• Introduction of organic farming, agroforestry, and precision farming to enhance agricultural resilience.
• Establishment of 150 demonstration plots for Coconut, Banana, and Curry Leaf crops.
• Training and capacity building for 3,850 farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Implementation of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems, with 480 well recharge units constructed.
• Formation of 62 Water User Groups (WUGs) to ensure sustainable water management.
• Plantation of 50,000 trees, including Casuarina windbreakers, to promote biodiversity.
• Conducted "Water Mela" engaging 100s of farmers in knowledge exchange and policy discussions.

Impact:

• Improved crop yields and reduced input costs.
• Sustainable water management, reducing water scarcity.
• Enhanced income for farmers through improved agricultural practices.

 Water Stewardship Programme

 ITC Ltd., through its CSR initiative, partnered with COODU to develop watersheds in the Karamadai block, Coimbatore district. The Water Stewardship Programme (WSP) aims for integrated development, optimizing local natural resources for sustainable rural livelihoods.

 The primary objectives include:

 Conservation, protection, and restoration of ecological balance.

• Prevention of soil erosion and topsoil degradation.
• Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
• Enhancement of agricultural productivity and livelihood development.

 Key Achievements:

• Plantation: 4,89,256 native saplings of Silver Oak, Casuarina, Mahogany, Teak, Neem, etc., planted.
• Development Works: Construction of 40 loose boulder check dams, 30 mini percolation tanks, 55 farm ponds, and 28 well recharge units.
• Capacity Building: 28 Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS) and 14 training sessions on irrigation management and organic farming.
• Financial Outlay: The total project cost stood at ₹13.70 crore, with ₹1.19 crore contributed by farmers.

The programme significantly improved soil moisture, prevented soil erosion, ensured year-round irrigation, and enhanced agricultural productivity through modern farming practices.

The generous support from ITC-MSK has been pivotal in facilitating these initiatives, enabling COODU to make a meaningful impact on the local community. Over the past year (2015 – 2025), the project has achieved significant milestones that underscore its impact:

1. Creating Awareness:
• Successfully reached out to 4100 farmers through targeted IEC initiatives focused on water conservation and optimizing crop water use.
2. Capacity Building:
• Trained 2810 farmers on standard agronomic practices by establishing 151 Farmers Field Schools aimed at reducing the cost of cultivation and enhancing crop yields.
3. Water User Groups Formation:
• Formed 56 Water User Groups (WUGs) to empower 4100 farmers in maintaining water harvesting structures created by ITC & COODU, fostering community-led water management.
4. Sensitization of Women and Tribals:
• Engaged and sensitized 4800 women and tribals on water-saving practices, both in environmental and agricultural settings, promoting a culture of conservation.
5. Watershed Beneficiary Sensitization:
• Conducted comprehensive watershed development activities to sensitize beneficiaries in priority areas, enhancing community involvement in sustainable practices.

1. Renovation of Water Harvesting Structures:
• Renovated / Constructed 1090 water harvesting structures within the catchment area, including:
• 198 Percolation tanks
• 89 Check dams
• 323 Farm ponds
• 480 Well recharge structures (Managed Aquifer Recharge)
2. Watershed Development:
• Developed 7850 hectares of watershed area through area treatment and water harvesting structures, resulting in the creation of 1.02 million cubic meters of additional water storage in the catchment.
3. Crop Coverage and Water Savings:
• Optimized water use for 5800 hectares of banana, coconut, and curry leaf crops, achieving a total water savings of 23.6 million cubic meters through effective water management practices.
4. Demonstration Plots:
• Established 150 demonstration plots in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, providing farmers with technical support and education on standard agronomic practices and water use optimization.

1. Stakeholder Engagement:
• Brought together 15 stakeholders from academia, government departments, NGOs, and corporates to discuss challenges and solutions related to water and agriculture, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
2. Annual and Monthly Meetings:
• Conducted 5 multi-stakeholder meetings to address ongoing issues and solutions in the catchment area.
• Held 2352 monthly meetings of Water User Groups (WUGs) to enhance their capacity in maintaining water harvesting structures and ensuring effective community participation.
3. Social Development Impact:
• Engaged a total of 7800 households in the catchment area, contributing to social development and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices and water management.