To address the distress conditions of farmers due to mono cropping and to overcome the risk of total crop failure which is one of the reasons of farmers’ suicides happening in the area, KJBF had be promoting horticulture model in Wadha district since 2010. The tribal area is more exposed to climate change risks due to comparatively less risk bearing capacity of the resource poor farmers. In the initial phase the project was developed in collaboration with NABARD focusing the tribal population. Later on KJBF liquidated its own fund for extending the wadi concept for the small and marginal farmers of the region to develop climate resilient cropping pattern.

Process followed

The plant varieties were selected in consultation with local community keeping in mind that the farmers should keep on earning income throughout the year. Four plant varieties i.e. mango, guava, Indian gooseberries and lemon were promoted which are suitable to the local climatic conditions. Further cultivation of vegetables and grains has been promoted to utilize the space and water available in between the two rows of plantation. This became added advantage during growth period of plantation and generated income for the farmers.

Many of the farmers were rainfed and resource poor. They were facing the problem of plant survival during summer season. To resolve their worries they were helped to construct group wells, recharge pits and provided with diesel engines to lift the water for irrigation. This had improved the rate of plant survival. In order to reduce the cost of cultivation the practices of zero budget natural farming were promoted among the wadi growers. Groups of wadi growers were formed. These farmers sit together once in month and share their experiences and problems. This helps them to get rid of any problems arising due to unpredicted weather changes.

Impact

Out of 6760 families covered in Wardha under this programme, 3400 and 3360 are tribal and non-tribal families, respectively. Providing sustainable livelihood to the tribal families through establishment of Wadi had effectively reduced migration of tribal families. To overcome the problem of invadation of wild animals 4256 families were proved with the barbed wire for fencing. One acre Wadi is ensuring the annual income of Rs.45,000 to Rs 1,50,000  with the sale of fruits, intercrops and  vegetables.

184 group wells constructed under the project is benefiting 1527 families. Similarly 3197 families are deriving benefits of group lift irrigation systems. 2830 farmers were supported for growing vegetables as intercrops in the horticulture while 395 tribal landless families were supported for establishment of income generating activities.

Future plan 

There is a need for creating facility of processing and packaging of wadi produce for farmers and to build the market linkages for ensuring profitable income. This will also render self sustainability and self replicability to the programme. Such unit will be soon established in the Arvi taluk of Wardha district in collaboration with NABARD and Farmers Producer Company formed by KJBF.