Oracle, in partnership with the Swades Foundation, has successfully concluded the first year of its rural livelihoods programme, positively impacting over 900 women farmers and entrepreneurs across Nashik and Raigad districts in Maharashtra. This is part of a long-standing, multi-thematic partnership between the two organisations. The programme included training in sustainable farming, dairy management, and financial literacy, complemented by market linkages to ensure sustained income generation.

 Key highlight of the programme was the introduction of Safed Musali cultivation to 525 women farmers. As a high-value, climate-resilient crop, it offers the potential to increase annual incomes to ₹25,000–₹40,000. Additionally, 373 women were supported with high-yield cattle for dairy farming, generating steady daily income with annual earnings of up to ₹40,000. The initiative also strengthened women entrepreneurship, supporting 62 women with seed capital and equipment to scale micro-enterprises in food processing, retail, and agri-based activities. Each enterprise is expected to generate an additional ₹40,000–₹50,000 annually, further enhancing financial independence and contributing to local economic growth.

Beyond livelihood support, the programme emphasized capacity building and financial literacy.  All women received training in sustainable farming practices, dairy management, and financial decision-making. Farmers were also connected to local markets to ensure better price realization and long-term sustainability.

Bringing this impact to life is Madhura’s journey from Igatpuri, who rebuilt her livelihood after losing it during COVID while also navigating serious health challenges. With exposure to local markets and training under the programme, she began producing simple, nutritious snacks. With financial support of ₹1 lakh from Oracle for basic machinery and lab testing, she formalized her business, Madhura Kitchen Crafts. Today, she employs three women from her village and aims to expand into wholesale markets in Nashik.

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.”

About Swades Foundation

Founded by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, Swades Foundation is committed to community-driven holistic rural development, focusing on water and sanitation, health, education, and economic growth. The organization’s vision of an empowered, poverty-free rural India guides its mission to uplift one million rural lives every five years by creating a sustainable, community-centered model of development.