Agriculture Development in Jalihal:

The Jalihal area receives only 450 mm of unpredictable annual rainfall and faces severe droughts two to three times every decade. With infertile soil and over 80% of the population relying on agriculture, the villagers, who are marginally literate and possess no special skills, depend solely on traditional farming practices for their livelihood. Many farmer families resort to seasonal migration for sugarcane cutting in western Sangli district, as traditional crops like Bajara (millet) and Toor (pigeon pea) barely suffice for survival, leaving no room for growth.

Yerala Agriculture Farm: A Model for Sustainable Farming

In 1998, YPS purchased 30 acres of barren, uncultivated land to establish the Yerala Agriculture Farm, aimed at conducting on-field demonstrations of various agricultural practices to minimize risks for local farmers. By experimenting with new crops and technologies on its own farm and sharing successful results with local farmers, YPS ensures the scaling up of safe and suitable agricultural activities.

Demonstrated Crops and Technologies:

• Crops: Mango, Grapes, Sapota, Guava, Tamarind, Custard Apple, Dragon Fruit (Gunjali)
• Technologies: Subsoil irrigation, drip irrigation, water storage using plastic sheets, mulching, solar-powered water pumping, rooftop rainwater harvesting system, and small-scale irrigation schemes

Support Services:

The farm extends services such as plant nurseries, training, free extension services, and guidance to local farmers.

Recent Achievements:

• Pigeon Pea Study: A three-year study on decreasing pigeon pea yields led to the introduction of disease-resistant seeds. With successful results, 500 farmers received free improved seeds, resulting in bumper crop yields.
• Vacuum Packing System (2025): To address the issue of falling market prices due to simultaneous crop harvesting, YPS is introducing a vacuum packing system for small farmers producing less than two tons of cereals and grains. This system allows farmers to store their produce and sell it when market prices are favorable.

Through these initiatives, YPS is transforming agriculture in Jalihal, ensuring year-round farming, reducing seasonal migration, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Additional Projects:

• Behavioural Study of Sirohi Goats: YPS conducted a study of Sirohi goats and adapted measures to integrate them into local conditions. They developed a crossbreed of Sirohi and Osmanabadi goats that is sturdy, grows faster, and provides more income to local farmers. YPS established three breeding centers in 22 villages to propagate this crossbreed.
• Giriraj Chickens: YPS demonstrated the use of Giriraj chickens and designed appropriate cages. Based on this experience, around 400 women were given improved chickens and appropriate cages as a source of income.
• 1 Million Tree Plantation Program: YPS played a significant role in this program by receiving and nurturing 1 million plants from various nurseries. They distributed plants, fertilizer kits, and water absorbers to over 5,000 farmers, enhancing biodiversity and creating green patches.
• Kitchen Garden Demonstration Unit (2024): YPS developed a demonstration unit for kitchen gardens and trained 20 leader women, who then trained over 500 women. These women received seeds of 16 types of vegetables and established kitchen gardens near their homes, providing year-round access to green vegetables.

Future Activities for Jalihal Farm

• Research and Development: YPS will continue to explore new crop varieties and agricultural practices to enhance yields and resilience. This includes developing climate-resistant crops and innovative farming techniques.
• Advanced Water Management: YPS plans to implement cutting-edge water management solutions, such as advanced rainwater harvesting systems, efficient drip irrigation, and water recycling technologies to ensure sustainable water use.
• Expansion of Regenerative Agriculture: YPS will promote regenerative agriculture practices, including cover cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, and composting, to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem resilience.
• Agri-Business Training: YPS will offer comprehensive training programs to help local farmers transition to agri-business models, focusing on value-added products, marketing strategies, and financial management to improve income.
• Sustainable Farming Innovations: YPS aims to integrate sustainable farming innovations, such as renewable energy sources (solar and wind power) and conservation agriculture practices, to reduce environmental impact and ensure long-term productivity.
• Community Outreach and Support: YPS will expand its community outreach efforts, providing ongoing support, workshops, and field visits to share knowledge and best practices with local farmers.
• Enhanced Market Access: YPS plans to develop better market access and supply chain infrastructure, establishing partnerships with buyers and setting up collection centers to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their products.
• Youth Engagement Programs: To encourage the younger generation to take up farming, YPS will introduce agricultural education in schools and provide hands-on training and internships, fostering a new wave of skilled farmers.
• Innovative Post-Harvest Solutions: YPS will continue to develop and implement innovative post-harvest solutions, such as vacuum packing systems, sustainable packaging, and advanced processing facilities, to maximize the value of agricultural produce.
• Animal Husbandry and Poultry Development: YPS will further develop programs for animal husbandry and poultry, including breeding centers for crossbreed goats and improved chickens, providing sustainable income sources for local farmers.
• Through these future activities, YPS aims to enhance agricultural sustainability, improve livelihoods, and create a brighter future for the farming community in the Jalihal area.