PepsiCo India, in collaboration with Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial FORCE Trust, inaugurated the model Gaon ka Pani Gaon Mein village, in Chintagarhi, under the ongoing partnership ‘Watershed Health Initiative’ in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. Ahead of World Water Day 2025, the event showcased the success of water security measures implemented across 10 villages in the Hathras Block so far, reaching over 2,300 farming families. Aligned with PepsiCo India’s philosophy of “Partnership of Progress,” it demonstrates the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and enabling communities by working closely with local partners and stakeholders.
The Watershed Health Initiative has resulted in the conservation of approximately 8.12 crore litres of water annually, creating 45 water-efficient farms, helping improve farmer livelihood. The model village of Chintagarhi serves as a blueprint for sustainable water conservation, featuring multiple rainwater harvesting structures, a revived pond, water efficient farming, and extensive community awareness efforts that can be replicated across the country.
Distinguished guests, including Chief Guest, Shri Birendra Singh Rana, Hon’ble MLA Sikandra Rao, Hathras, graced the occasion, alongside Shri Moti Ram, Gram Pradhan, Chintagarhi; Shrimati Poonam Pandey, Block Pramukh; Jyoti Sharma, Founder & President, FORCE, and PepsiCo India team among others. The event also marked the felicitation of 45 ‘Smart Farmers’ who have adopted climate-smart and water-efficient farming practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Shri Birendra Singh Rana, Hon’ble MLA Sikandra Rao, Hathras, remarked, “I congratulate PepsiCo India and FORCE Trust for this impactful initiative, which is a significant step towards sustainable rural development. Groundwater conservation is crucial for the future of agriculture and the well-being of our communities. The transformation seen in Chintagarhi is truly commendable, and I believe this model can be successfully replicated across other regions to ensure long-term water security.”
Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, “The Watershed Health Initiative reinforces our commitment to water positivity by improving groundwater replenishment and promoting water-efficient farming. Located close to our Foods manufacturing plant in Kosi, the Model Water-Secure Village demonstrates how effective rainwater management can drive long-term water security. By working closely with local communities, we are enabling farmers access sustainable water sources, enhancing agricultural resilience, and improving livelihoods. Farmers and villagers are already witnessing a difference with increased water availability, better crop yields and therefore improved income. This initiative embodies our ‘Partnership for Progress’ philosophy—where businesses, communities, and local governance come together to create lasting impact.”
Shrimati Poonam Pandey, Block Pramukh, said, “I commend PepsiCo India and FORCE Trust for their great work on Watershed Health initiative. ‘Gaon Ka Pani Gaon Mein’ is a remarkable effort, especially at a time when groundwater levels are depleting. Water conservation is not just a need of the present but a responsibility towards our future generations. This initiative will serve as a powerful reminder for communities to take charge of their water resources, ensuring long-term sustainability. After all, Jal hi Jeevan hai, and securing water today means securing the future of our villages.”
Jyoti Sharma, Founder & President, FORCE, added, “Sustainable water management is critical for both environmental and economic resilience. In partnership with PepsiCo India through Gaon ka Pani Gaon Mein, Sampoorn Kheti and Jal Shakti Kendra, we have empowered farmers to become active participants in water conservation while improving their livelihoods and turning them into smart farmers.”
The Watershed Health Initiative aims to create scalable models of water security, addressing the urgent need for groundwater recharge and efficient water management.
– Gaon Ka Pani Gaon Mein: focuses on zero rainwater flow-out planning, ensuring that villages harvest and recharge every drop of rainwater through multi-point groundwater recharge systems and pond revival efforts.
– Sampoorn Kheti: promotes climate-resilient, water-efficient farming that reduces water usage and enhances soil fertility and productivity, helping develop a community of Smart Farmers. By adopting precision irrigation, direct seeding, and improved soil management techniques, these farmers save more on input costs, earn more through better yields.
– Jal Shakti Kendra: is a community outreach and awareness program, ensuring that water conservation knowledge spreads beyond the immediate project area for a wider impact.
Water conservation is a crucial pillar of sustainable agriculture and community resilience. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern techniques, projects like Watershed Health Initiative can help farmers secure their future while ensuring the long-term health of natural resources.
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