Sponsor a farmer to learn low-cost farming methods

In the last 16 years, Vidarbha has recorded the largest number of farmer suicides. Farmers quickly lose hope when facing problems such as regular droughts and crop failure.

In Yavatmal, farmers use reservoirs of water gathered in dams following monsoons. However, many of these dams have crumbled or cracked, with precious water flowing out unhindered. The water does not reach most of the farms, thus hampering the yield.

We identified Phad Irrigation as an effective and sustainable solution that does not depend on rain. It is a low-cost and eco-friendly method that uses rainwater from nearby rivers instead of electricity, through a diversion weir and contour canal or PVC pipe. The technique works remarkably well with areas that have comparatively low rainfall.

Our trained staff and volunteers have implemented Phad irrigation systems at more than 20 locations in Yavatmal, repaired all dams in the region and help all farmers to build the system on their land.

With Phad irrigation, farmers have found that yields in their cotton fields have gone up substantially. Access to water also means that farmers don’t have to depend on rain and are able to grow a second crop of pulses or wheat easily.

We plan to help 25 farmers and their families living in distress by investing around Rs. 500,000 in Phad irrigation systems.