There is considerable amount of scope for improving water efficiency in different types of irrigation soil–water conservation practices. The scope of increasing water efficiency is possible in the regions where poverty is high, physical water scarcity, demand for water is high. Set in this backdrop, WAPRO project was initiated in the rice growing state of Uttarakhand, India. The variations of weather conditions had impacted in the productivity of basmati rice which in turn has affected in the export potential of the basmati rice. Coupled with this the traditional marketing channels where there is no-incentive for farmers to improve quality produce, the scope of private sector has broadened in food processing, exporting agriculture produce with rigorous certification. As a result of which the focus is now on supply chains for quality produce, especially where specific processing and export related requirements exist. Private companies are establishing closer and direct association with farmers to ensure required quality. WAPRO project was initiated in the Uttarakhand state from June 2015, with the first phase ending in October 2018. The project focus was to bridge the water productivity gap in basmati rice value chain by making best use of the available water through identified Water Efficient Techniques (WET) and encouraging farmers to conserve water and improve their income levels by adopting them. The project framework is based on Push-Pull- Policy approach that encourages water stewardship. The WAPRO project funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is globally implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, with the Intercooperation Social Development (ICSD) India, as the implementation partner for Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, in India.