment to holistic rural development. Through targeted interventions in infrastructure, livelihood, and skill development, we are working hand-in-hand with local communities to create pathways for long-term prosperity. This engagement is an opportunity to showcase how strategic CSR can empower rural landscapes, transforming lives and building resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems.”

Through the implementation of 11 drinking water projects, the initiative has provided tapped drinking water to over 2,500 individuals across 650+ households. The water schemes involve identifying reliable sources, building reservoirs and pipelines, and installing pumps to ensure consistent water access at home. Local village committees are trained to maintain the infrastructure, ensuring its sustainability for years to come. Complementing this, over 1,700 households now have toilet blocks, and sanitation infrastructure has been improved in three schools, benefiting students with access to clean drinking water and functional toilets. Notably, the efforts have declared 30 villages open defecation-free (ODF) while fostering the creation of Nigrani Samitis, or sanitation committees, to ensure continued maintenance and appropriate use of sanitation facilities.

The clean energy initiative has expanded significantly, with solar lighting installations benefiting 4 aanganwadis and 3 schools. The introduction of solar water pumps for 100 farmers has addressed challenges stemming from irregular electricity supply, leading to improved crop yields, diversification, and the possibility of second and third harvests annually. This initiative has not only stabilized incomes but has also enabled farmers to earn an additional INR 50,000 per acre each year. Extending this impact to the larger community at village level, Honeywell has The impact extends to approximately 2,000 households through the strategic installed 1,470 solar lights across homes, streets, and community spaces, providing clean energy access.

The initiative has positively impacted 1500+ farmers through donation of 63,000 saplings for orchard plantation. Affordable saplings and training programs have empowered farmers to earn financial security, with the potential to earn over ₹2 lakhs annually from larger plots.

To create secondary sources of income, 524 women have been supported through goat-rearing initiatives, while 156 households have benefitted from dairy, fishing, and mini flour mill-related opportunities. These programs offer an additional annual income of INR 20,000 to INR 25,000. Rural youth skilling has also been a significant focus, with over 600 youth upskilled in the last three years in trades like welding, plumbing, and electrical work, ensuring steady monthly incomes. Scholarships have also been provided to 43 marginalized students, reinforcing the commitment to educational empowerment.

Looking ahead, Honeywell and Swades Foundation are committed to building on their successes and deepening their impact in rural India. In FY25, the initiative is being expanded to 10,000 additional rural community members in Nashik. Together, they jointly aim to continue empowering communities by providing access to vital resources and opportunities for their long-term and equal growth.

Details of some of the key beneficiaries:

Water and Sanitation (WATSAN)

Beneficiary of the drinking water supply scheme

A village transformed: Tap water brings relief to Junafatwadi: In Junafatwadi, Igatpuri, Punaji Devram Korade’s story is just one of many. Before the intervention, families across the village struggled to fetch water from distant sources, as there was no tap water available in their homes. The scattered nature of the households made it difficult for the government to provide water connections. Due to Honeywell’s water scheme, the entire village now has access to tap water. This simple yet impactful change has saved countless hours for farmers like Punaji, enabling them to dedicate more time to their work. The tap water has not only improved health and hygiene but has also brought a renewed sense of convenience and happiness to the community.

Beneficiary of household toilet block construction

Yashwant’s shelter of safety: Living in a forested area, Yashwant Kashinath Khade and his family faced daily dangers from wild animals, snake bites, and the added hardships of the monsoon season. With a modest income from farming and labor, building a safe sanitation facility seemed impossible. As a part of the sanitation support he received from Honeywell, Yashwant now feels secure and protected. His family no longer fears venturing into unsafe areas, even during the rains. This support has brought them comfort, dignity, and peace of mind in their challenging environment.

Beneficiary of water & sanitation at school

Transforming education through WATSAN: At Shriram Vidyalay in Wasali, Igatpuri, poor water and sanitation facilities once posed significant challenges. The damaged infrastructure was unusable, impacting students’ health, hygiene, and attendance. With school water station and sanitation units supported by Honeywell, the school now boasts functional WATSAN facilities. School teacher Mr. Kadam says, “Students feel healthier, happier, and safer, leading to a noticeable increase in enrollment and attendance.” This transformation has not only improved hygiene but also renewed the spirit of learning in the school.

Non-Farm Livelihoods & Skilling

 Beneficiary of youth skilling

Bhaskar’s leap toward self-reliance: Bhaskar Vishnu Korde, a 32-year-old from Mohmal Wasti, Igatpuri, has skillfully transformed his life through the Electrician Skilling & Placement program by Udyogwardhini, with support from Honeywell. Now self-employed, Bhaskar provides electrical repair & installation services within a 4-5 km radius of his village, earning an additional average INR 20,000 monthly alongside his farming income. His hard-earned savings have enabled him to invest in a tractor and fund his children’s education. Bhaskar’s story is a testament to the power of skill-building in creating sustainable livelihoods and brighter futures.

Beneficiary of goat rearing

Meena’s journey to sustainable livelihood: In the picturesque village of Wasali, Igatpuri, 33-year-old Meena Balu Korade embarked on a journey to transform her life through the Goatery program. Starting with a 1+1 goat unit, provided as part of the initiative, Meena adopted the best practices she learned during her training. Her dedication has paid off, with her herd now growing to four healthy goats. By implementing advanced care techniques, Meena ensures her goats are thriving, becoming a role model for her community. Today, Meena not only contributes to her family’s income but also inspires others in Wasali to embrace sustainable and impactful livelihoods. Her story reflects the power of training, determination, and opportunity to spark meaningful change.

Keshav’s path to prosperity: In Wasali village of Igatpuri, 37-year-old Keshav Mangalu Kachare has transformed his future through the Goatery 1+1 program supported by Honeywell. Starting with just two goats, Keshav’s herd grew to seven, including his original goats. Equipped with training, he not only mastered goat care but also learned how to set competitive sale prices. This knowledge paid off when he earned ₹51,000 by selling five goats at fair market rates.Keshav’s success stands as a testament to the power of skills, knowledge, and determination. He now dreams of expanding his goatery and inspires others in his village to believe in sustainable livelihoods.

Beneficiary of dairy farming

·         Shobha’s way to progress: Shobha Vishnu Pawade, a resident of Wasali village in Igatpuri, supports her family of five with determination and hard work. Through Honeywell’s support, she received one cattle, which has since birthed a calf. With 8 liters of daily milk production, Shobha now earns INR 40,000 annually after expenses. Her earnings have been reinvested into building a better home and improving farming activities, bringing stability and growth to her family’s life. Shobha’s journey is a shining example of how support and perseverance can transform lives.

Bhorabai’s path to empowerment: Bhorabai Popat Khade, a 36-year-old from Waghwadi, Igatpuri, supports her family of six with determination and hard work. With Honeywell’s support, she received one cattle, which later gave birth to a calf. Producing 9 liters of milk daily, Bhorabai earns ₹50,000 annually after expenses. She has used this income to invest in building a better home and supporting her children’s education. Her journey reflects how small opportunities, when embraced with dedication, can lead to significant and lasting change.

Clean Energy

Solar lights in the community

Lighting the path: A safer Jadhavwadi: In Jadhavwadi, Igatpuri, the installation of solar street lights through Honeywell has transformed the community. Before the intervention, the roads were pitch dark at night, leading to safety concerns, including snake bites. Lakshman Pichad, a member of Kalsubai Gav Vikas Samiti Indore, says, “Thanks to the solar street lights, we no longer face the risks of traveling in the dark.” The increased visibility has made the roads safer, significantly reducing accidents and ensuring peace of mind for the entire community. The lights have not only brightened the village but also improved the quality of life for everyone.

Sustainable Farming

 Water for farming irrigation

Santosh Harichandra Thamke’s transformation in Kurnoli: Santosh Harichandra Thamke, a 33-year-old farmer from Kurnoli in Igatpuri, has made remarkable strides in improving his farming practices with Honeywell’s support in 2022-23. With his land, Santosh previously relied on monsoon-dependent single-crop farming. However, with the installation of a new drip irrigation system powered by a solar pump, he was able to expand his irrigation capacity and adopt a multiple cropping system, introducing vegetable cultivation to diversify his income. Last year, Santosh earned INR 63,000 from his one acre of irrigated land, with a cultivation cost of INR 22,000, resulting in a net profit of INR 41,000. He is reinvesting his profits into land development, transforming barren land into cultivable plots. Currently, he is developing an orchard plantation on an additional acre, further expanding his farm’s potential. Santosh’s story is a great example of how sustainable farming practices can enhance productivity, increase income, and create long-term opportunities for farmers and their families.

Dnyaneshwar Laxman Ugale’s journey to sustainable farming in Samnere: Dnyaneshwar Laxman Ugale, a 34-year-old farmer from Samnere in Igatpuri, has seen a significant transformation in his farming practices due to Honeywell’s support in 2022-23. With his farm, Dnyaneshwar relied on monsoon-dependent, single-crop farming for his livelihood. However, with the introduction of a new drip irrigation system powered by a solar pump, he was able to expand his irrigated land by an additional acre. This intervention allowed Dnyaneshwar to adopt a multiple cropping system, increasing his farm’s productivity. Last year, he earned INR 155,000 from his two acres of irrigated land, with a cultivation cost of INR 45,000, resulting in a net income of INR 1,10,000. Dnyaneshwar is reinvesting his profits into land development and prioritizing better education for his children, securing a brighter future for his family. This success story highlights the power of sustainable farming practices in improving incomes and quality of life.

Orchard plantation

Tanaji Yashwant Korde’s mango orchard in Wasali: Tanaji Yashwant Korde, a 61-year-old farmer from Wasali village in Igatpuri, received 50 mango saplings in 2022-23, supported by Honeywell. Tanaji himself adopted drip irrigation for his orchard to ensure that the saplings received regular water. Thanks to his hard work, 48 of the 50 saplings thrived, showing strong growth. The drip irrigation system helped conserve water and supported healthier trees. Today, Tanaji’s mango orchard is flourishing, setting a great example of sustainable farming for others in his village. His dedication is helping secure a better future for his family.

Tukaram Bhaga Korde’s orchard in Wasali: Tukaram Bhaga Korde, a 61-year-old farmer from Wasali village, received 45 mango saplings and 5 guava saplings through Honeywell’s support in 2022-23. With his strong commitment and the training provided, Tukaram followed the best practices, including proper care and watering techniques. Thanks to his efforts, 45 mango saplings and 3 guava saplings survived and are growing well. The plant growth is healthy, a testament to the effectiveness of the training and the hard work Tukaram put into adopting sustainable practices. His orchard is flourishing, benefiting both his family and the community, with hope for a bountiful harvest in the future.

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