How We Live projects in India

Certain parcels of land in India become uncultivable over time due to climatic factors and human interventions. These parcels of land, however, can be used to grow fruit-bearing trees. As of 2023, Deutsche Bank and Swades Foundation have planted 165,000 fruit-bearing trees to augment the income of Indian farmers and preserve the local biodiversity. Our volunteers participate in tree plantation drives every year to further these efforts.

In collaboration with Swades Foundation, we are supplying emergency solar-powered lighting to rural households for use during blackouts. This form of energy reduces carbon emissions paving the way for a bright and sustainable future.

We have partnered with Swades Foundation to increase the income per acre for Indian farmers. Through sustainable water management practices, drip irrigation systems, access to quality inputs and training, we aim to augment farmers’ incomes while ensuring efficient water utilisation, higher crop yields and groundwater table recharge.

Through the introduction of climate-smart agriculture practices in Dausa, Rajasthan, Deutsche Bank and Centre for microFinance (CmF) aim to strengthen capacities of women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) to increase their incomes while ensuring the sustainability of soil and water resources. This initiative includes providing 3,000 women farmers with technical and financial support to implement micro irrigation technologies and set up sustainable supply chains.

Together with Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), we are implementing water conservation and management interventions in 27 drought-prone villages in Maharashtra. Our work includes increasing the water-holding capacity of old water harvesting structures, rainwater harvesting, improving irrigation and distribution of water, and introducing climate resilient agriculture practices.

In partnership with Centre for Collective Development, Deutsche Bank is working to desilt community water bodies near Bengaluru. This effort will increase the water storing capacity of the lakes and the silt excavated will be used by farmers in the region as a natural fertilizer to rejuvenate their farm lands. The increased water capture will also recharge and increase ground water levels.