In the saline and arid environment of Kachchh, heavy reliance on annual rainfed crops exposes farm households to high production and market risks. To achieve sustainable income growth, a farmers-oriented groups were supported by ICAR–CAZRI KVK, Bhuj, diversified into perennial horticultural enterprises, with pomegranate emerging as the most promising option. Through a coordinated sequence of on-farm trials (OFTs), frontline demonstrations (FLDs), and specialized training programs, improved pomegranate production technology was adopted by about 20% of the farmers. These coordinated activities successfully expanded knowledge-sharing and benefited collectively around 751 farmers across the region. This horticultural transition drove an approximate 21% increase in net returns—surging from ₹5,74,000 to ₹6,92,600 per hectare—while establishing a stable income stream that mitigated rainfall variability risks. Furthermore, integrating orchards with intercrops, vegetables, and livestock improved land and water use efficiency, proving that horticulture-based diversification grounded in local testing and participatory guidance offers a robust model for arid zone resilience.