Interventions in Water Based Livelihood and Livestock, Jaisinagar

Sagar district is a part of the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Average annual rainfall of the district is 1000 mm to 1200 mm and falls within a span of fifteen to twenty days. High rainfall intensity coupled with the presence of black cotton soil results in high surface runoff. Thus despite good rainfall the region is water scarce.

In year 2000 we started a grassroots project in Jaisinagar block of Sagar district under the World Bank funded District Poverty Initiatives Project of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Presently we are working with 4245 poor families in 33 villages through formation of more than 680 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and have invested around 3 crore rupees in the community. Total contributions mobilized from the community amount to Rs 50 lacs.

Dairying and wheat with sprinklers are the thrust areas.

Mahila Dairy : We are promoting a large-scale dairy programme in Jaisinagar. Under the programme we will induct around 2500 buffaloes and establish appropriate backward and forward linkages to ensure the sustainability of dairy operations. The dairy has been registered as Sagar Shree Mahila Producers' Co. Ltd.

Wheat with sprinklers : Around 500 acres of land have been brought under sprinkler irrigation. We have specifically designed the sprinkler sets for small farmers having 2-4 acres of land. Now, we also have DFID funded Poorest Area Civil Society [PACS] program to support the work done under DPIP and to promote peoples' institutions around dairy and water resources management. Under the programme we are promoting women SHGs, which also includes the women dairy members.