Case study mlip

Preface
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand”: so goes an old Chinese
proverb. In a sense it is very apt and relevant for the work done under MLIP, OIIAWMIP
among the PP/farmers of defunct and partially operable LIPs in Odisha. The efficacy of an
idea is best experienced – or expressed – by personal example, not by theoretical
frameworks, maps and charts and statistics. This is just what this booklet sets out to do.

MLIPC Team had started its work with lots of expectation. It has gone through a lot of
churning and experimentations. It faced a lot of criticism both positive and negative.
Willium Couper rightly said, “The bud may have a bitter taste but sweet will be the flower”.
Today we proudly say that we are together and in business. Together we have worked in
Awareness development and motivation, LIP rehabilitation, PP strengthening and
agriculture development initiatives in MLIP.

We are indebted to Er. Ganeshwar Sahu, CE-cum-PD, PMU and DTL, ISMPC as they
reminded us that what is being done must be properly documented and where we have
individually or together adhered to the MLIP & OIIAWMIP norms must be shared with
each other and the entire world.

We are also indebted to Er. L.R. Pattnaik, A.E, LI Cell, PMU, PIM Manager, ISPMC and
Engineering Coordinator, MLIP, ISPMC for their regular feedback and suggestion which
made this document a very valuable one.

On this Occasion I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the PP/farmers who have
spared their valuable time to share their experiences as well as learning and without
whose active involvement the collection of these case studies would ever have been
compiled.

Our sincere thanks to all the Community Organizers, OLIC field staff and MLIPC Team
Members for extending their full cooperation during the field visit and sharing all required
information. Without their support, the journey would have never been comfortable.

And lastly, I would also like to thank Aarvee Associates and Sutra Consulting for their
confidence to hand over me the responsibility of collection of case studies and
compilation of this document. Their support and encouragement helped me a lot to make
this fruitful exercise to produce the document. Seeing is believing and information is
knowledge. I hope this document would help us a lot to transmit the experiences of MLIP,
OIIAWMIP effectively to a wider community.

Ranjan Praharaj
MLIPC, OIIAWMIP

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The Backdrop
The Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Government of Orissa (GoO) is implementing
Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Investment Program
(OIIAWMIP) with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in four northern river
basins (Brahmani, Baitarani, Burhabalanga, and Subarnarekha river basins) and a part of
Mahanadi Delta areas. The overall goal of the OIIAWMIP is to improve rural economic growth
and reduce poverty through improved irrigation service delivery, enhanced agricultural
practices, and strengthen water resources management to increase the production and
productivity of irrigated agriculture in the State.

OIIAWMIP aimed to institutionalize the effective mechanisms for achieving PIM-based
agriculture growth through two components: (i) Productive and sustainable irrigated agriculture
management systems, and (ii) Institutional strengthening and project management.

Under OIIAWMIP, it has been planned for rehabilitation of 1,400 minor lift irrigation schemes in
four overlapping tranches over an 8-year period. The first tranche of the programme for
rehabilitation of LIPs called Minor Lift Irrigation Planning and Investment Programme (MLIPI) is
presently under implementation which has been started from November 2009’.
As a part of the project, “Aarvee Associates” and “Sutra Consulting” collaboratively are providing
service support for Institutional Strengthening and Project Management (ISPM) for the MLIPs in
Tranche - I.

During the project planning stage an assessment was done to identify the status of Minor Lift
Irrigation Schemes. As per the finding of the assessment, the LIPs located in the four northern
river basins of the State i.e. Brahmani, Baittrani, Budhabalanga and Subernarekha cover 11
districts in which there were about 8,593 defunct and 4,741 operable LIPs. Of these, about 30%
3,020 were handed over to PPs.

Due to inadequate agriculture extension support, most of PPs were growing paddy even in Rabi
season using lift irrigation. It was quite uneconomic due to high water requirement and low
market price of the produce. Inadequacy of extension support, input supply, demonstration and
above all lack of adequate market linkage or assured market reduces farmer’s interest in
undertaking crop diversification. The changes in irrigation technique was felt to be necessary for
undertaking diversified crop in Rabi, where intermittent need based irrigation to ensure lands
remain unsaturated requires controlled irrigation system and operation by PPs / farmers.

The findings also revealed that most of the LIPs under the proposed river basin area were either
totally defunct (needs revival) or partially functional (needs improvisation). The major causes
behind the same are:
♦ Lack of institutional mechanism
♦ Lack of confidence of the farmers to manage and operate the scheme on their own
♦ Inadequate knowledge of PPs/farmers on O&M of the LIPs
♦ Un-economic cropping pattern, poor agronomic practices and poor post production
processing/marketing resulting low productivity there by resulting incapability of farmer to
manage and maintain the LIPs
♦ Lack of a sense of ownership of the farmers towards the LIPs

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While rehabilitation of the LIPs and functionalizing the PPs with adequate support towards
training and capacity building of farmers was considered to be an important component of
OIIAWMIP, at the same time it was also advocated that people’s organisation be strengthened
for making the programme a more pro-people. The technical support services termed as
Consultancy Services under MLIPI was designed as an inbuilt support system so that an
equitable and controlled distribution of water for crop diversification is made and better
agriculture management.

Presently, 401 LIPs are under implementation in three districts namely Angul, Dhenakanl and
Jajpur. Implementation of 201 sub-projects initially started in three districts (Angul – 63 nos.,
Dhenakanl – 58 nos. & Jajpur – 80 nos.) during 2010 covering 4133.221 hectors of ayacut area
of 11,849 beneficiary members. Out of 201, 172 are river lift and 29 are Tube well project. All
the tube well projects are from Jajpur district only. Rehabilitation of the above 201 sub-projects
is in complete stage.

Implementation of additional set of 200 sub-projects is just initiated in Jajpur district only
covering 3993.8 hectors of ayacut area of 13780 beneficiary members. Out of 200, 116 are river
lift and 84 are tube well project.
Following steps has been followed for implementation of MLIP;
Collection of Funding Application from PPs
Technical feasibility study as well as economic viability study and Go – No Go decision
Awareness building on concept of the project/PIM and motivation of PPs for beneficiary
contribution
Preparation of Final Appraisal Report in PP consultation following a participatory
approach along with detail design and preparation of cost estimate
Digitized cadastral mapping showing command area and detail distribution system
Deposit of up-front beneficiary contribution in PP bank account
Formation / reformation of PP
Power Agreement with DISTCOs
Development Agreement
Procurement of material by PMU or SIO Manager and delivery to PPs
Construction Agreement/Agreement with PP for civil work
Execution of civil work by PPs
Execution of external electrification work by electrical contractors
PP meeting for preparation and updating of books and records
Training needs assessment
Cluster level PP training on O&M, irrigation management, conflict resolution,
maintenance of books and records, improved agronomic practices etc.
Crop planning and preparation of PP level O&M plan
Agricultural extension

The mentioned case studies reflect both the process as well as outcome of the specific strategy
followed during the process. The characters depicted are beneficiaries of real time process and
present their view following neutral perspective.

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Case Study: One

Achieving Success from Involvement of Jorandapatana PP

All most all from Jorandapatana village depend on agriculture as their primary source of
livelihood. The village is 16 KM away from Block Headquarters, Gondia and 25 KM from district
headquarters, Dhenkanal. Majority of the farmers in the village comes under small and marginal
category those who own only 1.5 to 2 acres of land. The area suffers from partial to complete
drought due to erratic and inadequate rain fall. Hence, most of the time, farmers are unable to
harvest even though only staple paddy is grown in Kharif under rain-fed condition.

In 1979, a Minor Lift Irrigation Project was constructed to lift the water from “Bodahata Nala”
(The feeder to nala Daunri which ultimately feeds to River Brahmani) for providing irrigation to
50 acres of land of 32 beneficiaries out of which 20 are small and 12 are marginal farmers. But
the LIP couldn’t sustain for a long period. Livelihood of the farmers was again in stake due to
drought and erratic rain fall.

Again in 2002, the LIP was rehabilitated and the Pani Panchayat named it as “Jorandapatana
PP”. The PP was formed by OLIC to take the responsibilities of operational activities of the
project. Farmers were happy to see the LIP functional. But the happiness of the farmers didn’t
last long. As per the farmers, the PP was premature to take the responsibility of O&M for which
the project again became defunct just after 2 years. The
pump set, transformer and electric ware etc. were stolen. The pump set, transformer and
The small and marginal farmers of Jorandapatana village electric ware etc. were stolen.
again lost their hope. Due to regular crop loss, some The small and marginal
families left the land fallow and migrated to distance farmers of Jorandapatana
places in search of wage labour. No one bothered about village again lost their hope.
the problems of Jorandapatana PP.

There is a diversion weir (Lunibandha) at the upstream of “Bodahata Nala” near Chabisakuda
which is at only 3 km distance from the pumping point. Earlier it was providing irrigation facility
to the land of Jorandapatana village at least in Kharif season, but now villagers of Chabisakuda
are not allowing water to flow in proper direction. To save their standing crop, farmers of
Jorandapatana have requested to the Chabisakuda inhabitants several times, but they do not
listen. This causes conflict between two villages and sometimes it takes the shape of life loss
and causalities.

During collection of funding application from PPs for rehabilitation of LIPs under ADB assisted
project, Jorandapatana PP had submitted a funding application showing its interest along with
consent for required beneficiary contribution. Based on the funding application, a Draft Appraisal
Report (DAR) of the LIP was prepared by OLIC.

As per plan, MLIP Consultants along with OLIC field staff visited Jorandapatana Village during
January – March 2010 and conducted several meetings with the PP/farmers regarding the
concept of the project. The aim of the meetings was to make the farmers aware about the
concept of PIM and motivated them for beneficiary contribution to ensure their involvement in

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the project. Looking at the interest and motivation of the PP, the MLIP consultants conducted
technical feasibility and economic viability study of the LIP following a go-no-go matrix. As a
result, the LIP was found technical feasible and also economically viable. The Detail Project
Report (DPR) was prepared following a participatory approach like transect walk and farmers
consultation etc. Provision of Rs. 8, 55,000/- (including 10% share of PP contribution) was made
for complete rehabilitation of the LIP and to ensure irrigation to each and every plot in the
command area.
After rigorous motivation by MLIP Consultants and
Community Organizers, the PP/farmers were convinced
to contribute the followings.
♦ Sufficient time (for participating in meetings,
discussions, workshop and in the participatory
walkthrough for identification and layout of
distribution system and pipelines.
♦ Engaged in watch and ward of materials and
UPVC pipes stored at PP level. Storage facility
was not hired for the purpose.
Obstacles on the way for transportation
♦ Agreed for contribution of land to construct of materials to the LIP site
earthen channels and field ditches to provide
irrigation up to the tail end.
After deposit of required up-front beneficiary contribution in the PP bank account, materials
were supplied to the PP and rehabilitation work started. All the beneficiary farmers were
involved in the planning and implementation process. Narendra Behera an active farmer says,
“the LIP site is about 1.5 km from the village and there are obstacles on the way like nallahas for
which transportation of materials like sand cement, brick, concrete etc. was a problem. As it
was our own project and our livelihood is associated with it, we all the PP members decided to
take the materials carrying them on our shoulders to the project site and finally we succeeded in
rehabilitating our LIP”.
As it was our own project and our livelihood is associated with it, we all the PP members
decided to take the materials carrying them on our shoulders to the project site and finally we
succeeded in rehabilitating our LIP.

The LIP is now completely rehabilitated and is
operational condition. PP members expect
that pending works like plastering of the Pump
chamber will be completed within a month or
two. As a part of rehabilitating the LIP,
following major activities were done;

♦ Construction of new pump chamber
♦ Construction of new delivery tank
♦ Construction of 8 nos. of new
distribution tanks
Newly installed Newly constructed
dedicated transformer pump chamber

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♦ Renovation of 4 nos. of distribution tanks
♦ Laying of 900 meter new UPVC pipe
♦ Installation of new electric transformer, HT line and LT line
♦ Supply of new pump set, starter, cable etc.
♦ Supply of 18 meter GI Pipe for suction and delivery etc.

Newly constructed distribution tanks inside the command area

During the implementation a workshop was organized on 26th
March 2011 at the district headquarter, Dhenkanal, Odisha for
awareness building and motivation of the Pani Panchayats
(PPs) on PIM. Mrs. Usha Padhy, Additional Secretary, DoWR,
Odisha during her presentation in workshop shared the
information that there is provision of earth work under MNRGS
and provision of check dam under minor irrigation Project
which can be linked with MLIP. She also asked for application
from interested PPs for the above. As a participant of the Newly installed pump set inside
workshop, the president of Jorandapatana PP Mr. Nandaram the pump chamber
Sahu immediately submitted an application for construction of a check dam at the bottom end of
the pumping point of the LIP. As the application was in proper channel, construction of check
dam at the pumping point was approved under Minor Irrigation Scheme and the construction
work is almost in completion stage.

Mrs. Usha Padhy receiving applications from PPs
New check dam under construction

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Farmers of Jorandapatana PP are now happy to see the operational LIP. Now they are
organizing regular monthly meetings and maintaining their books and records up to date. The
farmers have made analysis of the present cropping patter and developed the post project
cropping pattern with support of the agriculturists in the Mobile Team. They have planned to
cultivate paddy in the total command area in Kharif, vegetable, pulses and ground nut in Rabi
and also vegetable, pulses and oil seeds in summer. “After construction of the check dam, now
the water level will be raised and more water can be stored at the pumping point by which
irrigation facility can be availed even in summer” says Mr. Narendra Behera, a farmer from
Jorandapatana PP without any hesitation.

President of Jorandapatana PP, Nandaram Sahu says,
Now we don’t have the fear of
“We have decided in our PP meeting to watch the project
elephant or thunder storm
in night to protect the materials from theft. Now we don’t
because we have constructed
have the fear of elephant or thunder storm because we
our pump chamber in which we
have constructed our pump chamber in which we can take
can take rest.
rest”. Adding further he says, time came for Kharif
cropping for this year (2012) and now we don’t have fear of crop loss due to erratic rain
fall/drought.

After rehabilitation of the LIP the farmers have planned to increase the crop intensity to 264%
which was earlier about 182% depending upon the rainfall. As per the crop plan of the coming
year the total O&M cost will come around Rs. 1,24,634/- which includes, energy charges,
maintenance cost of civil work and equipments, salary of pump operator, office expenses and
depreciation of capital cost. To recover the O&M cost, farmers have calculated season and crop
specific cost of irrigation which will be collected from the beneficiary farmers. They have
identified their pump operator to look after the pump. Continuing the present level of
participation, involvement, enthusiasm and leadership quality, Jorandapatana PP hopes to
sustain the LIP forever.

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Case Study: Two

Reduced Cost of Irrigation through Improvised MLIP
Multi Cropping Ensured

Mangarajpur is a small village situated in the remote pocket of Badachana Block under Jajpur
district. Agriculture and allied activities are the primary source of income of the villagers.
Cultivation and sale of vegetable as well as other
cash crops was a regular practice of the farmers in Majority of farmers hire Diesel pumps
Mangarajpur village. Majority of farmers hire to irrigate their land by paying rent on
Diesel pumps to irrigate their land by paying rent hourly basis. As per the farmers of
on hourly basis, as their agriculture is a vagaries Mangarajpur, the cost of irrigation was
of monsoon which was not only erratic at times but so high that they fear to cultivate their
also did not rain following an equitable distribution land in Rabi and summer.
of water. The cost of agriculture has gone up
subsequently due to increased cost of electricity for water pumping purpose. Even though land
was fertile, dual cropping seems to have been diminished.

To irrigate 50 acres of land that belongs to 40 nos. of beneficiary farmers, a river lift irrigation
project was installed in the village by OLIC in 1993. The ayacut boundary is at 250 meters
distance from the pumping point and source i.e. Genguti River. During installation of the LIP, the
delivery tank (near the pumping point) and only one distribution tank (close to the ayacut
boundary) was constructed. Though the project was operational but the distribution system was
not adequate and only 20% of the beneficiaries under the command area were getting irrigation
facility. A PP named “Maa Sanadei Pani Panchayat” was formed and the LIP was handed over
to the PP for Operation and Maintenance.

In the year 2009-2010 a list of sub-projects was submitted by OLIC for revival/improvement
under ADB assisted MLIP, OIIAWMIP. Mangarajpur LIP was one among the list of LIPs thus
submitted.

As per the plan, MLIP Consultants visited
We had listened earlier about
Mangarajpur village and conducted several PP
beneficiary contribution in different
meetings for awareness building and motivation of
projects/schemes but it was the
PP for beneficiary contribution. It took months long
business of contractors and other
and several visits/meetings were done to motivate
functionaries to think about it. We had
the farmers for deposit of beneficiary contribution
never personally contributed any
in PP bank account which was a pre-requisite to
amount for implementing projects
start work in ADB assisted project. Farmers had
which confused us to agree with the
the doubt that in the name of beneficiary
concept so easily.
contribution these people are asking for bribe.
Some vested interest groups in the nearby area also de-motivated the farmers knowing about
the project approach and direct involvement of PP in execution of all the civil works which was a
profitable job for them for last several years with lots of corrupted practices. As per the
President of Maa Sanadei PP, “we had listened earlier about beneficiary contribution in different

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projects/schemes but it was the business of contractors and other functionaries to think about it.
We had never personally contributed any amount for implementing projects which confused us
to agree with the concept so easily”.
The mobile Team and later on Community Organisers visited the village time and again for
discussing the issue with the farmers for sufficient awareness raising that 50% of the
contribution amount will be used for improvement of the project (as a part of project cost) and
another 50% will be kept in the PP bank account of future O&M.
They also oriented the farmers that if the beneficiary contribution towards project cost is not
ensured, the project can’t be completed in all shape as required like the general practice and it
is against the principle of the ADB assisted project. If farmers contribute they will feel it as their
own project, bother about the quality of work and own the project for future maintenance.
Finally after 9 months of such visits
the farmers of Ma Sanadei PP
convinced and agreed to deposit the
required amount of beneficiary
contribution in the PP bank account.
Followed by beneficiary contribution,
FAR/DPR of the project was Storage as well as watch & ward of materials by PP
prepared in farmer’s consultation. Provision of 800
meters of UPVC pipeline, ten distribution tanks (one
renovation and nine new), new pump set, electrical
and other fittings etc were made. It was decided that
the PP will execute the civil work and no contractors
will be entertained.
The PP members formed a sub-group for monitoring
of civil; work. After issue of work orders they executed
all the civil works ensuring quality of work. The pipe
New distribution tank constructed by the PP
was laid down and all the distribution tanks were
constructed.

CE-cum-PD, PMU visiting the site to see the civil work implemented by PP and advising them for
vegetable and other cash cropping instead of paddy

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As per the decision taken in the PP meeting, 2500 meters of field ditches were also constructed
for channelizing water to each individual field in the command area. All the land required for
construction of such field ditches including the labour cost was contributed by the farmers.

During implementation, OLIC field staff, SIO Manager and MLIP consultants regularly visited the
site and provided required hand holding support for ensuring quality of civil work.

As per the crop plan after complete
improvement of the LIP, the farmers cultivated The cost of irrigation is now 10% of
vegetable in Rabi as well as summer. In Kharif what we were paying for hiring diesel
season they cultivated vegetables like okra, pumps. Now we have the confidence
ridge gourd, colocasia in the high land (about that we can get good profit by
60% of the ayacut) and other cash crops like cultivating vegetables in Rabi and
Jute along with paddy in the medium land. summer.
Paddy was cultivated to meet the requirement of
household consumption only. The cost of irrigation is now 10% of what we were paying for
hiring diesel pumps. Now we have the confidence that we can get good profit by cultivating
vegetables in Rabi and summer, says Biswanath Sahoo a farmer of Maa Sanadei PP.

Rabi and summer crops in the command area of Maa Sanadei PP

Kharif crops in the command area of Maa Sanadei PP

Now the farmers are happy to harvest vegetable in Rabi as well as summer 2011 – 12. They
have taken cultivation of vegetable along with Jute and Paddy in Kharif 2012. Jute and the
early variety paddy will be harvested within October so that they can take early variety
vegetables and earn a good profit.

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Case Study: Three

No more Awaiting like Kingfisher near Brahmani River
Out of 201, majority of the households in Brundabanpur village under Bhuban Block, Dhenkanal
district depend on fishing from river Brahmani for their livelihood. Female members of the family
sell fish and dry fish in nearby villages. As per the villagers, availability of fish in the river is
drastically reducing day by day and sometimes a fisherman becoming unable to catch a single
fish throughout the day. The villagers have also some agriculture land but the small and
marginal farmer mostly poses high land which remains fallow due to the erratic rainfall and
drought like situations which is prevailing since last few years.

With the request of the villagers, OLIC had constructed a minor river lift project in the village in
2004 -2005. After construction, the project was handed over to the newly formed PP named
“Sabuja Sansara Pani Panchayat” for O&M. Unfortunately the pump set and electric wires were
stolen after one year and the LIP became defunct. The farmers couldn’t avail the benefits from
the LIP.

Considering the funding application of Sabuja Sansara PP and Draft Appraisal Report submitted
by OLIC, a feasibility study of the project was conducted by MLIP Consultants in the year 2010 -
2011. The LIP was found technically feasible and economically viable. After PP/farmers
consultation, transect walk and identification/finalization of distribution system on the
cadastral/command area map, the DPR was prepared. Following provision was made to
complete the rehabilitation work of the LIP and providing irrigation facility to each and every plot
within the command area with budget provision of Rs. 7, 48,000/- including share of PP
contribution.

♦ Laying of new UPVC pipe - 480 meters
♦ Construction of earthen channel – 900 meters
♦ New delivery tank
♦ Renovation of 3 distribution
tanks
♦ Construction of 5 new
distribution tanks
♦ Installation of dedicated new
electric sub-station
♦ Supply of pump set, starter
and cable etc. Newly installed pump set and the dedicated transformer
The rehabilitation work is almost in completion stage
and farmers have started cultivation of vegetables in
massive scale as per the crop plan, which has been
developed with support of the agriculture specialist of
MLIPC.

In rabi and summer season 2011 – 2012 about 12 out
of 23 hectors of command area was covered with
vegetable cultivation. Raghunath Tarai, 64, a small Ragunath Tarai in his okra field

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Irrigation facility has converted our farmer and a member of Sabuja Sansara PP says, “we
barren and fallow land to ever can now harvest crops throughout the year. As about
green golden field. The cost of the 75% of the command area is of high land category, we
land also has increased 5 times can cultivate vegetable in rainy season and get a good
after the LIP is made operational
amount of profit. Irrigation facility has converted our
barren and fallow land to ever green golden field. The cost of the land also has increased 5
times after the LIP is made operational”.

Chhaila Tarai 54 w/o Raghunath Tarai (PP member) leaves with her 3 daughters and one son.
Chhaila sale fish in the nearby villages and with the sale precedes the days ration and other
expenses are met. When Raghunath is unable to catch fish, the entire family has to manage
their lunch and dinner with rice and with dry fish. Raghunath had 0.24 acres of high land in the
LIP command area. After rehabilitation of the LIP, Chhaila and Raghunath started vegetable
cultivation in this land and purchased brinjal, okra, ridge gourd and yam seeds etc. from Pengua
hata situated at 14 km distance from the village.

The vegetables are well grown now and production already
started. Chhaila expects total profit of Rs. 25,000 from her
0.24 acres of land. She is
She is now happy to collect
now happy to collect
vegetables from her own field
vegetables from her own
and to serve curry in lunch and
field and to serve curry in
dinner for her children
lunch and dinner for her
children. “Initially people did not believe to see vegetable in
my basket instead of fish but now they are aware about the
fact and I can easily sale the vegetables to my existing customers”, says Chhaila.

“First of all I will purchase good clothes for my children and arrange a tuition master for them out
of the profits from vegetable cultivation”. Adding further she says, “We will not completely leave
our traditional practice of fishing and its marketing but irrigation facility is now opened a
permanent and secured source of employment for our family.

Not only Chhaila but 32 farmers out of 41 ayacutdars/PP Members have taken different varieties
of vegetable cultivation covering about 24 acres of land and planned to expand the area in the
coming year. They are selling the vegetables at nearby weekly markets around 10 to 30 kms
away from the village. In the coming year, the farmers have planned for group marketing of
seeds and fertilizers which will be cheaper for them. Farmers are in regular touch with

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agriculture experts of MLIPC and the VAW as well as JAO of Bhuban Block for suggestions and
feedbacks on vegetable cultivation, insect and pest control, application of manure and fertilizer
etc.

Dama Tarai (bottom end) showing fields of different farmers covered under vegetable cultivation

Farmers have prepared huts inside the command area and shared responsibility to watch the
equipments and electrical fittings of the LIP. They have already collected water charges from
the beneficiary farmers and appointed a pump driver. Monthly PP meetings are now regularized
and books and records are up to date. As per the members in each monthly PP meeting all the
financial matters are discussed in details for information of all. Farmers are happy to get an
alternate and secured source of livelihood as a result of rehabilitation of the LIP. “Now we need
not wait like kingfisher to catch fish and sale it to meet our day to day expenses” says Dama
Tarai a member of Sabuja Sansara PP.

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Case Study: Four

Secured Kharif Crops Made the Farmers of Mahalaxmi PP Happy
Altogether 100 household resides in a village called “Bhaliapata”, situated in Gondia Block of
Dhenkanal District. More than 90% of the families in the village practice agriculture and allied
activities as their primary source of livelihood. Irrigation is the major problem for which the
villagers generally practice rain fed agriculture and cultivate only paddy in Kharif. In the year
1988 a LIP was constructed in the village by OLIC to lift water from Kaingadia (Pata) and
provide irrigation to 20 hectors of command area. About 50% of the families in the village have
their own land in the LIP command area. Farmers were happy to get irrigation facility and
secured crops. But the happiness of the farmers didn’t last long. Just after 4 years the LIP
became defunct and the farmers faced the same problem as earlier.

Based on Government decision in 2002, the LIP was made functional, a PP named “Mahalaxmi
Pani Panchayat” was formed and the project handed over to the PP for O&M. But, the
distribution system was not adequate for which
only few farmers like When our so called PP office president, secretary and
other 8 – 10 farmers were bearers were harvesting good crops, getting irrigation facility.
It was not possible in the we the small and marginal farmers part of the PP members
to channelize the water were losing our field crops due to throughout the command
area by constructing field drought and inadequate rain fall ditches. “When our so
called PP office bearers were harvesting good
crops, we the small and marginal farmers were losing our field crops due to drought and
inadequate rain fall” says Kailash Muduli a member of Mahalaxmi PP.

With ADB assistance, the LIP was
improvised. In presence of about 70%
PP members the distribution system
was finalized through transect walk in
and around the command area. The
distribution system, as finalized in PP
consultation and considering the
technical feasibility, was reflected on the
digitized cadastral map so that the plan
will be intact during implementation.
Provision of required pipe line and
distribution points is made and farmers
were also agreed to contribute land for
construction of seasonal field ditches. Distribution tank constructed by Mahalaxmi PP
The improvisation work implemented by the PP was completed by April 2012. Farmers of
Mahalaxmi PP Developed their crop plan and O&M plan for the coming year, PP books and
records were prepared and pump driver was also appointed to look after the pump operation
and management.

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Pump operator Ranjeet Patra demonstrating
pump operation using the replaced electrical Newly selected Office Bearers of Mahalaxmi
fittings PP with PP books and records

In Kharif 2012, there was 40% less rain fall in
the district up to end of July and farmers in the
surrounding village were in fear of crop loss. The
severity of the problem was usually visualized by
the farmers by looking at the cracked paddy
fields and delay in raising paddy seedlings. But,
farmers of Mahalaxmi PP had no hassle as they
had secured irrigation facility. As per the PP
Kailash Muduli irrigated his broadcasted
members, due to improvisation of the LIP, in this
paddy land (left) and preparing land for
Kharif season only they can save additional 40
raising seedlings (right)
acres of paddy crop and get a good harvest and
about incremental income of about Rs. 2,00,000/-. Besides that they can also get straws to feed
their cattle throughout the year.

The severity of the problem was PP awareness building meeting and agriculture extension
usually visualized by the farmers activities were taken by MLIPC as a part of the project
by looking at the cracked paddy process. As per the farmers this year they had decided in
fields and delay in raising paddy the PP meeting for group selling of all the groundnuts
seedlings. But, farmers of harvested in the village and they did it. Jointly they sold
Mahalaxmi PP had no hassle as 80 quintal of groundnuts and got additional profit of Rs.
they had secured irrigation facility 7,200/- in total. In coming Rabi season the farmers have
planned to cultivate vegetable and groundnuts. During the
PP meetings MLIP consultants and COs discuss on different Government schemes and
provisions for PP/farmers. Based on the information the PP members requested Executive
Engineer, OLIC for sanction of a new LIP in their village to irrigate more land and cover more
farming families. Looking at the interest, involvement and achievement of the farmers, EE,
OLIC, Dhenkanal formed a new PP in the village and sanctioned a new LIP under BKVY

Page | 16

scheme. Installation of the new LIP is also in progress and farmers of Bhaliapata village are
happy now to get two functional LIPs in their village.

Amulya Pradhana, 57, a small farmer and member of Mahalaxmi
PP had lost his hope to save 0.20 acres of paddy crop which he
had broadcasted without waiting for transplantation looking at
the erratic and inadequate rainfall in last couple of years.
Fortunately, the LIP improvisation work under ADB assistance
was completed and water distribution system was extended up
to his land at the tail end of the command area.
Irrigation water inside the
Paddy (broadcasted) land
Using water from the LIP, during end of July 2012,
Amulya again made his 0.08 acres of land ready for
raising paddy seedlings to transplant it in his 0.98 acres of
land.

“I was not expecting that I could be able to harvest the
Kharif crop (paddy) in all my 1.18 acres of land this year.
Amulya irrigating the land that he is
If the LPI had not been improvised and distribution system
making ready to raise paddy extended up to my land, I would have to incur loan or sale
seedlings my assets/property to manage my family” says Amulya.

Members of Mahalaxmi PP have already discussed with the Block Authorities for providing
assistance under MNRGS to renovate and make deeper the Kaingadia Pata (source from which
they lift water for irrigation) so that more water can be stored in it. Now they hope, it will get
approved soon. “If the assistance under MNRGS will not be adequate, we will utilize some
amount from our village fund as it is the question of our own livelihood”, says one of the PP
members.

Page | 17

Case Study: Five

Change in Leadership brought a new Hope for Rekula-I WUA
More than 80% of the households in village Rekula under Kamakshyanagar NAC of Dhenkanal
district depend on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. Majority of the farmers in the
village those who own 1.5 to 2 acres of land come under small and marginal category. The area
suffers from partial to complete drought due to untimely arrival, erratic and inadequate rain fall. Most
of the times the farmers become unable to harvest even staple paddy during Kharif under rain-fed
condition. River Ramialo flows adjacent to the village as a god’s gift water source for the farming
families in Rekula village.

In the year 1975 a Lift Irrigation Project (LIP) was implemented in the village by Orissa Lift Irrigation
Corporation (OLIC) which was named as Rekula – I Lift irrigation Project. Considering the need of
the farmers, subsequently another two LIPs were also implemented in the same village.

During the initial years the farmer under Rekula – I LIP were happy to get irrigation facility. They
harvested good crops in both Kharif as well as Rabi season. In the year 2002 the farmers of Rekula
– I LIP formed a Pani Panchayat (Water Users Association) named “Rekula-I Water User
Association” bearing registration number DKL-5268/101, 2001 – 2002. As per the Pani Panchayat
Act, PP Executive body and PP Governing Bodies were formed. Farmers were happy to operate the
LIP in an organized manner.

The happiness of the farmers of Rekula – I LIP couldn’t
survive for a longer period. Due to defective selection The poor farmers feared to raise
process of leaders (PP President and Secretary), the their voice against the corruption
and unfair practices. They had no
leadership was vested with political and power groups in idea that someone else has the
the area which resulted exploitation of the farmers. Day by power to change the leaders once
day exploitation increased and the farmers were sold they get selected.
irrigation water as per the rate demanded by the leaders,
water charges were not deposited, electric bills were not paid timely, repair and maintenance work
were not taken care of at all. By the passage of time all the six distribution tanks under the project
get damaged and the middle/tail end farmers didn’t get irrigation facility. The books and records
including the bank pass book were never shared with the PP members. The poor farmers feared to
raise their voice against the corruption and unfair practices. They had no idea that someone else
has the power to change the leaders once they get selected. They were also not provided any
handholding support to bring the system to the line. The leadership still was continued with the
power groups.

In the year 2009 – 2010, the scheme was proposed by OLIC for inclusion in the ADB assisted Minor
Lift Irrigation Project under Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management
Programme (OIIAWMIP) for improvisation to cover 100% ayacut area and PP strengthening as a
part of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM). As per the work plan the MLIP Consultants along
with local OLIC staff visited the project to collect funding application from the Pani Panchayat to
initiate the implementation process. The project objective and process of implementation was
discussed with the farmers. However, the so called PP leaders were reluctant to get involved in such
process which allows the small and marginal farmers having a stake in planning and decision
making.

Page | 18

It took months long and several visits were done to organize a common meeting of the PP leaders
along with the common beneficiaries. But the dedicated Community Organisers and Mobile Team
members didn’t lose their confidence. They visited time and again and discussed with the farmers for
increasing their awareness. Two potential farmers were invited to Workshop organized at Dhenkanal
(where PP leaders from 82 LIPs were participated) where they got clear cut information on the
project and exchanged information and ideas with members of other PPs of the block and district.
The process increased the level of their confidence.
Finally on 16th March 2011 all the farmers of the project decided to conduct a meeting to which they
also invited the CO and Mobile Team. In the meeting, the farmers unanimously decided to change
their leader and selected new President and secretary of their Pani Panchayat along with other 7 GB
members. In the same meeting the new President and Secretary were selected where 59 members
of the PP were present. As the previous leaders were not willing to hand over the books and
records, soon after the change of leadership the farmers decided to open a new bank pass book. A
new passbook was opened in Bank of India, K. Nagar Branch on 18/04/2011.
As per the project process the farmers started contribution towards the project cost and a
contribution amount of Rs. 24,000/- was deposited in the new PP bank account on 21/04/2011. To
increase the enthusiasm of the farmers, PVC pipe was supplied by the project in 1st week of June
2011. All the farmers came forward to participate in the process and the project appraisal report
along with estimate and design was decided to be revised as per the need of the farmers.
As per the invitation of the Pani panchayat, the CO and
Mobile team members organized a walk through in the
ayacut area to finalize the distribution system and layout
along with the farmers.
The revised distribution system and layout to irrigate 100%
ayacut area up to the tail end was agreed by the famers and
they made a resolution to make their share of contribution
towards the project cost (revised) for successful
implementation of the project.
Now Rekula-I Water User Association is conducting regular
monthly meetings and maintain their books and records up to
date. They have finalized to improvise their project at the
cost of Rs. 4, 29,000/- out of which the PP will bear its
contribution share Rs. 42,900/-. After improvisation of the
project and harvest of crops the PP will deposit Rs. 42,900/-
more in the PP bank account towards Operation and
Maintenance of the project.
The farmers have made analysis of the present cropping patter and developed the post project
cropping pattern with support of the agriculturists from the Mobile Team. They have planned to
increase the crop intensity to 255% which presently stands at 190%. They are also well aware of the
irrigation cost and annual O&M cost of the project. The implementation is almost in the stage of
completion and the PP members well involved in the execution and monitoring process. They have
identified their pump operator to look after the pump operation after improvisation. Continuing the
present level of participation, involvement, enthusiasm and leadership quality, the reconstituted
Rekula-I Water User’s Association hopes to be an example for other Pani panchayats in the area.

Page | 19

Case Study: Six
Sense of Ownership Ensured Better O&M
……Clues from Radhakrishna Pani Panchayat
“Sense of ownership leads to proper operation, maintenance and management which ultimately
results in sustainability of the project” goes the old saying & RadhaKrishna Pani Panhcyat
members have proved the saying. The initiative taken by the members to protect their existing
pump chamber is a burning example of the above.

Hatiadanda LIP was included in the ADB assisted MLIPI, OIIAWMIP for improvisation to provide
irrigation to all the farmers of the PP covering entire command area of the LIP. This was taken
into consideration as it was partially operated. The river lift project was installed in 1996 and
handed over to PP in the year 2003 however, due to inadequate distribution system, the water
drawn was not suffice to meet the demand of the local famers and hardly few of them got
benefit out of it. Apart from the discharge point, no arrangement of distribution tanks or pipe line
was made inside the command area and this was enough to made the point not accessible to
many.

After feasibility study the farmer of PP were oriented on the
project objective as well as approach and were motivated for
beneficiary contribution. At the same time similar work was
going on for LIPs in nearby area under other schemes and in
most of the cases, people were getting facility free of cost and
this was the bone of contamination while pursuing the farmers.

Community facilitators took months together to convince the
farmers that the sustainability of the project is only possible if
community contribution is ensured from the very beginning of
the project. The beneficiaries were assured that a large part of
the contribution would be kept reserved for future O&M.(
around 50% of total contribution). After month long they were
convinced. They also selected sub-groups within the PP to
look after different aspects of project implementation.

As per the plan in
consultation with
PP, 1476 meter
UPVC pipe lines
were laid, a
delivery tank and
four distribution
tanks were
constructed and
provision of new
pump set, fitting
Field ditches constructed by PP with own contribution of land and labour

Page | 20

materials, dedicated transformers etc. were also made available out of the budgetary provision.
The PP took the overall responsibility for execution of civil work. There was no financial
provision for construction of earthen channel or field ditches but the farmers contributed all the
labour and land required for construction of about 2000 meters of field ditches.

Collective Action Saved Pump Chamber from Probable Disaster

During implementation (in 2011) there was a high flood in the area. As a result of flood there
was huge sliding of soil from the foundation
area of the Pump Chamber of the LIP. There
was high probability of the pump chamber being
collapsed. Immediately the PP members
organized a meeting to discuss the matter. It
was decided in the PP meeting that the villagers
who have land in the command area will not
take any wages during execution of civil work
(laying of pipe, construction of
delivery/distribution tanks etc.) and the amount
thus saved will be used for repair/protection of
the pump chamber. As per plan Rs. 18,000 was
saved for procurement of materials and the PP Pump chamber after protection measures
members decided to contribute all the labour taken by the PP
required to repair/protect the pump chamber.
They constructed a protective plinth (veranda) and guard wall at the bottom end and saved the
pump chamber.

Collective Bargain Fetches Higher Price for Ground
Nuts
In last Rabi season we have a good harvest of ground nut.
No. of middlemen came to the village and motivated us to
sale the ground nuts to them. But they were offering Rs.
2,800/- to 3,000/- only while the Government approved rate
was 3,400. We discussed the matter in the PP meeting and
decided not to sale our ground nut at less than the Govt.
approved rate.

When the middlemen knew our decision they knowingly offered a higher rate and didn’t take the
groundnuts with the idea that we can’t sale it.

Looking at the situation, we again organized a meeting and decided to gather all the ground
nuts and sale it directly at the go down. By that time the rate was really hiked and we sold the
ground nuts at 3,800/- per quintal.
……..Satrughana Pradhan, Secretary, Radhakrushna PP

Page | 21

Crops grown by farmers of Radhakrushna PP

Farmers of Radhakrushna PP are now happy to get irrigation facility up to the tail end. They
have already started vegetable cultivation. Some farmers have taken sugarcane cultivation as a
cash crop. For economic use of irrigation water some farmers have planted fruit bearing trees
like banana, papaya etc. on the side bunds of the field ditches. The diversification of agriculture
is largely due to the better O&M of Pani Panchayat.

Page | 22

Case Study: Seven

Triggering Spiral Effect: How Diffusion of Innovation Worked?
Looking at the implementation of MLIP, OIIAWMIP & resultant success in surrounding areas,
farmers of Prathamakhandi LIP were waiting for the opportunities to come. And when the
opportunity came, they gathered in both the hands.

The PP members were in regular touch with OLIC field staff and MLIP Consultants. They lost no
time to submit the funding application for improvisation of their LIP in the second phase.
Prathamakhandi LIP was installed in the year 2009
by OLIC and the major infrastructures were a
dedicated transformer, pump chamber and one
delivery tank for discharge of the lifted water. Due to
inadequate distribution system, there was no scope
for providing irrigation to even 25% of the command
area. Farmers of Prathamakhandi LIP had interest
and also experience in cultivation of vegetable and
cash crops.
After knowing about the project objective and Pump operation using new electrical fittings
approach from the MLIP Consultants, the farmers
took active interest to take all the Provisions made to provide irrigation to all the plots in
opportunities. As implementation of phase the command area.
one sub-project were in progress in the S.N. Provisions made Quantity
nearby areas farmers of Srijagannath PP 1 Distribution pipe line (UPVC) 1302 meter
took a little time to understand the concept 2 New distribution tank 18 nos.
of beneficiary contribution and its necessity. 3 Pump set (1100lpm,20m. head) 1 no.
They immediately deposited the upfront 4 Electrical fittings (starter, Main 1 set
contribution amount in their PP Bank switch etc.)
Passbook. 5 Earthen channel 1000 meter
DPR/FAR prepared after transect walk and farmers consultation, adequate provision of
distribution system made and civil work executed by the PP. Provision of Rs. 7,30,000 was
made for improvisation and full scoping of the LIP. Within 2 months all the civil works were
completed by the PP.

Distribution tanks constructed by the PP

Page | 23

To irrigate the summer crop and early broadcasting and transplantation of the Kharif crop the
PP members decided to complete the improvisation work on war footing basis. Time line for
improvisation of Prathamakhandi LIP was as below.

Time line for planning and implementation of work for improvisation of Prathamakhandi LIP
S.N. Activity Time
1 PP awareness meeting and motivation for beneficiary contribution 3/01/2012
11/01/2012
18/01/2012
2 PP consultation and transect walk for preparation of FAR/DPR 21/01/2012
3 Pre and post project crop plan prepared in PP consultation 23/01/2012
4 Delivery of UPVC pipe to PP 30/03/2012
st
5 1 work order issued to PP for execution of civil work 21/04/2012
6 Civil work (first pipe laying) started by PP 24/04/2012
7 PP books and records updated 7/06/2012
8 Civil works completed 31/07/2012

Earthen channels and field ditches constructed by the PP members
Though there was provision of only 1000 meters of earthen channel but the farmers constructed
about 2500 meters additional field ditches to channelize the water to each and every plot. They
contributed land and labour for construction of the field ditches. Opportunities under MLIPI,
OIIAWMIP and interest as well as involvement of the farmers results in achieving the goal of
Srijagannath PP.

Farmers of Srijagganath PP collecting vegetables from their field to sale in the local market

Page | 24

Case Study: Eight
Investing in irrigation brought highest returns for inspired youths

Jitendra Tarai, 27, an unemployed youth of Kathapal village. The village comes under Bainsia
Gram Panchayat of Gondia Block in Dhenkanal District, Odisha. There are 130 households
living in the village out of which 117 are Schedule Caste (SC) and rest 13 comes under OCBC
category. Jitendra who belongs to a SC family had completed graduation in commerce and
staying with his family in this village. As per Jitendra, from his child hood he has great weakness
on agriculture and the natural resources in and
around his village. “I have never thought of going I have never thought of going outside
outside and search for job elsewhere. I have and search for job elsewhere. I have
motivated my friends and several times jointly motivated my friends and several
attempted for economic cropping by taking a times jointly attempted for economic
compact patch of land on lease. It is my bad luck that cropping by taking a compact patch of
every time I lose due to none availability of irrigation land on lease.
during critical stages, crop loss and pest attack etc”
says Jitendra.

There was a LIP in Kathapal village which was constructed in 1973 to lift water from Badai
Ganda which is a feeder Nallaha of Brahmani River. Due to inadequate operation and
maintenance, the LIP was defunct since 2006. Based on the funding application from Bhuasuni
Pani Panchayat, Kathapal the LIP was taken for rehabilitation in the year 2010- 11 under ADB
assistance. Provision of delivery tank, 4 nos. of new distribution tanks and 504 meters of pipe
line was made for covering the entire command are of 50 acres under irrigation.

Enthusiastic farmers of Bhuasuni PP installed a
pump set on priority basis and made the LIP
operational. Mr. Narottam Tarai, Presedent,
Bhuasuni PP says that we made the LIP functional
first and then some farmers started cultivation of
vegetables in rabi season (2011 – 2012). This helped
us in watch and ward of the crop as well as
equipments during construction. Seeing the result,
other farmers are now taking much interest to extend
the distribution system to their land up to the tail end.
Farmers showing the newly installed
Construction of distribution system is still in progress
pump set to make the LIP operable
and the PP is expecting completion of rehabilitation
work in all respect within next three months.

Followed by rehabilitation work, training programme was organized for the PP/farmers on record
keeping, O&M, conflict resolution, and improved agronomic practices etc. by the MLIP
Consultants. Besides, MLIP Consultants and Community Organizers were also regularly
discussing on various Govt. schemes and provisions on agriculture and horticulture in PP
meetings. Among other farmers, Jitendra take much interest to participate in the meetings and
training.

Page | 25

Looking at the operable PP, along with other farmers, Jitendra
also started vegetable cultivation in Rabi 2011 – 2012. Jitendra
had 0.24 acres of land near the 1st distribution tank. He took
another 0.36 acres of land on lease and cultivated vegetables
like brinjal, okra, ridge gourd and jhudanga etc. and sold them in
nearby weekly markets. He visits Bainsia weekly market (2 kms)
on Wednesday, Ballabha market (4 kms) on Monday and

Joranda market (5 km) on Saturday. He had altogether invested
Rs. 26,000/- and got Rs. 82,000/- by selling vegetables. Jitendra
expects that the production will continue for one more month and
he can get some more income. “I have some more land nearby
another distribution tank and after completion of distribution
system, I will cultivate vegetables in more land in coming years”,
says Jitendra.

Jitendra Tarai in his vegetable field

Looking at the success of Jitendra other youths from the Looking at the success of
village are now joined hand with him and planned to take Jitendra other youths from
vegetable cultivation in the coming year. Jitendra is happy the village are now joined
hand with him and planned to
that other youths of the village are now following him and
take vegetable cultivation in
he is enthusiastic to share his experience with them. the coming year
As per Bhuasuni Pani Panchayat, the pending work will be completed within three months.
Consultation of the post project crop plan has been prepared. Farmers have decided to cultivate
brinjal in the high lands, paddy in medium and low lands in kharif season. They have planned to
cultivate vegetables (Sweet potato, Potato, Pointed gourd, Ridge gourd, okra and brinjal etc.)
and ground nut in rabi and also vegetables in summer season. As per plan, total post project
gross benefit will be Rs. 44,16,000/- with Rs. 22,63, 200/- for cost of cultivation and the net
incremental benefit will be Rs, 17,11,310/-. Besides annual O&M cost, the PP has also agreed
to collect depreciation on capital cost (Rs. 7,32,000/-) from the beneficiary members as a part
of water charges so that they will not depend on others for further, repair, maintenance or
renovation if required.

Page | 26

Case Study: Nine
Improvement of Garuala LIP percolated the entire village
Garuala LIP under Rasulpur block in Jajpur district was
installed in 1976 to irrigate 40 acres of land which was
remaining defunct for a long time after installation. The
LIP was made operable by OLIC and handed over to the
newly formed PP named “Jagannath Pani Panchayat” in
the year 2004. By then it is in operational condition but the
distribution system was not adequate to cover the entire
ayacut.

Farmers of Jagannath PP were submitted a funding
application through PLIC field staff for improvisation of
their project under ADB assisted project. Feasibility study
of the LIP was done my MLIP consultants and required
provision to irrigate the entire command area was made.
Improvisation work of the LIP was completed in mid of
2011 by active involvement of the PP.

After improvement of the LIP, farmers of Jagannath PP extended the sugarcane cultivation area
from 12 to 28 acres. They started cultivation of vegetables and made a good income. Now
farmers of Jagannath PP are happy to get irrigation facility for each are every plot in the
command area.

Vegetable cultivation by farmers of Jagannath PP Sugarcane cultivation by farmers of Jagannath PP

There is a community pond close to the
command area of Garuala LIP. Due to adequate
irrigation facility, the entire ayacut is now
remaining ever green throughout the year. As a
result of infiltration of the irrigation water, the 0.5
acres village pond is now remaining with full of
water. Last year the villagers have collected Rs.
15,000/- as community fund by leasing the pond
for fish culture. The villagers are now using the
pond water for bathing and other purposes. This
Village pond presently in use for fish culture
year the PP members have planned to take fish
culture in the pond by taking it on lease from the villagers.

Page | 27

Case Study: Ten
Convergence with Depts. Made the Group Work in Cohesive Manner
Even in the presence of motivation or financial benefit, things are not going to change much if
the social cohesion and intrest sharing is missing among people. In many cases, it is seen that
a strong social cohesion among the members of a group are more likely to change the attitude
of the team towards an approach even if there is weak financial gains involved.

To prove this point, PP of Kakakhanda LIP needs to be considered. In the year 2003, under
OLIC programme Baba Akhandalamani PP was handed over to the community but was largely
functional since then. After receiving the list an assessment was done and it was proved that
even though the project scores heavily on technical as well as
economical aspects but due to poor relationship between
members, it was seeming difficult for getting result. Few
farmers were enjoying the irrigation facility and social cohesion
among the PP members was not at all visible. But the project
was not rejected by the consultants expecting that as
opportunity and interest of farmers is there the PP can be
organized through regular meetings, awareness development,
information sharing,motivation and leadership development.

Regular visit was done by the MLIP consultants and meetings were organized with the PP
members/farmers. Gradually more numbers of farmers joined in the meetings and they started
to be organized. They also agreed to deposit the beneficiary contribution amount in the PP bank
account to start the project. MLIP Consultants along with the PP conducted Transect walk
throughout the command area and finalized the distribution system. Farmer’s consultation was
done and pre as well as post project crop plan and O&M plan was developed. Earlier there was
only one delivery tank and two distribution tanks which were in damaged condition. It was
planned to renovate the existing tanks, extend 500 meters of pipe line and construct 5 additional
distribution tanks. Provision of a new pump set along with other electrical fittings was also done.
With own contribution of land and labour the PP constructed 2400 meters of field ditched for
channelizing the water from distribution points to individual fields.

Based on the
crop plan,
farmers of the PP
cultivated similar
crops in compact
patches for better
irrigation
Paddy cultivation by members of Baba Akhandalamani PP under Line showing
management and
and SRI scheme
take the facility of
marketing in bulk. They regularly visited to the agriculture and horticulture office to consult with
experts regarding soil testing, availability of quality seeds, insect and pest control techniques

Page | 28

etc. During their discussion they also informed about different schemes and programme of the
department.

Banana, Pointed gourd and sugarcane cultivation by farmers of Baba Akhandalamani PP

Looking at the interest and involvement of the
farmers, functionaries of agriculture and horticulture
department visited the village, organized meeting
with the PP and made plan to implement different
demonstration programmes through the PP. Within
a year, different programmes of the department like,
banana cultivation, high breed paddy cultivation
following SRI method, line transplantation of paddy,
vermin compost units etc. were successfully
introduced in the village. Farmers of Kalakhanda Babaji Sahani, Farmer, Baba Akhandalamani
sub-project are now happy to mobilize different PP with his seed cum fertilizer drill mobilized
from agriculture department at 50% subsidy
facilities from Agriculture and Horticulture
department. Looking at the success, the department functionaries are also glad to implement
more such schemes through farmers of Baba Akhandalamani PP in Kalakhanda village.

Vermi compost units constructed by farmers of Baba Akhandlamani PP with support from agriculture dept.

Page | 29

.

Compilation and Designing:
Ranjan Praharaj
Cell: +91 9439862467
E-mail: praharaj.ranjan@gmail.com Page | 30

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