Abstract:
Koraput and Malkangiri districts of Orissa are characterised by rocky terrain, steep slopes and undulating topography. Though rainfall is high in the range of 1200 - 1300 mm. denuded landmass and sloppy surface generate tremendous run off and major portion of the rainfall goes back to sea through networks of natural drainage lines causing serious erosion on the way. Consequently these districts are among worst drought affected districts in India. Water scarcity particularly during post monsoon season limits bio-mass production resulting in poverty, malnutrition and endemic diseases.
Comprehensive Watershed Development Project was conceived to enable poor tribal population to utilise natural resources of land and water through low cost and simple technologies based on indigenous knowledge and wisdom which they can understand and afford to adopt for enhancing and sustaining bio-mass production. Looking to above situation in Danida funded Comprehensive Watershed Development Project (CWDP) Koraput and Malkangiri districts of Orissa, different low cost, appropriate soil conservation methods have been executed from ridge to valley in the watersheds. These have been found successful and visible impacts have accrued within two years by way of arresting large quantities of silt from the eroded lands as well as sustaining a high plant survival percentage on the land.
Low cost simple construction and beneficial effects of the structures have convinced the farmers for replication of them in their own field.
In order to solve serious water scarcity problem during dry spells of monsoon and months after, the project has been successful in creating water bodies with cost sharing by beneficiaries. Dugout recharge ponds have given appropriate solution in storing water coming from the upper reaches of a watershed below the ground enabling the farmers to take up vegetable cultivation, pisciculture, and animal drinking etc..
This paper also deals with increased community participation in watershed management when Integrated Farming System has been taken on the farmers’ field following the approach from conservation to production. An attempt on Integrated Farming System model has given scope for continuous involvement of the farmers providing short term as well as long term benefits to each of the farmer in a sustainable manner.
