The programme area includes 1,200 villages in the districts of Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Wardha, Washim and Yavatmal. The Governments of India and of Maharashtra State asked IFAD to intervene in the region, where agricultural distress and farmer suicides are pressing issues. Farmers’ productivity and incomes are low, and they face food insecurity, partly as a result of inefficient water use, depleted soil fertility and indiscriminate use of fertilizers and hybrid seed.

The aim of the programme is to achieve increased productivity through water conservation, organic farming and sustainable, low-external-input agriculture. Diversification into fruit, vegetable and livestock products seeks to contribute to better nutrition. Increased carbon content enhances soil fertility and increases moisture retention, allowing higher cropping intensity.

The programme encourages participants to assume ownership of ongoing activities. It focuses on establishing and strengthening inclusive grass-roots institutions and on fostering community consensus on programme activities.

Source: IFAD