Technological interventions for Agricultural and Economic Sustainability in Micro-watersheds of Foothills of N-W Himalayas

Sanjay Arora1 and R.D. Gupta1

1

Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, 180009, Jammu & Kashmir, India Corresponding author: aroraicar@gmail.com, aroraspau@yahoo.co.in *Present address: CSSRI, RRS, Lucknow 226005, U.P., India

Keywords: conservation, rehabilitation, foothills, Himalayas, participatory approach The Shivalik foothills forming part of outer Himalayas in India are spread in the states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttarakhand covering an area of 4,178,000 ha (F.A.O. 1999). These low hills are considered to be one of the eight most degraded and highly fragile agro-ecosystems of the country. The climate is sub-tropical to sub-humid and humid with warm summer and cold winters. The mean annual rainfall varies from 800 to 1400 mm, 80% of which is received during monsoon months of July through September. Erratic distribution of rainfall, small land holdings, lack of irrigation facilities, heavy biotic pressure on natural forests, inadequate vegetative cover, heavy soil erosion, land slides, declining soil fertility and frequent crop failures resulting in scarcity of food, fodder and fuel in this region. The flood waters erode banks, deposit senile sand on fertile land and inundate large areas in the plains disrupting communication and causing colossal loss of human life, livestock and property. Large scale migration of male population in search of work, drudgery of women due to scarcity of drinking water, food and fodder and a general lack of education, are the common socio-economic problems of this region. The benefits of green (cereal production) or white (dairy development) revolution did not reach the foothill farmers because of lack of irrigation facilities, scarcity of arable land and undulating terrain. This resulted in increasing unemployment, out migration to plains, malnutrition, poor health and enlarged economic disparities and regional imbalances within the states. The soil conservation works to the tune of 20582.81 m2 were accomplished besides drudging the main Teri and Rui nallah micro-watersheds. The other measures undertaken for rain water harvesting were in the form of small dams, tanks and renovation of traditional wells in the area. Apart from these structures, gully plugging construction of gabion structures, log wood dams, laying of crates, vegetative spurs and formation of diversion channels were also undertaken. All these measures have proved very effective for conservation of top soil capable to grow plant life and moisture in the area. One large concrete dam with capacity of 65 lac L of water was constructed on the Teri nallah. This dam has played very vital role in improvement of hydrology and water regime of the command area, and has been primarily become an instrument in installation of hand pumps in the dry region of Siwaliks besides recharging of once old dried water bodies. About 40 ha waste land was reclaimed, 20 smokeless chullas and 4 solar cookers were distributed among the villagers in micro-watersheds. Coupled with the above said activities, emphasis has also been laid on promotion of agro-forestry, horticulture, sericulture,

apiculture and mushroom cultivation so as to achieve holistic development of the area. The technological interventions that are blend of traditional practices and scientific innovations has led to green the degraded lands and generate employment, income and overall development of the fragile ecosystem.