From Uncertainty to
Income Stability

For years, life for Arunaben and her family in Gavdahad Village was marked by uncertainty. Dependent on a small landholding and seasonal monsoon cultivation, the family earned only enough to meet basic household needs for a few months each year. Once the harvest season ended, Arunaben and her husband were compelled to migrate to Maharashtra to work as woodcutting labourers in forest areas — a physically demanding and unsafe occupation that kept them away from their children and community for long periods.

Their circumstances began to change through the CCDP Sankalp programme, under which Arunaben was selected to receive support through the Solar Mini Lift Irrigation initiative. With access to reliable irrigation, along with technical guidance on crop planning, bio-inputs, and water-efficient agricultural practices, she was encouraged to diversify into vegetable cultivation for the first time.

Arunaben cultivated Cluster Beans and Valor Beans on her land, leading to a substantial increase in both productivity and income. The intervention transformed agriculture from a subsistence activity into a sustainable livelihood opportunity for the family.

Crop Production and Earnings:

• Cluster Beans: 950 kg: Rs 1,08,000
• Valor Beans: 2,660 kg: Rs. 3,19,200
• Total Income Earned: Rs. 4,27,200

Beyond improved income, the programme also enabled the family to access essential government entitlements, including ration card support, Aadhaar correction, and other welfare services. Most importantly, the family no longer needs to migrate in search of work. Today, they cultivate their land throughout the year, manage household expenses with greater confidence, and are beginning to save for future investments.

Reflecting on the transformation, Arunaben shares:

“Now our children see us working at home, not leaving the village.”

Her story demonstrates how access to irrigation, sustainable farming practices, and institutional support can help rural families move away from seasonal distress migration towards stability, dignity, and long-term resilience.