RESTORE

Resilient Water Solutions

for Cotton-Farming Communities

Build Water Resilience

In Gujarat’s cotton regions, extreme weather and water scarcity threaten farming livelihoods. Locally designed Holiyas are underground rainwater systems that recharge groundwater, reduce salinity, and provide year-round water - empowering farmers with a sustainable, low-cost solution.

THE PROBLEM

In Gujarat’s cotton regions, water-logging, flooding, soil erosion, and salinity severely impact farmers’ livelihoods and ecological stability. These challenges cause water scarcity during dry months and excess water during monsoons. Rooted in colonial-era structural inequalities, local farmers face limited access to sustainable water management and technology.

THE PROBLEM

This water poverty deepens social and economic vulnerabilities. Addressing this requires locally driven, partnership-based solutions that empower farmers to sustainably manage water resources and break these historical patterns of inequality.

Overview

Countries: India
Partner NGO: Ashray Foundation
SDGs: 1, 5 & 13
Impact: Drains 250-500 acres & stores 20,000,000 L
Nr. of Cotton Farmers: 50
Donors: Beechfield Brands

THE IMPACT

In Numbers

50

rainwater harvesting structures implemented

2,000

of water stored

250

farms are socially and ecologically water secured

Marie Wekel

MANAGING DIRECTOR

WHAT WE DO

Our Solution

The Holiyas are shallow underground rainwater harvesting structures (40-60 feet deep) that store excess monsoon water and combat dry-season scarcity. They recharge groundwater, creating a fresh water layer above saline soil, ensuring irrigation, livestock, and drinking water year-round. Through

focus group discussions,
the construction of Holiya structures,
and trainings on sustainable water management for farmers

these rainwater harvesting systems offer farmers and low-maintenance and eco-friendly pathway to sustainability. One Holiya structure drains 5-10 acres and stores 20 million liters total. Additional farmers are trained in sustainable agriculture.

Build Water Resilience

THE IMAPCT

Qualitatively

Soil and Groundwater Benefits

Holiyas recharge groundwater and improve soil quality by reducing salinity and preventing water-logging and floods, protecting farmlands.

Year-round water availability

Farmers gain steady water supply for crops, livestock, and domestic use, enhancing community water security.

Empowerment and sustainability

Training enables farmers to maintain Holiyas themselves, promoting local ownership and sustainable water management.

”Our everyday life is occupied with farm work and the household chores. Its either the farm or our home. What’s funny is that when there’s more water, our work actually increases. With good canal supply, the groundwater has risen over the years, the crops grow well, and that means more yield—and more time spent in the fields! [laughs] But we don’t mind, because it means the farm is doing better.”
Household member of beneficiaryKolapur during community interaction