Lands are being used to cultivate multiple crops

Before the watershed development, major part of cultivable area depended on rains for water, thus, making it feasible for certain crops only. NABARD Watershed developments have made it possible to grow multiple crops. Different vegetables including potatoes and onions are being produced for better profits. Interventions have also increased the amount of cultivable land that was earlier classified as barren. Additional 25 ha of fallow land has now become cultivable.

Increase in the amount of land under assured irrigation

Land under assured irrigation has increased almost five fold. At present, almost 250 ha of land are being irrigated through the intervened means, which was around 55 ha earlier. Out of 250 ha of land irrigated through developments, nearly 210 ha of land is utilized for seasonal produce. Remaining 35 ha of land is perennially irrigated. These significant changes have resulted in more cultivable land used for multiple crops in a year.

Revision in Cropping plans for efficient use and better profits

Cropping plans have been modified due to ample availability of ground water for irrigation and exposure to advanced agriculture.

• Kharif crops are now being cultivated in larger part of the land after water shed interventions. The land utilized in the Kharif season has increased from 498 ha to 521 ha.
• There is substantial increase in the land utilized for Rabi crops. This can be attributed to factors like increase in ground water availability, effective utilization of surface water through micro irrigation systems and a federation of water user groups. This transformation has been possible due to appropriate interventions.
• Cash crops like vegetables are being regularly produced for direct sale in the markets. Floriculture and horticulture has also found place in the farming practices in the village, implying a significant amount of diversity within the crops.
• Land cultivated for paddy has been down-scaled to increase cultivation for cash crops.
• Crops that demand large amounts of water have been completely excluded.
• Suitable use of natural resources like land and water coupled with alternate farming techniques has helped to maximize the agricultural income. This was solely achieved due to effective interventions and the will-power of the villagers, themselves.

Rise in the Ground Water Levels

A considerable annual increase (2m) in the ground water levels has been observed regularly. The perennial wells have gone up three times the earlier number.

Interventions undertaken in conserving soil and water resources in Buchkewadi has transformed a drought prone, neglected place into a greenery-clad, blooming and vibrant locale. The residents have shifted from the role of being simple village folk, to become responsible citizens of today.