In the village of Devhari in Jalgaon district, the story of Rajendra Shamrao Patil stands as a powerful example of how access to water can transform not just agriculture, but entire livelihoods.

A few years ago, Rajendra’s life was marked by uncertainty and struggle. Like many small farmers in the region, he depended entirely on rainfall for cultivation. However, with declining rainfall and increasing water scarcity, his well had dried up, leaving his fields barren and unproductive. The lack of green fodder created additional challenges, making it difficult to sustain his livestock.

“Earlier, the well was dry, there was no green fodder, and farming was completely dependent on rainfall,”

recalls Rajendra. The situation had become so difficult that even meeting the daily needs of his animals was a constant challenge.

The turning point came with the implementation of the Jalashay Jal Samrudhhi Project by NIWAS in the village. As part of the intervention, nala deepening and desiltation work was carried out near Rajendra’s farmland. This simple yet impactful intervention changed everything. With improved water retention in the nala, groundwater recharge increased significantly. Rajendra’s dried well began to refill, restoring a reliable source of water. Gradually, his fields regained life, and greenery returned.

Today, Rajendra is successfully cultivating Ginni grass, ensuring year-round availability of green fodder—even during peak summer months like March and April. This has completely transformed his farming system. With improved water availability, Rajendra took a bold step towards livelihood diversification by expanding into dairy farming. What started as a necessity soon turned into a profitable enterprise. “Earlier, our milk production was around 40–50 litres one time day. Now, it has increased to 70–80 litres,” he shares proudly. Today, Rajendra owns 26 buffaloes, 7 Jersey cows, and is also preparing Gir breed cattle, reflecting his growing confidence and ambition. Currently, he sells 130–140 litres of milk daily at ₹70 per litre, generating a steady and improved income for his family. The shift from uncertain rainfed farming to a diversified and stable livelihood has significantly improved his financial security and quality of life. Rajendra’s journey highlights the powerful impact of integrated water resource management. The project did not just restore a nala—it revived a farmer’s hope, strengthened his resilience, and opened new pathways for growth.

Today, Rajendra Patil is not just a farmer, but a successful rural entrepreneur. His story is a testament to how strategic interventions, when combined with community participation, can create lasting and meaningful change.