Mumbai: More than 900 women across Maharashtra's Nashik and Raigad districts have benefited from a rural livelihoods programme jointly implemented by Oracle and the Swades Foundation, with the initiative focusing on agriculture, dairy farming, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Backed by a grant of ₹5.5 crore, the programme has completed its first year and forms part of a broader collaboration aimed at creating sustainable income opportunities for women in rural communities.

One of the major interventions under the programme involved the cultivation of Safed Musali, a medicinal crop known for its climate resilience. A total of 525 women farmers were introduced to the crop, which is expected to provide annual earnings ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000.

The initiative also supported 373 women through dairy farming by providing high-yield cattle. Organisers said the activity offers a steady source of income, with beneficiaries expected to earn up to ₹40,000 annually.

To encourage self-employment, 62 women entrepreneurs received seed funding and equipment to grow businesses in areas such as food processing, retail and agriculture-linked enterprises. According to programme estimates, these ventures could generate additional yearly income of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000.

Alongside financial support, participants underwent training in sustainable agriculture, dairy management and financial literacy. Efforts were also made to connect farmers with local markets to improve returns and build long-term business viability.

Among the beneficiaries is Madhura from Igatpuri, who launched her food business, Madhura Kitchen Crafts, after receiving training, market exposure and financial assistance through the programme. The venture currently employs three women from her village and is exploring expansion into wholesale markets in Nashik.

Commenting on the initiative, Mangesh Wange, CEO, Swades Foundation, said, “At Swades Foundation, we believe in change that is driven by communities and built to last. By combining high-value agriculture, dairy, and entrepreneurship with financial literacy, we’re seeing not just better incomes, but greater confidence and agency. It’s powerful to see these women step forward as drivers of growth in their communities.”

Neha Khare, Oracle spokesperson, said, “Our partnership with Swades Foundation reflects our commitment to creating tangible, scalable outcomes in rural communities. By enabling diversified livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient agriculture, we are supporting rural women to move beyond being income earners to becoming entrepreneurs, wealth creators, and, increasingly, employers themselves. As these women build sustainable incomes and financial independence, they are also creating opportunities for others in their communities - demonstrating a model of change that is both scalable and built for long-term impact.”

The programme reflects the growing focus on partnerships between businesses and development organisations to create livelihood opportunities, improve financial resilience and support local economic growth in rural India.

BI Bureau