STATUTORY REPORTS | Board’s Report 147 9. KRISHI-MITR: - Crop Diversification Project Mahindra & Mahindra Limited partnered with Self-Reliant Initiatives Through Joint Action (SRIJAN) to promote crop diversification, sustainable agricultural practices, improved irrigation systems, and stronger market linkages, with a specific emphasis on empowering women farmers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. During FY24, the project covered 20 villages in Pandhurna District, Madhya Pradesh. Stakeholder and beneficiary engagement during the impact assessment process have highlighted the following outcomes for projects initiated in FY24: • 100% of the respondents reported shifting from monocropping to multi-crop cultivation. Farmers now cultivate 4–6 crops per season, including vegetables alongside cotton/maize. • 100% of the respondents reported improved land utilization, and increased income levels in the range of Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 40,000 per acre per year. • 100% of the respondents reported improved understanding of organic farming, bio input preparation, and crop management practices. • Across all Focus Group Discussions (‘FGDs’), farmers reported active use of bio-inputs (Jeevamrit, Neembased solutions, five-leaf decoction, panch patti kadha etc.) and replacement/reduction of chemical fertilizers lowering input costs in the range of Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 per acre per season, improved long-term soil sustainability and self-reliance in farming. • 100% of the respondents reported softer soil texture, better moisture retention and improved crop growth and shift from traditional irrigation to sprinkler/drip systems improved water efficiency, time savings and coverage of fields. • During FGDs, farmers reported that they are now actively involved in crop selection, input decisions and farm management. • 100% of the respondents reported joint decisionmaking with their spouses. This has led to increased confidence and recognition in farming decisions. 10. GREEN GUARDIAN (MRV) – Water Management Project Mahindra & Mahindra Limited partnered with Dhan Vayalagam (Tank) Foundation to restore and strengthen traditional irrigation tank systems in Tiruvannamalai district (Tamil Nadu), to improve water storage, groundwater recharge, and irrigation reliability in FY24. This Project had four components: • Tank Restoration and Rehabilitation: Desilting and deepened irrigation tanks, strengthened bunds, repaired sluices, and cleared feeder channels to enhance water capacity and flow while removing encroachments. • Water Storage and Irrigation Enhancement: Created additional water storage capacity, improved irrigation potential, boosted agricultural lands, strengthened groundwater recharge, ensured seasonal water availability, and improved distribution across command areas. • Community Mobilization and Institutional Strengthening: Formed and strengthened community-based institutions (Vayalagams) to encourage community participation in planning, implementing, and promoting water management, while fostering long-term maintenance through capacity building. • Environmental Interventions: Promoted environmental conservation through plantation activities, community and school awareness programs, and sustainable practices. Stakeholder and beneficiary engagement during the impact assessment process have highlighted the following outcomes for projects initiated in FY24: Improved water availability and system functionality • 100% of the respondents reported that water now lasts significantly longer after monsoon, extending availability by 2–3 additional months. • 75% of the respondents reported improved groundwater recharge and well water availability (increased water table and extended usability of borewells). • 75% of the respondents reported reduced water shortage frequency in the last 1–2 years. Improved Agricultural Productivity and Farmer Income • 100% of the respondent farmer groups reported a shift from single cropping to double cropping due to improved water availability. Farmers reported income gains of approximately Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 22,000 per acre annually, driven by a shift to double cropping and improved water availability.
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