Our area gets little rainfall. We had only one pond and one check dam and could farm only a few months of the year. With ITC's help, we formed a Water User Association. Every family contributed 25 kgs of wheat and 4 days of labour.
Together we planned and built one more check dam and 3 new farm ponds which are now full of water after the monsoon. We are able to grow the Kharif crop through summer. We collect water cess from farmers to maintain the structures and to contribute to village development projects.

My friends convinced me to join their ITC supported self-help Chikankari group - Shilpika. We have been able to train under a master craftsman which has helped us to hone our skills and get better prices for our products. Today our group's annual earnings are Rs.70,000. Part of this goes into paying off loans; the rest is shared between group members.

The experience has been extremely rewarding for us all. It has motivated me to start another group - Kashida.