From Struggle to Stability – Amol Aadhar Patil’s Success Story
From Struggle to Stability – Amol Aadhar Patil’s Success Story
"I, Amol Aadhar Patil, am a farmer from Dhanwad village. My family of six depends entirely on farming for our livelihood. Owning 6 acres of land, I had always hoped for a prosperous life, but our farming was completely rain-dependent. By November, my well would dry up, allowing me to grow only one crop a year. Due to the uncertainty of income, I could not pursue any alternative work, and I often had to borrow money during emergencies. Our household lacked happiness, as financial struggles weighed us down.
One day, a village meeting was called, where we learned that NIWAS Organization and Marico Company were launching the Jalashay Jal Samruddhi project in our village. They explained that this project aimed to conserve rainwater through cement dam repairs, stream deepening, and soil bunds. Additionally, we would receive training on climate-resilient farming techniques. This gave me hope for a better future. A seasonal stream ran beside my field, but over time, it had become clogged with silt. As part of the project, the silt was removed, and soil bunds were constructed at intervals to retain water. Soon, I noticed a remarkable change – my well, which used to dry up by December, still had water in late march. With this newfound water availability, I was able to cultivate crops on 4 acres, which was never possible before For years, I had dreamed of starting a dairy business, but the water shortage held me back. With NIWAS’s guidance, I turned this dream into reality. They arranged training for us at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalgaon, where I learned essential dairy management techniques. NIWAS also assisted me in securing a bank loan to purchase cows and buffaloes. Furthermore, they provided training in fodder management, ensuring that my cattle always had adequate food and water.
I dedicated 2 acres of my land to growing fodder, and with ample water and resources, my dairy business flourished. Today, I earn ₹1,750 per day from selling milk, amounting to ₹52,500 per month. Even after repaying my loan, I have a stable and growing income. My financial struggles are over, and my family finally experiences the happiness we once longed for.