Water conservation has always been a cornerstone of the Agricultural Development Trust’s vision to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and community development. Even before its formal establishment in 1971, the Trust had initiated the construction of 80 percolation tanks. After its founding, this momentum accelerated, and nearly 100 tanks were completed in the following years. Recognizing that 43 villages in the region depended solely on monsoon rains, the construction of 289 percolation tanks became a turning point, significantly improving groundwater recharge and transforming barren lands into cultivable fields. This initiative was driven by the visionary leadership of Hon. Sharadchandraji Pawar, the dedicated efforts of Dr. Appasaheb Pawar, and support from CASA.
Complementing this infrastructural effort was the ‘Jal Jagar’ and ‘Janajagruti Abhiyan’, a water awareness campaign across 33 villages. These initiatives included street plays, public meetings, and community discussions that emphasized the importance of conserving every drop of water. They helped instill a deep sense of responsibility among villagers toward water management.
To promote efficient water usage, the Trust also encouraged the adoption of drip irrigation, particularly under the leadership of Mr. Rajendra Pawar, who conducted numerous awareness lectures on the subject. Farmers were educated about how drip irrigation reduces water wastage while improving crop productivity.
Another important method adopted was in-situ moisture conservation. By creating small, flat beds in fields, farmers could retain uniform soil moisture, reduce runoff, and prevent soil erosion—crucial for dryland crops like Jowar and Bajra. The KVK launched this practice in 2012 through farmer awareness campaigns across 252 villages, starting with 36 rain-fed villages. Demonstrations were provided with the support of farmers' clubs and the Department of Agriculture.
Furthering its commitment to rural development, the Trust launched a Campaign to Create Developed Villages, aimed at empowering newly elected Gram Panchayat members. The campaign focused on educating them in village administration, with special emphasis on water conservation, drip irrigation, and tree plantation. These campaigns not only promoted environmental sustainability but also nurtured leadership skills among village representatives.
Through these integrated efforts—spanning infrastructure, education, and governance—the Agricultural Development Trust has laid a strong foundation for long-term water security, sustainable agriculture, and empowered rural communities.
