CDSA being an agriculturist institution, established the Wasteland Development Demonstration Farm (WDDF) in 1984, over a 12-acre plot at the CDSA campus in Pune. This was funded by a grant from HIVOS and a surplus generated from the ISD through its UNCHS (HABITAT) Govt. of Sri Lanka Project. The initiative was built on a vital premise: converting wasteland into productive assets is essential for sustainable rural livelihoods.
Our Objective
The WDDF serves as an action-research hub. We aim to prove the technical feasibility and economic viability of wasteland development for small and marginal farmers.
Key Interventions
To demonstrate the land’s potential, we implemented a six-point action plan:
- Land Restoration: Upgrading soil quality through conservation and regeneration practices.
- Water Management: Harvesting and conserving water using both innovative and traditional methods.
- Agroforestry: Planting trees to improve soil retention while providing fodder, fuel, and income.
- Market Linkages: Analyzing trade terms to help farmers market vegetables and fruits effectively, from street-corner retail to the regulated Pune market.
- Value Addition: Processing and preserving produce like tomatoes, chilies, and mangoes.
- Capacity Building: Creating training modules on land, water, and vegetation management.
Varieties of crops grown
- Eggplants
- Spinach
- Fenugreek
- Latus
- Cabages
- Radish
- Broccoli
- Groundnut
- Soyabean
- Potatoes
- Dill
- Onions
- Garlic
- Musturd
- Chillis
- Colocasia
- Corn
- Variety of Beans
- Cantaloup Muskmelon
- Carrots
- Beetroots
- Tomatos
Impact & Legacy
The lessons learned at WDDF paved the way for the Pilot Watershed Development Demonstration Project. The Planning Commission (GoI) funded this project under the Western Ghats Development Programme (1989–1994). This project expanded our model to high-rainfall areas.
It engaged eight micro-watersheds in Mulshi taluka, benefiting eight villages. To date, the WDDF has served as a training ground for over 100 farmers, NGO representatives, and government officials, proving that barren land can become a source of prosperity.
Recent interventions
CDSA recently restored and lined the existing farm pond to ensure it is leakproof, creating a water storage capacity of approximately 2.5 lakh liters. Additionally, the installation of new drip and sprinkler irrigation systems now enables CDSA to undertake advanced pilot studies focused on controlled irrigation and sustainable farming practices.
For Sustainable Development Goals
Research
Advanced Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture (ASHA): CDSA is researching the potential of no dig and chop and drop method of soil preservation and amendment. This method is coupled with polyculture approaches with zero pesticide and insecticide depending solely on pollinators and predatory insects to manage pests and harmful insects. 2026 is the first year of program ASHA. This program aims to document and compare the input and output levels in terms of seeds, fertilizers, water requirements and yield quantities and profits.
Way forward
Seed Bank: In order to provide access to a diverse variety of seeds helping farmers adapt to changes in climate and dealing with pests, CDSA is starting a seed bank. This seed bank will help preserve traditional varieties of seeds which otherwise will be lost. It aims to provide good quality exotic heirloom seeds in the future. This endeavour will ensure a safety-net in times of crop failure and disaster.
Soil Testing Lab for Sustainable Agriculture (STLSA): Soil testing is a vital step for precision agriculture, enabling farmers to optimize nutrient management and minimize environmental impact. To advance this goal, CDSA is establishing a sophisticated laboratory designed to analyze the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of soil. By evaluating critical indicators like pH balance, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content; the lab will provide farmers with pin-pointed soil amendment recommendations. This data-backed scientific approach not only identifies contamination and nutrient deficiencies but also promotes cost-efficiency and long-term sustainable agriculture.
Hosting and conducting workshops for sustainable agriculture and livelihood security: CDSA will be conducting capacity-building workshops focused on the path to sustainable organic agriculture with the aim of securing better livelihoods for farmers. These sessions will go beyond the basics by combining innovative productivity strategies with practical takeaways from our in-house research, including the ASHA program. By bridging the gap between research and the field, CDSA will empower farmers to build a more profitable and sustainable future.