Migrants take the route home

Inspired by the Shroff Foundation Trust8217;s work in the area, Mistry profiles, apart from the farmers, women who have gone back to basket-weaving and ornament-making from working as construction labour in the city.

8220;Earlier, they were unable to use their land, as the monsoon eroded a lot of the topsoil. But now, a high barricade keeps the water away and allows them to grow both cash crops and food crops8221;, says Mistry.

Research also revealed that the villagers faced a problem storing water. Thus, precious rainwater drained away, leaving their lands dry and their cattle thirsty. 8220;But they were trained to build proper catch dams,8221; says Mistry. 8220;Since the foundation involved them in the project, they now know how to irrigate the fields and provide water to their cattle throughout the year8221;, he adds.

The film-maker says a village called Nimaj, about 27 km from Dahod, continued to face a similar situation because of improper training and inadequate funds. 8220;Nimaj villagers are still leaving their home to work in the city8221;, he claims.

Incidentally, Mistry has also made a documentary on this village.