In the heart of Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-affected Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, a quiet revolution is underway in Mohbhata village. Thanks to the NABARD-supported Sujala Solar Scheme, local farmer Chintaram Naik has transformed his seven-acre farm into a model of modern agriculture. The installation of a solar irrigation pump has not only solved chronic water shortages but also doubled his income, setting a powerful example for others.
Chintaram, a seasoned cultivator, rotates crops strategically across seasons. During Rabi, he grows paddy, followed by maize, mustard, moong, and urad in Kharif. In summer, wheat, chickpeas, urad, and maize take center stage. This crop cycling preserves soil fertility and conserves water, leading to higher yields and superior quality produce.
‘Solar pump changed everything,’ Chintaram shares. Earlier, erratic water supply crippled farming efforts. Now, reliable irrigation allows year-round cultivation using organic methods. His produce fetches premium prices in neighboring districts, boosting earnings significantly.
The ripple effect is palpable. Fellow villagers are adopting solar pumps and scientific practices, heralding a new era of sustainable farming. This initiative underscores how targeted government support can uplift rural economies, combat water scarcity, and enhance farmer livelihoods in challenging terrains.