Community-led watershed development is reshaping rainfed regions, with WOTR empowering communities to secure their water future for over 30 years.
A Better Tomorrow
Stories, Practices, and Solutions
A three-year project by WOTR and HDFC Bank Parivartan aims to uplift 11,700 people in 40 tribal villages of Gadchiroli through sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and livelihood development.
Soil erosion in Koriya, Chhattisgarh, threatens agriculture and infrastructure, requiring solutions like Loose Boulder Structures (LBS). LBS, a cost-effective method, controls erosion, conserves water, and supports local ecosystems.
With WOTR’s support, Ravi Singh Marabi and Man Singh levelled their land, transforming their farming practices and boosting productivity.
Pandarinath Shinde, a jal sevak with WOTR, helps farmers adapt to climate change by teaching efficient water management and farming practices. He has implemented techniques like micro-irrigation and soil testing on his farm, increasing his income and assisting other farmers in improving their crop yields.
Maharashtra, leads in implementing water harvesting initiatives, with over 99% of its 97,062 water bodies being artificial. W-CReS collaborated with ATE Chandra Foundation to assess the impact of rejuvenation of water bodies five years after implementation.
Three years ago, Maheshwaram Panduranga and his wife Manga faced a severe water crisis on their 3-acre farm in Loyapally, Telangana. With help from WOTR and HSBC, they constructed a farm pond, significantly improving water levels. They then ventured into fish farming, earning substantial profits and transforming their financial situation. The couple now enjoys a better lifestyle and serves as an inspiration for others in their village.
Polamoney Buchaya, 63, and his wife Bugamma, 54, transitioned to farming after Buchaya’s heart attack in 2020, cultivating green leafy vegetables on leased land. Supported by WOTR and HSBC, they adopted rainpipe irrigation, enhancing water efficiency and crop yield. This shift increased their earnings significantly, providing a steady income. Their success has inspired other farmers in their village to adopt similar practices.
Godugu Krishna, a farmer in Telangana, transformed his 2.5-acre farm from debt-ridden to profitable through innovative water management and organic farming, supported by WOTR and HSBC. Initially reliant on rain-fed farming and struggling with high costs, Krishna adopted drip irrigation and diversified crops. This shift increased his yields and profits, allowing him to repay debts, expand into dairy production, and achieve financial stability. His success has turned skepticism into respect within his community.
When Kumpally Paapi Reddy and his wife K Venkata Laxmi started farming on rocky wasteland in Gaddamallaiahguda, Telangana, they were met with skepticism. Despite the challenges, they transformed the land through sheer determination and innovative practices. Partnering with WOTR and HSBC in 2020, they implemented water management strategies and shifted to organic farming.
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When unsafe drinking water became a daily health risk, a clean borewell in an Odisha village brought relief, dignity, and a return to healthier lives.
Community-led solar irrigation in Padardi Village boosting crop yields, enhancing household incomes, empowering women, and driving climate-resilient, sustainable rural development in Rajasthan.
A reflection on WOTR’s 32-year journey translating grassroot watershed and climate resilience practice & research into state and national policies.
Monocropping’s long-term impacts on soil, pests, and farmer incomes are explored through insights from Nitin Kumbhar, highlighting sustainable alternatives, diversification strategies, and pathways to climate-resilient agriculture in India.
A family in Odisha rebuilds their lives after a tragic accident, using community support to start a small shop that restores their livelihood, dignity, and hope.
A glimpse into the cultural practices and land-based traditions of tribal communities in WOTR’s project regions.
Drawing from work with smallholder farmers—from Kumbharwadi in Maharashtra to Madaul in Odisha—WOTR has contributed key experiences, insights, and evidence to the Stories of Resilience 2025, a publication launched by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
How can smallholders farm fish while safeguarding their local ecosystems? One promising answer lies in farm ponds.