A large-scale rural transformation initiative in Maharashtra that tackles drought and farmer distress through water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood enhancement, significantly increasing farmers’ incomes.

The Global Vikas Trust (GVT), founded in 2016 by Mayank Gandhi and his team, launched a transformative rural development initiative in the drought-prone Parli taluka of Beed district in Maharashtra—one of the most poverty-affected regions in India, historically marked by severe water scarcity and high farmer suicide rates. Beginning in 2018, the initiative focused on water conservation as a foundation for long-term change. Through large-scale community participation and voluntary labor (shramdaan), the Paapnashi river and its tributaries were widened and deepened, enabling improved water flow and storage. Additional interventions included the construction of 164 farm ponds, 62 check dams, and 5 Kolhapur-type weirs, along with systems to channel rainwater into underground aquifers. By the end of 2018, these efforts enabled the storage of approximately 222 crore liters of water, transforming water availability in the region. With improved water access, the project shifted focus to agricultural transformation. Farmers were encouraged to diversify cropping patterns and adopt fruit-based farming suited to local agro-climatic conditions. By August 2024, over 5 crore fruit trees—including banana, mango, papaya, lemon, guava, and others—had been planted. The initiative combined traditional farming knowledge with modern techniques, resulting in significantly higher yields and better-quality produce. To ensure sustainability and profitability, GVT supported farmers with market linkages, post-harvest processing, supply chain systems, and input procurement. Cluster-based farming attracted wholesalers directly to the villages, reducing dependency on intermediaries and improving income stability. These interventions led to a dramatic increase in farmer incomes—on average, a tenfold rise from approximately ₹39,000 per year to ₹3,93,000 per year. This economic stability reduced distress and helped address critical social issues such as farmer suicides, while enabling investments in education, healthcare, and rural entrepreneurship. The impact is exemplified by farmers like Shashikant Trimbak Misal, who transitioned from traditional sugarcane farming to banana cultivation with GVT’s support. By planting 2,300 banana plants on 1.6 acres, he achieved significant yields and income growth within a year, demonstrating the potential of the model. With support from IDS, the initiative is now being scaled to other regions, including Malshiras and Pandharpur talukas. The program provides saplings, technical training, and ongoing support to farming families, ensuring long-term sustainability. IDS has committed funding support to expand this model further, aiming to positively impact more farming communities across the Marathwada region.