Responses to declining water availability. Returning to indigenous Seeds. Village Dharav-Padav, 2005 Courtesy of Catapult Arts Caravan

Agad (lat 22.41 N long 78.40 E) is located on the Dudhi river as it flows out of the Satpura hills. An old-timer from the nearby village of Dharav Padav says, "In the past, it rained more frequently and it filled us with joy. We did not need more water, farming was simple." The village headman says, " The forest was dense, many animals were seen. Farming was bountiful because it rained enough. We could grow crops without thinking of irrigation. Now it doesn't rain on time, there's a shortage of water, and standing crops sometimes wither away. " Many in the village complained, " There is enough for the home, but not enough to irrigate the fields. We have been demanding irrigation facilities for years now, but nothing has come out of it." Consequently, many farmers here have reverted to traditional rain fed farming. "All Hybrid varieties need standing water, but this is a rain fed variety. Its grains are smaller, it is ready in two and a half months." "This is a traditional rice called Kardhana. It is hardy, nutritious and is widely grown in these parts. Mostly because it does not need additional water, fertiliser or pesticides."