This paper documents the experiences of farmers who were covered by a pilot project for the reclamation of usar (alkaline soils) land in Tanyawan block of Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh. The authors first present a socioeconomic profile of the villages covered. This is followed by a study of the technology of reclamation, the investments, the costs of cultivation, yields, break even and profitability calculus. A critical appraisal of govern- ment schemes and programmes for reclamation of usar lands in UP is also made.