Barshi block/taluka of Solapur district is a drought prone region of Maharashtra state, India. To facilitate sustainable development of the region and communities, Krushi Vikas in collaboration with United Way Mumbai conceptualized ‘Jalsanjeevani Programme’ to bring about holistic rural development by building drought resilient agrarian communities through systematic interventions for capacity building, soil & water conservation activities and livelihoods & enterprises promotion in 5 villages.

Broad objectives:

• To undertake extensive community awareness and mobilization for increased community participation and ownership.
• To undertake water resource development and soil moisture conservation works for increased water availability and sustainable use of natural resources.
• To promote agricultural productivity enhancement activities for increased productivity and strengthen Community Based Institutions like SHGs and FPOs.
• To promote Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and other non-farm enterprises with focus on women and women led groups
• To facilitate convergence for promotion of other activities for Socio-economic development of the village communities.

Major impacts achieved:

• 755,760,000 liters of gross impounding created through various works and structures are being maintained by 5 Village Development Committees, 37 Water User Groups formed and 4 newly Water User Associations.
• 498 acres of area brought under micro irrigation has been serving the purpose of getting additional income in the second season of agriculture.
• Additional 1106 ha of land has been brought under irrigation.
• 1909 ha of land has made suitable for undertaking 3rd cycle of crop.
• Converted 25% of total agricultural land into climate resilient agriculture.
• Agricultural demonstrations have saved 25 % inputs cost on various crops per season.
• Household income of 1737 farmers increased by more than 40% as compared to the baseline.
• Soil water conservation structures increased water availability from 9 months to 12 months.
• Exposure visits, farmers field schools and workshops led to replication of models/ best practices through own contribution and convergence with govt. schemes like creation of farm ponds, horticultural plantations, grapes plantation considering the climate resilient practices and other micro-enterprises.

Area was characterised by the following

• Located in Western Maharashtra Scarcity zone (MH-6) and dry (arid and semi-arid) climate
• Frequent and severe droughts. Avg. annual rainfall reduced from 679.2mm to 523.04 mm
• Drinking water scarcity once every 3 years. Private vendors were supplying water to  project villages
• Average annual rainy days reduced from 54 days to 41 days
• Limited livelihood opportunities. Around 26 per cent households are below poverty line
• Only 5 per cent area was having assured irrigation facilities & it was reducing year on year
• From 63 per cent  to 68 per cent runoff flowing out of the area
• WRD structures are dysfunctional and are heavily silted
• Average-cropping intensity in target villages is 109 per cent

Major impacts

1. 755.76 TCM of gross impounding created
2. Water availability for 12 months.
3. Water table increased from 9 to 12 feet enabling them to take multiple crops.
4. Water saving measures increased productivity, potential increased from single to double crop with enhancing protective irrigation by 40%.
5. Use of water saving devices have drastically increased in the area.
6. Cropping intensity increased by 21% to 130%.
7. Livestock interventions increased milk yield by 8 to 10%.
8. Household income of 1737  (out of 2026 HHs) farmers increased by more than 40% as compared to the baseline
9. Shift from water intensive crops i.e sugarcane to less water intensive crops i.e. grapes on more than 500 Ha.
10. 1737 families have increased their income by an average Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 thousand monthly/family.
11. Increased area under grapes by 2000 acres helped create additional employment opportunities within the project area. 
12. SHGs, VDCs, FPO and water user associations rejuvenated and newly formed have been actively dwelling upon development related issues.
13. Women led FPO formed with 440+ women members providing various services to its shareholders and non-shareholders on inputs, sale and marketing.
14. Participation of more than 60% women increased in decision-making process.
15. Community supported various project initiatives with Rs. 1.29 Cr through both cash and kind.