History of the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati

The history of the Agricultural Development Trust (ADT), Baramati is deeply rooted in the socio-economic transformation of a drought-prone region that once struggled for basic resources such as food and water. In the late 19th century, Baramati faced severe famine, with people starving and migrating for survival. To address this crisis, the British administration began constructing major irrigation structures including the Nira Left Bank Canal, Khadakwasla Canal in Pune, and the Krishna Canal near Karad. The construction of the Lloyd Bhatghar Dam on the Nira River in 1930 transformed irrigation capabilities and brought relief to 22 villages in Baramati tehsil.

However, the remaining 43 villages continued to suffer due to their location in a rain-shadow zone. During this difficult period, two Australian social workers from the Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Miss Hessel Skues and Miss Edna Wazar, played a remarkable humanitarian role by distributing food and essentials to famine-affected communities.

In 1965, a young graduate and “son of the soil,” Hon. Shri Sharadchandraji Pawar, began working intensively among the people. Recognizing the urgent need for water conservation, he initiated the construction of percolation tanks under the “Food for Work” programme with the support of Miss Skues and Miss Wazar. The first percolation tank was constructed at Tandulwadi in 1967. Over the years, around 80 percolation tanks were built, significantly improving groundwater levels and agricultural sustainability.

During the 1970s, Baramati remained drought-prone, with agriculture entirely dependent on the monsoon. To tackle recurring droughts and to promote scientific agriculture, Hon. Shri Sharad Pawar established the Agricultural Development Trust (ADT) in 1971.

Financial support was sought from international humanitarian agencies such as Lutheran World Relief (USA), Christian Aid (London), and Teredes Homes (Germany). Central Bank of India provided loans to farmers for digging wells, guaranteed by the Trust. Kirloskar Oil Engines donated irrigation engines at subsidised rates, which accelerated the region's agricultural progress. Nearly 289 percolation tanks were constructed, creating a revolutionary shift in the villages.

As responsibilities grew, Hon. Shri Appasaheb Pawar assumed leadership of the Trust in 1976. His visit to Israel in 1970 inspired the adoption of advanced irrigation and farming technologies. Under his guidance, a barren 110-acre land near Malegaon (Kh) was transformed into a model demonstration farm. Farmers across Maharashtra visited the Trust for training in horticulture, irrigation, organic farming, fertigation, and modern agricultural practices.

The Trust diversified into dairy, poultry, goatry, nurseries, mechanized farming, and agri-processing, creating new livelihood opportunities. The introduction of hybrid cows and quality fodder improved milk production, raising the economic status of farming households.

A major turning point came with the vision to educate and empower rural girls. Dr. Appasaheb Pawar realized that many families avoided sending girls far away for education. To address this, he established a comprehensive educational complex for women at Shardanagar, starting with a Women's Education College in 1989. Over time, schools, junior colleges, Shardabai Pawar Arts, Commerce & Science College, D.Ed. College, Nursing College, hostels, and training facilities were established. Today, nearly 6000 girls pursue education on the campus.

After the passing of Dr. Appasaheb Pawar in 2000, the Trust leadership was taken forward by Hon. Shri Rajendra Pawar and Hon. Sou. Sunanda Pawar. They expanded the Trust's initiatives in areas such as women's empowerment, environment protection, entrepreneurship, agri-innovation, cultural development (Srujan Festival), and the renowned Bhimthadi Jatra—an exhibition and marketplace for women's Self Help Groups.

The Trust also introduced competitive examination centres, police recruitment training, entrepreneurship development training for girls, and international collaborations with institutions like Van Hall Larenstein (Netherlands), UC Davis (USA), AIT (Bangkok), and Yunnan Agricultural University (China).

Today, the Agricultural Development Trust stands as a symbol of rural transformation—supporting farmers, empowering women, fostering education, advancing research, and uplifting socio-economic conditions across Maharashtra. The vision of the Pawar brothers continues to guide the Trust as it builds a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.