Farmers have been benefitted in many ways. The increased income levels from agriculture and other allied sources have played a significant role in elevating the living standard and changing the overall approach towards life. Use of the latest technology in farming practices has thus brought a concrete change in Buchkewadi and has transformed it into a progressive village.

Efficient Use of Land

Most of the cultivable area in the village was rain fed and single cropped before implementing the water shed. About 24 ha of land which was classified as fallow region, has now been transformed into cultivable land, through these interventions.

Introduction of new crops

Increase in the level of ground water and exposure to advanced agricultural techniques have helped in bringing about a change in the crops.

• The net area utilised for cultivation in the Kharif season has increased from 498.21 ha to 521.98 ha.
  New crops like Turmeric, Garlic, Soybean, Peanut, and Millet have been introduced in farming.
• The net area utilised for cultivation in the Rabi season has increased from 272.29 ha to 410.00 ha. This substantial increase has occurred due to factors like sufficient ground water availability, effective utilization of surface water through micro irrigation systems and federation of water users’ groups. Federation has helped particularly in regard to the users of the minor irrigation tank in the village.
• Cash crops like potato and onion or other produce like marigolds, chrysanthemums, mangoes and pomegranates have brought about a significant addition to the options available to a farmer. Area cultivated for paddy has been reduced to cultivate cash crops.
• Crops like sugarcane and banana that consume significant amount of water have been completely banned.

Appropriate Use of Organic Manure

About 28 farmers have constructed permanent vermicompost units and have been using them since the last two years. This has resulted in almost 30% increase in the crop production. As a result, the expenditure on buying chemical fertilizers has reduced considerably.

Promotion of Horticulture

An additional 30 ha land apart from the 10 ha project supported horticulture area has been allotted for cultivating fruits like mango and pomegranate. The entire cost of plantation is borne by the farmers, and Lupin Foundation acts as a facilitator providing standard quality saplings to the farmers.

Cost benefit can be derived by assessing difference in production of major crops during pre and post period of the development project. Cumulative market value of agricultural products is compared and difference in income is presented in the following table.

The net increase in income achieved through implementation of the development project is estimated at about Rs. 3.46 Cr.

Crop	Before Interventions		After Interventions		Income difference (Approx.) (in Lakh)
	Production (Random sample survey) (qn)	Market value (Approx.) (in Lakh)	Production (Actual) (qn)	Market value (Approx.) (in Lakh)
1	2	3	4	5	6=(5-3)
Cereals	7181.61	215.45	11020	330.60	115.15
Pulses	1165.8	46.63	1570	62.80	16.17
Oil seeds	2651.42	106.06	2780	111.20	5.14
Horticulture	0	0.00	926	37.04	37.04