Farming in India’s semi-arid regions confronts many hurdles, ranging from water scarcity and deteriorating soil health to extreme weather events jeopardizing food security, natural assets, and the environment. The pivotal groundwater reserves crucial for irrigation are under duress due to soaring demand and unequal distribution, leading to depletion. Climate change exacerbates the dependence on groundwater-based irrigation due to erratic rainfall patterns, prompting farmers to resort to synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals, exacerbating land degradation. Despite governmental initiatives and technological advancements, adopting efficient and sustainable practices remains sluggish, resulting in escalating expenses, diminished crop yields, and alarming groundwater depletion rates. In response to these challenges, the Group Micro Irrigation (GMI) strategy initiated by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) endeavours to bolster agricultural productivity through prudent water management. Treating water as a communal asset ensures equitable and efficient utilisation of scarce water resources. It encompasses groundwater supervision, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, facilitating market linkages, and integrating applied research to bolster farmers’ endeavours. A study conducted in Tigalkheda Village in the Jalna district of Maharashtra evaluating the GMI approach showcased its positive impacts. These included enhancements in crop and water productivity, heightened cropping intensity in irrigated areas, rectifying unsustainable resource exploitation, and adopting micro-irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices among small and marginal farmers in semi-arid regions. Also, this collaborative approach fosters more robust relationships, promotes sustainable land management, curtails individual investments, and ensures equitable access to water resources and water-efficient technologies, benefiting farmers who would otherwise struggle to afford them.