Chennai: Hinduja Foundation has launched a major land restoration effort in Krishnagiri district, reviving about 55 hectares of farmland through its new initiative, Silt for Sustainable Farmland Enrichment. Implemented by PRADAN under the Foundation’s Jal Jeevan programme, and supported by Ashok Leyland as the CSR partner, the initiative has helped reduce cultivation costs for more than 60 small and marginal farmers across Shoolagiri, Hosur and Denkanikottai. The restored land area is equivalent to more than 75 football fields.
Krishnagiri, known for its extensive irrigation tanks and horticulture-driven economy, has been grappling with shrinking water availability and declining soil fertility. The initiative, developed in close collaboration with government departments, aims to offer a scalable model for sustainable agriculture, combining soil enrichment, tank rehabilitation and community participation.
“At Hinduja Foundation, our focus is on creating sustainable solutions that empower communities for the future. This initiative reflects our belief that innovation in rural development can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. We see this as the beginning of a model that can be scaled across regions to help more farmers thrive,” said Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation.
The project involves desilting tank beds and transporting nutrient-rich silt to nearby farms, improving soil health and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. It also includes rehabilitation of tanks and channel networks to strengthen water storage and improve local hydrology.
More than 730 farmers across 10 villages are expected to benefit as soil conditions improve and tank systems regain their natural capacity. The effort places particular emphasis on helping small and marginal farmers cultivating ragi and vegetables, creating long-term opportunities for improved harvests and reduced input costs.
By forming Tank Protection Committees and involving villagers directly in desilting activities, the initiative is supporting groundwater recharge, building climate resilience and turning a persistent local challenge into a pathway for environmental renewal. The model is designed for wider adoption, offering a practical approach to climate-resilient agriculture that can be replicated across the state and beyond.
BI Bureau
