Provide 18 farmers with irrigation for life

The last year has been incredibly tough for the communities in India that WaterHarvest works with. The national lockdown saw many migrants unable to continue working in the cities. As a result, many returned to their villages which put significant pressure on the already stretched resources of the villagers. Lack of work and therefore income was a significant issue. However, families with drip irrigation systems were able to continue to grow vegetables throughout this period and to sell their produce in local markets. As a result, these farmers were substantially better off than many of their neighbours. We have seen, unsurprisingly, significant demand for drip irrigaiton systems.

Our programme continues to go well. Under this programme, the farmers are lent funds to buy the drip irrigaiton kit and repay some of the funds once their income increases. However, as a result of COVID, many families had very little income. As a result we have reduced the amount the farmers need to pay back. We are comfortable that this new amount is achievable but we will monitor the repayments and the situation of each individual farmer.

We have also been able to secure enough funding from local government to balance the lower repayments from the farmers. 

Farmers continue to benefit hugely from this life changing system. Previously most of the farmers would have used flood irrigation and the switch to drip does take some time and adjustment. However, the benefit of growing cash crops - often three crops a year which can be sold at market- is easily recognised. Many farmers see their incomes double. Many families eat some of the vegetables themselves. This means a wider, more varied diet is another benefit of this programme as is a regular income stream.