Nayara Energy’s Smart Water Management: Transforming Gujarat’s Fields

In the dry, arid landscapes of Gujarat, particularly in districts like Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka, water scarcity has long posed a serious challenge for farming communities. With limited rainfall and saline soil, agriculture here is not just difficult, it’s often uncertain.

Recognising this, Nayara Energy has extended its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being through focused interventions in water management. By working closely with local needs and conditions, we have introduced rainwater harvesting techniques that make better use of seasonal rain. These efforts are helping improve water availability for farming, supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on the land. Through thoughtful application of rainwater harvesting techniques, the initiative is helping bring gradual, steady change to areas that need it most.

Addressing water scarcity in Gujarat’s arid regions

Challenges of saline soil and limited water resources

For decades, farmers in the Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts have battled the dual burden of saline soil and low groundwater levels. These conditions have made cultivation difficult, limiting crop yields and putting pressure on household incomes. Without access to reliable water sources, local farming communities have often been forced to depend on unpredictable weather patterns, making agricultural planning a constant challenge.

Nayara Energy’s initiative for change

To support these communities, Nayara Energy launched the Water Resource Management Project across 15 villages in the region. The project’s core aim is to enhance water availability while promoting sustainable agriculture practices suited to the local environment. By combining on-ground insight with practical solutions, the initiative seeks to build long-term resilience for farmers, both in terms of their fields and their futures. These efforts also contribute to wider adoption of sustainable agriculture practices that are not only beneficial for crop health but also mindful of limited natural resources.

Innovative water conservation techniques implemented

Aquifer recharge and rainwater harvesting

To tackle the root causes of water scarcity, Nayara Energy introduced a range of practical agricultural water management solutions tailored to the region’s terrain. One of the key approaches has been recharging aquifers - underground water storage systems that, when replenished, provide a steady supply of water throughout the year. This was made possible through the construction of small check dams and the clearing of traditional ponds, enabling more effective rainwater harvesting during monsoon seasons.

These methods have not only increased groundwater levels but also helped restore natural water cycles in the area, allowing local ecosystems to recover gradually.

Expansion of irrigated land

With more water made accessible through improved agricultural water management, over 4,000 hectares of land have been brought under irrigation across the project villages. This expansion has allowed farmers to move beyond seasonal, rain-dependent crops and explore a more diverse and consistent planting cycle. As a result, agricultural productivity has seen a marked rise, leading to better food security and income stability for local families.

The impact goes beyond the fields. Access to reliable irrigation has reduced the risks associated with dry spells, giving farmers the confidence to invest more in their land. With thoughtful agricultural water management in place, communities are now better equipped to plan ahead, build resilience against climate variations, and cultivate a more sustainable future.

Community engagement and sustainable development

Empowering local farmers

True change begins when communities are part of the process. At the heart of Nayara Energy’s initiative lies the active involvement of local farmers. Through hands-on training programmes, farmers have learnt efficient water usage and sustainable farming methods suited to their environment. By integrating these learnings into their daily practices, they are directly contributing to water conservation in agriculture. What makes the project even more meaningful is that these farmers aren’t just beneficiaries, they’re also decision-makers, shaping how water resources are managed in their villages.

Long-term socio-economic benefits

The ripple effect of these efforts is now visible in day-to-day life. Improved access to water has led to increased crop reliability, raising household incomes and easing financial pressure on farming families. More importantly, it has built a stronger foundation of resilience, empowering communities to better navigate the uncertainties of climate change. This focus on water conservation in agriculture isn’t just helping today; it’s setting up these villages for a more secure and self-sustaining future.

Recognition and future outlook

Awards and accolades

In 2024, Nayara Energy’s Water Resource Management Project was quietly recognised under the ‘Beyond the Fence’ category at the CII National Awards for Excellence in Water Management. While the work was never done for awards, this acknowledgment is a meaningful reminder that consistent, community-first efforts can make a difference.

It also reflects a broader appreciation for Nayara Energy’s contribution to smart water management, an ongoing journey shaped by collaboration, care, and a genuine desire to support the people and places that need it most.

Scaling and replication of the model

The positive outcomes of the project have opened up pathways for expansion. With learnings gathered from the initial 15 villages, there are now plans to extend this initiative to other regions facing similar challenges. The approach, grounded in practical solutions and community involvement, offers a replicable model that can adapt to varying local needs.

Nayara Energy believes that smart water management is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a mindset, one that can grow roots wherever there’s a will to improve lives through sustainable change. As this model finds its footing in new geographies, it carries with it the hope of creating more self-reliant, resilient rural communities.

A future fuelled by responsibility

Nayara Energy’s journey in transforming water management in Gujarat’s arid regions is a reflection of its broader commitment - to communities, to the environment, and to a sustainable future. What began as an effort to address water scarcity has grown into a thoughtful model of long-term development rooted in care, collaboration, and continuity.

From introducing simple yet impactful rainwater conservation methods to enabling sustainable agriculture practices, every step has been taken with the well-being of people in mind. And while much has been achieved, the road ahead continues with focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Because for Nayara Energy, progress isn’t just about moving forward, it’s about lifting others along the way.