NMDC – A Model Of Agricultural Transformation: Irrigation Project Doubles Farmers’ Income In Panna, Madhya Pradesh

For years, farmers in Badour struggled with the unpredictability of monsoons, relying solely on seasonal rainfall to cultivate wheat, rice, mustard, and barley. The fertile land held promise, but without a dependable irrigation system, its full potential remained untapped. Limited access to water meant that farmers could harvest only one crop a year, making agriculture a precarious livelihood.

NMDC’s intervention came in the form of the Deepening and Reconstruction of Pond project under its CSR initiative. By deepening and expanding the village pond, NMDC created a sustainable irrigation source, ensuring year-round water availability. This breakthrough has been enabling farmers to cultivate two to three crops per year, significantly boosting their income and economic security.

So far, NMDC has invested Rs. 56 lakhs in this project – Rs. 18 lakhs in the first phase and Rs. 38 lakhs in the ongoing second phase.

Transformative Impact: Doubling Yields, Doubling Income: The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Roop Narayan Yadav, the village sarpanch, recalls the struggle before NMDC’s intervention: “Earlier, we could grow only one crop because there was no water. Our fields remained dry after the monsoon, and we could only hope for a good yield once a year. Thanks to NMDC, we now have access to irrigation water throughout the year, which has doubled our production, as well as, income.”

Where farmers once harvested 15 quintals per acre, they now produce 20-30 quintals on an average. This surge in productivity has led to an additional income of at least Rs 50,000 per harvest, allowing families to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and a quality life for their children.

Narayan Singh Yadav, a farmer owning three acres of land, speaks with pride about the initiative’s impact: “Before, I could only water my fields once, yielding just 20 quintals per season. Now, with consistent irrigation, I harvest 30 quintals per crop. My income has increased by Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. NMDC has not just helped us grow more; it has stabled our financial security.”

For Hishor Singh Yadav, a lifelong farmer with nine acres, the transformation is even more profound. He said, “Water scarcity made it impossible to use my entire land. Now, with a reliable irrigation system, I cultivate all nine acres. I have even started growing mustard as a second crop. Last year, I earned Rs 1 lakh from surplus mustard alone, something I never imagined before. This is what real agricultural progress looks like.”

Beyond Agriculture: A Holistic Transformation: The prosperity spurred by NMDC’s efforts extends beyond increased harvests. The younger generation, previously sceptical about farming as a viable career, now sees a promising future in agriculture. Encouraged by consistent water supply, families are experimenting with growing vegetables and pulses, further diversifying their income. The village, once struggling with basic resources, is now emerging as a model of CSR development.

NMDC envisions further economic opportunities for Badour. With the newly reconstructed pond now a thriving water body, fish farming presents a promising avenue for additional income. By forming local committees and creating awareness, farmers could introduce aquaculture as another revenue stream, further securing their financial well-being.

For Badour Village, the promise of prosperity is no longer a distant dream but a thriving reality.