Water in the Hands of poor Ratlam - ASA India€œ Water in the hands of poor” – The Story of 100 dugwell owners Action for Social Advancement (ASA), E-5/A, Girish Kunj, Above

“Water in the hands of poor” – The Story of 100 dugwell owners

Action for Social Advancement ( ASA), E-5/A, Girish Kunj, Above State Bank of Indore, Shahpura Branch, Bhopal-462016, M.P. Tel/Fax: 0755-2427369, 4057925, Email:[email protected], www.asaindia.org

Farmer: Thawari Bai District: Ratlam Thawari Bai has a large family of 32 members; 5 men, 8 women, 12 boys and 7 girls. All of Thawari’s family existed on an average of 3 months food availability per year and of the land they owned, only 2.5 hectares received irrigation. This all changed with the building of a dug well in 2008 with the support of ASA; Thawari’s irrigated land increased to 4.5 hectares and the family now has food available for 9 months of the year

Thawari’s crops have increased in productivity as a result of the dug well; from 1.5 to 3 quintals per hectare for soya bean, and from 2 to 3.5 quintals per hectare for cotton. A futher livelihood improvement for Thawari has been that no longer do any members of his family have to migrate to supplement the family’s income; previously 3 men had to migrate for 2 months a year.

BEFORE AFTER

Season Crop Production (quintals) Crop

Production (quintals)

Kharif Soya bean 1.50

Soya bean 3

- - - - Rabi Chickpea 2 Chickpea 3 Wheat 0 Wheat 10 Summer - - - -

“ Water in the hands of poor” – The Story of 100 dugwell owners

Action for Social Advancement (ASA), E-5/A, Girish Kunj, Above State Bank of Indore, Shahpura Branch, Bhopal-462016, M.P. Tel/fax: 0755-2427369, 4057925. Email: [email protected], www.asaindia.org

Farmer; Ram singh Village; Lofon Gor, Barwani

Ram Singh supports his wife and four children on the income from his landholding. The irrigated land on his plot increased from 0 to 3 acres and as a result, the number of month’s food availability improved from 6 to 10. The well is only 5 months old but already there have been big changes. Previously he had only grown crops, barley, maize and cotton, in the Kharif season. Yield has increased by 200%, 50% and 300% respectively. Now that the dug well is in place he feels confident growing crops during the Rabi season. He has grown wheat,

achieving an estimated yield of 5Q/acre and chickpeas with a yield of 3Q/acre. He is also planning on planting a crop of mung bean in the summer season.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Barley 1 Barley 3 Maize 14 Maize 30 Cotton 1 Cotton 4 Rabi - - Wheat 5 Summer - - Mung ?



Farmer; Jalim Singh Village; Bhaghar, Barwani

Mr Singh lives with his wife in the picturesque village of Bhaghar. The dug well which ASA helped establish on his land has led to 2 out of his 3 acres being irrigated. In the Kharif season, production of cotton and maize have doubled. Only barley has remained the same because it was sown in the remaining unirrigated acre. In the Rabi season wheat has

doubled in its output. During summer he has been able to grow vegetables worth 1000rs. While Mr Singh was forced to leave his wife and migrate for 4 months of the year, since construction of the dug well, this is no longer the case. Similarly, the number of months food availability has increased from 8 months to 12 meaning that there is no period of scarcity.

BEFORE AFTER

Season Crop Production (quintals/acre) Crop

Production (quintals/acre)

Kharif Cotton 2 Cotton 4 Maize 2 Maize 4 Barley 2 Barley 2 Rabi Wheat 3 Wheat 6 Summer - - vegetables 1000rs/A



Farmer; Gopal Nur Singh Village; Bhaghur, Barwani

Gopal Nur Singh livs with his wife and five Children. With his dug well, build and maintained in collaboration with ASA, he supports an extended family of 7 members. Thanks to the project he now has 3 acres irrigated. This represents 100% of his land. He has been able to grow 16 quintals/acre of wheat in the Rabi season, where there was no crop previously possible. Maize, in the Kharif season increased from 3 to 4 Q/acre. On top of this he is able to produce a crop of peanuts in the summer

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Cotton 2 Cotton 4 Maize 3 Maize 4 Barley 0.5 Barley - Rabi Wheat - Wheat 16 Summer - - Peanut 4



Farmer: Basi ram Village Bhaghar, Barwani Basi Ram lives with his wife and 3 children a short walk from his dug well in the Bhaghar village. Before construction none of his land was irrigated. Afterwards he had a full 3 acres of irrigated land to work with. The well is only just over a year old. Despite this fact, the yield of Cotton has already increased from 2 to 4 Q/acre while maize has leapt from 3 to 5 Q/acre. For the first time he was able to plant a Rabi crop. He achieved 20 q/acre of wheat in the dry season. In the summer he experimented with a peanut crop managing 3 Q/acre. As a result of these changes, food security has extended from 10 to 12 months.

Before the dug well, both parents were forced find labour 20 km away in Sendra. They had .to leave their children for 4 months of the year. There is now no economic migration. The family unit is maintained and the crops are tended all year round.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Cotton 2 Cotton 4 Maize 3 Maize 5 Barley 2 Barley 3 Rabi Wheat - Wheat 20 Summer - - Peanut 3



Farmer; Gabru Dhanji Village; Marawala, Barwani This well supports an extended family of 18 people. 8 of these are dependants. In the Kharif season both the chilli and cotton yields have doubled from 2 to 4 Q/acre. He has also been able to grow onions for the first time this year. Onions are an important cash crop and can be harvested twice in a year (Rabi and Kharif). This has significantly raised his income. Also in the Rabi season the production of wheat has shown great improvement. It has jumped from 4 to 10

Q/acre. Finally, in the summer he has been able to grow approximately 1000rs worth of vegetables. As a result of these changes, family has been able to replace their kuchha house with

a pukka build. Previously there were only 6 months food availability whereas now there is enough to last 10 months. As a result, migration has reduced. Before the well, 5 people migrated for 6 months of the year. Now only 4 people migrate and only for a 2 month period.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Cotton 2 Cotton 4 - - Onion 30 Chilli 2 Chilli 4 Rabi Wheat 4 Wheat 10 - - Onion 30 Summer - - Vegetable 1000rs



Farmer; Anar Singh Village; Nalawala, Barwani This well supports Mr Singh’s extended family of 5 adults and 3 children. Previously, in Kharif, he would only grow 5 Q/acre of maize. Not only has this increased to 7 Q/acre but he is also able to produce 4 Q/acre of cotton and 2.8 Q/acre of Fennel. Additionally, he now grows an extra 5Q/acre of wheat in the Rabi season.

The number of months migration have been reduced from 6 to 2. Also, one extra family member can stay at home to look after the homestead. The number of months food scarcity endured by the family has also reduced from 6 to only 2.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Cotton - Cotton 4 Maize 5 Maize 7 Fennel - Fennel 2.8 Rabi Wheat 10 Wheat 15 Gram 1 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer; Dal Singh Village; Narawala, Barwani

Pictured here is Mr Singh’s son and grandsons. They are part of an extended family of 18 members who are supported by this homestead. The construction of the dug well on their land was a considerable success. They were able to increase the yield of crops already grown and even experiment with new ones. The cotton crop grew from 6 to 10 Q/acre while maize went from 5 to 8Q/acre. Also, after the dug well was completed, they were able to raise a crop of onion. This is now an important cash crop for the

family. In the Rabi season the yield of gram doubled from 1 to 2 Q/acre and wheat increased from 8 to 12 Q/acre. Resultantly, food security has extended from 8 to 12 months in the year. The family still seeks labour locally however, number of hours worked has halved.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Cotton 6 Cotton 10 Maize 5 Maize 8 Onion - Onion 30 Rabi Wheat 8 Wheat 12 Summer - - - -



Farmer; Totaram Village; Bajjotta, Barwani Pictured with their dug well, is Totaram’s wife Kalabai and their two daughters. While before the dug well they had no way of irrigating their crops, all 2.2 acres of their land is now supplied with water throughout the Rabi and Kharif season. Previously they were only able to raise 10 Q/acre maize and 3 Q/acre cotton. Not only have these pre-existing crops both Increased by 2 Q/acre, the

family also raises a crop of chilli at 5 Q/acre. They have also planted papaya trees on their land. In the Rabi season they are able to grow 10 Q/acre of wheat. The family still seeks labour locally; however this burden has decreased by a 25%.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 10 Maize 12 Chilli - Chilli 5 Cotton 3 Cotton 5 Rabi Wheat - Wheat 10 Summer - - - -



Farmer; Rajan Shyaja Village; Bajjotta, Barwani

Rajan lives in the village of Bajjatta. He has a small landholding of one acre, all of which is now irrigated. The farm supports an extended family of 8, including his sister-in -law, pictured to the left. His crop of wheat has doubled since the construction of the dug well. Similarly, the yield of cotton has gone up from 6 Q/acre to 8Q/acre. Despite the increased food availability, migration levels have remained the same.

This is because there is not enough labour to be found on the farm. However, most work undertaken is found locally so the disruption is minimal.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Cotton 6 Cotton 8 Rabi Wheat 6 Wheat 12 Summer - - - -

“Water in the hands of poor” – The story of 100 dugwell owners

Action for Social Advancement (ASA), E-5/A, Girish Kunj, Above State Bank of Indore, Shahpura Branch, Bhopal-462016, M.P, Tele/fax: 0755-2427369, 4057925, Email: [email protected], www.asaindia.org

Farmer : Tunia Makna Village: Khermal, Jhabua

Mr Tunia Makna, built his dug well in 2008-2009. He has a family of five members, two females, two males and one child. Before the well was built, crops could only be grown for nine months of the year, but now the well has made

water available to irrigate all four acres of his land, and crops can be grown all year long. BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 3 Soya bean 6 Maize 3

Brinjal and chilly 2

Rabi - - Gram 2 Maize 50kg Summer - - leafy veg -

corriander, methi, spinach

0.25 acre

Before the dug well Tunia could only grow 3-4 quintals of maize in Kharif season, now he can grow 6 quintals of soya beans, 3 quintals of maize, 2 quintals of brinjal, and 50kg of chillies. Also irrigation has allowed a Rabi crop of 2-3 quintals of gram and 50kg of maize, to be produced. This is the first year the well has been in place so no summer crops have been grown before but this year Tunia plans to grow a small crop of leafy vegetables such as coriander, meti and spinach. No changes have been made to his house at present but as his income increases he plans to improve the house by adding brick walls. Finally due to the dug well migration has now stopped in his family, whereas before three members would migrate for five months of the year.



Farmer: Sabu Bijiya Village: Chagola, Jhabua Mr Sabu Bijiya, built his dug well in 2008-2009. He has a family of five; three adults and two children. Before the well food was only available on his land for five months, but now food is available all year. Sabu owns three acres of land and before the well none of this could be irrigated but now it can all be irrigated. Prior to well construction only 8 quintals of maize in Kharif season were the only crops that could be grown. BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 8 Maize 5 Soya bean 7 Rabi - - Gram 4 Wheat 6 Summer - - Tomato 200m² Brinjal 200m²

Post dug well construction, 7 quintals of soya bean and 5 quintals of maize can now be grown in Kharif season. Before the dug well crops in Rabi season were unable to grow, now Sabu has been able to grow 6 quintals of wheat and 4 quintals of gram. As this is the first year of the well, previous summer crops have not been planted, but this year there are plans to grow a small vegetable patch of 200m², consisting of tomatoes and brinjal. Another success of the dug well is that now there is no need for migration, so all family members can stay in

Jhabua and therefore improve health and children’s education.



Farmer: Rhanbhadua Khuman Village: Chagola, Jhabua

Mrs Rhanbhadua’s dug well was constructed in 2008-2009. She has seven family members, five of which are children. Before the dug well, crops could only be grown for five months of the year, but now it is possible to grow all year and irrigate her 4 acres land during Rabi. Prior to well construction only 3 quintals of maize could be grown in Kharif, now as well as maize 5 quintals of soya bean is grown in Kharif. It is also possible for Rhanbhadua to grow crops in Rabi, whereas before the well it was impossible, she now grows 3 quintals of

gram and 1 quintal of maize for animal feed.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 3 Maize 3

Soya bean 5

Rabi - - Gram 3 Maize 1



Farmer: Pinjiya Soniya Village: Chagola, Jhabua

Mr Pinjiya Soniya has a total of eight members in his family, four of which are children. He has a five acre plot of land, which can all be irrigated by the dug well allowing crops to be grown all year. Before the well was constructed only 5 quintals of maize could be grown in Kharif season. Since the well construction 7-8 quintals of maize and 8-10 quintals of soya bean were grown in Kharif. Due to irrigation it is also now possible for Pinjiya to grow crops in Rabi season, this year he grew 8-10 quintals of wheat, 6 quintals of maize and 5 quintals of gram, he is planning to grow a small plot of gwarfalli and okra in the summer as well. At present he has not made any changes to his house but he is waiting to see the full benefits of this year’s crops before he makes any improvements. Furthermore the dug well has resulted in a reduction in migration, previously three members would migrate for three months, now only one male member migrates.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 10

Rabi - - Gram 5 Wheat 10 Maize 6 Summer - - Okra 0.25 acre gwarfalli 0.25 acre



Farmer: Gulu Mamgliva Village: Chagola, Jhabua

Mr Gulu Mamgliva has a family of six members including one child, and he owns five acres of land. Prior to the well construction crops could only be grown for four months of the year and was only able to produce 4 quintals of maize. Post well construction 12 quintals of maize and 6 quintals of soya bean were grown in Kharif season. In Rabi season 2-3 quintals of gram and 6 quintals of wheat were grown when previously, without irrigation, it was impossible to grow crops in this season. Gulu also plans to grow 0.25 acre plot of okra and gwarfalli in the summer. He is also planning to make some improvements to his house. Furthermore migration within his family has reduced greatly with only two members leaving for three months, whereas previously five members would migrate for six months.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 6

Rabi - - Gram 3 Wheat 10 Summer - - Okra 0.25 acre Gwarfalli 0.25 acre



Farmer: Bharta Gubla Village: Khermal, Jhabua Mrs Bharta Gubla has a large family of eight members six of which are children. She has four acres of land that is now all irrigated and able to grow crops all year. Before the well was constructed only 3 quintals of maize was grown in Kharif season, now in addition to maize, 5-6 quintals of soya bean, and 20kg of chilly and brinjal can be grown. As a result of the irrigation the well provides crops can be grown in Rabi, this year 3-4 quintals of wheat, 8-10 quintals of gram and 5-6 quintals of maize were grown, she also plans to grow some chilly and brinjal in the summer. The extra crop production as a result of the well has increased Bharta’s income by 10000rps, and with this she plans to make some improvements to her

house. Furthermore migration within her family has halved, previously four members would migrate for six months, and now only two members leave for only three months.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 6

Chilly 20kg Brinjal 20kg Rabi - - Gram 10 Maize 6 Summer - - Chilly 0.25 acre Brinjal 0.25 acre



Farmer: Gubla Birsingh Village: Khermal, Jhabua

Mr Gubla Birsingh, has a family of six members, including two children, his dug well was built in 2009-2010. Before the well was constructed his three acres of land only produced crops for six months a year, now due to the irrigation the well provides crops can be grown from eight to ten months of the year. Previously only 4-5 quintals of maize could be grown in Kharif, now as well as maize, 4-5 quintals of soya bean is grown.

Also an additional Rabi crop is possible, this year 4-5 quintals of wheat, 5-6 quintals of gram and 5 quintals of onion are being grown. Gubla is planning a summer crop of okra and gwarfalli. The extra work and food available on his farm has meant not as many members of his family need to migrate, only two members leave for two months now, when previously four would leave for six months.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 5

Rabi - - Gram 6 Wheat 5 Onion 5 Summer - - Okra 0.5 acre Gwarfalli 0.5 acre



Farmer: Kupria Reochand Village: Junagaw, Jhabua

Mr Kupria Reochand has a very large family of twenty-two members, the introduction of a dug well to his seven acres of land, has been a very welcome addition. As well as the 3-4 quintals of maize that Kupria could previously grow in Kharif, he can now grow 10-12 quintals of rice. Crops in Rabi are also now possible, this year 1-1.5 quintals of gram, 30-40kg of onions, 3 quintals of wheat, 50kg of garlic and 4-5 quintals of potato are being grown. With the additional income he will generate from the new crops he plans to make improvements to his house. Furthermore the additional work and income has meant no need for migration anymore, whereas previously four members would leave for six months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 4 Maize 4 Rice 12 Rabi - - Onion 40kg Wheat 3 Gram 1.5 Potato 5 Garlic 50kg



Farmer: Sakra Bumiya Village: Junagaw, Jhabua

Mr Sakra Bumiya, has seventeen members of family and seven acres of land, this dug well has increased food availability by double, before food was available for six months now it is available for twelve months. Kharif crops have increased from 3 quintals of rice pre-well, to 4-5 quintals of rice and 6-7 quintals of soya bean post-well. The irrigation provided by the well has allowed a Rabi crop to be grown, this year producing 2 quintals of wheat, 2 quintals of gram and 25kg of onions.

Migration within the family has decreased dramatically, from eight members leaving for six months, to now only two members leaving for two months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Rice 3 Rice 5

Soya bean 6

Rabi - - Onion 25kg Wheat 3 Gram 2



Farmer: Rajesh Rupsingh Village: Khedaandharwad, Jhabua

Mr Rajesh Rupsingh has a family of nine members, with three acres of land. The dug well now makes it possible for all of this land to be irrigated, which has resulted in food being available all year now, instead of just the four months it was previously. There has been a huge increase in crop production, firstly in Kharif, previously only 7 quintals of soya bean and 1 quintal of pigeon pea were grown, now after the dug well installation 5 quintals of soya bean, 1 quintal of gwarfalli, 2

quintals of rice, 1 quintal of chillies, 1 quintal of brinjal and 40-50kg or okra has been grown. In addition to this it is now possible for crops in Rabi and summer seasons to be grown such as wheat, mehti, onions, garlic, gram, brinjal, coriander and green chillies. Furthermore there is now no need for migration of any members of his family.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 8

Soya bean 5

Pigeon pea 1 Rice 2

Gwarfalli 1 Chilly 1 Brinjal 1 Okra 50kg Rabi - - Wheat 12 Mehti 25kg Onion 20 Garlic 1 Gram 5 Chilly 1 Summer - - Chilly 0.25kg Brinjal 0.25kg Corriander 0.25kg



Farmer: Ramlou Anopsingh Village: Khedaandharwad, Jhabua

Mr Ramlou Anopsingh has a family of six members and three acres of land. The construction of the dug well has made it possible for all of this land to be irrigated and increase food availability from six to twelve months. His Kharif crops have increased from 3-4 quintals to 4-5 quintals of soya bean and 2 quintals of marigolds. He can also grow 4-5 quintals of gram in Rabi season now. Ramlou has made no improvements to his house at present, but plans to after a few

years of increased income. Finally migration has stopped for his family, when before the dugwell, two members would have to leave for eight months, now this is no longer the case.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 4 Soya bean 5

marigold 2 Rabi - - Gram 5



Farmer: Ramesh Rawji Village: Khedaandharwad, Jhabua

Mr Ramesh Rawji has six members of family, four of which are children. The introduction of the dug well has meant all of his two acres of land can be irrigated, allowing food to grow all year. The crop production in Kharif season, of 3-4 quintals of maize, has stayed the same after well construction. The main benefit of the well is the ability to grow an

additional crop in Rabi season as well, this year Ramesh is growing 5-6 quintals of wheat. There are also plans to improve his house after a few years of increased income. Finally

migration within the family has decreased from three members for six months, now to only two members for six months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 4 Maize 4 Rabi - - Wheat 6



Farmer: Bhura Punya Village: Khedaandharwad, Jhabua

Mr Bhura Punya has a large family of nineteen members and he has five acres of land. Prior to the dug well construction food was only available for six months, now it is available for the whole year. The quantity of crops grown in Kharif season has increased from 4-5 quintals of maize to 6-8 quintals of maize. The new water source for irrigation has meant a crop in Rabi season can be grown, this year growing 8-10 quintals of gram and 5-10 quintals of chillies. Bhura also has plans for a

summer crop but will confer with his family before it is decided what will be planted. Furthermore migration within his family has halved from four members to just two members, migrating for six

months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 5 Maize 8 Rabi - - Gram 10 Chillies 10



Farmer: Muhan Mugan Village: Khedaandharwad, Jhabua Mr Muhan Mugan has a family of seven and owns six acres of land. The introduction of the

dug well has made it possible for crops to be grown all year round, although not making much difference to the Kharif crops of soya bean and maize, the biggest change is the possibility to grow crops in Rabi and summer seasons. Since the construction of the dug well Muhan has grown 3-4 quintals of maize, 1 quintal of cauliflower, 8-10 quintals of wheat, 1 quintal of gram and 20-25kg of chillies in Rabi, and he is planning to grow chilly and brinjal in the summer. The new crops have led to a

great increase in Muhan’s income, so he is planning to make improvements to his Kuchha house in the near future. Furthermore migration in his family has reduced by three times, from four people leaving for six months to just one person migrating now.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 8 Soya bean 8

Rabi - - Maize 4 Wheat 10 Gram 1 Cauliflower 1 Chillies 25kg



Farmer: Magan Sakdiya Village: Vagdi, Alirajpur

Mr Magan Sakdiya, has a small family of four, three of which are children. He has 2.5 acres of land and before the dug well, this land could only produce food for four months of the year, but now crops can be grown all year. Kharif crop production has increased from 1 quintal to 2.5–3 quintals of maize and from 50kg to 1 quintal of urad. 1 quintal of gram and chillies for personal use are now grown in Rabi season as well. Also the introduction of the well has meant no migration takes place at all now.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 1 Maize 3 Urad 50kg Urad 1 Rabi Gram 1 Chilly personal



Farmer: Ramsingh Dursingh Village: Vagdi, Alirajpur

Mr Ramsingh Dursingh has six members in his family, two of which are children. Before the well construction his one acre of land only produced food for four months of the year, now it is possible to grow crops for all twelve months. The crop production in Kharif has increased from 50kg of urad and 1-2 quintals of maize to 1 quintal of urad and 3-4 quintals of maize. This year Ramsingh has also grown 2 quintals of gram in Rabi season. Migration within the

family has now stopped completely, whereas before the well one male would leave for four to five months a year.

BEFORE AFTER AFTER



Kharif Urad 50kg Urad 1 Maize 2 Maize 4 Rabi - Gram 2



Farmer: Metali Chamsingh Village: Bagdi, Alirajpur

Mrs Metali Chamsingh has a family of nine, with six of those being children. The two acres of land that she owns before the well could only produce food for four months of the year, now the well allows irrigation, crops can be grown for all twelve months of the year. Prior to the well construction only 2 quintals of maize could be grown only in Kharif season. After the well was put in place, 3 quintals of bajra and 2 quintals of cotton are grown in Kharif and a Rabi crop

of 2 quintals of gram is also possible. In addition chilly will be grown in the summer. No amendments have been carried out on the house as yet, but there are plans in the future as income rises. Finally migration within the family

has fallen from two members, to just one for six months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 2 Bajra 3 Cotton 2 Rabi - - Gram 2 summer - - Chilly personal



Farmer: Cheto Bandu Village:Undari, Alirajpur Mr Cheto Bandu has of nine members of family. He has four acres of land that can now be irrigated for all twelve months of the year. Before the well was constructed it was only possible for Cheto to grow crops in Kharif, he would usually produce 10 quintals of maize. Now he can grow 7 quintals of soya bean in Kharif, and irrigation from the well has made it possible to grow crops in Rabi

season. This year he is growing 4 quintals of wheat, 2 quintals of gram, 3 quintals of maize, 20kg of dried red chillies, 10kg of potato and 50kg of onions. He also has plans to grow a summer crop of chilly and okra. The additional crops Bandu can grow now has greatly increased his income, with the extra funds he is planning to make some improvements to his house. Finally migration within his family is no longer needed, when previously two members would leave for six months a year.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 10 Soya bean 7 Rabi - - Gram 2 Wheat 4 Maize 3 Red chilly 20kg Potato 10kg Onion 50kg summer - - Chilly personal okra



Farmer: Mukham Bhuri Village: Siedhgoan, Alirajpur

Mr Mukham Bhuri has approximately four acres of land which is used to feed and earn income for his family of eight. The introduction of the dug well has really changed his and his family’s life, it is now possible for crops to be grown all year, whereas before there was no source of irrigation so crops could only be grown for four months of the year. Prior to construction of the well only 6 quintals of maize could be grown in a whole year. Post well construction 7 quintals of maize and 3 quintals of cotton were grown in Kharif season. Also the irrigation from the well means an additional crop during Rabi season was grown, consisting of 10 quintals of wheat, 2 quintals of maize and chilly and brinjal for kitchen use. Mukham is planning a summer crop of okra and gwarfalli as well. This extra food and work generated from the introduction of the dug well has meant less need for migration, previously four members would migrate for five months, and now only one member leaves for three months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 6 Maize 7 Cotton 7 Rabi - - Wheat 10 Maize 2 Brinjal personal Red chilly personal summer - - Gwarfalli 0.25 acre okra 0.25 acre



Farmer: Bhure Jaliya Village: Naldi Choti, Jhabua

Mr Bhure Jaliya has a large family of thirteen, and his five acres of land is the resource for food. Previously it was only productive for four months, but after the dug well was introduced to his farm, food is now available for twelve months of the year. Before the dug well construction only 8 quintals of maize could be grown, in Kharif season only. Now as well as maize, 2 quintals of soya bean is grown. As well as Kharif crops, a crop during Rabi season can also be produced, this year 7 quintals of gram, 10 quintals of maize, 10 quintals of wheat and some brinjal was grown. Chilly and brinjal are grown in the summer months as well, which before the dug well would have been an impossible task. Finally migration in the family has stopped completely now.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 8 Maize 8 Soya bean 2 Rabi - - Gram 7 Maize 10 Wheat 10 Brinjal 50kg summer - - Chilly 0.25 acre Brinjal 0.25 acre



Farmer: Jotio Pidiya Village: Naldi Choti, Jhabua

Mr Jotio Pidiya has a family of eight, four of which are children. He has two acres of land, which now produces food all year, due to the irrigation made possible from the dug well. Before the dug well was constructed only 4 quintals of maize was grown, and this was only possible in Kharif season. Now the dug well has made it possible for increased crops of 5 quintals of maize and 50kg of cotton in Kharif season, as well as a whole new growing season in Rabi. This year 1

quintal of wheat, 2 quintals of maize and 2 quintals of gram were grown in Rabi and a small crop of gwarfalli is planned for the summer. As a result of this increased food production migration within Jotio’s family has reduced from two members leaving for eight months, now to just one member leaving for three months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 4 Maize 5 Cotton 50kg Rabi - - Wheat 1 Maize 2 Gram 2 summer - - Gwarfalli personal



Farmer: Ramla Bucha Village: Naldi Choti, Jhabua

Mrs Ramla Bucha has a family of ten, with four of those being children. This dug well has made it possible for food to be available all year, whereas before the dug well construction it was only possible for crops to grow in four months of the year. The only growing season before the introduction of the dug well was Kharif, in which 7 quintals of maize was grown. Now in addition to the Kharif crop, a crop during Rabi season is grown, this year 4 quintals or gram, 6 quintals of maize, and 1 quintal of wheat were grown in Rabi. In addition chilly and brinjal will be grown in the summer months for personal consumption. Ramla has not made any improvements to her house as yet but has plans too after a few years of increased income. Finally migration within the family has more than halved since the dug well has been put in place, before three members would leave for six months and now only one member leaves for three months.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 7 Maize 8 Rabi - - Wheat 1 Maize 6 Gram 4 summer - - Chilly personal Brinjal personal



Farmer: Nasingh Bhiniji Village: Naldi Choti, Jhabua

Mr Nasingh Bhiniji has two acres of land which supports him and his eight family members. The construction of the dug well on his farm has increased food availability from just four months a year to all year round. Prior to the well construction only 6 quintals of maize could be grown in one season of the year. Now as a result of the dug well irrigation 10-12 quintals of maize is grown in Kharif as well as a second

crop of 4 quintals of gram, 1 quintal of maize and 50kg of brinjal grown in Rabi season. Without the well it was impossible for crops to be grown in any season other than Kharif. The increased production of the farm has lead to a decrease in migration,

although the members still leave for eight months, only two members need to migrate now instead of the four that would previously migrate.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 6 Maize 12 Rabi - - Gram 4 Maize 1 Brinjal 50kg



Farmer: Tarsingh Pama Village: Naldi Badi, Jhabua

Mr Tarsingh Pama has a family of eight, and six of those are children. Tarsingh’s dug well was constructed in 2008 – 2009, before this food was only available for four months on his farm. Now food is available for all twelve months of the year. Kharif crops have increased in production from 4 quintals of maize now to 6-7 quintals. There is also a possibility of a Rabi crop now irrigation is possible, this year he has grown 4-5 quintals of wheat and 2 quintals of gram.

Tarsingh is growing a summer crop of 0.25 acres of gwarfalli and chilly. The increased production has lead to an increase in income and with the extra money he plans to make some improvements to his house in the future. Finally there is no need for migration in his family anymore, before the well two would leave for five months, now no one migrates.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 4 Maize 7 Rabi - - Wheat 5 Gram 2 summer - - Chilly 0.25 acre Gwarfalli 0.25 acre



Farmer: Budu Silya Village: Naldi Badi, Jhabua

Mr Budu Silya has six members of family, three of these are children. Budu owns two acres of land that was only productive for three months of the year before the dug well was built. The irrigation from the dug well has made it possible for crops to grow all year now. This is the first year of using the dug-well so Budu is waiting to see the results of his newly possible Rabi crop of wheat and gram, approximately 4-5 quintals of each will be grown. There was also an increase in the Kharif crop of maize, from 2-3 quintals to 4-5 quintals this year. In addition there are plans for a summer crop to be planted and in turn with an increase in income some improvements to his Kuchha house will be made. Finally the migration of one male, for four months has now stopped due to the extra work and food available on the farm.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Maize 3 Maize 5 Rabi - - Gram 5 Wheat 5


Action for Social Advancement (ASA), E-5/A, Girish Kunj, Above Stet Bank of Indore, Shahpura Branch, Bhopal-462016, Tel/Fax: 0755-2427369, 4057925, Email:[email protected], www.asaindia.org

Farmer: Mangilal Village: Kachnaria, Nagda Mangilal, together with his wife and family constructed a dug well in 2007-2008 with support from ASA. His family of 8 consisting of 2 men, 2 women, 2 boys and 2 girls (some of whom are pictured below), now benefit from having food available for 5 months of the year as opposed to 3 months before the well was constructed. Moreover, the amount of irrigated land farmed by Mangilal has increased from 8 bighas to 12 bighas.

The dug well has enabled Mangilal and his family to increase their production in all of the crops that they grow; Soybean from 2 quintals to 5; Maize from 2 quintals to 3; Chickpea and wheat from 1 quintal to 2. Though Mangilal’s family has 1 migrating member for 3 months per year to supplement household income, with the improvements in yield made possible by the dug well, Mangilal’s family look to a future in which migration will not be as necessary and further livelihood improvements such as building another house become achievable.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 2

Soya bean 5

Maize 2 Maize 3 Rabi Chickpea 1 Chickpea 2 Wheat 1 Wheat 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Kalabai Village: Kachnaria, Nagda Kalabai (whose wife is pictured below) is a farmer whose family of 8 (3 men, 2 women, 2 boys and 1 girl) have gained definite benefits from the construction of a dug well in 2007-2008. The amount of irrigated land owned by the family has increased from 1 bigha to 2 bighas, and the family now has food available for 3 months of the year as opposed to 2 months before the well was completed. Kalabai has been able to improve production in the crops that he grows; soya bean from 1 to 3 quintals per hectare; maize from 2 to 3 quintals per hectare; chickpea and wheat from 1 to 2 quintals per hectare. Kalabai’s family have also been able to Maintain their kucha style house alongside, A zero level of migration in their household. The construction of the dug well has given Kalabai’s family a step up the ladder of development and an opportunity to plan better for the future.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 3

Maize 2 Maize 3 Rabi Chickpea 1 Chickpea 2 Wheat 1 Wheat 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Devilal Village: Kachnaria, Nagda Devilal (whose son is pictured above), experienced significant benefits from the construction of a dug well on his land in 2007-2008. Previous to the dug well being constructed Deveilal’s family of 9 (2 men, 2 women, 3 boys and 2 girls) survived precariously with practically no food available from their crops in any month of the year to an average of 5 months per year of food availability. Alongside this, the amount of irrigated land Devilal owned increased from zero to 6 hectares.

Devilal has been able to increase the production of his crops from 1 to 2 quintals per hectare for soya bean, from 1 to 2 quintals per hectare for gram and from zero to 8 quintals per hectare for wheat. One further change

experienced by Devilal is that while previous to the construction of the dug well a total of 2 male family members were forced to migrate for 2 months of the year to work to increase the family’s income, this number has now been reduced to zero; increasing the productivity of Devilal’s farm and the family’s ability to provide for their own livelihood with more sustainability.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 2

- - - - Rabi Gram 1 Gram 2 Wheat 0 Wheat 8 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Shobharan Village: Barukhedi, Nagda Shobharan has a family of 7 consisting of 5 men and 2 women, with no children. Previous to the construction of a dug well in 2007-2008 Shobharan’s family had next to zero food available from their crops per month per year and no irrigated land, yet following the construction of the well these figures increased to 8 months per year and 8 hectares, respectively. As with other farmers, Shobharan was able to increase the production of his crops significantly. For soya bean his production increased from 1 to 3 quintals per hectare, for maize rom 50kg to 1 quintal per hectare; for wheat from 0 to 10 quintals and for chickpea from 1 to 20 quintals per hectare. Shobharan’s family have also been Able to reduce the number of family Member’s migrating from 2 men for 2 months of the year to zero.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 3

Maize 50 kg Maize 1 Rabi Chickpea 1 Chickpea 20 Wheat 0 Wheat 10 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Rajaram Pita Village: Barukhedi, Nagda Prio r to the construction of a dug well in 2007-2008 Rajaram ‘s land provided less than one month’s food availability per year and was not irrigated at all. His family of 7 (2 men, 2 women, 1 boy and 2 girls) lived a dangerously unsustainable life. The dug well has given Rajaram and his family a valuable livelihood asset; raising food availability to 6 months and increasing the amount of irrigated land the family owns to 6 hectares.

Rajaram Pita has been able to increase his crop production from 1 to 3 quintals per

hectare for soya bean; 1 to 2 quintals per hectare for gram and 0 to 10 quintals per hectare for wheat. All of which have been made possible by the construction of a dug well. Rajram Pita’s family look forward to increasing their assets and maintaining a Sustainable livelihood.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 3

- - - - Rabi Gram 1 Gram 2 Wheat 0 Wheat 10 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Gita Bai Village: Barukhedi, Nagda Gita Bai has a family of 5, including 2 men, 2 women and 1 boy. The family had very little food available per year before the construction of a dug well, yet now have food availability of 5 months per year and 5 hectares of irrigated land. Gita’s land productivity has been raised from 1 quintal per hectare To 2.50 for soya bean, from 0.25 quintals per hectare maize; from 0 to 1 quintals per hectare for chickpea 0 to 2 quintals per hectare for mustard Gita’s family have been able to reduce the amount of persons Migrating in their family from one (man) for the year to zero; all due to the construction of the dug well vital intervention which has improved Gita Bai’s family’s livelihood.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 2.50

Maize 0 Maize 0.25 Rabi Chickpea 0 Chickpea 1 Mustard 0 Mustard 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Govind Village: Aykokoli, Nagda Govind farms land in the village of Aykokoli with his family of 10; 4 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 1 girl. Previous to the construction of a dug well in 2009, Govind’s family had a total of zero months food availability per year from their land; the well gave the household 5 months of food per year and 5 hectares of irrigated land. Govind’s family have been able to increase their production from 1.50 quintals per hectare in soya bean, from 50kg to 1 quintal per hectare in maize, from zero to 10 quintals per hectare for wheat and from zero to 2 quintals per hectare for chickpeas. One major change for Govind’s family has been the removal of the need for 2 family members to migrate for 3 months each year. The dug well has given Govind’s family a better livelihood.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 2.50

Maize 50 kg Maize 1 Rabi Wheat 0 Wheat 10 Chickpea 0 Chickpea 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Piru Village: Aykokoli, Nagda Piru has a family of 10 (4 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 1 girl), who somehow survived, previous to the construction of a dug well in 2009, on less than one months food availability per year and no irrigrated land. The dug well, which he shares with the families of Govind and Babu in Aykokoli, has increased his food availability from 0 to 5 months and his irrigated land from 0 to 5 hectares. Piru’s family, like Govind’s, have now no need to migrate (3 men can now work on the family’s farm). The land itself now produces 1 quintal per hectare of maize (instead of 50kg); 2.50 quintals per hectare of soya bean (instead of 1.50); 2 quintals of chickpea (instead of 0); and 10 quintals per hectare of wheat (instead of o). Piru’s family look forward to a future in which their land can support their Livelihood.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 2.50




Farmer: Babu Village: Aykokoli, Nagda Babu’s family also share a well with Piru and Govind’s family in the village of Aykokoli. Like the above 2 families, Babu has a family of 10 (4 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 1 girl), and has experienced siginificant benefits from the construction of the well in 2009. In particular the family’s food availability and amount of irrigrated land has increased from o to 5 months per year and 0 to 5 hectares, respectively. Babu’s family have seen productivity gains similar to Govind’s and Piru’s families. In particular, Babu has seen his soya bean production increase from 1.50 to 2.50 quintals per hectare, his maise increase from 50kg to 1 quintal per hectare, his wheat from 0 to 10 quintals per hectare and his chickpea from 0 to 2 quintals per hectare. Babu’s family used to send 3 family members (men) to migrate for work 3 months of the year. Following the construction of the dug well this is no longer necessary.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 2.50




Farmer: Rajaram Village: Aykokoli, Nagda Rajaram has a family of 9; 2 men, 2 women, 2 boys and 3 girls. Previous to the construction of a dug well in 2007-2008, Rajram’s family lived a precarious existence with food available for less than one month of the year from their land. The dug well has given Rajaram’s family 5 hectares of irrigated land and 5 months a year of food availability. The dug well has had a remarkable impact on the fortunes of Rajaram’s family. The productivity of the crops grown by Rajram has increased: soya bean from 1 to 2 quintals per hectare, maize from 50kg to 1 quintal per hectare, chickpea from zero to 2 quintals per hectare, and wheat from zero to 5 quintals per hectare. The family has no need to migrate any more (previously 2 men from the household had migrated for 3 months of the year), increasing their general livelihood options.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 2




Farmer: Harriram Village: Aykokoli, Nagda Harriram farms land in the village of Aykokoli with his family of 9 (3 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 1 girl). The building of a dug well in 2007-2008 has enabled Harriram’s family to increase their yearly food availability from zero to 6 months and the amount of irrigated land they own from 2 to 8 hectares. Harriram’s family are able to grow a lot more crops than previously. The amount of soya bean Harriram produces has risen from 2 to 3quintals per hectare, the amount of maize from 1 to 1.50 quintals, the Amount of chickpeas from 1 to 2.50 quintals, and the amount of wheat from 2 to 8 quintals per hectare. Previous to the building of the dug well 2 men from Harriram’s family had to migrate for 3 months of the year, yet now this number has been reduced to zero.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 2

Soya bean 3

Maize 1 Maize 1.50 Rabi Wheat 2 Wheat 8 Chickpea 1 Chickpea 2.50 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Mehboob Village: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Mehboob’s family have seen major benefits following the construction of a dug well on their land in 2007-2008. Significantly, the amount of food the family now has available stands at 5 months a year (previously it was zero), and the amount of irrigated land they now have is 5 hectares (previously it was zero).

Mehboob’s family have seen

their soya bean crop productivity increase from 1 to 2.50 quintals per hectare; wheat from 0 to 8 quintals per hectare and gram from 1 to 2 quintals per hectare. The family has no need to migrate and looks forward to planning a more sustainable livelihood thanks to the construction of the dug well.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 2.50

- - - - Rabi Wheat 0 Wheat 8 Gram 1 Gram 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Bherlad Singh Village: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Bherlad Singh’s family of 14 (4 men, 3 women, 3 boys, 4 girls) faced a significant struggle making ends meet before a dug well was constructed on their land, guving them a step up the ladder towards maintaining a sustainable livelihood. The family now has 7 instead of 5 months of food available per year and 7 instead of 5 hectares of irrigated land.

Bherlad Singh’s family have been able to increase the productivity of their soya bean from 1 bigha to 2 bigha’s; their wheat from 2 to 10 quintals per hectare and their chickpea from 1 to 3 quintals per hectare. Bherlad’s family have begun to plan for the future and consider more livelihood options.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1 bigha

Soya bean 2 bigha

- - - - Rabi Wheat 2 Wheat 10 Chickpea 1 Chickpea 3 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Cheta Hera Village: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Cheta’s family of 10 (2 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 3 girls) have been able to increase their food availability from 5 to 7 months a year and their amount of irrigated land from 5 to 7 hectares, as a result of a dug well being constructed on their land in 2007-2008. Cheta’s family have seen their soya bean production increase from 1.50 to 2.50 quintals per hectare; their wheat from 2 to10 quintals per hectare; and their chickpeas from 1 to 2.50 quintals per hectare. Cheta’s family have also been able to build a pukka house and reduce the number of family members migrating from 1 (for 3 months of the year) to zero. The livelihood benefits of the dug well, for Cheta are clear.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 2.50

- - - - Rabi Wheat 2 Wheat 10 Chickpea 1 Chickpea 2.50 Summer - - - -



Farmer:Rajaram Village: Therwada, Nagda Rajaram’s family consists of 9 individuals; 3 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 1 girl. All of whom have seen significant benefits from the construction of a dug well in 2007-2008. The well has increased the family’s food availability from 5 to 7 months and the amount of irrigated land they have access to from 4 to 9 hectares.

Rajaram’s family have been able to increase their productivity significantly; their soya bean production has risen from 1.50 to 2.50 quintals per hectare; their wheat from 2.1 to 10 quintals per hectare and their gram from 1 to 2 quintals per hectare. Rajaram’s family have now a crucial amount of greater freedom necessary to plan for a sustainable future.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 2.50

- - - - Rabi Wheat 2.1 Wheat 10 Gram 1 Gram 2 Summer - - - -



Farmer: Shamo Village: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Shamo’s family farm a few hectares of land in the village of Borkheda Pitramel. Previous to the building of a dug well in 2009 the family of 10 (2 men, 4 women, 2 boys and 2 girls) existed on less than one month of food availability per year (from their land). The well has increased the family’s food availability to 5 months.

Shamo’s family have been able to produce 2 quintals of soya bean per hectare (previous to the well this number was 80kg) and 2 quintals of chickpea (previously 1 quintal per hectare). The well has only very recently been constructed but the family have already been reaping the benefits, and expect to see further significant livelihood changes in the near future.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 80 kg

Soya bean 2

- - - - Rabi Chickpea 1 Chickpea 2 - - - - Summer - - - -



Farmer: Ram Kore Bai Village: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Ram Kore Bai’s family of 9 (4 men, 3 women and 2 boys) lived a very precarious existence prior to the building of a dug well with ASA support on their land. The family have been able to increase their food availability from 5 to 10 months per year and the amount of irrigrated land they own from 5 to 10 hectares. Ram Kore Bai’s family have Witnessed a large increase in theProductivity of their rops. The Amount of soya bean they produceHas risen from 2 to 3 quintals per Hectare; wheat from zero to 10 Quintals per hectare and chickpea From 1 to 3 quintals per hectare. The family have also been able to Remove the need for migration; Previously 1 family member had to Migrate for 3 months of the year. The dug well has changed the Family’s livelihood strategy to a More sustainable

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 2

Soya bean 3




Farmer: Mohalal Aurokilal Village: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Mohalal has a family of 9 (3 men, 3 women, 1 boy and 2 girls), all of whom, previous to the building of a dug well in 2007-2008 lived off land which was not irrigated at all and provided them with 5 months of food availability. Following the building of the well, Mohalal’s family have been able to increase their amount of irrigated land to 8 hectares and their food availability to 7 months per year. Mohalal has been able to increase the amount of crops he grows significantly. his soya bean crop productivity has risen from 1 quintal per hectare to 2.50 quintals per hectare and his chickpea crop has risen from zero to 2 quintals per hectare.

Mohalal’s family can use the extra income to raise their standard of living while using the dug well as a basis to plan for a more sustainable livelihood.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 1

Soya bean 2.50

- - - - Rabi Chickpea 0 Chickpea 2 - - - - Summer - - - -



Farmer: Serdar Bapu Villlage: Borkheda Pitramel, Nagda Serdar and his family of 6 (2 men, 2 women and 2 boys) own a smallholding in the village of Borkheda Pitramel. The building of a dug well in 2007-2008 on their land with support from ASA has dramatically changed their lives and their plans for the future. They now have food available for 7 months of the year (previously they had 5 months availability) and they have a total of 8 hectares of irrigated land (previously they had no irrigated land at all). Serdar’s family have seen significant productivity gains from the dug well; following construction their soya bean crop increased from 2 to 4 quintals per hectare; their wheat crop from zero to 10 quintals per hectare and their chickpea crop from 2 to 3 quintals per hectare. Serder and his family have been able to maintain 2 houses – a kucha and as well as a pukka house and hope to reduce the need for migration in the future with the raised income produced from the building of the well; currently 1 male from Serdar’s household migrates for 3 months of the year.

BEFORE AFTER



Kharif Soya bean 2

Soya bean 4




Farmer: Balu Singh Village: Kalukhedi, Nagda Balu Singh has a family of 9 (3 men, 3 women, 2 boys and 1 girl), who have recently benefitted from the building of a dug well in 2007-2008. The dug well has increased the family’s food availability from 5 to 7 months a year and the amount of irrigated land they have access to from 5 to 12 hectares. All of which are significant livelihood improvements. The construction of the well has enabled Balu to increase the productivity of the family’s crops dramatically. Balu’s soya bean crop has increased from 1.50 to 3 quintals per hectare, his wheat crop from zero to 10 quintals per hectare and his chickpea crop from 2 to 3 quintals per hectare. The family have also been able to remove the need for migration; previous to the building of the well one male family member migrated for 3 months a year, depriving the family of personal and economic support.

BEFORE AFTER




Soya bean 3


Documents

Water in the Hands of poor Ratlam - ASA India€œ Water in the hands of poor” – The Story of 100 dugwell owners Action for Social Advancement (ASA), E-5/A, Girish Kunj, Above