Reliance Foundation’s innovative ‘phygital’ approach among CII’s Rural Development Best Practices Compendium

The transformative potential of combining technology with grassroots-level engagement, for inclusive growth in rural India, is a unique feature of Reliance Foundation’s programmes. This approach is now featured in a compendium of best practices released by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

The CII’s publication, ‘Driving Change in Rural India: A Compendium of Best Practices’, aims to serve as a resourceful guide for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and grassroots organizations.

The best practice submission by Reliance Foundation’s Platforms team, details the “phygital” model that blends digital technology with on-ground interventions to bridge information gaps and improve livelihoods for rural communities. Through localized, real-time advisories provided to farmers, livestock owners, and fishing communities, the programme aims to enhance productivity, income, and disaster preparedness in rural areas; promote sustainable practices; and foster resilience in vulnerable communities.

As a result of these initiatives, the programmes reported a 63% rise in net income for the farmers through improved practices; reduced crop losses and increased yields by 94% due to advisories and critical cyclone warnings, enhancing safety reaching 97% of the key fishing communities.

These initiatives have been carried out in collaboration with organizations like the Indian National Centre for Coastal Information Services (INCOIS), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and various non-governmental and community-based organisations to help maximise the reach of reliable advisories, information on subsidies, and provide training programmes.

Released in May 2025, as part of the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, the compendium provides an insight into practices of non-profit entities across the country in rural development. The compilation of 40 best practices aims to offer ‘actionable insights and a roadmap for others to follow’. The publication recognised how Corporate Social Responsibility has been instrumental in driving change, with the Indian Industry taking a leadership role in addressing social challenges.

The full compendium can be accessed here

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