India
Farm Pond, Fisheries & Solar Irrigation
From Rain-Dependent to Resilient: One Family’s Water Story- How a farm pond, fisheries, and solar irrigation transformed farming for one household in Mohkhed Block, Chhindwara
Basturi Kavdeti
Dodiya village, Mohkhed Block, Chhindwara District
2 acres
Chhindwara Compact
The challenge
Basturi Kavdeti, 42, farms two acres with her husband Sukvansha — their household’s primary livelihood. Before RPLC’s intervention, farming depended entirely on rainfall. Water-intensive crops like wheat couldn’t be grown reliably, water scarcity strained both animals and household needs during dry months, and the family’s land sat underused despite its potential.
The intervention
With support from RPLC, a farm pond was built on the family’s land — with fisheries integrated directly into it. Because the family rears fish, they deliberately don’t fully draw the pond down for irrigation, keeping water levels stable year-round. A solar irrigation system was also installed, lifting water from the pond without relying on diesel or grid electricity.
The impact
| Before | After | |
| Water source | Rainfall only | Farm pond + solar lift, year-round |
| Crops grown | Rainfed only, conservative choices | Wheat (2 seasons), gram, red gram |
| Wheat production | Not possible | 8 quintals over 2 seasons |
| Household/animal water | Scarce in dry season | Secure, plus shared with neighbours |
| Irrigation costs | N/A | Reduced — no diesel or grid electricity needed |
Earlier we were only able to take one crop now we can take two crops which has increased our income.
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