Actively championing sustainable rural development in Telangana, HDFC Bank Parivartan’s CSR initiative brought transformative change to marginalized farming communities. A key contributor to this success is Sairupa Dola, MIS Coordinator, at CYDA whose vision and commitment have empowered tribal farmers in Agarwada to embrace renewable energy and resilient agricultural practices. Her work has not only improved livelihoods but also developd a spirit of self-reliance and community-led innovation, laying the groundwork for environmentally sustainable growth.
In the heart of Telangana’s Kerameri Mandal lies the remote tribal village of Agarwada, where farming has long been a struggle for survival. With its harsh terrain and deep reliance on monsoon rains, agriculture was once a high-risk activity that offered little return. For decades, the small-scale tribal farmers of this region remained dependent on a single seasonal cotton crop, challenged by unpredictablerainfall and a lack of sustainable irrigation. But a recent intervention by the Center for Youth Development Activities, supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan’s CSR initiative, has sparked a revolution—bringing sustainable change through the simple power of the sun.
The Problem: Trapped in a Cycle of Risk and Low Returns
The farming in Agarwada village was characterized by uncertainty and hardship. Most farmers
cultivated just one crop—cotton—relying solely on rainfall. While a few attempted to irrigate their fields using diesel-powered pumps, the high cost of diesel (Rs.12,000/- per four acres per season) made farming nearly unsustainable. These challenges discouraged second cropping, limiting both income and food availability for large families.
The consequences
- Single crop dependency, resulting in food insecurity.
- High operational costs, eating into already insufficient profits.
- Lack of sustainable energy sources, increasing environmental degradation.
- Farmer frustration, as the cost of diesel often exceeded returns.
A ray of hope through Solar Irrigation
Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions, CYDA, stepped in with a targeted and community-driven intervention. The solution was simple but effective: a solar-powered community borewell, providing reliable and cost-free irrigation.
Key Steps
- Needs Assessment and Community Engagement:
CYDA conducted field surveys and discussions with local farmers to understand their challenges. The assessment helped identify the optimal location for installing the borewell.
- Installation of Solar Infrastructure:
Solar panels have been installed to power a borewell system that could serve four farmers initially. The system provided uninterrupted water access—free from diesel costs and environmental impact.
- Training and Capacity Building:
Farmers received hands-on training in using and maintaining the system, increasing their confidence and sense of ownership. This included guidance on troubleshooting, basic repairs, and irrigation best practices. - Monitoring and Continuous Support:
CYDA continued to visit the site post-implementation to ensure functionality and guide farmers in optimizing the new system.
Among the early adopters were Mr. Ch. Thukaram and Mr. V. Bojirao, both 45 years old, each supporting households of 10 members. Their leadership and openness to new methods were crucial to the project’s success.
Overcoming Challenges:
Initially, there were concerns among the farmers. Many doubted whether solar-powered irrigation would work effectively, especially given their past struggles. However, CYDA’s consistent engagement, real-time demonstrations, and inclusion of farmers in every step helped dissolve skepticism.
Encouraged by the borewell’s success, Thukaram and Bojirao took additional steps: they invested their own resources into sprinkler systems to further improve irrigation efficiency—something unimaginable before this intervention.
Impact and Achievements: A Village Transformed
The transformation in Agarwada Village has been both quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative Results:
| Impact Area | Before CYDA intervention | After CYDA intervention |
| Number of Farmers benefitted | 0 | 4 (2 actively growing second crops) |
| Cost of Irrigation (Diesel) | Rs.12,000/- (per 4 acres) | Solar-powered irrigation |
| Second crop cultivated | None | Wheat, jowar, chilli, tomato, onion, chickpea |
Qualitative Results:
| Impact Area | Before | After |
| Farming Practices | Only one cotton crop due to high costs | Cultivation of multiple second crops |
| Financial Savings | High diesel expenses reducing profits | Savings reinvested into farm improvements (e.g., sprinklers) |
| Crop Diversity | Cotton monoculture | Greater food and cash crop diversity |
| Household Food Security | Limited | Improved food availability and nutrition |
| Farmer Ownership and Skills | Low | High due to capacity building and system training |
Insights from the Field
- Small interventions, big impact: A single solar borewell triggered broad changes in income, diet, and farming confidence.
- Community participation is key: Involving farmers from the planning stage-built trust and ensured sustainability.
- Capacity building ensures long-term success: Training helped farmers become self-reliant and motivated further investment.
Lessons learnt
Renewable energy technologies like solar power can make farming more affordable, resilient, and eco-friendly for small farmers.
- Practical training and capacity building are essential for long-term success and farmer self-reliance.
- Community involvement in planning and implementation leads to greater ownership and care of shared resources.
- Even small, low-cost interventions can bring significant improvements in food security, income, and sustainability.
- Farmers are willing and able to invest further in their farms when they see clear benefits from initial interventions.
- Renewable energy can power rural prosperity: Eco-friendly technology reduced costs and environmental harm simultaneously.
A brighter future for rural farmers
The solar-powered borewell in Agarwada is more than just a piece of infrastructure—it is a symbol of what is possible when innovation meets community engagement. Farmers like Thukaram and Bojirao have increased their productivity and also became role models for others in the region. This success story underlines the importance of sustainable, localized, and participatory development. With the support of CYDA and HDFC Bank Parivartan, Agarwada’s farmers are no longer at the mercy of monsoons or diesel prices.
