There are other bans in the village which were added later. Most significant was the ban on borewells for irrigation, growing sugarcane and banana and sell- ing one’s land to any outsider. These measures illustrate that issues of long-term sustainability (especially in terms of water use) were very much central to the strategy. The bandis were not mere proclamations but ways of community build- ing aimed at people identifying with the common purpose. But it was not always a smooth affair.

The area irrigated for summer crops has increased from 7 to 72 hec. In a year of normal rainfall, there is enough water in the wells to irrigate not only the kharif bajra, but also the rabi jowar and some summer vegetable crops. Even in unirrigated land, the improvement in soil moisture level has helped to increase productivity. The range of crops is also considerably more diverse than in the past with people growing cash crops such as potatoes, onions, fruits (grapes and pomegranates), flowers, and wheat. Perhaps the most significant development is that increased water availability has made a second crop possible and hence mi- gration elsewhere has reduced. Although this has not meant that small and mar- ginal farmers are able to eke out a living on their own lands only, it has made their lands much more productive. The conditions of wage employment have also im- proved with wage rates going up – though they remain on the low side.