Project Dharti is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming agricultural practices through innovative irrigation and allied activities. The project focusses on increasing groundwater levels, enhancing productivity, and promoting water conservation, leading to a significant shift from conventional to integrated farming methods. These efforts collectively contribute to a rise in per capita income for the farming community.
KEY INITIATIVES UNDER PROJECT DHARTI
1) Water Infrastructure for Agriculture - Water Recharge Pit (Jalkund): This initiative involves the reaction of water recharge pits, known as Jalkunds, to capture and store rainwater, replenishing the ground water table. Experience from benefits from Jalkund (water recharge pit) further motivated farmers from the adopted villages to scale up construction of Jalkunds in their villages. Our CSR has created social infrastructure through active community participation and sense of ownership and accountability. In this instance, community members, local government, Gram Panchayat are engaged in the CSR activities.
2) Nalla and Pond Desilting: Based on recommendations given by Senior Geologists and head of BhuJal Vidnyan Kendra, Dist. Jalna, Govt of Maharashtra, we have continued to undertake nalla deepening activities in view of percolation of maximum surface water that helps to increase the ground water level. These activities imrpove water retention and increase the ground water table, ensuring a steady supply of water for agriculture needs.
3) Farm Pond: This programme is implemented the financial model in collaboration with the government, beneficiary farmers and CSR of SUD Life. As per the government norms, farm ponds are constructed based on the demands and needs of farmers, irrespective of the farmland size. The aim of the Farm Ponds programme is to address climate variability, lack of water storage, crop failure, and non-remunerative prices, among others. Due to the farm pond structure, farmers have enhanced rainwater harvesting and that allowed them to shift towards multiple cropping every year. It has also proven that the income of the farmers has significantly increased.
4) Shade Net House: Shade net houses are built for crops which are grown under a favourable controlled environment and other conditions viz. temperature, humidity, light intensity, soil condition, disease control, irrigation, fertigation and other agricultural practices throughout the season irrespective of the natural conditions outside. This initiative aims to create protective shelter for crops, allowing for earlier harvests by shielding them from direct sunlight, rain and insects. This has helped in enhancing yield, uniform and better quality of the crops.
5) Drip Irrigation System: Implementing micro irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation ensures efficient water use, reducing wastage and enhancing crop yields. Apart from producing a higher yield, drip irrigation systems helped to conserve water, energy, fertilizers, and crop protection products.
6) Training at KVK for Integrated Farming: Farmers receive training at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)on integrated farming techniques, which combine various agricultural activities and allied activities for optimal resource use and increase.
