SBI Gram Saksham Project: Strengthening Water Conservation and Farmers’ Prosperity

22 March 2025, Jamui & Deoghar: On the occasion of World Water Day, farmers across Jamui and Deoghar districts expressed their deep gratitude for the SBI Gram Saksham Project, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with support from SBI Foundation. The initiative has significantly advanced water conservation efforts and enhanced irrigation facilities, resulting in improved agricultural productivity and increased farmers’ incomes.

Water Conservation Initiative in Chakai Block

In Chakai block, farmers from Gamharia village, including Kailash Yadav, Rajiv Yadav, and Gultan Yadav, successfully cultivated paddy on 10 acres using water from a traditional Ahar (reservoir) and later grew wheat and mustard on three acres. Similarly, Nandkishore Pandey from Diringi village benefited from a motor pump provided by the project, enabling him to cultivate mustard on 10 Katha (0.34 acres).

The project has renovated 100 wells in villages such as Kasajor, Baljori, Gaji, Sone, Guriyadih, Gosaidih, Narodih, Gamharia, Kasidih, Tetariya, Biringi, Chhotpar, Konkri Pipra, Kalibak, Badiyadih, Ghormo, Mehraiyadih, Jamni, and Binjhagdhara, significantly improving irrigation facilities. Additionally, 20 ponds were deepened to ensure water availability for agriculture, and 300 farmers received electric motor pumps for irrigation.

As part of the SBI Gram Seva Project, villages such as Heth Chakai, Patjori, Chhachhudi, Garhi, and Mamatadih have seen the installation of 14 new hand pumps, the repair of 55 hand pumps, and the restoration of 42 wells. To ensure clean drinking water in government schools, submersible pumps, water tanks, and tap connections have been installed. Additionally, 5,568 saplings have been planted as part of a broader water conservation initiative.

Positive Impact of Water Management in Deoghar Sadar Block

In Barsatia village of Deoghar Sadar Block, farmer Ameen Yadav lauded the renovation of his well and the provision of an electric motor pump under the SBI Gram Saksham Project. He shared that this support doubled his income, allowing him to cultivate wheat, maize, onions, potatoes, mustard, tomatoes, and eggplants, earning up to ₹70,000 per year.

In Balraydih village, the deepening of a public pond has ensured year-round irrigation. The project is also active in villages such as Modidih, Babudih, Gokhuldih, Digharia, Joramh, Joruadih, Tetariya, Semradih, Dumarkundi, Bandarvasa, Alagzara, Bhagwanpur, Basakola, Ukhariya, Navdiha, Bahangia, Dalluraidih, Parandi, Bhalusar, Belatukur, Sarukha, and Balraydih. Here, 100 wells have been renovated, 19 ponds deepened, and 300 farmers received electric motor pumps.

Under the SBI Gram Seva Project, 22 new hand pumps were installed, 49 hand pumps repaired, and 27 wells renovated in villages including Navadiha, Barsatia, Ramaldi, Sahari, and Gadi, enhancing water conservation efforts. A government school kitchen was also equipped with a submersible pump, water tank, and tap connection, ensuring clean drinking water for students. Additionally, 9,585 saplings were planted to reinforce water conservation measures.

Commitment of SBI Foundation

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, stated:
“Water is the most critical component of human life, particularly for agrarian communities. Watershed development and the promotion of sustainable water management practices have been key focus areas of our Gram Saksham program. We are pleased to see the positive impact of our efforts in partnership with Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra in Jamui and Deoghar districts. We believe that local communities will continue to take ownership of these interventions in the future.”

Transforming Rural Communities

The SBI Gram Saksham Project plays a crucial role in water conservation and improving farmers’ livelihoods. By promoting efficient water resource management, the initiative strengthens rural resilience, making villages self-reliant and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.