Madhyam Foundation started a livelihoods project in 20 villages in Odisha in 2008. In September 2008, Madhyam was invited to a consultation on the DBI (Decentralized Biodiversity Initiative) project and submitted a proposal. Madhyam was sanctioned funds to construct 3 DBI structures between 2010-2011. This resulted in 78.8 acres of agricultural land across 3 villages being irrigated. Crops like sunflower, mustard, vegetables were grown. The achievements, innovations, difficulties faced, process followed, scope for leveraging DBIs, and suggestions for quality improvement are discussed.