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We're building a world where farmers thrive and families prosper
Farmers
About
N M Sadguru Water and Development Foundation is a non-profit, secular organization committed to sustainable rural development. Founded in 1974 under the guidance of Sadguru Shri Ranchhoddasji Maharaj of Chitrakoot and with the support of philanthropist Shri Arvindbhai Mafatlal.

We have spent the last 50 years empowering communities through environmental conservation, water resource management, and livelihood programs.

Water Resources

Vision

Thriving tribal and rural communities with enriched natural resources.

Empowerment of tribal and rural communities with natural resources restored, developed and expanded in the selected project areas.

Mission

A Mission to
Bring Prosperity

SADGURU endeavours to develop and expand environmentally, technically, socially sound natural resource interventions leading to empowerment of rural community including women to ensure equitable and sustainable development and poverty reduction.

SDGs
Every step we take in rural India contributes to a larger global vision, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
01
SDG 1

Agriculture
Horticulture
Water Resources
Training & Education

02
SDG 2

Dairy Farming
Agriculture
Horticulture
Water Resources

03
SDG 3

Women Leadership
Women SHGs
CBOs
Training & Education

04
SDG 4

Drinking Water
Community building
Water Resources
Training & Education

05
SDG 5

Solar Irrigation
System
Lighting System
Biogas

06
SDG 6

Solar Irrigation
Watershed
Agriculture
Tree Plantation

07
SDG 6

Agriculture
Tree Plantation
Water Resources
Biogas

Core strengths

01Community-Led Transformation

For over 50 years, NM Sadguru Foundation has empowered rural communities to take charge of their own development. By fostering farmers' collectives and irrigation cooperatives, we ensure that decision-making power rests with the people who need it most—creating long-term, self-sustaining change from the ground up.

02Pioneers in Water Harvesting

From pioneering lift irrigation systems to building over 20 check dams along single rivers, we’ve mastered the science of water conservation. Our innovative approach has turned drylands into thriving farmlands, securing year-round irrigation, boosting agricultural productivity, and transforming entire ecosystems.

03Hands-On Expertise for Sustainable Growth

Knowledge is power, and we believe in sharing it. Our expert-led, field-based training programs equip farmers and rural development professionals with the skills they need in water management, sustainable agriculture, and animal husbandry. By blending technical expertise with practical learning, we ensure that progress is not just made but sustained.

Partners

Our Team

Mrs. Sharmishtha Jagawat

Founder Trustee and
Executive Director

Mr. Radheshyam Yadav

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Kanhaiya Choudhary

Advisor Special Project

Ms. Sunita Choudhary

Deputy Director
(Water Resources)

Mr. Hitesh Shah

Deputy Director
(Water Resources)

Mr. Dipak Mehta

Sr. Programme Executive

Mr. Ramesh P. Patel

Deputy Director
(Agriculture and Horticulture Development)

Mr. Aswin J. Patel

Deputy Director
(Training and Capacity Building)

Mr. Susheem Singh

Deputy Director
(Training and Capacity Building)

Dr. Rakesh Pandey

Deputy Director
(Agriculture and Horticulture Development)

Mr. Manhar Patel

Sr. Prog. Executive
(Community Building, Micro Irrigation and Solar Energy Applications)

Mr. Karansingh Bhabhor

Sr. Prog. Exec.
(Community Building)

Mr. Avinash Dongre

Sr. Prog. Executive
(Watershed Development)

Mr. Bhupendra Chaudhary

Sr. Prog. Officer
(Agriculture and Horticulture Development)

Mr. Manoj Gupta

State Co-ordinator / Deputy Director
Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Mr. Rakesh Singh

Project Manager
Banswara, Rajasthan

Board of Trustees

Mr. Hrishikesh A. Mafatlal
Chairman
Chairman

Chairman

Mr. Hrishikesh A. Mafatlal


Chairman, Arvind Mafatlal Group of Industries.
Mumbai

Mr. A. D. Ratnoo
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Mr. A. D. Ratnoo


Former CGM,
NABARD

Mr. Jacob Ninan
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Mr. Jacob Ninan


Former Chief Executive Officer,
Axis Bank Foundation, Mumbai

Mr. Sujit Kumar Gopinathan
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Mr. Sujit Kumar Gopinathan


Representing Tata Trust on our Board,
Regional Manager, Gujarat

Prof. Tushaar Shah
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Prof. Tushaar Shah


Former Director, IRMA & Presently, Senior Fellow,
International Water Management Institute

Mr. Pravin N. Shah
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Mr. Pravin N. Shah


Ex. President and CEO of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.,
Mumbai

Dr. Gajanan Dange
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Dr. Gajanan Dange


President, YOJAK Centre for Research and Strategic Planning for Sustainable Development

Mrs. Hema Shreyas Sheth
Trustee
Chairman

Trustee

Mrs. Hema Shreyas Sheth


Honorary Advisor at Bhagini Samaj, Dahod & Social Worker

Mrs. Sharmishtha Jagawat
Managing Trustee and Full Time Director
Chairman

Managing Trustee and Full Time Director

Mrs. Sharmishtha Jagawat


Managing Trustee & Director, Social Worker, working in the field of Rural and Tribal Development for last 60 years

Testimonials

Training programme planned strategically & touched every aspect of water shed development, horticulture development & entrepreneurship through federation. All experts having detailed knowledge about their project area, fields visit is also excellent, all the beneficiaries sharing their knowledge excellently, they know all phases of watershed and process of federation.

- Radhi Patel