Herbalife's 'Aqua Eco Program' Revives Local Water Bodies, Empowers Rural Communities

In Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, life was not easy for farmers like Sriram Kewat. Jobs were scarce, and most opportunities were controlled by outsiders. 

“The businesses always end up in the hands of big people. They come and invest money, and we only get Rs 10 or Rs 20 as wages... We used to go to Gwalior or Bhind to find work. We were struggling,” Shriram recalls.

Things began to change when the Aqua Eco Program was introduced in the region, a collaborative effort by Herbalife and the Centre for Aquatic Livelihoods, Jaljeevika. The program focuses on reviving local ponds and water bodies, promoting fish farming, and supporting aquatic livelihoods. By combining technology with community-led initiatives, it opened new income opportunities for farmers and women alike.

For Shriram, the change was tangible and immediate.

They taught us, gave us pipes, fish spawn, and guidance. By the end of the year, we earned about one lakh rupees from selling fish. Now that we have a big fish farm, we can do whatever we want.

The program did not stop at fish farming. Rural women began cultivating nutrition gardens, growing vegetables, and producing eco-friendly goods, creating additional sources of income.

Neelkanth Mishra, CEO and Co-founder of Jaljeevika, explained the broader vision behind the initiative.

Its main motive was aquaculture, which can be done in water. By combining it with ecology and the market, we wanted to create a community-oriented process where both can promote water-based agriculture and aquaculture.

He added that the program has already worked with over 20,000 women and aims to reach nearly 50,000.

The initiative has now expanded to Purnia, Bihar, where locals are combining makhana cultivation with fish farming. With training, quality seeds, and access to markets, farmers are gaining financial independence and a stronger voice in their communities.

Restoring India's Lakes With Megha Foundation

In Tamil Nadu, a similar story unfolded at a 350-acre lake in Trichy. The lake had long been underused and poorly maintained. After a restoration project led by the Megha Foundation, supported by Herbalife, the lake and its surroundings were transformed.

This area used to support 600 acres of agriculture, but only a part of the land was cultivable. After the restoration, about three acres are now being cultivated, said a local gram panchayat member.

The project cleaned the lake, created walking paths, and planted over 1500 trees, transforming the area into a thriving green zone.

Nimal Raghavan, Founder of Megha Foundation, described the massive effort behind the restoration.

We started by clearing 200 acres of invasive plants, desaturated 150 acres, and worked on a three-kilometre inlet channel. The lake got filled last June.

He laid stress on the importance of community involvement.

Without community participation, sustainability is not possible. People living by the lake must take ownership. We made them part of the project from day one.

Nimal Raghavan credited Herbalife for making the vision a reality.

This project would not have been possible without Herbalife... We restored almost 25 lakes across the country and are now working in Bhuj, Damtari, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, benefiting nearly three lakh people.

Beyond restoration, the initiative also trains farmers to integrate trees into their farmlands, which is a step that enhances soil health, boosts income, and builds resilience against climate change.

The project has also brought clean drinking water to 20 government schools through water ATMs and rainwater harvesting systems, improving children's health and school attendance.

The initiative also highlights the innovative use of water hyacinth, transforming waste into useful products and sustainable income opportunities.

The initiative not only revived ponds and water bodies but also created new livelihood opportunities. Farmers and women have embraced fish farming, converted waste like water hyacinth into useful products, and cultivated vegetables on pond bunds through multi-cropping. By maximizing resources, the program has strengthened incomes while also raising awareness about the importance of nutritious food. 

In addition, it has enabled community members to learn new skills — from sustainable aquaculture practices to innovative waste management and diversified farming techniques — empowering them with knowledge that ensures long-term resilience and growth.