Water Brought Back Life to the Fields and Hope to the Family
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The story of Shobhabai Laxman Patil from Devari village in Jalgaon district is a powerful reflection of how access to water can transform not just agriculture, but the very sense of security and hope within a rural household. For years, Shobhabai and her family lived under constant uncertainty, as their livelihood depended entirely on rainfed farming. The well near their farm, once expected to support their agricultural needs, had nearly dried up, leaving them with very limited water. As a result, the family could cultivate only a single crop during the monsoon season, with no possibility of growing a second crop. This dependency on unpredictable rainfall made farming risky and income unstable, adding to the stress and vulnerability of the household.
The turning point came with the implementation of the Jalashay Jal Samrudhhi Project by Marico & NIWAS, under which nala deepening work was carried out in the village. This intervention gradually revived the local water systems. As water began to accumulate and percolate, groundwater levels improved, and the impact was clearly visible in Shobhabai’s well. The well that once had barely any water started to recharge, bringing back a reliable source of irrigation for the family.
With improved water availability, a new chapter began for Shobhabai’s household. For the first time, they were able to move beyond single-season farming and take up a Rabi crop. They cultivated Wheat and maize, a crop they had never grown before due to water constraints. The harvest was successful and provided a meaningful addition to their income. This shift from one crop to multiple cropping seasons marked a significant improvement in their agricultural practices and overall livelihood.
The impact of this change went beyond increased production by 34% and income by 11%. It brought a sense of stability that the family had not experienced before. The constant anxiety around water scarcity and crop failure began to fade, replaced by confidence and a renewed belief in the future. Farming was no longer just about survival—it had become a more secure and dependable source of livelihood.
Shobhabai acknowledges that this transformation would not have been possible without the support of the Jalashay project and the efforts of NIWAS. Today, her story stands as an example of how a simple yet well-planned intervention like nala deepening can create deep and lasting change. For her and her family, the return of water has brought not just better crops, but dignity, stability, and hope for a better tomorrow.
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